Goblin Quest

Hardback |  Paperback | Kindle

I picked up Goblin Quest by Jim C. Hines because I'd happened by the author's blog (on a completely unrelated topic) and liked what he had to say and so decided to pick up one of his books.

Goblin Quest was really very enjoyable.  It follows Jig, who is a goblin.  And if goblins are the lowest of all the species, I'm afraid poor Jig is the lowest of the low — he's small, scrawny, terribly near-sighted, and cowardly (even for a goblin).  After being bullied into "scouting" for his cousin's guard patrol, Jig and his pet spider, Smudge, end up captured by four adventurers who are seeking the fabled Rod of Creation.  And since Jig lives in the dungeon where the rod is hidden, they reckon, he ought to be a good guide for them.

Here, the traditional heroic quest is turned on its head and viewed through eyes of a goblin.  Will they find the Rod of Creation before the party's mage goes (even more) insane?  Will the warrior of the group get sick of Jig and dispose of him just as adventurers of his ilk dispose of so many other goblins?  Why is there a miserable elven girl with the party?  And just why does the dwarven priest put up with any of them?

The book is actually a light and pleasant read, and while it's not written in a comic style it still has plenty of humor and wit.  It's a quick read, and would likely be good for both adult and young adult readers.  Those of us who have enjoyed our own D&D campaigns over the years (perhaps, even, with captured goblin scouts, ahem) will certainly enjoy the story and the perspective.