Book Review: Elliot and the Goblin War by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Title: Elliot and the Goblin War
Author: Jennifer A. Nielsen
Pages: 181
Cybil Book #24
Ages 9-12


Author Website

From the book


WARNING! As of today, there are only 7 CHILDREN who have ever read this book and lived to tell about it. 95 CHILDREN successfully read the first chapter, but upon beginning chapter 2, they started BLABBERING in some language known only as "flibberish." 38 CHILDREN made it halfway through this wretched book before they began SUCKING THEIR THUMBS THROUGH THEIR NOSES.

If you're VERY BRAVE, perhaps you are willing to TAKE YOUR CHANCES. Be sure that you have told your family who gets your favorite toys if you DO NOT SURVIVE this book. Read it now, IF YOU DARE. But don't say you haven't been warned, for this is the story that unfolds the MYSTERIES OF THE UNDERWORLD.

Read the first chapter

My Thoughts

I breezed through this novel. A good goblin story. One that provides some good humor and enough action to hold the interest of ages 9-12. The illustrations are fantastic and this book provided just the right mix of many facets to keep me reading. There were times when the writing/narrator would stop and talk directly to the reader which some people find annoying. I think it was used properly for this story to help keep the story moving and adding some funny moments.

Elliot makes a great hero. He is just a typical boy who happens to find himself involved in a world of goblins and Brownies(nice creatures). There are several other creatures like the hag who are just so ugly you have to laugh when she talks about how beautiful she is.

I think this could be a series that many students get involved with. I know the sequel is coming in May. I wish this author much success as I think she has the skill to write a good story. I will be interested in seeing what else she comes up with next.

If you like a light hearted monster story with a bit of action and humor, then this book is right up your alley. At 180 pages it is just the right length to hold your interest and give enough detail to suck you in to the underworld.