Housewife Blues and Chihuahua Stories

From the time I found out about Tyger Tyger in June of 2010 when I read an early review it sounded like a wonderfully "brought to life fairy tale" ! I was not wrong as the story is just that and so much more!Author Kersten Hamilton's take on Celtic Mythology and in her own words "Pre-history" of Irish folklore combines in a very thoroughly enchanting tale... The characters of Teagan, Aiden, Abby, Finn, Mamieo and Raynor are all fabulous as the heroes. The villains who range from Highborn Sidhe, Goblins, freakish Cat-Sidhe and Shadowmen to ghastly Hellhounds are all well constructed and totally terrifying in their evil!I thoroughly enjoyed this YA novel, it lived up to and surpassed my expectations for the story. It was a dark tale with lighter undertones, especially the parts where the Wylltson family interact with each other. We should all have such loving family members and interesting neighbors! When Finn enters the scene there is an immediate WOW moment with he and Teagan, which when you read it you will find is not the usual boy meets girl scene that other authors seem to rely on book after book! The whole cast of characters is so realistic and unique that you will be amazed as each one is introduced. The paranormal world of Mag Mell is a place that is both repellant and yet oddly beautiful. One of my favorite side characters is the Sprite Lucy who latches on to Aiden while he, Teagan and Finn are in Mag Mell trying to rescue John Wylltson from Fear Doirich . The little sprite is fiercely protective of the young boy, going so far as to wound Finn's finger with her tiny sword when she feels he is a threat to Aiden at one point. Kind of like Tinker Bell but more menacing!I am not going to attempt to rewrite a book/character synopsis as others have already done so better than I ever could, am only going to stress repeatedly that if you love urban fantasy, paranormal romances with humor and adventure than this book series is tailored just for you... I have nothing to compare it too because it is something so individually unique in my reading experiences of the last 20 years or more that it has to be read to be appreciated for it's beautiful story!This is an adventure that is meant to be read by audiences of all ages who enjoy fantasy, whimsical humor, wonderful world building, strong dramatic plot lines and characters that will make you so happy to keep reading about them that you cannot put the book down!