The Goblin King    by Shona Husk Order:  USA  Can Sourcebooks Casablanca, 2011 (2011) Paperback, e-Book Read an Excerpt     Reviewed by Martina Bexte Shona Husk introduces an appealing new series and unique mythology in The Goblin King. Her heroes are Celtic royalty, cursed by a Druid. They have spent two millennia in the Shadowlands, their hearts turned to gold, their Horde vast and always craving more - and every once in a while, they are summoned to fulfill humans' wishes. Roan, the Goblin King, and his brother Dai count the hours before their ultimate fate is sealed, that of turning full Goblin. When that happens they will lose what little humanity they still possess, their thirst for gold and riches becoming unrelenting - unless Roan can find his true Queen. Then the curse will be broken, or so he hopes. A decade before Roan was summoned by frightened teenager Eliza and now she's called on him again, wishing to be swept away from her fiancé and a forced marriage. Her attraction to the Goblin King is as strong as ever as he whisks her to his dark realm and endless possibilities. But beneath his human skin the Goblin lurks, waiting for complete release; is Eliza willing to love and stand beside the monster poised to devour Roan's soul, who would inevitably destroy her as well? Newcomer Husk creates an engaging blend of dark atmosphere, goblin lore and romance, resulting in a unique Beauty and the Beast story. Roan and Eliza's separate plots (his trying to break a curse and hers trying to outwit her manipulative fiancé Steve) kept the leads' romance from being fully realized. Roan's showdown with the Druid who cursed him was also disappointing - lots of build up and little pay off - but overall, I really enjoyed The Goblin King and look forward to Dai's story in Kiss of a Goblin Prince, due out next year. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Romance books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews