Charlie Hernandez & the League of Shadows is a brilliant series starter that blends magic, mystery, and adventure. It introduced me to a whole new world of mythology and folklore that I can't wait to learn more about. Despite his strange manifestations, Charlie is just a normal kid trying to make the best out of an unbelievable situation. I loved his partner-in-adventure Violet, who is a smart and brave and loyal girl whose curiosity and guts prove valuable as they navigate the mystery of Charlie's parents and the map they left behind. This was an action-packed and suspenseful read with an explosive ending that leaves you primed for the next book.