Review: Tyger Tyger (Goblin Wars #1) by Kersten Hamilton

Source: Originally read on NetGalley, but I also received a copy for Christmas from my little brother. :)

Publisher: Clarion Books
Number of Pages: 308 (Hardcover)

Release Date: Already released.

(Goodreads Link.)

Blurb from Goodreads:

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.
Kersten Hamilton is the author of several picture books and many middle grade novels. When she's not writing, she hunts dinosaurs in the deserts and badlands outside of Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she lives. This is her first novel for young adults. For more about Kersten, please visit www.kerstenhamilton.com.

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Before reading Tyger Tyger, I'd never read a story with goblins in it, and I must say, after Tyger Tyger, I will definitely be looking for more of them! :D Although to be honest, the thing I mostly want more of is Finn Mac Cumhaill. :P

Tyger Tyger is a fabulous story. It has an amazing narrator named Teagan, who is so smart, but has lived a pretty normal and sheltered life, so she's not experienced with adventure at all. It was like you were taking your first adventure with her. I loved Teagan! She was so goal oriented, and I could relate to her so well. Her family and friends were fantastic, too. Aidan was such a cool little kid, and his singing...just imagining it made me smile. Elvis Impersonators...so funny! Her best friend Abby would say whatever was on her mind, and I was constantly laughing during her parts. Her parents were awesome too, and their family history about Merlin and all that, so cool! I just loved all of the details in Tyger Tyger, they were so intricate, and I loved learning little things about Irish travellers and their history. :D

Kersten Hamilton has crafted a wondrous world in Tyger Tyger. One woven out of stories of old, and placed into the world that we know. She's taken a classic Irish hero and made him into a YA heartthrob. After all, I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one swooning over Finn and his magical duct tape that can fix anything. :P I thought Finn was AMAZING! He's definitely one of my favourite book crushes, and I could reread this book over and over and still never get my fill of the Mac Cumhaill! ;)

Along with the magical story that Kersten has created, the relationships between characters is remarkable and realistic. I love Finn and Teagan! Absolutely love them! They're so innocent...well Teagan is, Finn's past is kind of a mystery. :P I especially love how much they go through with each other, and how their relationship evolves at such a gradual pace, at least when you combine the way they both feel. :P For Finn, his love is pretty much instantaneous! For Teagan, though, it's much more gradual, and I loved the authenticity of that growth...the love, not the whole situation with the goblins. haha

I thought that Tyger Tyger was a beautiful story! It was imaginative, and full of adventure, with a side of romance that kept me on my toes! I definitely recommend it! :D

Have you read Tyger Tyger yet?
If you have, what did you think?
And if you haven't, what's holding you back?

Happy Reading!!!

♪♫ Ambur