Genre: Fantasy (playful/quirky, strong romantic subplot)

Rating: 5/5

It may be a bit early in the year for a Christmas book review . . . but Christmas is by far my favorite holiday, and in my opinion, it’s never the wrong season for Christmas-themed books or music! (Christmas on the Goblin Express is releasing on November 5–preorder link here–so just in time for actual Christmas.)

First off . . . this book really surprised me. I’ve read many of J. J. Fischer’s other books (I think six total at this point, not counting Goblin Express), and so I had certain expectations coming into it. And I was delightfully surprised.

While I was anticipating a comedic and quirky book, I was not expecting it to be written in first person present! I don’t have a major tense/person preference as a reader, but I do find a lot of first-person books lack the elegance of third-person. But Fischer did a fantastic job with Goblin Express. While it’s not quite as deep some of her other books (The Nightingale Trilogy especially), the snarky first-person narration fits the light and comedic mood perfectly.

But Goblin Express also doesn’t shy away from heavier topics. Fischer tackles themes of grief, loss, depression, and loneliness—but the heaviness never weighs down the playful side of the story (gluten-intolerant elves and flying motorcycles, anyone?). Honestly, it’s the perfect balance for Christmas—joy and innocence mingled with the profundity of Christ’s incarnation.

I also loved all the literary allusions (it felt like several every page!) and nods to other authors—those (and the epigraphs) were such a delightful way to connect Goblin Express with so many other beloved fantasy novels!

While Goblin Express features a college-aged protagonist, it’s appropriate for all ages. (Probably most enjoyable to 13+, but I could see younger readers having fun with it as well.) And the shorter length (55k, about half the average fantasy novel) makes it very easy to fit into busy schedules. If you’re looking for a new read this Christmas season, or a gift for the fantasy-lovers (especially young women) in your life, I highly recommend Christmas on the Goblin Express!