This novel is based on Christina Rossetti's infamous poem, Goblin Market. The original is nebulous, haunting, and Gothic in nature, and has remained my favourite poem for many years. I was both excited and hesitant to see how a modern-day retelling would measure up.

I felt that Ringle brilliantly recreated the mingling of whimsy and dark, haunting beauty that made the original poem as renowned and continually loved as it is. I also felt that the cover expertly recreated this feeling into a visual format.

The tale initially featured goblins, like the original, and as such, much of the whimsy I was expecting. This quickly, however, transgressed into a love story that I wasn't as keen to focus on and didn't find wholly believable.

The goblins that have made their home in the woods, surrounding the small town of Bellwater, Washington, have also overtaken the life of local mechanic, Kit. As the human liaison for the secret goblin tribe, he provides them with treasures and gold to keep the occupied and out of mischief. This strain on both his finances and his guilt threatens to overwhelm him and one fateful week he is late with his expected payment. In retribution, the devious goblins decide to curse the next human to traverse their woods after sundown.

Skye, always at home in the dappled sunlight of the woods becomes, overnight it seems, silent and depressed. Livy can't fathom the sudden alteration in her normally sunny sister. Skye falls deeper into herself and her inability to speak of her woodland encounters threatens to drive her to madness. Will Kit make the connection in time? Or will his visiting cousin, Grady, be the knight in shining armour that will free her from her demons?

Whilst the goblins' presence and the curse they put on poor Skye were intriguing, the rest of the plot became less so, after these events. What was initially a fantastical and fairytale-esque story, turned into a typical love story for much of the narrative.

The dual relationships that transpired didn't stand out for me, in any way, and I didn't really care about their feelings for each other, because of this. They also, curse or no curse, fell into recreating the dreaded insta-love trope! Reasons were given for their immediate attraction but it still didn't allow me, as the reader, to care for emotions that were only created days ago!

I also struggled with reading of Skye's curse-created depression. The topic was handled sensitively but something also jarred with me, when reading it. I don't mean to call the author out for misrepresentation and am just, perhaps, overly sensitive when reading of characters who suffer from mental illness. It seemed the term 'depression' was continually used for her ailment long after I still needed to keep seeing the word. I can't quite place exactly why it bothered me, but it did.

If not for the middle, romance-heavy section, I would have loved this book as the ending provided the same dark atmospheric quality I so loved from the beginning. I was expecting a larger focus on the fantastical elements of the plot, throughout, and instead this was just used to frame a contemporary romance. Not bad, just not for me.

The Goblins of Bellwater was one of the most unique stories I have ever read. I applaud the author for choosing to write a book about a supernatural creature that does not get featured in literature very much. The storyline was captivating and kept me hooked from the beginning until the end. Its dark magic crept into each of the characters lives, making this an eerie tale of forest fae, temptations, and sacrifice. There was a certain realism to the story and characters that makes me wonder if there aren’t goblins hiding in every forest around the world? I loved how the it took place in Washington state which is a lovely break from the traditional supernatural locations of London and New York. There was enough romance to satisfy supernatural romance lovers and enough of a background story of who the goblins were, that mythology readers would appreciate. Incorporating other mystical creatures aside from the Goblins was a lovely added touch- along with the nod to environmental protectionism. There are times when the story becomes a little vulgar which is needed in order to demonstrate the effects of the Goblin magic, but it seemed a little predictable and I would have liked to have seen a darker effect on the humans as opposed to eroticism. Overall this book was original, uncomfortable, and addictive. I know that fans of supernatural and fantasy genres will adore it and it will perhaps start a goblin trend in other books to come. I do hope there is a sequel and for some reason I can’t help but think that Bellwater is not quite done with the Goblins.

Did not finish. I appreciate the advance copy but not my style of book.

The Goblins of Bellwater was a nice surprise. I read the book thinking it is another fantasy book, but it is more... Is a fantasy book with a strong message: don't mess with the Earth because we all will suffer the consequences.
I really like the book and yes, I will recommend it!

Take this token and find yourself in a world of goblins, shady deals, plenty of gold, and a twisted love that keeps you turning the page for more. I am in complete awe of this book. Goblins. Who doesn't love goblins? I will admit that I am a huge fan of fae stories but not all of them speak to me on this level. I love the mischievous nature of the goblins that Molly Ringle created in this book and how I could vividly see them take form in my minds eye. They aren't pretty and they don't try to be anything else. No pretty packages tied up my bows and to be completely honest it was refreshing. I won't go into details because I just hate taking the magic away from reading a new book but I can honestly say you will fall in love with this book from the cover and to the last sentence. It truly is a remarkable read and I will be adding it to my rainy day book list.

I thought that there was going to be a lot more goblin activity, but it felt more like a contemporary romance with goblins in the background which is fine. But with the word Goblin in the title... I expected more.