Finn Finnegan

By Darby Karchut

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 Amand?n, 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 Amand?n, 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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Spencer Hill Middle Grade
• Release date: Mar 12, 2013
• ISBN: 9781937053338

Darby Karchut

A boy and horse could outrun all the sadness of this flat world. If the boy believed, and the horse was swift. The sorrel knew he was fast enough to help the boy. He just needed open grassland and a light hand on the reins. He'd show Ol' Mr. Grief his heels. Why, he'd run so fast that the wind would peel that sorrow right off the boy. Like a snake shedding its skin. Leaving it caught in the grass and drying up in the sun. Dust to dust. All the horse needed was a chance. Alex Nash dreams of being a soccer star. Or a graphic artist. Maybe both. But being a cowboy? Nope and no way. Not if it means being anything like his seldom seen father. Then, out of nowhere, tragedy shatters Alex's world, and when he thinks life couldn't sucker-punch him again, it does. He's forced to live with Roberto Nash, a man he barely knows. Or wants to know. Until Alex finds out his dad has bought him a peace offering of a sort, one with a red coat, lightning speed, and a fighting spirit. A spitfire of a horse that just might heal Alex's heart and reunite father and son.

Book preview

America

Finn Finnegan

Book One of the Aventures of Finn maccullen

Darby Karchut

SPENCER HILL PRESS

Dedicated to the memory of Lloyd Alexander 1924 - 2007

(Well, well, what do you know? A bard, after all.)

Also by Darby Karchut

Gideon’s Spear

(Spencer Hill Press—February 2014)

Griffin Rising

(Twilight Times Books)

Griffin’s Fire

(Twilight Times Books)

Griffin’s Storm

(Copper Square Studios—December 2012)

Non-fiction

Money and Teens: Savvy Money Skills

(Copper Square Studios)

The Song of the Tuatha De Danaan

I am a wind on the sea,

I am a wave of the ocean,

I am the roar of the sea,

I am a bull of seven battles,

I am a hawk on the cliff,

I am a teardrop of sunlight,

I am a gentle herb,

I am a boar enraged,

I am a salmon in a pool,

I am a lake in a plain,

I am the vigor of man

I am the meaning of poetry,

I am a spear on the attack, pouring forth combat,

I am the god who fires your mind.

Pronunciation of Words and Phrases

Tuatha De Danaan (tua day dhanna): An ancient warrior race of mythical beings from Ireland

Amandán (AH-mon-dan): Goblin-like creatures

Fáilte (FALL-sha): Welcome

Céad mile fáilte (kad MEEL-a FALL-sha): A hundred thousand welcomes

Gle mhaith (glay moth): Very good

Codladh sumh (CUL-la sovh): Sleep well

Poc sidhe (poke she): Fey, or fairy, stroke

Slainte (SLAWN-che): Health

Faugh a ballagh (FOW-an BALL-ah): Clear the Way!

One

Son of a goat! The boy swore and jumped back. A second squirt of bird poop landed with a plop, this time on the toe of his shoe. Oh, real funny, he said with a grimace. He glared up at the crow swinging back and forth on the power line overhead, sooty wings spread wide for balance. The bird cocked its head and stared back, its eye a red-rimmed marble.

Are you trying to warn me? The boy dragged the tip of his sneaker through the lawn bordering the sidewalk. He wrinkled his nose at the stink of wet bird droppings mingled with the aroma of freshly mowed grass. Not a good combination. Or are you just yanking me around? He watched as the crow crouched for a moment as if deciding, then hoisted itself into the air and flew off. The boy snorted. Yup, just what I thought—yanking.

Slipping his arms free from the straps of a half-full backpack, he dropped it to the ground as he fanned his worn tee shirt, trying to dry the patch of sweat between his shoulder blades. Pushing a mop of auburn hair out of his eyes, he frowned, scanning the peaceful neighborhood. Aw, this is crazy, he thought. I’m never going to find him. And even if I do, what if he says no? Then what? I can’t go back home. Not now.

Picking up his pack, he slung it over one shoulder and continued down the street. He studied every house, each one exhibiting pride of ownership with a well-tended yard. Somehow, I can’t imagine him living in one of those. He slowed, then stopped when he reached the end of the cul-de-sac.

A small house sat by itself next to an empty lot. Old-fashioned in a cottage-y way, it was painted the same shade of rusty green as the pine trees flanking either end of its broad porch. Wooded foothills rose behind it, while proud mountains strutted away further west. A massive stone wall, as high as his chin, bordered the yard.

Shifting from foot to foot, he peered at the wrought-iron gate bisecting the wall. His heart sped up when he noticed a Celtic knot gracing the center of the gate. Beyond, a flagstone walkway snaked through the shaggy lawn. Stretching the length of the northern wall, a thick hedge bristled with broad, saw-toothed leaves and spiny stalks. A few spots along the hedge were plucked bald. On the other side of the hedged wall, a battered pickup truck, gray with age, rested in the graveled driveway.

Relief flooded the boy at the sight of the deadnettle hedge. This has gotta be the right house. He was reaching for the latch when the screen door creaked opened. He froze.

Now, just where would ye be going? asked a deep voice. A man stepped out and sauntered to the edge of the porch. A head above average height with a whipcord build, he wore a faded denim shirt, open over a white tee shirt. Hooking his thumbs into his jeans pockets, he rested a shoulder against one of the wooden columns, curiosity on his lean face.

I’m-I’m looking for someone. I know he lives on this street, but I can’t remember his address.

Before he could say more, a shadow ghosted across the yard. Man and boy stiffened and looked up. A crow soared overhead, a black X wheeling in a tight circle against the sun. It cawed sharply, just once, and glided away.

The boy whirled to face the street, his heart slamming against his ribs and the pack slipping from his shoulder. His eyes darted from shadow to shadow, looking for any sign of movement. A sharp whistle pulled his head around.

The man stood at the bottom of the steps, a knife the length of his forearm in one hand. The blade was a bronze flame. Come, boyo, he said, his voice low and urgent. Get behind me on the porch. Quickly, now, before they attack.

The boy hesitated, glancing at the knife, and then shoved the gate open with a clang. He winced when it bounced off the wall, swung back, and smacked his elbow. Cursing under his breath, he ran across the yard and darted around the man, taking the steps two at a time. Grabbing a broom propped next to the door, he tucked the bristled end under one arm, gripping his makeshift weapon like a jousting lance. Armed, he licked his lips and took a position behind the man on the edge of the porch.

Have ye a blade? the man asked over his shoulder as he scanned the neighborhood.

Does it look like I have one?

A bit cheeky. The man glanced back. For someone wielding a broom.

I’d have taken a pitchfork, but, hey, this was all you had.

The man raised an eyebrow. "Make that very cheeky." He continued to survey the area. The rumble of a garbage truck echoed from the next block over. An automatic sprinkler squirted on in the yard across the street.

After a few more minutes of vigilance, the man relaxed and turned around. Flipping the knife into the air with a practiced move, he caught it by the handle and tucked it into a sheath hanging from his belt under the tail of his denim shirt.

Well, boyo, the manky bird may be playing us for fools. They do that from time to time instead of warning us about the Amandán, he said, his voice colored green with an Irish lilt. Lesson number one. When I tell ye to move, I mean run like the very devil is behind ye. Those goblins are almost impossible to spot when camouflaged. And they’re bleedin’ fast. Very fast.

Got it. The boy leaned the broom against the side of the house and wiped his sweaty hands on his jeans. A look of recognition spread across his face when he noticed the thick ring of twisted gold loosely encircling the man’s neck. Hey, you’re him!

And just who might I be?

You’re the Knight, Gideon Lir. I was looking for you. I’m … he began.

…Finnegan MacCullen, Gideon finished for him. Me new apprentice. Who, for some unknown reason, has unexpectedly arrived on me doorstep a day early.

Two

I go by Finn, not Finnegan. He inched closer to the edge of the porch.

"Céad mile fáilte Gideon said with a nod. He raked strong fingers through his black hair, then pointed toward the gate. Well, ‘Finn not Finnegan’. Don’t just stand there—fetch yer kit."

Oh, yeah. Finn trotted down the steps and across the yard, aware of Gideon’s gaze on him. He hurried to his pack. Taking advantage of having his back to the Knight, Finn pulled up his shirt and gave his face a swipe. Reaching with one hand for the pack, he tried to smooth his hair with the other hand.

Close the gate behind ye, Gideon ordered and headed toward the house.

Finn jogged back, his pack swinging from one shoulder. He followed the Knight inside, swallowing. So far, so good. At least he didn’t tell me to come back tomorrow.

Leave yer bag for now. Gideon gestured toward a wooden crate next to the door. The box contained a pair of mud-caked work boots, several dirty rags, and a tin pail. A row of coat hooks above it held a canvas hunting jacket. As Finn dropped his pack, Gideon closed the door behind him. Join me in the kitchen. We’ll speak over an early lunch.

Finn looked around as he trailed the Knight across the main room, the last touch of the late morning sun skimming through a wide pair of windows. He eyed the shabby furniture cluttering the small room. A stone fireplace took up most of one wall. His face lit up at the assortment of knives, daggers, and a few hatchets, all of bronze, resting horizontally on pegs above the mantel. Books filled the shelves on the opposite side of the room, next to a battered but tidy desk tucked under the stairs leading up to the second floor.

Stepping into the kitchen in the rear of the house, Finn’s stomach growled at the rich aroma of lamb and herbs and potatoes rising from the steaming pot on the stove. That smells good. He sniffed. What is it?

Why, Irish stew, of course. Gideon walked over to the stove, giving the pan a stir. Hand me a couple of bowls. They’re in the cupboard next to the sink.

Gideon ladled a generous portion in each one, passed them to Finn, then followed him over to the table in the corner of the room, carrying a still-warm loaf of brown bread wrapped in a clean cloth. Pulling out his chair, he motioned for Finn to take a seat across from him. Uncovering the loaf, he cut several thick slabs and handed one to Finn.

Did you bake this? Finn asked.

I did.

But-but you’re a Knight.

Aye, ‘tis true. I am also a Knight who likes to eat. He raised his eyebrows in surprise when Finn began wolfing down stew between bites of bread. And apparently, so do ye. He tasted a spoonful. And how are yer aunt and uncle?

They’re fine, Finn mumbled around a mouthful of food, both elbows propped on the table. He spat a chunk of turnip back into his bowl with a plunk.

Gideon grimaced, but said nothing. He gazed at the boy, his eyes the same uncanny shade of sky blue as Finn’s. ‘Tis odd that they would deliver ye a day early, without any warning or a by-yer-leave to me.

Finn shifted in his chair. Um … I … Well, Uncle was driving down from Denver today, so I figured I’d save him an extra trip tomorrow. He hunched over the bowl and shoveled another spoonful into his mouth, eyes fixed on the table as he ate.

Curious. I was reading in the front room with the windows open for the last hour and never heard a car pull up.

He dropped me off at the corner. He was kind of in a hurry. Finn took another bite and swallowed it down half-chewed.

In a hurry.

Yeah.

Finn peeked up through his bangs as the Knight pushed his bowl aside and rested his elbows on the table, fingers steepled together. The tick-ticking of the cooling stove filled the kitchen as he waited.

And waited.

And waited.

Finn broke.

Okay, he didn’t actually bring me. He wiped his mouth on his arm. I walked.

Sorry?

I walked.

From Denver? To High Springs? Gideon dropped his hands, his mouth sagging open. That’s over sixty miles!

I got a ride most of the way. With some college students going home for the summer.

Ye hitchhiked?

Yeah, I do it all the time. It’s no big deal. They dropped me off downtown and I walked from there. He looked down and poked at the stew. I didn’t want to bother anyone, so—

Stop. Gideon held up a hand. Ye gods, he muttered under his breath, then shoved his chair back with a screech and headed to the counter. Their number? he asked, snatching the phone from its cradle.

They’re not home.

I dinna ask ye where they were. I asked ye for their bleedin’ phone number. He punched it in as Finn grudgingly recited it.

Hullo, Owen. This is Gideon Lir. Fine, thank ye. Listen, the reason I’m calling is that Finnegan is here. In High Springs. He frowned. Finnegan MacCullen. His frown deepened. Yer nephew Red hair, blue eyes, atrocious table manners. His eyes flicked once toward the boy scraping his bowl clean. Aye, I’m still taking him. But ye might wish to know the stunt he pulled. I thought ye’d be worried about him, so I … He paused and listened for several long minutes, his black brows pinching together. "And ye dinna think to inform me about his mother until now? He turned his back and lowered his voice. ‘Tis a bit under the table. Gideon pinched the bridge of his nose as he continued to listen. Aye, well, it appears we’re both ankle-deep in the situation, he said, clipping the words. Right. I’ll tell him." He hung up the phone.

Silence filled the kitchen. After a moment, Gideon spoke over his shoulder. They weren’t even aware ye had left this morning.

Finn shrugged. Figures. I’m not exactly the favorite in the family.

Because of yer mother’s people?

I guess.

They wished ye luck, if that helps.

"They try to be nice to me, but they’re really busy. They’ve got nine kids. And my cousin, Liam, is starting his apprenticeship next month, so they’re doing a bunch of stuff for his ceremony. That’s why I decided to just get out of their way. He paused for a moment. So-so I guess they told you about me."

Aye, they did. Gideon turned around and leaned against the counter.

Raising his chin, Finn steeled himself. Are you going to send me back?

Gideon ran his knuckles along his jaw. He hesitated before speaking. I’ll give ye the truth of it. I wasn’t expecting … His voice trailed off.

Finn glanced away. Someone like me. The stew congealed in his stomach as his fists clenched under the table. He looked up when Gideon cleared his throat.

So, tell me, Finnegan MacCullen. Yer mother—was she half or whole?

Half. My mom was half human.

Gideon sighed, then shook his head, his face unreadable. Although I do not hold yer bloodline against ye, I should show ye the door this minute. The agreement with yer family to train ye was made under a false pretense.

Finn’s heart twisted. He nodded numbly, trying to ignore the lump in his throat. He’s going to kick me out without even giving me a chance, he thought. Now what do I do? He kept his eyes fixed in front of him as the Knight continued.

And just why should I take ye on as my apprentice, eh? He held up a hand and began ticking off on his fingers. Ye’re cheeky. Ye’re woefully lacking in manners, except bad ones. And ye’re part mortal. Ye’ve not much in yer favor, boyo. Can ye give me one good reason I should let ye stay?

No, Finn whispered.

No? Well, I can. Gideon fingered the tore around his throat. And so, ye shall stay.

Finn snapped his head around. Astonished, he opened and closed his mouth several times before he could speak. W-why?

Because, me lad, ye were willing to go into battle by me side today. Armed with only a broom. The corner of the Knight’s mouth quirked into a half smile. Ye are, Finnegan MacCullen, no coward.

For a long minute, they gazed at one another. Outside the open kitchen window, a chickadee whistled its three-note song, calling its mate home.

Then, Gideon straightened. Now, go fetch yer things. Then, I’ll show ye yer room. He waited until the boy left the room before shaking his head. Ye gods, he thought. I did not see thiy coming. Staring blankly at Finn’s place at the table, he ran

Reviews for Finn Finnegan

[booklady123 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

FTC Disclosure: I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.This is a hard review for me to write, simply because I don’t know where to begin and I really don’t want to gush, but there are so many reasons I love this book. I’ll be honest, I’m always anxious when I receive an ARC directly from the author. I pride myself on giving honest reviews, but I do know that when an author sends me a book they are sending me a part of themselves.I had nothing to worry about this time around. There were several reasons I would have chosen to read this book even if the author had not sent me a copy. Even though it takes place in Colorado it has a delightful Irish/Celtic flavor. I love all things Celtic. The Colorado setting is another plus. As a transplanted Texan living in Colorado, I love stories set in Colorado.What really makes the story a keeper (one I’ll put on my personal shelves, as well as recommend to my readers) is Karchut’s writing. She’s weaves an engaging tale with well developed, likable characters. I love Finn. He’s a great kid – not perfect, but he has lots of potential. I would like to know more about his backstory – about his parents and just how he ended up an orphan. It’s always a good sign when you want to learn more about a character.And I think I might have a crush on Gideon. (She says with a fierce blush.) It’s probably his accent, but he’s a good strong role model, too. Just like Finn, I want to know about his backstory. Seriously, what is his deal with Iona? (Want to know who Iona is – read the book!)I tend to pride myself on “figuring out twists” before the author reveals them, but I’m also pleased when an author stumps me. Karchut does just that in this story. There is a search for an important item. (I don’t want to give spoilers, so if you are intrigued by what this important item could be – read the book!) I was convinced I’d figured out the location, but Karchut got me! And I really liked her solution better than mine.The blend of adventure, Celtic lore, and modern times make this an engaging choice for young and adult readers as well. The ending will leave readers wanting more. I can’t wait for the next installment.

[kmartin802_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

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.

[alwaysyaatheart · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Finn Finnegan is an outstanding middle grade novel which is the beginning of a magical series filled with Celtic mythology, adventure, knights, warriors, Amandan, and more. In this urban fantasy Finnegan MacCullen is a 13-year-old boy who also is the descendant an ancient magical race of Irish warriors called Tuatha De Dannan. He is beginning his apprenticeship with Knight Gideon Lir, training to fight in the 2000 year old battle with the Tuatha De Dannan's enemy, the Amadan, which are goblin like creatures that can take on the appearance of a person or object in order to get closer their prey before killing them. The Amandan believe that if the kill all the Dannan's, they can return home to Ireland and reclaim it. As Finn trains under his master, Gideon Lir, he learns how to fight the Amandan monsters in suburban neighborhoods, all the while trying to keep his identity a secret, especially from his friends Savannah and Rafe, who may just play a bigger part in Finn's life than he knows. Finn definitely has an Irish temperament, and that combined with the Celtic magic, creates an exciting read that younger readers will thoroughly enjoy. Gideon Lir is Finn's trainer or master, but also a father figure to him. He has that Irish temperament, as does Quinn, so they tend to butt heads, which makes for some "hot-tempered" situations that are really entertaining. The novel also contains journal entries from both Finn and Gideon, which add a lot to the story and help you get to know the characters better, and also are quite humorous at times. Finn Finnegan is an excellent beginning to a magical series centering around Celtic lore in a modern day urban setting. I think this is a book that middle grade students will absolutely love, as well as those who are young at heart. I look forward to seeing what Darby Karchut has in store for Finn in future installments.

[arthistorychick · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Finn Finnegan by Darby Karchut(Book1 of The Adventures of Finn MacCullen)Rating: 4½/5 starsSource: Author for a fair and honest reviewSomeday I am going to write a totally professional, eloquently crafted, non-gushy review. Today is not that day so pull on your rain boots ‘cause I am about to gush all over the place about the beginning of a promising new series by one of my hands-down favorite authors, Darby Karchut. Let the gushing begin . . . Finn (not bleedin Finnegan!) MacCullen is a bit lost: both of his parents are dead; he is generally overlooked or just ignored in his aunt and uncle’s home; he is often teased for being a half-breed and; he is due to begin his apprenticeship to become a Knight of the Tuatha De Daanaan if he can just find the home of his new master. See? Lost. Because of his very nature, it doesn’t take Finn long to find the home of his master, Gideon Lir, a hulk of a man with a fabulous Irish accent, a wretched training schedule, and a heart of pure gold! Gideon makes it clear to Finn from the beginning, their mission is deadly serious and the training to become a Knight of the Tuatha De Danaan is rigorous, intense, and absolutely necessary. For Finn, this knowledge and Gideon’s house feels like home. When not training, Gideon helps Finn understand the long and fascinating history of the Tuatha, their relationship to Ireland and why the Knights are still needed in this most modern period. Finn soaks it all up like a skinny sponge and while he often complains (loudly!) about the rigors of training he still completes his tasks (mostly) and works hard (most of the time) to become a help rather than a hindrance in battle. You see, the Knights are charged with exterminating the Amandán, a super-stinky race of creatures who want possession of Ireland just as badly as the Knights do. The Amandán are fearless, mouthy, hard to disable and even harder to kill. As the plot unfolds we find out just how truly smelly and hard to kill the Amandán really are as Finn and Gideon fight side-by-side to destroy their enemy. During the fight scenes we see what Finn is made of: he is a fierce fighter with a loyal heart and some stunning anger management issues. Though he has a lot still to learn about the fine art of fighting, Finn never gives up and does everything within his power to protect Gideon. As with all of Darby K.’s books, Finn Finnegan is driven by its fully developed and highly realistic characters. Despite being members of an ancient, noble, and mythic race, Finn and Gideon are still very much a part of the human world making them relatable to the reader. Finn and Gideon are joined by a cast of minor characters including Mac Roth, a mighty beast of a Knight who is one of Gideon’s oldest and dearest friends and the twins Rafe and Savannah Steel who live across the street from Finn and Gideon. While Gideon warns Finn it is unwise and generally forbidden for a Tuatha to mingle with mortals, Finn is drawn to the twins and often disobeys Gideon’s orders to stay away from the Steel kids. Rafe and Savannah are delightful characters who are easy to like, much to Gideon’s great displeasure. These characters are some of the most realistic I have encountered in the world of fiction. Karchut writes such excellent descriptions, dialogue, and interactions that her characters no longer feel like creations of the imagination on a page but real people, friends even. Even if the plot sucked (which it totally does not) I would come back to this series again and again to check in on the lives of these people! The Bottom Line: Finn Finnegan is fresh new read dealing with Celtic myth and legend, a subject often sadly ignored in popular fiction. The short-term plot is wrapped up nicely by novels’ end but we are left with a ton of unanswered questions. For example: Why does Rufus Steel (the twins’ dad) behave in such a shady manner? What’s up with the Steel twins? Although I am not sure even they realize the full extent of it, the twins know more about Finn’s world than they are letting on. What secrets from his past is Gideon hiding? Who is Iona and why does Gideon not trust her? Perhaps most importantly, is Finn really the weapon of legend that can bring an end to the Amandán?While this book is marketed for a middle-grade audience I find this designation both limiting and ridiculous. Finn Finnegan is a fine story with excellent characters and fascinating subject matter that can and will appeal to an audience far and wide from nearly every age group. Stop thinking about it and buy this book now!!

[lydia_perversius · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved this! I can't possibly describe how giddy reading this book made me feel, but I'll still give t a try!Finnegan - though, really, call him Finn! - MacCullen can't wait to start his apprenticeship with Knight Gideon Lir. Being a halfer - which means part mortal - has always been a burden in his life. Now he wants to prove that he's as much a Tuatha De Dannan as any other pure blooded warrior in his family. However, being an apprentice will prove harder than he thought, with his temper - a legendary Irish trait - clashing almost always with his master's equally quick one. And with the goblins, their natural enemies, being bolder lately, it's gonna take a lot of patience and work from both males to survive and be victorious.I love Celtic myths. I feel like I've said it already so many times, but it's the damn truth! And when you dangle a story with them in it, and action and humor and the Irish accent - good God, yes, please! - in front of me, there's no doubt about it, I am biting the bait - and being happy as heck about it, too! Even so, some positive traits cannot keep me interested, unless the book itself is good. And oh, it was more than just good! It was funny to the point of hilarious. Thrilling to the point of shivers. Its pace was perfectly timed, never too slow, but never too quick. It kept me in constant success, mainly because both Finn and Gideon were really unpredictable characters. And it gave me a hell of a time, watching those two fight each other as fervently as they fought the Amandán. There's not much more to say except this: I love Finn! I love Gideon! I love their story, and I want to read more about them. And there's nothing stopping me from adding not only the sequel in my TR list, but the author in my top list as well! Thank you, Mrs. Karchut!***I was given an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinion stated in this review is solely mine, and no compensation was given or taken to alter it.***

[beverlyjean-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fáilte. Welcome to a world of knights and magic, goblins and apprentices. A world where crows signal danger and warriors search for a lost Spear needed to save the Tuatha De Danaan (mythical Irish warriors) from the mythical Amandán creatures. Did you know all this adventure is going on in our very own world? Yes, it is. Beware of the people next door. They may not be exactly who you think they are. In Award Winning Author Darby Karchut’s latest novel for teens, FINN FINNEGAN, thirteen-year-old half human, half De Danaan, Finnegan MacCullen (call him Finn please) is beginning his apprenticeship with Knight Gideon Lir, of the Tuatha De Danaan, who have fought with the Amandans for thousands of years. Told in alternating points of view between Finn and Gideon, along with journal entries, the author gives us a great glimpse into the minds of both mentor and apprentice as they face the Amandan that are growing in strength and boldness. After following Griffin and his adventures in Darby Karchut’s Griffin Series (still one book to go), I knew I had to meet the characters in her new series, FINN FINNEGAN. Finn is everything I expected him to be. “Cheeky” (Gideon’s words) and hot-tempered, also sympathetic and loveable. In other words, a teen boy, um, with magical powers. Beautiful imagery places the reader in each scene. For instance, “…the sun spilled over the rim of the earth.” Wow! Puts you right there, doesn’t it? Through Finn’s eyes, I witnessed the new day. I chanted the Song along with Finn while he held his late father’s moonstone meant to reveal the Amandans’ true form.Based on Celtic mythology, FINN FINNEGAN is the story of a boy in search of courage and the truth about himself. You’ll laugh with Finn. You’ll cry with Finn. You’ll feel his frustration when he makes mistakes. You’ll see Gideon’s love for his apprentice. FINN FINNIGAN is also a story about good and evil, family and friends, and how far one will go to protect those they love. The author includes a glossary of words and phrases. (See my greeting in the first paragraph.) Author Notes gives additional information about the sources behind the characters, songs, and places. There’s even a sneak peek of Book Two GIDEON’S SPEAR. Darby Karchut’s tween novel would make a great addition to school history classes and libraries, as well as your personal library. Highly recommended for lovers of fantasy and for readers who enjoy a good book with delightful characters so human they might be your neighbors. Except for their special abilities, that is. But you never know. ###

[bookswithbite · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Putting all the right elements into a fantastic story, I really enjoyed this book. What I really like the most are the elements of a redeeming character as well as fantasy The reader meets this you lad, who is well...different. He has been sent away for his training and his "family" are just waiting for him to fail. All his life he has been told that he will amount to nothing, but I know that this kid will prove them wrong. I like Finn determination. Though he has been treated horribly, he is striving to do his best. He still has lots of fears and anger to over come. Finn has a great mentor who is helping him break all the bad habits that he has. The love interest is not quite developed just yet but a wonderful friendship has. Finn has made some new friends and I know that these two will help him in any way that they can. They give him courage and don't treat like an outsider but as an equal. I'm interested in seeing where the love interest will go with Savannah. (Yes, I love that she has my name!) Finn finds himself at odds between his loyalty to his apprenticeship as well as finding who he is. After all, he is still just a teen and is still learning.Finn Finnegan is a great start to an awesome series. I feel that this book carries everything you need in a story to be satisfied. My only gripe is that it is short. I wanted more story, but I'm willing to overlook it. Redeeming and wonderful, Finn Finnegan is great!