I’ve been slack in my reading lately, but I finally finished Goblin Quest by Jim C. Hines this weekend, marking the 800th book I’ve read since I’ve been keeping count.

Goblin Quest focuses on Jig, a scrawny, little nearsighted goblin who gets roped into leading a group of adventurers through a mountain filled with all kinds of nasty things. There are hobgoblins and poisonous fish creatures and undead corpses and, of course, a dragon sitting on a hoard of treasure.

Along for the ride with Jig are two arrogant princes, a reluctant elven thief, and a dwarf who likes to drink ale and draw maps. The book is basically a Dungeons & Dragons adventure come to life. And before you ask, yes, I play D&D, making me a total geek. 😎

The book starts out slow, and Jig’s whining about being a goblin and treated like dirt by the other adventurers gets old after a while. But the book picks up steam as Jig realizes that he’s stronger and braver and smarter than he thinks. Plus, Jig has a cool pet — a fire-spider named Smudge.

A good, solid, fatansy read. You’ll get a real kick out of it if you play D&D because you’ll recognize all the stereotypes. So, thumbs up.

What about you? What have you read lately? Inquiring minds want to know …