The Lost Tide Warriors

January 1, 2020

Gr 4-7-Return to Arranmore Island, where ancient Celtic mythology thrives amid 21st-century life. Book two finds Fionn learning to accept his destiny as the island's next Storm Keeper. Struggling to access the magic awakening within him, Fionn faces an unexpected crisis: supernatural Morrigan's evil followers are swarming Arranmore, intent on restoring her to power upon the winter solstice just three days away. Fortunately, an army of intriguing characters stands ready to help Fionn defend the island, underscoring the recurring motif that heroes don't have to go it alone. New friend Sam Patton, whose ancestor was a Storm Keeper, is the exception to an otherwise all-white cast. A family tree of both humans and supernatural creatures would help readers keep track of the numerous characters and how they are related to each other. Fionn's frustration with his trapped magic slows the novel's pace and drains the spunky humor that made his character so refreshing in book one. Wit, wisdom, and a wink of Irish charm come from Grandpa-mentor Malachy. Fionn and Malachy's deep intergenerational bond embodies the novel's themes of remembrance and the power of family love; their scene at the action's denouement is heartfelt and beautifully written. VERDICT Vivid setting, perilous adventure, and distinct characters make this a strong second entry in a planned quartet. Highly recommended.-Marybeth Kozikowski, Sachem Public Library, Holbrook, NY

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2020
Grades 4-7 This follow-up to the acclaimed Storm Keeper's Island (2019) sees Fionn, Arranmore Island's new protector, preparing to stop an invading horde of undead acolytes from waking the ancient evil sorceress, Morrigan. As he and his friends search for a lost, magical seashell that will summon their own army of vicious mer-creatures, he must overcome self-doubt and skeptical islanders in order to come into his full power. Doyle's sophomore novel returns to its rich setting, rooted in Irish lore, so readers will need to be familiar with book one?and prepared to wait for book three, as this episode mostly functions as a plot bridge, positioning pieces for the inevitable endgame between Fionn and Morrigan. While a handful of new characters enter the fray, little is added in terms of world building, with the focus instead on developing the established cast. Existing fans will nonetheless thrill in returning to the evocative Arranmore and continuing Fionn's emotionally vibrant and always humorous adventure.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)