Tyger Tyger by Kersten Hamilton

Title: Tyger Tyger
Author: Kersten Hamilton
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Source: ARC from NetGalley 

Teagan Wylltson’s best friend, Abby, dreams that horrifying creatures-goblins, shape-shifters, and beings of unearthly beauty but terrible cruelty-are hunting Teagan. Abby is always coming up with crazy stuff, though, so Teagan isn’t worried. Her life isn’t in danger. In fact, it’s perfect. She’s on track for a college scholarship. She has a great job. She’s focused on school, work, and her future. No boys, no heartaches, no problems.Until Finn Mac Cumhaill arrives. Finn’s a bit on the unearthly beautiful side himself. He has a killer accent and a knee-weakening smile. And either he’s crazy or he’s been haunting Abby’s dreams, because he’s talking about goblins, too . . . and about being The Mac Cumhaill, born to fight all goblin-kind. Finn knows a thing or two about fighting. Which is a very good thing, because this time, Abby’s right. The goblins are coming. 

When I was 10 or 11, I was a fan of Mary Tanner’s Wizard Children of Finn.  She wove Celtic mythology into the tale of two children who time/place travel to meet the Finn Mac Cumhaill of legend.  I wanted to be the lucky lass to win his heart.

Kersten Hamilton also uses the Celtic mythology in Tyger Tyger.  The stories of Finn’s namesake provide a framework for the adventure inside. 

Teagan’s mother is a writer who illustrates her own books.  The paintings are populated with goblins and other creatures from Celtic mythology.  Abby dreams the paintings come alive and the creatures are hunting Teagan.  Children’s Services come by the house to see if Teagan’s parents will take in their nephew, Finn.  None of their lives aren’t the same after he moves in. 

Though Teagan is 16 and her stomach feels all fluttery around Finn they have a chaste romance which would be appropriate for younger readers.  Younger readers may identify with Aiden, Teagan’s younger brother, and think of Teagan and Finn as resourceful role models. 

Hamilton populates her novel with characters readers won’t soon forget.