The Goblin's Puzzle by Andrew S. Chilton, with illustrations by Jensine Eckwall (January 19, 2016, Knopf Books for Young Readers, 288 pages, for ages 8 to 12)
Synopsis (from the publisher):
THE BOY is a nameless slave on a mission to uncover his true destiny.
THE GOBLIN holds all the answers, but he’s too tricky to be trusted.
PLAIN ALICE is a bookish peasant girl carried off by a confused dragon.
And PRINCESS ALICE is the lucky girl who wasn’t kidnapped.
All four are tangled up in a sinister plot to take over the kingdom, and together they must face kind monsters, a cruel magician, and dozens of deathly boring palace bureaucrats. They’re a ragtag bunch, but with strength, courage, and plenty of deductive reasoning, they just might outwit the villains and crack the goblin’s puzzle.
Why I recommend it: The Goblin's Puzzle is a deliciously inventive tale, smart and a bit sassy, and brimming with humor and wordplay. You'll cheer for the Boy and for Plain Alice, and even find Mennofar, the Goblin, growing on you. This is the kind of book destined to become a modern classic, one that adults and children alike will enjoy. If you liked The Bartimaeus Trilogy or The Princess Bride, you'll love this.
Favorite Lines: "Though it pains me to taint the purity of such innocence, I feel obliged to point out that in this world, kindness, like the unicorn, is chiefly found in stories told to princesses," said Mennofar. "Ordinary folk look to how the coin falls." (from page 54)
Bonus: This is an excellent (and fun!) way to introduce young readers to the concept of deductive reasoning.
Here's a link to a lively interview with Andrew S. Chilton on Suzanne Warr's delightful blog, Tales From the Raven. Her giveaway is now over, but mine is just beginning. That's right!
Through the generosity of the publisher, I'm thrilled to award one hardcover copy of The Goblin's Puzzle to one lucky winner. To enter you must be a follower of this blog and you must leave a comment on this post. If you mention this giveaway on social media, please include a link and I'll give you extra chances to win. This giveaway is open to U.S. mailing addresses only and will end at 10:00 pm EST on Sunday January 24, 2016. The winner will be announced on Monday January 25, 2016.
What a great sounding plot. Books like this always seem to find enthusiastic readers. I've added it to my list of books to read this year. Also, welcome back... I missed your reviews!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Greg! That's kind of you.
DeleteThis sounds like a lot of fun. My library's hold system has gone crazy at the moment, but I'll have to try to find it soon!
ReplyDeleteHi Faith! Hope your library's hold system gets straightened out soon.
DeleteWhat a great plot! Sounds like a fun adventure.
ReplyDeleteIt's unlike anything I've read before, Patricia. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteWelcome back! While this book sounds wonderful, please don't enter me in the giveaway--with going back to school tomorrow and homework, I don't think I'll have time to read! Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cindy. And I understand completely, although I hope eventually (next summer?) you'll get a chance to read this captivating novel.
DeleteThis sounds really good. I don't read a lot of fantasy but you make this very tempting with your review. I tweeted your link. https://twitter.com/rosihollinbeck/status/684155445070594048
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win and for the post.
Thanks, Rosi! Tweet duly noted.
DeleteThis book will be excerpted in the January issue of Middle Shelf Magazine. Great opp to give it a spin.
ReplyDeleteThat's cool, Laurisa! Thanks for letting me know.
DeleteThis sounds really really good! I'll check it out! :D
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you'd enjoy this, Erik!
DeleteI almost bought this one on the weekend! Sounds like I need to go back and get it for sure. Thanks for sharing...and I know what you mean on missing everyone. Hope you had a great break. Way to go on that TBR pile of yours!!
ReplyDeleteOh...forgot to add that I am in Canada :)
ReplyDeleteI know you are, Deb, and I'm so sorry the publisher is limiting this to US addresses only! Yes, go buy this book! It's a winner. Good to hear from you. Hope you've enjoyed your blogging break too. Off to check out your new post.
DeleteAh!!!
ReplyDeleteI've seen this one around quite a bit!
Thanks for the chance at winning a copy! :)
You're welcome, Akoss. Good luck!
DeleteThis sounds wonderful! I'll have to check it out. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteIt's a fun and challenging read, Myrna.
DeleteOooh! I bet my 6th grader would like this! We'll have to check this out! Thanks, Joanne!
ReplyDeleteSounds like the perfect age for this book, Alison!
DeleteThis sounds like a great read. Please throw my name in the hat. I just signed up to follow you, but I thought I had already done that awhile back. Apparently not. Anyway, I'm glad to be here now. Have a great day.
ReplyDeleteConsider yourself entered, Elizabeth. And I thought you'd been a follower for a while, too.
DeleteThis giveaway is now CLOSED! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteA belated welcome back, since I'm just getting back myself, and thank you so much for the shout0out!
ReplyDeleteYou're quite welcome. That was a great interview with Andrew!
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