Tyger, Tyger by Kersten Hamilton

Book Details
Tyger, Tyger by Kersten Hamilton
Hardcover, 320 Pages
2010, Clarion Books
ISBN: 0547330081

Synopsis
Teagan Wylltson's best friend, Abby, dreams that horrifying creatures--goblins, shape-shifters, and beings of unearthly beauty but terrible cruelty--are hunting Teagan. 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 knows a thing or two about fighting. Which is a very good thing, because this time, Abby's right. The goblins are coming.

Review
You just don't see that many goblins in literature today. Tyger, Tyger, with all its evil goblins, shows readers exactly what they've been missing out on. This book is different with a distinct Irish feel. Celtic mythology and Irish saints are woven into this fantasy adventure creating a highly entertaining and culturally educational look at the supernatural.

I loved Finn. He's protective without being scary obsessive, caring without being overbearing and takes his responsibilities as The Mac Cumhaill (a warrior against goblins) seriously. He's an Irish Traveler, something vaguely like a gypsy, descendant of Travelers past and his calling as The Mac Cumhaill is hereditary. When his adoptive cousins, Teagan and Aiden must journey into Mag Mell (another dimension where goblins live) to rescue their librarian father, it's Finn's duty to protect them. Although he would have went anyway, his instant love for Teagan makes the trip all the more important and dangerous.

Many different kinds of Sidhe are included in Tyger, Tyger, some more familiar than others, but all more or less evil. Goblins are definitely the main bad guys in this book and it was an absolute pleasure reading about these creatures. This book was so much more than expected and I can't wait to read more Goblin Wars books.

Rating

Links

Kersten Hamilton's website