The Quest for the Kraken's Ink

Defenders of the Realm, Book 4

By: Marie-Hélène Lebeault

Narrated by: Zane Boyer

A Clean YA Epic Fantasy

As the students settle into the sea base camp, they must learn to survive the harsh winter and master their magical abilities. But tensions rise when a hunting accident involving Vera, Jalena, Icarus, and Xena keeps Wickham occupied. Kaia befriends the mermaids, except for Raven, who elicits fear from them, creating a rift between Kaia and Penelope.

Amidst the turmoil, the mermaid village is attacked by Kraken, forcing them to seek refuge with the students. With supplies dwindling and Kraken menacingly approaching, the students must adapt, balancing their own needs with the mermaids' demands. A power struggle ensues until Penelope and Raven reveal their destined connection, prompting a choice between unity and exclusion.But when their winter supplies are mysteriously destroyed, the group is thrust into an underwater city, trapped between vengeful mermaids and relentless Kraken. Imprisoned and accused of conspiring with the Kraken, the students must unravel the truth about the mistreatment of these intelligent creatures. With unexpected allies and newfound abilities, they devise a plan to communicate and negotiate peace.

In a daring escape, secrets are revealed as Raven and Penelope discover their unique underwater capabilities. With the help of Kaia, Wickham, and Herja, a dialogue between mermaids and Kraken is established, paving the way for a remarkable trade agreement. Grateful for their assistance, the Kraken provide ink for the witches' spell books, yet Raven's journey is far from over.

The Quest for the Krakens Ink is the fourth book in the Defenders of the Realm series. Stay in the loop! Join Marie-Hélène's newsletter for writing updates, sales, upcoming events, and special promotions at mhlebeault.com

©2023 Marie-Hélène Lebeault (P)2024 Marie-Hélène Lebeault

Violence is not a solution to problems!

I really liked this book. I can identify with the story. We often find ourselves where situations are resolved by talking to each other, empathizing with what the other person is feeling, and finding a solution without hurting the other person.
The narrator did a good job of drawing the listener into the story by communicating the characters' emotions and feelings.

Mermaids!

I’m not gonna lie…this is the book in this series that I’ve been waiting for because of the mermaids!! Though, I was sooo caught off guard by Raven and what happened to them. This entire series is so well written and planned out beautifully, I cannot recommend this author enough. I have listened to 3 of the audiobooks in this series today alone, addicting!!

A magical tale that keeps readers spellbound!

"The Quest for the Kraken's Ink" by Marie-Hélène Lebeault, narrated by Zane Boyer, is a truly enchanting continuation of the Defenders of the Realm series. The writing shines with creativity, weaving a magical tale that keeps readers spellbound, while Boyer's narration adds depth and charm to each character. Perfect for young adults, this clean epic fantasy promises adventure, camaraderie, and a touch of whimsy.

A War Between Krakens and Mermaids

I enjoyed book four as much as the first three books in the "Defenders of the Realm" series. I was entertained as the students began their fourth year of study during which they were to learn to survive together and to learn to control their magic. I liked the characters and the paranormal beings which populated this tale. I admired the underlying themes of friendship and concern for others which was portrayed by the characters. I thought Zane Boyer's narration was entertaining. I was gifted a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which included my honest opinions regarding this story.

The series is getting better with each book

This book was great & frustrating in a good way. The kids are tasked with making a camp to last a year. Living off the land. Their other objective is to work with the mermaids to be able to obtain Kraken Ink. They came up with a plan so that they can survive the winter & got to work. The mermaids came to visit & make introductions. Things of course take a turn for the worse when the mermaids are forced to leave the ocean due to kraken attacks. The kids must figure out why the krakens are attacking the mermaids that way the mermaids can move out of their camp & stop wasting their resources.
Loved this book. The frustration is all the teenage emotions of having to build a sustaining camp & then they offer the help the mermaids when the krakens attack & the mermaids just take advantage of them “innocently”. This series is getting better & better. I recommend it to young adults who like fantasy & intrigue & it could also be a great family read.