Mini Book Review: Nine Goblins by T. Kingfisher

Nine Goblins
Publisher: Titan Books
Pub Date: 20 January 2026
Genre: Cosy Fantasy

Panda Rating:

_{(4.5 pandas)}

📖 SYNOPSIS

From New York Times bestselling and Hugo Award-winning author T. Kingfisher comes Nine Goblins, a tale of low fantasy and high mischief.

No one knows exactly how the Goblin War began, but folks will tell you that goblins are stinking, slinking, filthy, sheep-stealing, henhouse-raiding, obnoxious, rude, and violent. Goblins would actually agree with all this, and might throw in “cowardly” and “lazy” too for good measure.

But goblins don’t go around killing people for fun, no matter what the propaganda posters say. And when a confrontation with an evil wizard lands a troop of nine goblins deep behind enemy lines, goblin sergeant Nessilka must figure out how to keep her hapless band together and get them home in one piece.

Unfortunately, between them and safety lies a forest full of elves, trolls, monsters, and that most terrifying of creatures…a human being.

⚠️ CONTENT WARNINGS

Mass murder (including animal deaths, all occurring off-page but described on-page when discovered), displacement

Must protect the goblins at all costs!!! Oh, this cosy fantasy novella was just so freaking adorable and I adored it to bits! I love Kingfisher’s books so much. She never fails to deliver a freaking good, weird and quirky time, and Nine Goblins was no different.

Who knew I’d come to feel so attached to a troop of disaster goblins who were, in all honesty, just trying their hardest to get away with being as lazy as they possibly could while surviving a war. This does touch on big issues such as war and internal displacement, but in keeping to the cosy vibes, it isn’t explored in great depth, although you get enough to understand what’s happening.

It was really the characters I loved the most though and I truly enjoyed the weirdness of each one. 😂 From Blanchett with his bear, Murray with his gadgets and gizmos aplenty, Algol with his endearing fondness for animals and rescuing kittens, and all the other Whinin’ Niners with their quirks. Putting up with all their madness is Sergeant Nessilka who keeps the troop together and gets them moving and staying alive. She is probably the best sergeant a goblin could ask for and I loved her perspective—there was so much good humour!

I also adored Sings-to-Trees, the odd veterinarian elf that lives alone in the woods, caring for all the magical creatures that come to his door, and making friends with trolls and (shock horror) even goblins. In combination, they made for an entertaining if unlikely group trying to uncover a weird magical mystery and I was here for it! As with most of Kingfisher’s stories, alongside the charming coziness, there are horrors to be found and this one definitely had my toes curling with how creepy some of the scenes were towards the end. Kids can be forking terrifying bruh, lol. 💀

Overall, this had humour, heart and so much charm. If you’re looking for a delightful, entertaining and quick read or palette cleanser between books, I would definitely say pick this up—I promise it’s a great time!