Darkmouth the Legend Begins

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 12, 2015

Review

This is the first book in a projected series. Like his father and grandfather before him, Finn is destined to become a Legend Hunter. That means he must hunt the monsters of myth and legend that still invade his town. The problem is he doesn't want the job and he is not good at doing it. Finn lives in the town of Darkmouth, the only town left that is still plagued by invasions of monsters. They leave a trial of chaos and destruction where ever they go. No one knows why, but it keeps Finn's father and Finn busy. The council that governs the Legend Hunters send in a spy, in the guise of Steve and his daughter Emmie, to checkup on Finn and his father. Emmie befriends Finn and when he finds out her real reason for being there he feels betrayed. But before things get really crazy Finn, Emmie and Steve end up working together to figure out what is going on in Darkmouth. Told in the third person, the narration allows for an unbiased view of Finn's life. It is told at a humorous and fast pace. The reader jumps on and is in for a fun ride. Action and adventure coupled with lots of humor and mildly scary creatures. The ending definitely lets you know there will be a sequel. This would make a wonderful read aloud for 4th and 5th grade. Give to fans of How to Train Your Dragon and Percy Jackson.

Overall Book Score: very good