Christmas on the Goblin Express

by J.J. Fischer

For Claire Samson, the only way to survive Christmas this year is to escape it.

High-achieving Australian medical student Claire Samson has struggled to enjoy Christmas in recent years, but this is the first Christmas she will be all alone, with her parents overseas and her grandfather in a coma. Claire is desperate to quit med school, but medicine was Grandpa’s dream for her, and her rural hometown desperately needs more doctors—doctors which could have changed her grandfather’s prognosis.

Just when Claire thinks Christmas will be unbearable, a steam train straight out of Platform 9 ¾ appears . . . a train invisible to all but Claire. It’s the Goblin Express, run by Christmas-hating elves and full of washed-up souls from hundreds of worlds who come aboard to escape the holidays. As it turns out, humans aren’t the only species who can loathe their festive seasons.

Upon boarding, Claire befriends several of her fellow travelers, including a mysterious hooded figure who totally gives her Strider vibes and may or may not actually be a night elf. But when the Goblin Express comes under attack, Claire and her new group of mismatched friends must band together to save the train . . . and maybe even find a little bit of Christmas spirit in the process.


J. J. Fischer is an award-winning author whose book Calor won the 2023 Realm Award Book of the Year as well as the Realm Award for Best Fantasy. The second book, Lumen, was a 2024 Christy Award Finalist, while the third book, Memoria, was the winner of the 2025 Faith Hope Love Reader's Choice Award for Speculative. Her other books have won various accolades or been finalists in a number of award competitions. Christmas on the Goblin Express is a stand-alone short novel of approx. 55,000 words and a cozy Christmas romantasy adventure with laugh-out-loud comedic elements--think Stardust meets A Christmas Carol meets The Polar Express with a dash of the Hallmark Channel, Lord of the Rings, and Harry Potter.

Genres: Christmas, Fantasy, Christian Fiction, Cozy, Time Travel, Humor, Christian

217 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 5, 2025

About the author

Jasmine’s writing dream began with the anthology of zoo animals she painstakingly wrote and illustrated at age five, to rather limited acclaim. Thankfully, her writing (but not her drawing) has improved since then. She is a clinically-trained psychologist but no, she cannot read your mind. When she isn’t killing defenseless house plants, Jasmine enjoys devouring books, dabbling in floristry, playing the piano, eating peanut butter out of the jar, and wishing it rained more often. Jasmine is married to David, and together they make their home a couple of hours’ north of Sydney, Australia, where they live to satisfy the every whim of their ginger overlord cat, Simba.

Reviews

[Sharon Loves to Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐
E-ARC


This was a delightful story, and the only thing I would have wanted changed was that it be longer.💜

With a higher page count, Fischer could have developed Quinn as a second POV, and we could have known him better right from the get-go. This would have avoided the this-is-the-real-Quinn-info-dump at the very end. We also could have seen Claire's development a little more clearly. And understood the true nature of the Elves and their relationship with "Christmas." You'll know what I mean if you read it.

However, that said, I greatly enjoyed the literature & movie nods, the humor, the creativity, the depth that few authors can bring out in such a short book, and the cross-world experience. A great Christmas read!!🎄

[Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas on the Goblin Express is a wonderful story for those who either want to fast-forward through Christmas or are desperate to enjoy it but—for a multitude of reasons—find that to be an impossibility. It offers a fast-paced, snarky, original take on Christmas, one brimming with empathy for those who find the holidays difficult. Through it, we are shown the beauty of the season afresh, but through jaded, relatable eyes.

Claire Samson is our perspective character. This Christmas she is caring for her dying grandfather—who is currently in the hospital, in a coma—while her parents take the trip of a lifetime. It’s a Christmas she wishes she could fast-forward through. As soon as she admits that longing to herself, the Goblin Express shows up, ready to sweep her away until after the holiday season. I was immediately enchanted by the train, its occupants, and the elves running the show.

I was immediately enchanted by the train, its occupants, and the elves running the show. The idea of a wise-cracking Irish elf on a magical anti-Christmas train whipping out a Square so those boarding can pay for their fare with card instead of cash cracked me up. Like that was the absurdist tipping point for my brain. And I shared Claire's fascination-at-first-sight over the mysterious cloaked figure, Quinn, sharing her train compartment. The entire cast, but especially Claire and Quinn, were incredibly likable and brimming with personality.

I love the way Fischer references so many beloved stories, be they literary or film--The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, The Polar Express, Back to the Future, Murder on the Orient Express, The Matrix, Alice in Wonderland, Anastasia, The Lion King, Snowpiercer, and even the Trolls movies. Not to mention the passengers’ shared desire to escape anything remotely akin to a Hallmark Christmas movie, which I thought was a hilarious touch. But most of all, I love the subtle way Fischer found to weave in faith and the actual Reason for the season toward the end of the novella.

Christmas on the Goblin Express is a romp of a tale, and just a good time all around. I enjoyed the time I spent aboard, and I can absolutely see myself revisiting it. Whether you love Christmas with all your heart or you find yourself wishing to skip through the holiday yourself, this is an excellent story that I highly recommend!

[Story Eater · Rating 5 out of 5]

When one gets an ARC of a Fischer book, one halts the TBR and immediately reads said Fischer book.

[MyWeekendIsBooked7 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun read! Christmas train, Strider, plus movie references--this is my kind of book! Claire goes on quite a ride to escape Christmas and ends up having to save it alongside several passengers from various worlds and backgrounds. This book had a lot of twists that I didn't see comping and it was certainly a joy it read.

It's a bit like Polar Express, if Santa wanted to use the train for himself while delivering coal instead of presents. I think this holiday read would be well-suited for the family. Not much violence or romance. But Christmas on the Goblin Express is a perfect short read this winter season!

I received an ARC copy of this book from the author. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

[Jane Maree · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the immense pleasure of beta reading an early version of this story and I loved EVERY SECOND. This is heartwarming, deep, meaningful, and also downright silly (in the absolute best ways). JJ Fischer delivers range in this one!

[Hannah Currie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this so much!! It's fun and crazy and witty and had me smiling so much, but also had such a beautifully deep message in it. The Aussie setting, the whimsical characters, a Christmas train. So good and will definitely be a Christmas staple from now on.

[Marian Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun and hilarious Christmas rom com! For someone looking for a short and sweet Christmas romance that has depth and avoids predictable Hallmark cliches, this story is for you!

[Lizzy Hite · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so fun and so incredibly good. Absolutely loved all the literary/movie references and the banter and…just all of it, I loved all of it, go find a copy and read it, lol.


~~I received an early copy of this book from the author and was not required to leave a positive review.~~

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun Christmas story. It’s whimsical and unique and so heartwarming! It was exactly the type of book I needed right now.

Claire was a very likeable heroine and was easy to relate to. I really felt for her and what she was going through with her grandpa. Quinn was my favorite character. He was so mysterious. I was eager to find out more about him. I also really liked seeing all the different people and creatures on the train.

While this book was fun and had me laughing out loud in spots, I also appreciated it touching on the grief that can surround Christmas. It can be hard when you’re missing loved ones. There was a scene that really touched my heart. It had me near tears.

I highly, highly recommend this heartwarming and fantastical story. I loved it so much and know I’ll want to reread it every Christmas.

[Eve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal in every way

I loved this entire story. J.J. Fischer is so imaginative and witty (she kept me laughing the whole book!) while integrating wisdom, truth, and healing. I love these characters and Quinn and Claire will always have a special place in my heart around Christmas!

A clean story as well with a little violence but perfect for teens and up!

[J. Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely LOVELY!!! I adore a good Christmas book, and this was a really unique way of writing one! All the fictional references were giving me LIFE. And one conversation near the end DEFINITELY had me tearing up

[Grace Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars! =D

[Camille Mosemann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a lovely holiday read!! Filled with lighthearted banter, memorable characters, and chock full of decidedly charming Christmas spirit, Claire’s journey on the Goblin Express will leave you smiling from ear to ear.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story! It was witty, charming, heartfelt and everything I’ve come to expect from J.J. Fischer. I really loved the charm and fantasy of this book! From the enchanted train, to the unique passengers and personnel, this book has everything you could desire.

Quinn was one of my favorite characters! I loved how sweet and shy he was, taking care of Claire and the other passengers. Their friendship was so sweet and I really loved watching them work through their painful pasts and growing together.

Some of my favorite parts were the movie references and the clever twists on classic Christmas names. I highly recommend this book if you need a good laugh!

I was graciously gifted and eARC by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Rochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wild ride that was!

I have never read a Christmas story like this (my go to Christmas reads are usually contemporary or historical, but I am a huge fantasy fan). It was so fun. It had so many elements that I loved: a magical steam train, Christmas setting, mythical creatures/fairytale creatures, partially set in Australia, humour, adventure, a dash of romance, and a touch of faith. While starting out sad, it ended with a lot of hope.

With her parents overseas and her grandfather in a coma, Claire Samson wishes she could skip Christmas this year. When a magical train appears, promising it can help her escape Christmas, after some mild wondering if she has lost her mind, she climbs aboard.
The train is full of magical surprises and interesting passengers, the type you would find in fairytales. Claire finds herself drawn to a mysterious passenger named Quinn who dresses in black and may or may not be a night elf.
Everyone has their different reasons for being aboard the train, for their need to escape the holidays. Claire is struggling not only with her grandfather being in a coma, but whether or not she should let go of the medical career she has been studying for years for and once thought was her dream. The train journey helps her to see what she really wants.
Although full of all the cozy Christmas vibes, it turned into quite the adventure story, with an attack on the train which forces the passengers to work together. I was on the edge of my seat to see how it would end! It contained some of the most hilarious fight scenes I have read!

Overall, Christmas on the Goblin Express was a perfect Christmas read for fantasy lovers, and at 55,000 words it is a good size to curl up and read in one sitting. I highly recommend it. Fischer is a fantastic fantasy author and I recommend any book that she has written.

Content: This was a clean read with no swearing, kisses only and only mild violence.

I was gifted an e-copy of this from the author. All opinions are my own honest opinions. I purchased a physical copy for myself.

[Nashelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

An imaginative, fun, fantasy adventure with depth.

[Kelsie Carlson (Alaskan.BookDragon) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited when I learned J. J. Fischer was writing a Fantasy Christmas book! Christmas On The Goblin Express did not disappoint. It is a wonderful mix of humorous Christmas magic and insightful sentiment.

I absolutely LOVE the MC. Claire has excellent taste in books and movies, she references them often and in the most humorous ways. You know its a good book when you find yourself smiling while reading. Like always Fischers background in psychology shines. The characters work through thier lives in meaningful ways that will have you pondering your own life.

I would love to read a book about Quinn! He is such a interesting character. I love a good masculine love interest, and Quinn has the bonus of being slightly mysterious.

The Christmas tones of the book are way diffrent than I expected and I am still processing the main evil character, I do not want to spoil so Im being vague. Christmas On The Goblin Express has me wanting more Christmas Fantasy books! The mix of Christmas characters and fantasy characters was so delightful to read. I particularly liked the trian guard elves! I know this is a standalone but I can not help wanting another Christmas book on the Goblin Express next year.

I was given a copy of the book from the author. My opinions, as always, are my own.

[Karley Conklin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A super fun and cozy read for Christmas!

To escape Christmas, Claire climbs aboard a magical train full of elves, trolls, and fairies (all seeking to avoid their own festival seasons). Little does she know that the train holds stronger magic than it first appeared to have, and there are many who would go to great lengths to steal it.

Soon Claire is banding together with her fellow passengers to rescue the train and it's riders before it's too late.

The story is full of humor, fun, and a strong dash of romance, while still making space to tackle topics of grief and sorrow that often become sharper during the holidays. The characters are fantastic, the worlds the trains travel through are colorful and intriguing, and the the themes of the book are true to life.

While there are more book and movie references than I would have liked (I found them a bit distracting after the first few), the stories Claire references are all wonderful, and she's such a fun character that I didn't mind the references in the end.

Overall the perfect holiday read for anyone who enjoys clean, colorful fantasy and whimsy.
***

**I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

[Megan Schaulis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful, unique Christmas adventure

The premise of J.J. Fischer's first Christmas book was way too fun to resist. A train that fast-forwards you through the drama of the holidays? Who hasn't imagined something like that! And it's no surprise that Fischer delivers on the clever premise with humor and depth.

Claire's reasons for wanting to skip the holidays were relatable and sincere, but this wasn't a Christmas-bashing book. It touched on the true heart of Christmas even while acknowledging some of the reasons that time of year can be tough. Claire and Quinn's friendship (or more?) was sweet and organic.

I've read many of Fischer's fantasy novels and this one was particularly fun thanks to the contemporary setting. The fantasy elements were laced with modern pop-culture references from Lord of the Rings to Mariah Carey. This book is on par with Regency & Regicide in terms of humor and light-heartedness, though it mentions loss of parents and a relative in a coma that could be hard for some readers.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to give a positive review and all thoughts are my own.

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas on the Goblin Express by J.J. Fischer is exactly the fun Christmas story I didn’t know I needed. Unlike any other Christmas stories, this is a great blend of fantasy, beloved tales (like The Polar Express, Harry Potter, and even the Matrix), and modern-day legends and references. Claire is an everyday young woman, in the drudges of exam week in medical school all while watching no progress be made on her ailing, comatose grandfather. Convinced there must be something better, preferably fast forwarding to after Christmas, she unintentionally summons the Goblin Express. From the moment she steps aboard it is a fast-paced adventure full of fantastical creatures and creative use of time and dimensions. Humor, action, reflection, slight romance, and lots of heart, I adored this book.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

[Brandi Raae · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun & clever Christmas adventure! It’s like a Lord of the Rings - Harry Potter - The Polar Express mashup.

With a sick grandpa and the growing desire to quit medical school, Claire Samson feels miserable. When she thinks she won’t be able to stand Christmas any longer, a magical train appears and whisks her away.

It’s not all fun and games, though. While there are some laugh-out-loud moments and heartwarming scenes, Claire and her fellow Christmas-hating passengers face a terrible threat. Battles ensue involving some fun twists on classic Christmasy characters.

I loved all the quotes at the beginning of each chapter and all the LOTR, HP (and more) references.

If you’re looking for a unique, adventure-filled Christmas novella with just a smidge of romance, check out this book! Perfect for YA and up.

[Britney Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was whimsical, creative, and such a fun adventure! The main character’s Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and a few other pop culture references immediately won me over— they made her feel instantly relatable, like a friend who quotes or references favorite books and movies at just the right moment. The story was full of unexpected elements and creative twists that kept me eager to see what would happen next.

I read this in December, and while it’s absolutely enjoyable any time of year, the seasonal timing made it feel even more magical. This story is just the right mix of adventure, mild mystery, interdimensional time travel, and modern-day fantasy. It’s clean, has a minor no-spice love interest, strong good-versus-evil vibes, and thoughtful moments of introspection Overall, it was just pure wholesome fun, and I’m so glad I picked it up.

[Erin Dydek · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who tends to sink into holiday blues around Christmas time, I found this book delightfully entertaining and uplifting. Fischer’s books always give me a valuable takeaway to think about beyond finishing the book. This season, I’ll be embracing the past and the present and moving forward in hope as I remember that even amidst all the chaos of consumerism and busyness, I am home in the arms of my Savior. That no matter what happens in life, whether I succeed or fail, I have purpose in Him. Even as I struggle, still trying to find my calling, I am reminded I am loved and my life is valuable to Him.

This book is so deep, yet so rambunctious and fun, you won’t regret giving it a read this Christmas season! You definitely don’t want to miss Christmas on the Goblin Express!

[Dienece Darling · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure about the first chapter because it starts in a hot Australia Christmas season which is slightly depressing, but I realized that you needed to see why the character wants to escape her life. After she gets on the train, I really liked the story. So, if you're not so sure about the first chapter, stick with it. I promise it's a lot of fun later.
And I love the "dark elf" she ends up with. He is awesome! And the motorbike ride was a favourite scene of mine. I loved all the twists and turns and the fantasy as well as the message about letting go (both with loved ones and to a career that may not be for you). It's a solid, enjoyable read.

[Debs Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a fan of J.J. Fischer, but I did not expect to love this book as much as I do. Unlike her other works that I've read, this story is full of humor and pop culture references. What I do see that is expected from Fischer are subtle yet deep themes throughout. I'm not a fan of goblins or Christmas stories. So I can honestly say this is my fav Christmas book. I love the main characters & I really don't like the villain. I love the a-ha moments & discoveries and the relationships we see built up in this quick, easy read.

[Keira Mueller · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really excited for this magic train that picks up people from different worlds who hate Christmas and lets them skip the holiday (Polar Express who?), but like the rest of Fischer's books, the world failed to pull me in, and the characters were a little too strange and stilted to be relatable. While some elements were fun, and the Santa parallel was quite clever, the romance was utterly predictable. If you're looking for a different, light, and breezy read, this does the trick, but it's not my cup of tea.

[Jessica Tanner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a lot of books this year. A LOT. But whether it was the writing - which was fantastic - or timing, this book hit just right. (And that's with me getting lost a little on several references by the main character!) I look forward to reading more by this author - and hope someday there may be a return to this story world - even though it doesn't really need it.

PS- Who knew magic trains also lost luggage and had a lost and found? Not I before this book! And I love how it added to the mystery :)

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
Christmas on the Goblin Express is a delightful read! Fischer isn’t afraid to go deep with her writing and somehow is able to juxtapose grief with whimsical adventure and humor. And it works!

So much happens in this story. Take a ride on the Goblin Express and see for yourself!

And the ending is…*chef’s kiss*!😘

This is the perfect Christmas story for YA Fantasy readers!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun read! It feels very Polar Express meets Harry Potter, worlds better than an Hallmark movie, and despite the fact that everyone aboard the Goblin Express is avoiding their Christmas holidays, it is a perfect almost-Christmas story. It does get serious and there is real danger along the way, but this book made me smile, and overall I think there was a great balance between the heavy and light. I can see this becoming an annual December read.

[Cassandra Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas on the Goblin Express is a FABULOUS story and I swear it was written with me in mind.

This is my first Christmas novel I've ever read, and I picked it up because I wanted something fun and whimsical in the midst of a chaotic holiday season. It turns out this story was EXACTLY that, and the unexpected themes of suffering and happiness made this book not just what I wanted to read, but precisely what I needed.

Also Quinn might be the best MMC ever. 10/10 no notes

[Ken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

The Goblin express brought to mind another story of a train we watched at the movies. Like that story this one is unique and fresh with an amazing cast of characters. I would love to see this book as a movie. It is fantastic. A wonderful, heartwarming holiday story full.of wisdom and hope. This is a great Christmas story from the Christian market.