What is Finn’s Epic Fails about?
This funny, middle grade novel follows the life of 11 year old Finn Hope in his first year at High School. He shares all the epic fails that happen to him at school and at home, and the resulting fallout – usually with his older brother Jonah responsible.
Plot summary of Finn’s Epic Fails (no spoilers)
Finn is in year 7 at high school (England). He lives with his dad (who unfortunately likes wearing bike riding lycra), his little sister Maisie (who has an unhealthy fascination with unicorns), and his big brother Jonah (who has taunted Finn and played pranks on him his entire life). Their mum lives abroad, working in the film industry.
Finn shares with the reader, the endless fails in his life. These include his siblings ganging up on him while asleep, Jonah pranking him and humiliating him at school, and also filming him in embarrassing situations, to then later post on social media.
This is until Finn has the epic payback opportunity on Jonah. What will he do with it?
Review
Finn’s Epic Fails is very funny, making me laugh out loud often. His life is a little messy with his dad on his bike in neon Lycra any chance he gets, his 5 year old sister wreaking havoc in their household if her unicorn needs aren’t met, and his big brother Jonah popular at school, a member of the local gym, and a prankster if given the opportunity.
Finn’s mates are funny too, but Google finally makes Finn think seriously about all the tricks pulled on him, and what his revenge will look like.
This author usually writes more serious middle grade novels, but Finn’s Epic Fails is funny, clever and Finn a very believable character.
Characters
Finn – Very funny, feels constantly slighted by his big brother, and in shock that his dad never seems to notice. He loves his little sister, despite her demanding unicorn obsession. He’s struggling to fit in at his new school and laments all the changes in his life.
Google – According to Finn, Google (not her real name), is the smartest person in the universe. She ultimately aids him in his quest to outwit his older brother, but not before Finn really looks at the problems he faces before he takes action.
Lazlo – If he could be Italian he would, (but he’s not). A young Casanova, he is constantly falling in love, declaring that love to his friends Finn and Google, who roll their eyes knowing he will change his mind in a week, a day, or even possibly only hours. Lazlo will laugh at Finn’s mishaps, but still has his back.
Writing Style
Finn is writing in a journal and often speaks directly to the reader. He does stress that it isn’t a journal, but just a record of what happened to him, including all the Epic Fails that he has had to endure. If it was a journal or diary and his big brother found it, it would be another Epic fail.
FAQs
What age is it for?
9 -12 years
Where & When is it set?
Set in Finn’s High School and in and around his home in England.
What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?
First person / Past tense
Is there any Violence?
No. There is sibling physical and media ‘fun’ bullying, which isn’t so fun for Finn.
What genre is Finn’s Epic Fails?
Middle-Grade Humour
Themes
Humour, Family, Friendship, Overcoming a bully without becoming one
Is it part of a series?
No
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Author
Phil Earle
Illustrator
Al Murphy
Publisher
Simon & Schuster UK
(2026, Simon & Schuster, Humour, Funny, Family, Bullies, School, Friendship, Sibling Rivalry, Big Brother, Little Sister, Pranks, Tricks, Social Media, Bullying, Embarrassment, Fails, Mishaps, Ugly Dog, Payback)