Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Brilliant storytelling, dire peril in thrilling installment.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
THE NEVERFEAR is the often-destroyed, often-rebuilt ship of Berserker Fidens Nighthand, who's turned from his pirate ways to protecting living creatures on the isle of Glimt with tween Guardian Christopher and ex-princess Anya. Everybody's looking forward to some peaceful celebration (and a romantic proposal). Alas, it's not to be, as villains seeking to kidnap toddler Immortal Teren for their own nefarious purposes crash the party—and massacre people and animals along the way. The child flees to the island for protection. Meanwhile, Nighthand's wise and kind-hearted love Irian is kidnapped by the same villainous army, and the ransom notes seem connected to the Labors of Hercules. Christopher, Anya, and a posse of creatures are soon on a quest aboard the Neverfear racing to find the needed items and get Irian back, but it's not going to be that simple.
Is It Any Good?
It doesn't get much better than this—brilliant storytelling, rich world-building, relatable, inspiring characters, creepy villains, epic battles, a thrilling race, a lovely wedding, and quite a few laughs as the fast-moving plot unfolds. The Neverfear finds young Christopher Forrester and ex-princess Anya Argen doing their best to protect their loved ones and the creatures in their care against dark forces bent on kidnapping the toddler Immortal. Peril is nonstop but love and courage are forces to be reckoned with. Mythology fans will appreciate a quest echoing the Labors of Hercules, and Rapunzel admirers will get a kick out of Anya's sudden hair growth after eating a magic apple. Imagination runs wild as the Impossible Creatures bestiary grows to include a mischievous shape-shifter, a mild-mannered beast whose poop is his best weapon, and a ship-crunching Behemoth, all of whom play an important part as the tale reaches a satisfying conclusion and sets up lots of future adventures. Heads up: there are lots of snakes in places you probably don't want them, as a villain is himself possessed by one, who comes out of his mouth to scary effect in a vividly illustrated scene. Speaking of the illustrations, Ashley Mackenzie's greyscale art brings this not-to-be-missed book (and series) to life.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about fantasy adventures like The Neverfear, the perils heroes face, what they're protecting, and how they try to prevail. What's the appeal? Do you think these otherworldly tales have anything to do with our own lives, or are they just thrilling entertainment?
What do you think is worth protecting in your life, whatever it takes?
If you could create your own Impossible Creature, what would it be like? Would it be your friend, or would you prefer to observe it from a distance?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Ashley Mackenzie
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Adventures , Animals , Fantasy ( Dragons , Magic , Mermaids , Monsters , Unicorns ) , Friendship , Royalty ( Princesses )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Empathy , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Knopf Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : September 1, 2026
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 10 - 18
- Number of pages : 336
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : August 31, 2026
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