Have you ever wondered what would happen if Frankenstein and Young Frankenstein met Dracula, decided to introduce themselves to the Wolfman, while perhaps becoming blood brothers with the cast of Princess Bride? Ah, I see...well, neither did I, but that's a curious yet accurate summation of what you'll be getting between the pages of this Middle Grade Paranormal adventure, along with a great big helping of just how important FAMILY truly is...and fish. Lots and lots of fish.

Our unsuspecting leading man and potential hero, Humboldt Wattle (better known as Bolt), is quite the character indeed. Despite his less than exceptional start in life, he keeps hope alive, and his stuffed penguin at his side. He dreams of one day finding his true family, and even when things seem at their darkest, a seed of that precious hope remains. He keeps his heart pure, gives him strength to fight, and eventually leads him to...his ultimate purpose. Our second leading lad, Baron Chordata is a remarkable fella as well, but in much darker, cringe worthy ways with his darker goals, sinister threats, and easily tapped anger issues. I mean, he's been alone for a bit, so you can sort of understand how he might have turned from the lighter side of things, but yeah...not to this particular level. Let's just say that if anyone offers to be BFFs and you're distracted by some personal version of nirvana...take a break from the distraction to LISTEN to what's actually being said/agreed to! Our third leading guy is actually NOT a guy, but a GIRL...better known as Annika! Her history is just as twisted and sorted/assorted as the fellas mentioned before her...and yet she excels where she wishes to excel, conquers what needs conquering, and never let's anyone tell her what she can't do JUST because she's a girl. Grant it, she gets into trouble as easily as out of it, but that's all a part of learning, right? Right! But remember, there are SO MANY MORE characters that you'll want to PAY ATTENTION to along the way because you NEVER KNOW where connections are going to come from.

So, while you thought you were simply getting an exciting new paranormal adventure fit for middle grade readers and beyond, NOW you know better! You're getting that plus a whole other barrel of fish that'll have you REALLY thinking the next time you consider the penguins at your local zoo habitat and just what they have been up to lately...


**ARC provided for review; opinions are my own ( )