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Underworld Chronicles #1
Elliot and the Goblin War
WARNING
As of today, there are only 7 CHILDREN who have ever read this book and lived to tell about it.
208 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
About the author
Jennifer A. Nielsen
52 books9,925 followersJennifer lives at the base of a very tall mountain in Northern Utah with her husband, three children, and a naughty puppy. She loves the smell of rainy days, hot chocolate, and old books, preferably all at once. She is a former speech teacher, theater director, and enjoyed a brief but disastrous career as a door-to-door pollster. In her spare time, Jennifer tends to panic, wondering what she has forgotten to do that has allowed her any spare time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
October 14, 2025
i know im not the target audience for this but my name is also elliot so i was legally required to read it. and it was epic as fuck.
February 2, 2011
Hooked from the beginning with a warning that only seven children have "read the book and lived to tell about", this fantasy story of human boy, Elliot, who becomes king of the underworld, exudes comical delight on every other page. Elliot is bumping along with a sister that burns everything she cooks, an uncle that seems to go in and out of jail like water, and brothers who are more interested in flooding the back yard than helping Elliot out. It all starts on Halloween night when Elliot has accumulated his wonderful bag of candy but then some quirky characters dressed up like Goblins attempt to threaten a cute young girl. He throws his bag in defense, but it breaks ope, dropping into a puddle and spraying the Goblins who cry out in pain. Little does he know they are real goblins and the little girl is a real Brownie from the Underworld. War begins and guess who becomes their King of the underworld- Elliot! Told through dead pan serious prose, the story is hilarious. What could have been dry and boring touches the funny bone on every other page. This story has a wonderful positive sense of humor, not the dark humor of the Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket.
Any reader who loves creatures with character will be drawn into this land of Brownies, Goblins and Hags.
The illustrations by Gideon Kendall add a quirky, delightful touch with expressions that elicit, "eww's" "uh-oh's" and "yeah's!" Reminiscent of the characters in Spiderwick, but even more expressive and fun.
Highly recommend for 3rd to 6th graders-- even some older middle schoolers might get a real kick out this.
Any reader who loves creatures with character will be drawn into this land of Brownies, Goblins and Hags.
The illustrations by Gideon Kendall add a quirky, delightful touch with expressions that elicit, "eww's" "uh-oh's" and "yeah's!" Reminiscent of the characters in Spiderwick, but even more expressive and fun.
Highly recommend for 3rd to 6th graders-- even some older middle schoolers might get a real kick out this.
November 29, 2015
I would say, this was a kid grade fantasy. And that's not a bad thing. Something that everyone can read and anyone can have fun from. Some jokes I really liked and some was hit and miss. Overall it kept me amused. The story got better after it was 50% through. My favorite character in this story is Agatha, I like the curses she came up with and how different her character was from anything I have ever read. Elliot was also one good character, perfect portrait of kids of his age. He was a good person by heart and a little confused at times. I liked how Brownies were addicted to carrots and Goblins to pickles. Really funny parts also included Chocolate cakes .... hahaha ... But the thing I didn't like much in the book were mostly the parts where writer directly talks with the reader. I think those weren't necessary at all. Without them the story was also properly funny.
Anyways, I give it a 4 stars. I am glad for picking this up. This book was almost a perfect example how book for kids should be written. :)
Anyways, I give it a 4 stars. I am glad for picking this up. This book was almost a perfect example how book for kids should be written. :)
June 2, 2012
Elliot wasn't known as a hero - he was usually the one getting beat up. He never knew that an act of kindness on Halloween would lead him to a destiny he never could have imagined.
The Brownies and the goblins have been at war for a VERY long time. And it's not just any war, if the brownies lose - they are eaten like the tasty treats they sound like. When the old ruler dies, someone must step in and fill in to lead the brownies to victory. Here comes Elliot. Savior of the day!
This book was a cute read. I felt it lacked some of the depth seen in today's YA/MG books, most of the plot was fairly superficial, but the characters were cute and the bad guys were defeated, which is always the best part of this type of book. I did have a hard time connecting with most of the characters, even Elliot himself seemed a little flat.
I would recommend this to younger boy readers who may be reluctant to read, because I think the humor in this caters more to their style. Girls will enjoy it as well, the female brownie in this is a likeable character, but I see this being a book more boys can relate to.
The Brownies and the goblins have been at war for a VERY long time. And it's not just any war, if the brownies lose - they are eaten like the tasty treats they sound like. When the old ruler dies, someone must step in and fill in to lead the brownies to victory. Here comes Elliot. Savior of the day!
This book was a cute read. I felt it lacked some of the depth seen in today's YA/MG books, most of the plot was fairly superficial, but the characters were cute and the bad guys were defeated, which is always the best part of this type of book. I did have a hard time connecting with most of the characters, even Elliot himself seemed a little flat.
I would recommend this to younger boy readers who may be reluctant to read, because I think the humor in this caters more to their style. Girls will enjoy it as well, the female brownie in this is a likeable character, but I see this being a book more boys can relate to.
September 29, 2011
I understand this was written for kids, but it was still a bit outrageous. I especially hate the whole "author takes a break from the story to talk to the reader" element about it. Just not my idea of a good story.
March 9, 2021
Plot 0.75
Writing 0.75
Characters 1
Enjoyment 1
Reread/Recommend 1
4.5 stars
Book #12 of 2021 and 12th book I've read by my favorite author! This was (unsurprisingly because it is Jen) a really good book. I found it online and did not mean to binge the whole thing in an afternoon (then again, us reader never intend to do that, do we?). The best part about reading this was thinking about how Nielsen's writing has evolved over the past decade. This was her first published book and not gonna lie, it shows, but it was still a great story. It had Harry Potter and Chronicles of Narnia vibes to me, but it was also pretty unique. While I was reading it, I realized how each of Nielsen's series seem to be for a slightly-older age range. This first series is geared towards the younger end of middle grade/young children. The Ascendance Trilogy/Series is for middle grade too but it's more mature. Mark of the Thief is about the same as TAS, and The Traitor's Game is YA and more for teens. I like this about Nielsen's writing because if a child reads this book and the rest of the Underworld Chronicles, they can then read Ascendance, Mark of the Thief, and Traitor's Game as they grow up. I can only hope that my kids will like reading as much as I do because you best believe I'll be shoving Nielsen books at them left and right.
Writing 0.75
Characters 1
Enjoyment 1
Reread/Recommend 1
4.5 stars
Book #12 of 2021 and 12th book I've read by my favorite author! This was (unsurprisingly because it is Jen) a really good book. I found it online and did not mean to binge the whole thing in an afternoon (then again, us reader never intend to do that, do we?). The best part about reading this was thinking about how Nielsen's writing has evolved over the past decade. This was her first published book and not gonna lie, it shows, but it was still a great story. It had Harry Potter and Chronicles of Narnia vibes to me, but it was also pretty unique. While I was reading it, I realized how each of Nielsen's series seem to be for a slightly-older age range. This first series is geared towards the younger end of middle grade/young children. The Ascendance Trilogy/Series is for middle grade too but it's more mature. Mark of the Thief is about the same as TAS, and The Traitor's Game is YA and more for teens. I like this about Nielsen's writing because if a child reads this book and the rest of the Underworld Chronicles, they can then read Ascendance, Mark of the Thief, and Traitor's Game as they grow up. I can only hope that my kids will like reading as much as I do because you best believe I'll be shoving Nielsen books at them left and right.
December 23, 2012
Reasons for picking up this book and reading it were: to complete my Off the Shelf reading challenge, because I heard Jennifer A. Nielsen's A False Prince was fantastic and it was supposed to be a quick, light, fast read. I can't say I was disappointed. My only problem with the book (and its only my personal problem) is the reading level is pretty much at the recommended age level. Sometimes a young reader's book will also be written in a way that potentially appeals also to adults, this for me was not.
That being said, I feel like this is the perfect book for readers aged 8-12 years old. Its written at that particular reading level, with a humorous plot and only 208 short pages, I think it would be difficult for this age reader to NOT fall in love with the story. Elliot faces many challenges in the story, its filled with plenty of action along with the perfect mix of humor. This is a nice clean, easy fun read.
It is written in a third person omniscient point of view, which is not my favorite type of narration. I guess this book is the first book in a series. I didn't realize that and was happy at the way this book wrapped up. It seemed like a decent place to end, no cliffhangers, but still some loose ends which need to be tied up.
Books similar to this one would be The Wednesdays, or The Magic of Finkleton.
That being said, I feel like this is the perfect book for readers aged 8-12 years old. Its written at that particular reading level, with a humorous plot and only 208 short pages, I think it would be difficult for this age reader to NOT fall in love with the story. Elliot faces many challenges in the story, its filled with plenty of action along with the perfect mix of humor. This is a nice clean, easy fun read.
It is written in a third person omniscient point of view, which is not my favorite type of narration. I guess this book is the first book in a series. I didn't realize that and was happy at the way this book wrapped up. It seemed like a decent place to end, no cliffhangers, but still some loose ends which need to be tied up.
Books similar to this one would be The Wednesdays, or The Magic of Finkleton.
December 28, 2014
This book is like the fantasy - little boy, goblin, brownie, pixie - version of THE WORST DAY EVER. Everything just goes wrong and keeps on going - from accidently starting a goblin/brownie war, to flunking a spelling test to help a hag get her cursing powers back, to a disappearing bedroom, to your house blowing up. It's an everything goes wrong, no one notices, fiasco! It is very cute and very funny. It's a book that I think little boys who always manage to get into all kinds of mischief and can't figure out how, would really like. It also has a bit of a nice message about figuring out who you are, helping others, and standing up for yourself mixed in, but light enough to not overwhelm the story. Also, although a lot of the characters are "magical" most of the story takes place in the human world. Only down side for me is that the narrator talks to the reader - trying to be playfully "scary". I found it annoying and unnecessary, but some kids might like it and think it's funny. This book is like the Spiderwick Chronicles meet Where the Wild Things Are with a good bit of humor and little self-discovery thrown in the mix. Good start to the series. I look forward to more.
October 17, 2010
After a run in of the Goblin and Brownie variety dubs Elliot as a hero in the eyes of a few select citizens of the Underworld once upon a Halloween, his future is set in motion, and it's one he couldn't possibly expect, especially since he has no idea it's coming! The start to a great new Middle Grade series....you DO NOT want to pass this up! Elliot is such a likeable character and his family is so quirky you almost wonder how they fit together...but like all families, they do and quite well. The author's engaging writing style not only keeps us up to date on what's happening in our world versus the Underworld, but it draws readers right in by talking directly to them...er, us. Heed the warning on both the back of the book and within the first few pages though! As it seems several other readers didn't quite make it through the book in one piece! *gulp* Glad I was among the lucky that did! (..or did I? AH!)
Seriously...a FUN time to be had! Happy reading for readers of all ages....and a highly recommended choice from me.
Seriously...a FUN time to be had! Happy reading for readers of all ages....and a highly recommended choice from me.
February 15, 2012
Fun book. Elliot is a young boy who gets himself involved in a Goblin/Brownie War after helping a brownie get away from a goblin on Halloween night. Jennifer Nielsen has a very interesting writing style slipping in warnings to the reader and comments about translating goblin language for the reader, etc. These humorous quips inserting into the story are entertaining. Elliot has some rough times in his life (poor, bullied, uncle in jail) but the book is not intense so these topics are not scary for younger children. As far as violence is concerned, the goblins so eat the brownies but the also love pickles and threats are made to have Elliots family eat chocolate cake (since brownies love only vegetables, especially carrots soaked in turnip juice, people must hate chocolate cake.) I will recommend this to my 7 year old. I think he will enjoy the story of the boy who becomes king of the brownies and find out if he is clever enough to find a way to end the goblin war.
February 3, 2011
I wasn't instantly in love with this book. I wish there had been more action and a little less side trips where the author talked to the reader. That being said, there was a tone to the book that made it cute and the story went by fairly quickly.
I really believe without the hundreds of side comments to the writer it would have been okay. I don't know how many times I read "Now Dear Reader" but it was enough to make me scream when I saw it.
Other than that small problem it was a nice plot, good characters and cute jokes. I guess we can't get everything we want in books.
I really believe without the hundreds of side comments to the writer it would have been okay. I don't know how many times I read "Now Dear Reader" but it was enough to make me scream when I saw it.
Other than that small problem it was a nice plot, good characters and cute jokes. I guess we can't get everything we want in books.
November 6, 2011
On Halloween while out trick or treating, Elliot unbeknownst to him, helps save a brownie from a goblin. It is because of this kind deed that he sets of a war between the two. It is also Elliot who is made the first human king of the brownies when the queen dies. I really enjoyed this series. The narrator talks directly to you as your reading and she has a very humorous style which makes the story very funny. I certainly will be picking up the next one in the series.
December 30, 2010
One Halloween night, Elliot has an unexpected encounter with a Brownie named Patches and three goblins. This fateful meeting will affect Elliot's future in an amazing way--three years later, he is pronounced the new king of the Brownies, who need his help to win the war with the goblins. This is a good readaloud for 4th and 5th graders. The author writes well and has created a humorous, intriguing storyline. Let's hope for more!
May 1, 2011
While out trick or treating, Elliot saves a fairy from goblins (he, of course, doesn't realize they REALLY are a fairy and goblins). Later, unknown to him, he is named the king of the fairies when the queen dies. This book is a humorous, rather than scary, fantasy. The narrator often talks directly to the reader in a funny or sarcastic way. Since it is written at a 5th grade level, this might be a good book for students who read above their grade level.
July 6, 2011
Fun for the whole family to read, together or separately.
August 13, 2011
This was a cute kids story about a war between the goblins and the brownies.
Written kind of like the Lemony Snicket series.
It's short and sweet, and is a great addition to your kids library!
Written kind of like the Lemony Snicket series.
It's short and sweet, and is a great addition to your kids library!
February 1, 2012
Cute little book about facing up to your fears and not letting bullies get the best of you.
February 20, 2012
Great children's book! It's a fun one to read with kids, because it's very witty. You will not get bored!
February 19, 2011
Great book for both boys and girls! After reading the first page of this book I was hooked!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
I had forgotten that I read this 2010 book so picked up the reissue. Fantasy styles have changed, and the Lemony Snicket style asides to the reader have definitely waned. Interestingly, not a single library in my district has a copy of the original. Since the main character is 8, this might be better suited to younger readers.
Nielsen starts this with a note about how this book has a lot of meaning for her, as it was her first title. It predates The Flase Prince by two years. She has gone on to carve out an impressive niche for herself in historical fiction.
Reviewed in November 2010 for the Cybils' Awards
(review copy provided by Sourcebooks)
After saving a girl (who turns out to be a Brownie) from bullies (who turn out to be goblins)who were taking her candy on Halloween, Elliot finds himself in the odd position of having been made the Brownie king after Queen Bipsy perishes and tells her followers to name their own replacement. The Brownies are at a loss about how to effectively fight the goblins, and Elliot draws on his inner reserves to help them with the battle. There is a lot of adventure and odd situations, and the fantasy world that Elliot must keep from his family is full of characters with names like Fudd Fartwick. The narrators voice is strong and constantly telling Dear Reader that there is danger in continuing to read the book.
Strengths: The writing is brisk and the situations darkly humorous. This would probably go over well with younger readers (3rd-4th grade) or students who are enamoured of Lemony Snicket.
Weaknesses: The overly precious tone ("Dear Reader, you may wonder why I haven't said anything yet about a character in this story named Diffle McSnug.") will make this a difficult book for older readers to take seriously.
I had forgotten that I read this 2010 book so picked up the reissue. Fantasy styles have changed, and the Lemony Snicket style asides to the reader have definitely waned. Interestingly, not a single library in my district has a copy of the original. Since the main character is 8, this might be better suited to younger readers.
Nielsen starts this with a note about how this book has a lot of meaning for her, as it was her first title. It predates The Flase Prince by two years. She has gone on to carve out an impressive niche for herself in historical fiction.
Reviewed in November 2010 for the Cybils' Awards
(review copy provided by Sourcebooks)
After saving a girl (who turns out to be a Brownie) from bullies (who turn out to be goblins)who were taking her candy on Halloween, Elliot finds himself in the odd position of having been made the Brownie king after Queen Bipsy perishes and tells her followers to name their own replacement. The Brownies are at a loss about how to effectively fight the goblins, and Elliot draws on his inner reserves to help them with the battle. There is a lot of adventure and odd situations, and the fantasy world that Elliot must keep from his family is full of characters with names like Fudd Fartwick. The narrators voice is strong and constantly telling Dear Reader that there is danger in continuing to read the book.
Strengths: The writing is brisk and the situations darkly humorous. This would probably go over well with younger readers (3rd-4th grade) or students who are enamoured of Lemony Snicket.
Weaknesses: The overly precious tone ("Dear Reader, you may wonder why I haven't said anything yet about a character in this story named Diffle McSnug.") will make this a difficult book for older readers to take seriously.
July 24, 2017
I enjoyed this book. there is humor , adventure and thrills. The characters develop as the story proceeds. This book is perfect for early elementary. I first met Jennifer Nielsen, in the series that begins with the False Prince. As the Elliot book is perfect for early elementary, The false Prince is written definitely to the teen and young adult audience. Great Series - I ate these up! Recently she wrote The Mark of the Thief which is definitely more for older elementary. There is less humor, more tension - more thrilling. this may appeal to those who like Riordan series since it is set in early roman times.
August 6, 2017
This book made me laugh out loud almost every chapter. And not the type of laugh where you type "lol" but all you really did was let out a hard breath through your nose. I mean the kind of laugh where you have to put down the book for a minute, and people around you look at you strangely because you're just kind of laughing maniacally to yourself. It was a fun, solid story, with interesting characters. And then it was simply ridiculous in the best possible way. I think I was sold from the very first sentence:
And it only got better from there.
When he was eight years old, Elliot Penster started an interspecies war.
And it only got better from there.
October 19, 2020
WARNING!
As of today, there are only 7 CHILDREN who have ever read this book and lived to tell about it. 95 CHILDREN successfully read the first chapter, but upon beginning chapter 2, they started BLABBERING in some language known only as "flibberish." 38 CHILDREN made it halfway through this wretched book before they began SUCKING THEIR THUMBS THROUGH THEIR NOSES.
If you're VERY BRAVE, perhaps you are willing to TAKE YOUR CHANCES. Be sure that you have told your family who gets your favorite toys if you DO NOT SURVIVE this book. Read it now, IF YOU DARE. But don't say you haven't been warned, for this is the story that unfolds the MYSTERIES OF THE UNDERWORLD.
As of today, there are only 7 CHILDREN who have ever read this book and lived to tell about it. 95 CHILDREN successfully read the first chapter, but upon beginning chapter 2, they started BLABBERING in some language known only as "flibberish." 38 CHILDREN made it halfway through this wretched book before they began SUCKING THEIR THUMBS THROUGH THEIR NOSES.
If you're VERY BRAVE, perhaps you are willing to TAKE YOUR CHANCES. Be sure that you have told your family who gets your favorite toys if you DO NOT SURVIVE this book. Read it now, IF YOU DARE. But don't say you haven't been warned, for this is the story that unfolds the MYSTERIES OF THE UNDERWORLD.
March 13, 2019
I would describe this book as The Spiderwick Chronicles meets the Goblins series by Philip Reeve (which is definitely not a bad thing). My only real "complaints" is that near the end there seems to be a lot of potty humor. Not so much that you can't just roll your eyes and move on, but if you're not a fan of that type of humor, it may turn you off. It appears that the over-arching villain of the series if going to be a demon? Depending on how it's handled will determine my opinion on such a choice. But on first glance, I'm going to enjoy this series.
December 20, 2019
The story was ok, but I really didn't like the way it was written. The author frequently talked directly to the reader, seemingly in an attempt to be humorous, but I found it rather distracting and annoying. It's certainly not a terrible book, but I have no desire to continue reading more in the series.
March 8, 2021
Full of humor and fun, I loved reading this book with my son! It's great to find a book that is fun and genuinely geared to the age group it's intended for. There are some great morals in the story in how to stand up to bullies and be more confident in yourself. Can't wait to read the next book in the series!
November 12, 2021
I'm happy to say, fellow readers, that after this book all my arms are still intact and I do not suck my thumbs through my nose. So I survived. Whether or not you will...remains to be seen.
This book was fantastic! Breaking the fourth wall and addressing the readers made it fun and light-hearted while still giving us an adventure. I only wish I had read this book sooner!
This book was fantastic! Breaking the fourth wall and addressing the readers made it fun and light-hearted while still giving us an adventure. I only wish I had read this book sooner!
June 11, 2024
So silly
This was a very light read, although that's not a condemnation. I just wasn't expecting it to be that silly. Probably best for the 7-10 yo range, but no real content concerns other than someone dying of fright in a pretty hilarious way. It only gets 3.5 stars from me, but gets rounded up bc a middle aged mom is not the intended audience.
This was a very light read, although that's not a condemnation. I just wasn't expecting it to be that silly. Probably best for the 7-10 yo range, but no real content concerns other than someone dying of fright in a pretty hilarious way. It only gets 3.5 stars from me, but gets rounded up bc a middle aged mom is not the intended audience.
Read
May 29, 2025I'm going to start counting books in my reading challenge that I copyedited or proofread, when they're available here on Goodreads for me to add in a timely manner (several I've worked on already exist and are being repackaged/rereleased by a publisher). It's only fair. It's a damn lot of reading I'm not including otherwise.
November 28, 2023
Had to stop reading this to my son, as he started to get scared. For the most part though, it's pretty lighthearted and accessible to kids, and has enough little side jokes that make it fun to read to older kids. It's like a Pixar movie, in a way. Quite fun!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews