Goblin War by Jim C. Hines
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
In this third book of his goblin series, Jim C. Hines has sent Jig Dragonslayer and his goblin friends on an adventure in the outside world. Shut out of their mountain lair by magic, Jig and his companions are pulled into a war of monsters, led by the orc Billa the Bloody, and the humans, led by Princess Genevieve and her brother. But there is much more going on, as Tymalous Shadowstar, the forgotten god who is the source of Jig’s healing ability, reveals to Jig. And, now, Jig must find a way to stop plans of gods and men (and monsters) in order to save them all.
The first two books in the series were set completely in the mountain caverns and tunnels of the goblin lair. Here, Jig and a small group of goblins are out in the wide world, not something Jig is particularly excited about. The setting is nicely done, with good worldbuilding.
The best part of these books is the humor, and it does not disappoint in this one. This is not exactly a typical goblin, dwarf, orc, and human fantasy. It’s certainly not Tolkien. But it is enjoyable, with a good story that moves along at a quick pace. Jig is always the reluctant hero, and often has to be nudged (or outright pushed) into his role, often as not by his god, who speaks to him telepathically. Their exchanges are amusing, laced with sarcasm and wit.
It’s a fairly quick read that is enjoyable and quite funny. We learn quite a bit about Shadowstar and how he and the others became the Forgotten Gods. The end is satisfying, and if this is the last installment of Jig’s story (I hope not), it ties up nicely. Anyone who enjoys good fantasy with a large serving of humor will enjoy these books.
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