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The Goblin's Daughter
"M.K. Sawyer immerses you in a world mystery, intrigue, and wild untamed darkness that will keep you guessing until the very end.” -J. Kowallis, author of The Enertia Trials series and Hexen’s Cross The forest beckons. The Shadow watches. Nolin doesn’t know why her mother is terrified of the forest— only that is has something to do with her, a cold night, a baby crib, and an open window. Nolin struggles to gain the love of her crazed mother, all while grappling with recurring dreams of a twisted, ancient tree, and the perpetual feeling that she’s being watched by a dark presence in the surrounding forest. After a childhood mental breakdown, Nolin returns to her hometown as a grown woman, ready to face her mother to put old demons to rest. When Nolin stumbles across disturbing details of her mother’s past, she ventures deeper into the mystery of her own identity and learns of violent, ancient creatures who live in the woods. And that she, Nolin, may be one of them. Fans of Stephanie Meyer and Maggie Stiefvater will love this unforgettable changeling story and astonishing twist ending.
406 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2018
4 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 9, 2021
Quite the slog and not quite what I expected when I picked this out.
Although most of my guesses were right, some of the reveals were just so out there, and frankly unnecessary, that the climax turned out to be a mess. The best thing about this book was Drew.
Although most of my guesses were right, some of the reveals were just so out there, and frankly unnecessary, that the climax turned out to be a mess. The best thing about this book was Drew.
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July 19, 2018Request an ARC here: [closed - other review opportunities found here]
May 28, 2020
M.K. Sawyer immerses you in a world of mystery, intrigue, and untamed darkness that will keep you guessing until the very end.
July 6, 2018
*I received an Advance Reader's Copy from the author for review consideration. This in no way affects my opinion, and all thoughts expressed in this review are unbiased and my own.*
When I first heard about this book, I was really intrigued. It sounded really interesting and original, with a bit mystery to it. And it was interesting and original, with a bit mystery to it, but it was so much more. It was fun, but at the same time dark. It was mysterious, and filled with plot twists I didn’t see coming. It was heart-breaking, and romantic. It had so many layers to it, and I loved unravelling them as I read. I’d think I had it all figured out, but in the end, I was so wrong.
I liked Nolin. She was an interesting character to read about, because she was just so layered. On one hand, she was super smart and an avid reader. On the other hand, she was protective of the ones she loved and she wasn’t afraid of getting into fights. But she was so caring and despite her horrible childhood had the biggest heart, and it made me love her so much. It also made my heart hurt reading about everything she had to go through. And she was so relatable – the way she felt like she never fit in, it hurt to read about, because I related so much to it.
The romance was really sweet. If Nolin feeling like she didn’t fit in anywhere broke my heart, then Drew’s complete acceptance of her healed it again. It was slow-burn, friends-to-lovers, both which I can’t resist, but that wasn’t what I loved about it. What I loved was how much he really cared about her, not in spite of her differences, but because of them. Actually, can I just get a Drew of my own? Who cares about sarcastic bad boys anymore? I want more Drews.
The plot was amazing! It was very unique, which is so important for me when reading a book, and it was mysterious. The mystery of it only added to the dark vibe of the plot, which I loved, and the plot twists! They left me reeling, doubting everything I thought I knew. I loved it!
The Goblin’s Daughter ended up being so much better than I’d expected. The main character was layered and relatable, and the romance was really sweet. And the plot was amazing! I’d definitely recommend it to any fantasy lover. The Goblin’s Daughter is a dark and twisty fantasy read, with just a touch of romance to add to the tension.
When I first heard about this book, I was really intrigued. It sounded really interesting and original, with a bit mystery to it. And it was interesting and original, with a bit mystery to it, but it was so much more. It was fun, but at the same time dark. It was mysterious, and filled with plot twists I didn’t see coming. It was heart-breaking, and romantic. It had so many layers to it, and I loved unravelling them as I read. I’d think I had it all figured out, but in the end, I was so wrong.
I liked Nolin. She was an interesting character to read about, because she was just so layered. On one hand, she was super smart and an avid reader. On the other hand, she was protective of the ones she loved and she wasn’t afraid of getting into fights. But she was so caring and despite her horrible childhood had the biggest heart, and it made me love her so much. It also made my heart hurt reading about everything she had to go through. And she was so relatable – the way she felt like she never fit in, it hurt to read about, because I related so much to it.
The romance was really sweet. If Nolin feeling like she didn’t fit in anywhere broke my heart, then Drew’s complete acceptance of her healed it again. It was slow-burn, friends-to-lovers, both which I can’t resist, but that wasn’t what I loved about it. What I loved was how much he really cared about her, not in spite of her differences, but because of them. Actually, can I just get a Drew of my own? Who cares about sarcastic bad boys anymore? I want more Drews.
The plot was amazing! It was very unique, which is so important for me when reading a book, and it was mysterious. The mystery of it only added to the dark vibe of the plot, which I loved, and the plot twists! They left me reeling, doubting everything I thought I knew. I loved it!
The Goblin’s Daughter ended up being so much better than I’d expected. The main character was layered and relatable, and the romance was really sweet. And the plot was amazing! I’d definitely recommend it to any fantasy lover. The Goblin’s Daughter is a dark and twisty fantasy read, with just a touch of romance to add to the tension.
October 27, 2018
It all comes together
I loved it! I like how everything was revealed and I was never right until I read the answer. The acknowledgement to Mrs. Bamborough made me tear up. I often think about her.
I loved it! I like how everything was revealed and I was never right until I read the answer. The acknowledgement to Mrs. Bamborough made me tear up. I often think about her.
August 4, 2018
Received from Xpresso Book Tours
The Book tell a very sad story, of a little girl, that is a bit different, might come from somewhere different, but it is still longing for her mother's love. It's kind of heartbreaking reading about her childhood, with distant mother that is plagued by illness and has no love for her.
Nolin is lovely girl, however she has a lot of trouble controlling her temper, especially at school. One day she totally snaps and disappears into the forest, not remembering anything.
There is a lot more of the mysteries to discover, about her, her mother and freaky ... thing living in the forest. :)
Although the premise is great and I loved the storyline, I got lost in the story few times, not sure what was going on, it was to slow at times and I had trouble staying interested.
The Book tell a very sad story, of a little girl, that is a bit different, might come from somewhere different, but it is still longing for her mother's love. It's kind of heartbreaking reading about her childhood, with distant mother that is plagued by illness and has no love for her.
Nolin is lovely girl, however she has a lot of trouble controlling her temper, especially at school. One day she totally snaps and disappears into the forest, not remembering anything.
There is a lot more of the mysteries to discover, about her, her mother and freaky ... thing living in the forest. :)
Although the premise is great and I loved the storyline, I got lost in the story few times, not sure what was going on, it was to slow at times and I had trouble staying interested.
August 3, 2018
It's rare that a book is so captivating that I finish it in one day, but that's exactly what I did with The Goblin's Daughter. I finished the last page and immediately wanted to go back in time so that I could read it anew again.
The story begins with Nolin's mother, Melissa. Even with Nolin as an infant, Melissa is obviously not well suited to motherhood. Melissa doesn't feel connected to her colicky child. She's exhausted and overwhelmed, with a husband who she is also disconnected from. Then something happens and she finds the nursery window open, with a contented happy child lying in the crib, covered in dirt and missing a shoe.
Read the rest of the review at Cats Luv Coffee
The story begins with Nolin's mother, Melissa. Even with Nolin as an infant, Melissa is obviously not well suited to motherhood. Melissa doesn't feel connected to her colicky child. She's exhausted and overwhelmed, with a husband who she is also disconnected from. Then something happens and she finds the nursery window open, with a contented happy child lying in the crib, covered in dirt and missing a shoe.
Read the rest of the review at Cats Luv Coffee
September 2, 2018
This book is SO good! It gets you asking all these questions that you won't find the answers to until the very end. You pick up little hints here and there that lead you thinking of what the answers could be, but it keeps you guessing until the end. Just when you think you know what's going on there's a big twist and I love it!!
October 7, 2018
I liked it a lot! There were some slow moments in the beginning, but I enjoyed that we got the backstory in that part. Definitely something worth keeping with!
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing.
June 27, 2018
Goblins are my new favorite thing in books!
Read my full review here: https://bookishconnoisseur.com/2018/0...
Read my full review here: https://bookishconnoisseur.com/2018/0...
July 10, 2018
Wow...
This book will keep you in suspense until the very end!!
A great read by M.K. I am looking forward to her next book!
This book will keep you in suspense until the very end!!
A great read by M.K. I am looking forward to her next book!
January 1, 2026
I wasnt sure what to expect out of this story. The author is new to me and between the synopsis and cover, it all seemed rather odd. Nolin is a beautifully written character. She was abandoned and forsaken and her temper doesn't do her any credit. Yet, I cant help but love her and feel for her. She's complex in a quiet sort of way. The mysteries surrounding her, her mother, and the forest were a bit overwhelming but the revelations made the struggle worth it. Everything was revealed in due time at the perfect moment. While I did get lost for a time, I found my way through and ended up enjoying this book a whole lot more than I originally thought I would
November 19, 2025
What a fascinating, twisted, intricately woven tangle of adventure that was! Each page so beautifully crafted that it just flows off the pages and wraps itself around your mind. The characters so expertly written that you don’t want to put the book down. I highly recommend reading this unexpected tale. You won’t be disappointed.
January 1, 2026
I enjoyed this unique story line with the goblins and humans. The characters are relatable. If you ever feel you don't belong, know that you truly do.
There are a lot of twists that kept me guessing and turning the pages.
I highly recommend this paranormal fantasy.
It's a must read.
There are a lot of twists that kept me guessing and turning the pages.
I highly recommend this paranormal fantasy.
It's a must read.
January 30, 2021
Excellent story. Not what you would expect at all. Great characters, interesting romance, mysterious ending.
January 6, 2022
The prolouge drew me in and I loved seeing the main character, Nolin, grow throughout the book. It was a nice, easy, read.
March 22, 2019
It’s hard to be completely objective about this book, but I really liked it. A strong first novel, self-published by the author, in the relatively new genre of “New Adult” and I have to give her so much credit. The premise is intriguing, the writing is strong and descriptive.
Sawyer creates an other-worldly sense of mystery almost immediately while remaining firmly rooted to a believable reality. Character development is strong and each character is both sympathetic and flawed. Even knowing there would be a “twist” and after watching for signs and foreshadowing, there were unexpected revelations and well-constructed plot elements that kept the intrigue until the very end.
A worthwhile read from a very promising new author.
(Look for this book on Amazon!)
Sawyer creates an other-worldly sense of mystery almost immediately while remaining firmly rooted to a believable reality. Character development is strong and each character is both sympathetic and flawed. Even knowing there would be a “twist” and after watching for signs and foreshadowing, there were unexpected revelations and well-constructed plot elements that kept the intrigue until the very end.
A worthwhile read from a very promising new author.
(Look for this book on Amazon!)
August 3, 2018
3.5 Cranky Stars
It took this book FOREVER to actually get going. Part one gave you information but it was still kind of vague. You needed to know just a little more before part two. Part two is where the story got going. Once it did, it was interesting and a good read. The anxiety, someone watching you, wondering if you are going nuts I was right there with the characters until the end.
Nolin was a child that liked to be barefoot and digging in the mud. Nolin was different and she could feel it. Her mother didn’t want anything to do with her but she tried to insert herself with her mother. Nolins mom never went outside always thought someone was watching her. She was eventually put in a psychiatric hospital and so was Nolin. After that, Nolins dad left them both.
When Nolin was old enough she left and started her life on her own away from her home. Now she must go back to make sure her mother is doing fine. What is revealed about everyone is mind blowing. Everyone that is in story is connected in one way or another but don’t know it. Nolin figures it all out and now she has a decision she needs to make.
It took this book FOREVER to actually get going. Part one gave you information but it was still kind of vague. You needed to know just a little more before part two. Part two is where the story got going. Once it did, it was interesting and a good read. The anxiety, someone watching you, wondering if you are going nuts I was right there with the characters until the end.
Nolin was a child that liked to be barefoot and digging in the mud. Nolin was different and she could feel it. Her mother didn’t want anything to do with her but she tried to insert herself with her mother. Nolins mom never went outside always thought someone was watching her. She was eventually put in a psychiatric hospital and so was Nolin. After that, Nolins dad left them both.
When Nolin was old enough she left and started her life on her own away from her home. Now she must go back to make sure her mother is doing fine. What is revealed about everyone is mind blowing. Everyone that is in story is connected in one way or another but don’t know it. Nolin figures it all out and now she has a decision she needs to make.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews