This sequel to Goblin Quest continues to develop a theme of underdog-as-unlikely-hero by widening the focus to include new underdogs as companions and rivals for Jig, the goblin who just wants to be left in peace instead of pieces. But now he is famous as Jig Dragonslayer – there is an underground hit “The Song of Jig” summarizing his heroics (thoughtfully provided as a preface) – and everybody wants a piece of him. Kralk, the current goblin chief, wants him conveniently dead. A jealous goblin named Veka wants Jig to teach her how to be a hero, and if he won’t, she wants to usurp his glory on her own. Injured goblins want him to heal their wounds, since he has that ability by way of a minor deity named Tymalous Shadowstar. Tymalous wants Jig to save the goblins from extinction, whether self-inflicted or from such menaces as hobgoblins, ogres, or … invading pixies? Yes, in keeping with the level one threat goblins pose to would-be heroic adventurers, such as the ones who kidnapped Jig in the first book and forced him to confront a necromancer and a dragon, Jig and the other denizens of the mountain are now under attack by an infestation of powerful pixies who seek a new home for their banished queen; and pixies do not like goblins, hobgoblins, or ogres, except as temporary slaves.

Jig is small, even by the pitiful standards of goblins; who are lowest on the totem pole among the creatures of the mountain. A near-sighted runt whose survival skills consist of running away and avoiding conflict, he is now joined by other misfits: a dumb-as-a-rock goblin fighter who drops his weapon, a goblin crone who has to hobble along with the help of two sticks, and a hobgoblin who faints at the sight of blood. Veka is another misfit: she wants to be a wizard-hero, but like Rodney Dangerfeld she gets no respect. She is desperate to master the spells set forth in a scorched tome she salvaged from the dragon’s hoard, and since Jig refuses to promote her aspirations, all her mentoring comes from another book: The Path of the Hero, by Josca. (Get it? Joseph Campbell? Campbell was a second-string academic who got famous by peddling pieces he filched from Carl Jung’s psychological work, so he is ripe for lampooning, and I salute Mr. Hines for doing so.) Passages from The Path of the Hero appear as chapter headings, as do goblin proverbs and quotes from adventurers, gossips, and cooks. Here are a few delectable selections:

“A lot of fledgling heroes have asked me to teach them, but I tell them to take a hike. Mentor a newbie, and the next thing you know you’re getting slaughtered by some demon from the depths while your student escapes. Sure, the Hero eventually avenges the poor Mentor, but I’d rather be the avenger than the avengee any day.” – Nisu Graybottom

“Great power carries a great cost. But there’s no rule that says you have to be the one to pay it.” – Grensley Shadowmaster

Here’s my favorite: The Reluctant Hero wants nothing more than to be left alone, but such is not the fate of the Hero. The Hero is destined for great things, and destiny is not easily fooled. Destiny uses a variety of prods to push the Hero into adventure, the destruction of his village being one of the most common. The murder of his friends and/or family is also popular. If you feel you may be a Reluctant Hero, you are advised to go forth into the world as soon as you can. It may be your only chance to protect your loved ones from the cruel, crushing hand of destiny.

As a follow-up, there is a really fine elliptic reference to Reluctant Hero Harry Potter on page 338. There are also bits of verse scattered throughout the story. With his talent for parody and songwriting, if Jim Hines isn’t already a filker, we need to recruit him. – Chris Paige