Archibald Finch and the Lost Witches: Archibald Finch, Book 1
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Based on 1 review
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Archibald Finch and the Lost Witches is the first in a planned fantasy series with lots of eerie, grotesque monsters and spooky locations in a fantasy realm, both described and illustrated. Characters are frequently in mortal danger from the monsters, a couple are taken by them, and fight off the monsters with arrows, spears, and magical weapons. There's no description of pain or injuries, and everyone eventually heals. Real-world violence includes bullying by someone who smacks on the head and harasses a character about kissing, and villains who grab, threaten to hurt, and put their boot to someone's neck. There are some mild romantic dynamics, including a brief kiss on the hand and another on the lips. Strong language includes "hell," an interrupted "goddam-," "turd," and calling names like "dweeb' and "brownnoser." A villain is described as a "drunk" and models negative behavior while swaying and slurring words. Separation from family is a main plot point. The story begins with the burial service of a grandparent without much grieving or sense of loss. Adults reveal to another adult that a character is adopted (a fact the character is unaware of).
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What's the Story?
ARCHIBALD FINCH AND THE LOST WITCHES is the story of how 11-year-old Archibald is unexpectedly and magically transported from his home in England to a strange, otherworldly realm called Lemurea, where witches have gone to escape the fear and oppression they experienced in our world. But Lemurea's filled with a different kind of danger from giant, fire-breathing creatures called Marodors. A community of young witches takes Archibald in, and he learns about their world and how to survive in it. There he also learns something that could change the constant fight against Marodors forever. Meanwhile, Archibald's sister Hailee is convinced the ancient globe he was fiddling with when he disappears is the key to getting him back again, so she scours London's antique shops hoping to find someone who can help her. Little could she imagine that a mysterious, sinister man is looking for the very same globe, and will stop at nothing to get it for his own evil purposes.
Is It Any Good?
This is a promising start to a fantasy series that combines adventure, portal travel, magic, ferocious monsters, history, and strong bonds of family and friendship. The large cast of colorful characters and intricate plot in Archibald Finch and the Lost Witches are easy to follow, and excitement builds at a good rate as the story alternates following Archibald in Lemurea and his sister Hailee in modern-day London. There's also plenty of humor and surprises along the way to provide breaks from the creepy, eerie atmospheres and illustrations.
Big kids and tweens will relate to Archibald and Hailee as they learn to deal with their fears, solve problems, be brave, and stay one step ahead of the villains. They'll also learn a little about lots of different things like Roman numerals, Leonardo da Vinci, and more. Further volumes are planned, so the story absolutely does not end here, leaving fantasy-adventure fans eager for the next installment.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the scary monsters in Archibald Finch and the Lost Witches. Are they too scary? What makes you feel better when you get scared? Are there some times when it's fun to be a little scared? Why are scary stories so popular?
How do Archibald and Hailee deal with the school bully? Is it realistic? Have you ever seen someone exhibit bulying behavior or been on the receiving end of it? What did you do? What's the best way to deal with them?
Fantasy series are always popular. What do we love about them? What are some of your favorites?
Book Details
- Author: Michel Guyon
- Illustrator: Zina Kostich
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Adventures, Brothers and Sisters, History, Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing, LLC
- Publication date: October 19, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 9 - 12
- Number of pages: 352
- Available on: Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: December 31, 2021
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