In the Forests of the Night

Goblin Wars #2

by Kersten Hamilton

The battle against goblinkind continues . . . but which side will Teagan be on?

Teagan, Finn, and Aiden have made it out of Mag Mell alive, but the Dark Man’s forces are hot on their heels. Back in Chicago, Tea’s goblin cousins show up at her school, sure she will come back to Mag Mell, as goblin blood is never passive once awoken. Soon she will belong to Fear Doirich and join them. In the meantime, they are happy to entertain themselves by trying to seduce, kidnap, or kill Tea’s family and friends. Tea knows she doesn’t have much time left, and she refuses to leave Finn or her family to be tortured and killed. A wild Stormrider, born to rule and reign, is growing stronger inside her. But as long as she can hold on, she’s still Teagan Wylltson, who plans to be a veterinarian and who heals the sick and hurting. The disease that’s destroying her—that’s destroying them all—has a name: Fear Doirich. And Teagan Wylltson is not going to let him win.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Adventure, Mythology, Magic

295 pages, Hardcover

First published November 22, 2011

Reviews

[Crowinator · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Wylltson, the booknerd, gentle dad-brairian, wins the Best Dad of YA Paranormal Fiction Award for counseling his love-struck teenage daughter Tea this way:

"Tea, I know you think you love Finn, and he thinks he loves you. But love is something that grows. You've really only known each other for a few weeks. He's a fine young man, and very serious about this. But walk together a little longer before you decide about marriage....

"If we never loved, then maybe we would never feel pain. Love anyway. It's worth it. But let it grow slowly. Intentionally. And keep in mind that all you have to do is say the word, and I will throw that young man out the door."

HAH!

I remember liking the first book, with reservations, but after a slightly melodramatic start/recap of Book One, this one really took off. It was funnier and more heartfelt than the first one, and there were no strange time jumps that distracted from connecting with main character Teagan, who is one of the stronger heroines I've encountered. I'm so glad I have an ARC of Book Three ready to go.

[Ambur · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say that I was excited for In the Forests of the Night is a severe understatement...I have been anxiously awaiting this book since the moment I finished...no, maybe the moment I started Tyger Tyger...yup, I love this series that much. As soon as I start one I'm anxious for more...and more. I've got a pretty big To-read pile, so I haven't taken much time to reread a story in a while, but I made an exception for this series. I didn't want to start In the Forests of the Night without remembering all of Tyger Tyger, so I reread it beforehand...which was an excellent idea, not only did it help me remember, but it also gave me a double dose of Finn MacCumhail, that sexy beast, his words not mine...although I may have called him something similar to that in my head once or twice. ;)



Moving on from how much I love Finn...okay, I'm totally lying, there will be plenty more gushing about Finn in this review...anyways. In the Forests of the Night takes off immediately after Tyger Tyger, the last few pages of Tyger Tyger are actually the same as the Prologue of In the Forests of the Night, which is awesome if you choose not to the first book...plus those few pages are so freaking adorable, and awesome! I can't even reread them without smiling a gigantic grin and if I'm in the right mood, tearing up.

Teagan was fantastic in this one! I loved her in the first book, but she's really starting to grow into herself, and discover what she's capable of in In the Forests of the Night. She's starting to accept what she's found out about herself, even if she doesn't like it, and although she's still not happy with it, she knows that there's nothing she can do to about it all. And in some other big news Cindy the Chimp gets a boyfriend! :D Sorry if I spoiled that for anyone, but you will love that part, seriously it's so cute! :D If you can't tell, I'm also one of those people that see a puppy on TV and starts in on the babytalk...it's really hard to not do, seriously, they're just so cute, like Cindy and her boyfriend! :D

Since I've already told you about Cindy, I'm going to talk about the action in this one. There's lots of running. That is all. Okay, that's not all, but that's all I'm going to tell you so that you aren't completely spoiled by this review. :P There are also lots of goblins, and you get to see several different kinds. You also learn more folklore about the first Finn MacCumhail, and more of the Travellers' history. I absolutely loved learning about the history, and the former MacCumhail, and pretty much everything about this book. Honestly, In the Forests of the Night completely blew all of my expectations for Tyger Tyger's sequel out of the water. It was so much more than I expected, and I probably couldn't have loved it more than I already did. There was some epic use of foreshadowing in this one, and throughout the story I was kept on my toes, trying to figure out what would happen next.

In the Forests of the Night was an amazing sequel, and I think all fans of Tyger Tyger will be thrilled when they read it. Just as she did with Tyger Tyger, Kersten Hamilton has once again woven a wondrous story that draws you in right from the first page. The characters: Aidan, Teagan, Finn (♥♥♥) to name a few, welcome you back into their world as if you'd never left, and you'll be spellbound until the very last page. I, for one, am already anxiously...and I mean ANXIOUSLY, awaiting the next book!

Have you started the Goblin Wars series yet?

And if you haven't, why not?

[Meg Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Set your sails upon the mighty winds of May…Set your sails upon the hope of June”…
When Aiden sang this song for Teagan I got goosebumps and shivers. And I kicked my feet and giggled when Teagan and Finn… well, you’ll have to wait and read it for yourself.

When you reach the last line on the last page you'll shout inarticulately and throw the book from you, but you'll be smiling because you can still feel the hum of the story.

And when you put the book on the shelf… you'll thank goodness there’s going to be another one!!

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's not the fastest paced tale out there, but there are so many things I enjoyed about this book that spending the first two-thirds on the set-up was totally ok with me.

What I liked:

1) the humor
Was the first book this funny? I think I need to re-read it, because I laughed lot in this one.

"I'm a librarian," Mr. Wylltson said. "We practice believing six impossible things before breakfast."
"Like rabbits with pocket watches?"
"Like library funding will be available next year."

2) the character relationships and the developing romance between Teagan and Finn

I loved how Teagan kept reminding Finn that just because she loves him, she's not giving up college or her dreams for him, and how Finn completely accepts and supports that decision. I also love how Teagan's father handles their relationship:

"Tea," he said, taking his hand away. "I know you think you love Finn. And he thinks he loves you. But love is something that grows. You've really only known each other for a few weeks. He's a fine young man, and very serious about this. But walk together a little longer before you decide about something like marriage. A lifetime is a long time to be together."
"What if it's not?"
"Ah." Mr. Wylltson was quiet for a long moment. "You have to live each day as if you are creating the future, Tea. As if what you do will last."

3) Choices and becoming

This is maybe just a personal thing, but I get annoyed with a lot of the predestination/fate stuff in PNR/UF because it so often seems like a cop out, an excuse not to try or compromise or commit to anything. Therefore, this theme that Ms. Hamilton develops, of making choices and becoming who you choose to be, for good or ill, just delighted me:

Teagan admitted "I hate it. I hate what I've done. But I've started down that path, haven't I? It's in my blood."
"You've got choices, like any other creature," Finn said. "You can stumble down that road, pretending you can't help it. You can curl up and die of regret and sorrow for what you've done. Or you can get up and fight, even though the battle might be lost."

...
"There's no such thing as 'destiny,' Abigail. Just becoming. Choosing to become what you were created to be, or choosing to walk away from it."

...
"Even Choirboy says Thomas is a bad guy"....
"I've no doubt of it," Mamieo agreed. "But I should have considered not only what he's been, but what he's becoming, shouldn't I? And what part I have in that."

[Esther Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book. Usually when you read a second book in a series it has to much information or is boring. This one has just the right amount of excitement and material. After reading you just want to pick up the last and final book. I love the writing, characters, and plot. Every intriguing part makes you curl up and read without a thought in the real world. Kirsten Hamilton did it again, making you grow weak in your knees for these unbelievably amazing books.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Synopsis

Teagan, Finn, and Aiden have rescued Tea's and Aiden's father and have made it out of Mag Mell alive, bringing a few new friends with them. But The Dark Man's forces are hot on their heels. Back in Chicago, Teagan soon realizes that she is not the target of the goblins. In fact, the goblins call her princess, and call her to come out and play. Something is happening to her, and she suspects it’s an infection she picked up in Mag Mell. An infected cat-sídhe becomes her test subject, and Teagan is determined to cure it of the sickness that seems to rot its flesh. If she can find a cure for the cat-sídhe, then maybe there is hope for her.

Meanwhile, Kyle and Isabeau, Teagan’s goblin cousins, show up in her school, disguised as a substitute teacher and a foreign exchange student. They are sure she will come back to Mag Mell, as goblin blood is never passive. Once awoken, it will burn away every other aspect of her being, leaving her pure and solely goblin. When the process is complete, she will belong to Fear Doirich, the Dark Man. It is just a matter of time. In the meantime, Kyle and Isabeau are happy to entertain themselves by trying to seduce, kidnap, or kill Teagan’s family and friends.

Tea knows she doesn’t have much time left, and she refuses to leave Finn to be hunted to the death or her family to be tortured and killed. A wild Stormrider, born to rule and reign, is growing stronger inside her, but as long as she can hold on, she’s still Teagan Wylltson, who plans to be a veterinarian and who heals the sick and hurting. The disease that’s destroying her—that’s destroying them all—has a name: Fear Doirich.

And Teagan Wylltson is not going to let him win.

My Thoughts

Tyger Tyger was like watching an explosion of fireworks in the sky on July 4th. It was brilliant, it was bright, it was spectacular and it was loud. In The Forests Of The Night is like taking a long slow easy gondola ride. The world is already built, the characters are already introduced, most of the plot is already in place. Reading is simpler, you are more in tune in what is going on and more invested in your connection with the main characters and the parts that they play as the story progresses. It is fascinating to be able to pick up a book after reading the first one months and months before and feel so comfortable and so at ease with what is going on that you do not have to re-read anything to get yourself back in the same frame of mind you were whenever the first book ended. I truly believe that The Goblin War series, though intended for a young adult audience has a much wider appeal. It is something that a mother and a son, a father and a daughter, a brother and a sister can read together and enjoy. You can talk about the books with people of all ages and who doesn’t like Fantasy? Who doesn’t like two bright young people falling in love against the odds of what is going on around them and still being able to have a life with their family and still be able to carry on friendships outside of the realm of what they are actually involved in with the villains of the piece. The author Kersten Hamilton has created something that bridges the gap between childhood and adulthood. The books take you to a place in your mind that you would not have found if it were not for the authors imagination and skill at weaving such interesting tales. Reading both Tyger Tyger and In The Forest of The Night have given me more pleasure than fine wine or a piece of chocolate cake. Anything that you can think of that would be considered a simple pleasure like smelling a flower, watching a hummingbird drink nectar or even seeing a baby smile gives us joy. My greatest simple pleasure is reading and I truly thank the author for that pleasure, it has been a wonderful experience. When the series is finished with book three I still will have these reads on my bookshelves, and I can get them and revisit the characters as many times as I want. A book never expires, never loses its appeal and is always there to entertain when needed.

If you ever read a first book in a new series and thought the second book could not be as good or better wait till you read this one! What are you waiting for pre-order a copy today, I did!

[For the purposes of full disclosure this ARC was provided by the author via her publisher. The book was received in exchange for an honest review and I have not received any other compensation from the author or publisher other than the pleasure I derived from reading about the characters in the story.]

[Nafiza · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only complaint I had with Tyger, Tyger was that it ended too soon. So when I got a chance to review In the Forests of the Night, I pounced on it like a cat sighting catnip. Before I begin my review,let's talk about the the title. If you're not familiar with the poem, the titles of the series come from the famous poem by William Blake (reproduced below for your benefit):

TIGER, tiger, burning bright
In the forests of the night,
What immortal hand or eye
Could frame thy fearful symmetry?

In what distant deeps or skies
Burnt the fire of thine eyes?
On what wings dare he aspire?
What the hand dare seize the fire?

And what shoulder and what art
Could twist the sinews of thy heart?
And when thy heart began to beat,
What dread hand and what dread feet?

What the hammer? what the chain?
In what furnace was thy brain?
What the anvil? What dread grasp
Dare its deadly terrors clasp?

When the stars threw down their spears,
And water'd heaven with their tears,
Did He smile His work to see?
Did He who made the lamb make thee?

Tiger, tiger, burning bright
In the forests of the night,
What immortal hand or eye
Dare frame thy fearful symmetry?

Try reading it out loud. It's awesome fun. And yes, awesome fun is an adjective now that clearly describes both the poem and the experience that is reading In the Forests of the Night. If you haven't read Tyger, Tyger yet, I'm not sure what you're waiting for but I'm assuming that you have read it and that's why you're reading this review so you know that the sequel is just as much (if not more) fun as the first book in the series.

I seriously love Finn. In fact, I love all the characters in the novel but I have a soft spot for Finn because...well, it's Finn. Forget Etienne, I want a Finn of my very own. He's just so irrepressible and so sincere, all at the same time. A guy who can combine parts goodness with parts naughtiness - he's just, well, an awesome character to read. There is no love triangle (I hear angels singing) so there is no detracting from the relationship between the two.

Finn aside, Kersten manages to sustain the very quality of the story that had me glued to Tyger, Tyger. Every character in the novel (and there are many characters) is distinct and well created and let me tell you, in a book with many characters, this is a feat worthy of genius. And they all come together with their distinct personalities to create enervating chaos. A chaos that will have you giggling at times and thinking at others. The atmosphere, the camaraderie is beautifully done.

Another thing I really liked about Forests is that it is an ode to literature, to writing, to the beauty in words. The mythology is just as tight and well thought as in the first book and I love how the traveling between the two worlds is almost seamless. There is no excessive melodrama and no campy feel to it. The book does what it aims to and what it aims to do is entertain. I am pleased to say Teagan has bloomed in a distinct character of her own. I had felt that her characterization was weaker compared to others (because they are all just so vibrant) but she came into her own in this book and I can't wait to see how she develops further.

I seriously liked this book. Again, I wished it was longer but I will take what I get. The cover's gorgeous too. If you haven't read the first book in the series, seriously, what are you waiting for? And if are wondering about the second one, it's fantastic. Finn remains awesome and I totally am rooting for Aiden (who just has to be the most awesome five year old out there).

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Forest of the Night, book 2 of the Goblin Wars, is just as exciting and fun to read as the first book, Tyger, Tyger. Teagan, Finn, and Aiden have rescued Tea's and Aiden's father and have made it out of Mag Mell alive, but things are not good. Teagan's dad is in bad shape and has lost his memory and the Dark Man's forces are after them. Back in Chicago, Teagan soon realizes that something is happening to her, there is a disease that’s destroying her real self, what makes her the human Teagan.

A War is coming that will destroy her, her family, friends, and all of Chicago if she doesn't fight, so she will, and Teagan Wylltson is going to win.


The Goblin War series is intended as a YA book but really it has a much wider appeal. The author Kersten Hamilton has created something that bridges the gap between YA fiction and adult fiction. The plot, characters, setting, and the juxtaposition of reality and fantasy works beautifully. Reading both Tyger Tyger and In The Forest of The Night has been a great reading experiencee. I highly recommend the trilogy.

[Miss Amelia]

I'll have to come back to this one.

[♥♡¢σσкιє♥♡ (Krystle) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come!

[Melissa Hayden · Rating 4 out of 5]

more of 3.5 stars

Teagan is upset with what she learned of her mothers family (in Tyger Tyger) and what it might mean to her and Finn. When Finn comes to talk to her and reassure her things get crazy quickly in the full house of the Wylltsons'. Thomas starts sprouting feathers and cat-sidhe appear. The cat-sidhe want Aiden. As Fear Doirich wants Aiden. Mamieo doesn't like Thomas because he's a highborn, Roisin (Teagan's Aunt) is mad at her love, her father is still trying to get his memories back and straight. Oh and the social worker is coming around too. All craziness and then the goblins come back into their lives with threats to Teagan and she starts to change after a lick from Kyle. A war is on it's way...

We start exactly where Tyger Tyger left off, Teagan's crying on the roof and Finn climbing the drain pipe to talk to her. Finn captures my heart once again at the get go here. Finn has turned Teagan's plans around, though she still wants to follow them, they now have a boyfriend attached somewhere in there.

We see all the same characters again in this book. I do like the extra background Thomas, the shape-shifter, brings to the family of the goblin world Mag Mell. It was his home and he is a highborn so he knows a great deal. We can't forget about Lucy the spirit living in Aidens' hair. Aiden gets to try a few new things with his special gift of song as well. Nice to see, and I hope to see more of him in the future. So many different characters and personalities in one house, it's funny from time to time.

Another wonderful YA book that I would hand over not needing the adults to read first. But I would say do read it for the fun and wonderful writing it is. This book went quickly for me as well. I love the Celtic lore tangled into the story and I get a little feel of a fairy land as well. That is one of the things that drew me into the first story as well. I really enjoy this mix. This book seems a little slower at first, but we need to get the setting set and the characters defined as everyone is growing and changing, which is wonderfully done with keeping us attracted to the book. Then the action picks up and leaves you desiring the third book of the trilogy.

I strongly suggest giving the Goblin Wars Trilogy a try. It's a wonderful read and you wont be disappointed. If you enjoy fairy type books, this goblin based trilogy could very much be for you.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is very rare for me. I don't usually enjoy the second book more than the first. In fact, if it weren't for a few disagreements on some small things, I'd give this five stars instead of four!

The plot picks up from where the first book left up. While I do think it took a while for things to actually get rolling, we do get more history of everything and a new character. Something happens to Tea that makes things a lot more complicated as a normal (Highborn) girl and as Finn's… whatever heart. Frankly, the events made Tea more real and I liked it. Good character development, even though the ending had me screaming at the book… at 1 in the morning. Oops.

The characters each developed, while staying true to their original characteristics. And they each seemed real. Finn and Teagen's relationship - though it makes me feel like it has some hints of imprinting (like werewolves) - still comes across real and uncertain. Finn is the kind of guy every girl would want: protective, faithful, funny and true. While he comes across a bit too perfect (the guy's a freaking saint! literally!), I found that calling Tea "girl" was not cool, no matter how “perfect” he came across. Which made him less perfect in my eyes, so there. Anyway, so much for being a lover and not a fighter, huh? I got kinda sick with that, but I liked how true Tea tried to stay to her ideals. I was a little surprised when Finn said he would've been a lover too, given the chance, but whatever. Just one more Finn facet, right? Tea developed a lot in this book, struggled with what was happening around her, but remained faithful to her family and friends and tried to protect them. You could almost see her lose her… humanness towards the end. And I really want the third book! Gah!

Maybe I was paying more attention, but Hamilton's dialogue was more funny. While I'd still put her as an average contemporary writer when it comes to description, her dialogue between Tea, Abby and Finn had me grinning. The characters came across more real because of the dialogue and Hamilton doing brilliantly keeping them in character.

Hamilton does a seamless job in mixing the modern world and the… Irish (?) world. It's truly beautiful and enchanting and I can't wait to read the third book. :)

Warnings/heads up/what’s in this book: nothing terrible for a YA book, and the romance was pretty tame.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kersten Hamilton does a wonderful job picking up the threads from book one and weaving them seamlessly into IN THE FORESTS OF THE NIGHT. Her ability to drop information unobtrusively into the narrative was important, as her cast of characters is large and complex, and getting reacquainted took a few chapters.

That getting to know you process is rewarding, however, as Teagan and her friends deal with the frenetic aftermath of their trip to the faerie realms. admit, I was overwhelmed for the first several chapters, but I think that was a natural extension of the story. Teagan is under siege, with no clear path forward to secure the safety of her family and friends. Her home life is disjointed, with the fall of TYGER TYGER introducing new people (and changing the old). It is not until the story is at it's most dangerous that things take on an eerie calm, as if the direct conflict itself smooths the way for Teagan to assess and solve the problem before her.

Despite a rocky beginning, once Teagan finds her feet I really enjoyed this story. Unfortunately, that was far enough into the book to knock this down one star over all. To those who loved TYGER TYGER (and thus, would probably find the opening less confusing than I did), IN THE FORESTS OF THE NIGHT is a must read. And for those who are as bad at keeping track of a large cast as I am, the ending of this book was more than worth the effort. Once Teagan sunk her teeth into the conflict, I was completely on board for book three.

Full review at All Things Urban Fantasy.

Sexual Content: Kissing.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teagan and Finn are back in book two of this series. I really enjoyed Tyger Tyger and could not wait for the next book in the series. Needless to say In the Forests of the Night did not disappoint. It was so amazing and just as good if not better than the first book.

I really feel like In the Forests of The Night has an addictive quality about it. I started reading it and when in no time 100 pages had flown by. I'm usually a slow reader so when I can just fly through a book it is generally a sign of a really good book.

I loved the whole story and it was really great getting back into the whole magical world of Fear Doirich and Mag Mell. I really love Celtic mythology and this book is just packed with it. I loved reading about Aiden's magical ability and getting to know some of the other characters better.

I also love Teagan and Finn, they seem like such a cool couple and I really love the way they interact with each other.

Overall, I would have to say that I absolutely loved In the Forests of the Night, it's a brilliant book and I know I'm going to be highly awaiting the release of the next book. If you love fantasy and you haven't read this or the first book, Tyger Tyger yet, you are definitely missing out!

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Tyger Tyger and was excited to get to In the Forests of the Night. I wasn't disappointed, and while I think I prefer the first book, the writing in this one was every bit as good. Kersten Hamilton has a knack for writing a story that flows. It's easy to get caught up in her world and want to stay there until the very last page.

My biggest beef with the book was that they didn't get to Mag Mell until over halfway into the book, and that's the most interesting aspect to the story for me. I love fantasy lands, so I wanted to spend a little more time there than we did. The parts that were there were fabulous, though.

I enjoy the characters in this series, and like how they all have a distinct voice. Teagan is a strong female character that teens can admire, and the romance between her and Finn was well done. No "I must have you or I'll die" type romance here, but a more realistic, typical teen romance, which I really liked.

I would recommend this series to YA fantasy fans, and will be looking forward to reading more from this talented author.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will let the following excerpt show why I love this book so much:

"Why don't you go right down and kill the creature now?"

"I couldn't do it now, and you well know it. Not after I have seen that he loves the girl as strong and right as I loved my Rory."

"Would you have killed him the day he lied to Roisin, before his love grew strong and right?"

"I don't think I would. Not if I knew what was growing in him"

"Then how about the day before he met the girl? Before he ever loved at all?"

This book dealt a lot with how each choice that we make takes us one step closer to becoming something, or sort of "unbecoming" who we could have been. I really loved the way it came through, demonstrated in the actions and dialogues of so many characters.

[William Heron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very happy to get my hands on an ARC of 'In the Forests of the Night'. I loved 'Tyger Tyger', so I was really looking forward to the next in the series. I wasn't disappointed.

'In the Forests of the Night' has the same flavor and feel of the first book. The characters are just as interesting, the story moves at a great pace, and there are new creatures and happenings in Mag Mell that we haven't seen before. It was a bit darker than 'Tyger Tyger', but in a necessary way.

Can't wait for number three!

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the Forests of the Night is the second book in the Goblin Wars trilogy by Kersten Hamilton. While it was still intriguing and kept me entertained throughout, I think I liked the first book better.

The story continues where Tyger Tyger ended. The author put the last few pages of the first book in the prologue to remind you what happened. I thought this was a smart way to recap what happened in the first book. Usually authors weave the recap into the first chapter or two of the next book, along with whatever is happening now. I always try to skim the recap paragraphs and end up missing important new details, so I have to go back and reread those paragraphs again. That’s why I like Hamilton’s recap of Tyger Tyger: I can just skip it and not worry about missing any important details!

One of the reasons why I didn’t like this book as much as the first book is the pacing. Tyger Tyger was paced well, and the last quarter of the book was filled with action and was super fast-paced. In the Forests of the Night, on the other hand, was slower-paced, with little action until the end. It focused more on what happened in the aftermath of Tyger Tyger and how the characters coped with these changes. The last couple of chapters were fast-paced and action-filled, but they didn’t grip me like the events in the first book did.

I did like that there were more humorous moments in this book, though. For example, there is one scene where Ms. Skinner fixes her makeup in the reflection of the Wyllston house’s window, not realizing that everyone was staring at her from inside. I also liked how chaotic the first few chapters were. I mean, when there’s ten people/creatures living in one house, it’s bound to get a little crazy!

Finn and Teagan officially become a couple in this book. They talk about their relationship early on in the book, and Teagan makes it clear to Finn that just because they’re in a relationship doesn’t mean her life is going to be any different. She’s still going to go to Cornell University, hang out with her friends, etc. I really liked how level-headed she was about it. Everyone, from Teagan’s father to her best friend Abby caution them to take the relationship slow. After all, they’ve only known each other a couple of weeks. I was a bit disappointed that they only kissed once, and it was at the end of the book. I wanted there to be more swoon-worthy moments. Maybe in the next book?

One thing I was confused about was Roisin. Everyone knew that she didn’t know any English, yet people kept asking her questions. What’s even weirder is that she would nod or shake her head to answer them! How did she know what they asked her? Maybe she’s just good at interpreting hand gestures and understand the inflections in a sentence? I just feel that it was a bit unrealistic.

There are so many questions I have no answers for by the end of In the Forests of the Night! The ending is a bit of a cliffhanger, but it’s bearable. Mainly because I have the last book in my possession so I don’t have to agonize over how it all ends! Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go dive into the final book in this trilogy, When the Stars Threw Down Their Spears!

Quotes I Liked:
“I’m a librarian,” Mr. Wylltson said. “We practice believing six impossible things before breakfast.”
– Pg. 53
Mameio Ida was the image of a sweet Irish granny, except for the butcher knife in her hand.
– Pg. 22

See this and other reviews on my blog, Pages Aflutter

[Casey Long · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. In my opinion, there is a lot to like about this book. The mythology itself is incredibly neat, and makes for a cool world with wondrous and scary creatures. The dialogue is fantastic, and the family dynamic is chaotic and fun. The romance is not an overbearing part of the story, which is refreshing, because the world and plot stands on it's own two legs, and doesn't need to rely on a romantic subplot to bring the drama.

There is something about the writing, though, that makes the emotional scenes less impactful than they could be. It feels like the book is underwritten, perhaps? But this second book also doesn't seem to have as much going on as the first book, plot-wise. It's a lot more waiting around for the Bad Guy shoe to drop. Either way, it feels like some things are missing from the storytelling at times, and whatever it is, it makes it harder to sink down into the story and care about the characters. It's an abrupt writing style, and paints a more 2D picture of the story instead of a 3D one. Don't know if that makes sense, but that's the best way I can describe the reading experience. Still a fun story, though.

[Subhajit Das · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book actually caught my attention from the book description itself. The gripping and authentic portrayal of the phases in every aspect are the base strengths of the book. Hooking elements are there at times which kept the reading flow in a simple and uninterrupted way. Undoubtedly a captivating read for me. Would love to recommend this surely. Thank you.

[Roxane · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always when continuing a series you particularly enjoyed, there's always a strange mix of excitement and apprehension. What if the sequels don't live up to the first book? Well, there's no point in maintaining any melodramatic suspens here, I loved the second book as much as I loved the first though these are two very different books.

In the Forest of the Night picks up right where we left Teagan, Aidan and Finn. It seems somewhat surreal that after journeying and surviving Mag Mell, Teagan and Aidan actually need to start their daily routines again (school, medical appointments, part-time jobs, etc.). Things are quite clear though, Tea has not given up on her dreams and ambitions despite her mother's death, the revelation that she is part goblin, her love for Finn and the diminution of her father. This is one strong and inspiring female character Kersten Hamilton has created and it's so good to see that her mind hasn't evaporated because 'Sexy Beast' (as he likes to be called) has come into the picture. Tea has her plan and she will try to fit Finn in it but they need to have their own lives and be able to stand on their own two feet before becoming an item.

This is how book 2 differs from Tyger, Tyger. We are familiar with the characters by now, we know the background, we know the stakes. This second book contains less action than the first but then action is not what the book is about. That doesn't mean that there's nothing going on, there's actually quite a bit going on but this time, it's all about discovering new facets of the main characters, especially Teagan.

There's of course her growing love for Finn but even that is broached in a way it hardly ever is in a lot of YA novels. Generally, parents are too quickly done away with because well, they're parents and we always think we're better off without them. Plus, their deaths or disappearances also serve as good plot devices to explain the main protagonist's vulnerability... Not here, Tea does miss her mother and her father has yet to fully recover from his visit to Mag Mell but he still maintains his role as a parent. It seems in a lot of YA novels, teens end up living under the same roof due to impossible circumstances. All those hormones, someone has too keep an eye over them. John Wyllston's character is endearing, charming and witty and he makes sure that both Finn and Tea keep a foot in the real world. Love is all nice and well, but there's a lot more to it than just love at first sight. John makes Finn and Tea wonder how well they actually know one another and the answer is of course, not very much. It's interesting to see such topics raised in a YA novel, especially in a fantasy one when more often than not the story stops when the main characters run off into the sunset and the reader can only assume that they'll live happily ever after. I really appreciate this level of reality being thrown into an epic fantasy story. It's unfortunately too much of a rarity.

This is what best describes the entire novel: in Tea's image, it finds its roots into two worlds, one is that of fantasy and Mag Mell and the other is the real world.

Tea is also face with another dilemma. She has mixed heritage and her actions will decide which part will overcome the other. Ideally, we wouldn't want it to be the goblin part, but what Tea did to make sure Aidan, Finn and herself escaped Mag Mell in book 1 has somehow tipped the balance. And her dear goblin cousins intend to make it tip yet further. This inner struggle which also has physical consequences is very interesting to withhold, especially if you analyse it through the angle of cultural diversity. Tea is convinced that she will become evil as the goblin side of her grows and matures but as Finn remarks, her new powers have not changed who she is at the core and it's really about hanging to your beliefs and staying true to yourself no matter how original and mismatched that self might be. Your identity needn't be black or white (pun not intended) but generally comes in all shades of gray and in fact, in all shapes and sizes as it shouldn't be a homogeneous whole.

In that way, despite their differences, the first two books in this series share a similar strength: excellent characterization.... okay and let's not forget witty dialogs... and references to very cool songs (I think this series should come with a soundtrack).

Some say that the second book in a series is often the calm before the storm, that it builds up for the final chapter (the third might not be the final). The ending of book 2 will certainly makes you feel this way. There's a reason why the series is called The Goblin War, a war is coming. And it's hard to think you'll have to wait a year to know what's coming next.

I feel like there was so much in this book that I haven't touched upon (I haven't even mentioned Aidan... how I love Aidan... and the Turtles... well, they're not real turtles... and some many more). I cannot recommend this series highly enough. Not only is it original and fun, it's also clever and unputdownable. If you haven't had a taste of it yet, now's your chance to read Tyger, Tyger before In the Forests of the Night comes out this November!

[Nate Steblay · Rating 2 out of 5]

I finally finished this disjointed, choppy book. Praise be.

[Megan]

DNS - book 2 in series, do not have book 1

[Har.the.rat. · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the better second books I've read this year. While there wasn't anything fantabulous or edge-of-your-seat about it, I found it to still be a good, fun and fast read, much like the first book.

WARNING: This review does contain spoilers for Tyger, Tyger, the first book in the Goblin Wars series, so if you would like to enter the giveaway and haven’t read Tyger, Tyger, then scroll down to the end.

Caitlin: In the Forests of the Nightmay look short, but a lot happened to Teagan, Finn, and Aiden. It starts off with everyone, and I mean everyone, living in the same house. The characters have to deal with the usual problems of living in a crowded house. A man turning into a raven just as a social worker is coming over. Going to school with a fairy living in your hair. The love lives of gorillas. Normal everyday things.So, it’s a bit of a shock when evil, moldering cats show up. Not to mention shadow-y, ghost like things with portents of death!

Christine: It’s important to note that this book starts off exactly where the first one ends. I both liked and didn’t like that. I liked it because it was like a real continuation of the first book, when usually we have to catch up with what happens between the first and second book with summaries and vague references. And I didn’t like it because I’d had to wait for so long between books that I’d forgotten what happened in the first one. Thank goodness we wrote a review about it so I could familiarize myself again.

From the word ‘go’, this continuation never lets up. It’s scene after scene of action, answers and fighting off really gross, sick cats whose guts are coming out of them. (Seriously.) Aiden is still adorable, Teagen is still rational and Finn is… well, Finn.

Caitlin: It is very important to note that Aiden is, indeed, still adorable. I highly enjoyed the dinner he arranged so he could sing something specific. And the fairy living in his hair. He’s just the best.

And I liked how Teagan still had her own ambitions and desires despite all the new people in her life and the new desires that came along with finding who and what she was…and meeting Finn. She was willing to change to fit everything in but she was not willing to give up what she wanted. I liked that about her.

Christine: Me too. Teagan is such a great character. Sure, sometimes she might have hair-brain ideas, but for the most part, she’s able to reason and specify what she wants and what she’s doing. I can easily follow her train of thought, thus I’m able to understand her and empathize when things don’t turn out exactly as planned. I like her.

Now Finn is another matter entirely. He’s rough and always tries to be the hero, which I have a feeling will one day put either him or Teagan in a very precarious situation, most likely one that might lead to one of their deaths. But he’s also unwavering in his devotion and romantic to a fault. I love it when he calls Teagan ‘girl’. It’s so Irish. It makes me want to roll my eyes and grin at his attempt at an endearing pet name.

Caitlin: I really liked when Finn told Teagan he’d protect her and she turned that back around and said she would protect him. I’m not expressing this correctly, but it was a good scene between the two of them. Encapsulating their characters very well.
And how dare you imply that one of them isn’t going to make it out of this. That’s just not cool.

Christine: I’m just saying, it’ll probably come down to a choice, or a really intense action sequence that puts either one or both of them in jeopardy. You know it’s going there, too, especially with the changes in Teagan and how that’s going to affect her and Finn’s relationship eventually. As much as they might want to believe it’s all going to be okay, it’ll be an issue that comes up again.

Caitlin: Honestly, the couple I absolutely need to make it out of this in one piece is the gorillas. I was little torn up about what happened to them. I don’t even care if this is weird. I love those gorillas.

Christine: I love the gorillas, too. And even though there was some heavy stuff that went down in this book, Kersten Hamilton still made it a fun read. It was light and enjoyable, and went by faster than I wanted it to.

[Whatchyareading]

WARNING: This review does contain spoilers for Tyger, Tyger, the first book in the Goblin Wars series, so if you would like to enter the giveaway and haven’t read Tyger, Tyger, then scroll down to the end.

Caitlin: In the Forests of the Nightmay look short, but a lot happened to Teagan, Finn, and Aiden. It starts off with everyone, and I mean everyone, living in the same house. The characters have to deal with the usual problems of living in a crowded house. A man turning into a raven just as a social worker is coming over. Going to school with a fairy living in your hair. The love lives of gorillas. Normal everyday things.So, it’s a bit of a shock when evil, moldering cats show up. Not to mention shadow-y, ghost like things with portents of death!

Christine: It’s important to note that this book starts off exactly where the first one ends. I both liked and didn’t like that. I liked it because it was like a real continuation of the first book, when usually we have to catch up with what happens between the first and second book with summaries and vague references. And I didn’t like it because I’d had to wait for so long between books that I’d forgotten what happened in the first one. Thank goodness we wrote a review about it so I could familiarize myself again.

From the word ‘go’, this continuation never lets up. It’s scene after scene of action, answers and fighting off really gross, sick cats whose guts are coming out of them. (Seriously.) Aiden is still adorable, Teagen is still rational and Finn is… well, Finn.

Caitlin: It is very important to note that Aiden is, indeed, still adorable. I highly enjoyed the dinner he arranged so he could sing something specific. And the fairy living in his hair. He’s just the best.

And I liked how Teagan still had her own ambitions and desires despite all the new people in her life and the new desires that came along with finding who and what she was…and meeting Finn. She was willing to change to fit everything in but she was not willing to give up what she wanted. I liked that about her.

Christine: Me too. Teagan is such a great character. Sure, sometimes she might have hair-brain ideas, but for the most part, she’s able to reason and specify what she wants and what she’s doing. I can easily follow her train of thought, thus I’m able to understand her and empathize when things don’t turn out exactly as planned. I like her.

Now Finn is another matter entirely. He’s rough and always tries to be the hero, which I have a feeling will one day put either him or Teagan in a very precarious situation, most likely one that might lead to one of their deaths. But he’s also unwavering in his devotion and romantic to a fault. I love it when he calls Teagan ‘girl’. It’s so Irish. It makes me want to roll my eyes and grin at his attempt at an endearing pet name.

Caitlin: I really liked when Finn told Teagan he’d protect her and she turned that back around and said she would protect him. I’m not expressing this correctly, but it was a good scene between the two of them. Encapsulating their characters very well.
And how dare you imply that one of them isn’t going to make it out of this. That’s just not cool.

Christine: I’m just saying, it’ll probably come down to a choice, or a really intense action sequence that puts either one or both of them in jeopardy. You know it’s going there, too, especially with the changes in Teagan and how that’s going to affect her and Finn’s relationship eventually. As much as they might want to believe it’s all going to be okay, it’ll be an issue that comes up again.

Caitlin: Honestly, the couple I absolutely need to make it out of this in one piece is the gorillas. I was little torn up about what happened to them. I don’t even care if this is weird. I love those gorillas.

Christine: I love the gorillas, too. And even though there was some heavy stuff that went down in this book, Kersten Hamilton still made it a fun read. It was light and enjoyable, and went by faster than I wanted it to.

Reviewed at WhatchYAreading on December 6, 2011.

[Eve · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm pleased to report that the elements which made Tyger Tyger a wonderful fantasy novel re-appear in the second of the Goblin Wars trilogy by Kersten Hamilton, In the Forests of the Night.

My favorite character, then as now, the cute-as-a-button five-year-old Aiden, is even more endearing. Mamieo is still a feisty firecracker of a grandmother. Although Mr. Wylltson has got to have the best line in the novel: "'I'm a librarian...We practice believing seven impossible things before breakfast.'"

Music still plays a major magical role here, as Aiden's powers as a bard manifest themselves in the real world. One of the funnier scenes is when the evil social worker from the first book, the Skinner, comes knocking and Aiden starts singing a not so subtle song about how he feels about her. I'll let you find out for yourself which song that is. Hint: it's a Disney song.

As in the last book, literary references were woven throughout the narrative, which I very much enjoyed.

I also loved learning more Celtic mythology (especially new spooky creatures introduced such as the fearsome sluagh and strange phookas).

By this book's start, Teagan and Finn are pretty much an item - they've declared their love to each other. I love how the newly rescued Mr. Wylltson asserts his parental authority, albeit gently, and describes how true love really works and that it stands the test of time. Too often in young adult novels relationships skyrocket to promises of forever in an instant. Here, although Teagan is intoxicated with her attraction and feelings for Finn, she demonstrates good sense by stepping back and acknowledging that she doesn't know that much about him. In fact she adamantly pursues her interests outside of their relationship, such as her job with animal research and her plans to study veterinary medicine in college.

One of the more interesting scenes relate to Teagan's work with Oscar and Cindy, the apes. As with the Celtic lore, I was fascinated with what this book taught me, "disguised" as story :)

But the part that I had been holding my breath for (though with trepidation) was Teagan's unavoidable journey back to Mag Mell. And it does not disappoint: dangers, thrills, and a (too) brief stay in Fear Doirich's lively goblin city where we see a glimpse of Queen Mab herself.

"Teagan came awake suddenly, cold with sweat. She had dreamed she was being hunted by creatures with bloody muzzles and ember-bright eyes while voices spoke with words she didn't understand. She'd had the dream before, on the night that Finn had led the goblins aways. The night before her mother had collapsed and died.

"It was different this time-the yowling had followed her out of the dream. She thought at first that there were alley cats fighting in the street until she heard the words tangled in the yowls. Cat-sidhe were on the street outisde, crying out for death and marrowbones.

"Tee-ghaaan."

It's been a year since I've read Tyger Tyger and so I expected a bit of re-adjustment when I began In the Forests of the Night. However, I was very disoriented for a couple chapters because In the Forests of the Night starts right where Tyger Tyger left off, as if one book had been cut in two. I had a hard time recalling details and characters - and so I was bewildered for quite some time.

So, be warned - don't skip the first and go to the second. You will not understand a thing if you do so.

Another thing that I found myself wishing was finding out more about Teagan's mother. A more detailed story of how she grew up in Mag Mell, then left and met Teagan's father I think would make a great novella (hint, hint).

In the Forests of the Night was very much a middle book to me. I would have preferred that at least half of its scenes been cut (maybe more) and the remainder included with Tyger Tyger.

However, with the chilling ending of book two (I gasped and shuddered, guys), I know what comes in the book three will be very exciting. More Mag Mell, please!

[Dark Faerie Tales · Rating 2 out of 5]

Review Courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales

Quick and Dirty: Teagan tries to overcome her goblin nature while coping with school, other kidnapping goblins, and a Irish boy whose duty is to fight goblins.

Opening Sentence: Teagan Wylltson blinked and tried to focus on her five-year-old brother, Aiden.

The Review:

The book picks up right where the first book left off with Finn and Teagan talking on the roof. The gang has gone and come back from Mag Mell (goblin realm) and now they have to deal with the after math. With Fear Doirich still hot on their tails and Teagan’s goblin nature growing stronger, the book is full of action and many details to absorb.

I think the main problem with this book is that it’s so big. The book itself is less than 300 pages, but there are so many details to retain throughout the whole series. There are so many characters, events, details, and coincidences that it’s hard to keep track of it all. Details from the first book become factors In the Forests of the Night, and it took several chapters to reacquaint myself with the characters.

Although it took a while to become attached to the book, the plot was well-rounded. Enough action with down-time scattered in between. The romance between Finn and Teagan is part of the main story line, and although they had some obstacles to overcome, I thought that once they realized they loved each other, there was nowhere to go with the plot. Granted, Teagan did break up with him (see notable scene below), but it didn’t last long. I love teenage angst (books only please) but this book only had a few pages of it before it was resolved. Also, some of the solutions to the conflicts were a bit “coincidental.” Abby just happening to know people or the Green Man just happening to have a soft spot for romance may work once, but one after the other can ruin the depth. If a conflict takes a whole chapter to tell and the solution only takes a sentence, the story loses any hope of being realistic.

Now with the negative stuff out of the way, the book was a nice break from the huge books with emotional roller costars. Sometimes you just need a simple book with happy endings. This book is the perfect cure for a mentally exhausted reader. If Tyger, Tyger was the flame, then Forests was the marshmallows roasting above it. The conflict has been explained, the world has been described, and the characters have been introduced. Forests builds on everything that has happened in Tyger, Tyger – more detail, more insight, more complexity. You get a closer look into the characters and find more layers to uncover, especially in Teagan.

Overall, once you get past the beginning, this is an alright book. If you can ignore some of the easy way outs, you should enjoy the whole series. My one suggestion: read Tyger, Tyger before you start this one to refresh your memory.

Notable Scene:

“Finn Mac Cumhaill,” Teagan said, “I do love you.”

“I’m taking this to mean we’re not broken up, then. It was the fever speaking.”

“No. It wasn’t the fever. You want forever, and… I can’t promise I won’t change even more. But I’m going to take care of Fear Doirich before I do.” She turned and started walking toward the old willow.

“Saying ‘I love you’ is no way to break up with a man!” Finn yelled behind her.

FTC Advisory: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt/Clarion Books provided me with a copy of Forests of the Night. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.

[Kyleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

So that synopsis is a little off. First off not one goblin calls Teagan "Princess". Second, she doesn't pick up anything from Mag Mell, someone GIVES her it more than halfway through the book. And then Kyle doesn't show up till over half way through either. Sorry, I just had to clear that up. I read the synopsis and kinda just went "that is not how it happened." Now that that's settled...

I absolutely loved this! It has been ages since I read Tyger Tyger and I really just forgot how laugh out loud hysterical the writing is. I was laughing through 2/3 of the book. (The end was a bit more serious) Aiden and Abby are probably my two favorite characters. They just make me laugh SO MUCH! I totally forgot about Aiden's hatred of Elvis Impersonators too. My room mate looked at me really funny when I suddenly burst out laughing hysterically. That kid is just too adorable for his own good. And I probably will never look at garlic the same way every again. It will bring unbidden thoughts of Silvester Stalone and testosterone to my mind. *twitches*

I really liked that Teagan and Finn are thinking their relationship through. With Finn being the Mac Cumhail he's cursed to fight goblins until he perishes. Teagan just wants a normal life and to fulfill her dreams. It was just really nice that they weren't living in a fantasy world where everything just worked out perfect. They're still taking things pretty slow, even though they've both said the L word. It's just refreshing to see a slow romance.

At first everyone is just trying to settle back into their normal lives, but Fear Doirich won't let that happen so easily. I was pleasantly surprised where the plot led. I didn't call that AT ALL. I'm glad that Teagan is still remaining true to herself, despite her changes. When they go back to into Mag Mell things get interesting pretty fast. They run into phookas, giant Irish wolfhounds, and Fear and Mab themselves. I absolutely loved the ending. I was truly surprised that Mab inserted herself into the game. Tricky little bugger to be sure. And gah, the last line?! Basically Teagan's a badass. "Then let there be war," *throws knife*. EPIC! Sorry, slight fangirl moment. I want to know how to throw a knife now...

Anywho, just a few last things that I loved. Uh, Jing?! Jing was freakin awesome. Jing Khan= the Mighty Khan! And the fact that his full first name is actually an alternate spelling for Ghangis made me laugh SO HARD. Parents in this book really have an awful habit of naming their kids after infamous/famous people/characters. Abby's cousins' just make me laugh every time their names come. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles... hehehe.

So it's pretty safe to say that I really loved this. It was a wonderful sequel to Tyger Tyger. I cannot wait for the third book. I have a feeling Zoe (the dance therapist) will be playing a major part. And Thomas too for some reason. I just have this awful feeling that he's going to sacrifice himself for the others. I like Thomas :( Hopefully that doesn't happen. Can't wait for more! And be looking for any updates, because I'm going to be doing something with Kersten soon to celebrate the paperback release of Tyger Tyger! So stay tuned! ^.^

[Stormi (StormReads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book starts up pretty much where Tyger, Tyger left off, Teagan must deal with the knowledge of her bloodline. She is determined to keep her family and friends safe at all cost. Just as things seemed to be back to as normal as it can be for the Wylltson family. It's not like every family has a nasty little Maggot Cat following them around.

Then one day Teagan's cousin shows up (a highborn sidhe) and does something to alter Teagan's DNA, trying to turn her more in to what he is. Kyle is trying to make sure she comes back to Mag Mell and wants her to bring her brother Aiden, to Fear Doirich.

Teagan refuses to let Fear Doirich ruin her or her friends lives any more and decides to go back into Mag Mell and face him on her own, but she finds out in the end that things might now be how she thought they were, in which we are left wondering what will be happening in book 3.

I loved Tyger, Tyger and was excited to be able to receive a eARC of In The Forest Of The Night. Kersten Hamilton has become one of my favorite authors! It starts out giving the reader a refresher in what happened at the end of Tyger, Tyger which I was grateful for because I will admit it I was a little foggy on how it ended since I have read a lot of books since then.

I will admit I thought the beginning was a little slow as I was really wanting some good goblin action but that didn't come till the end of the book, but I really didn't find that it made the book run slow for me. I read this book fairly fast which is good for me since I am sort of a slow reader. I just really enjoy learning about Teagan's misfit family.

Teagan is a very spirited character and a little on the stubborn side. She doesn't want to involve her family or Finn in anything to do with Mag Mell because she doesn't want to see them hurt. What she fails to see time and time again is that they are going to have her back no matter what and not telling them could get them in more trouble than telling them. I love the way she goes to great lengths to protect your younger brother, she is a great character.

Finn, is as adorable as ever. He is very loyal with his love for Teagan and wanting to see her and her family safe. He doesn't care if he is a goblin hunter and she is part goblin. He always sees the good in her, like the way she takes care of all the creatures. Even when he doesn't like the fact that she wants to try and help the Maggot Cat, he can still see her love for nature. This is why he knows she couldn't ever be like Kyle. Which is something Teagan fears the most.

One of my favorite secondary characters would have to be Abby, Teagan's best friend. She cracks me up sometimes with the things she says and does. Even though she can't see most of what Teagan is fighting she is willing to go into battle with her. She is a very loyal, trusting friend and someone you would want in your corner.

Over all despite what might be considered a bit of a slow start, turns out into a great ending. The only thing I didn't like is the cliffhanger ending! You all know how that drives me crazy. So now I will be very eagerly anticipating the next book.