What do you think?
Rate this book
The Iron Teeth #1
A Goblin's Tale
All the nameless goblin ever wanted was not to be beaten by his masters too much and to eat as much as he could shove into his mouth when no one was looking. Instead, he is drugged and whisked away to the far off Iron Teeth Mountains.
Will he be able to survive there and evolve into something more than a simple goblin? To stay alive he will have to deal with hordes of deadly monsters, fit in among human bandits, and carve a bloody path through the forests of the North.
However, first he has to get over his crippling fear of trees, and survive in a place where everything considers him to be the perfect size for a quick snack...
Will he be able to survive there and evolve into something more than a simple goblin? To stay alive he will have to deal with hordes of deadly monsters, fit in among human bandits, and carve a bloody path through the forests of the North.
However, first he has to get over his crippling fear of trees, and survive in a place where everything considers him to be the perfect size for a quick snack...
ebook
First published May 18, 2017
366 people are currently reading
767 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
November 27, 2017
I really wanted to like this book. It's an entertaining concept, watching a measly goblin as he becomes stronger, more cunning, and has his own sort of hero's journey. Unfortunately, it's really, really boring. It's like the author put all of his effort into one goblin, and had to throw a few other characters and a setting in as an afterthought to give his goblin stuff to do.
The world building is painfully generic. Yet another hostile "north," lost cities, a fallen empire, blah blah blah... I don't actually mind seeing tropes like that get recycled, but you've got to do it with more personality than this. I know that the various countries of this fantasy world have specific cultures because for some reason a bunch of thieves sitting around a campfire chose to explain it to each other as if they were giving a history class.
That leads me to the other problem: the characters. They all talk in the same unnatural, long winded way. There are moments when some of them are being sarcastic, I think, but it only goes to show that the author doesn't understand sarcasm. They're all essentially the same pretentious person, just plugged into different places in the social hierarchy with randomized modifications to gender and physical description. There's no depth or personality to any of them, except for Blacknail.
I kept going for as long as I could because I kinda liked the little guy, and I was genuinely curious about what he'd get up to next. But at some point, it's the author's job to entice me to keep going. It's not my job to force myself through something this bland.
The world building is painfully generic. Yet another hostile "north," lost cities, a fallen empire, blah blah blah... I don't actually mind seeing tropes like that get recycled, but you've got to do it with more personality than this. I know that the various countries of this fantasy world have specific cultures because for some reason a bunch of thieves sitting around a campfire chose to explain it to each other as if they were giving a history class.
That leads me to the other problem: the characters. They all talk in the same unnatural, long winded way. There are moments when some of them are being sarcastic, I think, but it only goes to show that the author doesn't understand sarcasm. They're all essentially the same pretentious person, just plugged into different places in the social hierarchy with randomized modifications to gender and physical description. There's no depth or personality to any of them, except for Blacknail.
I kept going for as long as I could because I kinda liked the little guy, and I was genuinely curious about what he'd get up to next. But at some point, it's the author's job to entice me to keep going. It's not my job to force myself through something this bland.
May 18, 2017
I have started reading this story a while ago when it was still unpolished and lacked a bit of the real book smell, but it has come a long way since then.
I enjoyed every page of it and would recommend it to anyone looking for a bit lighter read, the characters are fun and there is a lot of thought put into the world.
The story is a unusual heroes journey, not to greatness or to defeat something evil but to live his life in peace and plenty... I love it.
I enjoyed every page of it and would recommend it to anyone looking for a bit lighter read, the characters are fun and there is a lot of thought put into the world.
The story is a unusual heroes journey, not to greatness or to defeat something evil but to live his life in peace and plenty... I love it.
November 13, 2024
I don't read pure fantasy as often as I used to, so it's nice to dip back into it periodically. This story provided an enjoyable start to a series with a surprisingly funny undertone.
The main character is a young goblin who starts his life enslaved by humans who use his tribe to keep the city sewers clear of rat and minor creature infestations. He ends up sold to a different owner and then subsequently ends up in the hands of a bandit who decides to keep him as a servant.
I've read stories from the pov of monsters before and also from the pov of a mercenary company before, but I can't say I've read one about a monster character in an outlaw group. It made for an interesting perspective. The bandits aren't Robin Hood and his merry men. They are cutthroats and murderers, so it's a strange position to be in when trying to find a character to root for.
The goblin, later named Blacknail, also had to grow on me for awhile since he had no real agency for the first half of the story. It made sense, since he is only a minor monster in a band of humans and he is out in the open woods instead of the comfort of sewer tunnels. He mostly has to react to and learn from his new surroundings.
The main points of enjoyment for me came from the subtle humor provided by Blacknail's perspective as he regularly wonders why humans are so stupid and making things too complicated. While the worldbuilding didn't get too deep, the story introduced a few interesting elements such as how magic seems to operate by interacting with magic crystals of particular design for different effects. So rather than a mage simply casting a fireball out of their hand, a person with mana would have to channel it into a heat crystal attached to a wand to produce the appropriate effect. There are also people called Vessels who gain enhanced physical abilities when drinking something called Elixir, which just poisons non-Vessels who use it.
This story was a bit of a slow burn, or maybe I have just become an impatient reader, but I got more invested as the story progressed and I'm curious to see where things go. This felt like an extended setup rather than a complete tale, but I was still okay with that.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys fantasy, especially if you're looking for a non-human pov character. Blacknail was a fun character and his antics buy time for the plot to build momentum.
The main character is a young goblin who starts his life enslaved by humans who use his tribe to keep the city sewers clear of rat and minor creature infestations. He ends up sold to a different owner and then subsequently ends up in the hands of a bandit who decides to keep him as a servant.
I've read stories from the pov of monsters before and also from the pov of a mercenary company before, but I can't say I've read one about a monster character in an outlaw group. It made for an interesting perspective. The bandits aren't Robin Hood and his merry men. They are cutthroats and murderers, so it's a strange position to be in when trying to find a character to root for.
The goblin, later named Blacknail, also had to grow on me for awhile since he had no real agency for the first half of the story. It made sense, since he is only a minor monster in a band of humans and he is out in the open woods instead of the comfort of sewer tunnels. He mostly has to react to and learn from his new surroundings.
The main points of enjoyment for me came from the subtle humor provided by Blacknail's perspective as he regularly wonders why humans are so stupid and making things too complicated. While the worldbuilding didn't get too deep, the story introduced a few interesting elements such as how magic seems to operate by interacting with magic crystals of particular design for different effects. So rather than a mage simply casting a fireball out of their hand, a person with mana would have to channel it into a heat crystal attached to a wand to produce the appropriate effect. There are also people called Vessels who gain enhanced physical abilities when drinking something called Elixir, which just poisons non-Vessels who use it.
This story was a bit of a slow burn, or maybe I have just become an impatient reader, but I got more invested as the story progressed and I'm curious to see where things go. This felt like an extended setup rather than a complete tale, but I was still okay with that.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys fantasy, especially if you're looking for a non-human pov character. Blacknail was a fun character and his antics buy time for the plot to build momentum.
March 2, 2021
4.5 stars. It's not a perfect book. But it's awfully charming, endearing and great fun.
As the title promises, it's all told from the POV of the goblin and this unusual narrative voice--in third-person limited, my FAVOURITE tense for fantasy--gives charm to what would otherwise be a commonplace fantasy outlaw story.
The only bit that kept me from placing this at a full five stars is that in the second half of the book there are a few battles/skirmishes/action pieces that all seem to drag out a bit longer than they need to. But I still wholeheartedly recommend the book.
As the title promises, it's all told from the POV of the goblin and this unusual narrative voice--in third-person limited, my FAVOURITE tense for fantasy--gives charm to what would otherwise be a commonplace fantasy outlaw story.
The only bit that kept me from placing this at a full five stars is that in the second half of the book there are a few battles/skirmishes/action pieces that all seem to drag out a bit longer than they need to. But I still wholeheartedly recommend the book.
July 31, 2017
I stumbled on this book because of the ratings and I really was in need of a book. I was just getting bored with fantasy, but again the ratings were good so I took the risk of reading about juvenile orphans becoming emperor or killing dragons. Therefor I was quite surprised that I had found such a juwel.
After a while it is getting a bit difficult to read a book which concept you have not yet come across. Many times the story line is run of the mill and it then depends on the author to tell the tale interesting enough for me. I am not the youngest person anymore and I have read a lot. Now, this book IS different. You are truly reading a goblin's tale! And it is funny!
The story is refreshing, there is some adventure, the story is coherent and there is a definite growth of the main character. You know these book where the bad is evil and the good devine? Not here. The goblin, a little timid in the beginning will literally grow to become a bit bigger and better. The goblin's interest in human affairs is heavily influenced by food. And not being beaten. Poor thing. You will grow to like the little bugger and hope, feel, laugh and cry with it.
I sincerely hope that this will turn out to be a long series! I am looking forward to part 2 that is being worked on and hope that this author will be encouraged to write a lot more. Rarely am I so pleased with a first novel!
After a while it is getting a bit difficult to read a book which concept you have not yet come across. Many times the story line is run of the mill and it then depends on the author to tell the tale interesting enough for me. I am not the youngest person anymore and I have read a lot. Now, this book IS different. You are truly reading a goblin's tale! And it is funny!
The story is refreshing, there is some adventure, the story is coherent and there is a definite growth of the main character. You know these book where the bad is evil and the good devine? Not here. The goblin, a little timid in the beginning will literally grow to become a bit bigger and better. The goblin's interest in human affairs is heavily influenced by food. And not being beaten. Poor thing. You will grow to like the little bugger and hope, feel, laugh and cry with it.
I sincerely hope that this will turn out to be a long series! I am looking forward to part 2 that is being worked on and hope that this author will be encouraged to write a lot more. Rarely am I so pleased with a first novel!
September 16, 2024
The premise of a fairly standard fantasy world from the point of view of a goblin made me want to read it. However, it missed a central theme. At the beginning, Blacknail is taught everything and there are lots of little encounters with creatures that all go the same way: “Watch out, a monster. It's very dangerous. Oh, it's defeated/ oh, we escaped without consequences”. It's far too repetitive and I don't find the world exciting enough for that. There are adventure journeys and, towards the end, big battles and politics (or something). A gray, even mash with no highlights because it all reads the same somehow.
I also have a negative impression of the characters, who hardly differ from each other. The grumpy scout talks just like the cunning bandit captain. New characters appear all the time, a new captain called Red Dog, a paladin, a mage, a pretty woman who of course has to be slept with immediately, but none of them are interesting and their stories don't lead anywhere.
I liked the beginning best, when everything was new for Blacknail, he is a funny bloke, but I think a lot of possibilities were not used. He is relatively passive, especially at the beginning of the book.
Apart from that, there are still some annoying spelling mistakes 7 years after release.
I also have a negative impression of the characters, who hardly differ from each other. The grumpy scout talks just like the cunning bandit captain. New characters appear all the time, a new captain called Red Dog, a paladin, a mage, a pretty woman who of course has to be slept with immediately, but none of them are interesting and their stories don't lead anywhere.
I liked the beginning best, when everything was new for Blacknail, he is a funny bloke, but I think a lot of possibilities were not used. He is relatively passive, especially at the beginning of the book.
Apart from that, there are still some annoying spelling mistakes 7 years after release.
February 15, 2020
I felt like this book had a great premise, but it just didn't deliver enough for me.
An unnamed goblin slave is "liberated" by a scout from a band of bandits. His primary concerns are eating and not being eaten. And under his new master's tutelage, he receives a name and something more of a purpose.
The humor was entertaining and was the main reason I continued reading this book. There were enough editing errors (multiple characters have names misspelled, spelling errors result in nonsensical sentences, and more) to make me stop reading if I hadn't been otherwise amused, and it still took me a long time to finish.
The plot meandered and never really went anywhere. Yes, there was character development, but the lack of a coherent structure really hurt this book. Had I not enjoyed the character so much, this would be a 1-star book. As it is, I can only give it 2 out of 5 stars, and I won't be continuing the rest of the series.
An unnamed goblin slave is "liberated" by a scout from a band of bandits. His primary concerns are eating and not being eaten. And under his new master's tutelage, he receives a name and something more of a purpose.
The humor was entertaining and was the main reason I continued reading this book. There were enough editing errors (multiple characters have names misspelled, spelling errors result in nonsensical sentences, and more) to make me stop reading if I hadn't been otherwise amused, and it still took me a long time to finish.
The plot meandered and never really went anywhere. Yes, there was character development, but the lack of a coherent structure really hurt this book. Had I not enjoyed the character so much, this would be a 1-star book. As it is, I can only give it 2 out of 5 stars, and I won't be continuing the rest of the series.
October 16, 2017
Its not often you find a Fantasy book from a non Human, non Elven perspective. Then add that its not a book about law abiding heroes and you have something extra different.
The book is well paced and laid out well. The character development is balanced against adding details of a fantasy world with some problems. The way its written, the emphasis is kept on the goblin even as world issues are introduced.
The writing is kept simple as the goblin understands the world and then starts to ramp up as he develops. I found it annoying at first and took awhile for me to get what the author was going for.
An interesting start to a different take on a fantasy series. Ill look for the next book.
The book is well paced and laid out well. The character development is balanced against adding details of a fantasy world with some problems. The way its written, the emphasis is kept on the goblin even as world issues are introduced.
The writing is kept simple as the goblin understands the world and then starts to ramp up as he develops. I found it annoying at first and took awhile for me to get what the author was going for.
An interesting start to a different take on a fantasy series. Ill look for the next book.
August 11, 2022
A well written fantasy story from the perspective of a goblin and . Made me laugh/chuckle throughout the book. Not expertly written, but its good enough. A couple of typos. Its a fine book though. Just very interesting and fun to read. Dry in only a couple areas. I love books that have non-human protagonists. This was great. Too easy to spoil though so i'm not going into much detail.
December 8, 2017
Poor writing, but some redemption
First I'll say I might recommend this book for younger children (from the bit I've read, maybe 10-12). It's a simple story, with an interesting concept.
That being said, the writing style is very poor. At one point, a character,"I'm the best tracker and hunter..." And another character responds ,"...well, you're by far the most experienced tracker around anyway."
While this is the worst example, much of the writing is like this. A lot of telling, not showing people what is going on. There's a lot of exclamation marks whenever Blacknail is the focus. Overall, the book is too poorly written, and I couldn't make it more than 12 percent through it.
First I'll say I might recommend this book for younger children (from the bit I've read, maybe 10-12). It's a simple story, with an interesting concept.
That being said, the writing style is very poor. At one point, a character,"I'm the best tracker and hunter..." And another character responds ,"...well, you're by far the most experienced tracker around anyway."
While this is the worst example, much of the writing is like this. A lot of telling, not showing people what is going on. There's a lot of exclamation marks whenever Blacknail is the focus. Overall, the book is too poorly written, and I couldn't make it more than 12 percent through it.
March 14, 2024
I'm not much a review kind of guy, but this was so fun I'd feel like a monster if I didn't do at least this much. The last time some made 'little guys sneaking thru forests' seem this enthralling was in 1937.
It's a found family kind of narrative, except the family is a a gang of malodorous, murderous vagrants, as unrepentant as they come and as unwashed as they make them, and I love each and every one of them.
It also works as a coming of age story, except the one doing the growing up is a cowardly, dastardly, little scamp of goblin, and the life lessons he learns are all mostly very bad lessons.
It's a found family kind of narrative, except the family is a a gang of malodorous, murderous vagrants, as unrepentant as they come and as unwashed as they make them, and I love each and every one of them.
It also works as a coming of age story, except the one doing the growing up is a cowardly, dastardly, little scamp of goblin, and the life lessons he learns are all mostly very bad lessons.
June 19, 2017
A good start for his first book
This was a good start for the author's first book. The story holds your interest and moves along at a good pace. Sometimes to fast and I would have liked him to slow down and fill out the story. It does have a few errors but they didn't detract from the story. All in all, if you like this type of fantasy then you should enjoy the book. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. I would like to see a stand alone that supports this series. The tale of the White Ravens and/or Scamp's story.
This was a good start for the author's first book. The story holds your interest and moves along at a good pace. Sometimes to fast and I would have liked him to slow down and fill out the story. It does have a few errors but they didn't detract from the story. All in all, if you like this type of fantasy then you should enjoy the book. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. I would like to see a stand alone that supports this series. The tale of the White Ravens and/or Scamp's story.
April 24, 2021
3.5 stars
Well written but fairly uninteresting. I did enjoy the beginning and I like the potential this has. However, it appear more and more unremarkable as it goes on. Will this be a somewhat typical YA story with a goblin protagonist or something wholly original? So far this reads as a less interesting Rangers Apprentice (mixed with other generic archetypes) in a lot of ways.
I don’t know if I’ll continue reading yet. The two annoying comedic relief characters just make more more reluctant to continue knowing that they will only get more development.
Well written but fairly uninteresting. I did enjoy the beginning and I like the potential this has. However, it appear more and more unremarkable as it goes on. Will this be a somewhat typical YA story with a goblin protagonist or something wholly original? So far this reads as a less interesting Rangers Apprentice (mixed with other generic archetypes) in a lot of ways.
I don’t know if I’ll continue reading yet. The two annoying comedic relief characters just make more more reluctant to continue knowing that they will only get more development.
November 13, 2017
How do you empatize with a goblin?
This is the first book I have read where the protagonist is of such a different race. I had a hard time getting into the story simply because I could not empathize with the main character. I enjoyed the book by the end, but I am saddened by the new trend to only make the first book in a series available through kindle unlimited. So good luck blacknail, I will not be following your adventures any further.
This is the first book I have read where the protagonist is of such a different race. I had a hard time getting into the story simply because I could not empathize with the main character. I enjoyed the book by the end, but I am saddened by the new trend to only make the first book in a series available through kindle unlimited. So good luck blacknail, I will not be following your adventures any further.
October 31, 2018
Solid
The development of the goblin into a solid character was interesting. The first few chapters were a bit slow and odd, but it all flowed together into a nice narrative.
There were one or two moments that threw me out of the story a little. Nothing too egregious, simply concepts that did not seem to have a foundation in the world-building.
I am going to read the next book. A strong recommendation.
The development of the goblin into a solid character was interesting. The first few chapters were a bit slow and odd, but it all flowed together into a nice narrative.
There were one or two moments that threw me out of the story a little. Nothing too egregious, simply concepts that did not seem to have a foundation in the world-building.
I am going to read the next book. A strong recommendation.
November 6, 2022
It starts off pretty good. The concept is fresh and it seems to be low magic. The author manages to make the world feel really mysterious which I enjoyed. However, the characters are very shallow and it seems to inch along at a crawl.
I have read quite a bit further and unfortunately, it doesn't really get any better so if you are not digging it from the start you might as well stop and find something else.
I have read quite a bit further and unfortunately, it doesn't really get any better so if you are not digging it from the start you might as well stop and find something else.
June 1, 2017
The best books are the ones that you read without consciously noticing you are reading... you're in the story, Full immersion - you can't wait for the next bit, can't wait to find out what happened. This is one of those kinds of books. Absolutely fun to see people in the eyes of someone who isn't quite or maybe yet.. a people. I'm looking forward to more.
June 13, 2017
Surprise surprise
Most fantasy books I find are of the unlikely farm boy driven to greatness or the minor noble caught in conspiracy. This is a book about an antihero goblin in a bandits world. Well written, captivating and (at times) a knee slapper. Looking forward to reading the next book. I hope the author can expand on this already magnificent story and keep me excited.
Most fantasy books I find are of the unlikely farm boy driven to greatness or the minor noble caught in conspiracy. This is a book about an antihero goblin in a bandits world. Well written, captivating and (at times) a knee slapper. Looking forward to reading the next book. I hope the author can expand on this already magnificent story and keep me excited.
August 31, 2017
Dark fantasy at it's best.
Dark fantasy at it's best. Scott Staughan has has hit the spirit and feel of and goblin perfectly. Everything about Blacknail is foreign. The way he thinks, talks, moves, acts is different but, similar. Nothing about Blacknail is human but, not completely alien either. The character development is great. Can't wait for the next book.
Dark fantasy at it's best. Scott Staughan has has hit the spirit and feel of and goblin perfectly. Everything about Blacknail is foreign. The way he thinks, talks, moves, acts is different but, similar. Nothing about Blacknail is human but, not completely alien either. The character development is great. Can't wait for the next book.
February 2, 2021
Средна хубост фентъзи, в което главния герой е доста тъпичък гоблин. За съжаление откъм действие книгата е постничка и като почнеш да прескачаш все повече страници в досадно чакане да се случи нещо, по едно време ти идва на ум въпросът "Добре де, аз що се мъча с таз книга?" и от там продължаване няма.
March 9, 2022
I've just finished the first 3 books in this series The Iron Teeth. I really enjoyed them, reading a book from an imagined non-human perspective was very interesting, it made me think about what would actually motivate a goblin and how or why a goblin would do certain things. These books were also rather funny and clever. Thank you Scott Straughan.
February 14, 2023
I loved this book. I love how it is written from the perspective of a non human main character and the book also succeeded in making me feel completly in the story by providing the right amount of description from senses like e.g. smell. It also made me laugh out loud quite a few times and seeing the bonding happen between the characters was very nice.
November 4, 2024
this series is great.
light hearted fantasy that reads easy
Our antihero is a goblin, he is a vicious, brutal little savage that ends up in a bandit camp.
He fits in great, his morality is perfect and he is innocent in his wordly understanding of humanity.
He is both ruthless and childlike. This makes blacktoe very likable.
fun writing, that stands out from the rest.
light hearted fantasy that reads easy
Our antihero is a goblin, he is a vicious, brutal little savage that ends up in a bandit camp.
He fits in great, his morality is perfect and he is innocent in his wordly understanding of humanity.
He is both ruthless and childlike. This makes blacktoe very likable.
fun writing, that stands out from the rest.
May 31, 2017
Very fun read!
This book is a fun take on a new perspective. It's a vicious and unremorseful look into the mind of a goblin so be prepared to look through the eyes of a psychotic monster. Or a creature following it's nature your choice.
This book is a fun take on a new perspective. It's a vicious and unremorseful look into the mind of a goblin so be prepared to look through the eyes of a psychotic monster. Or a creature following it's nature your choice.
June 23, 2017
Much better than I anticipated
The use of a nonhuman main character is well done without being so different that you can't connect with him. I have always been partial to antihero/outcast kind of characters so this was a great read.
The use of a nonhuman main character is well done without being so different that you can't connect with him. I have always been partial to antihero/outcast kind of characters so this was a great read.
June 29, 2017
Enjoyed this
Well, it's mostly written from the perspective of a goblin, so don't expect multiple layers of intrigue. I personally really liked the book and will definitely be getting the second one. Was well written, interesting and occasionally humorous.
Well, it's mostly written from the perspective of a goblin, so don't expect multiple layers of intrigue. I personally really liked the book and will definitely be getting the second one. Was well written, interesting and occasionally humorous.
October 6, 2017
Fresh, Interesting, and Well-Done
From often funny to thoughtful, this well-written and beautifully-edited action story will keep you reading late into the night. Knowing it’s only the first in a series makes it even better. Definitely worth a read. Recommended.
From often funny to thoughtful, this well-written and beautifully-edited action story will keep you reading late into the night. Knowing it’s only the first in a series makes it even better. Definitely worth a read. Recommended.
September 9, 2018
Actually pretty good. Workman like writing but it's by no means bad. The characters are all pretty one dimensional except for our goblin hero and his trainer. Just a fun fantasy story with a nice twist, in that it's from a non-human (chaotic neutral?) perspective.
November 11, 2018
Just really good. I read it twice, and enjoyed it both times.
Just really good. I read it twice, and enjoyed it both times. It is a little dark, but just excellently written.
Just really good. I read it twice, and enjoyed it both times. It is a little dark, but just excellently written.
April 7, 2019
I love Blacknail!
The goblin character is both foreign and natural. It was like reading about a little kid. And then an angsty teenager. It was simply an awesome story. Well written, insightful jokes, just crass enough... truly worth me staying up all night to read.
The goblin character is both foreign and natural. It was like reading about a little kid. And then an angsty teenager. It was simply an awesome story. Well written, insightful jokes, just crass enough... truly worth me staying up all night to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews