What do you think?
Rate this book
A Numina Parable #2
A Goblin of the Glade
American Writing Awards Finalist 2023 - Author Shout Reader Ready Award Recommended Read 2024 - Pencraft Awards Winner Summer 2024 - Arizona Authors Association Winner 2024
Ten years have passed, but neither Primrose nor her sisters, Poppy and Posy, can shake the belladonna-soaked trauma of their childhood. Though the triplets have grown and are no longer captive, the memory of Black Annis’s iron talons and needle teeth still linger.
While Posy finds reprieve in studying with the Elder Mother and Poppy drowns her mental wounds in song and service, Primrose copes by traveling wherever the wind takes her. Much like her beloved half-brother Rush used to, she finds solace in seeking new havens. However, news of Sparrow’s dying mother draws Primrose home again, and she resolves to stay in the glade to spend one last Christmastide with the only woman she’s ever called mother.
That is until a shadowy Pooka appears with a message tangled in Fate’s red thread: a prophecy from the fabled Numina that threatens to upend the family all over again.
With only the suspicious, dark Pooka as their guide, the triplets must follow the Numina’s destined trail to a perilous mountain haunted by trickster spirits. But when their dubious quest delivers them into the claws of the infamous witch Baba Yaga, the goblin sisters are forced to face their childhood nightmares or let the world, and those they love, be forever consumed by darkness.
A Goblin of the Glade, the second book in McKenzie Catron’s “A Numina Parable” series, returns to all the beloved characters of the first book, and then some. Embark on a journey filled with sisterly love and unique companionship in this new high-stakes fantasy adventure reminiscent of Grimm Brothers’ fairy tales and European folklore.
Ten years have passed, but neither Primrose nor her sisters, Poppy and Posy, can shake the belladonna-soaked trauma of their childhood. Though the triplets have grown and are no longer captive, the memory of Black Annis’s iron talons and needle teeth still linger.
While Posy finds reprieve in studying with the Elder Mother and Poppy drowns her mental wounds in song and service, Primrose copes by traveling wherever the wind takes her. Much like her beloved half-brother Rush used to, she finds solace in seeking new havens. However, news of Sparrow’s dying mother draws Primrose home again, and she resolves to stay in the glade to spend one last Christmastide with the only woman she’s ever called mother.
That is until a shadowy Pooka appears with a message tangled in Fate’s red thread: a prophecy from the fabled Numina that threatens to upend the family all over again.
With only the suspicious, dark Pooka as their guide, the triplets must follow the Numina’s destined trail to a perilous mountain haunted by trickster spirits. But when their dubious quest delivers them into the claws of the infamous witch Baba Yaga, the goblin sisters are forced to face their childhood nightmares or let the world, and those they love, be forever consumed by darkness.
A Goblin of the Glade, the second book in McKenzie Catron’s “A Numina Parable” series, returns to all the beloved characters of the first book, and then some. Embark on a journey filled with sisterly love and unique companionship in this new high-stakes fantasy adventure reminiscent of Grimm Brothers’ fairy tales and European folklore.
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 28, 2023
6 people are currently reading
325 people want to read
About the author
McKenzie Catron-Pichan
7 books160 followersMcKenzie is a wheelchair-bound, autistic, twenty-one-time award-winning YA fantasy author of the "Numina Parable" series, co-author of "A Traveler's Guide to The Lucky Gryphon: Recipes & Regalings," and children's book writer specializing in Own Voices stories featuring disability, chronic illness, neurodivergence, and service dog representation.
She's a new Michigan resident who lives with her husband and her service dog, Grimm.
McKenzie is also a full-time creative makeup artist and alternative model fighting against disability stigmas one creation at a time. When she's not spending her anxious days writing novels or taking photos in her studio, you can find her over on Instagram sharing her art as @mckenziecatron.
She's a new Michigan resident who lives with her husband and her service dog, Grimm.
McKenzie is also a full-time creative makeup artist and alternative model fighting against disability stigmas one creation at a time. When she's not spending her anxious days writing novels or taking photos in her studio, you can find her over on Instagram sharing her art as @mckenziecatron.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 5, 2024
Literally obsessed with everything Whimsical publishes. This one is no exception. It’s very dark but I loved it so much.
July 14, 2023
Ever wonder how you’ll heal, or how you’ll recover from a past so traumatizing that it haunts you by day and night?
Well, this is exactly what Primrose, Poppy, and Posy, personally endure as they embark upon a predestined quest to save their darkening world. The journey is harrowing, the bogeymen even more so, but while these sisters face the past to secure a future for all, they might just find that healing comes in the form of each other.
This action packed, Grimm-style fairytale is everything you want to read this Christmas. This book is about family, unconventional love stories, and facing the darkness together.
Well, this is exactly what Primrose, Poppy, and Posy, personally endure as they embark upon a predestined quest to save their darkening world. The journey is harrowing, the bogeymen even more so, but while these sisters face the past to secure a future for all, they might just find that healing comes in the form of each other.
This action packed, Grimm-style fairytale is everything you want to read this Christmas. This book is about family, unconventional love stories, and facing the darkness together.
August 20, 2023
First of all, I should disclose that I did receive and advanced version of the book, but this is my own unadulterated review.
I freaking love this book! I should say that this author’s first book, A Daughter of the Trolls, was a very special book to me, as the main character, Sparrow, has a medical condition causing her to navigate her world in a magical wheelchair. That hits very close to home for me as a chronically ill wheelchair user myself who has never seen any representation in fantasy or adventure at all. And being such a YA fantasy lover, I ATE IT UP!
So lets just say that I have been awaiting this second book VERY impatiently!
So here we are, 10 years later, Posey, Poppy, and Primrose, identical triplets we met as children in the first book, set off on their own perilous adventure to save the people of the glade and restore peace and harmony to the land with the help of a shapeshifting dark spirit guide “Grim.”
Each girl has a very distinct personality and interests as well as coping strategies for the trauma that they lived through as children at the hands of an evil witch. But can they overcome their differences and fears and work together to use their unique talents for the good of the people?
As a sibling with a complex relationship, I could really relate to the combination of fierce love and total annoyance that Rose often feels towards her two quirky sisters. But how well does she truly know them?
These books are soft and cozy while still dark and emotionally charged. Love takes many wholesome forms without the gratuitous “spicy” scenes that most books in the YA genre love to slip in.
But above all, i love that these books leave me very introspective. With the seamless inclusion of disability representation, and characters that steal your heart, I can finally see myself In a book and am reminded that having differences and having baggage doesn’t make me broken, and it doesn’t make me any less worthy of love, whatever for that may take.
I can highly recommend these books for all ages (with parent’s discretion). Although they are a bit dark, I can see myself reading these in 6th grade and loving them just as much as I did now at 27.
I laughed, I cried, I had no idea where things were going at times. The book is full of lore and legends that fantasy and history buffs alike will recognize. I leaned about the art of Floriography which I think may become my next hobby.
Having read over 100 fantasy novels this year alone, this one stands out to me as unique. And I really enjoyed checking in on my old friends from book 1 who have really stuck with me for the last year! It’s 5 stars from me!
I freaking love this book! I should say that this author’s first book, A Daughter of the Trolls, was a very special book to me, as the main character, Sparrow, has a medical condition causing her to navigate her world in a magical wheelchair. That hits very close to home for me as a chronically ill wheelchair user myself who has never seen any representation in fantasy or adventure at all. And being such a YA fantasy lover, I ATE IT UP!
So lets just say that I have been awaiting this second book VERY impatiently!
So here we are, 10 years later, Posey, Poppy, and Primrose, identical triplets we met as children in the first book, set off on their own perilous adventure to save the people of the glade and restore peace and harmony to the land with the help of a shapeshifting dark spirit guide “Grim.”
Each girl has a very distinct personality and interests as well as coping strategies for the trauma that they lived through as children at the hands of an evil witch. But can they overcome their differences and fears and work together to use their unique talents for the good of the people?
As a sibling with a complex relationship, I could really relate to the combination of fierce love and total annoyance that Rose often feels towards her two quirky sisters. But how well does she truly know them?
These books are soft and cozy while still dark and emotionally charged. Love takes many wholesome forms without the gratuitous “spicy” scenes that most books in the YA genre love to slip in.
But above all, i love that these books leave me very introspective. With the seamless inclusion of disability representation, and characters that steal your heart, I can finally see myself In a book and am reminded that having differences and having baggage doesn’t make me broken, and it doesn’t make me any less worthy of love, whatever for that may take.
I can highly recommend these books for all ages (with parent’s discretion). Although they are a bit dark, I can see myself reading these in 6th grade and loving them just as much as I did now at 27.
I laughed, I cried, I had no idea where things were going at times. The book is full of lore and legends that fantasy and history buffs alike will recognize. I leaned about the art of Floriography which I think may become my next hobby.
Having read over 100 fantasy novels this year alone, this one stands out to me as unique. And I really enjoyed checking in on my old friends from book 1 who have really stuck with me for the last year! It’s 5 stars from me!
November 8, 2023
A sequel that delights and enchants, Catron has created a breathtaking world filled with wonder and adventure, a fairytale that grants us both light and sometimes grim shadows. As three goblin sisters navigate their differences and seek to right the world, they must conquer their own inner demons and battle grisly witches, this story will tug at your heartstrings, give you heroes to root for, and walk with you hand in hand through the dark caves.
January 7, 2024
A Goblin of the Glade was a delightfully entertaining, magical, and cozy read. I felt the writing style was easy to get into and read quickly. Like A Daughter of the Trolls, there were some heavier topics touched therein. I would highly recommend A Goblin of the Glade to other readers who enjoy adventure, magical elements, and some romance.
April 2, 2024
Another great installment of the Numina Parables. It was great to see a non-romantic relationship in the spotlight.
As with A Daughter of the Trolls, this book has its intense moments, but they're plot and character-relevant.
Looking forward to book three, whenever it arrives.
As with A Daughter of the Trolls, this book has its intense moments, but they're plot and character-relevant.
Looking forward to book three, whenever it arrives.
December 11, 2023
I loved this book so much. I could see so much growth in Mackenzie’s writing between this and ADOTT. It felt like she unlocked a deeper understanding of herself and became more confident in her writing style. I could feel the love, the heartache, and the pain she poured into this story. I connected to Primrose quite a bit and Grim is my absolute fav. Cannot wait to see what she writes next!
October 8, 2023
This series has such cozy and wholesome adventures okay, I love it so much ❤️
💫 A Goblin Of The Glade picks up a few years after book 1 (it can technically be read as a standalone, but it's better if you A Daughter of The Trolls first!)
💫 The sister bond in this one is the wholesome-est thing 😭
💫 Ace rep! This book's main character is asexual, as you'll see over the course of the book, and honestly this was written so well 😭
💫 Rep of physical disabilities as well as mental health struggles due to PTSD - I can't stress enough how well these two aspects were written as well, especially the way different coping mechanisms were SHOWN and slowly understood on page
💫 Holiday/Christmas vibes! Wholesome gift giving scenes too 😭
If you like reading fantasy and/or cozy books, this is one you must definitely pick up!
TWs - general violence on page, some gore, death on page, accident leading to body paralysis, PTSD and anxiety on page
-- ty to the author and the publisher for an advanced copy!
💫 A Goblin Of The Glade picks up a few years after book 1 (it can technically be read as a standalone, but it's better if you A Daughter of The Trolls first!)
💫 The sister bond in this one is the wholesome-est thing 😭
💫 Ace rep! This book's main character is asexual, as you'll see over the course of the book, and honestly this was written so well 😭
💫 Rep of physical disabilities as well as mental health struggles due to PTSD - I can't stress enough how well these two aspects were written as well, especially the way different coping mechanisms were SHOWN and slowly understood on page
💫 Holiday/Christmas vibes! Wholesome gift giving scenes too 😭
If you like reading fantasy and/or cozy books, this is one you must definitely pick up!
TWs - general violence on page, some gore, death on page, accident leading to body paralysis, PTSD and anxiety on page
-- ty to the author and the publisher for an advanced copy!
October 6, 2023
This book was...okay.
Storywise it was a solid read. The characters were fun. I did like that the sisters (triplets) were a lot alike but also very different, and Primrose's voice as an MC was a DELIGHT. That carried me through the book.
But at the same time, that was part of the problem. The voice of the main character and their sense of humor shouldn't be what carries you through a story. And when you're more interested in the stories and lives of side characters who carry very little page time rather than the main characters...that's kind of a problem. (I cared more about the Pooka character and some of the characters who only appeared once or twice than I did about the MCs, tbh, but that's also probably because Sparrow was a REALLY hard character to follow-up.)
For me, this was a hard sell. I REALLY loved the first book. And perhaps if this hadn't been a direct sequel I read immediately on the heals of the first book, I would have enjoyed it more. But I was disappointed. There were so many things that I loved about the first book and the writing style that just weren't present here. There was no sense of urgency at any point in the story and--in my opinion--it lacked clear stakes. Were there things they were trying to accomplish? Yes. But it wasn't clear why it needed to be those characters or why it was so VITALLY important that they accomplish their goals in the first place because it lacked the urgency and sense of PURPOSE that the first book had.
My other main issue with this is that it lacked the heart that the first book had. There was SO MUCH emotional damage and charge in the first book, and this lacked that so much that I can only describe the pace as meandering. And where during the course of the first book the author slowed down to really excavate a lot of unique aspects of character arcs and trauma and things...I felt that this book didn't do that on the same level that the first one did.
So--was it a bad story? Absolutely not. It was a fun romp with a main character whose sense of humor is very like my own, which made it enjoyable. The writing style was really solid, and in that regard I do feel like the author grew from the first book. But for me, this was a book that just didn't HIT me the way I wanted it to. Not a bad story, not bad characters, not bad writing. Just...lacking things that the first book had in abundance. Which both surprises me and doesn't. Daughter of the Trolls is a REALLY hard book to follow-up, and perhaps my expectations going into reading Goblin of the Glade were just really high, but I feel like I came to this expecting one thing and walked away disappointed with what I found. Was it enjoyable? Yes. Was it memorable? Eh. It was light, it was fun. But of this author's two books, it wouldn't be one I'd read again. Daughter of the Trolls is a book I'd keep on my shelf for myself and my friends with the full belief we'd devour it repeatedly, Goblin of the Glade is one I'd say "it's fine and an easy fly through, but nothing you'll read again."
Storywise it was a solid read. The characters were fun. I did like that the sisters (triplets) were a lot alike but also very different, and Primrose's voice as an MC was a DELIGHT. That carried me through the book.
But at the same time, that was part of the problem. The voice of the main character and their sense of humor shouldn't be what carries you through a story. And when you're more interested in the stories and lives of side characters who carry very little page time rather than the main characters...that's kind of a problem. (I cared more about the Pooka character and some of the characters who only appeared once or twice than I did about the MCs, tbh, but that's also probably because Sparrow was a REALLY hard character to follow-up.)
For me, this was a hard sell. I REALLY loved the first book. And perhaps if this hadn't been a direct sequel I read immediately on the heals of the first book, I would have enjoyed it more. But I was disappointed. There were so many things that I loved about the first book and the writing style that just weren't present here. There was no sense of urgency at any point in the story and--in my opinion--it lacked clear stakes. Were there things they were trying to accomplish? Yes. But it wasn't clear why it needed to be those characters or why it was so VITALLY important that they accomplish their goals in the first place because it lacked the urgency and sense of PURPOSE that the first book had.
My other main issue with this is that it lacked the heart that the first book had. There was SO MUCH emotional damage and charge in the first book, and this lacked that so much that I can only describe the pace as meandering. And where during the course of the first book the author slowed down to really excavate a lot of unique aspects of character arcs and trauma and things...I felt that this book didn't do that on the same level that the first one did.
So--was it a bad story? Absolutely not. It was a fun romp with a main character whose sense of humor is very like my own, which made it enjoyable. The writing style was really solid, and in that regard I do feel like the author grew from the first book. But for me, this was a book that just didn't HIT me the way I wanted it to. Not a bad story, not bad characters, not bad writing. Just...lacking things that the first book had in abundance. Which both surprises me and doesn't. Daughter of the Trolls is a REALLY hard book to follow-up, and perhaps my expectations going into reading Goblin of the Glade were just really high, but I feel like I came to this expecting one thing and walked away disappointed with what I found. Was it enjoyable? Yes. Was it memorable? Eh. It was light, it was fun. But of this author's two books, it wouldn't be one I'd read again. Daughter of the Trolls is a book I'd keep on my shelf for myself and my friends with the full belief we'd devour it repeatedly, Goblin of the Glade is one I'd say "it's fine and an easy fly through, but nothing you'll read again."
December 8, 2023
Where do I even begin??
This book was so incredible. The lore, the freaking lore!! It took the world that we were introduced to in A Daughter of the Trolls, and expanded the heck out of it! I absolutely adored our narrator, Rose, and all of the side characters. I loved Poppy and I loved Posy.
I related to Rose’s sarcastic, nature and temper, Poppy’s romantic spirit and the way she never seemed to stop talking, and posy’s quiet and inquisitive personality. I loved that each sister had their own unique personalities, and how their relationships with one another were accurately portrayed. As someone with a lot of sisters, we often want to kill each other, but would likewise donate a kidney to each other if needed, and I like that the author portrayed that effectively, it’s kind of rare to find sibling relationships done well in YA novels.
This book was full of all of the delicious grim, whimsical, and darkly magical vibes we got in ADOTT, while still having its own unique voice. The asexuality rep was done really well, as well as the autism and ptsd rep. The author did amazing showing how trauma affects people, and how just because something happened a long time ago, doesn’t mean that that trauma isn’t magically gone. I really liked how the author showed that just because the siblings went through the same trauma, doesn’t mean that they all cope the same way. I definitely saw pieces of myself and my siblings represented in this novel!
All in all, this story was lush, and beautiful, and tragic, and gut wrenching. No surprises there, it’s written by @mckenziecatron after all! Truly, what an amazing read. I thoroughly enjoyed this and am aching for more of the Numina Parables! If you’ve not read this series, I cannot recommend enough!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was so incredible. The lore, the freaking lore!! It took the world that we were introduced to in A Daughter of the Trolls, and expanded the heck out of it! I absolutely adored our narrator, Rose, and all of the side characters. I loved Poppy and I loved Posy.
I related to Rose’s sarcastic, nature and temper, Poppy’s romantic spirit and the way she never seemed to stop talking, and posy’s quiet and inquisitive personality. I loved that each sister had their own unique personalities, and how their relationships with one another were accurately portrayed. As someone with a lot of sisters, we often want to kill each other, but would likewise donate a kidney to each other if needed, and I like that the author portrayed that effectively, it’s kind of rare to find sibling relationships done well in YA novels.
This book was full of all of the delicious grim, whimsical, and darkly magical vibes we got in ADOTT, while still having its own unique voice. The asexuality rep was done really well, as well as the autism and ptsd rep. The author did amazing showing how trauma affects people, and how just because something happened a long time ago, doesn’t mean that that trauma isn’t magically gone. I really liked how the author showed that just because the siblings went through the same trauma, doesn’t mean that they all cope the same way. I definitely saw pieces of myself and my siblings represented in this novel!
All in all, this story was lush, and beautiful, and tragic, and gut wrenching. No surprises there, it’s written by @mckenziecatron after all! Truly, what an amazing read. I thoroughly enjoyed this and am aching for more of the Numina Parables! If you’ve not read this series, I cannot recommend enough!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 26, 2023
I just finished reading and I’m almost at a loss for words. The last 1/4 of the book was such an emotional roller coaster!
Loved seeing the characters from book one, and even more than that I loved meeting all the new characters!
The triplets this book focuses on feel so real and I was really able to connect to them and their stories. My heart is still hurting from all they had to go through. Like I can’t even put it into words.
I also loved McKenzie’s incorporation of myths like Atlantis, and Icarus.
Every character was interesting and different, and the imagery is beautiful. I can picture just how amazing all the characters and places would look.
This was truly such a good book and I hope you will all give it a read!
Loved seeing the characters from book one, and even more than that I loved meeting all the new characters!
The triplets this book focuses on feel so real and I was really able to connect to them and their stories. My heart is still hurting from all they had to go through. Like I can’t even put it into words.
I also loved McKenzie’s incorporation of myths like Atlantis, and Icarus.
Every character was interesting and different, and the imagery is beautiful. I can picture just how amazing all the characters and places would look.
This was truly such a good book and I hope you will all give it a read!
January 17, 2024
This was such a beautiful book! I loved the settings, the characters, and the ending was PERFECTION! These books are so magical and heartwarming, I can’t recommend them enough. If you’re a fan of faerie tales and epic fantasy quests, I definitely recommend checking out this series. This book was just as good as the first one, and I can’t wait to see what comes next for these characters that have found their ways into my heart!
January 20, 2024
Taking place 10 years after A Daughter of the Trolls, we follow Poppy, Posy, and Primrose, the Goblin triplets, as they receive their own prophecy and quest. Throughout, they need to learn about themselves, and come to grips with what happened in the cave of Black Annis.
A wonderful return to the world, McKenzie explores themes of trust and tragedy and makes you fall in love with a new set of characters.
A wonderful return to the world, McKenzie explores themes of trust and tragedy and makes you fall in love with a new set of characters.
July 22, 2025
You cannot go wrong with a McKenzie novel! I really loved Goblin Glade though it continues the lore we started with sparrow and we follow three sisters who you will love instantly. It’s a story of sisterhood, family and becoming more than you think you are. You will find strength and resilience through the pages and get lost in the world created within the story. Absolutely beautiful and creepy at the same time! Also loved the narrator she does a beautiful job bringing the story to life.
October 9, 2023
I loved this. Rush's younger siblings, Poppy, Posy, and Primrose are 17 now. They were saved from Black Annis's cage 10 years ago, and now a Pooka arrives to give them a prophecy. They must go on a quest to save the Numina, or else the world will fall into darkness with more and more witches and bogey popping up. Upon finding an old journal in Hazel/the Elder Mother's cottage, the Numina's and Hazel's past are revealed.
The triplets set out with the Pooka in tow, even though Rose (who actually hates being called Primrose) doesn't trust him. I loved the journey as the girls grow closer together and learn more about each other, and the different ways they've coped with their trauma over the years. We learn more about the Pooka and his past, and I loved how Rose and his relationship changes over time.
I definitely felt all of Rose's emotions as they struggled and suffered more trauma in order to save the Numina. I, like her, expected a lot out of them.
I loved how this ended. I love this story and this world so much.
The triplets set out with the Pooka in tow, even though Rose (who actually hates being called Primrose) doesn't trust him. I loved the journey as the girls grow closer together and learn more about each other, and the different ways they've coped with their trauma over the years. We learn more about the Pooka and his past, and I loved how Rose and his relationship changes over time.
I definitely felt all of Rose's emotions as they struggled and suffered more trauma in order to save the Numina. I, like her, expected a lot out of them.
I loved how this ended. I love this story and this world so much.
November 5, 2023
I swear this series is the series that is going to make me fall in love with cosy reads. I have read two previously but this one takes the cake! I love the line between a cosy read and an adventure fantasy book with twists and danger.
The descriptions of the world written by the author paint a beautiful picture and it’s refreshing to see characters with chronic illnesses. I love that the author didn’t down play any of the characters and what they can do. It was seamless and I loved all of the representation! (Especially as an Ace girlie myself). I knew I would love this series from the moment I read about Sparrow.
A goblin of the Glade had me in a tailspin of emotions, Primrose (Rose) really had me cackling throughout the book. If you’re looking for a beautifully written fantasy book, with lore and kickass characters this is definitely the book for you, so definitely give it a go!
(10/10 would have finished it earlier but I’ve spent the last couple of months moving)
November 25, 2023
Thank you to Whimsical Publishing for my advance copy of A Goblin of the Glade!
Firstly, I adored A Daughter of the Trolls. It was a wonderful dark Grimms-esque fantasy with disability representation in a way I had not seen before (and haven't since). I read this book when I started a journey of my own, and thus it is very important to me. Understandably, I was so excited when AGOTG was announced. I expected something in the same vein that would be comforting that could be enjoyed with hot chocolate, but that also served a purpose in terms of representation.
I was not expecting an emotional roller coaster.
ADOTT was a great debut. Well-crafted in its representation and its world, not straying into setting up too much information, but not leaving you confused. AGOTG is a testament to Catron's growth as a writer. In AGOTG, Catron successfully tackles multiple topics—Rose's asexuality, Posy's autism, literally everyone's grief and trauma and guilt, death of a loved one—without fumbling any of them. It takes a lot of care to thread the needle between giving enough information for representation to be clear, but not making it the point of the story (AKA asexuality and neurodivergence were not the story nor the plot, but were part of representing real life and the variation in people and depth in characters). She opens up the world more broadly without contradicting anything described in ADOTT, and sets it up still for the next book without leaving too many unanswered questions.
I don't even know what else to say without spoiling anything. Just know that this was a deeply impressive book and I loved if so much.
Firstly, I adored A Daughter of the Trolls. It was a wonderful dark Grimms-esque fantasy with disability representation in a way I had not seen before (and haven't since). I read this book when I started a journey of my own, and thus it is very important to me. Understandably, I was so excited when AGOTG was announced. I expected something in the same vein that would be comforting that could be enjoyed with hot chocolate, but that also served a purpose in terms of representation.
I was not expecting an emotional roller coaster.
ADOTT was a great debut. Well-crafted in its representation and its world, not straying into setting up too much information, but not leaving you confused. AGOTG is a testament to Catron's growth as a writer. In AGOTG, Catron successfully tackles multiple topics—Rose's asexuality, Posy's autism, literally everyone's grief and trauma and guilt, death of a loved one—without fumbling any of them. It takes a lot of care to thread the needle between giving enough information for representation to be clear, but not making it the point of the story (AKA asexuality and neurodivergence were not the story nor the plot, but were part of representing real life and the variation in people and depth in characters). She opens up the world more broadly without contradicting anything described in ADOTT, and sets it up still for the next book without leaving too many unanswered questions.
I don't even know what else to say without spoiling anything. Just know that this was a deeply impressive book and I loved if so much.
April 25, 2024
I enjoyed the first book in the series, but I loved this book. I think it's definitely helpful to have read A Daughter of the Trolls but (if you don't mind spoilers for the first book), you could almost read this on its own. It starts 10 years after the events of the first book and really deals with trauma and PTSD. The characters are so interesting. I really want to know even more about them. I get why it's in Rose's perspective, but I sort of wish that there were chapters from Posy and Poppy too because I want to understand them even better. While there is a lot of external adventure and danger, the internal struggles are really the focus and I thought both were handled pretty well. The only thing keeping it from being fully 5 stars for me (I put it at like a 4.75) is that the ending felt a little too neatly tied up. There is a plan for a third book (if McKenzie's health allows), but the last chapter or so felt rushed to tie off every little thread in a way that felt too tidy and a little too forced.
Other than that very small quibble, I really enjoyed my journey through this book and really hope that we do get the third book.
Other than that very small quibble, I really enjoyed my journey through this book and really hope that we do get the third book.
August 25, 2023
I loved this book as much as the first one--I think McKenzie has only grown as an author, and her prose drags you into the story in a way that makes you want to keep reading. I'm a huge fan of fantasy, and the world she's built within the Numina is very interesting.
The only criticism I have is that I want more--more detail of the shops and town, more conversation about Rose's eye literally getting ripped out and eaten (I feel the response to this was a little passed over for something as gruesome as it was--and then it's followed by a week skip... I don't know, it just felt like an important occurrence that needed to be talked about more), and more conversation with the Numina before the BIG END--I felt that there was a disconnect between Rose's feelings toward the Numina and her quick turn around and acceptance in becoming Death.
I, by no means, think that this takes away from the book! I still feel that it deserves all the recognition and I can't wait for book three (if we get so lucky)!
The only criticism I have is that I want more--more detail of the shops and town, more conversation about Rose's eye literally getting ripped out and eaten (I feel the response to this was a little passed over for something as gruesome as it was--and then it's followed by a week skip... I don't know, it just felt like an important occurrence that needed to be talked about more), and more conversation with the Numina before the BIG END--I felt that there was a disconnect between Rose's feelings toward the Numina and her quick turn around and acceptance in becoming Death.
I, by no means, think that this takes away from the book! I still feel that it deserves all the recognition and I can't wait for book three (if we get so lucky)!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2023
If you're in the mood for a gorgeously wrought fairy tale (a la Grimm's Fairy Tales, The Chronicles of Narnia and Holly Black's The Folk of the Air series) I would like to enthusiastically recommend A Goblin of the Glade. The shape-shifting (often suprisingly so), yellow-eyed Pooka Grim is an acerbic delight - earning a place as one of my all-time-favorite supernatural characters. Grim's slow-burn friendship with our protagonist, the fiesty goblin Primrose, catapulted this volume into the place of my favorite book of the series (and I greatly enjoyed Daughter of Trolls). This is an artistically crafted tale of sisterly love, dangerous quests and unexpected friendship - that has me hoping for a Rose and Grim sequel. Most highly recommended. #TeamGrim (full disclosure - I developed a strange crush on Grim, lol - standing ovation to McKenzie Catron for creating such a unique, enchantingly wry character)
November 28, 2023
Excellent Sequel To A Daughter Of The Trolls!
I enjoyed this second book in the A Numina Parable trilogy so much!
Reasons Why:
A story of triplet sisters/ sisterly love
Trauma recovery rep/Disabilty Rep
Prophecy
A Dangerous Quest
Journey story
Memorable Characters (returning and new: I’m looking at you Elder Mother, Primrose, & Grim!)
Folklore Characters including a Pooka, a Kelpie, and Baba Yaga!!
All The Feels including Grimm Brothers-level horror!
Just really great storytelling set during the Chrismastide Season!
No Cliffhangers in either book!
I think that sums it up! If you’re looking for heartwarming YA journey stories set in an imaginative fantasy land with unforgettable characters then definitely read the books in this lovely series!
Thank you to Whimsical Publishing for my early copy. This review is given truthfully and without bias and I pre-ordered an ebook copy to help support this amazing author!
I enjoyed this second book in the A Numina Parable trilogy so much!
Reasons Why:
A story of triplet sisters/ sisterly love
Trauma recovery rep/Disabilty Rep
Prophecy
A Dangerous Quest
Journey story
Memorable Characters (returning and new: I’m looking at you Elder Mother, Primrose, & Grim!)
Folklore Characters including a Pooka, a Kelpie, and Baba Yaga!!
All The Feels including Grimm Brothers-level horror!
Just really great storytelling set during the Chrismastide Season!
No Cliffhangers in either book!
I think that sums it up! If you’re looking for heartwarming YA journey stories set in an imaginative fantasy land with unforgettable characters then definitely read the books in this lovely series!
Thank you to Whimsical Publishing for my early copy. This review is given truthfully and without bias and I pre-ordered an ebook copy to help support this amazing author!
March 20, 2024
When I tell you that I was instantly hooked from the moment I read the synopsis of this book | 1000% mean it.
I’ve always been a lover of fantasy, especially ones that can transport me into new, and magical worlds.That’s exactly what this book does, picking up where its predecessor, A Daughter of the Trolls left off.
You’re picked up and transported to a magical world filled with trolls, goblins, faeries and evil witches as you follow along the heroic story of Posey, Poppy, and Primrose, identical triplets that we met as children in the first book, as they set off on their own heroic adventure to save the people of the glade and restore peace and harmony to their homeland with the help of the shapeshifting dark spirit guide named“Grim.” 🧙🏼🧌
McKenzie Catron completely dazzles again!
This book is an absolute must read for fantasy, and cozy book lovers alike. If you haven’t picked it up yet, don’t wait any longer!
I’ve always been a lover of fantasy, especially ones that can transport me into new, and magical worlds.That’s exactly what this book does, picking up where its predecessor, A Daughter of the Trolls left off.
You’re picked up and transported to a magical world filled with trolls, goblins, faeries and evil witches as you follow along the heroic story of Posey, Poppy, and Primrose, identical triplets that we met as children in the first book, as they set off on their own heroic adventure to save the people of the glade and restore peace and harmony to their homeland with the help of the shapeshifting dark spirit guide named“Grim.” 🧙🏼🧌
McKenzie Catron completely dazzles again!
This book is an absolute must read for fantasy, and cozy book lovers alike. If you haven’t picked it up yet, don’t wait any longer!
August 23, 2025
When I tell you that I was instantly hooked from the moment I read the synopsis of this book | 1000% mean it.
I've always been a lover of fantasy, especially ones that can transport me into new, and magical worlds.
That's exactly what this book does, picking up where its predecessor, A Daughter of the Trolls left off.
You're picked up and transported to a magical world filled with trolls, goblins, faeries and evil witches as you follow along the heroic story of Posey, Poppy, and Primrose, identical triplets that we met as children in the first book, as they set off on their own heroic adventure to save the people of the glade and restore peace and harmony to their homeland with the help of the shapeshifting dark spirit guide named"Grim."🧙🏼♀️🧌
McKenzie Catron completely dazzles again!
This book is an absolute must read for fantasy, and cozy book lovers alike. If you haven't picked it up yet, don't wait any longer!
I've always been a lover of fantasy, especially ones that can transport me into new, and magical worlds.
That's exactly what this book does, picking up where its predecessor, A Daughter of the Trolls left off.
You're picked up and transported to a magical world filled with trolls, goblins, faeries and evil witches as you follow along the heroic story of Posey, Poppy, and Primrose, identical triplets that we met as children in the first book, as they set off on their own heroic adventure to save the people of the glade and restore peace and harmony to their homeland with the help of the shapeshifting dark spirit guide named"Grim."🧙🏼♀️🧌
McKenzie Catron completely dazzles again!
This book is an absolute must read for fantasy, and cozy book lovers alike. If you haven't picked it up yet, don't wait any longer!
August 25, 2023
I am so lucky to have received an early copy of this book. I am absolutely astounded at the sequel to A Daughter of the Trolls! I love that even though its no longer Sparrow in her wheelchair but now other characters with other chronic ailments now take the lead. I did not expect to actually like this book more than the first! So many unexpected turns and twists. So many emotional soul crushing moments. The main characters go through so much and such an intense adventure. Once it got started it never stopped and I could barely put it down. The descriptions painted such a lovely picture as if it were a movie. The character growth and development was really well done as well. Can't wait to read again!
December 24, 2023
*4,5 stars
This book took me by surprise in the best way possible. I was expecting something cozy, and yet the story that unfolds in this book has so many layers. Yes it is cozy, but past the halfway point, it is also spooky, and intense, and tragic. I even shed a tear or two near the end. Also, it was so very refreshing seeing a YA book with little to no romance in it (and ace representation!), instead focusing on sisterly bonds.
It was a perfect sequel to A Daughter of the Trolls, and I can't wait to see who the main characters will be in the next book! (I'm hoping maybe one of the changeling children...)
This was a near perfect read, with just enough wintery and Christmassy ambiance to read in the holiday season (which I did). This book will go straight to my favourites of the year!
This book took me by surprise in the best way possible. I was expecting something cozy, and yet the story that unfolds in this book has so many layers. Yes it is cozy, but past the halfway point, it is also spooky, and intense, and tragic. I even shed a tear or two near the end. Also, it was so very refreshing seeing a YA book with little to no romance in it (and ace representation!), instead focusing on sisterly bonds.
It was a perfect sequel to A Daughter of the Trolls, and I can't wait to see who the main characters will be in the next book! (I'm hoping maybe one of the changeling children...)
This was a near perfect read, with just enough wintery and Christmassy ambiance to read in the holiday season (which I did). This book will go straight to my favourites of the year!
October 3, 2025
A cozy yet eerie Christmasy story!
Goblins, pookas, and witches, oh my! This story was an adventure and an emotional roller coaster. This book follows Primrose “Rose” and Poppy and Posy, Rush’s goblin sisters from book 1, into a whole new journey of growth and healing and sisterly bonds and overcoming fears. I loved watching how the threads of fate are woven throughout the story to bring the sisters to the place they needed to be. Loved the exploration of a different kind of love based on companionship and loyal understanding. Love the mental health representation as always. Such important things for all readers. And the narrator brings Rose’s sassy and snarky self to life! Great book! Can’t wait for book 3!
Goblins, pookas, and witches, oh my! This story was an adventure and an emotional roller coaster. This book follows Primrose “Rose” and Poppy and Posy, Rush’s goblin sisters from book 1, into a whole new journey of growth and healing and sisterly bonds and overcoming fears. I loved watching how the threads of fate are woven throughout the story to bring the sisters to the place they needed to be. Loved the exploration of a different kind of love based on companionship and loyal understanding. Love the mental health representation as always. Such important things for all readers. And the narrator brings Rose’s sassy and snarky self to life! Great book! Can’t wait for book 3!
August 20, 2023
First I am honored to be able to read this early. Read A Daughter of the Trolls before you read this one to avoid spoilers. I don't have one dislike for this story. It made me laugh. It made me cry. And I got mad once or twice. The world building is good. The characters are well written. I would tell you my favorite character, but I don't want to give any spoilers. This is an epic adventure. Just when you think you have things figured out, Mckenzie throws you a twist. I highly recommend this book to everyone. It's more for older teens to me. I made notes along the way on my kindle, but I won't share because they contain many spoilers. Over all this is a five star read.
July 2, 2024
Another wonderful read!
This book was set in winter, close to Christmas. It's in the middle of Summer that I read this, so reading about the layers of clothes was somewhat difficult. However, reading about all of the delicious treats and sounds and smells was amazing and wonderful! I loved the feeling that reading the descriptions brought about.
I will say that for the first third of the book I did not care for the narrator. It felt like she kept getting in her own way and making things much harder for herself and her companions. The latter half of the book she was much better and certainly more enjoyable.
I still very, very much loved the book as a whole!
This book was set in winter, close to Christmas. It's in the middle of Summer that I read this, so reading about the layers of clothes was somewhat difficult. However, reading about all of the delicious treats and sounds and smells was amazing and wonderful! I loved the feeling that reading the descriptions brought about.
I will say that for the first third of the book I did not care for the narrator. It felt like she kept getting in her own way and making things much harder for herself and her companions. The latter half of the book she was much better and certainly more enjoyable.
I still very, very much loved the book as a whole!
July 18, 2025
This was a fun twist after book one. 10 years later we get to follow the story of Rush's three sisters. This story entangles a reader continuing with the setting dynamics similar to A Daughter of the Trolls, and takes on a folklore edge that many readers will find familiarity in. While this story centers on the three sisters, we really only get Rose's perspective, which still tells a strong tale, but may not be as encompassing of all of their places in the journey. McKenzie is able to give all of these characters attributes that differentiate them and define their character without it overwhelming the story and their progress. I loved it.
February 26, 2024
The pooka was the most interesting faerie for me to read about in the first book. I was beyond delighted to get to see one fleshed out in this one to such a degree. I loved what the characters worked through and us through them as readers. The emotion is raw and vivid but you are there with them, willing them to feel it all and hold on to each other through it. “It’s ok to be vulnerable”- a needed reminder to us all. Thank you for sharing this piece of you with us through the inhabitants of the Glade.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews