Greta and the Goblin King

4.5

I have to say that the title, not the cover, got me from the start. The blurb, then the cover, sealed the deal. I just had to read this book. I'm so glad I did.

This book was amazingly written well. I was impressed with how quickly I was taken in by the story. It only took the first page to get hooked and by the end of it all I was thoroughly in love with Mylena, Greta, the Goblin King and everyone and everything in between.

The writing was incredible in this book. I know I said this before but it really was. It was mature for a YA and in all the right ways. We speak of world building, character building, character growth, flow, pacing when we read these reviews; and I have to say that this book did it all right. The words literally lifted off the page, effortlessly, creating visuals of everything taking place in this story, held your attention and refused to let go.

Before reading this book I had never read anything involving a goblin. I already thought this was unique because the main hero happens to be one. Imagine my surprise when I find other bits of other fairy tales in this book. For example: Greta “falls” into Mylena via a cauldron that a witch was using to kidnap her brother. There are a few human children in Mylena who call themselves the Lost Boys. This is only to name a few. The way these little details where included were awesome and although these stories felt familiar, Greta and the Goblin King remained very unique.

Greta
Not once did I doubt her as a fierce yet smart heroine. I admired her stubbornness because it kept her on the right path. Her feelings and thoughts always felt genuine to me and I was excited to accompany her on this adventure.

The Goblin King aka Isaac
It's been a few days since I finished this book and I have no idea why, even now, but it only took a few of Isaac's lines to fall in love with him. Again, I can't explain why but I instantly fell for him. He is mysterious, loyal, intriguing, stubborn, a man of a few words who never gives up and is constantly warring with his thoughts, emotions, and soul. He carries the weight of his world on his shoulders. Love him.

The Action
It is filled to the rim with action and intrigue.

Mylena and its people
This world is not overly complex. It's not simplistic either. The author managed the right balance where you understand the terms, you can easily follow all that is happening and furthermore, is completely believable. All of the characters are interesting, likeable, consistent and relatable. It was exciting to be in this world.


The Romance
There is romance. Amazingly, I felt and understood the attraction between Greta and the Goblin King. I didn't think it was rushed at all and it was something you could relate to. It was also handled nicely. It wasn't all up in your face but it didn't take a back burner either. I liked that it complimented the heart of the story but wasn't an awkward forced addition.

This leads us to...

I didn't like so much...
Well, there is romance... with another character. There is a dreaded semi-love-triangle. This one, I didn't feel too much. No, it's not because my heart already belonged to the Goblin King as of page 2 or 3. It's because although I love this character as a “person”, I felt his love for Greta came out of nowhere. Just read the story and you'll know what I mean.

Greta gasps a lot. I mentioned earlier that one of the positives of this read is that it read very mature for a YA, until Greta gets kissed. It doesn't happen a lot but it was a bit irritating. First time, ok. Second time, hmm. Third time... Dudette, stop!

Isaac and his secrets. I understand that not everything could be given up at once. I understood this in hopes that by the end of the story it would finally be clarified. It wasn't and I hope it is brought up in the next book. If you're wondering what I'm talking about... It involves a prophecy.

I recommend this book to EVERYONE and anyone looking for a wonderful, unique, fast paced, action packed fantasy that will leave you wanting the next book like now.

An ARC was provided by Entangled Teen for an honest review.