Graciela in the Mist

When 13-year-old Graciela falls to her death in the sea, readers may worry they’re in for a sad story. But waking 100 years later, Graciela learns to adapt to her new life under the sea. Her biggest challenge is letting her new “sister” and protector in this new life, Amina, progress to the next stage and leave her behind.
Then, she encounters Jorge, a boy whose family’s iron-forging heritage includes making a nearly indestructible harpoon for greedy purposes. Jorge has his own challenges, including very cruel parents. Jorge, a dreamy boy who wants to forge decorations, is a huge disappointment to his parents.

Plot Summary

He knows of a legend in which his grandfather wanted a strong harpoon to spear the spirits seen on moonlit nights on the sea – spirits who possess valuable pearl teeth. Once he finds the harpoon, he’s determined to put an end to his family’s greed by tossing it into the sea. Instead, he accidentally spears Amina, Graciela’s sea sister.

This incident sets him and Graciela on their journey. Jorge is able to live as a human under the sea due to the special properties of the undersea world. Starting out as wary friends, he and Graciela must hunt down the needlers, including his grandfather, and steal the harpoon.

To destroy it, they must get the harpoon to the fiery pit at the bottom of the ocean.
After many encounters with natural elements that possess special powers, Graciela learns to trust Jorge’s intentions. She pleads with the council to allow Amina to ascend to the next stage. And she helps Jorge returns to his human life where he enjoys many years in a new town making toys for children.

This new life for Jorge follows the Great Eruption – an earthquake and tsunami that overtook a village known as Pesca Grotta.
Medina tells this intriguing fantasy story in rotating third-person perspective.
The unique elements in this world include the concept that all living beings return to the sea and have unique roles in this life. Some calm the waves, some help the spirits of the deceased awake after 100 years, and others – evil ones – are known as needlers.

Theme and Character Growth

The storyline touches on topics of parental abuse and greed. More importantly, Graciela grows past her fears of losing another sister and distrusting strangers. And Jorge finds the courage to reset his family’s legacy. A perfect read for those who enjoy the magic of the sea.