Reviews

Tamora Carter: Goblin Queen by Jim C. Hines

kas010's review

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adventurous medium-paced

3.0

briarsreviews's review

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5.0

If you're seeking a fun, fantasy book aimed at middle graders then this book is absolutely perfect!

Tamora Carter: Goblin Queen is an eccentric, delightful and over the top book that brought my worlds of joy! Our lead, Tamora Carter, is a roller derbying girl with lots of sass. Her friend goes missing and she's concerned, like any normal girl would be. Suddenly, goblins and other magical creatures have found their way into her city and things start to get weird. Tamora will work together with her magical creature friends to learn the value of friendship, loyalty and leadership.

There's so many good things about this book! It's fast paced, full of fantasy nods to lore and myths, Tamora's brother is on the Autism Spectrum (he's non-verbal), and is one incredibly awesome character (never once is his abilities put into question, which is the way it should be), it has a Korean-American lead and it's action packed. The representation in this book is on point and written in a very friendly manner. The entire book screams fantastic because it's exactly what I want in a middle grade novel.

The descriptions of the universe and people also make the entire book feel very real. You could almost start squinting at the sewers to see if any magical creatures will pop up.

Adults and children alike will love this book. There is some fighting and swearing, but nothing most kids haven't heard before. This book felt like the slightly rebellious middle grade book I yearned for as a kid. Seriously, I love it! There needs to be more books like this floating around - fun, action-packed, kid and adult friendly, and full of honest but not preachy representation. Jim C. Hines has crafted a middle grade masterpiece. So, what are you doing? Go read it!

Five out of five stars.

kikiandarrowsfishshelf's review against another edition

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4.0

Disclaimer: I supported this project on Kickstarter.

Regardless of your age, you need this book. We need more books like this.

Tamora has a dad and an older brother. Her mother is in the wind. She also excels at roller derby. Sadly her best friend is missing. But, don't worry, she's on the case.

This is one of those books were everyone is different and has different strengths. There is much in this book - from how we view people with disabilities to how we view cheerleaders to interactions between parents and children.

The book, like most of Hines' works, does much to show why in many ways Hines is America's Terry Pratchett. The use of humor, of humanism, and of simple love is wonderful. There is even a librarian of unusual talent.

It is the use of humanity, strength, and talent of different things that makes the book lovely.

elentarri's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Fun, entertaining, amusing 

emandm2222's review

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3.0

*actual rating is 3.5 stars*

drlampshade's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted reflective fast-paced
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This book is exactly what I needed. I really hope Jim C Hines writes more in this world.  I love reading books with strong friendships and sibling relationships. And this book had plenty of both. The characters acted like real kids their age too. Which doesn’t happen all that often. 
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