Release Week Review: Tyger Tyger

Tyger Tyger
A Goblin Wars Book
Author: Kersten Hamilton
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Clarion Books
Release Date: 11/15/10
Available at: Indie Bound, Powell's Books, Barnes & Noble

Summary: Teagan Wylltson is 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, with a killer accent and a knee-weakening smile. And either he's crazy or he's been haunting Teagan's friend 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.

I asked to review Tyger Tyger because I thought it sounded like a fascinating read that sounded like there wasn't a vampire or werewolf in sight, which intriqued me. Don't get me wrong, I love all things supernatural, but it's nice to read a story that uses lore other than the two most popular myths.

Tyger Tyger is loosely based on the Fenian Cycle, which is prose written about the mythical Fionn mac Cumhaill and the Fianna of Ireland. It's not necessary for the reader to know what the story is based on, but I found it fascinating to look up the Irish hero and his exploits. The character, Finn is the hero in the story. I fell in love with him while reading this book, and I can't imagine other readers won't do the same. He's brave, selfless, amazing and protective, not just of Teagan, our heroine, but of everyone in his life.

Tyger Tyger has themes of love, loss, acceptance, faith, friendship and doing the right thing. It's a fast paced, action filled story full of magical beings, both good and evil. The characters come alive on the page, and I found myself totally immerged in the author's world. The story doesn't just include our hero and heroine in the battle agaist evil. Aiden, Teagan's brother, is an amazing child with odd quirks such as hating Elvis impersonators and being able to find his way home at all times. Their father is a singing librarian, their mother was raised by Irish Travelers, and Teagan's bestfriend, Abby has dreams about the future and her family is in the Mob. Every character, good or evil, is fascinating.

I believe a person could read Tyger Tyger many times over and still find a new treasure they missed the first time they read it. It's a magical story that I hope will become a classic for kids and adults to read over and over throughout the years.

If you enjoy Terry Brooks or Terry Pratchett you'll love Tyger Tyger.