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Emily Windsnap #3
Emily Windsnap and the Castle in the Mist
"An easy sell to girls looking for a friendship story with more than a touch of make-believe." — Kirkus Reviews
When Emily Windsnap discovers an old diamond ring during a class hunt for trinkets, how is she supposed to know that the ring is half the key to unlocking an ancient curse by Neptune himself? Now, with the ring stuck firmly on her hand, Emily finds herself under a new in just a few days, she’ll cease to be half-human and half-mermaid and must say good-bye to one parent forever. Can she possibly find the other missing ring that will break all the curses? Is there anyone who can help her — before it’s too late?
When Emily Windsnap discovers an old diamond ring during a class hunt for trinkets, how is she supposed to know that the ring is half the key to unlocking an ancient curse by Neptune himself? Now, with the ring stuck firmly on her hand, Emily finds herself under a new in just a few days, she’ll cease to be half-human and half-mermaid and must say good-bye to one parent forever. Can she possibly find the other missing ring that will break all the curses? Is there anyone who can help her — before it’s too late?
208 pages, Hardcover
First published September 21, 2006
About the author
Liz Kessler
57 books898 followersLiz Kessler is the author of three novels about Philippa Fisher as well as the NEW YORK TIMES best-selling Emily Windsnap series. She lives in Manchester, England.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 433 reviews
August 23, 2017
5/5 stars of course (and so far my favorite in the series)
When these two rings connect, every action that was a product of anger or hate will cease to exist. And they will be worn only by a man from the sea and a woman from the earth, or the child that will exist from such a couple. And they will forever symbolize true love and its power against every bad thing
There are reasons this book is my favorite in the series, although I love it as a whole. Unlike the others that have the occasional laugh or the lighting of the atmosphere, this one is purely made of action, worries and Emily's doubts that are deeper than the ocean itself. It focuses on a mysteriously beautiful diamond ring Emily finds one day close to her ship, and realizes she can't take it off her finger. Poseidon, the king of the seas gets furious with Emily's finding and exiles her to a place far, far away, while at the same time throwing her a curse.
Emily's relationship with her parents is explained. She worries she'll lose one of them (especially her dad) again. Or that they don't love her. She worries she is not worthy of them more than the normal teenagers, and that mostly has to do with the things she went through. In this book, we saw how much of a strong girl Emily is in fact. Despite the young of her age, she was willing to gamble and play everything if there was at least one chance to save the people she loved, even if the waves took her life.
Another character I came to adore even more when I first read this book was of course Millie. Yes, she used to be a comic relief in the first book, but she became better and better, and I absolutely loved how protective and motherly she was in this one. Shona was also amazing, strong and loyal and always optimistic, despite the fact that Emily is always followed by a cloud. In this book, Emily also met her soulmate ♥
The writing and plot made me cry at least every minute, especially at the end. I sobbed and let the story keep me in its folds, and I also smiled and my heart warmed up by the beautiful ending and the promise that something good is about to happen, even if nothing seems like it.
I forgive you, he shouted at the moon, the sky. But she was gone. I forgive you, he said, and his voice softened into a whisper
Poseidon in this book was a little less of an asshole. I was happy to remember he had a very sensitive side and lots of open wounds that justified his harsh actions.
I don't know what else to say, since you guys probably are bored to hear how much I love this series. So I'll only say Please Read It. I know it seems childish. But it is so much deeper than someone can understand, so beautifully crafted and so refreshing, like the cool water of the sea.
Until my next review, see you soon, my beautiful readers ♥
Keep fighting for what's right. Keep caring for your loved ones. And never, ever give up, please ♥
~Mary
P.S: EMILY AND AARON MY BABIES ASDFGHKL *rolls away*
When these two rings connect, every action that was a product of anger or hate will cease to exist. And they will be worn only by a man from the sea and a woman from the earth, or the child that will exist from such a couple. And they will forever symbolize true love and its power against every bad thing
There are reasons this book is my favorite in the series, although I love it as a whole. Unlike the others that have the occasional laugh or the lighting of the atmosphere, this one is purely made of action, worries and Emily's doubts that are deeper than the ocean itself. It focuses on a mysteriously beautiful diamond ring Emily finds one day close to her ship, and realizes she can't take it off her finger. Poseidon, the king of the seas gets furious with Emily's finding and exiles her to a place far, far away, while at the same time throwing her a curse.
Emily's relationship with her parents is explained. She worries she'll lose one of them (especially her dad) again. Or that they don't love her. She worries she is not worthy of them more than the normal teenagers, and that mostly has to do with the things she went through. In this book, we saw how much of a strong girl Emily is in fact. Despite the young of her age, she was willing to gamble and play everything if there was at least one chance to save the people she loved, even if the waves took her life.
Another character I came to adore even more when I first read this book was of course Millie. Yes, she used to be a comic relief in the first book, but she became better and better, and I absolutely loved how protective and motherly she was in this one. Shona was also amazing, strong and loyal and always optimistic, despite the fact that Emily is always followed by a cloud. In this book, Emily also met her soulmate ♥
The writing and plot made me cry at least every minute, especially at the end. I sobbed and let the story keep me in its folds, and I also smiled and my heart warmed up by the beautiful ending and the promise that something good is about to happen, even if nothing seems like it.
I forgive you, he shouted at the moon, the sky. But she was gone. I forgive you, he said, and his voice softened into a whisper
Poseidon in this book was a little less of an asshole. I was happy to remember he had a very sensitive side and lots of open wounds that justified his harsh actions.
I don't know what else to say, since you guys probably are bored to hear how much I love this series. So I'll only say Please Read It. I know it seems childish. But it is so much deeper than someone can understand, so beautifully crafted and so refreshing, like the cool water of the sea.
Until my next review, see you soon, my beautiful readers ♥
Keep fighting for what's right. Keep caring for your loved ones. And never, ever give up, please ♥
~Mary
P.S: EMILY AND AARON MY BABIES ASDFGHKL *rolls away*
January 15, 2020
I enjoyed this more than the second book but not as much as the first. Especially the last few chapters were really good.
March 5, 2013
Emily Windsnap is half mermaid half ordinary girl. She loves going to mermaid school and being with her best friend Shona. One day everything changes when she finds a magical ring buried in the sand. One Emily put it on, it won't come off. Then Emily sends Neptune into rage and he curses her and sends her boat across the ocean to an un-none place. When the boat settles down she sees a castle buried in mist. Emily and Shona go out to the castle but the closer they get the father away the castle is. Emily finds a cave and goes through it and finds herself in the castle. The castle gives her the creeps until she finds a boy named Aaron and they find a way to break the curse (finding the other ring), but times running out and she has to bring the rings together before midnight comes. Dose she make it and break the curse? Read to find out.
The theme of the book is mystery and adventure. I believe that because they have to figure out the antidote to the curse and the are lots of problems they account.
To me the book is really engaging and i was hooked to the book so much it was hard for me to put the book down. I think the book is very creative with curses and adventure and personality. My rating for sixth grade students is a 3 out of 4.
The theme of the book is mystery and adventure. I believe that because they have to figure out the antidote to the curse and the are lots of problems they account.
To me the book is really engaging and i was hooked to the book so much it was hard for me to put the book down. I think the book is very creative with curses and adventure and personality. My rating for sixth grade students is a 3 out of 4.
March 23, 2020
emily windsnap continues to be gay
July 4, 2009
This is the third book in the Emily Windsnap series, a half human half mermaid teenager trying to find her way in life. The wonderful descriptions of the undersea world were back in this book, including a new habitat of the Castle above land that was vividly brought to life. In this book Emily stumbles across a ring while looking for jewels for King Neptune and accessories to be beautiful for his visit. When she puts it on it is a magical ring that she can not remove, she can feel it has a purpose and drags her into the adventure. This book was a bit heavier in the magic side of mermaids :( Neptune puts a curse on her which will eliminate one of her sides, mermaid or human, by the full moon. While Millie has always been a fortune teller type person, Emily has often written her off as a quack where in this book she was heavily involved and using Tarot cards and Ouija type situations which bother me personally. It does make the series one I can't recommend in good conscious to my cousins which are the only kids I really associate with. Overall, the adventure was fun, the descriptions were vivid, and she meets a boy who is half and half too so we all know what is coming in the next book right? ;) but the increasing amount of fortune telling/tarot cards/Ouija/etc was disappointing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2019
Okay, I actually enjoyed this one so much more than the last one! Emily acted a lot more mature in this one, though there were moments when you were reminded how young she is, but the moments were fitting for the situations.
I really loved the characters who were introduced in this one (totally ship some people, haha), Aaron is amazing and I loved the relationship between Aurora and Neptune! Honestly, I almost cried throughout the entire last chapter... I was grinning like an idiot, and I'm pretty sure there was flailing at one point? Needless to say, I really like when Neptune isn't a big jerk, haha. I'm really excited to see what trouble Emily gets herself into in the next book!
I really loved the characters who were introduced in this one (totally ship some people, haha), Aaron is amazing and I loved the relationship between Aurora and Neptune! Honestly, I almost cried throughout the entire last chapter... I was grinning like an idiot, and I'm pretty sure there was flailing at one point? Needless to say, I really like when Neptune isn't a big jerk, haha. I'm really excited to see what trouble Emily gets herself into in the next book!
February 10, 2017
In this book, we get more history on why Neptune is kind of a jerk and Emily is being pulled between the human world and the world in the sea.
Also, the friendship between Shona and Emily is 10/10
Recommended 10/11+ for some transcendentalism.
Also, the friendship between Shona and Emily is 10/10
Recommended 10/11+ for some transcendentalism.
July 19, 2020
In the third book of the Emily Windsnap series we learn more about Neptune's life and we start to see him in a new light which I absolutely loved! Another swishy tale and I look forward to reading the next one soon.
August 16, 2021
reasons why bucky from disneys zombies and neptune from this series are the same person:
-antagonist (kind of)
-dramatic
-go through the same character arc each book/film
-against human-zombie/human-mer relationships but only sometimes
-i think neptune would be a good cheerleader
-antagonist (kind of)
-dramatic
-go through the same character arc each book/film
-against human-zombie/human-mer relationships but only sometimes
-i think neptune would be a good cheerleader
March 25, 2018
Emily Windsnap: The girl who somehow manages to get into the biggest trouble without even knowing it or meaning to- story of her life.
March 24, 2021
A fast-paced adventure in a wonderful underwater world.
July 22, 2020
this is the best one yet, Emily Windsnap goes so hard
October 1, 2012
Storyline
Emily Windsnap and the Castle in the Mist is the third book in the Emily Windsnap series. One morning, Emily and her class find out in school that Neptune, the mer-king, is coming to the school, and they must search for as many jewels and feathers that they can to decorate themselves for Neptune's arrival. Emily and Shona, her best friend in the world, set off to find some jewels. But while Emily is there, she found a ring, a ring with a big diamond on top. But what she didn't realise is that such a beautiful ring can cause a lot of trouble...
Comment
This is the third book in the Emily Windsnap series, and I loved it! It is gripping, heart-racing and exciting. What is going to happen next? Where are they going to go? Because these questions keep racing through your mind, you find yourself reading page after page and you are whizzing through it! This is a definite good-read.
Rating
I have rated this book four stars, because of how gripping and exciting it is. It has beautiful descriptions, so that you can then picture yourself in the scenery, watching everything happening. I can see that the author, Liz Kessler, put all of her heart and work into the book, which I appreciate very much!
Age Group
I think that this book would be good for pre-teens, or maybe 10+. I think that the book is very good, but it has some complicated words and descriptions inside, so I think that it is better for the higher age-group.
My Favourite Character
I have been trying to think which one out of the two I like best: Emily Windsnap or Shona Silkfin? They are both kind, fun, adventurous... but I do think that I prefer Shona. She is fun, but she is also very careful and aware of what she's doing, where as Emily does what she wants and finds herself in trouble! I think I love both of them evenly, though.
Suggestion to the Author
All I can say to the author is to keep up the terrific work! I think that because I love this series so much, I might just consider buying some of her other books! Keep up the good work.
Faye xx
Emily Windsnap and the Castle in the Mist is the third book in the Emily Windsnap series. One morning, Emily and her class find out in school that Neptune, the mer-king, is coming to the school, and they must search for as many jewels and feathers that they can to decorate themselves for Neptune's arrival. Emily and Shona, her best friend in the world, set off to find some jewels. But while Emily is there, she found a ring, a ring with a big diamond on top. But what she didn't realise is that such a beautiful ring can cause a lot of trouble...
Comment
This is the third book in the Emily Windsnap series, and I loved it! It is gripping, heart-racing and exciting. What is going to happen next? Where are they going to go? Because these questions keep racing through your mind, you find yourself reading page after page and you are whizzing through it! This is a definite good-read.
Rating
I have rated this book four stars, because of how gripping and exciting it is. It has beautiful descriptions, so that you can then picture yourself in the scenery, watching everything happening. I can see that the author, Liz Kessler, put all of her heart and work into the book, which I appreciate very much!
Age Group
I think that this book would be good for pre-teens, or maybe 10+. I think that the book is very good, but it has some complicated words and descriptions inside, so I think that it is better for the higher age-group.
My Favourite Character
I have been trying to think which one out of the two I like best: Emily Windsnap or Shona Silkfin? They are both kind, fun, adventurous... but I do think that I prefer Shona. She is fun, but she is also very careful and aware of what she's doing, where as Emily does what she wants and finds herself in trouble! I think I love both of them evenly, though.
Suggestion to the Author
All I can say to the author is to keep up the terrific work! I think that because I love this series so much, I might just consider buying some of her other books! Keep up the good work.
Faye xx
September 4, 2020
My problem with these books is that everything happens very fast in a small amount of pages so it tends to feel rushed, there isn’t much character development, and I personally don’t get as attached to the characters as I’d like to, and Emily Windsnap and the Castle in the Mist was no exception to this. While I liked the second book in the series a lot, this one didn’t particularly stand out for me since it was so similar to the first book in how the plot unfolded (which could’ve been intentional but would the target audience really notice?) :
Emily inevitably kicks off the plot by doing something illegal in her world
Emily decides she doesn’t need any help from older characters
Emily meets a new character who becomes a permanent fixture later
Emily pulls off a miracle
Neptune forgives Emily’s transgressions because brings out his humanity (bad choice of words, I know)
Everyone lives happily ever after
This dynamic isn’t limited to the plot as the characters are also rather static with Emily and Shona going off on their own without even notifying Millie, who obviously ends up worried sick when she can’t find them (can you tell I’m a bit miffed at this behaviour? Because I am). I felt like Aaron’s introduction was a breath of fresh air because he was an entirely new character, but he ultimately left no lasting impression on me.
(just like the romance aspect actually)
The book did have one redeeming quality however: it really showed how this new life impacted Emily’s family after their honeymoon phase in the second book. Emily’s parents are virtually stranger after 12 years apart and this is finally felt, while Emily prefers spending her time in the sea, where her mother can’t follow; understandably this is hard on her, and I wish there was a section devoted to how Emily’s parents coped with her latest adventure because that gap weakened the ending.
All in all, I found the book rather bland. While I would recommend it to its target audience, I don’t think it would hold the interest of older readers because of its incredible similarity to The Tail of Emily Windsnap.
Emily inevitably kicks off the plot by doing something illegal in her world
Emily decides she doesn’t need any help from older characters
Emily meets a new character who becomes a permanent fixture later
Emily pulls off a miracle
Neptune forgives Emily’s transgressions because brings out his humanity (bad choice of words, I know)
Everyone lives happily ever after
This dynamic isn’t limited to the plot as the characters are also rather static with Emily and Shona going off on their own without even notifying Millie, who obviously ends up worried sick when she can’t find them (can you tell I’m a bit miffed at this behaviour? Because I am). I felt like Aaron’s introduction was a breath of fresh air because he was an entirely new character, but he ultimately left no lasting impression on me.
(just like the romance aspect actually)
The book did have one redeeming quality however: it really showed how this new life impacted Emily’s family after their honeymoon phase in the second book. Emily’s parents are virtually stranger after 12 years apart and this is finally felt, while Emily prefers spending her time in the sea, where her mother can’t follow; understandably this is hard on her, and I wish there was a section devoted to how Emily’s parents coped with her latest adventure because that gap weakened the ending.
All in all, I found the book rather bland. While I would recommend it to its target audience, I don’t think it would hold the interest of older readers because of its incredible similarity to The Tail of Emily Windsnap.
February 25, 2020
Yes, I did give this book five stars and you know why? 20% for the plot, 80% for AARON
I freaking loved Aaron so much and when he and Emily kissed I think my seven-year-old self screamed no joke, and now when I realize they were like twelve I don't know whether to laugh or feel discouraged but you know
I remember liking the plot for this too - something about an eclipse or some planetary thing, right? And then she met Aaron in the castle? Idk lol but I remember loving this book
I freaking loved Aaron so much and when he and Emily kissed I think my seven-year-old self screamed no joke, and now when I realize they were like twelve I don't know whether to laugh or feel discouraged but you know
I remember liking the plot for this too - something about an eclipse or some planetary thing, right? And then she met Aaron in the castle? Idk lol but I remember loving this book
May 6, 2015
یه داستان دخترانه و ساده و معصومانه. اعتراف می کنم اگرچه موضوع جالبی داشت و تخیلات خوب ، ولی گاهی وصف ها و توضیحاتش کشدار و خسته کننده بود.
April 13, 2020
The is such a creative plot for the continuation! With such lovable new characters and a fascinating story, it's so lovable! A curse? Genius! It's like this author's imagination never stops. This changes the series in such a good way, and I can't help but say I highly recommend you continue this series. You'll love it even more than the second book, and smile at many parts. A great book no matter what kind of books you love or your thoughts on the books before this!
September 29, 2021
Honestly, this entire series is just precious, and just very, not quite cozy, but kind of that feeling. Reading it is like when you're in a pool, and the sun is really hot and bright, and you're holding yourself up with some sort of floaty, but you're half asleep. That kind of relaxed feeling.
March 28, 2022
This was my favorite of the series growing up. It did NOT disappoint. It’s definitely pretty close between the first one and this one as far as which book is the best. At least of what I’ve read of the series. Loveddd this book so much and can’t wait to keep reading this series!
July 19, 2023
This book took me FOREVER to finish, because I kept getting bored of it and taking day long breaks. I didn't like this book because Emily is SO dramatic and over reactive! It can get annoying sometimes. I would only recommend this book to people that like that kind of stuff.
June 4, 2024
Loved reliving my childhood and such a sweet story. It’s obvi about me being a mermaid and finding magical rings to bring love back to the world in only 200 pages but kids have short attention spans anyways
March 7, 2018
This book was so good!! Definitely my favorite of the first 3 Emily Windsnap books. The storyline was great! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
November 2, 2018
Another book WAY ahead of its time in the whole "love is love" department. Beeston and Neptune are, by now, comfortable "bad guys". Emily and Shona (with a little help from Millie and a new character) once again team up to show Neptune that there are more important things than THINGS, and that no law is absolute and unbreakable. Another entertaining and refreshing middle grade read that does not fail to make my 30 something heart happy.
July 6, 2019
Just absolutely love this series. So playful and adventurous. A fabulous middle grade read.
November 5, 2020
Great book for all ages. Very mysterious and adventurous. Would recommend and read again.
February 12, 2023
I really love this book, can't wait to read book 4.
September 2, 2024
Veery good book, lots about love, and so much fun with the merfolk! I think most preteen and teen girls would enjoy this story.
March 13, 2019
Yeah, romance is on the horizon!!!
June 27, 2020
I thought this book had a realy good message it`s also 10%funny 90%AMAZING
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2024
Read this with my 9yr old. She gave it an emphatic 5 ⭐️ and said "it was detailed and dramatic." There ya have it! On to book #4 next...!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 433 reviews