The Storm Keepers' Battle - Catherine Doyle

The final book in the Storm Keeper trilogy sees Fionn in one last battle against Morrigan and her Soulstalkers in order to save Arranmore, his friends and family.  But can he believe in himself enough to conquer his fears and to triumph over Morrigan?

I have loved this series from the very start and have been waiting with much anticipation for this final instalment so I was incredibly grateful when Bloomsbury chose me as one of five lucky people to receive an early copy (it's due for release on the 4th March).

From the very beginning, as you would expect, the book is full of anticipation and adventure, and things most certainly aren't straight forward for Fionn and his friends.  Morrigan was never going to lie down and allow him to take back the island and her evil knows no bounds.  It's a dark and menacing path to the end of the book and one that will most definitely have you utterly hanging on every word.  There are twists and turns along the way that will keep you guessing and things that you probably won't see coming.  

Fionn has come along way since he first arrived on the island, scared of the sea and completely unaware of the fate that awaited him.  Now, as the island's Storm Keeper, the fate of Arranmore and the islanders lies with him.  It's a huge responsibility and he still doesn't know if he's up for the job ... and that's what I like about him: he isn't your typical hero, full of his own importance and belief in himself.  Quite the opposite, he spends much of his time doubting his ability and his skills.  He is scared more than he is confident and has to muster everything he can to do what he has to do.  I think this is something that a lot of children (and possibly adults) will be able to relate to - ok, not the wielding magic bit but the idea of lacking self-confidence and belief, worrying that everybody else is relying on you and thinks you are more capable than you believe you are.  He is human and by no means perfect, and this is an important message for children to understand.  He is, though brave and loyal to his friends, his family and the island. He is most definitely one of my favourite heroes and one I will talk about for quite some time.

The Storm Keepers' Battle is a wonderfully dramatic final instalment and I was rather sorry to say goodbye to Fionn and Arranmore when I finally finished the book, but I can't wait to see what Catherine Doyle has install for us next!