Author: Kersten Hamilton
Publication Date: November 15, 2010
Genre: YA Fantasy
Copy provided by: Book it Forward Tours
Summary (via Goodreads):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.
Why I read this: I really love books about mythology and lore and this one peaked my interest.
Plot: When Teagan's cousin comes to live with them, her whole world is turned upside down. Not only does she have some serious chemistry with Finn, but horrible creatures start appearing, causing tragedy and misfortune to the Wylltson family. And when her father goes missing, Teagan must travel into a world she barely knows and they must use what they know of the lore to bring their father back. But will they be able to make it back?
Characters: Unfortunately, the plot was fantastic, but the characters felt really flat. I had to reread the one page that was written about the family member who died - yes one page - and then it was rarely mentioned and had a lack of grief and sadness. Instead, the book just moved on. I didn't feel like I knew the characters really well and they didn't feel real to me when I was reading them - they were either over or under dramatized and didn't seem to have the character flaws needed to create a realistic character.
The author did a great job with lore and building up Finn's character, but the rest weren't quite as there.
Relatability: Anyone who likes lore will enjoy this book. I like the difference in evil creatures found in this novel.
Cover Commentary: Very cool and reflects that kind of feeling you get while reading the book.
Rating: 4/5 Roses 
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"I had to reread the one page that was written about the family member who died - yes one page - and then it was rarely mentioned and had a lack of grief and sadness."
ReplyDeleteI hate it when that happens. I have experienced that in a few books in the past two years, and usually end up giving up on the book before I'm done. It sounds like the plot made up for a lot of that in this book though.
I have this book too. Loved your review! I can't wait read it myself.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this one!
ReplyDeleteKristen talked a little in the comments of my review of my blog why she didn't elaborate on the death, and it makes sense. She also said that the final copy would probably be divided into parts. Because I totally felt the same way.
Great review!
I agree. It was 4/5 for me too. I liked it, but I didn't OMGIEFFINGLOVETHISBOOKSOMUCH it.
ReplyDeleteKinda off topic: Kersten is my middle name! Most people don't spell it like that.
ReplyDeleteI'm interested in reading this too.
ReplyDeleteAs a little side grammar nazi thing...you should use piqued and not peaked :)
http://languageandgrammar.com/2008/07/29/has-your-curiosity-been-peaked-or-piqued/
I LOVE this book! I thought Tea was a strong character, I had a good feel of what she was like and her reactions.
ReplyDeleteFinn was an amazing character! He was mysterious but wasn't at the same time.
Great well rounded review! I love lore but I hate flat characters. Hmm.
ReplyDeleteDisappointing to hear the characters are a bit flat with this intriguing plot. I love reading folklore. Thanks for the honest review!
ReplyDelete