March 1, 2013
Gr 5-8-Thirteen-year-old Finn MacCullen moves from his uncle's crowded home to live and train with Celtic warrior Gideon Lir. Both stubborn and determined, Gideon and Finn are descendants of the Tuatha de Danaan, an ancient race of fey warriors secretly charged with protecting humanity from the Amandan, deadly goblinlike creatures living alongside humans in modern suburbs. With attacks against fey warriors increasing, Gideon and Finn must race to find a lost weapon, an ancient spear that alone carries the potential to destroy the Amandan. Featuring only one minor female character, the novel will appeal most to boys who love action stories. Patient readers will enjoy multiple training and battle sequences and will chuckle frequently when Finn's hot temper gets the best of him. Pacing is slow at times, and point of view fluctuates between Finn and Gideon, as well as from first to third person. Some Irish folklore and (arguably overdone) dialect will make the story an excellent addition to St. Patrick's Day booktalks and displays. Overall, a great choice for adventure-loving readers who prefer their battle scenes with a hefty dose of ancient weaponry, ground-fighting skills, and just a touch of magic.-Leigh Collazo, Ed Willkie Middle School, Fort Worth, TX
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