Tyger Tyger by Kersten Hamilton

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Summary:

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.

My Review:

So I’m torn on this book (I feel like a broken record here – when will I stop being torn on YA Fantasy books?!).

The description starts out by focusing on Abby, Teagan’s friend, and says that she has been having dreams about Teagan – however that part of the book is so insignificant I really can’t even remember it.

But then again.. that’s part of the reason why I’m torn. You see, the first 30% of the book or so I felt like I was reading some kind of race to get as many names and places put together as possible. If it is possible for a book to make you feel out of breath, then Tyger Tyger would definitely be the book to do that. I actually had to put it down for a day to gather my thoughts before picking it up again.

I am glad I picked it up again, however. The rest of the book was fantastic – full of action, a creative re-imagining of the Sidhe and some Irish folklore. I loved Finn and really enjoyed the the push and pull of the relationship between him and Teagan. I appreciated that Kersten Hamilton was not afraid to go a bit deeper than other YA Books on the Fae that I have read – pushing some pretty dark boundaries.

Overall – it’s a worthwhile read. I think I picked it up expecting to easily fall into the story because most YA books I read are that way – but I had to work a bit for this one. That said, it was worth the work.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”