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.

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 goodand 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