What do you think?
Rate this book
The Goblin Brothers Adventures
They're short, they're scrawny, they're green, and they want to be heroes. The problem? Goblins are supposed to fish, forage, and stay out of the world's way, not challenge odious villains. But Malagach and Gortok aren't going to let a few rules keep them from their dreams. Armed with their wits, their stolen (er, borrowed) books, and their scavenged tools, they're ready to eradicate the evils around their mountain home. Or get in a lot of trouble. Seven short stories for ages 10 to adult. 29,000 words (approximately 130 paperback pages)
130 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 8, 2010
14 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
About the author
Lindsay Buroker
199 books6,260 followersI'm a full-time indie fantasy and science fiction author. When I'm not writing, I'm ferrying my dogs to hiking trails for adventures.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 13, 2012
Read complete review on my blog: http://reenajacobs.com/blog/2011/01/n...
Ms. Buroker really stressed brains over brawn with these short stories with kind of an underdog feel to it… like with Harry Potter
Malagach was the main character while his brother Gortok played the supporting role. Good choice, I have to say. Why? Because Gortok often had the answers which saved them from a slow and painful death. If you remember my Touched by an Alien review (see here), I’m totally not into the perfect heroes/heroines. Malagach added the air of imperfection which made the stories believable. Now I’m not saying Malagach was dumb or anything… far from it. The guy was loaded with book smarts. His problem was he had a difficult time applying those book smarts to real world fantasy situations.
Gortok on the other hand was the genius. He didn’t come up with the initial ideas like Malagach. Rather he took those ideas and twisted them into something viable. Truly, I doubt the two goblins would have been so successful without one another. A match made in heaven or wherever GoblinLand.
The only issue I really found odd for this book was Malagach (11 years old) seemed a bit mature for his age. But he’s a goblin, so age might equate differently. Dog years anyone? By the way, Gortok was 10 in these short stories. Of course, I often underestimate children, so I’ll have to pass this on to my young teen and see how she likes this.
Now I’m not a MG fan, but the parent in me loved this book. The science and mathematical tidbits makes me wonder if Lindsay Buroker is a school teacher. Plus it kept my 5 year old entertained. The stories are a bit long for my little guy, but you should have seen the little guy struggling to stay awake to finish them at bedtime.
Ms. Buroker really stressed brains over brawn with these short stories with kind of an underdog feel to it… like with Harry Potter
Malagach was the main character while his brother Gortok played the supporting role. Good choice, I have to say. Why? Because Gortok often had the answers which saved them from a slow and painful death. If you remember my Touched by an Alien review (see here), I’m totally not into the perfect heroes/heroines. Malagach added the air of imperfection which made the stories believable. Now I’m not saying Malagach was dumb or anything… far from it. The guy was loaded with book smarts. His problem was he had a difficult time applying those book smarts to real world fantasy situations.
Gortok on the other hand was the genius. He didn’t come up with the initial ideas like Malagach. Rather he took those ideas and twisted them into something viable. Truly, I doubt the two goblins would have been so successful without one another. A match made in heaven or wherever GoblinLand.
The only issue I really found odd for this book was Malagach (11 years old) seemed a bit mature for his age. But he’s a goblin, so age might equate differently. Dog years anyone? By the way, Gortok was 10 in these short stories. Of course, I often underestimate children, so I’ll have to pass this on to my young teen and see how she likes this.
Now I’m not a MG fan, but the parent in me loved this book. The science and mathematical tidbits makes me wonder if Lindsay Buroker is a school teacher. Plus it kept my 5 year old entertained. The stories are a bit long for my little guy, but you should have seen the little guy struggling to stay awake to finish them at bedtime.
April 5, 2011
Loved this book. It's everything I'd like to do in my own middle-grade books: well-written, funny, danger, wonderful characters.
I'm totally jealous. I've picked up a couple more of Lindsay Buroker's books. She's a fab writer that I'll recommend without question.
I'm totally jealous. I've picked up a couple more of Lindsay Buroker's books. She's a fab writer that I'll recommend without question.
December 6, 2011
Wonderful little stories.
Wish I had a little nipper to read them to.
I hope there are more goblin brother adventures soon.
Wish I had a little nipper to read them to.
I hope there are more goblin brother adventures soon.
August 23, 2025
This collection of short stories about the goblin brothers is a perfect introduction to Lindsay’s writing for the young person in your life.
I felt I was about 30-odd years too old for the book, but enjoyed it all the same as a palette cleanser between adult themed books.
Full of whimsy and fantastic adventure tales perfect for the 5+ year old you know, the stories often come with some sort of life lesson twisted up in the adventure and mayhem the brothers find themselves in.
Lindsay’s writing is easy to read, skilfully written and paints vivid imagery easily for the reader. With themes like bullying, earning respect, problem solving and dealing with jealousy, these stories hit the perfect balance of fun, blended with a meaningful message.
While I am not the intended audience for this book, it’s only reminded me just how much I enjoy Lindsay’s work and has encouraged me to bump some more of her work towards the top of my TBR list.
I felt I was about 30-odd years too old for the book, but enjoyed it all the same as a palette cleanser between adult themed books.
Full of whimsy and fantastic adventure tales perfect for the 5+ year old you know, the stories often come with some sort of life lesson twisted up in the adventure and mayhem the brothers find themselves in.
Lindsay’s writing is easy to read, skilfully written and paints vivid imagery easily for the reader. With themes like bullying, earning respect, problem solving and dealing with jealousy, these stories hit the perfect balance of fun, blended with a meaningful message.
While I am not the intended audience for this book, it’s only reminded me just how much I enjoy Lindsay’s work and has encouraged me to bump some more of her work towards the top of my TBR list.
January 9, 2017
Fun and easy reading
To be honest, I was hesitant to read this book, not being very much a fan of goblins, but because it was Lindsay Buroker I gave it a try. I am not regretful, they are fun and easy to read adventures and you grow fond of these awkward brothers who are witty and funny and see the world in their own way. A nice and innocent read.
To be honest, I was hesitant to read this book, not being very much a fan of goblins, but because it was Lindsay Buroker I gave it a try. I am not regretful, they are fun and easy to read adventures and you grow fond of these awkward brothers who are witty and funny and see the world in their own way. A nice and innocent read.
September 6, 2021
Goblin life-lessons
I got caught up in this nature world of Goblins and enjoyed the life-lessons experiences of these unique adolescents. I especially liked the last adventure and plan to introduce the book to my age ten grandson. We’re currently reading Book 2 of the Harry Potter Series.
I got caught up in this nature world of Goblins and enjoyed the life-lessons experiences of these unique adolescents. I especially liked the last adventure and plan to introduce the book to my age ten grandson. We’re currently reading Book 2 of the Harry Potter Series.
September 5, 2025
No dragons (mentioned not seen), no deadly struggles, no romantic interludes, but a lot of entertainment and brilliant storytelling. If this was Lindsays first book and she has progressed so much, then maybe she should write a few more of these brother's adventures along with the great tales she has been writing.
December 9, 2018
great story
just what I needed for a Christmas gift for Connor Dunne. he needs to read something beside Minecraft books. I love this author's books and now I can share her stories with a younger generation. yayyyy.
just what I needed for a Christmas gift for Connor Dunne. he needs to read something beside Minecraft books. I love this author's books and now I can share her stories with a younger generation. yayyyy.
September 11, 2021
Fun and silly, I like both
After I finished all you books I did a search and found this one. So glad I did. I enjoyed these two brothers a big bunch. Glad I found it. I believe it's one of your first works. Thanks
After I finished all you books I did a search and found this one. So glad I did. I enjoyed these two brothers a big bunch. Glad I found it. I believe it's one of your first works. Thanks
February 19, 2021
Great for kids
Fun filled mishaps for two young goblins. These short stories are full of fantasy and fun. Children of all ages will enjoy this book.
Fun filled mishaps for two young goblins. These short stories are full of fantasy and fun. Children of all ages will enjoy this book.
August 26, 2021
Goblin Brothers are a really fun read!
Can't believe I just now found this book! Very fun and quick read. Thanks, Lindsay! Really enjoyed this very different Fantasy book.
Can't believe I just now found this book! Very fun and quick read. Thanks, Lindsay! Really enjoyed this very different Fantasy book.
September 30, 2023
Cute little short stories.
July 30, 2025
These are fun stories that made me smile.
March 5, 2011
Malagach and Gortok are brothers. Goblin brothers, that is. Smart and literate, they are quite unusual in their village, and often the target of Zakrog and his gang of bullies. Gortok is the inventor of the two, always coming up with amazing new tools to use. Malagach is a bit of an "idea boy," and he makes a great assistant for his younger brother. Together, they find themselves in some crazy dilemmas, and it takes every bit of knowledge and ingenuity they have to get themselves right back out!
Written as a middle-grade book, this collection of adventures by Lindsay Buroker is entertaining and fun for all ages. The writing style offers a good combination of easy-to-understand language along with higher level words that will challenge younger readers. It's the type of story that will entice reluctant readers to learn new vocabulary while providing an engaging story for more advanced younger readers. The mix of simple sentence structure with more complex structures is a great technique to appeal to many levels of reading. Some middle-grade books feel a bit mind-numbing to an adult, but that was not true in this case. I know my own kids would enjoy it as much as I did. The world that is presented to us is an adventure in itself. We are able to explore the relationships between goblins, humans, orcs, and other creatures, enticing our imaginations while providing entertainment.
The brothers themselves are utterly engaging and fun, with good characterization. The dialogue between them really helps establish each brother's personality. I really liked the fact that the brothers were always on the lookout for new books, and were interested in new math and science facts. Other characters are brought in as concerns the plot, and each personality presented is quite distinct and well-defined. Although all the stories are about the brothers, there isn't a lot in the way of continuity between stories. Each adventure stands alone nicely, which can be a draw for this age group. Some chapters provide a little more backstory into the brothers' lives and some are much more adventuresome than some others. Each story presents a challenge for the brothers to overcome. I found myself more engaged in some of the stories than in others, with one story in particular much less appealing to me than the rest.
Overall, a wonderful adventure with universal appeal!
4.5 /5 stars @ MotherLode
Written as a middle-grade book, this collection of adventures by Lindsay Buroker is entertaining and fun for all ages. The writing style offers a good combination of easy-to-understand language along with higher level words that will challenge younger readers. It's the type of story that will entice reluctant readers to learn new vocabulary while providing an engaging story for more advanced younger readers. The mix of simple sentence structure with more complex structures is a great technique to appeal to many levels of reading. Some middle-grade books feel a bit mind-numbing to an adult, but that was not true in this case. I know my own kids would enjoy it as much as I did. The world that is presented to us is an adventure in itself. We are able to explore the relationships between goblins, humans, orcs, and other creatures, enticing our imaginations while providing entertainment.
The brothers themselves are utterly engaging and fun, with good characterization. The dialogue between them really helps establish each brother's personality. I really liked the fact that the brothers were always on the lookout for new books, and were interested in new math and science facts. Other characters are brought in as concerns the plot, and each personality presented is quite distinct and well-defined. Although all the stories are about the brothers, there isn't a lot in the way of continuity between stories. Each adventure stands alone nicely, which can be a draw for this age group. Some chapters provide a little more backstory into the brothers' lives and some are much more adventuresome than some others. Each story presents a challenge for the brothers to overcome. I found myself more engaged in some of the stories than in others, with one story in particular much less appealing to me than the rest.
Overall, a wonderful adventure with universal appeal!
4.5 /5 stars @ MotherLode
March 17, 2011
First off how cute are these wee guys? I feel in love with them from the minute I show Lindsay's twitter profile picture, I had to find out more about them. The goblin brothers are called Malagach and Gortok, see they even have cute names. They are clever and smart, Gortok invents things and Malagach helps and come up with idea. However, this often makes them a target for the big bully Zakrog and his gang.
The stories are funny and keep you hooked. The each story can stand alone, but come together as a collective as well, giving some insight into the Goblin Brothers background and others having great adventures.
There are quite a few educational opportunities in the stories using mathematics which makes learning fun.
My favourite story is The Goblin Brothers and the Pepper Slime Punch. Has me laughing every time. I love the sarcasm when Malagach teases Gortok “Lovely description. You should write cookbooks for humans.” My kind of humour.
I would highly recommend this stories to parents with children aged ten and above and adults who love these little creatures like me. However, I think it's suitable for younger ones if read to them. My two aged 2 and 4 loved these stories.
The stories are funny and keep you hooked. The each story can stand alone, but come together as a collective as well, giving some insight into the Goblin Brothers background and others having great adventures.
There are quite a few educational opportunities in the stories using mathematics which makes learning fun.
My favourite story is The Goblin Brothers and the Pepper Slime Punch. Has me laughing every time. I love the sarcasm when Malagach teases Gortok “Lovely description. You should write cookbooks for humans.” My kind of humour.
I would highly recommend this stories to parents with children aged ten and above and adults who love these little creatures like me. However, I think it's suitable for younger ones if read to them. My two aged 2 and 4 loved these stories.
June 14, 2011
I never liked goblins much, but I figured what the heck, I'll read this book. Turns out, I really like short stories and I tend to go easier on them in reviews apparently. Probably because I don't expect a lot from them, so when one really sucks me in, I can't help but say great things. I fell in love with the two main characters of this novel. I fell in love so much, I returned to the Horde on my World Of Warcraft account and created goblin characters. I've since canceled my account, but I was ecstatic to find that Lindsay Buroker has plans for releasing a full length novel starring the two loveable goblins. It's cute and great for kids. If you're looking for disgusting and filthy stereotypical goblins, then you have come to the wrong book. Great for all ages, this is a delightful funny set of adventures with colorful characters (and I don't mean colorful because they're green.
July 12, 2012
A set of short stories about two goblin brothers who always seem to find their way into and out of trouble. Malagach and Gortok aren't just any goblins, they want to be heroes. And with Malagach's brains, or at least his ability to find trouble, and Gortok's inventions they're well on their way to being the biggest heroes of their village. I'd say cute, but Malagach would surely roll his eyes. A different style for Lindsay Buroker that I enjoyed.
April 19, 2011
I picked this book up because the cover art is amazing, and the stories looked...cute.
After the second story, I found myself completely enthralled. The style of writing is very professional and engaging, the stories are complete and very entertaining.
I HIGHLY recommend this read, even if you're typically not a MG reader... buy this book.
After the second story, I found myself completely enthralled. The style of writing is very professional and engaging, the stories are complete and very entertaining.
I HIGHLY recommend this read, even if you're typically not a MG reader... buy this book.
February 24, 2016
Really enjoyed this book.
I am guessing the target age for this one is 9 -11 years old , but I am over 60 and I enjoyed the characters and situations the goblin brothers get into. I am looking forward to the next volume with these goblins.
I am guessing the target age for this one is 9 -11 years old , but I am over 60 and I enjoyed the characters and situations the goblin brothers get into. I am looking forward to the next volume with these goblins.
February 9, 2012
There's not much to be said. This was just fun!
May 23, 2012
Fun read for all ages with some lessons on making good choices thrown in.
April 1, 2016
Adorable!
These stories are just so adorable! I can just imagine reading these stories to my grandchildren!! Lindsay please write more!!
These stories are just so adorable! I can just imagine reading these stories to my grandchildren!! Lindsay please write more!!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews