Monday, October 4, 2010

Tyger Tyger Review

Tyger Tyger by Kersten Hamilton
Publisher: Clarion Books
Release date: November 15, 2010
Source: Publisher/Author/BEA 2010

Teagan Wylltson's best friend, Abby, dreams that horrifying creatures--goblins, shape-shifters, and beings of unearthly beauty but terrible cruelty--are hunting Teagan. Abby is always coming up with crazy stuff, though, so Teagan isn't worried. Her life isn't in danger. In fact, it's perfect. She's on track for a college scholarship. She has a great job. She's focused on school, work, and her future. No boys, no heartaches, no problems.

Until Finn Mac Cumhaill arrives. Finn's a bit on the unearthly beautiful side himself. He has a killer accent and a knee-weakening smile. And either he's crazy or he's been haunting Abby's dreams, because he's talking about goblins, too . . . and about being The Mac Cumhaill, born to fight all goblin-kind. Finn knows a thing or two about fighting. Which is a very good thing, because this time, Abby's right.

The goblins are coming.

Review:

Tyger Tyger was a novel I’ve been eyeing for months. It had an interesting cover, an intriguing premise, and the author is one of the nicest people ever! Luckily, from the first page Tyger Tyger drew me in and didn’t let me go until the last. Filled with Celtic folklore, mythology, and twisted Irish tales Tyger Tyger is one of the most original books I’ve read in a long time.

To begin with, the characters were all terrific. Teagan was a kick butt, powerful heroine who never backed down from a challenge. As a fellow animal lover and (hopefully) future zoologist I could really connect with her desire to help animals and understand them. Other than that, Teagan is really dedicated to her family and friends. She will do anything to protect them and is so devoted to keeping her younger brother, Aiden, safe. Aiden was another great character. I loved how his love for music tied into the story and he was such a sweet kid who was dealing with a lot but stayed strong throughout. The whole Wylltson family was great and proved how important staying true to your family is.

In addition to Teagan and her family, there were a lot of other characters that played smaller roles that I loved just as much. For one, Finn. I loved him. He was sweet, strong, and fiercely protective of Teagan (but not in a creepy way). Finn was a hero in Tyger Tyger and proved that true love has no bounds.

I have to admit, my favorite part of the novel had to be the plot. It was so original, complex, and creative…I loved every minute of it. Goblins and Celtic folklore are something rarely written about in YA novels today and Kersten presented it in an entertaining and beautiful way. Romance, family lore, goblins, and more combined to make this a fantastic read. The different creatures included in Tyger Tyger were all interesting and new to me. Especially the goblins, cat-sidhe, and hellhounds. This was a whirlwind of a novel that proved how much research and dedication Kersten put into her young adult debut. I cannot wait to see what happens in the sequel!

Overall, Tyger Tyger was a fantastic and well written young adult debut filled with plot twists and unique mythology. The characters were well thought out and original and I was constantly on the edge of my seat. I highly recommend this!

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars

24 comments:

  1. Nice review! I loved this book, and I agree with you that the unique elements (monsters, etc.) added to the general awesomeness. *grin*

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  2. Awesome review! I loved Tyger, too. My favorite side character is Mameio. I love the scenes in her tank. :)
    I'm looking forward to the Tyger Tyger blog tour!

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  3. This is an awesome review and you know what? Initially I thought it would be about a little child, but it is refreshing and original that it's about a strong-willed kickass girl on her way to college!!
    It makes all the difference and the plot seems amazing!!!!

    So thanks for the rec/review! XD

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  4. Well, I'm definitely interested in a love interest who isn't creepy. :) Sounds like a great book (and not just for that)!

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  5. Ok the interview made me want to read this book already, but your review pushed it over into the definitely have to read territory!
    This story sounds amazing, and it sounds like it's got so many awesome aspects! Awesome review, thanks for sharing! :D

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  6. I've been really looking forward to this book and now I'm looking forward to it even more after hearing your thoughts.

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  7. Wow! I loved this review and interview! You really captured what I think is so great about this book. You made a great point about Finn. He is such a refreshing (and, I agree, completely irresistible) hero.
    I loved every minute I was swept away with these characters and this story. It hit a very deep and emotional chord in me and I spent days after I finished it dreaming of Finn, Teagan, Mag Mell and tiny frogs with vests.

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  8. Awesome review! I so want to read this book. It sounds amazing.

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  9. Thanks for the review! Brilliant. I can't wait to read this one. It DOES look amazing!!

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  10. I know what you mean about the cover, it's totally creepy, but it does look like something is missing. Besides that the book sounds great!

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  11. It took me sometime to find your review from when I entered your Tyger Tyger giveaway :)

    Yeah, sometimes, a secondary character makes more of an imprint to me than the main protagonists. Thanks for sharing your views!

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  12. Sounds like a great book to read :)

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  13. I'm glad to see you enjoyed it so much! I just love all of the characters names. Two of them are names I want to name my children.

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  14. Really seems like an unique, quite different book! I love books that involves mythology and ancient history. Will definetely enjoy this one too :) Thanks for your review.

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  15. This book sounds so good! The plot sounds so unique. Glad to hear you enjoyed it!

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  16. Wow, great review! Glad to hear that the Finn is fiercely protective but not in a creepy way lol. and I agree, I think this is the first book about globin that I've come across.

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  17. Sounds great ..never tried something with mythology in..

    Interesting...

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  18. Thanks for the review, Teegan seems like a character I can really relate to as you did.

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  19. Thank you for the review, interview and giveaway. I've always wanted to read this book and you just gave me moaar reason to want it more :))

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  20. mythology! \o\ i would like this book just because of that :D

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  21. Great review. I love mythology.

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  22. Thanks for the review - I love the cover.

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  23. I loved following the tour of this on teen{book}scene. I'm making sure you've seen the trailer! I found it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnFjfMwT7I0

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I love getting comments, so feel free to leave your thoughts :)