Review of The Goblin Addiction

Sam Ibeh · Post by **Sam Ibeh** » 22 May 2023, 03:32

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Goblin Addiction" by Joe Paul Vanhaverbeke.]

5 out of 5 stars

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The Goblin Addiction by Joe Paul Vanhaverbeke takes place in a beautiful fantasy world full of mythical creatures and powers. The story is somewhat of a fairytale, where goblins are being hunted and eaten by the Unctionites for the feeling of ecstasy only goblins can give. It is said that once one gets a taste of it, they become hooked forever. They suffer a slow and painful death if they cannot get another dose in five days. A group of Unctionite boys, Little Timmy, Billy, and Joe Bob, set off to Watusi to satisfy their goblin-eating urges. However, they are tracked closely by Coach Mayfield, who seeks to end them and their cruel killings. The battle line is drawn. The boys must learn the true meaning of death, life, and everything in between. Join them in this adrenaline-pumping adventure.

The Goblin Addiction can be seen as an analogy for systemic racism and power imbalance in today's world. The Unctionites are shown to get high off the pain and death of the goblins, which they view as inferior to themselves, seeing them as mere tools to serve their insatiable appetites. The book beautifully captures complex issues such as marginalization, vengeance, and the harmful stereotypes that give rise to biased power systems. This book is a subtle appeal against systemic inequality. Somehow, the author tells a story and positively stirs his reader's mind.

This book is the definition of simple, immersive, and enjoyable storytelling. Vanhaverbeke takes storytelling to levels of visualization, bringing to life a fantasy world of Unctionites, goblins, ogres, and gods that the reader will never wish to leave. He weaves alternate storylines, plots, and characters into symmetry, forming a book. Joe Paul Vanhaverbeke takes the reader's mind on a wild ride with him, his only tool being simple storytelling.

This book's dialogues perform three roles:
1. They are relevant and continue the storyline.
2. They are fun and give the book a unique cartoonish feel.
3. They are realistic and perfectly portray the randomness and ingenuity of real-life conversations.
The dialogues are the driving force behind the book's utterly immersive feel. Many storytellers need help to keep dialogues as exciting and entertaining as the main body. And when they write intriguing dialogues, they often seem unrealistic and improbable. The conversational style in Joe Paul Vanhaverbeke's book fully captures the soul of what good dialogue in storytelling should be.

Beyond the storytelling, there is something quite remarkable about this book — the author's exploration of spiritual concepts such as karma, death, rebirth, and life as we know it. The insightful way these concepts are blended into conversations gives this book a surprising philosophical twist. It is remarkable because a reader picks up a book on goblins, and a few chapters in, they are one step to uncovering the spiritual meaning of human existence. The characters are written as metaphors for more significant concepts, and with each journey these characters go through, the reader learns something they may never have realized before. So with a simple storytelling technique, Vanhaverbeke uncovers spiritual and philosophical concepts regarding life and meaning.

This book, however, will appeal to only some readers. From the first chapter to the last, there is a brash amount of violence, brutality, and inhumane behavior. The weak-hearted reader may not enjoy its storytelling due to the horrifying details of cruelty. Despite all its violence, the book never adopts a tense atmosphere due to the gratuitous use of humor. However, the ordinary reader, easily unnerved by dark themes, can still feel overwhelmed while reading this book. Therefore, the "dark fantasy" label is highly fitting for a book like this.

The Goblin Addiction is a beautifully crafted work of literature that expands on substance abuse, systemic inequality, tyrannical reigns, hope, new beginnings, and death. It is professionally edited and written in easy-to-understand English, combined with good storytelling and humor. It is, however, a dark fantasy that revolves around darker concepts than usual. Adults with a taste for fantasy writing, adventurous storylines, and mature themes in literature will best appreciate it. The Goblin Addiction gets a solid five out of five stars, as there is nothing to dislike.

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The Goblin Addiction
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Post by **James Williams Uzo** » 24 May 2023, 10:57

If you'd love t learn so much on the topics of substance abuse, systemic inequality, tyrannical reigns, hope, new beginnings, and death, grab a copy of his book. Great review Sam.

Paul Link · Post by **Paul Link** » 24 May 2023, 11:25

Thank you for your amazing and detailed review.Your review has made me even more excited to dive into this book and explore the well-crafted fantasy world that the author has created. I appreciate how you've highlighted the book's underlying themes of systemic inequality and spiritual concepts, which speaks to the depth of the author's storytelling. Additionally, your point about the use of humor to balance out the darker themes is reassuring, and I look forward to seeing how the dialogues are used to progress the story. Although the book may not be everyone's cup of tea due to the darker themes, your review has convinced me that this is a standout work in the fantasy genre that I can't wait to devour.

Amy Luman · Post by **Amy Luman** » 26 May 2023, 11:13

I really liked this review. It was amazingly detailed and gave the reader a good overview of the novel. I do appreciate it as I was considering this and you have helped to make my decision.

NetMassimo · Post by **NetMassimo** » 28 May 2023, 15:07

This seems like a strong dark fantasy novel that uses mythical creatures to reproduce issues that plague our world such as racism and inequality. Thank you for your great review!

williams Emerald · Post by **williams Emerald** » 11 May 2024, 06:06

I love your thorough review. Your insights have heightened my anticipation to dive into this book and explore the interesting well-crafted fantasy realm the author has created. I admire how you’ve illuminated the underlying themes of systemic inequality and spiritual exploration, showcasing the depth of the storytelling. Your mention of humor balancing the darker elements is reassuring, and I eagerly anticipate experiencing how the dialogues propel the narrative forward. While I understand the darker themes may not appeal to all readers, your review solidifies my belief that this is a standout fantasy work that I’m eager to immerse myself in. Nice review!

Asma Aisha Ansari · Post by **Asma Aisha Ansari** » 11 May 2024, 06:21

The Goblin Addiction by Joe Paul Vanhaverbeke promises an immersive fantasy world where goblins and Unctionites collide in a battle of power and morality. The intriguing plotline and vivid characters of this novel make me eager to delve into this dark yet captivating tale.

abderrahman El achari · Post by **abderrahman El achari** » 11 May 2024, 07:14

The Goblin Addiction by Joe Paul Vanhaverbeke is a fantasy tale that transports us to a world full of wondrous creatures and mythical powers. Good review

my regards

abderrahman El achari · Post by **abderrahman El achari** » 11 May 2024, 07:15

Good review
my regards

Abhishek Kumar Gupta · Post by **Abhishek Kumar Gupta** » 11 May 2024, 07:29

Thank you for your thoughtful and insightful review of "The Goblin Addiction" by Joe Paul Vanhaverbeke. Your analysis of the book's deeper themes and parallels to systemic issues is truly enlightening. It's commendable how the author skillfully weaves together storytelling, dialogue, and spiritual concepts to create a captivating and thought-provoking narrative. This sounds like a truly immersive and enriching reading experience that resonates on multiple levels. Your review has certainly piqued my interest in exploring this book further.

Gerry Steen · Post by **Gerry Steen** » 11 May 2024, 07:34

So far, I have read the first chapter of this book. The storytelling is riveting and vivid. The potrayal of a goblin being horribly mistreated by boys is a metaphor for systemic racism? Your review has confirmed that. I am curious and want to read more. This is a must read!

Fatola Fatai · Post by **Fatola Fatai** » 11 May 2024, 07:54

I enjoy the review's perspective on how the tale serves as a means for examining complex real-world issues around marginalization, systemic inequality, and the harm of dehumanizing biases. Books that can couch social commentary within imaginative world-building often resonate most.

Rebecca De Figueiredo · Post by **Rebecca De Figueiredo** » 11 May 2024, 07:56

Thank you for the lovely informative review. It’s nice to see that the author is using a traditional children’s theme of goblins and fairies to underline various messages that children could sub-consciously absorb.

Pablo Josue Mendia · Post by **Pablo Josue Mendia** » 11 May 2024, 08:34

Thank you for your thorough review!

"The Goblin Addiction" seems to transport readers to a mesmerizing fantasy realm where goblins are hunted for ecstasy. Seamlessly blending adventure with societal commentary, it seemingly mirrors systemic racism and power dynamics.

Vanhaverbeke's storytelling seemingly captivates with vivid imagery and thought-provoking dialogues. Delving into spiritual themes adds depth, though its graphic nature may deter some.

Annabell Samuel · Post by **Annabell Samuel** » 11 May 2024, 08:42

Eating goblins for ecstasy? That's new. It give the feel of someone infected by vampires that has to drink blood to survive. I'm already hooked to the book and Thank God I could get it for free.