In the Forests of the Night by Kersten Hamilton

In the Forests of the Night by Kersten Hamilton

The battle against goblinkind continues . . . but which side will Teagan be on?


Teagan, Finn, and Aiden have made it out of Mag Mell alive, but the Dark Man’s forces are hot on their heels. Back in Chicago, Tea’s goblin cousins show up at her school, sure she will come back to Mag Mell, as goblin blood is never passive once awoken. Soon she will belong to Fear Doirich and join them. In the meantime, they are happy to entertain themselves by trying to seduce, kidnap, or kill Tea’s family and friends. Tea knows she doesn’t have much time left, and she refuses to leave Finn or her family to be tortured and killed. A wild Stormrider, born to rule and reign, is growing stronger inside her. But as long as she can hold on, she’s still Teagan Wylltson, who plans to be a veterinarian and who heals the sick and hurting. The disease that’s destroying her—that’s destroying them all—has a name: Fear Doirich. And Teagan Wylltson is not going to let him win.

In the Forests of the Night is the second book in the Goblin Wars series.  I am very much enjoying this series by Kersten Hamilton, the first of which is Tyger Tyger. Based on Celtic folklore, with characters that jump off the page, this book will keep you interested to the last word. And tiger eyes? Wicked (I wonder if I can get some tiger eye contacts?)!

I love the ties to Celtic mythology and how Hamilton weaves established myths with her own imaginings.  Goblins and fairies and sidhe are recreated in a new light. 

Teagan's progression is the series is interesting to follow.  I'm not certain I understand what her character arc is for the entire story, but I'm glad to see her growing and changing. Her struggle to be herself despite her genetics and other's expectations is relatable.

Abby is such a fun and spunky character--I never know what she is going to say or do and she adds a chaotic flair to the story. 

The relationship between Teagan and Finn continues in this sequel.  The romance feels a tiny bit flat, as most second books tend show, but the interest is still there.  I love to think of Finn's dialogue in an Irish brogue.:)

I feel at home with Tea's family.  They merge the strange with reality and I think everyone's family is that way to a certain extent--normal but a bit off.  We wonder what people would think if they really knew us and our own quirky family. 

I'm thinking there are going to be some big conflicts and emotional trials for Teagan and Finn to face in the last book--I hope so. I highly recommend this romantic adventure.

Hardcover, 288 pages
Published November 22nd 2011 by Clarion Books