Darkmouth: The Legends Begin

Gr 4 Up—Finn wants to be a veterinarian, not a Legend Hunter like his father. But in the small village in Ireland called Darkmouth, where his family has disposed of monsters for centuries, he doesn't really have a choice. He's not very good at fighting the monsters, yet he must capture three on his own to complete his training. And he only has a year to do it. The monsters, or Legends, as the humans call them, have plans of their own and they don't involve giving Finn the chance to grow into his calling. They do, though, involve invading the human realm before the gateways between their worlds close for good—and Finn must stop them. Hegarty creates a believable setting with its own history and character, which makes for an enjoyable read. The inclusion of segments from "official records" about the history of Legends and gateways adds an amusing sidenote to the story itself. The smooth writing and brisk plot keep the narrative moving along nicely, while Hegarty's writing style maintains a light and funny tone, despite the challenges that Finn must face.