Customer Reviews

In the Forests of the Night: The Goblin Wars, Book Two

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I really enjoyed the first installment of The Goblin Wars, and was excited to read this second installment. A good amount of time (and many other books) had passed between my readings of the two, and I initially found it hard to get into this second novel. It picks up immediately where the first left off, and I found this kind of awkward. Some time and distance between the events of the first novel and the beginning of this one would have made it easier to ease back in, but the beginning of this book felt disconcertingly like I had put the first one down, wandered away from it for months, and then picked it back up and forgotten where I was in the story.

From there, it was something of a long slog to get to the real meat of the book. I thought the first half to two thirds of the book was rather dull. While I really like how Hamilton creates and portrays her characters, I felt like the first part of this book is just too bogged down in the mundane details of their lives. Maybe it was the mundane that really bothered me. There is so much that is strange happening in Teagan's house, and yet there seems to be so little curiosity about it. I wanted more details about Roisin, about Thomas, about Tegan's father, but none of that was really there.

I also felt like the romance took something of a strange turn. I didn't find the same spark in it that I'd found in the first. In addition, there was a conversation between Finn and Teagan's father that caused some serious eyebrow raising on my part. I thought it sounded odd, given that Teagan and Finn are both so young. This particular aspect struck me as so incongruous that it kind of jarred me out of the story and lessened the effect.

However, once Teagan and Finn return to Mag Mell, things get much better. This, I think, is the true strength of these novels. The portrayal of Mag Mell is so vivid that I could picture it perfectly in my mind. From this point on, the novel is pretty much nonstop action, which was more interesting to me. I guess there was so much momentum in the first that the beginning of the second slowed things down far too much. Had the second begun the way it ended, I think it would have grabbed me right from the beginning instead of it taking so many pages for me to warm up to it.

What I really liked was the change in Teagan in this novel. I think she was more passive in the first, more a victim of circumstances. Here, however, Teagan finds herself at a crossroads and she begins to take charge of the events that happen in her life. I am really looking forward to the third because I am eager to see where this new wealth of strength will take Teagan.

I believe Kersten Hamilton is filling a void left by Diana Wynne Jones--with her own unique voice and point of view, of course. Many of the things I love about DWJ's books I find here: a large cast of characters, a sense of mutual love and affection among the characters, an unexpectedness of plot, joyful and surprising magic, and a sense of barely controlled chaos which makes her books such a fun rollercoaster to read. Be sure to read Book 1 (Tyger, Tyger) first.

Rarely do I ever love sequels as much as the first book in the series, In the Forests of the Night is definitely an exception to the sequel slump. I'm going to keep this review spoiler free because I don't want to ruin it for those who have yet to read the amazing-ness that is Tyger, Tyger.

Teagan's character was so strong, self-less, caring and she was willing to do whatever it took to keep her family and friends away from harm. She's one of the few female characters that doesn't have me shaking my head with a "What was she thinking?" Teagan actually seemed to be making the best decisions that will benefit and help the people she cares about even if the choices she makes aren't easy ones.

Abby was one of the characters I wanted more of in the sequel and Kersten Hamilton definitely had more of Abby's hilarious ditzy one liners. She definitely brings in the laughs even in some pretty serious and intense situations. Abby is definitely still by Teagan's side and adjusting to all the craziness that comes along with being Teagan's friend.

Aiden didn't really have as strong of a role in this book, but he was still the same old adorable, voice prodigy, Elvis impersonator hater, that I loved from the beginning. I'm hoping he'll have a greater role in the next book.

The romance is still going strong for Finn and Teagan, but I wasn't really feeling the chemistry with them as much this time around. It wasn't until the second half the book where I started seeing the spark come back. It will be interesting to see where these two will end up.

I'll admit the story was a bit slow to start as we read about the day to day lives of Tea, her family, friends, and the hectic household filled with strange creatures running/flying around. I actually enjoyed reading about their lives and it was a nice build up to when they go back into Mag Mell, which like I said in my review for Tyger, Tyger is a character in itself. The book was filled with so much suspense and drama by the end that the wait for the next book is going to be extremely hard.

The Goblin Wars series is filled with everything I love and I will strongly recommend to everyone who wants a great entertaining read.

This was another excellent story by Kersten Hamilton. I like her focus on Irish Mythology and I really love the family relationships in this story - no matter how unconventional the family might be. Teagan, Aiden and Finn have made it back alive from Mag Mell with Mr. Wylltson and a few other characters too. Tea and Aiden's Aunt Roisin and the goblin Highborn Thomas has come too.

We get to see her choosing to be the kind of person she wants to be. She is thrown, at first, when she discovers that she has goblin blood and fears that she will become a cruel and heartless goblin herself. Luckily, she has the love and support of Finn.

She has to battle the evil Fear Doirich in order to keep her family and friends safe. The tension and the adventures that she has in the Mag Mell are the main focus of this book as she goes to find a way to defeat Fear Doirich.

There are a number of wonderful secondary characters in this story. I love Tea's little brother Aiden and her best friend Abby. Abby is a true friend and has a unique viewpoint that always adds to the story. Aiden is a sweet child who has unexpected and wonderful gifts. Finn's grandmother Mamieo and his guardian angel Raynor Schein add a bunch of depth to this story. And even the evil Ms. Skinner from Social Services adds some conflict and tension from the human side of the story.

The many unique goblin characters add a richness. I found the sluagh and the Maggot Cat to be particularly creepy. The pookhas that Tea and Finn encounter in Mag Mell were also examples of the creatures from Irish Myth that made their way into this story.

I recommend this story both as a romance and as a wonderful fantasy using less common fantasy tropes. I loved the language, tension, and touches of humor that this story had.

Teagan is upset with what she learned of her mothers family (in Tyger Tyger) and what it might mean to her and Finn. When Finn comes to talk to her and reassure her things get crazy quickly in the full house of the Wylltsons'. Thomas starts sprouting feathers and cat-sidhe appear. The cat-sidhe want Aiden. As Fear Doirich wants Aiden. Mamieo doesn't like Thomas because he's a highborn, Roisin (Teagan's Aunt) is mad at her love, her father is still trying to get his memories back and straight. Oh and the social worker is coming around too. All craziness and then the goblins come back into their lives with threats to Teagan and she starts to change after a lick from Kyle. A war is on it's way...

We start exactly where Tyger Tyger left off, Teagan's crying on the roof and Finn climbing the drain pipe to talk to her. Finn captures my heart once again at the get go here. Finn has turned Teagan's plans around, though she still wants to follow them, they now have a boyfriend attached somewhere in there.

We see all the same characters again in this book. I do like the extra background Thomas, the shape-shifter, brings to the family of the goblin world Mag Mell. It was his home and he is a highborn so he knows a great deal. We can't forget about Lucy the spirit living in Aidens' hair. Aiden gets to try a few new things with his special gift of song as well. Nice to see, and I hope to see more of him in the future. So many different characters and personalities in one house, it's funny from time to time.

Another wonderful YA book that I would hand over not needing the adults to read first. But I would say do read it for the fun and wonderful writing it is. This book went quickly for me as well. I love the Celtic lore tangled into the story and I get a little feel of a fairy land as well. That is one of the things that drew me into the first story as well. I really enjoy this mix. This book seems a little slower at first, but we need to get the setting set and the characters defined as everyone is growing and changing, which is wonderfully done with keeping us attracted to the book. Then the action picks up and leaves you desiring the third book of the trilogy.

I strongly suggest giving the Goblin Wars Trilogy a try. It's a wonderful read and you wont be disappointed. If you enjoy fairy type books, this goblin based trilogy could very much be for you.

This is the sequel to Tyger Tyger. The story picks up shortly after the end of the first book, with Teagan trying to come to terms with what she learned in Mag Mell.

Teagan is an interesting character. She is kind and caring, as shown by her love of family and work at the zoo. But she is also a teenage girl with a boyfriend and is not perfect, which is a huge relief! I really like her BFF Abby, who provides much needed comic relief but is fiercely protective of Tea! And Finn! What can we say about Finn except *sigh* what a cutie! A true hero in the making!

Afraid that she has evil growing inside her now that her goblin self has awaken, Teagan isn't sure who she is any longer. Desperate to protect those she loves, she comes up with a dangerous plan. Can Finn stop her in time? Will he even find out what she's planning? Hey, this would make a great movie!

Gave this one a 4/5 rating as I loved the characters, the writing was awesome, and it was never boring! The ending was satisfying, yet I sincerely hope that there's more as I can't wait to find out what happens next!

In the Forest of the Night by Kersten Hamilton is the second book in The Goblin Wars series. The First book, Tyger, Tyger really blew me away. So of course I was excited to read the next book in the series. In the Forest of the Night picks up virtually where Tyger, Tyger left off. Teagan is dealing with the knowledge of finding out who she really is and how it's going to affect the rest of her life. Her feelings for Finn are not helping either. She's a goblin while he's a goblin hunter really put wrench in the romance department. It also asks the question "which side should Teagan be fighting for?" I think Kersten Hamilton does great job with Teagan's character. Teagan has a lot of internal conflict in dealing with what she knows of goblins and who she really is.
The first two-thirds of this novel doesn't have a lot of action going on. It's mostly dealing with the aftermath that happened in Tyger, Tyger. There are still a lot of things that have to be dealt with. One in particular is the pair of baddies that want Teagan's brother Aiden as well as a bunch of creepers who are keeping their sights on this group. Aiden has special abilities that the evil ones will stop at nothing to get. Teagan is very protective oven Aiden and will do anything to protect him.
One thing that I absolutely love about this series is that even though Teagan and Finn are 'soulmates' she doesn't automatically throw everything away just to be with him. Teagan has hopes and dreams that she wants to accomplish. I think this makes her one of the stronger female protagonist in YA literature that I've seen in awhile. This book is full of interesting and amusing characters. I love Abby. I think she's hilarious. I also love Mamieo who is full of gumption.
This series is a must read. It has Irish Folklore, star crossed lovers, humor, poetry, and Finn. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book. This is a pretty clean book for ages 12 and up. There's a little kissing and two curse words.

I devoured this book! First I'll say that the cover is a treat, and the feast gets better and better as you read. '

One of the things I enjoyed so much about Tyger Tyger was the cast of characters, and in In the Forests of the Night we not only get more of the people we love (Finn), we meet great new characters! There are lots of laugh out loud moments that I read over and over. :)

The romance between Finn and Tea was sweet-sigh worthy in book one. In book two it ramps up to butterflies-in-the-stomach, kicking-your-heels-and-giggling worthy! And there's at least one romance on the side. ;)

Finn says in the last chapter of Tyger Tyger, "You can stumble down that road, pretending you can't help it. You can curl up and die of regret and sorrow for what you've done. Or you can get up and fight, even though the battle may be lost." In In the Forests of the Night we get to see Teagan battle this out.

In the Forests of the Night slips inside and plays a tone on your bones that hums in excellent pitch... you know, that feeling.

And when you put the book on the shelf... you thank goodness there's going to be another one!!!!

(check out my Tyger Tyger facebook fanpage if you're also a fan)

I'm pleased to report that the elements which made Tyger Tyger a wonderful fantasy novel re-appear in the second of the Goblin Wars trilogy by Kersten Hamilton, In the Forests of the Night.

My favorite character, then as now, the cute-as-a-button five-year-old Aiden, is even more endearing. Mamieo is still a feisty firecracker of a grandmother. Although Mr. Wylltson has got to have the best line in the novel: "'I'm a librarian...We practice believing seven impossible things before breakfast.'"

Music still plays a major magical role here, as Aiden's powers as a bard manifest themselves in the real world. One of the funnier scenes is when the evil social worker from the first book, the Skinner, comes knocking and Aiden starts singing a not so subtle song about how he feels about her. I'll let you find out for yourself which song that is. Hint: it's a Disney song.

As in the last book, literary references were woven throughout the narrative, which I very much enjoyed.

I also loved learning more Celtic mythology (especially new spooky creatures introduced such as the fearsome sluagh and strange phookas).

By this book's start, Teagan and Finn are pretty much an item - they've declared their love to each other. I love how the newly rescued Mr. Wylltson asserts his parental authority, albeit gently, and describes how true love really works and that it stands the test of time. Too often in young adult novels relationships skyrocket to promises of forever in an instant. Here, although Teagan is intoxicated with her attraction and feelings for Finn, she demonstrates good sense by stepping back and acknowledging that she doesn't know that much about him. In fact she adamantly pursues her interests outside of their relationship, such as her job with animal research and her plans to study veterinary medicine in college.

One of the more interesting scenes relate to Teagan's work with Oscar and Cindy, the apes. As with the Celtic lore, I was fascinated with what this book taught me, "disguised" as story :)

But the part that I had been holding my breath for (though with trepidation) was Teagan's unavoidable journey back to Mag Mell. And it does not disappoint: dangers, thrills, and a (too) brief stay in Fear Doirich's lively goblin city where we see a glimpse of Queen Mab herself.

"Teagan came awake suddenly, cold with sweat. She had dreamed she was being hunted by creatures with bloody muzzles and ember-bright eyes while voices spoke with words she didn't understand. She'd had the dream before, on the night that Finn had led the goblins aways. The night before her mother had collapsed and died.

"It was different this time-the yowling had followed her out of the dream. She thought at first that there were alley cats fighting in the street until she heard the words tangled in the yowls. Cat-sidhe were on the street outisde, crying out for death and marrowbones.

"Tee-ghaaan."

It's been a year since I've read Tyger Tyger and so I expected a bit of re-adjustment when I began In the Forests of the Night. However, I was very disoriented for a couple chapters because In the Forests of the Night starts right where Tyger Tyger left off, as if one book had been cut in two. I had a hard time recalling details and characters - and so I was bewildered for quite some time.

So, be warned - don't skip the first and go to the second. You will not understand a thing if you do so.

Another thing that I found myself wishing was finding out more about Teagan's mother. A more detailed story of how she grew up in Mag Mell, then left and met Teagan's father I think would make a great novella (hint, hint).

In the Forests of the Night was very much a middle book to me. I would have preferred that at least half of its scenes been cut (maybe more) and the remainder included with Tyger Tyger.

However, with the chilling ending of book two (I gasped and shuddered, guys), I know what comes in the book three will be very exciting. More Mag Mell, please!

Kersten Hamilton is a genius. In the Forests of the Night was a brilliant read that picked up right where Tyger, Tyger left off and I did not want to put it down.The mythology goes deeper and the characters are just as fabulous. In the Forests of the Night will be a book that you will be sorry to miss, as it is just fabulous.

The characters of this series is just brilliant. I just love Finn - he is so dreamy. I love his accent. Aiden is such a fun character - I love the larger roles he plays in this book. He is so good-hearted and it is just great. Teagan is a great character and I love that she is a strong main character. I did have a bit of a lapse of judgement in her character for part of the book, but I felt she redeemed herself. There were so many characters who had a smaller role, but they were so memorable and I can't wait to see the role they'll play in the next book in the series.

I love the plot of In the Forests of the Night. I just love the role the mythology plays in the books. In the Forests of the Night had so many layers to it, besides the obvious play arc. The story builds and builds and at the end I was left so curious and anxious to see how the story continues. The ending was intense, and I am very antsy for the next book to come out.

In the Forests of the Night was just brilliant, I think even better than Tyger, Tyger which I absolutely adored. This is one that I would recommend you rush out and get as soon as you can, as it is just brilliant.