Book Review: In the Forests of the Night (Goblin Wars #2) By Kersten Hamilton

Book 2 of an exciting, young adult, urban fantasy series based on Irish folklore

In the Forests of the Night (Goblin Wars #2) By Kersten Hamilton
Reading Level: Young Adult
Release Date: November 22, 2011
Publisher: Clarion Books
Pages: 288
Source: Amazon Vine
Reviewed By: Kate McMurry

This book begins immediately after the events of the first book in this series. Sixteen-year-old Teagan "Tea" Wylltson's mother is dead, and her father, who was rescued in the previous book from the goblins in Mag Mell, is a kind, nurturing parent to Tea and her little brother. Tea and Finn have declared their love and are now a couple. They support each other in keeping their family members, and the world, safe from the goblins.

Tea and Finn don't have a typical, obsessive, teen-novel relationship. In spite of all her magical adventures and her love for Finn, Tea is determined to continue on with her plans to be a veterinarian.

All of the characters in this book are fascinating and excellently portrayed, particularly Finn's grandmother and Tea's little brother. The world-building is very well done, and readers who love stories of fae/faeries should find this an enjoyable read. (Though the creatures for which this trilogy are named are called "goblins," in every way imaginable they are recognizable as fae.)

This book has plenty of action and adventure, strong, loyal relationships, and lots of intriguing magical creatures. It is suitable reading for younger teens, but there is plenty here to keep older teens--and adults too--pleasantly entertained.

Heroine: 4

Subcharacters: 4

Fantasy World-Building: 4

Writing: 4

Action-Adventure Plot: 4

Romantic Subplot: 4


Overall: 4