In The Nasties of Nastgant Swamp: A Tale of Antyfas, by Laura Dinovis Berry, young Valentino—Tino to his friends—finds himself longing for excitement beyond the confines of his family’s farm. Life is predictable and dull until preparations for his older brother’s birthday party take a sharp turn for the unexpected. Upset when things go awry, Tino is lured by a mysterious gnome to an eerie party in the Nastgant Swamp, where he soon faces dangers he never imagined. With the help of newfound friends, Tino must summon all his courage and wit to protect his world from the malevolent forces lurking in the swamp.

This enchanting fairy tale, perfect for middle-grade readers, strikes a spooky but playful tone, delivering an adventure packed with danger yet avoiding overly graphic depictions of harm. Although the story touches on dark themes such as children being eaten, the narrative wisely keeps these moments off-page, making it accessible to younger audiences.

The creatures in the book, especially the Grickens, are wonderfully imagined and bring a sense of whimsy to the tale—particularly for readers familiar with life on a farm, as they bear an amusing resemblance to backyard hens. The trolls, Wonjin and Jinjin, are standout characters, defying expectations with their complexity and charm as the story progresses. One of the novel’s strongest elements is the central role of Tino’s family in the plot.

It’s refreshing to see a fantasy adventure where family bonds—from parents to aunts and uncles—are so integral to the story. This focus on familial relationships adds depth to the narrative, giving it a warm and heartfelt quality. In many ways, the tale feels like an elaborate, family-wide roleplaying adventure, conjuring nostalgic memories of childhood days spent exploring the woods. The story wraps up neatly, leaving readers both satisfied and eager to revisit the world of Antyfas in future adventures. The narrative is brimming with charm, and I’m eager to see future installments in this series.

The Nasties of Nastgant Swamp contains an engaging storyline, delightful characters, and heartwarming family dynamics. The book features fantasy violence and mild peril but remains suitable for readers aged 10 and up who enjoy a spooky yet lighthearted tale. Tino’s adventure is a perfect read-aloud story for a cozy evening by the fire, blending danger, friendship, and magical discovery into a vibrant and uniquely captivating fantasy.

Pages: 92 | ISBN : 978-1644565308