An Unexpected Exploit by Kandi J. Wyatt ~ a Review

by MK French

Franklin follows a Sasquatch through a portal from Myrtle Beach, Oregon to the realm of Shinwano. There, he discovers a world full of mythical creatures and vows to protect the land. He doesn't realize how difficult it is to keep that promise, especially when a poacher, an NSA agent, and his friends are interested in the portal for different reasons. The poacher threatens his family, forcing Franklin to reconsider that promise and still try to keep his family safe. The consequences of that decision is more than a rift in the space-time continuum.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest answer.

September 2019; 978-1687507198
ebook, print (229 pages); children's fantasy

An Unexpected Exploit is the third Myth Coast Adventures book, following An Unexpected Adventure and An Unexpected Escapade. As a sixteen-year-old high school sophomore, Franklin is able to go hunting on his own. He fully acknowledges that he doesn't always think before he acts, which is how he finds the portal in the first place. That is also why he didn't think about being missing from his world while training to protect the portal.

We see Will and Ana again after their appearance in prior books as well, with a summary of book 2 in their conversation, and Winston appearing to discuss the blip on his equipment that was Franklin disappearing through the portal. Harley from book 1 is back again as well. The kids all get together to look for Franklin, which ties the different friend groups together, which helps to put all those in the know in the same place and to recognize the same hunter from the prior novel.

It's in this novel that we get a history of the portals, the two worlds and the roles that the portal has played. It's a fascinating aspect of the story for me, and I really appreciate the effort placed in the word choice and how they're linked together. The fairy tale nerd in me really danced with joy in that section.

Franklin has a choice to make, and it's woven into the story in a realistic way. Like the earlier novels of this series, it's a great look into the mindset of teenagers, but it is a struggle that adults have, too. The adults take a backseat to the teens here, just as in earlier novels, but they don't feel like caricatures of absentee parents. The kids call and text parents to let them know where they are, and ask for permission. Franklin's mother has a realistic reaction to hearing about the potential dangers, and the parents of Shinwano are similar. By the end of the novel, the teens have grown up a lot, and are able to see what true justice looks like.

Buy An Unexpected Exploit at Amazon

Born and raised in New York City, M.K. French started writing stories when very young, dreaming of different worlds and places to visit. She always had an interest in folklore, fairy tales, and the macabre, which has definitely influenced her work. She currently lives in the Midwest with her husband, three young children, and golden retriever. 

Get even more book news in your inbox, sign up today! Girl Who Reads is an Amazon advertising affiliate; a small commission is earned when purchases are made at Amazon using any Amazon links on this site. Thank you for supporting Girl Who Reads.