Tyger Tyger by Kersten Hamilton - REVIEWED & Autographed GIVE AWAY!

About the Book: (from the publisher)
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.

My Thoughts:

“Tea,” – he leaned toward her , and Teagan took a step back – “I’m going to change that plan of yours.” (p. 50 Finn to Teagan)


Thus says Finn to Teagan when he enters her world – bringing with him both good and evil, and opening up her world to new possibilities. Kersten Hamilton’s book, Tyger Tyger, is the first in a series entitled Goblin Wars. Her tale is a pretty radical departure from the books I normally review here, and I’m so glad I agreed to broaden my horizons a bit!


Tyger Tyger is a story that takes place in two worlds – present day reality and the fantasy world of Mag Mell. The connection between the two worlds is a wondrous surprise that I don’t dare reveal – but suffice it to say it presents a host of unique and unusual situations that take Teagan, Finn and Tagan’s brother, Aiden, on an unforgettable and dangerous adventure! Teagan’s father paraphrases Shakespeare with a quote that accurately captures the essence of this mystic experience when he says, “There are more things in the multiverse, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.” ( pl 297)


Tyger Tyger captures the angst of the tween and teen years as well as the heart’s desire of parents to teach their children about love and friendship and the sacrifice it sometimes requires. The relationships among the characters are realistic, and I think young adults will quickly be drawn into the story and held happily captive. There are many surprises along the way and enough action to keep boys and girls of all ages holding their breath. There is also a realistic amount of sadness, hardship and danger to make readers feel engaged in the conflict that the characters ultimately face.


The story does contain some mild language that I personally think is unnecessary, but it is not done to be gratuitously offensive. As I stated in the beginning of my comments, this is not a Christian novel per se, although it does contain some general spiritual elements that will be universally recognized.


Tyger Tyger is an exciting beginning to a series that promises a great deal of entertainment! I loved the fantasy elements in Mag Mell – Lucy in particular! Overall, I’m quite happy to recommend this book to everyone. This would make an especially good choice for any readers on your Christmas list!


I’m glad I chose to take the chance and read some fantasy for a change! The journey from the opening quote to this one: “I do not ask for a path with no trouble or regret. I ask instead for a friend who’ll walk with me down any path.” (p. 301) – is unforgettable!


About the Author:
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. For more about Kersten, please visit www.kerstenhamilton.com.