Book Review: Goblin Hero

Reviewed By: Cheryl - RAM

Goblin Hero     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Jim C. Hines
Class/Genre:   Fantasy
Series: Goblin Quest # 2
DAW, 2007

Goblins often get very bad press and - as they are violent, treacherous, disgustingly dirty and far too stupid to be anything more than extremely useless side-kicks to the average Evil Overlord - it is hard to argue that they don't deserve their reputation.

Yet even the goblins have a hero - Jig Dragonslayer - a small, near- sighted, weak goblin whose previous jobs had involved hauling sludge around and cleaning privies. He had been taken to a dragon's lair by a group of adventurers, and emerged as the sole survivor and hero.

Of course, the mere fact that he's a hero and has picked up a useful skill or two on his adventures doesn't mean that he is safe and honoured among his own kind. Quite the contrary - he's seen by the more powerful and ambitious goblins as a potential threat to their positions. The goblin leader Kralk is especially eager to try to force or manipulate Jig into taking on another little job - preferably a fatal one. Then the ogres come looking for help...

This delightful tale takes the idea of the muscle-bound sword- swinging hero and turns it inside out. Jig is almost the exact opposite - and is not only very clever (for a goblin), but also, even more importantly, knows himself and his limitations, and doesn't give up. His unlikely companions on this adventure learn and adapt or die - and most of them aren't merely 2-dimensional figures.

This is highly recommended for those looking for a little light- hearted fantasy with a twist.

Cheryl - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Cheryl - RAM