Review: Tyger Tyger

Tyger Tyger by Kersten Hamilton

publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

released November 9, 2010

hardcover, 322 pages

intended audience: Young adult

source: From publisher through Netgalley

rating:


description:
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.

Review: I'm always game for a good jaunt into the world of fairies, goblins, and other fantastical creatures. I've read all kinds of these books, there are ton of them out there in YA and MG fiction. Tyger Tyger, however, was exceptional. I loved it. The story has it all: action, heartbreak, Irish mythology, lots of danger, and a somewhat subdued love story that I'm sure we'll get to indulge in more in the follow-up books to this series! I can't wait!

I love how the story unfolded. First you meet Teagan; she is just a normal girl with a strong sense of where she wants to go in life, hard-working and focused on her goals. The relationship between her and her little brother, Aiden, was one of the best parts of the book. I really loved how they spoke sign language to eachother, and it definitely came in handy in dangerous times! The truth about who they are and who Finn is, and why they are all mixed up in this dangerous legendary world reveals itself at such a perfect pace that this book never dropped my attention. I was engaged all the way through!

I became endeared to so many characters in this book, the kind of characters you never forget: Teagan, Aiden, Finn, Mamieo, Raynor Shine, even Mrs. Santini...by the end of the book, each one had won a special place in my heart. They each had their strengths and weaknesses, but all knew what had to be done to make it through this adventure and it was done with bravery and selflessness, without a second thought.

As you can tell, I cannot recommend this book enough! If you haven't picked this one up, run out and get it now!! :)

Visit Kersten's website here.

Purchase Tyger Tyger at: Amazon • BN.com • BookDepository

Trailer: