I admit, I was hesitant about picking this book up. Goblins? The only goblin I ever liked was David Bowie as the Goblin King. Also, gay goblins? Yeah, I really didn't need that mental image, thanks. But the cover was cute, and the reviews were generally good, so what the heck? Figured I'd give it a shot.
I am so glad I did.
This book is two connected short stories that are adorable, fanciful, and refreshing. "Fantasy" is taken back to a traditional version of European, nature-oriented fey, which is a nice change of pace from the more "modern" versions of elves and fairies.
In the first story, "Wulfren and the Warlock", Wulfren finds himself fascinated with a human warlock who has taken up residence in his woods. It is a little Stockholm-y: the warlock captures Wulfren to use as a source of magic, and then Wulfren inexplicably decides he's all about being bound and captured. I would normally have a problem with this, but Wulfren was so adamant about overcoming every possible obstacle to be with the warlock, and the warlock himself was portrayed as kind and generous, so I actually didn't find it at all abrasive.
In the second story, "Quiller and the Runaway Prince", Quiller comes across a wounded human prince and trades the favor of assistance for the promise of a kiss. The corresponding undertone of crows and carrion, as well as references to the human smelling delectable, kind of gave me a cannibal vibe, which was a nice nuance to add to Quiller's character. Quiller, in fact, is a much stronger character than Wulfren, and I found myself enjoying his casual confidence. There seemed to be more substance to this story than in "Wulfren and the Warlock".
Goblins: Book 1 is a fun duo of stories I definitely will be rereading. I have only two complaints: One, that the characters seemed to fall in love too quickly, and Two (possibly the reason for One), that the stories were too short. If the entire length of Goblins: Book 1 had been dedicated to "Wulfren and the Warlock", leaving a second book to be dedicated to "Quiller and the Runaway Prince", I think both would have been better, if only because there would have been more time to get to know the world and the characters.
I really hope there will be a Goblins: Book 2, especially if it includes Elfren/Selby (Elfren had an engaging personality, but we only catch a glimpse of him in both stories).