Darkmouth #1: The Legends Begin

By: Shane Hegarty

Narrated by: Andrew Scott

Darkmouth: The Legends Begin is the first book in a spirited tween fantasy series that Kirkus Reviews called “Ghostbusters meets Percy Jackson as written by Terry Pratchett.”

For generations, Finn’s family has protected Darkmouth from the fierce magical creatures known as Legends. Now the Legends are plotting a major attack, and it’s Finn’s turn to defend his hometown. So it’s too bad he’s the worst Legend Hunter in history.

The world’s unlikeliest hero is also its only hope in this middle grade series full of madcap adventure and mythological creatures—perfect for fans of How to Train Your Dragon and The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom.

Uneven audio performance

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I would either change the audio mix or the performance. It was maddening. Andrew Scott goes from low whispers to full-on yells in the same breath. So you either miss details or your eardrums get pounded. I would recommend getting an audio equalizer to go with this audio book.

Andrew Scott - all day every day

Andrew Scott’s performance is the only reason I chose this audio. He is a versatile performer with amazing range. Quiet, loud, high, low, all in a mellifluous Irish brogue.

The added benefit is a rollicking good story craft, playful humor, and endearing characters. I will be getting the next installment in the series.

Engaging story, great performance

I am a grown up "kid" and enjoy listening to something reminiscent of my younger years. I saw this on Amazon and decided to try it as an audiobook, instead.
As you all know, the performer can make or break an audiobook and Andrew Scott does a great job making this a fun listen. He is consistent with all of the different voices and brings believable emotion to the character's lines. Mr. Scott also provides a pleasant variation in the tone, volume, and speed of the reading - appropriate to the situation.
The story was a bit slow to start- trying to figure out whether the legends or the legend hunters were the "good guys". However, once the story got rolling, it became interesting to the point that I didn't want to turn it off when I got to work. Mr. Hegarty wrote young teenaged angst fairly accurately, securing my interest in Finn's journey. I appreciated that every now and then, the author would introduce one of the legends in a first person dialogue chapter. It helped me to get a better grasp of the dire situation about to befall Darkmouth.
In summary, I enjoyed it so much, I've already started the sequel.