When the Stars Threw Down Their Spears, at least they didn't hit my gorgeous Irishman!

Book:  When the Stars Threw Down Their Spears

Author:  Kersten Hamilton

Publisher:  Clarion Books

Date:  Available now

Source: Author

My grade:  A

“People will die.”

Locked doors are opening, and uncanny creatures are tumbling through mysterious portals from Mag Mell, the world-between-worlds, into the streets of Chicago. The Dark Man has marked Aiden with a new song that’s scared him badly, and a frightening new group of sídhe is lurking nearby.

Teagan knows this is war, and she must protect her family. She leaves her flesh and bones behind to join Finn in hunting the evil beings across the city. Meanwhile, their relationship is heating up—almost faster than they can control. But he is still bound to fight goblins his entire life . . . and by blood she is one of them now.

Then the gateway to Mag Mell cracks open again, and the Wylltsons find themselves caught in a trap. As her loved ones begin to die, Teagan realizes that she must destroy the Dark Man and his minions once and for all in order to save those who remain . . .

. . . before it is too late. (cover and description from www.goodreads.com)

Initial reaction

Gah!  Do I rejoice because it ended so well or cry because it ended?!?

Cover story

I love the covers for these novels.  They are PERFECT!  I mean, just look at it!  It says “creepy fantasy novel” all over it.  The colors are gorgeous and the title is perfect.  ::sighs::  This is what a cover should be. 

What’s the Story?

I hate to review books in a trilogy because I don’t know how to do it without spoilers, so if you haven’t read the first two books and you don’t like spoilers, beware!

Let me start this review by saying that the Goblin Wars trilogy is one of my MOST FAVORITE series.  In fact, I think that it ranks in my top 5, definitely top 10.  I mean, Mortal Instruments, Harry Potter and Hunger Games are ahead of it, but I’m having a hard time putting anything else in that number 4 spot.  So if you haven’t read this series yet, WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU WAITING ON??!!??

This series is so unique.  I love the way Kersten Hamilton uses Irish mythology and pulls it into modern day to create this fabulous story.  Her worldbuilding is beyond reproach.  She has carefully constructed every detail in a way that makes all the supernatural creatures and the human world mesh together seamlessly.  Seriously, have you ever read another novel that can put together goblins and other fair folk, Irish legend heroes, angels, normal humans and a bunch of Italians with mob connections, and MAKE IT WORK??  Didn’t think so.  That’s how good Kersten Hamilton is.

Another thing I like about this book is that the girl is not just falling all over herself and ready to leave her life behind for the guy.  And honestly, I’m not sure how Teagan even manages that, because Finn is to die for!  I mean, he’s cute, he’s built and he has a freaking Irish accent!  And he talks about canoodling with Teagan!  Canoodling! 

Fangirl moment is now over.

This series tells such a wonderful story and this book ties it all up beautifully.  Now, like any good Irish story, there is tragedy aplenty, but I closed the book completely satisfied that if there were really goblins in the world, the whole story could have actually gone down this way.  And who am I to say there aren’t goblins?

There were few new characters in this book, which is a good thing since there are already so many, but we get to see some more of a few of the characters and I enjoyed that immensely.  I also appreciate the little epilogue at the end.  Thank you for that, Kersten Hamilton!  I just read one that had such a non-ending ending that I almost cried. (Yes, that review will be up soon!)

I’m not gonna lie.  I would love to see more books in this world.  There are some characters that disappeared, so I’m wondering if Kersten has a bit of a plan for a future trilogy involving one particular goblin princess??  Or maybe some more information about a certain social worker/dance therapist?  Hell, who am I kidding?  I’d be happy to read a book about Finn and Teagan planning a wedding where Teagan turns into Bridezilla and Abby’s mob family shows up.  I love this world so much that I hope she’s not quite done with it.

The Soundtrack

I tried to do an all Irish artist soundtrack, but I can't resist the Dropkick Murphys who are technically American and then there was one that just couldn't be left out.  You'll know it when you see it. : )

Love You Till the End by The Pogues

Signal Fire by Snow Patrol

Blue Tar Road by Liam Weldon

Funeral for a Fallen Leaf by Mercury Mouth

Cadence to Arms by The Dropkick Murphys

Goblin’s Song by Spellblast (yes, this is really an Italian folk metal band….)

The Fianna by Cruachan

The Final Grade

My final grade for this book is an A and the series is A+!  This book series makes me so happy.  I wish more people would read it!

I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.  I received no compensation, financial or otherwise, for this review.  Especially not a hot Irishman.