I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young woman finds work as an administrative assistant for an agency that places goblins and trolls in the book “The Night Girl” by James Bow.
The Synopsis
Perpetua Collins works for a real troll.
Well, technically a goblin, and it’s not as bad as it sounds. As the administrative assistant, she provides a “human” face for an employment agency specializing in placements for goblins and trolls. It’s probably the most unusual job she could find in Toronto, but she’s grateful for it, having come to the city with $500 in her pocket and no support. Without it, she’d have no choice but to go back to the boring small town and overbearing mother she worked so hard to leave.
But as Perpetua settles into her new job, disturbing questions arise. And no, they’re not about the fact that goblins and trolls exist. She’s fine with that part. What bothers her is that the agency has no visible means of support. How does her boss manage to keep his “clients” out of the public eye? They’ve been part of the city far longer than anyone thinks, and are growing restless under the burden of forced invisibility and financial poverty.
What will happen if the veil drops, and humans see?
The Review
This was such a unique and engaging fantasy read. The setting of Toronto became just as much a character as the rest of the characters in this book; its unique sights and sounds were captured in the detailed, beautiful imagery the author poured into their writing. The world-building in this novel was top-notch, giving readers an incredible blend of the Toronto scene and the otherworldly, mythical creatures that inhabit it, all in the author’s unique story.
The heart of this narrative lay in its character development and strong themes. The protagonist, Perpetua, is a strong lead who embodies the hopeful spark many try to hold onto as they venture into a new phase of their life, while also maintaining the strength to face the unknown without losing herself in the process. Identity becomes central to this narrative, not only for her but also for the clients she works with, as they seek steady work and acceptance. The commentary on inequality and social class structures was spot-on and fit well with this fantasy-driven narrative. Perpetua’s connection with Fergus is a strong hook that will keep readers invested.
The Verdict
Memorable, thoughtful, and entertaining, author James Bow’s “The Night Girl” is a must-read fantasy-driven novel. The story has a splash of everything, from a big battle that brings the action and adventure to the narrative, humor in the author’s dialogue, and a hint of romance as well for the protagonist, as the world-building and strong narrative create a world that readers will want to get lost in time and time again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
I was born in downtown Toronto on April 19, 1972 and lived there until my folks moved up to Kitchener in 1991 so I could attend the University of Waterloo. I’ve lived in Kitchener ever since. I’ve been trained as an urban planner, and I’ve worked as a database manager, web designer, circulation manager, administrative assistant, layout designer and office manager. The one consistent thing about my varied academic and professional career has been a love of writing.
I love to write and I love to read. I especially love to write and read stories set in the young adult years when everything seems big and wonderful (and sometimes frustrating and frightening) and where the greatest achievement is growing up and conquering yourself. This has been a consistent element of a number of my fiction books.
To learn more about me and my writing, please visit my website:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-night-girl-james-bow/1146411707?ean=9781998273409
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