In this new installment in the adventures of Samuel Blink, the forest is no longer a dangerous place, but it still holds some pitfalls, especially for Troll-Son, who has lost the family eyeball, which he shares with his parents and his little sister. Troll-Mother is so upset she threatens to send him to the Betterer, a ruthless troll who tries to force troll children to behave like humans. That's when Troll-Son decides to run away from home and go to live with Samuel Blink, his hero. But Troll-Son's arrival comes on a day that Samuel's sister Martha has invited Cornelia, the richest, snobbiest girl in school, to her house for a sleep over. Unbeknown to the household, Cornelia is there to spy for her father, who has stoked a long-time grudge against Uncle Henrik. Needless to say, all manner of funny situations unfold and many tense close-calls happen. Then the story takes a dark turn as Troll-Father and the Betterer march upon the human household to take Troll-Son back, while the Betterer has an even more sinister agenda planned.

Matt Haig’s wry sense of humor can be found in his running commentary, sometimes even as intrusive author asides, as well as his ability to get inside his characters' heads.  His broad humor, which often drops into slapstick, will have young readers rolling with laughter. Samuel Blink and the Runaway Troll is a delightful read, giving readers a very different fairytale landscape to roam in. It is my hope that Haig will find more adventures for Samuel Blink and his family and friends. This series could be very long lasting.