Jim Hines is out with his second novel in the Goblin series, another engaging tale of Jig the Goblin (or Jig Dragonslayer as he has become known in Goblin circles!) Jig is still that wonderfully comforting Reluctant Hero. As an added twist, in this adventure he must “compete” with another Hero, the goblin Veka, who dreams of making a name for herself.

Jig and his partner Smudge remain my favorites in the book. Jig is a determined character and the creativity he uses to get himself out of messes is often funny, almost always effective and in general, safe for kids to try at home–except for the ones involving his sword, which come to think of it, occur quite ofen. Honestly, Goblin Hero is a great book for young adults. The hidden message of the book — how much to sacrifice in order to achieve fame and greatness — is very subtle, but certainly applicable in today’s world. This grand adventure also requires bravery and self-sacrifice as Jig investigates a dire threat that affects not only his Goblin nest, but that of the Hobgoblins and Ogres.

Goblin Hero was paced a bit slower than Goblin Quest, or perhaps I found it so because of the duel POVs, one for Veka and one for Jig. Luckily for me, Hines spends most of his time with Jig, who is the more endearing and familiar. Veka certainly has opportunity to grow as a character, but in this book she plays the foil and there are times when you’d like to hop in the book and smack her yourself.

This is a great weekend read for when you want to enter a different, but familiar world with characters you’ve come to know. Do wear gloves and appropriate headgear however. This familiar world is that of the Goblins and it does include latrines!

For pictures of the cover–including a very good German cover with Veka–check out Jim’s blog