ARC Review: Finn Finnegan by Darby Karchut

Finn Finnegan

Author: Darby Karchut

Publication: Spencer Hill Press (March 12, 2013)

Description: Finn (not bleedin' Finnegan) MacCullen is eager to begin his apprenticeship. He soon discovers the ups and downs of hunting monsters in a suburban neighborhood under the demanding tutelage of the Knight, Gideon Lir. Both master and apprentice are descendents of the Tuatha De Danaan, a magical race of warriors from Ireland. Scattered long ago to the four corners of the world, the De Danaan wage a two thousand year old clandestine battle with their ancient enemy, the Amandán, a breed of goblin-like creatures.

Now with the beasts concentrating their attacks on Finn, he and his master must race to locate the lost Spear of the Tuatha De Danaan, the only weapon that can destroy the Amandán, all the while hiding his true identity from his new friends, Rafe and Savannah, twins whose South African roots may hold a key to Finn's survival. Armed with a bronze dagger, some ancient Celtic magic, and a hair-trigger temper, Finn is about to show his enemies the true meaning of "fighting Irish."

My Thoughts: FINN FINNEGAN was an exciting story which combines modern day life and ancient Irish myth. Finn MacCullen is thirteen, an orphan, and the new apprentice of Gideon Lir. He is descended of the ancient Tuatha De Danaan who are charged with ridding the world of the Amandán—an ugly goblin-like creature. They are in a centuries old battle for Ireland. Unfortunately Finn is also half human which makes some of the Tuatha De Danaan look down on him. 

I enjoyed watching Finn and Gideon come to terms with each other. I liked that Finn has finally found a home where he is wanted and needed. I liked that Finn was a cocky sort of kid with attitude to spare. Gideon was more than a match for him and one time says that Finn is his own teacher's revenge on him because they are so much alike, nasty temper and all. 

Finn has a rivalry with the apprentice of Gideon's best friend Mac Roth. Asher begins their acquaintance by calling Finn names and saying he isn't good enough to be one of the Tuatha De Danaan. Things go quickly down hill from there for the two boys. Unfortunately, the boys are forced together often because their masters often hunt the Amandán together.

I liked that Finn formed a friendship with some human kids next door despite Gideon's determination that the Tuatha De Danaan needed to keep apart from humans. Rafe and Savannah are good friend for him to have even though their father reports Gideon for suspected child abuse.

Adventure lovers will enjoy the training and the battles that Finn experiences. There was a nice combination of humor and sadness to this story. I can't wait to read the next book in Finn's adventures. 

Favorite Quote:

"Please, Gideon? I'll do dishes all week. Every meal."

"Ye already do dishes after every meal."

"Yeah, but I won't complain about it. I promise."

I received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. You can buy your copy here.