I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Disclosure here.
Reading age
8-12
Genre
Fantasy
Publisher
HarperCollins
Publication date
September 12, 2023
A girl wants to solve what really happened on the day of her father’s death.
Dare Coates had always been the odd one out in Barrow’s Bay. Barrow’s Bay is an island where monsters used to live. She felt she could only trust her father (the Captain of the Guard), who understood her. Then, her father died in what the mayor said was a run-in with a bandit gone wrong. However, Dare feels like the mayor, now her stepdad (he married her mother), is lying about the cause of death. A few days after the wedding, the mayor suddenly sends her to visit her great-aunt, where she will find would change her life.
A mysterious, suspenseful story with, yes! Monsters and Marvels and everything in between.
The world descriptions were excellent, and you felt you were with Dare. The reports of the ancient monsters were a little scary and had an interesting factor. I agree with Dare that the play about the founding of Barrow’s Bay could be better as the woman who played a role in founding it died because of a monster.
Dare is very rebellious and not afraid to speak her mind. Dare has also displayed perceptiveness. She absolutely loves her father. His death devastated her, and Dare dares to uncover the truth at all costs. Her mother is vain. The mayor is suspicious.
The theme of this story is friendship, trust, and to question everything.
Give this book to any mystery lovers who love a setting in a fantasy world.
My rating
