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Jig the Goblin
Goblin Tales
A vengeful ghost trapped in a goblin's ear ... a flaming spider who must help stop a goddess from conquering a science fiction convention ... a goblin nursery worker who finds herself trapped in the middle of a war. This collection features five humorous short stories that explore the fantasy realm from the perspective of the lowest of the low, the unlikeliest of the goblins.Includes the following stories from the author of the GOBLIN QUEST LullabyThe Haunting of Jig's EarGoblin HunterSchool SpiritMightier than the SwordEach story includes an afterword by the author.
77 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 11, 2011
8 people are currently reading
628 people want to read
About the author
Jim C. Hines
95 books2,392 followersJim C. Hines began his writing career with a trilogy about the irrepressible Jig the goblin, which actor and author Wil Wheaton described as "too f***ing cool for words." He went on to deconstruct fairy tales in his four-book Princess series, made all the world's literature a grimoire in the Magic ex Libris series, and explored the heroic side of spacecraft sanitation in his Janitors of the Post Apocalypse trilogy. His short fiction has appeared in more than fifty magazines and anthologies. Jim has been outspoken about topics like sexism and harassment, and was the editor of the Invisible series—three collections of personal essays about representation in sf/f. He received the Hugo Award for Best Fan Writer in 2012. Jim currently lives in mid-Michigan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
March 23, 2022
I was so thrilled and confused to stumble upon a Libriomancer short story at the very end. The Libriomancer books by this author are always instant 5-star ratings from me. Sure, part of that is bias, because the protagonist is a wish-fulfillment fantasy for a lot of nerds who like sci-fi/fantasy literature. But even beyond that, his stories are always just so much fun.
The tie-in between Jig the Goblin and the Libriomancer books is Smudge, the fire spider. The Jig books came first, and then when this author started writing books about a mage who could pull items from works of literature, he had the protagonist pull Smudge out of one of his own books. There is a wink and a nudge to this fact in this story, as the protagonist thinks to himself that he doesn't know the name of the author who created Smudge, but he was just some anonymous hack writer.
These short stories all increased in excitement and quality level. The story immediately before the Libriomancer one was about a goblin girl enrolled in a magic academy. She and her roommate tried to vanquish an evil spirit/curse that has been plaguing the magic academy for centuries. This is a relatively straight-forward story about mages fighting a ghost, except that the goblin girl protagonist had some snarky dialogue, or snarky descriptions of her thought process. When the only way she can save her own life is to bite a hand in front of her, that is what she does. When her roommate jokes about killing her, the goblin girl draws a knife, saying that goblins survive by immediately killing anyone who threatens them.
The stories before the final two weren't as good, but still good.
The tie-in between Jig the Goblin and the Libriomancer books is Smudge, the fire spider. The Jig books came first, and then when this author started writing books about a mage who could pull items from works of literature, he had the protagonist pull Smudge out of one of his own books. There is a wink and a nudge to this fact in this story, as the protagonist thinks to himself that he doesn't know the name of the author who created Smudge, but he was just some anonymous hack writer.
These short stories all increased in excitement and quality level. The story immediately before the Libriomancer one was about a goblin girl enrolled in a magic academy. She and her roommate tried to vanquish an evil spirit/curse that has been plaguing the magic academy for centuries. This is a relatively straight-forward story about mages fighting a ghost, except that the goblin girl protagonist had some snarky dialogue, or snarky descriptions of her thought process. When the only way she can save her own life is to bite a hand in front of her, that is what she does. When her roommate jokes about killing her, the goblin girl draws a knife, saying that goblins survive by immediately killing anyone who threatens them.
The stories before the final two weren't as good, but still good.
Read
March 15, 2011"When Theolyn died, the humans had built an enormous pyre and placed his body at the center. How was [Veka] supposed to know humans cremated their dead instead of cooking them? She had figured it out quickly enough, but not before Jimar and his ilk had spotted her standing at the pyre, fork in hand."
If that cracks you up, grosses you out, and gives you a twinge of sympathy for poor Veka the goblin--all at the same time, as it did me--then you're probably already a fan of Jim Hines' goblin tales, or you are a likely candidate.
The three Jig novels--Gobin Hero Quest, Goblin Hero, and Goblin War--came out a few years ago, Goblin War having concluded that story arc. But readers (like myself) who found themselves cheering for Smudge the fire spider, and wondering what shaped near-sighted Jig, the runty goblin, into a hero, will welcome this collection of short stories, Goblin Tales. I read these in advance on my Kindle, meaning to keep myself to one a night, but I found myself sneaking peeks ahead because I was having so much fun.
The first couple of stories are about small Jig; later we learn more about Veka the goblin mage, and the last story features Smudge, who is taken to a con by a libriomancer. There's a inside joking going on for anyone who's read a lot of sf and f and attended cons. Jim has since sold this idea, so the story gives a taste of what is to come.
If that cracks you up, grosses you out, and gives you a twinge of sympathy for poor Veka the goblin--all at the same time, as it did me--then you're probably already a fan of Jim Hines' goblin tales, or you are a likely candidate.
The three Jig novels--Gobin Hero Quest, Goblin Hero, and Goblin War--came out a few years ago, Goblin War having concluded that story arc. But readers (like myself) who found themselves cheering for Smudge the fire spider, and wondering what shaped near-sighted Jig, the runty goblin, into a hero, will welcome this collection of short stories, Goblin Tales. I read these in advance on my Kindle, meaning to keep myself to one a night, but I found myself sneaking peeks ahead because I was having so much fun.
The first couple of stories are about small Jig; later we learn more about Veka the goblin mage, and the last story features Smudge, who is taken to a con by a libriomancer. There's a inside joking going on for anyone who's read a lot of sf and f and attended cons. Jim has since sold this idea, so the story gives a taste of what is to come.
April 16, 2019
This is a collection of short stories written to accompany the Goblin Quest series (Goblin Quest, Goblin Hero, Goblin War) to give fans a little extra something to add to that world. Hines has an amusing look at goblins from within their own point of view which seems to be a growing trend in Fantasy fiction.
It is particularly well done throughout the series, but one very notable thing about this collection is that it includes the story Goblin Hunter which tells the story about how Jig the goblin met Smudge the Fire Spider, easily the two most important characters through the series.
The last story in the collection is one that introduces the concept of the Libriomancer, which became another series for Hines. I expect I'll read that sometime soon. The story showed me a very interesting concept that I can't wait to see fully explored.
Best of all, Smudge comes along for these adventures as well!
It is particularly well done throughout the series, but one very notable thing about this collection is that it includes the story Goblin Hunter which tells the story about how Jig the goblin met Smudge the Fire Spider, easily the two most important characters through the series.
The last story in the collection is one that introduces the concept of the Libriomancer, which became another series for Hines. I expect I'll read that sometime soon. The story showed me a very interesting concept that I can't wait to see fully explored.
Best of all, Smudge comes along for these adventures as well!
August 9, 2016
After I finished Goblin War, I was glad to remember that Jim C. Hines has also published a collection of Goblin Tales, because I wasn't ready to stop reading about his goblins yet.
Hines says in the author's note that "Goblin Lullaby" is dedicated to Hines' son, who was four months old when "Goblin Lullaby" was written. I suspected something like that while reading. This is a sort of origins story for Jig -- that is, it answers the puzzling question of how Jig even survived infancy. As to be expected, baby Jig is only cute if you squint (and pinch your nose and cover your ears). "Goblin Lullaby" really reads like it was written by someone who's familiar with the exhausting and disgusting parts of taking care of a baby. However, Jig isn't why this is my favorite of these stories -- its protagonist is actually Grell, and it was so much fun to read about her outwitting some adventurers by herself.
"The Haunting of Jig's Ear" is apparently the first story Hines wrote about Jig. It's typically funny, but doesn't really stand out now that I've read all of the books.
"Goblin Hunter" is the gruesome story of how Jig met Smudge. One thing I like very much about the goblin books is that they tend to be gory, vicious, disgusting and heartwarming. This is a very good example.
Veka was one of the best parts of Goblin Hero for me and although it made sense that she didn't appear in Goblin War, I was so happy to see her again, in all her selfish, insecure, angry glory in "School Spirit." A wizarding school is really the perfect place for her to end up! I wonder if she'll ever really fit in anywhere, though.
The last story, "Mightier than the Sword," disappointed me just because it's not about goblins at all. It's got Smudge in it, but here Smudge is the companion of a "libriomancer" who reminded me of an extra-nerdy Harry Dresden. I'm going to have to finish reading this story later, because I didn't want to read about Smudge without Jig just yet -- even if his other owner feeds him chocolate!
Hines says in the author's note that "Goblin Lullaby" is dedicated to Hines' son, who was four months old when "Goblin Lullaby" was written. I suspected something like that while reading. This is a sort of origins story for Jig -- that is, it answers the puzzling question of how Jig even survived infancy. As to be expected, baby Jig is only cute if you squint (and pinch your nose and cover your ears). "Goblin Lullaby" really reads like it was written by someone who's familiar with the exhausting and disgusting parts of taking care of a baby. However, Jig isn't why this is my favorite of these stories -- its protagonist is actually Grell, and it was so much fun to read about her outwitting some adventurers by herself.
"The Haunting of Jig's Ear" is apparently the first story Hines wrote about Jig. It's typically funny, but doesn't really stand out now that I've read all of the books.
"Goblin Hunter" is the gruesome story of how Jig met Smudge. One thing I like very much about the goblin books is that they tend to be gory, vicious, disgusting and heartwarming. This is a very good example.
Veka was one of the best parts of Goblin Hero for me and although it made sense that she didn't appear in Goblin War, I was so happy to see her again, in all her selfish, insecure, angry glory in "School Spirit." A wizarding school is really the perfect place for her to end up! I wonder if she'll ever really fit in anywhere, though.
The last story, "Mightier than the Sword," disappointed me just because it's not about goblins at all. It's got Smudge in it, but here Smudge is the companion of a "libriomancer" who reminded me of an extra-nerdy Harry Dresden. I'm going to have to finish reading this story later, because I didn't want to read about Smudge without Jig just yet -- even if his other owner feeds him chocolate!
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January 14, 2012I'm not a huge fan of short stories. I just prefer a longer time to get to know the characters and the world. These five short stories were good, and I definitely got a sense of Jim C. Hines' writing style and am certain that I would enjoy his full-length novels. There were quite a few jokes aimed at fantasy tropes and lots of references to other fantasy novels (especially in the final story). I suspect his books would be great for when you need a fun story and a good laugh and wanted to avoid a dark, depressing story. His goblin trilogy is coming out this summer in an omnibus, so I'll definitely pick that up. I bet his long-time fans would have enjoyed Goblin Tales even more since it follows the characters both before and after the goblin trilogy timeline.
There is also this. http://www.jimchines.com/2012/01/stri... Jim C. Hines trying out the different poses women strike on various fantasy covers. Awesome! For that reason only, I'd check out his books.
There is also this. http://www.jimchines.com/2012/01/stri... Jim C. Hines trying out the different poses women strike on various fantasy covers. Awesome! For that reason only, I'd check out his books.
July 28, 2011
If you're a fan of Jig and his world, read this collection, you will be pleased. If you are not a fan of Jig, go read the books, become a fan, then read this collection.
Short stories are not this author's strongest point, his novels have a stronger, more polished feeling that the short stories don't have. Quality varies from short story to story, some were very good, some were interesting only because I love the characters. However Jim Hines has fantastic characters who shine through even more weakly written pieces and I adore his work and highly recommend him as an author.
Short stories are not this author's strongest point, his novels have a stronger, more polished feeling that the short stories don't have. Quality varies from short story to story, some were very good, some were interesting only because I love the characters. However Jim Hines has fantastic characters who shine through even more weakly written pieces and I adore his work and highly recommend him as an author.
September 24, 2021
AVOID THE AUDIOBOOK.
Before I start with the review, I listened to the Graphic Audio version of the entire Goblin Trilogy and this novel. I already don't really like Graphic Audio because they remove parts of book beyond simple "he said, she said," stuff, but they completely ruined the experience of this one. Normally, there are credits and an ad at the end of a Graphic Audio novel, which I don't mind, but this one had credits and an ad between every single short story. It was frustrating and ruined my enjoyment.
Likewise, and this isn't on Graphic Audio, the final story felt like one colossal ad as well. I don't normally read short stories, but I picked up this one because I love Goblin Trilogy and wanted to spend more time in that world. The final story features... a cameo from Goblin Trilogy. It was such a huge disappointment.
The last one aside, the rest of the stories were fun, bite-sized stories that focused on a different beloved character from the trilogy and while none were incredibly outstanding, they were all enjoyable.
Before I start with the review, I listened to the Graphic Audio version of the entire Goblin Trilogy and this novel. I already don't really like Graphic Audio because they remove parts of book beyond simple "he said, she said," stuff, but they completely ruined the experience of this one. Normally, there are credits and an ad at the end of a Graphic Audio novel, which I don't mind, but this one had credits and an ad between every single short story. It was frustrating and ruined my enjoyment.
Likewise, and this isn't on Graphic Audio, the final story felt like one colossal ad as well. I don't normally read short stories, but I picked up this one because I love Goblin Trilogy and wanted to spend more time in that world. The final story features... a cameo from Goblin Trilogy. It was such a huge disappointment.
The last one aside, the rest of the stories were fun, bite-sized stories that focused on a different beloved character from the trilogy and while none were incredibly outstanding, they were all enjoyable.
October 16, 2023
Goblin Tales is a series of short stories loosely related to the Goblin Quest series. If you are not very fond of really scary books, this might make a nice Halloween read, as goblins of Jig’s type are not really very scary, despite what they would like to think. It is more funny than anything else.
Most of the stories in this volume are more concerned with some of the side characters from the stories in the Goblin Quest series. One is about Grell, the goblin nursemaid. Another concerns Veka, the female goblin who wanted to be a mage. One gives the story of how Jig became friends with Smudge the fire spider. And the last story has Smudge being brought into some version of the modern-day world to fight incursions from other, potentially dangerous, fantasy characters.
Most of the stories in this volume are more concerned with some of the side characters from the stories in the Goblin Quest series. One is about Grell, the goblin nursemaid. Another concerns Veka, the female goblin who wanted to be a mage. One gives the story of how Jig became friends with Smudge the fire spider. And the last story has Smudge being brought into some version of the modern-day world to fight incursions from other, potentially dangerous, fantasy characters.
December 20, 2019
Silly goblin shorts. Probably something one should avoid if the very mention of Jar Jar Bink's name puts you into murder mode since the theme is generally that the goblins aren't very smart but somehow survive. I enjoyed the story with the cave the most, where the cleverness of the goblins got to shine.
March 7, 2023
Newly found great author! Read his stuff!
Love the books I have read so far by this author. He’s my newest find. And I perked up at the mention of “Blade of the Bunny”! I loved that one! Am doing my best to keep him employed as an author, meaning I’m working my way through everything of his in print Keep writing, Jim!
Love the books I have read so far by this author. He’s my newest find. And I perked up at the mention of “Blade of the Bunny”! I loved that one! Am doing my best to keep him employed as an author, meaning I’m working my way through everything of his in print Keep writing, Jim!
December 1, 2017
Lots of fun! A variety of short stories, giving back ground to some of my favorite goblins.
April 16, 2018
An amusing and well written collection of short stories that complements the Jig the Goblin trilogy.
June 13, 2018
good, a little bit short but nice stories all of them and looks nice in the bookshelf. A little higher than the other books but still fun to own.
February 24, 2021
Fun collection of tales. Some familiar characters including Jig and Smudge.
September 6, 2021
Listened to the Audiobook version and really enjoyed this!
April 30, 2024
A DNF I'm afraid the series with Jig wasn't too bad, but found this to be a poor in comparison.
July 25, 2024
A surprisingly enjoyable collection of five short stories, well worth a read.
June 8, 2025
graphic audio
great bunch of short stories
the last one was very interesting and could be its own series
great bunch of short stories
the last one was very interesting and could be its own series
October 19, 2023
A lullaby that a lowly nursery care worker soothes babes finds another use. Finally Jig gets back at bullies who chase him, and gets an unusual pet. Funny. Gory from nasties' point of view. Hah. More such tales would be top of the trees.
May 3, 2011
(Note, I actually wasn't happy with my first review of this book, and then Elizabeth went and liked it. So I'm adding a new review and keeping the old.)
New Review
I started reading this on my Kindle (thanks Dad!) during my break. Ernie, one of my co-workers and the room's Munkins supplier, asked me what I was reading. I told him. Then he gets that look. You know, that look, like you're strange for reading fantasy because you're over age 12. That look they give as if you have horns or something, like they have to humor you or else you will smite them. I hate that look, especially when it comes from people who read Tom Clancy. (But Ernie gets a pass because he is Ernie and he gives everyone that look. That is what makes Ernie the Man).
However,
Fantasy is not what people who neglect to read it think it is. It's more than that. Hines is a perfect example of that fact.
With his Jig the Goblin series, Hines examined, spoofed, lanbasted fansty trophes, themes, and cliches. He did this using gobins, or in other terms any D&Der's cannon fodder. In many ways, the series is about a quest for peace that goes hand and hand with the quest for survial. Goblin Tales continues in this tradition, collecting Hines' goblin short stories in one volume.
Jig, everyone's favorite erstwhile Dragon-Slayer, is back in two of the stories, and has a strong supporting role in the first story. The first story presents a pre-Jig series adventure of everyone's favorite Goblin chief (Grell for president) with a baby Jig. Depsite what some people claim, not all babies are cute. Watch out for the nappy humor.
The next two stories feature Jig, pre-series. Here the reader lines how Jig and Smudge met.
The best story, however, is the one featuring Veka as she struggles to keep her place at a mage school. Ever feel like the social outcast? This is the story for you, especially if you ever considering eating your classmates. Though all the stories contain Hines' trademake humor and pathos, this story is the most nuanced.
The collection is finshed with a non-goblin story that seems to be inspired, in part, by the Thursday Next series. Don't worry, Hines puts his own unique twist on it. It just is one good author influencing another good author. More importantly, the world's most awesome Spider, Smudge, gets co-billing in this story. Go Smudge! (and there is funny thing about a Smurf) Not only that, but every Star Wars fan is treated to the great desire (No, not Leia in her slave girl outfit; the other one that doesn't depend upon sexuality).
Old Review
So if you haven't been reading Hines, what is wrong with you? Do you want me to slap you upside the head?
This is a collection of mostly goblin based tales. Jig, the most famous goblin ever, appears as a main character in two of the stories, with a guest role in the first story. The reader learns how Jig and Smudge, who deserves his own fan club met.
The other two goblin stories focus on everyone's favorite goblin chief and with Veka, who I was extremely happy to see again. Her story is perhaps the most nuanced.
Also included is a story that feature Smudge but not Jig. This last story is a lead in for Hines new series after his princesses novels. Honestly, in this story, Hines taps into every sf's fan not so secret wish.
New Review
I started reading this on my Kindle (thanks Dad!) during my break. Ernie, one of my co-workers and the room's Munkins supplier, asked me what I was reading. I told him. Then he gets that look. You know, that look, like you're strange for reading fantasy because you're over age 12. That look they give as if you have horns or something, like they have to humor you or else you will smite them. I hate that look, especially when it comes from people who read Tom Clancy. (But Ernie gets a pass because he is Ernie and he gives everyone that look. That is what makes Ernie the Man).
However,
Fantasy is not what people who neglect to read it think it is. It's more than that. Hines is a perfect example of that fact.
With his Jig the Goblin series, Hines examined, spoofed, lanbasted fansty trophes, themes, and cliches. He did this using gobins, or in other terms any D&Der's cannon fodder. In many ways, the series is about a quest for peace that goes hand and hand with the quest for survial. Goblin Tales continues in this tradition, collecting Hines' goblin short stories in one volume.
Jig, everyone's favorite erstwhile Dragon-Slayer, is back in two of the stories, and has a strong supporting role in the first story. The first story presents a pre-Jig series adventure of everyone's favorite Goblin chief (Grell for president) with a baby Jig. Depsite what some people claim, not all babies are cute. Watch out for the nappy humor.
The next two stories feature Jig, pre-series. Here the reader lines how Jig and Smudge met.
The best story, however, is the one featuring Veka as she struggles to keep her place at a mage school. Ever feel like the social outcast? This is the story for you, especially if you ever considering eating your classmates. Though all the stories contain Hines' trademake humor and pathos, this story is the most nuanced.
The collection is finshed with a non-goblin story that seems to be inspired, in part, by the Thursday Next series. Don't worry, Hines puts his own unique twist on it. It just is one good author influencing another good author. More importantly, the world's most awesome Spider, Smudge, gets co-billing in this story. Go Smudge! (and there is funny thing about a Smurf) Not only that, but every Star Wars fan is treated to the great desire (No, not Leia in her slave girl outfit; the other one that doesn't depend upon sexuality).
Old Review
So if you haven't been reading Hines, what is wrong with you? Do you want me to slap you upside the head?
This is a collection of mostly goblin based tales. Jig, the most famous goblin ever, appears as a main character in two of the stories, with a guest role in the first story. The reader learns how Jig and Smudge, who deserves his own fan club met.
The other two goblin stories focus on everyone's favorite goblin chief and with Veka, who I was extremely happy to see again. Her story is perhaps the most nuanced.
Also included is a story that feature Smudge but not Jig. This last story is a lead in for Hines new series after his princesses novels. Honestly, in this story, Hines taps into every sf's fan not so secret wish.
August 8, 2011
This is a collection of five short stories, all featuring various characters from Jim Hines’ Goblin books [Goblin Quest, Goblin Hero, Goblin War] that help fill in some interesting background. While all of the stories have been previously published in various collections and magazines, it was wonderfully convenient to have them all assembled in one place
In general, I’m a big fan of writers who fill in bits and pieces around a series with short fiction–it’s like going to the movies and running into an old friend in the ticket line. You not only enjoy the film, but you have someone to chat about it over coffee afterward.
The stories are basically in chronological order. They start at the very beginning of our interest in goblins with Jig as a not-so-adorable baby goblin in “Goblin Lullaby,” which focuses on another goblin with a lot of ingenuity: Grell. In some ways it reminded me of the fight scene in Hellboy involving a large monster and a box of kittens.
Next up is “The Haunting of Jig’s Ear,” showing Jig as a young goblin, already being picked on for his small stature, and already refusing to just go along to get along. So we see the beginnings of him using his mind to overcome his size disadvantage. But never forget he is a goblin.
“Goblin Hunter” is the important introduction of Smudge, Jig’s fire-spider “pet” and staunch companion. Smudge is my favorite character from the series, and it’s nice to know how he and Jig got together.
“School Spirit” moves out of the Goblin caves with an episode from the the life of Veda (from Goblin Hero). She has made it to a magician’s school, but is facing the inevitable prejudice because she is a goblin.
My favorite story in the collection is the last one, “Mightier Than the Sword.” This one introduces the concept of the libriomancer, someone who can breech the barriers between our reality and the world of various books. Smudge even has a cameo in the story. There will be an upcoming trilogy featuring the world of the libriomancer–I know I’m looking forward to it!
For more information about Jim C. Hines, his writing or Goblins, visit Jim's website
In general, I’m a big fan of writers who fill in bits and pieces around a series with short fiction–it’s like going to the movies and running into an old friend in the ticket line. You not only enjoy the film, but you have someone to chat about it over coffee afterward.
The stories are basically in chronological order. They start at the very beginning of our interest in goblins with Jig as a not-so-adorable baby goblin in “Goblin Lullaby,” which focuses on another goblin with a lot of ingenuity: Grell. In some ways it reminded me of the fight scene in Hellboy involving a large monster and a box of kittens.
Next up is “The Haunting of Jig’s Ear,” showing Jig as a young goblin, already being picked on for his small stature, and already refusing to just go along to get along. So we see the beginnings of him using his mind to overcome his size disadvantage. But never forget he is a goblin.
“Goblin Hunter” is the important introduction of Smudge, Jig’s fire-spider “pet” and staunch companion. Smudge is my favorite character from the series, and it’s nice to know how he and Jig got together.
“School Spirit” moves out of the Goblin caves with an episode from the the life of Veda (from Goblin Hero). She has made it to a magician’s school, but is facing the inevitable prejudice because she is a goblin.
My favorite story in the collection is the last one, “Mightier Than the Sword.” This one introduces the concept of the libriomancer, someone who can breech the barriers between our reality and the world of various books. Smudge even has a cameo in the story. There will be an upcoming trilogy featuring the world of the libriomancer–I know I’m looking forward to it!
For more information about Jim C. Hines, his writing or Goblins, visit Jim's website
January 12, 2012
I rather suspect I would have enjoyed this collection, or at least the two stories starring Jig, even more if I'd not yet read Hines' Goblin series, but overall I found this a quick and really enjoyable read.
"School Spirit" and "Goblin Lullaby" were, for me, the two brightest and best of the collection. Grell and Veka were both amazing characters who I adored in the Goblin books, and it was great to see Grell's solid even-mindedness and unassuming courage (not a typical courage to be sure but a great courage no less!) and Veka's enthusiasm and problem-solving outside the frame of Jig's adventures.
"Mightier than the Sword" was really interesting, but it made me look forward with great interest to the full-length book in the same universe. It was interesting, but there was a lot about libromancy and libromancers that needed explaining for the story to make sense. While it didn't interrupt the flow of the short story, all that explanation was pretty noticeable, to me at least, and I look forward to reading more about that particular world where the worldbuilding can be done in the more gradual style Hines uses in his other books.
Which is not to say its a bad story! Its really good, well-pages and amusing (and, as someone who's been to more than a few cons, also VERY true to life in those regards!)
"The Haunting of Jig's Ear" and "Goblin Hunter" were both well-written and funny in the style of the other Goblin books, but the format felt very similar to the Jig books, especially the first. they're fun to read, but I definitely was not as absorbed in them as the others.
"School Spirit" and "Goblin Lullaby" were, for me, the two brightest and best of the collection. Grell and Veka were both amazing characters who I adored in the Goblin books, and it was great to see Grell's solid even-mindedness and unassuming courage (not a typical courage to be sure but a great courage no less!) and Veka's enthusiasm and problem-solving outside the frame of Jig's adventures.
"Mightier than the Sword" was really interesting, but it made me look forward with great interest to the full-length book in the same universe. It was interesting, but there was a lot about libromancy and libromancers that needed explaining for the story to make sense. While it didn't interrupt the flow of the short story, all that explanation was pretty noticeable, to me at least, and I look forward to reading more about that particular world where the worldbuilding can be done in the more gradual style Hines uses in his other books.
Which is not to say its a bad story! Its really good, well-pages and amusing (and, as someone who's been to more than a few cons, also VERY true to life in those regards!)
"The Haunting of Jig's Ear" and "Goblin Hunter" were both well-written and funny in the style of the other Goblin books, but the format felt very similar to the Jig books, especially the first. they're fun to read, but I definitely was not as absorbed in them as the others.
March 2, 2012
this is a collection of stories in the jig the goblin series and hines does a great job in filling in the blanks that i was actually very interested in. we get a story that gives the origins of jig's birth and when he's a baby. we get a story about how jig meets smudge. then we get a story featuring the libriomancers (which will be his new series) and smudge. on top of that we get two more stories that make up a great collection. entertaining, but more so if you've already read the series. pick them up today!
April 12, 2011
This small anthology (5 stories) is an amusing and eclectic collection. This was my first exposure to Jig the Goblin. It won't be my last. However, the two best stories do not feature Jig. However, "Mightier Than the Sword" is must reading for Doc and Ashley. In addition to this collection, it can be found in the paperback, Gamer Fantastic. This story alone would have gotten me interested in Hines--even if I hadn't already read Stepsister Scheme.
March 28, 2011
I'd read several of these stories before. The two stories that I hadn't were vibrant stories that pulled me right along. "School Spirit" hit dangerously close to home, as I empathized with the main character from my own high school days. It was well-written, with the right amount of sympathy and comedy. "Mightier than the Sword" pegged convention culture beautifully. The language pulls you in without calling attention to itself. Overall, very satisfied.
June 12, 2012
I loved this book of short stories. I am in the midst of reading the Jig the Goblin series and this was a wonderful jaunt to take. I don't think that I can pick a favorite out of the stories. I really enjoyed them all. From baby Jig, to finding out what Veka does after her part in Goblin Hero to Smudge being a hero at a modern day fantasy can. All great fun reads and I especially enjoyed the author's afterwords with each story. Well worth the 2.99 spend to purchase the eBook.
November 17, 2012
I really liked this book. it was familiar enough to not struggle to get into, it's fresh and unique enough to be very interesting, and there's a fair amount of playful humor. all in all I thought it was quite good and I think I'll be looking for more from this author.
if I have a complaint about the book, it's that it was too short and I'd like for it go on.
if I have a complaint about the book, it's that it was too short and I'd like for it go on.
January 6, 2012
If you can't get enough of Jim C. Hines' goblin characters, Goblin Tales is a welcome and outstanding read. Most of the stories in this anthology showcase Jig, but some other familiar characters make thier appearances, too. I thotoughly enjoyed the entire book!
February 3, 2012
This is a very nice smattering of short stories, some give background to characters from the "Goblin Quest" series, others give further tales of the characters adventures and some a just plain randomly awesome.
July 15, 2012
A few short stories (not enough to be the length of a novel), all featuring either a goblin (almost always Jig) or Jig's pet spider. If you loved the Goblin's Quest trilogy, you will enjoy these short stories.
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