First-time novelist Penni Russon has brought together fantasy, friendship, family, contemporary coming-of-age and a touch of romance-a combination that should appeal particularly to female readers. Undine (‘sea nymph’) lives in Hobart with her mother and young brother, and next-door to her best friend, Trout, and his brothers. The discovery of strange and increasing powers-including hearing voices, dream objects appearing in the real world and the ability to change the weather-is complicated by having to negotiate Trout’s changing feelings, and her own feelings about his elder brother. Why is she being called ‘home’, and by whom? Is her father really dead, or has her mother lied? Why is there sand on Undine’s bedroom floor? Allusions to Shakespeare’s The Tempest become more pointed as the novel progresses to its climax. Secondary characters are generally well-drawn, although Prospero’s relationship with Undine by the conclusion was a little unbelievable. The novel flows well, storylines intertwine effectively as the book progresses, and characters, particularly Trout and Undine, are likeable. An engaging read.

Sue Page lectures in children’s literature at the University of South Australia.

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