The Storm Keeper's Battle by Catherine Doyle

 

Fionn Boyle, Storm Keeper of Arranmore, is facing the fight of his life. The terrifying all- powerful sorceress Morrigan has been raised from the dead and has sealed off the island from all help.

Fionn is the only thing that stands between her and a dark future. He's got to find a way to defeat her. But there are some terrible choices in store for Fionn as the dark sorcerer begins to take his nearest and dearest for her own. With only two candles left to burn, will Fionn master his powers in time to stop her?

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With his grandfather gone, Fionn, the reluctant Storm Keeper, is the last defence for Arranmore against the Morrigan. The evil sorceress wants to take over the whole world, starting with the island Fionn has promised to protect. But Fionn's magic has never been very well controlled, and now he has no time, no guidance and an island full of islanders ready to write him off. He'll have to look deep within himself and unravel the mysteries of Arranmore's past if he hopes to succeed.

The third book in this action packed series easily meets the high standards set by the first two. Plotlines are wrapped up in a way that makes sense, characters get resolutions, swashes are buckled and there's adventure galore. Catherine leaves the door open for more stories in this world if she chooses to, but this could also be an ending. (I hope it isn't.)

The only slight problem I had, and I have this with a lot of books so it's not at all unique; it's been a year since I read the last book and another year since the first one. I vaguely remembered the highlights (and I remembered Grandpa dying, because that gutted me and I sometimes reread it) but I didn't remember any of the fine details, and it took a while to remember who Sam and Shelby were. On the other hand, recaps are very tough to work in naturally, so I don't know what the answer is here.

This is a fantastic series, full of really unique magic - seriously, I have never read a magic system like this one - and full of heart. Kids will really enjoy following Fionn on his journey and through his battles. Wonderful.

The Storm Keeper's Battle publishes on the 4th of March in the UK and is currently scheduled for the 19th of October in the US. I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.