The Last Scarecrow by Neil J Hart

I was delighted to have the opportunity to meet fellow author Neil J. Hart at Authors at theArmouries run by the powerhouse who is Sarah Michelle Lynch. Neil suggested that he and I do a book swap and as he wrotes break-out books for midteens, he agreed that I might gift the book to our local library's gift hunt for less fortunate children. Neil chose my first novel, Hunter's Chase and gave me The Last Scarecrow, (Scarecrows of Coldharbour Farm Book 1), however, as predicted, I was much too nosy not to read it myself. I bought a kindle copy for me so the gift was pristine. Thank you Neil.

The Blurb

When the human race faces extinction, the scarecrows will rise.

Erin loved to build scarecrows. She made a dozen in all. Her Pa showed her how. But he’s dead now. Everyone is dead. Well... almost.

The Many Years Storm flooded the world, swept Erin’s brother out to sea, and turned her hilltop farm into a rapidly shrinking island. While hope remains, she must take her chances on the open ocean and find her brother. But Erin doesn’t have the knowledge to build a raft and there’s no one to ask except the last and most terrifying of all her scarecrows—Number Twelve!

Erin needs help. Scratch that. Erin needs a miracle.

The Review

The Last Scarecrow was a fun, easy read full of adventure, friendships, scarecrows, wicker-men and talking birds! It has a distinct family trope and there were even some moments where I had a lump in my throat. I hadn't expected that. The book carries the same strange, unsettling magic as Return to Oz and blends of whimsy and dread, of childlike wonder tucked inside something darker and it is beautifully done.

Erin is a compelling protagonist, who resiliently holds onto a sliver of hope in a flooded world where so much has gone. The scarecrows she enjoyed building scarecrows with her father and these become haunting and alive in ways that are both emotional and creepy. Number Twelve, especially, is unforgettable. It is eerie, endearing, and terrifying all at once.

However, the horror elements are well handled. They are subtle when they need to be, and sharp for effect as necessary.

Hart's worldbuilding feels dreamlike and apocalyptic in equal measure, with the rising waters and decaying civilization painting a backdrop that’s not just tragic but also strangely beautiful. What really stayed with me is how the story balances darkness with heart. It’s spooky, yes, but also tender. It’s about grief and resilience, fear and trust, and what it means for the characters to hold onto hope when the world has been washed away.

If you love stories that are atmospheric, and eerieHart's book is well worth a try. The Last Scarecrow is haunting in the best possible way and not just for kids.

The Author

Neil J Hart has won awards for his haunting YA fantasy novels ‘The Last Scarecrow’ and ’Sadie Madison and the Boy in the Crimson Scarf' and is working on sequels to both. 'Hale and the Crystal of Shadows' was released in May 2025 and is the first book in a new Harper sci-fi mystery adventure saga. Neil also works as a graphic designer and a musician. He fosters for Cats Protection. Relies on coffee. Adores cheese and cucumber sandwiches. And collects Tomb Raider memorabilia.