The Legends Begin

February 23, 2015
Irish journalist Hegarty debuts with a middle-grade fantasy, first in the Darkmouth series, in which 12-year-old Finn, latest in a long line of Legend Hunters, struggles to meet his father’s expectations. Trained to hunt minotaurs, wolpertingers, manticores, and other mythological creatures (aka Legends) that terrorize the town of Darkmouth, Finn is expected to take up the family business; so far, he’s awful at the job, and everyone knows it. Monsters are popping through from the Infested Side with greater frequency, and they seem to be planning something huge. Strangers are spying on Finn and his family, and a traitor may be working with the invaders. Can Finn step up his game before things get out of hand? Hegarty puts a fun spin on the monster-hunting trope, creating a sympathetic, underachieving hero who nevertheless rises to the occasion. Between the entertaining premise, the tongue-in-cheek humor, and the frequent moments of excitement and action, there’s plenty to enjoy in this promising series opener. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 8–12. Agent: Marianne Gunn O’Connor, Marianne Gunn O’Connor Literary Agency.

March 1, 2015

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. VERDICT An amusing read that works well for fantasy lovers who enjoy lighter fare.-Heidi Grange, Summit Elementary School, Smithfield, UT

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 1, 2015
Does Finn have what it takes to be a Legend Hunter? Everyone better hope he does!For centuries Blighted Villages across the globe were scenes of incursions by monsters from the Infested Side. Beings like Minotaurs and Manticores and worse broke through the barrier between worlds, and only the Legend Hunters, a hereditary line of human fighters in each village, stood between reality and certain destruction. Legend appearances have tapered off and subsided everywhere except Darkmouth, Ireland. Finn and his father are the last two active Legend Hunters...but Finn's training is not going so well (as the destruction around town suggests). Across the divide between worlds, a very evil monster is hatching an understandably evil plot to take over the Promised World (aka here). And there just may be a prophecy that indicates that Finn is Earth's only hope of stopping an apocalyptic invasion of monsters. Yep, Earth's likely doomed. Hegarty's debut and the first of a projected series is Ghostbusters meets Percy Jackson as written by Terry Pratchett. Finn, who wants to be a veterinarian not a Legend Hunter, is a put-upon Everykid and reluctant hero who'll appeal to most readers. The world Hegarty imagines for him is at once frightening and funny. (Final art and Americanized text not seen.) Provided the delightful Irish flavor isn't sucked dry, readers will be hunting for the sequel in short order. (Fantasy. 9-14)

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March 15, 2015
Grades 4-7 Darkmouth: the last remaining Blighted Village, where mythological creatures known as Legends terrorize its human residents. Here, 12-year-old Finn trains to become the town's next Legend Hunter, though thus far he's shown little promise for the profession. Awkward and accident prone, Finn would rather be a veterinarian than spend his days capturing the Minotaur or Basilisk, but his father is determined to see him succeed. When a new girl moves to town, snippets of a prophecy involving Finn come to light, and traitorous activities risk sparking a Legendary war. Mystery suffuses the plot, forcing Finn to battle family secrets in addition to Manticores. Interspersed with illustrations and Legend Hunter texts, the book gives readers a detailed look at the hapless hero's world as well as glimpses into the Legends' lives on the Infested Side. With a tone reminiscent of Terry Pratchett's work, Darkmouth has no shortage of off-kilter humor or imagination. Landing somewhere between the Percy Jackson series and the Edge Chronicles, this new series holds plenty of promise.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2015
Twelve-year-old Finn is the last Legend Hunter. For centuries, his family has protected Darkmouth's (ungrateful) citizens from "Legends": minotaurs, manticores, and the like. The problem? He's not living up to his father's--Hugo the Great's--expectations. Convincing characters (especially Finn, a reluctant hero with a soft spot for mythical creatures), expert pacing, and sharp wit make this a new fantasy series worth following.

(Copyright 2015 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)