Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Reluctant monster hunter steps up in clever, funny fantasy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
From the start of DARKMOUTH: THE LEGENDS BEGIN, Finn isn't interested in becoming a legend hunter like his dad. As a soon-to-be protector of the town of Darkmouth, Finn must learn to defeat Minotaurs, Basilisks, and other dangerous magical and mythological creatures, but he has no talent for the task. As he continues his training, he learns secrets about his ancestors, develops a friendship with a new girl in town, and hears a prophecy that may spell his own doom.
Is It Any Good?
This tale of a reluctant teen monster hunter cleverly upends many of the clichés of middle-grade fantasy novels. In Darkmouth: The Legends Begin, Finn doesn't want to follow in his father's footsteps and instead thinks he might be more interested in being a veterinarian. Author Shane Hegarty devises magical conflicts that force the boy to act, and the mix of humor and action is well balanced. The dialogue is funny, the characters quirky, and the overarching narrative engrossing. The volume ends in a cliffhanger, and most readers will be eager to read the next installments.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the mythology in Darkmouth: The Legends Begin. How is ancient mythology still relevant to modern readers?
Why do some parents want their children to follow their professional paths? What should kids do if they don't want the same job as their mother or father?
How is violence depicted in Darkmouth? How does the mix of humor and horror add to the novel's appeal?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : James de la Rue
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Harper
- Publication date : April 21, 2015
- Number of pages : 416
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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