Review: Tyger, Tyger by Kersten Hamilton

Publisher: Clarion Books

Release Date: Nov. 15th 2010

Age Group: Young Adult

Pages: 294(320 with dedication, author page, etc.)

Overall:

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 from Amazon)

Oy vay! Let me just say, it is a welcome relief to read a complete and totally unique fantasy novel. Especially one in a world written so well that it's like a fairy tale.

Step into Hamilton's world, and you will instantly fall in love. Yes, there are Highborn goblins, hellhounds, and ugly cat-sidhe, but there are things in the world that are absolutely beautiful. Hamilton has written a beautiful story about a family fighting for themselves and the world that is Mag Mell. The whole entire concept is something amazing and totally unique, a blend of Irish folk tales, fairy tales, romance, and whatever else makes up an amazing fantasy novel today. You will definitely be kept on your toes through this constantly changing plot. There's new love, family bonds, magical powers (and people discovering their magical powers), hidden pasts, and even a little Mob involvement. Trust me, this plot was not boring. Unfortunately, I can't give away more because there are lots of little surprises.

And now, I get to tell you about the gloriousness that is Finn. Because Hamilton has written her characters extremely well, especially Finn. Finn is the Mac Cumhaill, the one born to fight goblins. He is also an extremely sexy Irish teenager who has impeccable manners when it comes to women, and loves his grandma Mamieo. You will easily fall in love with Finn and Teagan's witty banter, constantly interrupted by the very lively best friend Abby and the adorable little brother Aiden. I'd definitely say Aiden was one of my favorite characters, especially when he pulls tricks on Teagan or calls bad guys "dirty Elvis impersonators." The cast of characters in this book is the perfect blend of funny and serious, sweet and mischievous. You will love them from the start, from Aiden's adorable insults, to Mamieo's grandmotherly advice and Finn's boyish charm. Oh, and no wimpy girls in this book. Teagan has brains and beauty, and sure knows how to think on her feet!

I can't tell you much more about the book, and I can't tell you much about the ending. But I can tell you that this book isn't lacking adventure, romance, or any sort of mythical creature. And the ending is so perfect that you'll be unwilling to put the book down. I hope that when this book comes out in November, that you all get it and enter the amazing if some what scary world that Hamilton has created.

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S0, that was my probably not very good review because I'm sleepy and not in the reviewing mood. But oh well, go buy Tyger, Tyger when it comes out!

Love always,

Amanda