Review – Arlo Finch in the Valley of Fire (Arlo Finch, Book 1) by John August (4/5 stars)

Reading Level: Middle Grade
Genre: Fantasy
Length: 336 pages
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Release Date: February 6, 2018
ISBN-13: 978-1626728141
Stand Alone or Series: 1st book in the Arlo Finch series
Source: Owlcrate Jr.
Rating: 4/5 stars

“Arlo Finch thought becoming a Ranger meant learning wilderness skills, like camping and knots. But upon arriving in the tiny town of Pine Mountain, Colorado, Arlo soon learns there’s so much more. His new friends Indra and Wu teach him how to harness the wild magic seeping in from the mysterious Long Woods―a parallel realm of wonder and danger.

First he must master the basics, including snaplights, thunderclaps and identifying supernatural creatures. But Arlo Finch is no ordinary Ranger, and this is no ordinary time. A dark and ancient force is sending threats into the real world . . . our world.

Through perilous adventures and close calls, Arlo is awakened to his unique destiny―but the obstacles he faces will test the foundations of the Ranger’s Vow: loyalty, bravery, kindness, and truth.”

This is the first book in the Arlo Finch series. I enjoyed this middle grade fantasy. The book is well written and easy to read. I liked the setting and characters.

The book is set in current day but takes place in Pine Mountain, a place that borders the Eldritch realm. Arlo moves there with his mother and sister and ends up joining a group called the Rangers. As part of the Rangers he learns about strange things dwell in the Pine Mountain woods and finds out they may be out to get him.

This book was an easy read and I liked some of the fae elements that came into the story. I do wish that less time had been spent on the Ranger trials and more on the mysteries of the woods and the eldritch realm. It also took a bit for the book to get moving and get interesting.

There is a lot about family and friendship in here as well. Additionally, some time is spent on survival skills. Things stop at a decent place but some issues remain unresolved.

Overall this was a well done middle grade fantasy series. I enjoyed it and plan on continuing with the series. I would recommend for middle grade and older readers who enjoy adventure, survival, and light magic set in current day.

This book goes towards the following reading challenges:
– New Release Reading Challenge
– Goodreads Reading Challenge