Goblin War by Jim C. Hines Series: Jig the Goblin #3
Published by DAW Books on March 4, 2008
Genres: Fantasy
Pages: 336
Format: eBook
Source: Library
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Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple
If you think it’s hard being a hobgoblin or a human, try living a goblin’s life for a while. In fact, try imagining what it’s like to be the runtiest goblin in the caves, the lone worshiper of a god who’s been forgotten for a good reason, and the target everyone points to at the first hint of trouble. Try picturing yourself as Jig Dragonslayer, and see how you like it…Despite impossible odds, Jig was still alive. He’d survived an adventurer’s quest against a dragon and a necromancer, a pixie invasion that had ogres and trolls dropping like flies, and, most frightening of all, the threat of being made chief of the goblins. He wasn’t sure how much more he could stand. Naturally, he was about to find out.War was brewing in the world outside the Mountain, and when the goblin’s lair was invaded by human warriors in search of the Rod of Creation, Jig knew it was just the start of another really bad day…
I can’t believe I’m on my last Jig story. This has been a really fun fantasy series. It follows Jig the goblin, who is a runt and half blind. He isn’t looked highly upon by his fellow goblins. Jig has learned how to hide and to be cunning it when it comes to dealing with his brutish brethren. He has even outwitted humans, hobgoblins, necromancers, and more. He is now known as “Jig the Dragonslayer”.
So in these stories, Jig becomes a unlikely hero. He is a great leader, though getting people to listen to a half-blind runt of a goblin isn’t easy. Especially when you’re dealing with humans who have egos the size of a continent.
In this last of the trilogy, we finally learn a lot more about Tymalous Shadowstar, the god that has been helping Jig along the way. We also learn more about the other gods, and of course they are all related and are the ones mucking things up in the real world.
I really loved the ragtag crew of people that help Jig on this one last quest. Jig also has a pet fire spider who has been with him since the beginning, named Smudge. I really liked Smudge, even though he is just a normal pet and doesn’t talk or anything special. He just seems to be there when Jig needs support the others aren’t giving him.
I’m not going to go too much into the plot of the story. It is a typical fantasy quest style story. But, if you like fantasy stories and unlikely heroes, this is a great series for you. There is plenty of humor to keep you entertained as well. I will miss Jig, Smudge and the different groups that have been with Jig in each book. I will also miss Tymalous Shadowstar and his snide remarks.
Last, isn’t that cover so cute??
About Jim C. Hines
Jim C. Hines’ first novel was Goblin Quest, the tale of a nearsighted goblin runt and his pet fire-spider. Actor and author Wil Wheaton described the book as “too f***ing cool for words,” which is pretty much the Best Blurb Ever. After completing the goblin trilogy, Jim went on to write the princess series, four books often described as a blend of Grimm’s Fairy Tales with Charlie’s Angels. He’s also the author of the Magic ex Libris books, which follow the adventures of a magic-wielding librarian from northern Michigan, as well as the Fable: Legends tie-in Blood of Heroes. He’s currently writing his first science fiction trilogy, the humorous Janitors of the Post-Apocalypse.
Jim has written more than fifty published short stories. His first professional story sale was the award-winning “Blade of the Bunny,” published way back in 1999.
Jim is an active blogger about topics ranging from sexism and harassment to zombie-themed Christmas carols, and won the Hugo Award for Best Fan Writer in 2012.
He has an undergraduate degree in psychology and a Masters in English. He lives with his wife and two children, who have always shown remarkable tolerance for his bizarre and obsessive writing habits. (The cats, on the other hand, have no tolerance whatsoever, and routinely walk across his desk when he’s trying to work.)
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I started listening to audiobooks when a new book in a series was coming out and I wanted to get a refresher, but didn’t have time to read all the books (I think it was Anita Blake). I fell in love. I stayed with strictly re-reading books that I’d already read for a long time. I eventually tried an audiobook for something that I hadn’t read first and was hooked there too. Now, I listen to audio for both re-reads and first time. I have some series that I’ve given up reading and only listen. I try to get any many books/audiobooks from the library to help save on my budget. Books on CD and the newer digital downloads from the library really allow me to listen more. I then purchase my favorites (because who can wait in line for your favorite book??) and less mainstream books from Audible or some other online retailer.
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How have I never heard of this series? It seems incredibly cute and I like the premise quite a bit. I adore unlikely heroes.
This is a really cute series. I just love Jig and his pet fire spider, Smudge. If you like, unlikely heroes, you will adore Jig.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
Half blind runt of a goblin. That is just funny as heck. That cover made me laugh.
Jig is so much fun. That cover is what got me to start the whole series. I saw a review on Blodeuedd’s blog.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
Oh yes it’s an author that I really want to try!
This series is my first with this author. I plan to read more.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
I used to read stories like this all the time. Don’t know why I got away from them. This would be a good one to start back up with. And that cover is amazing!
I know how that feels. I don’t know why we sometimes stray from genres we love. I guess because there are so many books, it is hard to keep up. That cover is so cute, isn’t it??
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
One of these days I’ll delve more into fantasy. Great review, Melanie!
I’ve been reading more and more fantasy lately.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
This is completely new to me. I don’t think that I have ever read a book with a goblin as a main character. This sounds like a good choice the next time I am looking for something different.
I was the same way when I first saw this series. I’m so glad that I grabbed it. I had a lot of fun with Jig and Smudge.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
This sounds like a fun. There aren’t many series that have a goblin as a main character, so I like that aspect. And that sounds fun how he has a pet spider. Great review!
I feel the same way. I loved the idea of a reluctant hero. The pet spider is fun.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
This sounds fun and I confess I’ve never heard of it. Is this adult Melanie?
I found this series from Blodeuedd. Yes, this is an adult series.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
Blodeuedd loves this series too. I need to try it!
That’s how I found it. I remember reading the review for this book and decided I had to try it. It is a fun trilogy.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart
Awwww Hines 😀 I will my fav goblin
I’m so glad you got me into this series. I really loved Jig and Smudge. I’ll have to try more Hines books.
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart