31 Days of Halloween { book review } The Goblin King (Shadowlands, #1) by Shona Husk
The Goblin King (Shadowlands, #1) by Shona Husk. © 2011 Sourcebooks Casablanca. ISBN 9781402259852. Mass Media Paperback. Paranormal Romance / Urban Fantasy. 352 pages. Source: ARC provided by the publisher.
Synopsis: Cursed by a Druid millennia ago, Roan lives a bleak existence in the Shadowlands, desperately trying to retain his soul and not succumb to the goblin horde. When a beautiful human summons him to grant a wish, he sees a glimmer of hope. But will she ever agree to be his queen?
Review: No doubt this title will immediately bring to mind thoughts of Labyrinth, but other than the title I think that’s about all that’s in common with the film. The Goblin King – the first in a paranormal romance trilogy by Shona Husk, that finally gives goblins their spotlight in this ever-growing genre — throw us into the midst of Roan’s life: one where his soul is hanging in the balance as the curse of being a goblin tugs at him at every moment and leaves him craving gold.
Rather than Labyrinth, what we have here is the classic Beauty falling in love with Beast motif. As part of his curse, Roan must answer the summons of whomever calls him. Answer that is, not grant. He has a choice there. However, when he is summoned by a young woman – Eliza – who has locked herself in the bathroom, away from her fiancé. Roan, whose humanity has long gone, looks upon her as if she’s a piece of gold and he longs for her. He has every intention of taking her and using her in any way he sees fit. But something stops him. He realizes that she’s the teenager he saved once, and shared a day with (see the free prequel The Summons) and suddenly he can feel his humanity bubbling from beneath the surface.
A steamy, erotic romance? Check. Lots of angtsy feelings? Check. A crazy, blackmailing boyfriend? Check. Enchanting world-building? Check. A new heroic monster to love? Double check! So, if you are looking for something to cuddle up and escape with during these chilly evenings, look no further.
