Review of Nine Goblins

Blurb: No one knows exactly how the Goblin War began, but folks will tell you that goblins are stinking, slinking, filthy, sheep-stealing, henhouse-raiding, obnoxious, rude, and violent. Goblins would actually agree with all this, and might throw in “cowardly” and “lazy” too for good measure.

But goblins don't go around killing people for fun, no matter what the propaganda posters say. And when a confrontation with an evil wizard lands a troop of nine goblins deep behind enemy lines, goblin sergeant Nessilka must figure out how to keep her hapless band together and get them home in one piece.

Unfortunately, between them and safety lies a forest full of elves, trolls, monsters, and that most terrifying of creatures…a human being.

Review: The Goblin War began years ago and no one remembers why, but the fighting continues. Goblins aren't the horrible little monsters that folks make them out to be. They don't want to be fighting a war either. Sergeant Nessilka and her squad are an odd group, but they're survivors. Yet when a confrontation with a crazy wizard transports them dozens of miles away into a strange forest, they face off against something they may not survive.

This is a wonderful standalone fantasy novella with all the beloved beings in the traditional epic fantasy realm plus a few extras. When I started reading it, I was struck by how much like Terry Pratchett it sounded. Kingfisher fully intended it to be that way, and she did a fantastic job. It's fun and quirky and will make you smile, but it's also about overcoming intolerance, hate, and prejudice.

I love books about the underdogs, and Nessilka's squad are exactly that. She's like the big sister trying to keep everyone in line, and I absolutely empathized with her. I especially liked Blanchett and his teddy bear. That bear is a hero! Sings-to-Trees is a hermit elven veterinarian and all the creatures of the woods come to him when they need help. He's particularly fond of trolls, and so am I. There's a mystery about what's happening at the human village near Sings' woods, but this story is about the characters, and they are incredible.

You can find T. Kingfisher on her web site and buy the book here.