Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Tyger Tyger by Kersten Hamilton

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.


Summary taken from Goodreads 


Tyger Tyger was a really interesting read. I had been in serious need of a good high fantasy novel and Tyger Tyger hit the spot. I've never read or heard much about Irish folklore so this was a completely new and refreshing take on goblins and faeries and the like. And it did a wonderful job.

Overall, this was a book about a girl trying to save her family. Yes there was romance in it, but it in no way overwhelmed the story. Teagan's main focus was always about saving her father and keeping her adorable little brother safe, not how hot Finn was. It was great to read an YA fantasy where romance was not the main theme. It had been awhile for me.

But don't get me wrong. I loved Finn. I kept wanting to shake these two and yell JUST KISS ALREADY. But like I said, I'm glad they kept the romance to a minimum. The adventure was much more exciting than their romance.

I had only one problem with this book. The names! I found myself flipping back and forth in the book, trying to keep all of them straight in my head. They were very Irish and a lot of them had a similar look about them. I'm sure Hamilton was just using accurate folk lore, but I still wish some of the names would have been different.

This was a great fantasy adventure novel and I cannot wait to read book two!