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kirstycarson1's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
birdhouse_bookshelf's review
adventurous
dark
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is such a fantastic book! Diane Zahler's retelling of Christina Rossetti's "Goblin Market" is everything you could ask for in a middle-grade fairytale.
rachstae's review
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
millennialbookreview's review
4.0
Goblin Market is a great fantasy read for middle grade readers. The novel has complex and engaging characters to follow, including a protagonist that’s different from the kind that most young readers may have seen before. The plot is exciting and easy to follow, with some strong, but not too scary, horror elements. The world is folklore-inspired and very atmospheric, making it easy for readers to get immersed in the story very quickly. The plot is a little simplistic and the antagonist is a little underdeveloped, but on the whole, I think this is a great middle grade book.
My full review can be found here
My full review can be found here
stewardofbooks's review
4.0
Delightful and just a little bit dark, this story is definitely going on my shelf for my own kids one day!
Lizzie loves her life on the little farm with her parents and sister, Minka. She wouldn't change it for all the world and she doesn't imagine that anyone would. She and Minka love each other dearly and nothing can change that, can it? All is well until Minka comes back from the market with a secret. At first, Lizzie is not too worried, a little upset yes, but not worried. But as time passes, the secret becomes a terrible thing with frightening consequences. Minka is not the cheerful, funny, loving sister she was. By the time that Lizzie figures out that the zduszes (mythical goblins) are involved, Minka has disappeared. It is up to shy, nervous Lizzie to conquer her own fears to rescue the person she loves most. She has to, because who will believe her when she comes to them with a children's fairy tale as proof?
I adored this story! The author clearly knows her audience well. The book is a perfect blend of adventure, creepiness and a little bit of innocent romance for younger readers. Lizzie is an endearing and fascinating main character and I loved how she comes to grips with a world that often terrifies her, all for the sake of her beloved sister. The idea of love (between family, siblings, friends, strangers) is central, what love is, can be and also isn't. Beautiful story!
Lizzie loves her life on the little farm with her parents and sister, Minka. She wouldn't change it for all the world and she doesn't imagine that anyone would. She and Minka love each other dearly and nothing can change that, can it? All is well until Minka comes back from the market with a secret. At first, Lizzie is not too worried, a little upset yes, but not worried. But as time passes, the secret becomes a terrible thing with frightening consequences. Minka is not the cheerful, funny, loving sister she was. By the time that Lizzie figures out that the zduszes (mythical goblins) are involved, Minka has disappeared. It is up to shy, nervous Lizzie to conquer her own fears to rescue the person she loves most. She has to, because who will believe her when she comes to them with a children's fairy tale as proof?
I adored this story! The author clearly knows her audience well. The book is a perfect blend of adventure, creepiness and a little bit of innocent romance for younger readers. Lizzie is an endearing and fascinating main character and I loved how she comes to grips with a world that often terrifies her, all for the sake of her beloved sister. The idea of love (between family, siblings, friends, strangers) is central, what love is, can be and also isn't. Beautiful story!
shelvesofsecrets's review
3.0
This one started a bit slow for me, but once I got into it, I ended up enjoying it. I think part of the reason why it took a while to get into it was that I had to get used to Lizzie as a main character. Lizzie has synesthesia, where sounds appear as colours to her, and it was really heavily focused on early in the book, to the point where I found it a bit distracting. However, as the book progressed, it became less pronounced and was more sprinkled in here and there and brought up when relevant. However, while I had a small issue with the focus on it in the beginning of the book, I ended up really appreciating Lizzie as a character, she not only had synesthesia, but seemed neurodivergent as well. However, Lizzie is just presented as the way she is and had no desire to be anything but herself, which I appreciated.
I also loved the themes of the book, such as the importance of family and the importance of facing one's fears. Both Lizzie and Jakob had some great character growth through out. A lot of Lizzie's is motivated by her love for her sister and I found her willingness to put herself in uncomfortable situations to help her family very endearing. And Jakob's growth to facing up to his father was important as well.
One other minor issue I had was that I wish we had gotten to see a bit more of Minka's personality before the story really got rolling. She felt a bit flat compared to Lizzie and I wish we could have gotten to know her better.
I really enjoyed the sinister, creepy feeling through the second half of the book. I love books based on folklore and fairy tales and the author did a great job of combining that with the creepy atmosphere.
Overall, this is a fun, fast read with an interesting main character and a perfectly creepy atmosphere.
I also loved the themes of the book, such as the importance of family and the importance of facing one's fears. Both Lizzie and Jakob had some great character growth through out. A lot of Lizzie's is motivated by her love for her sister and I found her willingness to put herself in uncomfortable situations to help her family very endearing. And Jakob's growth to facing up to his father was important as well.
One other minor issue I had was that I wish we had gotten to see a bit more of Minka's personality before the story really got rolling. She felt a bit flat compared to Lizzie and I wish we could have gotten to know her better.
I really enjoyed the sinister, creepy feeling through the second half of the book. I love books based on folklore and fairy tales and the author did a great job of combining that with the creepy atmosphere.
Overall, this is a fun, fast read with an interesting main character and a perfectly creepy atmosphere.
fscottfishgerald's review
4.0
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Diane Mahler's The Goblin Market is a charming adaption of Christina Rossetti's poem. It works hard at staying loyal to the core relationship of the sisters while still doing world building. Lizzie's love for her sister Minka shines through and serves as the driving force for the plot.
There were some weak points in the novel, the pacing was (at times) odd. Sometimes it would spend a little too much world building without adding to the plot. While other times the pacing seemed rushed. Lizzie being able to "see" sound was interesting, but served more like a deus ex machina that allowed Lizzie to see danger. It didn't really move the plot so it felt really unnecessary since the solution didn't require it.
The real strength of the book, besides the wholesome sister relationship, is how creepy Zahler manages to keep the story without being too dark. She keeps the unnerving feeling of the goblins without the sexual tension in the original poem, making it a perfect adaptation of Rosetti's poem. Emil was off putting but at the same time hypnotic, making it easy for the reader to understand why Minka fell for him and why Lizzie could sense the danger.
The creepiness of the final act in the woods was perfect. The desperation of Lizzie and the grotesque atmosphere elevated the tension in a way that made the stakes even higher.
If anyone is interested in fairy tales or adaptions, this book will be enjoyable. Young fans of Gail Carson Levine will also feel a connection to the book as it reminds me of The Two Princesses of Bamarre.
Diane Mahler's The Goblin Market is a charming adaption of Christina Rossetti's poem. It works hard at staying loyal to the core relationship of the sisters while still doing world building. Lizzie's love for her sister Minka shines through and serves as the driving force for the plot.
There were some weak points in the novel, the pacing was (at times) odd. Sometimes it would spend a little too much world building without adding to the plot. While other times the pacing seemed rushed. Lizzie being able to "see" sound was interesting, but served more like a deus ex machina that allowed Lizzie to see danger. It didn't really move the plot so it felt really unnecessary since the solution didn't require it.
The real strength of the book, besides the wholesome sister relationship, is how creepy Zahler manages to keep the story without being too dark. She keeps the unnerving feeling of the goblins without the sexual tension in the original poem, making it a perfect adaptation of Rosetti's poem. Emil was off putting but at the same time hypnotic, making it easy for the reader to understand why Minka fell for him and why Lizzie could sense the danger.
The creepiness of the final act in the woods was perfect. The desperation of Lizzie and the grotesque atmosphere elevated the tension in a way that made the stakes even higher.
If anyone is interested in fairy tales or adaptions, this book will be enjoyable. Young fans of Gail Carson Levine will also feel a connection to the book as it reminds me of The Two Princesses of Bamarre.
lattelibrarian's review
4.0
Diane Zahler has crafted a beautiful tale that weaves folklore, sisterhood, and bravery into a magnificent narrative. When Minka goes to the market and meets a boy who gives her a fresh plum, she immediately falls in love with him. Lizzie, shy but loving, doesn't quite understand why. But when Minka keeps stealing away to see Emil and she grows sicker and sicker, Lizzie begins to think that Emil is a zsudzse--a goblin. But who would believe such tales?
A fantastic romp through classic folklore, children and adults alike will enjoy traipsing through the woods, navigating goblin tricks, and hoping for Minka's return.
A perfect precursor for [b:Not Good for Maidens|58724694|Not Good for Maidens|Tori Bovalino|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1637131019l/58724694._SX50_.jpg|87611879].
A fantastic romp through classic folklore, children and adults alike will enjoy traipsing through the woods, navigating goblin tricks, and hoping for Minka's return.
A perfect precursor for [b:Not Good for Maidens|58724694|Not Good for Maidens|Tori Bovalino|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1637131019l/58724694._SX50_.jpg|87611879].
scribe391's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Lizzie and her sister Minka live with their parents on a farm near a forest.
While on a market trip, Minka meets a mysterious boy named Emil.
Lizzie has social anxiety and sees colors when people speak; a real neurological disorder.
While on a market trip, Minka meets a mysterious boy named Emil.
Lizzie has social anxiety and sees colors when people speak; a real neurological disorder.