By: Kersten Hamilton
Publisher: Clarion Books
Publish Date: November 15, 2010
Format: ARC pdf reader Thanks to NetGalley, 322pgs
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Series: Book 1 in The Goblin Wars
Recommendation: Yes. Yes! If you enjoy Young Adult Fantasy reads, this is an enjoyable one based with Celtic mythology and yes, goblin-kind and great characters too.
Book Synopsis:
"Your life is totally in danger!"
Teagan Wylltson thinks her best friend, Abby is joking. But Abby swears that she's psychic. And she's dreamed that horrifying creatures - goblins, shape-shifters, shadows, and beings of unearthly beauty but terrible cruelty - are hunting her friend.
Abby is always coming up with crazy stuff, though, so Teagan isn't worried. Her life isn't in danger. In fact, it's perfect. She's on track for a college scholarship. She has a great job. She's focused on school, work and her future. No boys, no heartaches, no problems.
Until Finn Mac Cumhaill arrives.
Finn's a bit on the unearthly beautiful side himself. He has a killer accent and a knee-weakening smile. And either he's crazy or he's been haunting Abby's dreams, because he's talking about goblins, too... and about being the Mac Cumhaill, born to fight all goblin-kind.
Finn has survived alone on the streets since he was twelve, so he knows a thing or two about fighting. Which is a very good thing because this time, Abby's right.
The goblins are coming.
First Sentence:
Please, Teagan Wylltson's fingers curled in American Sign Language as she spoke.
My Review and Summary:
Teagan is a sixteen year old girl who lives with her parents, Aileen - an author and artist of children's fantasy books and John - works at the library and a way with words, and younger brother Aiden who has a knack for music and a huge music fanatic. The family home sounds like a relaxed and fun home to grow up in. Teagan does great in school, has a job at the zoo working with the animals, and a bright future ahead of her - all planned out. Teagan has a way with animals. Then one day Teagan's mother informs them all that their cousin, Finn - whose parents passed away in a car accident a few years back, is coming to live with them. Teagan learns that he is not a blood related cousin, as her mother was was taken in by Mamieo, an loving Irish Traveler coming to America.
I enjoyed the story of Teagan, Aiden, and Finn. The adventures they travel through are fun and interesting. The fantasy world Teagan and Aiden are introduced to with Finn is bright and dark. I was surprised in the turn of events in the story line, which pleased me greatly.
Please don't let this being a young adult read stop you from enjoying it. It will be an easy and quick read but it is so enjoyable with the goblins and sidhe creatures you meet along the way. Then the interaction of the characters is wonderful. The writing of the characters made it easy for me to enjoy and like them. The characters learn some things about themselves through the book, some good and some not so good. But that is what gives the room for growth in the characters.
I loved how the story connected with the characters. This is hard to explain, but the things you learn about the characters in the beginning of the story really are in relation to something in the world or worlds and it is great to watch as it all unfolds and comes together along with making the connections to the characters. I enjoyed the secondary characters meet along the way. Each has it's own story yet links all together nicely. And they where all of a different... being.
I seem to have a thing for the Celtic feel in books. I love the Irish mythology and feel to this read. There is a lot here to work with to come up with future books.
This is a great fantasy read for young readers as well. They would enjoy starting in a world they can relate to, just like ours, then moving into a fantasy realm as well. This book has a wonderful mix of adventure, action, and just a touch of love to keep the kids going on in the pages. This book would be a wonderful read for both boys and girls alike.
This is a book I have to get in hard copy form for on my shelves. I want to share it with my son and other friend when they come to visit to get them to go get their own copies. To me this book is worth keeping around, I would love to visit this world again and again.
I requested a copy of this book through NetGalley as an ARC.
This book qualifies for my Young Adult Reading Challenge hosted by Home Girls Book Blog, and Speculative Fiction Challenge hosted by Book Chick City.
Great review, Melissa! I've so been dying to read this, and I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it :)
ReplyDeleteI want to keep checking netgalley for the next book, lol.
ReplyDeleteGreat review! This sounds like such a great read! It's got so many different elements - it sounds like it has something to appeal to everyone! I really appreciate that it's about goblins too. That's an unusual one in the modern YA market. Can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeleteHey, I'm so glad you enjoyed this one! I'm reading it right now, and it's pretty good so far!
ReplyDelete:D
Melissa - I think you might enjoy this one. :) It is lots of fun. :) Thank you for stopping by and enjoying the review.
ReplyDeleteRobyn - I know! I will have to keep an eye out, but I think it will be at least another year. :) But I will be looking as well.
Casey (The Bookish Type) - Hi! Thank you! I do hope you really enjoy this book as much as I did. :) I think you might though. I really like the goblins in this book and the visual of them. :) Can't wait to herar you thoughts on it. :)
Amelia - So glad to hear your reading it now! Thank you for stopping by. And to me the book just kept getting better and better the further I went so I think you will be happy with it. :)
I'm so sorry you didn't like this one. You want me to take your name out of the running for the book? ;)
ReplyDeleteI keep reading good things about this book. I'm going to have to give it a try as soon as possible.
ReplyDeleteOK, you've decided me. I'm going to read this book. While the book description didn't really grab me I seem to be only reading positive reviews of Tyger, Tyger and so now I feel that it is worth my attention ;)
ReplyDeleteMelissa(Books & Things) Thats not funny. ;) This really was an enjoyable read. :) I'm keeping all my fingers crossed that I win your giveaway. But I will have to get a copy of this one to keep.
ReplyDeleteRyan - Oh, I think you will enjoy this read. And its something you could share with the little one when he gets a little older. I can't wait to share this will my son. I'm hoping to get a copy and share it with him soon.
Simcha - I do hope you enjoy this one. Its a slower start but its enjoyable with meeting the characters and the family set up. It really is a quick YA read.