February Book Of The Month: Nine Goblins By T. Kingfisher
What would happen if humans and goblins started a war? What would happen if a regiment of goblins were whisked away from the battle and thrust into another problem? Both of these questions are answered in the book Nine Goblins by T. Kingfisher. You follow the troubled point of view of a goblin commander just trying to get back.
No one knows precisely how the Goblin War began, but folks will tell you that goblins are stinking, slinking, filthy, sheep-stealing, henhouse-raiding, obnoxious, rude, and violent. Goblins would actually agree with all this, and might throw in “cowardly” and “lazy” too for good measure. But goblins don’t go around killing people for fun, no matter what the propaganda posters say. And when a confrontation with an evil wizard lands a troop of nine goblins deep behind enemy lines, goblin sergeant Nessilka must figure out how to keep her hapless band together and get them home in one piece. Unfortunately, between them and safety lies a forest full of elves, trolls, monsters, and that most terrifying of creatures…a human being.
When I decided to read this book, I didn’t think I would enjoy it as much as I did. This book jumps between the point of view of a goblin who is the leader of a war regiment, and an elf who is basically a magical creature vet. I didn’t have high hopes for this book, but I like T. Kingfisher’s writing. I have read a few of their other books. I also thought this was a high-fantasy, low-stakes book, but I was wrong. Yes, it’s high fantasy. I mean, come on, there isn’t a world with goblins and trolls. Wouldn’t it be cool if they were real, though? I really enjoyed that the goblins were supposed to be scary, but one finds a little kitten, and the other talks through a bear. It’s so cute! Plus, the kitten’s name is Whiskers. Nessilka is probably the only slightly clever goblin in command, and I loved her point of view. Her opinions on her fellow goblins made me laugh. I thought this book was a great read. If you like fantasy and want a quick, fun read, then this is for you. T. Kingfisher is a great author who dabbles in many genres.
