What do you think?
Rate this book
The Goblin and the Dancer
Grik the goblin spends his days as a janitor cleaning the Metropolitan Dance Hall, drawn to the Elvish world and tired of the darkness of his underground home. He secretly pines for the ballet company’s lead dancer, Rosanna, but his own ugliness and shyness stands in the way of confessing his love.
When a handsome rival appears on the scene, Grik’s jealousy bubbles over and he commits the unthinkable, plunging the threesome into a river and down into the depths of the earth.
Determined to redeem himself, Grik leads Rosanna and Paul through the place he calls home: but even a goblin can’t be prepared for everything that is found underground. Trapped in the dark, nightmares both within and without rise to the surface, threatening to destroy them all.
A magical and heartfelt retelling of The Steadfast Tin Soldier about finding your worth.
The Goblin and the Dancer is one of twelve short novels in A Villain's Ever After, a collection of stand-alone stories featuring villainous twists on some of your favorite classic fairy tales. Read the series in any order for magical adventures . . . and fall in love with villains as you've never seen them before. Who said villains can't have happily-ever-afters?
When a handsome rival appears on the scene, Grik’s jealousy bubbles over and he commits the unthinkable, plunging the threesome into a river and down into the depths of the earth.
Determined to redeem himself, Grik leads Rosanna and Paul through the place he calls home: but even a goblin can’t be prepared for everything that is found underground. Trapped in the dark, nightmares both within and without rise to the surface, threatening to destroy them all.
A magical and heartfelt retelling of The Steadfast Tin Soldier about finding your worth.
The Goblin and the Dancer is one of twelve short novels in A Villain's Ever After, a collection of stand-alone stories featuring villainous twists on some of your favorite classic fairy tales. Read the series in any order for magical adventures . . . and fall in love with villains as you've never seen them before. Who said villains can't have happily-ever-afters?
182 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 10, 2021
About the author
Allison Tebo
20 books394 followersAllison Tebo is a Christian writer committed to creating magical stories full of larger-than-life characters, a dash of grit, and plenty of laughs. She is the author of Break the Beast, an epic fantasy retelling of Beowulf, and the Tales of Ambia, a series of romantic comedy retellings of popular fairy tales. Her flash fiction has been published in magazines such as SplicketySpark and Saddlebag Dispatches and her short stories have been featured in anthologies by Inklings Press, Rogue Blades Entertainment, Pole to Pole Publishing, Editing Mee, Dragon Soul Press, and Ye Olde Dragons Publishing.
Allison also writes under the pseudonym Al Thibeaux and co-runs the speculative fiction e-zine Worlds of Adventure.
Allison graduated with merit from London Art College after studying cartooning and children’s illustration and, when not creating new worlds with words or paint, she enjoys reading, baking, and making lists.
You can find out more about her work at https://allisonteboauthor.com/ or follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/allisonteboauthor/
Allison also writes under the pseudonym Al Thibeaux and co-runs the speculative fiction e-zine Worlds of Adventure.
Allison graduated with merit from London Art College after studying cartooning and children’s illustration and, when not creating new worlds with words or paint, she enjoys reading, baking, and making lists.
You can find out more about her work at https://allisonteboauthor.com/ or follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/allisonteboauthor/
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
July 13, 2023
GUESS WHAT, FRIENDS? THE GOBLIN AND THE DANCER IS COMING TO AUDIBLE.
You heard that right. I've just wrapped up production for the audiobook for this novel! My (Irish!) narrator did an AMAZING job and I can't wait for you to hear his delightful performance!
If you would like to help me spread the word when the audiobook drops, you can fill out this quick Google Form. Any help in letting the world know about this audiobook would be greatly appreciated! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1QOTw...
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
SUMMER 2021 UPDATE / REVIEW
Update: Because I care about you, it's time for some CONTENT WARNINGS!
The Goblin and the Dancer is very clean: it's more than likely that most families would feel comfortable reading it to small children. Here is the entirety of what you'll find in this book.
MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD.
1. Magic: None.
2. Romance: Pure and sweet - a few, non-described kisses.
3. Swearing: None.
4. Violence: Some comedic fight scenes, but also a few scenes where characters are terrified and fighting for their life.
5. Scariness: Something creepy and monstrous.
6. Emotional Intensity. This is the most you'll find in this book. My characters go through a lot, emotionally and mentally. They struggle with guilt, shame, fear, and despair. A few characters are quite harsh and our heroes struggle to overcome their scarring words.
Think Pixar, as that was one of the main sources of inspiration for my story. Enough peril to give it a mild PG rating, but most of the gut punch is in the emotional roller coaster the character embark on.
Hope that helps you, my friends. Enjoy the ride!
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
ORIGINAL REVIEW: May 2021
Should authors rate their own book? I've seen a lot of people look down upon such practices - they view it as narcissistic, infantile, or worse, unprofessional.
What's my opinion?
I rate my book book not because I care about how my ratings look, but because I DO genuinely love my story - because Goodreads is a place where we share books we love. I give it a symbolic five stars because the book we write always holds all of our heart.
I guard my five stars fiercely and only give them out to celebrate those few stories that manage to evade my picky little brain and go straight to my heart.
This book was written in the year of 2020, a tough year - not just because of pandemics and national upheaval.
This book was written despite chronic pain, despite Writers Block, despite wrestling with my future. God blessed me and allowed me to overcome and write the story - and that's what this story is about. It's about overcoming our worst fears and finding hope when everything seems dark. It's about love, and finding your worth.
In spite of everything, this story came relatively quickly - it rushed from thought to page, anxious to be told. And, to a perfectionist writer who has sometimes felt like giving up on writing entirely this last year and a half, it surprised me to look over this final draft once more and to find that I am truly happy with it. My five stars, in a sense, is my way of thanking my story, for being small and cute enough to wiggle its way past my nit-picky brain and touch my heart.
I very much hope that THE GOBLIN AND THE DANCER will make you smile, make you think, and make you hope.
And, with any luck, it will make you cry. MUAHAHA.
You heard that right. I've just wrapped up production for the audiobook for this novel! My (Irish!) narrator did an AMAZING job and I can't wait for you to hear his delightful performance!
If you would like to help me spread the word when the audiobook drops, you can fill out this quick Google Form. Any help in letting the world know about this audiobook would be greatly appreciated! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1QOTw...
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
SUMMER 2021 UPDATE / REVIEW
Update: Because I care about you, it's time for some CONTENT WARNINGS!
The Goblin and the Dancer is very clean: it's more than likely that most families would feel comfortable reading it to small children. Here is the entirety of what you'll find in this book.
MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD.
1. Magic: None.
2. Romance: Pure and sweet - a few, non-described kisses.
3. Swearing: None.
4. Violence: Some comedic fight scenes, but also a few scenes where characters are terrified and fighting for their life.
5. Scariness: Something creepy and monstrous.
6. Emotional Intensity. This is the most you'll find in this book. My characters go through a lot, emotionally and mentally. They struggle with guilt, shame, fear, and despair. A few characters are quite harsh and our heroes struggle to overcome their scarring words.
Think Pixar, as that was one of the main sources of inspiration for my story. Enough peril to give it a mild PG rating, but most of the gut punch is in the emotional roller coaster the character embark on.
Hope that helps you, my friends. Enjoy the ride!
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
ORIGINAL REVIEW: May 2021
Should authors rate their own book? I've seen a lot of people look down upon such practices - they view it as narcissistic, infantile, or worse, unprofessional.
What's my opinion?
I rate my book book not because I care about how my ratings look, but because I DO genuinely love my story - because Goodreads is a place where we share books we love. I give it a symbolic five stars because the book we write always holds all of our heart.
I guard my five stars fiercely and only give them out to celebrate those few stories that manage to evade my picky little brain and go straight to my heart.
This book was written in the year of 2020, a tough year - not just because of pandemics and national upheaval.
This book was written despite chronic pain, despite Writers Block, despite wrestling with my future. God blessed me and allowed me to overcome and write the story - and that's what this story is about. It's about overcoming our worst fears and finding hope when everything seems dark. It's about love, and finding your worth.
In spite of everything, this story came relatively quickly - it rushed from thought to page, anxious to be told. And, to a perfectionist writer who has sometimes felt like giving up on writing entirely this last year and a half, it surprised me to look over this final draft once more and to find that I am truly happy with it. My five stars, in a sense, is my way of thanking my story, for being small and cute enough to wiggle its way past my nit-picky brain and touch my heart.
I very much hope that THE GOBLIN AND THE DANCER will make you smile, make you think, and make you hope.
And, with any luck, it will make you cry. MUAHAHA.
December 5, 2022
The Goblin and the Dancer is a retelling of The Steadfast Tin Soldier. I have not read the original story but I’m quite familiar with the plot as I absolutely loved an animated version of this story when I was a kid.
The original fairytale is about a one-legged tin toy soldier who’s in love with a beautiful ballerina toy. In this retelling, the story takes place in a fascinating fantasy world full of elves and goblins. The protagonist is a goblin. Goblins are considered ugly and they’re very much second class citizens in this society. He even considers himself an outsider with his fellow goblins, because he is constantly reminded of the fact that he likes and wants different things in life than everyone else. He is in love with a beautiful elven dancer. He knows he doesn’t stand a chance but his love is too strong to ignore.
Another longs for her heart though. A one legged soldier elf who draws her sympathy with his handicap, his wealth and his elven beauty. Though his personality is a bit lacking as he’s quite arrogant and prejudiced. The goblin thinks he’s the right one for her and is willing to do everything to gain the key to her heart. But then jealousy rears its ugly head and things quickly go awry.
Much like the original, it’s a tragic kind of love story where one’s love is simply unattainable. Elves are above goblins in every single way in this society. It’s their fate to never be together. Yet it’s also about being true to one’s heart. It’s a story about two people who are completely different from one other because of how they look but in the end, there is no obstacle love cannot overcome.
The three main characters are brilliantly crafted and their character arcs are masterfully intertwined in the plot. In particular, I really like that the goblin and the dancer don’t really communicate with each other, staying quite true in that regard to the original story. And yet you can easily tell the bond between them is stronger than what we get to see on the surface.
I also really love the setting, both the city above and especially the underground society. It’s adventurous, menacing, imaginative and realistic at the same time. The setting is integral to the story here and provides a strong platform that compliments the plot and supports the character actions and their development.
This story probably has some flaws too but it’s quite short and I’m afraid I enjoyed it too much to notice any.
A short but really strong and adventurous fairytale retelling that explores some of the same core themes of the original story by shining an exciting new light on it. A very easy recommendation.
The original fairytale is about a one-legged tin toy soldier who’s in love with a beautiful ballerina toy. In this retelling, the story takes place in a fascinating fantasy world full of elves and goblins. The protagonist is a goblin. Goblins are considered ugly and they’re very much second class citizens in this society. He even considers himself an outsider with his fellow goblins, because he is constantly reminded of the fact that he likes and wants different things in life than everyone else. He is in love with a beautiful elven dancer. He knows he doesn’t stand a chance but his love is too strong to ignore.
Another longs for her heart though. A one legged soldier elf who draws her sympathy with his handicap, his wealth and his elven beauty. Though his personality is a bit lacking as he’s quite arrogant and prejudiced. The goblin thinks he’s the right one for her and is willing to do everything to gain the key to her heart. But then jealousy rears its ugly head and things quickly go awry.
Much like the original, it’s a tragic kind of love story where one’s love is simply unattainable. Elves are above goblins in every single way in this society. It’s their fate to never be together. Yet it’s also about being true to one’s heart. It’s a story about two people who are completely different from one other because of how they look but in the end, there is no obstacle love cannot overcome.
The three main characters are brilliantly crafted and their character arcs are masterfully intertwined in the plot. In particular, I really like that the goblin and the dancer don’t really communicate with each other, staying quite true in that regard to the original story. And yet you can easily tell the bond between them is stronger than what we get to see on the surface.
I also really love the setting, both the city above and especially the underground society. It’s adventurous, menacing, imaginative and realistic at the same time. The setting is integral to the story here and provides a strong platform that compliments the plot and supports the character actions and their development.
This story probably has some flaws too but it’s quite short and I’m afraid I enjoyed it too much to notice any.
A short but really strong and adventurous fairytale retelling that explores some of the same core themes of the original story by shining an exciting new light on it. A very easy recommendation.
January 10, 2022
I'M SO GLAD THIS WAS MY FIRST READ OF THE YEAR! I think it's safe to say that I will read absolutely anything Allison writes (and I don't say that about many other authors, even some of my other top favorites) so obviously I was so excited when I heard she had a book in this "A Villain's Ever After" series. The idea of taking the villain of classic fairytales and turning their stories around so they become the hero is fascinating to me, and I knew that if anyone could pull it off in a way that I would genuinely be able to root for the supposed villain, it would be Allison.
About the story itself: I truly enjoyed this from beginning to end. While Grik the goblin did do some wrong things that could totally make us see him as the villain were the story told from another character's perspective, Allison skilfully used Grik's perspective to show us his thought process. She also kept a careful balance between making Grik likable and sympathetic, but never trying to excuse his big mistake as anything but wrong (which is always my concern about any villain- centric story). But that doesn't mean redemption isn't possible and I was so happy to find that thread of mercy and forgiveness in the story.
For our other two main characters, Rosanna and Paul, I loved their depth of character, as well as the way their relationships with each other and Grik changed in a way that felt so natural. The timing of all the events were skilfully woven to mold them into new people and help them understand each other better.
As for my personal experience with the story, this was an instance where I feel that the Lord put me in the mood for this book at exactly the time He knew I would need it, even before I knew. This isn't just a retelling of The Steadfast Tin Soldier, this is a story about finding hope in the darkest of times. While reading this book, my family endured a 30-hour power outage caused by heavy snow (no heat, no water, and no way out with a tree across our driveway), as well as another health issue for Mom. Thankfully, both problems have now passed, but I experienced a lot of stress and anxiety while they were happening. It is times like that in which I tend to need books that are adventuresome and fun enough to be distracting, but also "safe" enough to not increase my already growing levels of anxiety. This story was exactly what I needed. Grik, Rosanna, and Paul kept me company, distracted, and comforted during those difficult times. And when pure distraction wasn't enough, they went deeper and pointed me to the hope that can be found in any situation and showed me how to dance in the dark. I am so grateful to have had this story to remind me of the light even when it felt that there was none. I will definitely be reading it again and again over the years and recommend without hesitation to anyone who will listen! 5 stars.
Content Advisory:
Romance/Sexual:
Multiple characters are romantically attracted. Everything remains sweet and family-friendly throughout. There are a couple kisses that are only mildly and briefly described.
Violence:
Plenty of action and adventure throughout, including almost constant peril for our three main characters. Characters fall in a river and nearly drown, get lost in dark underground caverns, get attacked by those living underground, and attacked by a mythological animal. Paul and Grik in particular give and take a number of blows to and from enemies. Roseanna throws a few punches and kicks herself. But while things get exciting, there is never any graphic or gory violence.
Magic:
Despite being set in a fantasy world with elves, goblins, and other mythical creatures for its inhabitants, there are little to no mentions of magic, besides the "magic" of Rosanna's beautiful dancing.
Worldviews:
No real world belief systems explicitly referenced, though the thematic elements of right and wrong, forgiveness, mercy, and hope, all align with a Christian view of these subjects.
About the story itself: I truly enjoyed this from beginning to end. While Grik the goblin did do some wrong things that could totally make us see him as the villain were the story told from another character's perspective, Allison skilfully used Grik's perspective to show us his thought process. She also kept a careful balance between making Grik likable and sympathetic, but never trying to excuse his big mistake as anything but wrong (which is always my concern about any villain- centric story). But that doesn't mean redemption isn't possible and I was so happy to find that thread of mercy and forgiveness in the story.
For our other two main characters, Rosanna and Paul, I loved their depth of character, as well as the way their relationships with each other and Grik changed in a way that felt so natural. The timing of all the events were skilfully woven to mold them into new people and help them understand each other better.
As for my personal experience with the story, this was an instance where I feel that the Lord put me in the mood for this book at exactly the time He knew I would need it, even before I knew. This isn't just a retelling of The Steadfast Tin Soldier, this is a story about finding hope in the darkest of times. While reading this book, my family endured a 30-hour power outage caused by heavy snow (no heat, no water, and no way out with a tree across our driveway), as well as another health issue for Mom. Thankfully, both problems have now passed, but I experienced a lot of stress and anxiety while they were happening. It is times like that in which I tend to need books that are adventuresome and fun enough to be distracting, but also "safe" enough to not increase my already growing levels of anxiety. This story was exactly what I needed. Grik, Rosanna, and Paul kept me company, distracted, and comforted during those difficult times. And when pure distraction wasn't enough, they went deeper and pointed me to the hope that can be found in any situation and showed me how to dance in the dark. I am so grateful to have had this story to remind me of the light even when it felt that there was none. I will definitely be reading it again and again over the years and recommend without hesitation to anyone who will listen! 5 stars.
Content Advisory:
Romance/Sexual:
Multiple characters are romantically attracted. Everything remains sweet and family-friendly throughout. There are a couple kisses that are only mildly and briefly described.
Violence:
Plenty of action and adventure throughout, including almost constant peril for our three main characters. Characters fall in a river and nearly drown, get lost in dark underground caverns, get attacked by those living underground, and attacked by a mythological animal. Paul and Grik in particular give and take a number of blows to and from enemies. Roseanna throws a few punches and kicks herself. But while things get exciting, there is never any graphic or gory violence.
Magic:
Despite being set in a fantasy world with elves, goblins, and other mythical creatures for its inhabitants, there are little to no mentions of magic, besides the "magic" of Rosanna's beautiful dancing.
Worldviews:
No real world belief systems explicitly referenced, though the thematic elements of right and wrong, forgiveness, mercy, and hope, all align with a Christian view of these subjects.
September 15, 2021
The Goblin and the Dancer was, as all of Allison Tebo’s books are, an absolute delight from beginning to end! This is definitely my favorite installment of the Villain’s Ever After series so far.
As a retelling of “The Steadfast Tin Soldier”–a fairytale with which I am admittedly not familiar–the story introduces us to Grik, a poor young goblin who’s head over heels in love with the beautiful and gracious elf dancer Rosanna. I was drawn into this gorgeous fantasy world from the start; Allison Tebo paints a realm divided between the elegant elves and the practical goblins with clarity and vivacity. The characters, including the tin soldier figure Paul, were all lovely and each went though such satisfying arcs! I love the depictions of healing and redemption that runs throughout each one, and the ending WILL leave you with a smile.
Despite its underwhelming length, this novella packs in a lot of heart and action! It’s rare to read one that feels like it ended just right without seeming too rushed or leaving too many loose ends. This kind of story, both short and sweet without compromising any depth, is like comfort food to the soul. Naturally I recommend it to anyone who’s looking for a fairytale retelling that perfectly straddles the line between heavy and light, contains beautifully-written descriptions of a vivid world, and gives each character the conclusion they deserve.
*I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. A positive review was not required; all views and opinions expressed are my own.*
As a retelling of “The Steadfast Tin Soldier”–a fairytale with which I am admittedly not familiar–the story introduces us to Grik, a poor young goblin who’s head over heels in love with the beautiful and gracious elf dancer Rosanna. I was drawn into this gorgeous fantasy world from the start; Allison Tebo paints a realm divided between the elegant elves and the practical goblins with clarity and vivacity. The characters, including the tin soldier figure Paul, were all lovely and each went though such satisfying arcs! I love the depictions of healing and redemption that runs throughout each one, and the ending WILL leave you with a smile.
Despite its underwhelming length, this novella packs in a lot of heart and action! It’s rare to read one that feels like it ended just right without seeming too rushed or leaving too many loose ends. This kind of story, both short and sweet without compromising any depth, is like comfort food to the soul. Naturally I recommend it to anyone who’s looking for a fairytale retelling that perfectly straddles the line between heavy and light, contains beautifully-written descriptions of a vivid world, and gives each character the conclusion they deserve.
*I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. A positive review was not required; all views and opinions expressed are my own.*
June 30, 2022
Super cute and adorable story! Easy to read in one sitting!
If you love fairytales or stories with mythical creatures with adorable characters, humorous dialogue and some deep hearted themes of forgiveness and love, then this one is for you!
If you love fairytales or stories with mythical creatures with adorable characters, humorous dialogue and some deep hearted themes of forgiveness and love, then this one is for you!
December 28, 2021
4.5 stars
What a fun little suspense story, with characters that end up running away with your heart and events that make you laugh aloud.
It took a couple chapters to get off the ground, so not a full five stars from me, but it was a really fun story and the kraken scenes in particular were nail-biters! Wow. I think it's the first time I've read a story with a kraken of this sort!
I'm not familiar with the original tale of the tin soldier which it is based on, but I enjoyed the story and the gentle romance as well. Overall, it made me think of a classic Disney movie.
Content:
Magic--none; special abilities presented as natural talents
Triggers--largely underground; a couple fight scenes and a kraken
What a fun little suspense story, with characters that end up running away with your heart and events that make you laugh aloud.
It took a couple chapters to get off the ground, so not a full five stars from me, but it was a really fun story and the kraken scenes in particular were nail-biters! Wow. I think it's the first time I've read a story with a kraken of this sort!
I'm not familiar with the original tale of the tin soldier which it is based on, but I enjoyed the story and the gentle romance as well. Overall, it made me think of a classic Disney movie.
Content:
Magic--none; special abilities presented as natural talents
Triggers--largely underground; a couple fight scenes and a kraken
September 5, 2021
A graceful, caring dancer. A handsome, self-assured soldier. A gentle goblin who doubts himself. Three people who struggle to belong to the worlds they know. And three hurting hearts that hide behind careful disguises.
Grik doesn’t fit in. He’s not like other goblins. Drawn to the soaring beauty of the elvish world, he is not content with his underground home. And he has a secret . . . he holds a forbidden love deep in his heart.
When a bitter rivalry drives Grik to a rash deed, the consequences and guilt threaten to destroy him, his enemy, and the one he loves most. To save all three of them, to set them free, Grik must find his courage, let go of his bitterness, and sacrifice everything he values.
The Goblin and the Dancer by Allison Tebo is a brand-new fairy tale retelling inspired by the Steadfast Tin Soldier. It’s part of a new series by twelve well-known fairy tale authors who have banded together to write fairy tale retellings with a unique twist: this time, they’re told by the villains . . . who might not be as villainous as they seem.
I had high expectations for The Goblin and the Dancer. Allison Tebo’s books are always treasured favorites for me. This one was no different. It surpassed my expectations by far. It was both everything I wanted and nothing I expected. It was so much deeper and more interesting than I could have known, though I didn’t think about what the book might be until I read it. I pre-ordered the e-book when the book was announced, but as I was reading, I realized that I need to buy a paperback--I can’t bear not to! It will be lovely to own all of Miss Tebo’s books.
Set in an intriguing and beautiful non-magical fantasy world, The Goblin and the Dancer follows Grik, Rosanna, and Paul, three compelling, complex characters who are thrust into a dangerous adventure they never wanted. Each of them rises to immense challenges with courage and determination . . . but only after their damaging flaws come to light, hurting themselves and those around them. In order to survive a terrible situation and to be free of the darkness within and without, they must each heal deep in their hearts and let go of misconceptions about themselves and others.
I enjoyed the excellent writing, fascinating relationships, dynamic character development, deep and moving themes, solid and complex plot, engaging action, steady pacing, effective antagonists, amusing humor, and rich setting of this gorgeous novel. My favorite books are always thoughtful, character-driven, and adventurous, with rich themes and intriguing relationships. I treasure the favorite authors that never fail to deliver.
In The Goblin and the Dancer, Allison Tebo wrote each of these things with skill, weaving them into a delightful tapestry of bright color, great depth, and heartfelt emotion. All of it was as fathomless as the underground caverns of the story, as alive and vivid as the costumed dancing on Rosanna’s stage. It was as if the author invited me to come along on a journey, took my hand with a smile of anticipation, and then showed me beautiful sights, entertaining me, sharing her delight and imagination with me.
While the adventure was solidly plotted and the fantasy worldbuilding was rich, believable and imaginative, those things weren’t my favorite aspects of this book. The plot and world were effective vehicles for the characters, relationships, and themes. These three things were woven together so seamlessly, supported by the plot, that it’s impossible to separate them.
I felt Grik’s bittersweet longing from the very first page. I came to care about each of the flawed, endearing characters as I saw more and more of their struggles, inward and outward. That was true even of a character I hated yet appreciated at the beginning of the book. Each of them started out with a perspective that hurt themselves, other people, and their relationships. They were forced to overcome and grow through great difficulty.
There was both care and tension between the characters. The book is centered around Rosanna’s relationships with Grik and Paul--but I enjoyed the third relationship in a different way--the rivalry between the two male characters, who must work together even though they hate each other. If I had known their potential, I would have hoped for them to come to understand and respect one another--and I was in good hands with this author.
I loved the story of forgiving each other and letting go of bitterness and prejudice. The dual society of goblins and elves was more than just an enjoyable, believable, and totally unique fantasy setting. Instead of leaving it at face value, The Goblin and the Dancer explores the deeper struggles that happen in a world of people who are different from one another. This world might be inhabited by goblins and elves, not humans--but it is saturated with humanity, with both the beautiful and ugly qualities of every person in the world. There is hope of love and harmony, but it must be won with difficulty against our tendency to be unkind without thought.
All of this combined to convey beautiful truths from deep within the hearts of the characters and author. It was so natural, beautiful, and real that I barely thought of it as a theme or message--but it was one, and a wonderful one. I saw myself in each character--even ones I never expected to relate to. I felt for them in their pain, and their healing helped me too. The refreshing truths in this book are like the water of life, springing from a deep well with a pure source.
We all walk through darkness and suffering in some seasons of life--perhaps all seasons, some of us more than others. We all carry wounds in our hearts and lies in our minds. We need love and truth to heal us. Stories, words, and art have power to carry that love and truth, to make it sink deep into our hearts, just as Rosanna’s dancing and Grik’s encouraging words brought hope and light to their friends amid deep darkness.
It is a powerful thing to offer words of life to those around us, both enemies and friends, instead of sharp words of hate that tear each other down. Deep healing comes when we forgive others of past hurts and wrongs, and let go of bitterness and prejudice. We doubt that we are loved, and we struggle to accept love from others when we don’t love ourselves--but when we do receive and believe love from others and from God, it is powerful and life-giving.
And when we choose to have joy, faith, and love in the face of deep suffering--to dance when surrounded by oppressive darkness--we hold on to true hope that drives back the darkness. And we share it with others, because it is a gift that is meant to be given away as well as held close to our hearts. By writing and sharing this novel, Allison Tebo is doing just that.
May we all have the courage to dance in the dark.
I recommend The Goblin and the Dancer to anyone who enjoys unique fantasy or fairy tales, with adventure, friendship, unrequited love, rich worlds, and an entertaining yet profound story. 4.5 stars.
*
A few thoughts on fictional romance...
The Goblin and the Dancer will appeal to readers who love a good dose of romance--and to readers who like it in moderation.
I don’t ever read a book with a beautiful model on the cover. Ever. But I made an exception for this one, for the first time in my life. I’m glad I did, as I knew I would be! My expectations were high, and this book more than surpassed them.
I read The Goblin and the Dancer because Allison Tebo is one of my top favorite authors. I loved each of her other books so much, and I know her style and excellent writing. Because she wrote it and her name is on the cover, I knew the book inside would be amazing. And it was.
And the cover is certainly gorgeous! I can now report that this book will appeal to readers who are usually drawn to covers like these . . . and that you may still love it if, like me, you avoid that kind of cover.
Based on the cover and genre, I think I expected this book to be the sort that is fluffy and fun, light and bright. And The Goblin and the Dancer certainly was all of that! All of that and more. It was fun and bright and utterly delightful.
But it was much more than that, as well. It had such depth and complexity of plot, character, relationship, setting, and theme. I enjoyed it all so much. I should have expected that from this author--and I suppose I did. But I think this is even more excellent in writing than Allison Tebo’s other books, since her writing, skilled from the beginning, has only grown better over the years.
*
I had to think hard to come up with anything that could be improved about this book. I only thought of one thing. I would have liked just a tiny bit more progression in one arc--Rosanna’s relationship with Grik.
I knew I didn’t want Rosanna to end up with Paul, because he was unkind to both her and Grik. (vague spoilers here.) I loved that Rosanna valued Grik’s kindness and encouragement--as she should. She deserved to have friends who were just as kind, caring, and encouraging as she was herself!
But apart from that (bigger spoilers), I didn’t see any other reason for Rosanna to value Grik as something other than a friend. If I was her, I would have liked both Paul and Grik as friends, but not something else. As a reader, I would have been happy if Rosanna didn’t fall in love with either of them at the end. I could have loved the romance if I saw a reason for romance, but I didn’t feel the spark on her end. However, I think it’s wonderful to have a friendship or romance between an elf and a goblin--it’s something totally different than I’ve ever seen, but I love that sort of relationship. I just need deeper things to convince me that a relationship should be a romance.
I didn’t dislike the ending. I enjoyed it. I usually accept a book for what it is, and as always, I don’t wish this book was different.
But I would have liked just a little more of a reason for the relationship resolution, just a hint of something to make me believe in the nature of that relationship, to make me want it to happen. I didn’t really see how the friendship could turn into romance on Rosanna’s side. I think something small could have given me the progression I needed, or shown me more of how Rosanna felt--and why.
I like romance in books, for sure. I think many readers look for romance in every book. But . . . I don’t like romance in every book, at least when there isn’t a couple I can root for romantically. (spoilers again.) In this book, I would have been perfectly happy if there was no romance in the end--or at least not a mutual, requited romance. I thought the characters had chemistry, but I didn’t see it as romantic chemistry on Rosanna’s end.
But for the most part, I LOVED everything that happened with the relationships. A lot of it was very unique, like the feelings Paul expressed toward the end. I think the world of fiction needs different kinds of relationships that reflect life, instead of similar ones every time--such as romances that always work out, or love that is always returned in the end. I’m making generalizations, of course. I’m sure that’s not true in every case, but it’s true most of the time in fiction, though not in real life.
I love seeing a book that does it differently! The Goblin and the Dancer does it so well.
*
A note on fantasy elements, for those who would like to know....
The Goblin and the Dancer is set in a fictional world populated by elves, goblins, and other fantasy creatures. The world and its inhabitants are the only fantasy elements, though it's plenty fantastical.
This book contains no magic at all, although it is a fairy tale retelling. It is non-magical fantasy. There are no other special powers.
Grik doesn’t fit in. He’s not like other goblins. Drawn to the soaring beauty of the elvish world, he is not content with his underground home. And he has a secret . . . he holds a forbidden love deep in his heart.
When a bitter rivalry drives Grik to a rash deed, the consequences and guilt threaten to destroy him, his enemy, and the one he loves most. To save all three of them, to set them free, Grik must find his courage, let go of his bitterness, and sacrifice everything he values.
The Goblin and the Dancer by Allison Tebo is a brand-new fairy tale retelling inspired by the Steadfast Tin Soldier. It’s part of a new series by twelve well-known fairy tale authors who have banded together to write fairy tale retellings with a unique twist: this time, they’re told by the villains . . . who might not be as villainous as they seem.
I had high expectations for The Goblin and the Dancer. Allison Tebo’s books are always treasured favorites for me. This one was no different. It surpassed my expectations by far. It was both everything I wanted and nothing I expected. It was so much deeper and more interesting than I could have known, though I didn’t think about what the book might be until I read it. I pre-ordered the e-book when the book was announced, but as I was reading, I realized that I need to buy a paperback--I can’t bear not to! It will be lovely to own all of Miss Tebo’s books.
Set in an intriguing and beautiful non-magical fantasy world, The Goblin and the Dancer follows Grik, Rosanna, and Paul, three compelling, complex characters who are thrust into a dangerous adventure they never wanted. Each of them rises to immense challenges with courage and determination . . . but only after their damaging flaws come to light, hurting themselves and those around them. In order to survive a terrible situation and to be free of the darkness within and without, they must each heal deep in their hearts and let go of misconceptions about themselves and others.
I enjoyed the excellent writing, fascinating relationships, dynamic character development, deep and moving themes, solid and complex plot, engaging action, steady pacing, effective antagonists, amusing humor, and rich setting of this gorgeous novel. My favorite books are always thoughtful, character-driven, and adventurous, with rich themes and intriguing relationships. I treasure the favorite authors that never fail to deliver.
In The Goblin and the Dancer, Allison Tebo wrote each of these things with skill, weaving them into a delightful tapestry of bright color, great depth, and heartfelt emotion. All of it was as fathomless as the underground caverns of the story, as alive and vivid as the costumed dancing on Rosanna’s stage. It was as if the author invited me to come along on a journey, took my hand with a smile of anticipation, and then showed me beautiful sights, entertaining me, sharing her delight and imagination with me.
While the adventure was solidly plotted and the fantasy worldbuilding was rich, believable and imaginative, those things weren’t my favorite aspects of this book. The plot and world were effective vehicles for the characters, relationships, and themes. These three things were woven together so seamlessly, supported by the plot, that it’s impossible to separate them.
I felt Grik’s bittersweet longing from the very first page. I came to care about each of the flawed, endearing characters as I saw more and more of their struggles, inward and outward. That was true even of a character I hated yet appreciated at the beginning of the book. Each of them started out with a perspective that hurt themselves, other people, and their relationships. They were forced to overcome and grow through great difficulty.
There was both care and tension between the characters. The book is centered around Rosanna’s relationships with Grik and Paul--but I enjoyed the third relationship in a different way--the rivalry between the two male characters, who must work together even though they hate each other. If I had known their potential, I would have hoped for them to come to understand and respect one another--and I was in good hands with this author.
I loved the story of forgiving each other and letting go of bitterness and prejudice. The dual society of goblins and elves was more than just an enjoyable, believable, and totally unique fantasy setting. Instead of leaving it at face value, The Goblin and the Dancer explores the deeper struggles that happen in a world of people who are different from one another. This world might be inhabited by goblins and elves, not humans--but it is saturated with humanity, with both the beautiful and ugly qualities of every person in the world. There is hope of love and harmony, but it must be won with difficulty against our tendency to be unkind without thought.
All of this combined to convey beautiful truths from deep within the hearts of the characters and author. It was so natural, beautiful, and real that I barely thought of it as a theme or message--but it was one, and a wonderful one. I saw myself in each character--even ones I never expected to relate to. I felt for them in their pain, and their healing helped me too. The refreshing truths in this book are like the water of life, springing from a deep well with a pure source.
We all walk through darkness and suffering in some seasons of life--perhaps all seasons, some of us more than others. We all carry wounds in our hearts and lies in our minds. We need love and truth to heal us. Stories, words, and art have power to carry that love and truth, to make it sink deep into our hearts, just as Rosanna’s dancing and Grik’s encouraging words brought hope and light to their friends amid deep darkness.
It is a powerful thing to offer words of life to those around us, both enemies and friends, instead of sharp words of hate that tear each other down. Deep healing comes when we forgive others of past hurts and wrongs, and let go of bitterness and prejudice. We doubt that we are loved, and we struggle to accept love from others when we don’t love ourselves--but when we do receive and believe love from others and from God, it is powerful and life-giving.
And when we choose to have joy, faith, and love in the face of deep suffering--to dance when surrounded by oppressive darkness--we hold on to true hope that drives back the darkness. And we share it with others, because it is a gift that is meant to be given away as well as held close to our hearts. By writing and sharing this novel, Allison Tebo is doing just that.
May we all have the courage to dance in the dark.
I recommend The Goblin and the Dancer to anyone who enjoys unique fantasy or fairy tales, with adventure, friendship, unrequited love, rich worlds, and an entertaining yet profound story. 4.5 stars.
*
A few thoughts on fictional romance...
The Goblin and the Dancer will appeal to readers who love a good dose of romance--and to readers who like it in moderation.
I don’t ever read a book with a beautiful model on the cover. Ever. But I made an exception for this one, for the first time in my life. I’m glad I did, as I knew I would be! My expectations were high, and this book more than surpassed them.
I read The Goblin and the Dancer because Allison Tebo is one of my top favorite authors. I loved each of her other books so much, and I know her style and excellent writing. Because she wrote it and her name is on the cover, I knew the book inside would be amazing. And it was.
And the cover is certainly gorgeous! I can now report that this book will appeal to readers who are usually drawn to covers like these . . . and that you may still love it if, like me, you avoid that kind of cover.
Based on the cover and genre, I think I expected this book to be the sort that is fluffy and fun, light and bright. And The Goblin and the Dancer certainly was all of that! All of that and more. It was fun and bright and utterly delightful.
But it was much more than that, as well. It had such depth and complexity of plot, character, relationship, setting, and theme. I enjoyed it all so much. I should have expected that from this author--and I suppose I did. But I think this is even more excellent in writing than Allison Tebo’s other books, since her writing, skilled from the beginning, has only grown better over the years.
*
I had to think hard to come up with anything that could be improved about this book. I only thought of one thing. I would have liked just a tiny bit more progression in one arc--Rosanna’s relationship with Grik.
I knew I didn’t want Rosanna to end up with Paul, because he was unkind to both her and Grik. (vague spoilers here.) I loved that Rosanna valued Grik’s kindness and encouragement--as she should. She deserved to have friends who were just as kind, caring, and encouraging as she was herself!
But apart from that (bigger spoilers), I didn’t see any other reason for Rosanna to value Grik as something other than a friend. If I was her, I would have liked both Paul and Grik as friends, but not something else. As a reader, I would have been happy if Rosanna didn’t fall in love with either of them at the end. I could have loved the romance if I saw a reason for romance, but I didn’t feel the spark on her end. However, I think it’s wonderful to have a friendship or romance between an elf and a goblin--it’s something totally different than I’ve ever seen, but I love that sort of relationship. I just need deeper things to convince me that a relationship should be a romance.
I didn’t dislike the ending. I enjoyed it. I usually accept a book for what it is, and as always, I don’t wish this book was different.
But I would have liked just a little more of a reason for the relationship resolution, just a hint of something to make me believe in the nature of that relationship, to make me want it to happen. I didn’t really see how the friendship could turn into romance on Rosanna’s side. I think something small could have given me the progression I needed, or shown me more of how Rosanna felt--and why.
I like romance in books, for sure. I think many readers look for romance in every book. But . . . I don’t like romance in every book, at least when there isn’t a couple I can root for romantically. (spoilers again.) In this book, I would have been perfectly happy if there was no romance in the end--or at least not a mutual, requited romance. I thought the characters had chemistry, but I didn’t see it as romantic chemistry on Rosanna’s end.
But for the most part, I LOVED everything that happened with the relationships. A lot of it was very unique, like the feelings Paul expressed toward the end. I think the world of fiction needs different kinds of relationships that reflect life, instead of similar ones every time--such as romances that always work out, or love that is always returned in the end. I’m making generalizations, of course. I’m sure that’s not true in every case, but it’s true most of the time in fiction, though not in real life.
I love seeing a book that does it differently! The Goblin and the Dancer does it so well.
*
A note on fantasy elements, for those who would like to know....
The Goblin and the Dancer is set in a fictional world populated by elves, goblins, and other fantasy creatures. The world and its inhabitants are the only fantasy elements, though it's plenty fantastical.
This book contains no magic at all, although it is a fairy tale retelling. It is non-magical fantasy. There are no other special powers.
May 17, 2022
Very sweet! I was not very familiar with the original tale of the Tin Soldier, so I went and reviewed it before reading this! That greatly helped me appreciate this retelling, because I had forgotten it was so accurate. For some reason, I had not gone into it expecting Paul to be the Tin Soldier, and I appreciated that while it starts as a typical contention between a handsome, but ruuuude suitor and a less handsome, wildly jealous rival, it doesn’t leave them there. There is grace to grow and change.
A totally safe read for tweens. It definitely feels like a book from the older days, where the content was clean and charming for all readers. I miss that.
A totally safe read for tweens. It definitely feels like a book from the older days, where the content was clean and charming for all readers. I miss that.
July 28, 2022
I've been wanting to read something of Allison's for a long time. And this gem did not disappoint. I love goblin/elf stories and have read too few of them. I really enjoyed the little story packed in this tale and literally couldn't put it down. It's a very sweet, moving story, with plenty of plot twists. I was nearly scared for the ending because Allison kept surprising me. Excellent work, and a very cute ending!
September 21, 2021
This one is so adorable! If you are looking for well developed romance, this isn't it. If anything, it is more focused on the bromance than the romance. Yet...that is kind of the point of the book.
Grik is a great main character. He breaks all the molds. He's a goblin. He's ugly. He's a janitor and not a warrior. In any other book, he would be the secondary character. Probably a throwaway comic relief. But here he is given his moment to shine. If you have ever felt overlooked or not enough or out of place, then you will connect with Grik.
Paul was a great foil for Grik, and I loved the development he was given throughout the book. Rosanna was also a great character, and the three of them together made a group that had me rooting for them to succeed!
I could see the parts of the Steadfast Tin Soldier tale, but the author deftly spins it into a full story with a surprising amount of hidden depth. This author often writes short, novella length works, and it shows. She clearly knows how to write a complete story within a short amount of words, along with crafting complex themes with a simple and clear writing style.
If you like cute, light stories that can be read by the whole family, then you'll love this book!
Grik is a great main character. He breaks all the molds. He's a goblin. He's ugly. He's a janitor and not a warrior. In any other book, he would be the secondary character. Probably a throwaway comic relief. But here he is given his moment to shine. If you have ever felt overlooked or not enough or out of place, then you will connect with Grik.
Paul was a great foil for Grik, and I loved the development he was given throughout the book. Rosanna was also a great character, and the three of them together made a group that had me rooting for them to succeed!
I could see the parts of the Steadfast Tin Soldier tale, but the author deftly spins it into a full story with a surprising amount of hidden depth. This author often writes short, novella length works, and it shows. She clearly knows how to write a complete story within a short amount of words, along with crafting complex themes with a simple and clear writing style.
If you like cute, light stories that can be read by the whole family, then you'll love this book!
October 3, 2022
(wow it really took me this long to write a review)
*squee* This is such a sweet story! I kind of got a Disney-vibe while reading it-like, a 90s Disney movie that was meshed with the fairytale-ness of the older Disney princess movies and topped off with the aesthetic from the 2015 Cinderella.
It’s so good, guys. It’s such a good story about appearances. The romance was sweet, and now I want a side-story about Paul…
Also, the villain weirdly reminded me of Ratigan from The Great Mouse Detective??? That scene when they meet her was so comical though, like…I could totally see the interactions in my head!
If this were a movie, you can bet I’d wear the disc out by watching it over and over again. xD
*squee* This is such a sweet story! I kind of got a Disney-vibe while reading it-like, a 90s Disney movie that was meshed with the fairytale-ness of the older Disney princess movies and topped off with the aesthetic from the 2015 Cinderella.
It’s so good, guys. It’s such a good story about appearances. The romance was sweet, and now I want a side-story about Paul…
Also, the villain weirdly reminded me of Ratigan from The Great Mouse Detective??? That scene when they meet her was so comical though, like…I could totally see the interactions in my head!
If this were a movie, you can bet I’d wear the disc out by watching it over and over again. xD
Read
November 7, 2023This one wasn't for me. I skimmed most of it just to find out how it ended, even though I pretty much knew how it was gonna end. I didn't like the main character Grik, and it kinda felt like I was reading a kids book trying to teach me lessons about believing in yourself, not looking down on others, and the power of friendship or something like that. It just felt so cheesy and I didn't enjoy the romance because I didn't like Grik.
April 24, 2022
The Goblin and the Dancer is the fifth installment within the A Villain's Ever After. So far, this one hasn't been my favorite in this series. It started off well enough but then got boring pretty quickly. Even with each danger they all had to face, I just wanted to skim to the end to see what the last chapter would bring me.
I wouldn't necessarily say that this has romance. Maybe a crush or two. I love you's were spoken but I felt nothing towards them. Honestly, nothing felt for the teeny tiny romantic moments within this. Probably would have been better if it was friendship instead but it could just be me.
Other than that, it was just an okay addition to this series. I was kind of hoping for something more since we were getting into goblins and fairies. So, I'll admit that I was a little disappointed with how things turned out. Still, I'm happy to jump into the next book but hoping it's better than this one.
I wouldn't necessarily say that this has romance. Maybe a crush or two. I love you's were spoken but I felt nothing towards them. Honestly, nothing felt for the teeny tiny romantic moments within this. Probably would have been better if it was friendship instead but it could just be me.
Other than that, it was just an okay addition to this series. I was kind of hoping for something more since we were getting into goblins and fairies. So, I'll admit that I was a little disappointed with how things turned out. Still, I'm happy to jump into the next book but hoping it's better than this one.
May 11, 2023
I don’t think I can quite put into words how I feel about this book. When I found out it was a clean, interspecies romance, I tripped over myself to start reading it, only to find it was so much more. It’s a simple story, but with a profound message about self-value and finding your worth, about forgiveness and redemption. I can’t remember the last time a book made me bury my face from smiling so much, or start bawling from being so tooth-rottingly sweet. This is genuinely one of the most wholesome and adorable books I’ve ever read. It completely wrecked me, yet it was also a balm for my soul. My heart is full.
September 26, 2021
Summary: A lovely fantasy story that shows love and kindness and companionship. It was such a fun twist on The Steadfast Tin Soldier. The characters were all well-written and relatable in different ways, and the worldbuilding of the elven and goblin cultures was amazing. The themes of worth, forgiveness, and hope in the dark were lovely.
Main characters: Grik's struggle with worth felt so real, and it was good to see the start of healing for that and for his relationships affected by it. His sacrifice towards the end, ahh my heart. Rosanna was a good calming voice for the men, but had real struggles herself. It was good to not see just a shallow love interest. Paul was someone you kinda hated at the beginning but liked a lot better at the end. Allison Tebo did such a good job with his arc and helping us get to know him and his story.
Villain- Ratiga was a scary no-nonsense queen of the underground. Enough said.
Setting, style and plot: The worldbuilding was amazing. I felt like I could really understand the culture of the two different races, and the contrast between them was well done. The style was perfect for this fairy tale retelling, descriptive and full but too prosy or long-winded
Romance: There's a love triangle, with both Grik and Paul vying for Rosanna's affections. One of those relationships develops into a bit more later. I appreciated how Grik loved her for her kindness as well as her beauty, and even that wasn't about her body or anything like that. His love for her led him to protect her and sacrifice things for her, which is part of Biblical love. Both he and Paul tried to care for her and help her. Overall a clean romance and nicely done!
Theme: Loved the themes of individual worth and of, in a way, racial reconciliation and equality. Their adventures also showed them supporting and helping each other, and hope in the dark times. And forgiveness. They all had things they could have done better or regretted, and they forgave each other freely. Such a beautiful thing.
Favorite scenes: My two favorite scenes were Rosanna's dance in the dark and Grik's sacrifice during the battle.
"“Your dancing . . . it made us feel that we could go on, that we could get out of here.”
The poetry seemed to pull out of his mouth, uncaring that Paul was there or that Grik was revealing so much to Rosanna. His admiration for her finally came tumbling out without impediment or pause. “You made us feel that even if we didn’t, we had won. It was like the sun rose in the dark or birds started singing at night. It made us forget, and it made us hope.” He finally ran out of breath.
Rosanna’s voice was as moist and crumpled as a wet handkerchief. “Did it really do all that?”
“Of course it did!” Grik assured her. “More. Your dancing has always done that.”
“It’s a gift,” Paul said softly.
And no gift is worthless, Grik thought. They’re all worth something. The revelation fell open in his mind like a scroll that had been suddenly unrolled."
Some quotes:
"'You’re not the only one who has made mistakes, who has faults,’Rosanna urged.
Rosanna smiled a little and wiped her face and nodded once, accepting his words. “We can’t give up,” she murmured. “And if we go on, we can’t go on like this. We forgive each other . . . and ourselves . . . don’t we? We have to.” She reached out, found Grik’s shoulder, and squeezed. Completely, her touch seemed to say.
Paul kept talking, oblivious to Grik’s impending breakdown. “Promise me something. If anything happens to me, get Rosanna out of here, no matter what it takes.” All of Grik’s indignation dissolved. What Paul was asking was more important than any resentment or sense of injury. It was the one thing they could both agree on with their whole hearts.
“Maybe we will die down here—but I won’t die like this. Maybe we are trapped—but I refuse to let us all stay trapped like this.” She touched a place near her heart, as if something painful was lodged there. “This is worse than the dark,” she whispered. “I can’t stand it anymore, and I’m going to pretend it isn’t real, and you should too.”
"By dancing and singing in the dark, they had
almost made themselves believe that they were happy where they were, that they didn’t care, that nothing could make them despair. Even though the initial enchantment of the dance was over, the lightness of the moment remained, bolstering their spirits and their resolve."
*I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the author, but I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
Main characters: Grik's struggle with worth felt so real, and it was good to see the start of healing for that and for his relationships affected by it. His sacrifice towards the end, ahh my heart. Rosanna was a good calming voice for the men, but had real struggles herself. It was good to not see just a shallow love interest. Paul was someone you kinda hated at the beginning but liked a lot better at the end. Allison Tebo did such a good job with his arc and helping us get to know him and his story.
Villain- Ratiga was a scary no-nonsense queen of the underground. Enough said.
Setting, style and plot: The worldbuilding was amazing. I felt like I could really understand the culture of the two different races, and the contrast between them was well done. The style was perfect for this fairy tale retelling, descriptive and full but too prosy or long-winded
Romance: There's a love triangle, with both Grik and Paul vying for Rosanna's affections. One of those relationships develops into a bit more later. I appreciated how Grik loved her for her kindness as well as her beauty, and even that wasn't about her body or anything like that. His love for her led him to protect her and sacrifice things for her, which is part of Biblical love. Both he and Paul tried to care for her and help her. Overall a clean romance and nicely done!
Theme: Loved the themes of individual worth and of, in a way, racial reconciliation and equality. Their adventures also showed them supporting and helping each other, and hope in the dark times. And forgiveness. They all had things they could have done better or regretted, and they forgave each other freely. Such a beautiful thing.
Favorite scenes: My two favorite scenes were Rosanna's dance in the dark and Grik's sacrifice during the battle.
"“Your dancing . . . it made us feel that we could go on, that we could get out of here.”
The poetry seemed to pull out of his mouth, uncaring that Paul was there or that Grik was revealing so much to Rosanna. His admiration for her finally came tumbling out without impediment or pause. “You made us feel that even if we didn’t, we had won. It was like the sun rose in the dark or birds started singing at night. It made us forget, and it made us hope.” He finally ran out of breath.
Rosanna’s voice was as moist and crumpled as a wet handkerchief. “Did it really do all that?”
“Of course it did!” Grik assured her. “More. Your dancing has always done that.”
“It’s a gift,” Paul said softly.
And no gift is worthless, Grik thought. They’re all worth something. The revelation fell open in his mind like a scroll that had been suddenly unrolled."
Some quotes:
"'You’re not the only one who has made mistakes, who has faults,’Rosanna urged.
Rosanna smiled a little and wiped her face and nodded once, accepting his words. “We can’t give up,” she murmured. “And if we go on, we can’t go on like this. We forgive each other . . . and ourselves . . . don’t we? We have to.” She reached out, found Grik’s shoulder, and squeezed. Completely, her touch seemed to say.
Paul kept talking, oblivious to Grik’s impending breakdown. “Promise me something. If anything happens to me, get Rosanna out of here, no matter what it takes.” All of Grik’s indignation dissolved. What Paul was asking was more important than any resentment or sense of injury. It was the one thing they could both agree on with their whole hearts.
“Maybe we will die down here—but I won’t die like this. Maybe we are trapped—but I refuse to let us all stay trapped like this.” She touched a place near her heart, as if something painful was lodged there. “This is worse than the dark,” she whispered. “I can’t stand it anymore, and I’m going to pretend it isn’t real, and you should too.”
"By dancing and singing in the dark, they had
almost made themselves believe that they were happy where they were, that they didn’t care, that nothing could make them despair. Even though the initial enchantment of the dance was over, the lightness of the moment remained, bolstering their spirits and their resolve."
*I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the author, but I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
October 3, 2021
I was pretty much destined to love this book. Underground caverns, crystal caves, impossible odds, and THE STEADFAST TIN SOLDIER, for crying out loud. That’s been one of my favorite fairytales for pretty much forever, and this retelling did it justice (and then some.)
Allison Tebo’s signature lighthearted writing was as charming and glittering as ever. Her settings dazzled me; her world building delighted me. I loved the contrast between the above ground and underground worlds, and how she pulled out and highlighted the beauty of both.
Of course, the real heart of this story rests in the hands of its trio of protagonists. Grik won my heart from page one. The part of my little thirteen year old heart that watched from the shadows, longing to be seen, instantly latched onto him. Rosanna’s insecurities and imposter syndrome felt like an old friend, like she’d put her finger right on my own struggles. And Paul. Oh, Paul, you dear soul, with your need to prove yourself, your terror at the thought that you aren’t necessary or useful. The way each of them grew and changed together was heartfelt and poignant.
If you love the Tales of Ambia, read this book. If you’ve never heard of Allison Tebo, read this book. If you’ve ever felt unseen or forgotten, read this book. If you feel like you’re wandering in the darkness, longing for a glimpse of beauty, read this book. If you feel guilty, wounded, or less than enough, read this book.
Also, there’s a kraken. (And if you’re like me, the presence of a tentacle monster of any kind ups your chances of picking up a book by like 8000%. What can I say; I just love cephalopods.)
In short, read this book.
Allison Tebo’s signature lighthearted writing was as charming and glittering as ever. Her settings dazzled me; her world building delighted me. I loved the contrast between the above ground and underground worlds, and how she pulled out and highlighted the beauty of both.
Of course, the real heart of this story rests in the hands of its trio of protagonists. Grik won my heart from page one. The part of my little thirteen year old heart that watched from the shadows, longing to be seen, instantly latched onto him. Rosanna’s insecurities and imposter syndrome felt like an old friend, like she’d put her finger right on my own struggles. And Paul. Oh, Paul, you dear soul, with your need to prove yourself, your terror at the thought that you aren’t necessary or useful. The way each of them grew and changed together was heartfelt and poignant.
If you love the Tales of Ambia, read this book. If you’ve never heard of Allison Tebo, read this book. If you’ve ever felt unseen or forgotten, read this book. If you feel like you’re wandering in the darkness, longing for a glimpse of beauty, read this book. If you feel guilty, wounded, or less than enough, read this book.
Also, there’s a kraken. (And if you’re like me, the presence of a tentacle monster of any kind ups your chances of picking up a book by like 8000%. What can I say; I just love cephalopods.)
In short, read this book.
November 11, 2021
This was such a heart-warming, inventive take on The Steadfast Tin Soldier. I wasn't at all sure what to think about a fairy tale retelling that focused on giving a villain or antagonist a happy ending, but Allison Tebo made it work so naturally and beautifully!
I especially loved how repentance, contrition, and forgiveness all take turns at the center of the story until all three characters have been healed and renewed.
This is my favorite thing of Allison Tebo's that I have read yet! I love The Steadfast Tin Soldier, and her retelling hit all the right notes for me. My kids kept asking me if they could read this when I finished it, and I am happily handing it off to them. It's a clean, bright, and lovely story!
I especially loved how repentance, contrition, and forgiveness all take turns at the center of the story until all three characters have been healed and renewed.
This is my favorite thing of Allison Tebo's that I have read yet! I love The Steadfast Tin Soldier, and her retelling hit all the right notes for me. My kids kept asking me if they could read this when I finished it, and I am happily handing it off to them. It's a clean, bright, and lovely story!
November 28, 2022
This was such a cute, well-written story! The characters were relatable and had great arcs. There were tons of highlightable moments and memorable quotes. All-in-all, a heartwarming story I’m glad I picked up!
September 22, 2021
At the very beginning this novella kinda seems like the origin story for a funny old bachelor. It clearly was to end up going in a different direction but you will not convince me Grik doesn't have funny old bachelor vibes.
Moving on.
I loved this book. But the first thing to really grab my attention was the world building. With The Goblin and the Dancer, Allison has created a new world, entirely distinct from Ambia but with a similar flavor. The underground world of the goblins is especially incredible and I want an animated movie of this already!
Speaking of similarities to Ambia, this book has a couple delightful fight scenes and some slapstick comedy which can only be compared to A Royal Masquerade. I wouldn't say the overall story is quite as comedy focused as either The Reluctant Godfather or A Royal Masquerade, but the comedy is in the same vein and it's perfectly on point.
What truly hooked me though is the main character, Grik, who is a reluctant goblin. He reminds me so much of Bilbo Baggins, another short fictional character. Grik is a lot like Bilbo, going against his society's demands while still valuing his culture although perhaps he doesn't realize how much he loves it at the beginning. He spends a lot of time grappling with the conflict between what his culture demands and what it means to be true to himself: the idea that he must be like all the other goblins, staid and down-to-earth and most certainly NOT in love with an elf; versus his sense of adventure, his appreciation for eleven art, and his funny old bachelor energy. This is similar to Bilbo's supressed thirst for adventure conflicting with his horror of not being a respectable hobbit. Grik has to learn to respect his culture without feeling bound to it, without feeling inferior because of it, and without constantly caring what other people think of him. At the beginning, he is afraid to confess to the elven dancer he loves because "No matter what their reaction, he would be treated as different—and the horror of being different, of being inherently wrong, was stronger than his yearning." So you see, he's trapped in a cage of his own making.
The two other main characters, Rosanna, the elven dancer; and Paul, a wounded soldier (and Rosanna's potential suitor) also have fantastic character arcs. They, along with Grik are thrown into a river and swept into the sewers, and most of the book is their journey through underground caves and tunnels trying to make it back to the surface. Being underground immediately puts Grik at the advantage since goblins live underground and are equiped to navigate underground, so this gets rid of some of his crippling anxiety around the "superior" elves, essentially leveling the playing field. The journey would be quite an adventure in itself—I mean there's a KRAKEN y'all! I have a been a huge fan of krakens ever since the Lord of the Rings "watcher in the water" and also the krakens in Sea of Thieves (nothing like being flailed about in their tentacles). But I digress. The point is, monsters, and ratlike outlaws, and twisty tunnels make their journey an adventure to begin with. But layered on top of that adventure and mimicking it at every step of the way is the personal journey each one goes through as they conquer the enemy in their own mind: resentment, insecurity, pride. It's interesting because at the beginning of their journey, the three of them are together yet each one is alone, and it's only when they've conquered the enemy inside that they truly become a team.
One other thing I want to point out about the characters: Paul is insufferable at the beginning because we're seeing him through Grik's eyes and Grik views Paul as the guy trying to steal his girl right out from under his nose (actually from above his nose because Rosanna is definitely the taller of the two, but anyway). The fun part is that the roles could easily be reversed. If the story were told from Paul's perspective, Grik would be the insufferable one. And that's what I love about Allison's characters! They're realistically flawed and totally unlikable but she makes us love 'em anyway.
The only things I'd like to have changed are more backstory for Rosanna and less explicit explanation of what's going on in the characters' heads. Though the more I think about it, I realize that the former might bog down the book and mess up the pacing, and the latter might actually be necessary because it's such a character focused book that if you miss the important steps in the character arcs, nothing will make sense. So the solution is probably more complicated.
I love the concept of this story so much, the villainous goblin who's fault it was that everyone ended up in the sewer to begin with (did I not mention that until now? Look, I assume you all thoroughly acquainted yourselves with the synopsis before you read my review. So please do)... anyway, he is the protagonist and the soldier in tin armour appears more villainous by far. (Although the real villain is CLEARLY the kraken.)
It should be obvious by now, but if this sounds like your bag, I say you need to give it a try. It's such a sweet and gentle story with a beautiful message, and I love how it subverts the typical fairytale tropes. You'll definitely love it if you're a fan of Allison's Ambia series! It's also very similar to Heather Dixon Wallwork's The Enchanted Sonata, and it resembles AG Marshall's fairytale retellings. I'm having trouble finding books/authors to compare it to though, so I guess if you want something new and original this is perfect! Something incomparable.
Moving on.
I loved this book. But the first thing to really grab my attention was the world building. With The Goblin and the Dancer, Allison has created a new world, entirely distinct from Ambia but with a similar flavor. The underground world of the goblins is especially incredible and I want an animated movie of this already!
Speaking of similarities to Ambia, this book has a couple delightful fight scenes and some slapstick comedy which can only be compared to A Royal Masquerade. I wouldn't say the overall story is quite as comedy focused as either The Reluctant Godfather or A Royal Masquerade, but the comedy is in the same vein and it's perfectly on point.
What truly hooked me though is the main character, Grik, who is a reluctant goblin. He reminds me so much of Bilbo Baggins, another short fictional character. Grik is a lot like Bilbo, going against his society's demands while still valuing his culture although perhaps he doesn't realize how much he loves it at the beginning. He spends a lot of time grappling with the conflict between what his culture demands and what it means to be true to himself: the idea that he must be like all the other goblins, staid and down-to-earth and most certainly NOT in love with an elf; versus his sense of adventure, his appreciation for eleven art, and his funny old bachelor energy. This is similar to Bilbo's supressed thirst for adventure conflicting with his horror of not being a respectable hobbit. Grik has to learn to respect his culture without feeling bound to it, without feeling inferior because of it, and without constantly caring what other people think of him. At the beginning, he is afraid to confess to the elven dancer he loves because "No matter what their reaction, he would be treated as different—and the horror of being different, of being inherently wrong, was stronger than his yearning." So you see, he's trapped in a cage of his own making.
The two other main characters, Rosanna, the elven dancer; and Paul, a wounded soldier (and Rosanna's potential suitor) also have fantastic character arcs. They, along with Grik are thrown into a river and swept into the sewers, and most of the book is their journey through underground caves and tunnels trying to make it back to the surface. Being underground immediately puts Grik at the advantage since goblins live underground and are equiped to navigate underground, so this gets rid of some of his crippling anxiety around the "superior" elves, essentially leveling the playing field. The journey would be quite an adventure in itself—I mean there's a KRAKEN y'all! I have a been a huge fan of krakens ever since the Lord of the Rings "watcher in the water" and also the krakens in Sea of Thieves (nothing like being flailed about in their tentacles). But I digress. The point is, monsters, and ratlike outlaws, and twisty tunnels make their journey an adventure to begin with. But layered on top of that adventure and mimicking it at every step of the way is the personal journey each one goes through as they conquer the enemy in their own mind: resentment, insecurity, pride. It's interesting because at the beginning of their journey, the three of them are together yet each one is alone, and it's only when they've conquered the enemy inside that they truly become a team.
One other thing I want to point out about the characters: Paul is insufferable at the beginning because we're seeing him through Grik's eyes and Grik views Paul as the guy trying to steal his girl right out from under his nose (actually from above his nose because Rosanna is definitely the taller of the two, but anyway). The fun part is that the roles could easily be reversed. If the story were told from Paul's perspective, Grik would be the insufferable one. And that's what I love about Allison's characters! They're realistically flawed and totally unlikable but she makes us love 'em anyway.
The only things I'd like to have changed are more backstory for Rosanna and less explicit explanation of what's going on in the characters' heads. Though the more I think about it, I realize that the former might bog down the book and mess up the pacing, and the latter might actually be necessary because it's such a character focused book that if you miss the important steps in the character arcs, nothing will make sense. So the solution is probably more complicated.
I love the concept of this story so much, the villainous goblin who's fault it was that everyone ended up in the sewer to begin with (did I not mention that until now? Look, I assume you all thoroughly acquainted yourselves with the synopsis before you read my review. So please do)... anyway, he is the protagonist and the soldier in tin armour appears more villainous by far. (Although the real villain is CLEARLY the kraken.)
It should be obvious by now, but if this sounds like your bag, I say you need to give it a try. It's such a sweet and gentle story with a beautiful message, and I love how it subverts the typical fairytale tropes. You'll definitely love it if you're a fan of Allison's Ambia series! It's also very similar to Heather Dixon Wallwork's The Enchanted Sonata, and it resembles AG Marshall's fairytale retellings. I'm having trouble finding books/authors to compare it to though, so I guess if you want something new and original this is perfect! Something incomparable.
June 13, 2022
Grik, a janitor to the Metropolitan Dance Hall, a fabulous elvish dance studio, is discontent with his glum goblin world where rocks and darkness and a general everyday sameness is expected. In the elvish world above, there is color and light and beauty unimaginable.
And there’s also Rosanna.
The lead dancer and as graceful and beautiful in character as she is on the dance floor, Rosanna has utterly captured Grik’s heart. Except a goblin and an elf being together is unheard of. Besides, how can someone like Rosanna love him? His chances seem even more impossible when Paul, a handsome elf soldier, butts in and tries to claim Rosanna’s hand for himself. In a fit of rage, Grik makes a horrible mistake which puts all three of them in peril…and now it’s up to him to get them out of it.
This story had all the signature fingerprints of this author: humor, flawed but lovable characters to cheer for, mayhem and hilarious shenanigans, and, woven seamlessly into it all, a depth to touch the heart.
I adored this whole world of elves and goblins. In the upper world, we have glamor and riches and the impressive architect of the elves, while a network of goblin dwellings exist below, full of clever machinery in impressive caverns, but neither world may be as grand or as glum as it appears on the surface. The story took such care in showing both sides of the world, their beauties and flaws, and the struggles of two entirely different people groups co-existing. But it never felt heavy-handed. Instead it was shown in a gentle, yet powerful way with a beautiful message within the depths.
The twist on The Steadfast Tin Soldier was nothing short of genius. Due to the nature of that fairy tale, it seems like a difficult one to retell, but Miss Tebo pulled it off flawlessly, and I was delighted by all the references and twists she drew from the original story.
And then, of course, there were the CHARACTERS. The true heart and gems of the tale.
I fell in love with Grik by page one. First of all, I love how our protagonist is not a handsome elf, but a humble goblin. That was such a refreshing twist! And what a disastrous, lovable little goblin Grik was!
Longing for the elven world and discontent with his own, Grik feels alone in the world, never quite able to find his place in life. I loved how he was both humble and shy, but there was a fiery temper in there that would show itself during extreme occasions. His emotions were so tangible, so relatable. He was both reckless and terrified, all while feeling as though he’s ugly and unworthy of love, causing for quite a lot of mishaps on his part and a powerful arc along the way. I loved that, despite being a goblin, any of us can relate to him and truly feel his struggles and pain. But he also just made me laugh, so very much. Poor Grik got into so much trouble! Ah, I fell in love with this precious goblin with all my heart. This story is worth the read for reckless little Grik alone!
Then there was Paul. I don’t want to say much, but let’s just say this elf soldier made me want to hit something while at the same time had me rolling with laughter. Paul was…something, and surprised me multiple times. But that’s all I’m sayin’. *smile, smile*
Rosanna was one of my favorite types of female characters, and the kind I feel like we don’t see much anymore. Quiet and gentle-hearted, she was the voice of reason and peace amidst the goblin and elf soldier’s rising tempers and reckless behavior. But she also had a hint of wry humor that would occasionally appear that I LOVED. I especially liked how, despite seeming perfect on the outside, Rosanna had her own flaws. She wasn’t the token perfect-in-every-way love interest. She, too, had her own struggles to overcome.
The three of them were a riot, and I was delighted over all the shenanigans, the banter, the fights, and the unexpected relationships that formed along the way.
The story takes us on a perilous adventure underground, wrought with danger and intrigue, but at the heart of the journey is a theme of repentance and growth and overcoming. This may seem like a fluffy, lighthearted fantasy read with a hint of romance and plenty of humor. And yes, it is that to a point, but it is so much more.
Though there are all sorts of excitement and danger, it’s not really about the characters trying to escape their predicament, but about the growth they must achieve along the way. It’s about realizing one’s worth, no matter who you are. It’s about how the smallest people can make the biggest impact, how your actions, though often seemingly insignificant, can change the world and bring so much joy.
Rosanna fears that her dancing is insignificant. She thinks that merely dancing can’t make a difference and it’s just a waste of her life. And as a writer, these are fears that go through my own head day after day.
But then there was one scene… It brought tears to my eyes. It reminded me of the beauty of art. How the world needs our art to cast out the dark and refill empty hearts. How art can inspire and encourage and set hearts ablaze.
How when there is darkness, all we need do is dance to find the light again.
It spoke to my very soul and is a message I hold dear.
Though short this story is, the growth these characters obtained was powerful. It showed how, yes, we all have flaws, but they can be overcome. We do have worth and every life is important.
I can go on and on about the beautiful themes of this story, but it’s really best to experience it yourself. This whole novella was just a delight from start to finish. It is a humorous story about a shy, reckless goblin plunging himself and two elves into peril, with a stream of mishaps along the way. But it also a story interwoven in heart-stirring themes about one’s worth and place in the world. And I loved every moment of it.
CONTENT CAUTIONS
Extremely clean! This is very much a family-friendly read and, in fact, teeters closer to the middle-grade side of things than young adult, though it can easily be enjoyed by all ages!
Though it is fantasy, no magic was involved. There were some scenes of danger and fear and monstrous things lurking in the dark, but nothing over the top. The romance was also very light, with just one non-descript kiss.
I would comfortably recommend this to young children and up.
CONCLUSION
Allison Tebo has done it again. This was just a DELIGHT. The characters had me cracking up while also totally stealing my heart, the exciting underground adventure had me turning pages, the worldbuilding charmed me, the take on the original fairy tale was brilliant, the moments of beauty amidst the darkness left me in awe, and the themes stirred my soul. It is both sweet and fun and powerful, and I’m so happy I had the pleasure of reading it. It had such a great mix of excitement and lightheartedness, and was sweet enough for those who like fluffy reads but not too much for us who don’t want an excess of romance. It was wonderfully balanced and had a little something for everyone.
Filled with flawed but lovable characters, packed with laugh-out-loud moments and excitement in turn, but perfectly interwoven with powerful themes, this delightful, heartfelt book about a little goblin and dancing in the dark will forever hold a special place in my heart.
And there’s also Rosanna.
The lead dancer and as graceful and beautiful in character as she is on the dance floor, Rosanna has utterly captured Grik’s heart. Except a goblin and an elf being together is unheard of. Besides, how can someone like Rosanna love him? His chances seem even more impossible when Paul, a handsome elf soldier, butts in and tries to claim Rosanna’s hand for himself. In a fit of rage, Grik makes a horrible mistake which puts all three of them in peril…and now it’s up to him to get them out of it.
This story had all the signature fingerprints of this author: humor, flawed but lovable characters to cheer for, mayhem and hilarious shenanigans, and, woven seamlessly into it all, a depth to touch the heart.
I adored this whole world of elves and goblins. In the upper world, we have glamor and riches and the impressive architect of the elves, while a network of goblin dwellings exist below, full of clever machinery in impressive caverns, but neither world may be as grand or as glum as it appears on the surface. The story took such care in showing both sides of the world, their beauties and flaws, and the struggles of two entirely different people groups co-existing. But it never felt heavy-handed. Instead it was shown in a gentle, yet powerful way with a beautiful message within the depths.
The twist on The Steadfast Tin Soldier was nothing short of genius. Due to the nature of that fairy tale, it seems like a difficult one to retell, but Miss Tebo pulled it off flawlessly, and I was delighted by all the references and twists she drew from the original story.
And then, of course, there were the CHARACTERS. The true heart and gems of the tale.
I fell in love with Grik by page one. First of all, I love how our protagonist is not a handsome elf, but a humble goblin. That was such a refreshing twist! And what a disastrous, lovable little goblin Grik was!
Longing for the elven world and discontent with his own, Grik feels alone in the world, never quite able to find his place in life. I loved how he was both humble and shy, but there was a fiery temper in there that would show itself during extreme occasions. His emotions were so tangible, so relatable. He was both reckless and terrified, all while feeling as though he’s ugly and unworthy of love, causing for quite a lot of mishaps on his part and a powerful arc along the way. I loved that, despite being a goblin, any of us can relate to him and truly feel his struggles and pain. But he also just made me laugh, so very much. Poor Grik got into so much trouble! Ah, I fell in love with this precious goblin with all my heart. This story is worth the read for reckless little Grik alone!
Then there was Paul. I don’t want to say much, but let’s just say this elf soldier made me want to hit something while at the same time had me rolling with laughter. Paul was…something, and surprised me multiple times. But that’s all I’m sayin’. *smile, smile*
Rosanna was one of my favorite types of female characters, and the kind I feel like we don’t see much anymore. Quiet and gentle-hearted, she was the voice of reason and peace amidst the goblin and elf soldier’s rising tempers and reckless behavior. But she also had a hint of wry humor that would occasionally appear that I LOVED. I especially liked how, despite seeming perfect on the outside, Rosanna had her own flaws. She wasn’t the token perfect-in-every-way love interest. She, too, had her own struggles to overcome.
The three of them were a riot, and I was delighted over all the shenanigans, the banter, the fights, and the unexpected relationships that formed along the way.
The story takes us on a perilous adventure underground, wrought with danger and intrigue, but at the heart of the journey is a theme of repentance and growth and overcoming. This may seem like a fluffy, lighthearted fantasy read with a hint of romance and plenty of humor. And yes, it is that to a point, but it is so much more.
Though there are all sorts of excitement and danger, it’s not really about the characters trying to escape their predicament, but about the growth they must achieve along the way. It’s about realizing one’s worth, no matter who you are. It’s about how the smallest people can make the biggest impact, how your actions, though often seemingly insignificant, can change the world and bring so much joy.
Rosanna fears that her dancing is insignificant. She thinks that merely dancing can’t make a difference and it’s just a waste of her life. And as a writer, these are fears that go through my own head day after day.
But then there was one scene… It brought tears to my eyes. It reminded me of the beauty of art. How the world needs our art to cast out the dark and refill empty hearts. How art can inspire and encourage and set hearts ablaze.
How when there is darkness, all we need do is dance to find the light again.
It spoke to my very soul and is a message I hold dear.
Though short this story is, the growth these characters obtained was powerful. It showed how, yes, we all have flaws, but they can be overcome. We do have worth and every life is important.
I can go on and on about the beautiful themes of this story, but it’s really best to experience it yourself. This whole novella was just a delight from start to finish. It is a humorous story about a shy, reckless goblin plunging himself and two elves into peril, with a stream of mishaps along the way. But it also a story interwoven in heart-stirring themes about one’s worth and place in the world. And I loved every moment of it.
CONTENT CAUTIONS
Extremely clean! This is very much a family-friendly read and, in fact, teeters closer to the middle-grade side of things than young adult, though it can easily be enjoyed by all ages!
Though it is fantasy, no magic was involved. There were some scenes of danger and fear and monstrous things lurking in the dark, but nothing over the top. The romance was also very light, with just one non-descript kiss.
I would comfortably recommend this to young children and up.
CONCLUSION
Allison Tebo has done it again. This was just a DELIGHT. The characters had me cracking up while also totally stealing my heart, the exciting underground adventure had me turning pages, the worldbuilding charmed me, the take on the original fairy tale was brilliant, the moments of beauty amidst the darkness left me in awe, and the themes stirred my soul. It is both sweet and fun and powerful, and I’m so happy I had the pleasure of reading it. It had such a great mix of excitement and lightheartedness, and was sweet enough for those who like fluffy reads but not too much for us who don’t want an excess of romance. It was wonderfully balanced and had a little something for everyone.
Filled with flawed but lovable characters, packed with laugh-out-loud moments and excitement in turn, but perfectly interwoven with powerful themes, this delightful, heartfelt book about a little goblin and dancing in the dark will forever hold a special place in my heart.
December 31, 2022
Still not entirely sure of how I feel about this book.
I think mostly it wasn’t what I expected, but also perhaps my mindset wasn’t quite right to enjoy it as much as I had hoped—I had read the authors first couple Tales of Ambia(which I loved) prior so perhaps I was looking for that style too much?
There were several moments I did appreciate, it started slow but built some really nice action and unexpected adventure, the wholesomeness also does give me inclination to recommend!
However, I didn’t feel much connection to the characters or story and several things just seemed either too much, then the ending very… convenient.
As I said though, this is only my first impressions. Maybe I do need a second read when in a different mood!
I do very much recommend the authors Tales of Ambia!
I think mostly it wasn’t what I expected, but also perhaps my mindset wasn’t quite right to enjoy it as much as I had hoped—I had read the authors first couple Tales of Ambia(which I loved) prior so perhaps I was looking for that style too much?
There were several moments I did appreciate, it started slow but built some really nice action and unexpected adventure, the wholesomeness also does give me inclination to recommend!
However, I didn’t feel much connection to the characters or story and several things just seemed either too much, then the ending very… convenient.
As I said though, this is only my first impressions. Maybe I do need a second read when in a different mood!
I do very much recommend the authors Tales of Ambia!
September 14, 2023
2.5 stars, but I'm trying to be nice by rounding it up to 3? The problem is, I didn't grow attached to any of the characters - Rosanna is Kind(tm) and she's a great dancer, and that's pretty much it, Paul's an arse and while he does get better by the end, that wasn't enough for the character to grow on me, and Grik... I know he's supposed to come off as sweet, and he does make up for whatever bad things he does at the beginning of the story, but he just gave me big incel vibes that I don't think were intentional, but still. So I didn't buy for one second that Rosanna was in love with him because it came out of nowhere to me, and I really think everyone involved should have ended up friends, but on their own.
I think there's a sweet story somewhere, I just think it needed a bit more work.
I think there's a sweet story somewhere, I just think it needed a bit more work.
October 27, 2021
An adorable little story about overcoming one's fears, gaining confidence, trusting others, forgiveness and love.
This was my first read by Allison and somehow, the only way I know how to describe this book is that it's just like her—joyful, simple, deep yet lighthearted and heartfelt. This was a small book reminiscent of the fairytales I'd read as a child, and even though it contained romance, it didn't feel like a romance at all, but more like a coming-of-age novel, and I loved that.
I can't quite put into words the feelings I have after closing this book, so I will leave you, reader, to open it and discover it for yourself.
Content warning: squeaky clean
This was my first read by Allison and somehow, the only way I know how to describe this book is that it's just like her—joyful, simple, deep yet lighthearted and heartfelt. This was a small book reminiscent of the fairytales I'd read as a child, and even though it contained romance, it didn't feel like a romance at all, but more like a coming-of-age novel, and I loved that.
I can't quite put into words the feelings I have after closing this book, so I will leave you, reader, to open it and discover it for yourself.
Content warning: squeaky clean
February 11, 2022
Sometimes it happens. I made plans for my next book, I picked it out, put it in my sight, all is ready. And then, all of a sudden, I want something else. Yesterday evening that's exactly what happened. I wanted a fairytale. I needed that escape. And therefore I scrolled through the Villain's Ever Afters I hadn't read yet and I landed on this one. The Nutcracker and I have a rocky relationship, so I was quite curious if I would end up liking this one or not!
I have to admit that it took me a while to appreciate this story for what it was trying to teach and show us. I wasn't too keen on the setting of this book, mostly because I'm not someone who really enjoys close quarter settings. I also missed that actual fairytale vibe a little, the magic, the wonder, the amazement. And yet I kept on reading and reading and even read way longer than I normally do after a long work day.
And this morning, when I read the conclusion of the story, I discovered, quite surprisingly, that I actually had come to care about these characters, their journey and their relationship. At some point I was touched by conversations, by lessons these characters had learned and how they were moving forward. I especially liked the epilogue of the story, showing that sometimes you only need a small spark to change the entire world and make it a better place.
I have to admit that the villain in this story is actually never really a villain. Yes, of course our goblin is supposed to be the villain from the original tale, but in this tale he does actually nothing earning him a title like that. Yes, he acts impulsive and out of jealousy at some point, but isn't that only human? We can't all be perfect, right? However, that also made it easy to like him and to eventually also root for him.
I have to admit that it took me a while to appreciate this story for what it was trying to teach and show us. I wasn't too keen on the setting of this book, mostly because I'm not someone who really enjoys close quarter settings. I also missed that actual fairytale vibe a little, the magic, the wonder, the amazement. And yet I kept on reading and reading and even read way longer than I normally do after a long work day.
And this morning, when I read the conclusion of the story, I discovered, quite surprisingly, that I actually had come to care about these characters, their journey and their relationship. At some point I was touched by conversations, by lessons these characters had learned and how they were moving forward. I especially liked the epilogue of the story, showing that sometimes you only need a small spark to change the entire world and make it a better place.
I have to admit that the villain in this story is actually never really a villain. Yes, of course our goblin is supposed to be the villain from the original tale, but in this tale he does actually nothing earning him a title like that. Yes, he acts impulsive and out of jealousy at some point, but isn't that only human? We can't all be perfect, right? However, that also made it easy to like him and to eventually also root for him.
April 20, 2022
Such a sweet, heartfelt tale of courage, love, and forgiveness—forgiveness for others and for yourself. It has such a healthy outlook on accepting yourself the way God made you, while not excusing the sin but seeking forgiveness. Grik is truly so sweet and pure! But I loved all three of the main characters. A great story to read allowed with kids, but encouraging to this adult’s heart as well. While not explicitly faith-based, it is firmly planted in truth with a great message, relatable unique characters, and an exciting story!
March 23, 2023
This little book was so wholesome and sweet and a true delight to read. My only issue, I have to admit, was that the romance felt a little childish to me at times. In the end, . But this was minor. Overall, the themes of forgiveness and selflessness were woven in so beautifully. And what a meaningful ending! I can see myself coming back to this for a comfort read on a slow afternoon sometime.
March 8, 2022
I’m not sold on the concept of the collection this book is from - villains as heroes of classic fairytales and fables - but THIS BOOK.
Because of aforementioned reservations, I went into this book with a measure of skepticism. Not because I doubt the author, but because I am so exceedingly picky. Honestly, I was just so ecstatic to read a book with such enchanting prose after wading through some solidly average and outright awful writing recently (most of it DNF, so I didn’t post any of it on goodreads). Some of my least favorite tropes are the overbearing, caricature soldier, and love triangles. Combined with my feelings on the premise, that tallies up to three strikes. But the book is shorter and the prose is seriously good, so I kept reading. Man am I glad I did!
This story is so vividly written you FEEL like you’re in the thick of it alongside this ragtag trio of muddled characters. Their arcs are brilliant and heartwarming. Even before we learned more about Paul’s inner struggle, his immediate courage and calm in the face of danger catapulted him to favorite character status. By the end of the book he held the spot solidly and is one of the best characters I’ve had the pleasure of spending pages with in a long while.
The action in the story flowed wonderfully. I’m picky about action, and the action in Goblin and the Dancer was clear, exciting, and meaningful. The world is developed enough to be fascinating, but not overdeveloped so it feels like the book should have been longer to explore it all. The characters and their brilliant arcs are really front and center.
In short, I loved this book and highly recommend it. Once again, Allison has proven she is a talented and trustworthy writer. The Goblin and the Dancer is an absolute treasure!
Because of aforementioned reservations, I went into this book with a measure of skepticism. Not because I doubt the author, but because I am so exceedingly picky. Honestly, I was just so ecstatic to read a book with such enchanting prose after wading through some solidly average and outright awful writing recently (most of it DNF, so I didn’t post any of it on goodreads). Some of my least favorite tropes are the overbearing, caricature soldier, and love triangles. Combined with my feelings on the premise, that tallies up to three strikes. But the book is shorter and the prose is seriously good, so I kept reading. Man am I glad I did!
This story is so vividly written you FEEL like you’re in the thick of it alongside this ragtag trio of muddled characters. Their arcs are brilliant and heartwarming. Even before we learned more about Paul’s inner struggle, his immediate courage and calm in the face of danger catapulted him to favorite character status. By the end of the book he held the spot solidly and is one of the best characters I’ve had the pleasure of spending pages with in a long while.
The action in the story flowed wonderfully. I’m picky about action, and the action in Goblin and the Dancer was clear, exciting, and meaningful. The world is developed enough to be fascinating, but not overdeveloped so it feels like the book should have been longer to explore it all. The characters and their brilliant arcs are really front and center.
In short, I loved this book and highly recommend it. Once again, Allison has proven she is a talented and trustworthy writer. The Goblin and the Dancer is an absolute treasure!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2021
This was sweet, and beautiful! :D A friend of mine had spent a lot of time fangirling, I was excited for it's release! I enjoyed the varied settings and the rollercoaster of an adventure. It felt like a good old-fashioned quest, which I haven't gotten to read in quite a while. :)
Allison's characters are always unique and interesting, and her romances are so sweet and pure.
I loved the challenges and growth in each character, and I definitely related to Grik's struggles. I really appreciated how... human (irony lol) his flaws were.
And PAUL. He was my favorite character for sure. *grins* But I can't say more without spoilers. ;)
Basically, a sweet, clean, fun, easy read. Enjoy!
Allison's characters are always unique and interesting, and her romances are so sweet and pure.
I loved the challenges and growth in each character, and I definitely related to Grik's struggles. I really appreciated how... human (irony lol) his flaws were.
And PAUL. He was my favorite character for sure. *grins* But I can't say more without spoilers. ;)
Basically, a sweet, clean, fun, easy read. Enjoy!
November 1, 2021
What a wonderful, quick, fun read!
I was invested in Grik's character from the very beginning (having suffered the pangs of an unrequited crush), and I grew to love both Rosanna AND Paul (yes, Paul!) by the end of the story. The writing style was in turns humorous and poignant--and always perfect for the scene. Goblin often reminded me of an animated film, with its quirkiness, slapstick humor (mainly involving Ratiga--an elf villainess--and her henchmen), and magical, vividly realized settings. (Caverns, pools, tunnels, luminescent pebbles, glittering crystals, and more!) In addition, the message and themes of the book were on point and brought me to tears.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent flying through The Goblin and the Dancer. If you're a fan of fairytale retellings, heartwarming stories, and gentle comedy, I urge you to give this book a try!
I was invested in Grik's character from the very beginning (having suffered the pangs of an unrequited crush), and I grew to love both Rosanna AND Paul (yes, Paul!) by the end of the story. The writing style was in turns humorous and poignant--and always perfect for the scene. Goblin often reminded me of an animated film, with its quirkiness, slapstick humor (mainly involving Ratiga--an elf villainess--and her henchmen), and magical, vividly realized settings. (Caverns, pools, tunnels, luminescent pebbles, glittering crystals, and more!) In addition, the message and themes of the book were on point and brought me to tears.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent flying through The Goblin and the Dancer. If you're a fan of fairytale retellings, heartwarming stories, and gentle comedy, I urge you to give this book a try!
January 24, 2022
Video Review: https://youtu.be/0muCr_MClMM
Such a sweet tale! The cover is probably my favorite out of all of the books in this series (and that’s saying a lot because they are all GORGEOUS! 😍😍) and the message inside is just as beautiful.
I fell in love with Grik, Rosanna, and Paul and really enjoyed their journey, not just on an adventure level, but each of their emotional journeys plus their bond as friends. Grik and Paul’s building bromance was wonderful and though this one has the least amount of romance compared to the others there is a sweet bit that is perfect and would be good for those who don’t like heavy romance in their stories.
I especially love and connected with Rosanna a lot. She’s so kind and gentle yet has an inner strength I love seeing in characters, especially girls since being soft and sweet yet holding an inner strength isn’t used as much in fiction or is frowned upon in favor of the kick butt female (which I also love but just see a lot more of [and not always done well 👀]). Her struggle with whether dancing is enough to make a difference or is just stupid really hit me as I’ve questioned that about my writing and wanting to share stories lately, and I love Grik’s answer as it spoke to my heart and gave me courage and resolve that God gave me his gift for a reason and if He did so then it’s not a waste.
I adore this book and highly recommend it!
Content: fantasy creatures; violence (not detailed); a kiss (not detailed)
Such a sweet tale! The cover is probably my favorite out of all of the books in this series (and that’s saying a lot because they are all GORGEOUS! 😍😍) and the message inside is just as beautiful.
I fell in love with Grik, Rosanna, and Paul and really enjoyed their journey, not just on an adventure level, but each of their emotional journeys plus their bond as friends. Grik and Paul’s building bromance was wonderful and though this one has the least amount of romance compared to the others there is a sweet bit that is perfect and would be good for those who don’t like heavy romance in their stories.
I especially love and connected with Rosanna a lot. She’s so kind and gentle yet has an inner strength I love seeing in characters, especially girls since being soft and sweet yet holding an inner strength isn’t used as much in fiction or is frowned upon in favor of the kick butt female (which I also love but just see a lot more of [and not always done well 👀]). Her struggle with whether dancing is enough to make a difference or is just stupid really hit me as I’ve questioned that about my writing and wanting to share stories lately, and I love Grik’s answer as it spoke to my heart and gave me courage and resolve that God gave me his gift for a reason and if He did so then it’s not a waste.
I adore this book and highly recommend it!
Content: fantasy creatures; violence (not detailed); a kiss (not detailed)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews