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Monstrous #1
Monstrous
The city of Bryre suffers under the magic of an evil wizard. Because of his curse, girls sicken and disappear without a trace, and Bryre’s inhabitants live in fear. No one is allowed outside after dark.
Yet night is the only time that Kymera can enter this dangerous city, for she must not be seen by humans. Her father says they would not understand her wings, the bolts in her neck, or her spiky tail—they would kill her. They would not understand that she was created for a purpose: to rescue the girls of Bryre.
Despite her caution, a boy named Ren sees Kym and begins to leave a perfect red rose for her every evening. As they become friends, Kym learns that Ren knows about the missing girls, the wizard, and the evil magic that haunts Bryre.
And what he knows will change Kym’s life.
Yet night is the only time that Kymera can enter this dangerous city, for she must not be seen by humans. Her father says they would not understand her wings, the bolts in her neck, or her spiky tail—they would kill her. They would not understand that she was created for a purpose: to rescue the girls of Bryre.
Despite her caution, a boy named Ren sees Kym and begins to leave a perfect red rose for her every evening. As they become friends, Kym learns that Ren knows about the missing girls, the wizard, and the evil magic that haunts Bryre.
And what he knows will change Kym’s life.
432 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2015
93 people are currently reading
7003 people want to read
About the author
MarcyKate Connolly
19 books446 followersMarcyKate Connolly is a New York Times bestselling children’s book author who lives in New England with her family and short-nosed dogs. She graduated from Hampshire College (a magical place where they don’t give you grades) where she wrote an opera sequel to Hamlet as the equivalent of a senior thesis. It was also there that she first fell in love with plotting and has been dreaming up new ways to make life difficult for her characters ever since. You can visit her online at www.marcykate.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 507 reviews
March 17, 2016
MY BLOG: Melissa Martin's Reading List
I think this book cover is just beautiful and when I read the blurb I knew I had to have it and the second one too :-)
I love Kymera's character! Her father has made her into a sort of Frankenstein. She is part girl and she has some other interesting things that she is mixed with, I don't really want to give all of that out though :-)
She can fly, her fingernails come out into sharp claws that make me think of wolverine, but not quite, and her tail can sting you unconscious.
Kymera's father tells her he made her to help fight the evil wizard that is making young girls in the city sick. She is to go into the prison and steal the sick girls away before he can kill them. This is in the city of Bryre. Kym and her father actually live outside the city so no one can see her.
At home, Kym has a rose garden and woods she walks around in at times. She meets a sweet dragon there one day but I can't tell you his story because I want you to read about it. It's pretty sad and his name is Batu.
Kym's father has created some strange animals that live with them as well. You have Pippa who is a sperrier, he's a dog that flies :-) Then you have the goat chickens, I'm not even going there with that one. LoL
On the nights Kym travels into the city to bring a girl home for her father to send away to be safe, she meets a boy named Ren. She's not supposed to speak to humans or let any of them see her, but things happen.
The story itself is really good and it's sad. There isn't a lot of action going on so if your looking for that it's not for you, there is some though. I figured out most of what was going on right away and you will too, but it doesn't take away from the book. I think it's still wonderful.
In the end there is the fight with the wizard and some things don't turn out too good. But some things... they turn everything beautiful with just a rose.
FIN
I think this book cover is just beautiful and when I read the blurb I knew I had to have it and the second one too :-)
I love Kymera's character! Her father has made her into a sort of Frankenstein. She is part girl and she has some other interesting things that she is mixed with, I don't really want to give all of that out though :-)
She can fly, her fingernails come out into sharp claws that make me think of wolverine, but not quite, and her tail can sting you unconscious.
Kymera's father tells her he made her to help fight the evil wizard that is making young girls in the city sick. She is to go into the prison and steal the sick girls away before he can kill them. This is in the city of Bryre. Kym and her father actually live outside the city so no one can see her.
At home, Kym has a rose garden and woods she walks around in at times. She meets a sweet dragon there one day but I can't tell you his story because I want you to read about it. It's pretty sad and his name is Batu.
Kym's father has created some strange animals that live with them as well. You have Pippa who is a sperrier, he's a dog that flies :-) Then you have the goat chickens, I'm not even going there with that one. LoL
On the nights Kym travels into the city to bring a girl home for her father to send away to be safe, she meets a boy named Ren. She's not supposed to speak to humans or let any of them see her, but things happen.
The story itself is really good and it's sad. There isn't a lot of action going on so if your looking for that it's not for you, there is some though. I figured out most of what was going on right away and you will too, but it doesn't take away from the book. I think it's still wonderful.
In the end there is the fight with the wizard and some things don't turn out too good. But some things... they turn everything beautiful with just a rose.
FIN
October 12, 2021
Father says his biggest coup is my speech. He managed to preserve that part of my brain, so I talk just as I did when I was human.
Kymera has no memories of her life before her father resurrected her, using, oh . . . I guess whatever was lying around the lab. Naw - that's not true. Kymera was brought back to life for a reason.
"Why do you not have a tail, Father?" I ask.
He gives me the same response he gives to all questions along these lines. "I am not special like you, Kymera. Most people are not. You have a purpose. Your parts will aid you."
Her "special purpose" is to rescue young girls who have fallen under an evil wizard's spell, so they can be cured and sent to a Utopian wonderland until it is safe for them to return to their own village. If you have a modicum of intelligence, you'll probably guess that there's something wrong with that picture (and mission.) And, though it's hard not to like Kymera, with her neck bolts and stinging tail, her naivete is sometimes infuriating: things can get pretty tedious, not to mention frustrating, when the reader has guessed The Big Twist early on, but it takes the main character 200 more pages to catch on. Waiting eons for Kym to share in the revelation makes for a slow slog. Or, maybe I'm just not the intended audience . . .
Anyway, I applaud the fact that this book features not only a strong, female main character, but that she is allowed to be a monster. Girl beasts seem pretty rare in Kiddie Lit.
Kymera has no memories of her life before her father resurrected her, using, oh . . . I guess whatever was lying around the lab. Naw - that's not true. Kymera was brought back to life for a reason.
"Why do you not have a tail, Father?" I ask.
He gives me the same response he gives to all questions along these lines. "I am not special like you, Kymera. Most people are not. You have a purpose. Your parts will aid you."
Her "special purpose" is to rescue young girls who have fallen under an evil wizard's spell, so they can be cured and sent to a Utopian wonderland until it is safe for them to return to their own village. If you have a modicum of intelligence, you'll probably guess that there's something wrong with that picture (and mission.) And, though it's hard not to like Kymera, with her neck bolts and stinging tail, her naivete is sometimes infuriating: things can get pretty tedious, not to mention frustrating, when the reader has guessed The Big Twist early on, but it takes the main character 200 more pages to catch on. Waiting eons for Kym to share in the revelation makes for a slow slog. Or, maybe I'm just not the intended audience . . .
Anyway, I applaud the fact that this book features not only a strong, female main character, but that she is allowed to be a monster. Girl beasts seem pretty rare in Kiddie Lit.
February 15, 2015
The first time I saw the cover and read the blurb I knew I was going to read this. I had such high hopes for it and I'm glad to say that it did not disappoint. This is truly a magnificent read.
Kymera was such an amazing character. She may be "Monstrous" but she had a true heart of gold. She is strong, brave yet so naive and innocent as well. She was told by her father that he created her using science to help save the girls from the evil Wizard. The girls are being held in a prison by the Wizard and it's Kyms job to enter the city at night and steal away a girl. She then has to bring the girl home and her father will cure the girl and send her to a paradise.
Despite Kym knowing she has to hide from the humans, because as her father tells her they wont understand her, they will think she is inhuman and unnatural, Kym is so full of curiosity that she takes her time and studies Bryre every night. On night she ends up meeting Ren, she makes sure every part of her "Monstrous" side is hid and ends up talking to him. She is hesitant at first but eventually she looks forward to their meetings. She knows that she can't show Ren her wings, tail nor different coloured skin but she longs for him to truly know her.
As I said, I absolutely loved Kym. My heart broke for her so many many times because she was so lonely but I adored her plucky spirit. She learns some harsh truths yet she will do what she can to do the right thing. I also loved her relationship with Ren. The fact that she found a friend was special and I was so happy for her. I enjoyed seeing the friendship grow.
This is the authors debut novel and honestly, it's right up there with my favourite reads. It's dark with a real old style FairyTale vibe and one that will suck you right in. The story is shrouded in mystery and has such an emotional feel. It's kind of like, don't judge a book by it's cover because everyone who see's Kyms' real form are immediately frightened but underneath she is such a sweetheart.
Anyway, Monstrous is one of those books that will stay with you long after you finish it. It's well written, with amazing characters and a truly magnificent read. It's emotional and heartbreaking yet you find yourself smiling a lot. It will pull you in, twist you around and spit you out again and again. I cried, I cried some more and I cried even more!! I can't say too much about the plot because so much happens, so much death, so much sadness that I'm sure to spoil something but I will say that while some things are predictable, there are others that will leave you reeling. So overall, I guess you can see that I loved this book. It's truly and amazing and exquisite read. Highly highly recommend.
Kymera was such an amazing character. She may be "Monstrous" but she had a true heart of gold. She is strong, brave yet so naive and innocent as well. She was told by her father that he created her using science to help save the girls from the evil Wizard. The girls are being held in a prison by the Wizard and it's Kyms job to enter the city at night and steal away a girl. She then has to bring the girl home and her father will cure the girl and send her to a paradise.
Despite Kym knowing she has to hide from the humans, because as her father tells her they wont understand her, they will think she is inhuman and unnatural, Kym is so full of curiosity that she takes her time and studies Bryre every night. On night she ends up meeting Ren, she makes sure every part of her "Monstrous" side is hid and ends up talking to him. She is hesitant at first but eventually she looks forward to their meetings. She knows that she can't show Ren her wings, tail nor different coloured skin but she longs for him to truly know her.
As I said, I absolutely loved Kym. My heart broke for her so many many times because she was so lonely but I adored her plucky spirit. She learns some harsh truths yet she will do what she can to do the right thing. I also loved her relationship with Ren. The fact that she found a friend was special and I was so happy for her. I enjoyed seeing the friendship grow.
This is the authors debut novel and honestly, it's right up there with my favourite reads. It's dark with a real old style FairyTale vibe and one that will suck you right in. The story is shrouded in mystery and has such an emotional feel. It's kind of like, don't judge a book by it's cover because everyone who see's Kyms' real form are immediately frightened but underneath she is such a sweetheart.
Anyway, Monstrous is one of those books that will stay with you long after you finish it. It's well written, with amazing characters and a truly magnificent read. It's emotional and heartbreaking yet you find yourself smiling a lot. It will pull you in, twist you around and spit you out again and again. I cried, I cried some more and I cried even more!! I can't say too much about the plot because so much happens, so much death, so much sadness that I'm sure to spoil something but I will say that while some things are predictable, there are others that will leave you reeling. So overall, I guess you can see that I loved this book. It's truly and amazing and exquisite read. Highly highly recommend.
April 6, 2015
DNF at 120 pages.
Monstrous isn't a bad book, but it's not one I enjoy. The writing is strangely complex even though the target audience is middle grade. I don't believe in dumbing down writing for kids, but when even adults don't recognise the word, it's simply not the right word. It doesn't help that I just know what's going to happen, and it's taking the story too long to get there. There was too much romance, the writing was too awkward, and the story was lacking.
Some quotes from my ARC (which are subject to change in the final version):
Monstrous isn't a bad book, but it's not one I enjoy. The writing is strangely complex even though the target audience is middle grade. I don't believe in dumbing down writing for kids, but when even adults don't recognise the word, it's simply not the right word. It doesn't help that I just know what's going to happen, and it's taking the story too long to get there. There was too much romance, the writing was too awkward, and the story was lacking.
Some quotes from my ARC (which are subject to change in the final version):
Still, my growing uneasiness about the palace does not abate. That strange vision with its disconcerting familiarity has only made it worse.
Guilt calcified into a hard point in my stomach.
The boy steps out of the alley not ten feet from me, closing the gap further. My breath stutters as though a lump prevents it from passing. Is this a normal reaction for a girl surprised by a boy? Everything in me screams it is.
Before I can think better of it, my hand traces the line of his jaw. I want to commit every facet of his face to memory.Remember, this is supposed to be middle grade fiction, not YA or an adult romance. The language simply does not fit.
February 23, 2021
I’m not going to say lot, b/c I just finished this & it has left me kinda depressed instead of happy like the usual feeling I get. The whole book was AMAZING. Like a dark fairytale, with such amazing storytelling. It’s very dark, & I don’t know if I would even call it MG. The only reason would be the main characters ages, but..no lol I loved the whole book until the end. 2 things happen that are the reason I don’t read anything but MG. So I feel like my safe space was invaded lol The ending wasn’t happy or even a good resolution to me. Again, this is person preference of what I prefer, & I’m not the target age range. I’m really nervous about picking up book 2 now, but hopefully it doesn’t rip out the rest of my heart. Loved the whole book before then, so I think a lot of people would love the whole book even the ending. Such a beautiful cover by Skottie Young, & chapter head illustrations. Works of art!💜
Edit: I feel so bad not being more positive but it really is an amazing read. I literally flew through this. The ending chapters though are what made me not love it-& that’s because of 2 things I personally don’t like to read. So take my opinion with a grain of salt. I’m kind of an emotional wuss these days lol💜
Edit 2 lol: I changed my 4⭐️ to a 5⭐️ for this. I’ve mentioned before that I only rate MGs 4 or 5⭐️ since I’m not the target age range. The 4⭐️is for the ones I didn’t enjoy that much for much of the book(rarely happens). So when I thought about it, I had to give this one a 5. I was absorbed, obsessed, & loving this whole book. Just not the last chapter or so b/c it made me sad & everything we talked about. But again that’s personal preference, not the books fault. This is such a talented writer. This just kept nipping at my conscience, & the more I thought about it..the rating felt wrong. So that’s why it’s now a 5⭐️ Just wanted to update y’all!💜
Edit: I feel so bad not being more positive but it really is an amazing read. I literally flew through this. The ending chapters though are what made me not love it-& that’s because of 2 things I personally don’t like to read. So take my opinion with a grain of salt. I’m kind of an emotional wuss these days lol💜
Edit 2 lol: I changed my 4⭐️ to a 5⭐️ for this. I’ve mentioned before that I only rate MGs 4 or 5⭐️ since I’m not the target age range. The 4⭐️is for the ones I didn’t enjoy that much for much of the book(rarely happens). So when I thought about it, I had to give this one a 5. I was absorbed, obsessed, & loving this whole book. Just not the last chapter or so b/c it made me sad & everything we talked about. But again that’s personal preference, not the books fault. This is such a talented writer. This just kept nipping at my conscience, & the more I thought about it..the rating felt wrong. So that’s why it’s now a 5⭐️ Just wanted to update y’all!💜
August 10, 2015
It’s been a long time since I read a children’s book that I needed some adjustments.
Nevertheless, this book (FOR ME) was engrossing and I enjoyed most of it, or rather MY HEART SWELLED FOR THIS.
I strongly think that children are a great fragility when it comes to innocence and beginnings. Sometimes, children cannot be blamed on what they insist to be right. The main character, Kymera, and as her name implies, she’s a combination of human and animal parts, was misled by the enemy, used and manipulated and lied to. Though it was mostly frustrating how she was so trusting, naïve and slow to realize truth, I adored her strong will, kindness and dedicated heart.
The character was indeed monstrous but I liked how she was portrayed: she accepts and acts what she is; she has a pure and unblemished kindness and desire to protect her country. I couldn’t help but to love her and wish more for her. However, her situations were mostly painful and saddening.
My greatest disappointment was with the epilogue because I guess I wanted her to be more She deserved much more.
Overall, this was fairy tale-ish but I think it’s quite depressing and deep for one and .
Still, (FOR ME) it’s a good one and beautifully written, despite its over-predictability
3.5
Nevertheless, this book (FOR ME) was engrossing and I enjoyed most of it, or rather MY HEART SWELLED FOR THIS.
I strongly think that children are a great fragility when it comes to innocence and beginnings. Sometimes, children cannot be blamed on what they insist to be right. The main character, Kymera, and as her name implies, she’s a combination of human and animal parts, was misled by the enemy, used and manipulated and lied to. Though it was mostly frustrating how she was so trusting, naïve and slow to realize truth, I adored her strong will, kindness and dedicated heart.
You’re a monster, and only a wizard can create a monster.
The character was indeed monstrous but I liked how she was portrayed: she accepts and acts what she is; she has a pure and unblemished kindness and desire to protect her country. I couldn’t help but to love her and wish more for her. However, her situations were mostly painful and saddening.
I did everything out of love—misguided as it was—and all I can expect in return is hate. The irony leaves a bitter taste on my mouth.
My greatest disappointment was with the epilogue because I guess I wanted her to be more She deserved much more.
Overall, this was fairy tale-ish but I think it’s quite depressing and deep for one and .
“Moster! Monster!” The cry catches fire through the crowd and all eyes stare at me Hands shackle my wrists. “Monster! Burn her!”
Still, (FOR ME) it’s a good one and beautifully written, despite its over-predictability
3.5
September 22, 2021
This book had the makings of everything I love, but it was boring. Definitely really repetitive... probably 100 pages or so could have been shaved off the first half. The second half got better, but at that point of the 420 page book, I just wanted to be done with it. I'd be really surprised that the middle grader this book is supposed to be for actually stuck with it.
August 11, 2014
I've been following this book since getting to know Marcy when we were both in the query trenches together and I've sat beside her in a coffee shop while she revised (and somehow never peeked). So I was VERY excited to get my hands on this and the story completely held up to the unique premise. Kymera was so likable even when her actions were (obliviously) monstrous and I loved seeing her veil lifted and the actions she takes to earn redemption. Lots of good discussion points in this one! But also lots of good, fun, plot-twisting story!!!
February 5, 2015
See this review and others like it at Badass Book Reviews!
Monstrous is a children's/middle grade novel that really is perfect for younger readers. While I enjoyed this as an adult, I can see younger readers being swept away by Kymera, the city of Byre, and all the magical elements in this story. There is a message woven in as well; not all monsters are monstrous on the outside and just because someone looks different, it doesn't mean they are monstrous on the inside.
This book started out a little slowly, introducing us to Kymera and her father. Kymera is a take on Frankenstein's monster -- a dead little girl who once really lived, brought back to life through the conglomeration of spare human/animal parts and magic. Kymera, or Kym as she is usually called, can pass fairly well for a young girl as long as she can keep the bolts in her neck, her tail, and her wings covered. Her father uses her differences to keep her under his thumb, teaching her that the humans in the village would never be able to understand her and that they would kill her if she's ever seen. He also tells her he created her for a purpose. You see, there is an evil wizard in Byre infecting all the young girls with deadly magic and Kym must sneak in the city every night, rescue one of the affected girls, and bring her back to her father for treatment.
This mission drives the first half of Monstrous and gives Kym a chance to meet Ren, a boy from Byrne who sees her and begins to charm his way into her life. Ren helps Kym to realize that everything isn't as it seems and that her father is keeping secrets of his own. It's Ren that gives Kym the push she needs to become her own person, with thoughts and actions independent of her father. The second half of this book went in a direction that was delightfully surprising. I enjoyed all of Kym's adventures as she truly became a hero. It was interesting to learn about her previous life and who she had been as well. The ending was somewhat abrupt and really, really sad, but I do think it was a fitting conclusion to Kym's story. There was only one part of this novel that I was a little unhappy with and that was how Batu the dragon's story ended. Everything we learned about him and dragons in general was just heartbreaking and I loved his connection and interactions with Kym so much. In the end, he did the brave thing but I just thought the way it played out didn't live up to the expectations that were set earlier in the book. I could just be bitter though because I loved him as a character and the end was just so sad.
The writing throughout Monstrous is gorgeous. MarcyKate Connolly does not talk down to her readers just because they are children. She paints an imaginative, highly detailed world and draws you in for the entire ride. Kymera is a tortured protagonist but she never loses hope. She struggles, sometimes, to balance her human side and her more animalistic side, but never loses those feelings and emotions that allow us to connect to her as a character. This would be a beautiful story to read out loud to your children and its themes would provide plenty of interesting discussion points. I highly recommend this Frankenstein meets Brothers Grimm tale for readers of most ages -- it could be somewhat dark and scary for the youngest of readers.
Thank you to HarperCollins Children's Books and Edelweiss for providing an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Monstrous is a children's/middle grade novel that really is perfect for younger readers. While I enjoyed this as an adult, I can see younger readers being swept away by Kymera, the city of Byre, and all the magical elements in this story. There is a message woven in as well; not all monsters are monstrous on the outside and just because someone looks different, it doesn't mean they are monstrous on the inside.
This book started out a little slowly, introducing us to Kymera and her father. Kymera is a take on Frankenstein's monster -- a dead little girl who once really lived, brought back to life through the conglomeration of spare human/animal parts and magic. Kymera, or Kym as she is usually called, can pass fairly well for a young girl as long as she can keep the bolts in her neck, her tail, and her wings covered. Her father uses her differences to keep her under his thumb, teaching her that the humans in the village would never be able to understand her and that they would kill her if she's ever seen. He also tells her he created her for a purpose. You see, there is an evil wizard in Byre infecting all the young girls with deadly magic and Kym must sneak in the city every night, rescue one of the affected girls, and bring her back to her father for treatment.
This mission drives the first half of Monstrous and gives Kym a chance to meet Ren, a boy from Byrne who sees her and begins to charm his way into her life. Ren helps Kym to realize that everything isn't as it seems and that her father is keeping secrets of his own. It's Ren that gives Kym the push she needs to become her own person, with thoughts and actions independent of her father. The second half of this book went in a direction that was delightfully surprising. I enjoyed all of Kym's adventures as she truly became a hero. It was interesting to learn about her previous life and who she had been as well. The ending was somewhat abrupt and really, really sad, but I do think it was a fitting conclusion to Kym's story. There was only one part of this novel that I was a little unhappy with and that was how Batu the dragon's story ended. Everything we learned about him and dragons in general was just heartbreaking and I loved his connection and interactions with Kym so much. In the end, he did the brave thing but I just thought the way it played out didn't live up to the expectations that were set earlier in the book. I could just be bitter though because I loved him as a character and the end was just so sad.
The writing throughout Monstrous is gorgeous. MarcyKate Connolly does not talk down to her readers just because they are children. She paints an imaginative, highly detailed world and draws you in for the entire ride. Kymera is a tortured protagonist but she never loses hope. She struggles, sometimes, to balance her human side and her more animalistic side, but never loses those feelings and emotions that allow us to connect to her as a character. This would be a beautiful story to read out loud to your children and its themes would provide plenty of interesting discussion points. I highly recommend this Frankenstein meets Brothers Grimm tale for readers of most ages -- it could be somewhat dark and scary for the youngest of readers.
Thank you to HarperCollins Children's Books and Edelweiss for providing an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 24, 2014
I was very excited to be able to get a copy of this book. I began to read it and kept having to put it down to do things like eat and go to work. As I neared the end, it became harder and harder to put down. Our protagonist, Kym struggled with her identity and her calling and I just wanted to find out what would happen next. I felt like I was reading a classic fairy tale as the book unraveled before me.
January 21, 2015
Oh, wow. This book! I loved it from the very beginning. Although an homage to Frankenstein, it's still such an original story. Kymera is such a sympathetic and likable character, and I rooted for her throughout the book. This is a definitely an older MG, which I appreciate! An engaging, exciting, fast-paced story, with the perfect ending. Highly recommended!
July 11, 2015
Istyria book blog ~ B's world of enchanted books
4.5 stars
When I saw this book on Edelweiss, I had a good feeling about it. Something told me this would be great. And I'm so glad I followed my guts with this one. Monstrous is amazing!
Monstrous is MarcyKate Connolly's debut and it's about Kymera. Kymera is created to save the girls of Bryre from the evil wizards, or so she thinks. Kymera is not a normal girl. She has wings, a spiky tail, bolts in her neck and the claws and eyes of a big cat. If people would see her, they'd hunt her out of fear. But one night she meets a boy named Ren and they become friends. And what he knows may change everything.
I'll be honest and say that this book is not for everyone. It reminds me of Far Far Away by Tom McNeal. It has that fairy tale vibe that I love so much! The writing is so, so good. I loved the mysterious and haunting feel I got from this book. It's so original and really compelling. It didn't let me go for a second. I definitely get why they compare it to Frankenstein, because it reminded me of that a lot, even though I'm not familiar with that story. I think it's Frankenstein mixed with the tales by the Brothers Grimm. And if you love that kind of stuff, this is perfect for you!
I really loved Kymera. We saw the world through her eyes from the moment she wakes up. She was such an original character and I loved her! Even though people see her as a monster, she's good at heart and she's so brave. I loved her. I loved her relationship with Ren, their growing friendship. I did not trust the father for one second.
Is it a bit predictable? Yeah maybe, but I didn't mind and the ending did ultimately surprise me. It really is like the classic fairy tales. No happy ending here. Not really. When I got this from Edelweiss and I read the first sentence, I just couldn't stop. I was hooked from the first page to the last and I really, really loved it.
I'd recommend this wonderful book to fans of classic fairy tales and Frankenstein. It really is amazing and I'm going to keep a close eye on this author!
March 16, 2016
Grade rating: 98% A
Monstrous began enchantingly. It literally begins with the protagonist's creation. In the first 1/8 of the book, all I could say was...creepy. It was definitely disturbing. When she describes herself, her animal limbs and stolen apendages, my stomach churned just a little. Is flipped to the cover to reasses. Is this middle-grade? I thought I grabbed a middle-grade! But, yes, it is middle-grade. Mature middle-grade, probably for 8th/9th Grade. Anyway...the story begun pleasantly disturbing. I was intruiged by the monster girl, and the entire Frankenstein retelling. It was positivley transfixed by the world Connolly created right from the beginning.
Kymera's characters was perfect. How could a character have a body so fantastical, yet a mind so relatable? Kymera has the body of a monster, but she actaully wants to do nothing wrong. She follows her father loyally, doing anything he asks. She is smart, but not overly ambitious. She felt like a real-world human trapped in a fantasy. I loved Kymera.
...Plot twist? Yes. But, I completley figured it out about halfway through the book. It was predictable, but still interesting to see how the story would progress to the conclusion I already anticipated.
The other characters, Ren, Father , Delia , and Batu were also very realistic. As realistic as fantasy can be.
It seemed like it took a long time for the story to end. The climax was probably right in the center of the book...and the entire second half was preparing for . I've seen reviews complaining about an abrupt end...but I thought it was a little lengthy.
The author is not afraid to throw romance, grief, and gore into a cutesy little middle-grade novel. Kymera is instantly interested in the boy, Ren, and it is made obvious that she is attracted to him...physically. As for the grief...this book can get really emotionally dramatic. When . Now: the gore. I heard that this novel was originally intened to be Young Adult, but it switched before publishing. That explains a few things. Everyone knows how the crazy whipper-snapper teens love violence in their books. YA might be the most uncensored fiction when it comes to violence. Monstrous, which was very obviously YA in a former life, does not refrain from the brutal details. Kymera's fear of killing a rabbit on page 3 soon disappears...and she is completley able to attack, sting, choke, mutilate, or torture someone for information. Death comes easily in this book.
I enjoyed this book in a way that I have never enjyoed a book before. I loved reading this book...but not in the same way I loved reading Harry Potter, or To Kill a Mockingbird. It's completley indescribable, so don't even ask.
With a enchanting premise, relatable protagonist, and all the romance/sorrow/gore a middle schooler wanting to read something a bit more mature can want, Monstrous is a highly entertaining/disturbing novel that I would recommend to anyone.
P.S. Just a heads up...you know that saying for aspring writers, "Everything that can go wrong must go wrong"? This book takes that to the extreme...
P.P.S. Can someone who has already read the book please explain to me what happens at the very end? Did The epilogue didn't clear things up for me.
"How many times must I tell you, Kymera. No human will ever trust you. Accept you. Or love you. Not like I do. I am the only one because I made you."Kymera is a monster. Manufactured and brought to life by her Father, she has the tail of a snake, wings of a raven, and claws and eyes of a cat. She has lived with her Father, her creator, for her entire life. When Father reveals his purpose of making her (saving the girls of Bryre from the evil wizard), Kymera is determined to do her duty flawlessly. But then she starts to intertwine with the humans of Bryre, slowly unravelling the life she shared with her father...and wonders who she was before.
Monstrous began enchantingly. It literally begins with the protagonist's creation. In the first 1/8 of the book, all I could say was...creepy. It was definitely disturbing. When she describes herself, her animal limbs and stolen apendages, my stomach churned just a little. Is flipped to the cover to reasses. Is this middle-grade? I thought I grabbed a middle-grade! But, yes, it is middle-grade. Mature middle-grade, probably for 8th/9th Grade. Anyway...the story begun pleasantly disturbing. I was intruiged by the monster girl, and the entire Frankenstein retelling. It was positivley transfixed by the world Connolly created right from the beginning.
Kymera's characters was perfect. How could a character have a body so fantastical, yet a mind so relatable? Kymera has the body of a monster, but she actaully wants to do nothing wrong. She follows her father loyally, doing anything he asks. She is smart, but not overly ambitious. She felt like a real-world human trapped in a fantasy. I loved Kymera.
...Plot twist? Yes. But, I completley figured it out about halfway through the book. It was predictable, but still interesting to see how the story would progress to the conclusion I already anticipated.
The other characters, Ren, Father , Delia , and Batu were also very realistic. As realistic as fantasy can be.
It seemed like it took a long time for the story to end. The climax was probably right in the center of the book...and the entire second half was preparing for . I've seen reviews complaining about an abrupt end...but I thought it was a little lengthy.
The author is not afraid to throw romance, grief, and gore into a cutesy little middle-grade novel. Kymera is instantly interested in the boy, Ren, and it is made obvious that she is attracted to him...physically. As for the grief...this book can get really emotionally dramatic. When . Now: the gore. I heard that this novel was originally intened to be Young Adult, but it switched before publishing. That explains a few things. Everyone knows how the crazy whipper-snapper teens love violence in their books. YA might be the most uncensored fiction when it comes to violence. Monstrous, which was very obviously YA in a former life, does not refrain from the brutal details. Kymera's fear of killing a rabbit on page 3 soon disappears...and she is completley able to attack, sting, choke, mutilate, or torture someone for information. Death comes easily in this book.
I enjoyed this book in a way that I have never enjyoed a book before. I loved reading this book...but not in the same way I loved reading Harry Potter, or To Kill a Mockingbird. It's completley indescribable, so don't even ask.
With a enchanting premise, relatable protagonist, and all the romance/sorrow/gore a middle schooler wanting to read something a bit more mature can want, Monstrous is a highly entertaining/disturbing novel that I would recommend to anyone.
P.S. Just a heads up...you know that saying for aspring writers, "Everything that can go wrong must go wrong"? This book takes that to the extreme...
P.P.S. Can someone who has already read the book please explain to me what happens at the very end? Did The epilogue didn't clear things up for me.
February 16, 2015
4.5stars
I WILL NEVER FORGET MY FIRST BREATH, GASPING, HEAVING, DELICIOUS.
Monstrous is a simply delightful book, one that can be equally enjoyed by both the young reader and their older counterparts. Partly re-imagined Frankenstein and partly inspired fairy tale as those famous Brothers Grimm would spin, Monstrous is both lyrical and simple. A tale that speaks to the heart, one that can be appreciated without elaborate workings but enjoyed for the simple lessons it imparts. Bravery, friendship, good vs. bad, and the ultimate power of sacrifice.
I LEAN BACK AGAINST THE WILLOW AND HOLD OUT MY ARMS, STUDYING them under the waning sunlight. The thin red lines marking the sections of my body have faded to nearly nothing; all that remains are the many shades of my flesh and the tiny metal bolts fastening tail to spine, joint to wing, and neck to shoulder ...
Kym is a remarkable young heroine to love. One that younger readers can relate to and older ones sympathize with. At the beginning of the story, she awakens much like sleeping beauty to a world full of mysterious delights, with an adoring father (her creator) whom she puts all her love and trust in. She's bright, curious, loyal and only wants to do what is right and good. To please those she cares about. But, like all good tales ... all is not as simple as it seems, and the path she travels is filled with bitter-sweet lessons that leave the reader fondly holding the book afterwards, thoughtful and well satisfied. Her transformation from naiveness to a heroine of strength and spirit is what makes this story soar in my opinion.
There's a wise dragon that offers sage advice, a cursed village and missing girls, a kidnapped princess, the sweetest young boy that leaves roses by a fountain for Kym and shows her the power of friendship, wizards and villains and twists along the journey. The story is like easy breadcrumbs to follow, we may know or even suspect what's to come, but it's the sweet and enchanting way the story is written, seen through Kym's eyes that hold us spellbound.
Broken up by days, rather than chapters, this is an easy story to consume, although I do think the length was longer than needed, especially since it's targeted towards middle-grade readers. Still, I could not put it down until the last page.
Kym with her barbed tail, a patchwork of skin and enchanting wings flew straight to my heart, and I was back again when a time of fairy tales tucked me in sweetly at night! Recommended for classic fairy tale lovers and inspired ones re-imagined.
My Rating: 4.5 Stars! Adorable. I really liked it!
PLEASE NOTE: A courtesy review copy of this book was provided by HarperCollins Children's Books in exchange for my fair review. Thank youHarperCollins Children's Books for the review opportunity!
I WILL NEVER FORGET MY FIRST BREATH, GASPING, HEAVING, DELICIOUS.
Monstrous is a simply delightful book, one that can be equally enjoyed by both the young reader and their older counterparts. Partly re-imagined Frankenstein and partly inspired fairy tale as those famous Brothers Grimm would spin, Monstrous is both lyrical and simple. A tale that speaks to the heart, one that can be appreciated without elaborate workings but enjoyed for the simple lessons it imparts. Bravery, friendship, good vs. bad, and the ultimate power of sacrifice.
I LEAN BACK AGAINST THE WILLOW AND HOLD OUT MY ARMS, STUDYING them under the waning sunlight. The thin red lines marking the sections of my body have faded to nearly nothing; all that remains are the many shades of my flesh and the tiny metal bolts fastening tail to spine, joint to wing, and neck to shoulder ...
Kym is a remarkable young heroine to love. One that younger readers can relate to and older ones sympathize with. At the beginning of the story, she awakens much like sleeping beauty to a world full of mysterious delights, with an adoring father (her creator) whom she puts all her love and trust in. She's bright, curious, loyal and only wants to do what is right and good. To please those she cares about. But, like all good tales ... all is not as simple as it seems, and the path she travels is filled with bitter-sweet lessons that leave the reader fondly holding the book afterwards, thoughtful and well satisfied. Her transformation from naiveness to a heroine of strength and spirit is what makes this story soar in my opinion.
There's a wise dragon that offers sage advice, a cursed village and missing girls, a kidnapped princess, the sweetest young boy that leaves roses by a fountain for Kym and shows her the power of friendship, wizards and villains and twists along the journey. The story is like easy breadcrumbs to follow, we may know or even suspect what's to come, but it's the sweet and enchanting way the story is written, seen through Kym's eyes that hold us spellbound.
Broken up by days, rather than chapters, this is an easy story to consume, although I do think the length was longer than needed, especially since it's targeted towards middle-grade readers. Still, I could not put it down until the last page.
Kym with her barbed tail, a patchwork of skin and enchanting wings flew straight to my heart, and I was back again when a time of fairy tales tucked me in sweetly at night! Recommended for classic fairy tale lovers and inspired ones re-imagined.
My Rating: 4.5 Stars! Adorable. I really liked it!
PLEASE NOTE: A courtesy review copy of this book was provided by HarperCollins Children's Books in exchange for my fair review. Thank youHarperCollins Children's Books for the review opportunity!
November 13, 2015
http://thedailyprophecy.blogspot.nl/2...
What a surprising ending! That was absolutely the best part about this book, because I never saw it coming and I thought it was a brave decision for a Middle Grade book. I was bothered by Kymera’s ignorance, but at the same time I think this will work great for children. Most of them are innocent too, so I bet they will devour this fairytale-like story.
Kymera got an extreme make-over. Her father brought her back from the death and he enhanced her body with wings and a spiky tail she can use to stun people. He tells her a tale about a wizard who killed her and her mother and he created her to rescue other girls from the same fate. Despite his warnings about other humans, Kymera starts seeing a boy she meets on one of her rescuing nights. Ren works as messenger boy for the King and he’s not aware of Kymera’s ‘monstrous’ identity. Kymera slowly starts to break free from her father and that’s when she starts to see things the way they are. Father might not be completely honest about his intentions.
Kymera was an interesting character. Her body can be used as a weapon, but her spirit is too innocent and childlike. She’s not happy with her spiky tail and how it automatically reacts when she is in trouble. I liked that Kymera starts to show more spunk in the middle of the book. She doesn’t blindly obey her father anymore and she values her beginning friendship with Ren. It took her a lot of time to figure out what is quit obvious from the beginning, but this nativity also gave her a certain charm. It's a young girl and it's understandable she completely trusts her father. It felt realistic.
The friendship between Kymera and Ren gave me mixed feelings. When he finds out that she is a ‘monster’ he is very supportive of her, but he never gives her a chance when the truth comes out. He even betrays her in a dangerous situation and I wish he had showed more loyalty towards his friend. I like that, with most MG books, there is no romance. The story really doesn’t need it. Kymera’s friendship with another character was more heart-warming.
The ending really caught me off guard. The book was going towards a 3-star rating, but the ending added another 0.5 stars. I think this was the most fairytale-like part. It was bittersweet and fitting for the story. It’s not the best middle grade book I’ve ever read, but I enjoyed it a lot.
What a surprising ending! That was absolutely the best part about this book, because I never saw it coming and I thought it was a brave decision for a Middle Grade book. I was bothered by Kymera’s ignorance, but at the same time I think this will work great for children. Most of them are innocent too, so I bet they will devour this fairytale-like story.
Kymera got an extreme make-over. Her father brought her back from the death and he enhanced her body with wings and a spiky tail she can use to stun people. He tells her a tale about a wizard who killed her and her mother and he created her to rescue other girls from the same fate. Despite his warnings about other humans, Kymera starts seeing a boy she meets on one of her rescuing nights. Ren works as messenger boy for the King and he’s not aware of Kymera’s ‘monstrous’ identity. Kymera slowly starts to break free from her father and that’s when she starts to see things the way they are. Father might not be completely honest about his intentions.
Kymera was an interesting character. Her body can be used as a weapon, but her spirit is too innocent and childlike. She’s not happy with her spiky tail and how it automatically reacts when she is in trouble. I liked that Kymera starts to show more spunk in the middle of the book. She doesn’t blindly obey her father anymore and she values her beginning friendship with Ren. It took her a lot of time to figure out what is quit obvious from the beginning, but this nativity also gave her a certain charm. It's a young girl and it's understandable she completely trusts her father. It felt realistic.
The friendship between Kymera and Ren gave me mixed feelings. When he finds out that she is a ‘monster’ he is very supportive of her, but he never gives her a chance when the truth comes out. He even betrays her in a dangerous situation and I wish he had showed more loyalty towards his friend. I like that, with most MG books, there is no romance. The story really doesn’t need it. Kymera’s friendship with another character was more heart-warming.
The ending really caught me off guard. The book was going towards a 3-star rating, but the ending added another 0.5 stars. I think this was the most fairytale-like part. It was bittersweet and fitting for the story. It’s not the best middle grade book I’ve ever read, but I enjoyed it a lot.
April 3, 2016
This book came as a surprise. I did not expect its ending.
When I started reading this book, I admit.. I had my doubts. I already predicted the said "twist", so I lost interest quickly. However, I picked it up again about a year later and I was truly surprised in a good way.
Monstrous starts off on a light note. Two characters are introduced... A "dad" taking care of her unlikely "daughter". Then things started happening in a wondrous fashion. It began with little missions that ended up to be a nightly occupation. Then Ren, the trustworthy boy comes into the picture. Kymera begins to feel weirdly and think about other things. She starts to question things and the story takes on a whole new array of emotions.
Don't read below if you haven't read the book.
------------------------
I felt bad for Kymera. Of course, I did. What happened to her is unfair and very tragic. However, I also feel good because she got these talents to save her from many obstacles. I also feel disappointed because she didn't have the life she should have had, but I feel relieved because she got another one.. In an odd way. I admit, I also feel frustrated because of the ending. I thought she was going to be.. I don't know... Accepted in the society again? More relevant to the people? Hmmm.. I saw that there's a next book though, so we'll see what happens then. :)
When I started reading this book, I admit.. I had my doubts. I already predicted the said "twist", so I lost interest quickly. However, I picked it up again about a year later and I was truly surprised in a good way.
Monstrous starts off on a light note. Two characters are introduced... A "dad" taking care of her unlikely "daughter". Then things started happening in a wondrous fashion. It began with little missions that ended up to be a nightly occupation. Then Ren, the trustworthy boy comes into the picture. Kymera begins to feel weirdly and think about other things. She starts to question things and the story takes on a whole new array of emotions.
Don't read below if you haven't read the book.
------------------------
I felt bad for Kymera. Of course, I did. What happened to her is unfair and very tragic. However, I also feel good because she got these talents to save her from many obstacles. I also feel disappointed because she didn't have the life she should have had, but I feel relieved because she got another one.. In an odd way. I admit, I also feel frustrated because of the ending. I thought she was going to be.. I don't know... Accepted in the society again? More relevant to the people? Hmmm.. I saw that there's a next book though, so we'll see what happens then. :)
August 22, 2014
I’ve been dying to get my hands on MONSTROUS since I read the first pages in a contest back when the author was querying. That’s a lot of time to wait on a book, but MONSTROUS lived up to my incredibly high expectations in every way. MONSTROUS is the perfect blend of plot and character, making this book compulsively readable to a high degree. Kymera, the main character, is brave, strong, and still vulnerable—basically everything I hoped she would be. There’s no doubt MarcyKate Connolly has a long career ahead!
November 17, 2014
A true dark fairytale with a fascinating heroine and dangerous magic. I wanted so badly to make everything okay for Kymera! There is much in here for kids to think about, from the question of how one knows when to believe something is true to what makes an action right or wrong. There are lots of characters doing good and bad things, and intentions are not always clear to all parties. Kids of all ages will find much in these pages to love.
May 29, 2016
I've looked forward to reading this for quite a while and it was worth the wait! Monstrous was an epic adventure that was filled with dynamic characters you both loved and hated. I absolutely adored Kym and was deeply invested in everything she went through. I did find the pace near the end a tad rushed but overall this was a fantastic and emotional read that kept you guessing.
March 24, 2017
This is an unusual MG fantasy novel that has both an innocence and depth that I found fascinating. Basically, it's the love child of a dark fairy tale and a Halloween horror story.
It's also a novel of contradictions. The story is dark but with just enough rays of hope to make the ugliness feel beautiful. The MC is indeed monstrous, with animal features, instincts, and a strong fight or flight mode, but she's also so desperately human that it almost aches to read about her wants and desires. There are good guys who do bad things and bad guys who do good things. All of this added such interesting textures and layers to the story.
Pages: 432
It's also a novel of contradictions. The story is dark but with just enough rays of hope to make the ugliness feel beautiful. The MC is indeed monstrous, with animal features, instincts, and a strong fight or flight mode, but she's also so desperately human that it almost aches to read about her wants and desires. There are good guys who do bad things and bad guys who do good things. All of this added such interesting textures and layers to the story.
Pages: 432
August 7, 2021
What an absolutely fantastic story. So much happened that was so well thought out and it was beautifully written, I did guess one of the plot twists quite early on but I don't know if it was deliberately made obvious or if it was me just being on the game. I'm sad to have finished this story but I have already ordered the second book Ravenous and can't wait to carry on the crazy adventures within the city of Bryre 🖤
November 6, 2017
It's recently come to my attention that I don't read many Middle-Grade books - not because I don't like them, but because I simply don't find myself looking for them often. Monstrous very well may be the book that changes that.
The premise is pretty simple: Monstrous follows Kym as she embraces her humanity while balancing it with her hybrid status, and this story was one that I thoroughly enjoyed. Kym was lovable both for her innocence and her willingness to learn from her mistakes and make up for them; her struggle to reclaim her humanity while fearing and admiring her animal parts was captured in heartrending detail, and Connolly's writing from Kym's perspective felt at times both naive and profound, which fit the character perfectly.
Unfortunately, the side characters were a hit-or-miss for me because I felt like the author didn't do well at fleshing them out; Kym was just so well done, and this makes the secondary characters' lack of depth all the more evident. I never did care for Ren, something that was a shame since I thought Connolly could have done so much more with crafting his personality and quirks - he just came across as bland. Although she didn't receive as much attention, I liked Greta and am pleased to see that she is the protagonist of the companion book, Ravenous, so now I have even more incentive to read it!
Admittedly, the twist is obvious; as in, I had it figured out about 20 pages into the book, and while I wasn't sure of how all the details were going to play out, I wasn't surprised by anything that happened. This did not bother me, however, because when you consider the fact that the target age group for Monstrous is listed as ages 8-12, I can forgive the predictable turn the plot took. What I can't entirely fathom is why a book aimed at children younger than 13 would have such an advanced vocabulary. The sentence structure is fairly simple, comprised of both shorter and longer sentences with a splash of fairy tale-esque phrasing, but Connolly used many words that I know for sure I wasn't familiar with until I was at least a young teenager. Words such as "iridescent," "filigree," "topiary," and "machinations" are ones I would have skimmed over if I'd read this as a child.
Another facet that I absolutely adored was the art - not merely the cover that was done by Skottie Young, but the four different chapter images that are used throughout. I fell in love with the style the characters were drawn in, and it was easy to imagine the events of the book being in stop-motion, or even 2D, animation; these images had such life in them, and I only wish there had been more.
The first half of the book was more on the slow side, and I wish the big reveal could have come sooner so that there was a little more substance during the second half. And speaking of second half...I was not expecting that ending. It was surprisingly bittersweet in the way that many fairy tales are, and while I appreciate Connolly not giving readers the patent "happily ever after," I'm still torn on how I feel about the way this booked closed.
I had a lot of fun with this one, and although it was nothing like I imagined it would be back when I came across it in 2013, I was not disappointed by Monstrous in the least.
The premise is pretty simple: Monstrous follows Kym as she embraces her humanity while balancing it with her hybrid status, and this story was one that I thoroughly enjoyed. Kym was lovable both for her innocence and her willingness to learn from her mistakes and make up for them; her struggle to reclaim her humanity while fearing and admiring her animal parts was captured in heartrending detail, and Connolly's writing from Kym's perspective felt at times both naive and profound, which fit the character perfectly.
Unfortunately, the side characters were a hit-or-miss for me because I felt like the author didn't do well at fleshing them out; Kym was just so well done, and this makes the secondary characters' lack of depth all the more evident. I never did care for Ren, something that was a shame since I thought Connolly could have done so much more with crafting his personality and quirks - he just came across as bland. Although she didn't receive as much attention, I liked Greta and am pleased to see that she is the protagonist of the companion book, Ravenous, so now I have even more incentive to read it!
Admittedly, the twist is obvious; as in, I had it figured out about 20 pages into the book, and while I wasn't sure of how all the details were going to play out, I wasn't surprised by anything that happened. This did not bother me, however, because when you consider the fact that the target age group for Monstrous is listed as ages 8-12, I can forgive the predictable turn the plot took. What I can't entirely fathom is why a book aimed at children younger than 13 would have such an advanced vocabulary. The sentence structure is fairly simple, comprised of both shorter and longer sentences with a splash of fairy tale-esque phrasing, but Connolly used many words that I know for sure I wasn't familiar with until I was at least a young teenager. Words such as "iridescent," "filigree," "topiary," and "machinations" are ones I would have skimmed over if I'd read this as a child.
Another facet that I absolutely adored was the art - not merely the cover that was done by Skottie Young, but the four different chapter images that are used throughout. I fell in love with the style the characters were drawn in, and it was easy to imagine the events of the book being in stop-motion, or even 2D, animation; these images had such life in them, and I only wish there had been more.
The first half of the book was more on the slow side, and I wish the big reveal could have come sooner so that there was a little more substance during the second half. And speaking of second half...I was not expecting that ending. It was surprisingly bittersweet in the way that many fairy tales are, and while I appreciate Connolly not giving readers the patent "happily ever after," I'm still torn on how I feel about the way this booked closed.
I had a lot of fun with this one, and although it was nothing like I imagined it would be back when I came across it in 2013, I was not disappointed by Monstrous in the least.
May 9, 2018
A well intentioned, sometimes charming and very flawed little tale.
World: The world building is solid, it’s the best thing with the book, the idea of the two kingdoms and the curses and the wizard and dragons and creatures, it’s good. The story is a fairy tale and it has all the established pieces and tropes of the genre and that’s a solid foundation for the story to take place in. This is the part of the story that I like the most from all the things found in this book.
Story: On paper the story seems very interesting and if you take a bird’s eye view of the story the beats and the structure it is quite an interesting and fun story. But when you get down to the writing, the pacing and the character choices this is when this book disappoints me. I like Kim she’s an interesting character and this reverse tale of telling the story from the point of view of the monster is fun, it’s not completely original but it is fun. I like seeing the world through her eyes and I like the naïve and gentle nature she brings to the world and the things she interacts with, but there are clear character issues with her and a lot of the characters that are very transparent plot devices (which I’ll get to below) that really hinder the characters and ultimately make this book a disappointment. Firstly the central core reveal, the M. Night moment of the book is horribly transparent, it is very evident within the first 3 chapters where this story is going and who the evil Wizard is. With that being so transparent the rest of the book that leads to the inevitable reveal and the reverse a chore because it lasts 2/3 of the book to reach that point and there is also a very transparent sense of dragging the story with plot device through poorly character choices so that we don’t reach that reveal until 2/3 of the book. When it does the book becomes a better book and is freed from this contrivance and the book can finally be what it was meant to be, a story of a monster that not really a monster. I enjoyed the last third of the book, though there were also very apparent plot devices there and the ending and who and what died for what purpose was so telegraphed it surprised no one. I think the plotting and the writing of the story really let the story itself down. The story is good, it’s charming in parts, it’s beautiful in parts and heartbreaking in part but as I said the writing let it down.
Characters: Kim, what can I say: I love her and I also am annoyed with her as a character. It’s fine if she’s naïve and that can be a wonderful entry point for readers into a new world. But it’s also the illogical and naïve choices that she makes that are awfully transparent to drive the story forward and delay the transparent plot. Her choices are not really because of her character but the not so invisible hand of the writer moving pieces for the story’s sake. That can also be said for the rest of the characters in this book and it is one of the biggest disappointments in the book, the characters. I am a bit miffed at how easily female characters just simply fall in love male characters, it’s unearned, it’s simple and honestly a disservice to female characters. My eyes rolled whenever Kim pinned over Ren…
I was disappointed. I wanted so much to like this story but in the end it felt like a missed opportunity more than anything.
Onward to the next book!
World: The world building is solid, it’s the best thing with the book, the idea of the two kingdoms and the curses and the wizard and dragons and creatures, it’s good. The story is a fairy tale and it has all the established pieces and tropes of the genre and that’s a solid foundation for the story to take place in. This is the part of the story that I like the most from all the things found in this book.
Story: On paper the story seems very interesting and if you take a bird’s eye view of the story the beats and the structure it is quite an interesting and fun story. But when you get down to the writing, the pacing and the character choices this is when this book disappoints me. I like Kim she’s an interesting character and this reverse tale of telling the story from the point of view of the monster is fun, it’s not completely original but it is fun. I like seeing the world through her eyes and I like the naïve and gentle nature she brings to the world and the things she interacts with, but there are clear character issues with her and a lot of the characters that are very transparent plot devices (which I’ll get to below) that really hinder the characters and ultimately make this book a disappointment. Firstly the central core reveal, the M. Night moment of the book is horribly transparent, it is very evident within the first 3 chapters where this story is going and who the evil Wizard is. With that being so transparent the rest of the book that leads to the inevitable reveal and the reverse a chore because it lasts 2/3 of the book to reach that point and there is also a very transparent sense of dragging the story with plot device through poorly character choices so that we don’t reach that reveal until 2/3 of the book. When it does the book becomes a better book and is freed from this contrivance and the book can finally be what it was meant to be, a story of a monster that not really a monster. I enjoyed the last third of the book, though there were also very apparent plot devices there and the ending and who and what died for what purpose was so telegraphed it surprised no one. I think the plotting and the writing of the story really let the story itself down. The story is good, it’s charming in parts, it’s beautiful in parts and heartbreaking in part but as I said the writing let it down.
Characters: Kim, what can I say: I love her and I also am annoyed with her as a character. It’s fine if she’s naïve and that can be a wonderful entry point for readers into a new world. But it’s also the illogical and naïve choices that she makes that are awfully transparent to drive the story forward and delay the transparent plot. Her choices are not really because of her character but the not so invisible hand of the writer moving pieces for the story’s sake. That can also be said for the rest of the characters in this book and it is one of the biggest disappointments in the book, the characters. I am a bit miffed at how easily female characters just simply fall in love male characters, it’s unearned, it’s simple and honestly a disservice to female characters. My eyes rolled whenever Kim pinned over Ren…
I was disappointed. I wanted so much to like this story but in the end it felt like a missed opportunity more than anything.
Onward to the next book!
February 6, 2015
The city of Bryre suffers under the magic of an evil wizard. Because of his curse, girls sicken and disappear without a trace, and Bryre's inhabitants live in fear. No one is allowed outside after dark. Yet night is the only time that Kymera can enter this dangerous city, for she must not be seen by humans. Her father says they would not understand her wings, the bolts in her neck, or her spiky tail—they would kill her. They would not understand that she was created for a purpose: to rescue the girls of Bryre. Despite her caution, a boy named Ren sees Kym and begins to leave a perfect red rose for her every evening. As they become friends, Kym learns that Ren knows about the missing girls, the wizard, and the evil magic that haunts Bryre. And what he knows will change Kym's life.
Monstrous is a sweet and fun, and as time goes on, rather sinister, story of magic and science. A tale of monsters and young girls, of good and evil and how they are told apart. A tale about finding our place in the world, whether we exist with a purpose in mind or we discover it along the way.
Kymera is unique. Clever and strong, inquisitive about the world around her because she only knows, only remembers, so much beyond what her father has told her. Because of that, she's filled with a sweet child-like innocence. What reason would she have to question her father? He's been nothing but kind, love. He brought her back to life so the two of them could save the young girls of Bryre. They just want to help. As the book goes on, her honest curiosity battles against her father's control over her. He tells her that no one would understand her, that people would be afraid of her. But she's not sure if that's true, so she's caught between the worlds that push her down and her thoughts of meeting new people. Perhaps making a friend.
But what is Kym, with her human brain and cat eyes and wings and a barbed tail? Is she still human or is she a monster? Can monsters with claws and wings be heroes, saving young girls from certain death? Can monsters grow roses? Is it what's on the inside or only what's on the outside? Kym looks dangerous, she looks like a terrible monster, so she must be dangerous, yes? What this book touches on is how we define who/what is a monster and who/what isn't and how problematic it is to judge people based on their appearances. What will help us determine the truth is knowledge, time, and our own instincts.
The world-building here is so much fun. It's a mixture of fairy tales, fables, and Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Magic and monsters and a girl brought back to life made up of parts that aren't originally hers. Kym navigates the world as the reader does, learning more and more about what evil plagues Bryre and what must be done in order to save it.
I found this to be a magical story, a sweet tale about a girl who isn't like other girls, one made up of good intentions and a strong need to help and protect others. We can't always be afraid of those who look like monsters, with scaly wings and sharp fangs and long tails, because they could be the bravest and most caring of all.
(I downloaded an e-galley of this title from Edelweiss through HarperCollins.)
Monstrous is a sweet and fun, and as time goes on, rather sinister, story of magic and science. A tale of monsters and young girls, of good and evil and how they are told apart. A tale about finding our place in the world, whether we exist with a purpose in mind or we discover it along the way.
Kymera is unique. Clever and strong, inquisitive about the world around her because she only knows, only remembers, so much beyond what her father has told her. Because of that, she's filled with a sweet child-like innocence. What reason would she have to question her father? He's been nothing but kind, love. He brought her back to life so the two of them could save the young girls of Bryre. They just want to help. As the book goes on, her honest curiosity battles against her father's control over her. He tells her that no one would understand her, that people would be afraid of her. But she's not sure if that's true, so she's caught between the worlds that push her down and her thoughts of meeting new people. Perhaps making a friend.
But what is Kym, with her human brain and cat eyes and wings and a barbed tail? Is she still human or is she a monster? Can monsters with claws and wings be heroes, saving young girls from certain death? Can monsters grow roses? Is it what's on the inside or only what's on the outside? Kym looks dangerous, she looks like a terrible monster, so she must be dangerous, yes? What this book touches on is how we define who/what is a monster and who/what isn't and how problematic it is to judge people based on their appearances. What will help us determine the truth is knowledge, time, and our own instincts.
The world-building here is so much fun. It's a mixture of fairy tales, fables, and Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Magic and monsters and a girl brought back to life made up of parts that aren't originally hers. Kym navigates the world as the reader does, learning more and more about what evil plagues Bryre and what must be done in order to save it.
I found this to be a magical story, a sweet tale about a girl who isn't like other girls, one made up of good intentions and a strong need to help and protect others. We can't always be afraid of those who look like monsters, with scaly wings and sharp fangs and long tails, because they could be the bravest and most caring of all.
(I downloaded an e-galley of this title from Edelweiss through HarperCollins.)
February 18, 2015
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3.5 stars
Continuing a streak of good middle grade novels, I picked up Monstrous, because I’d heard good things from Dahlia (author of Behind the Scenes/Last Will and Testament/Under the Lights). In a lot of ways, it’s a strange book. It’s surprisingly dark for a middle grade novel, which okay yes I do see that about most of the ones that I read, but those are the ones I like. Monstrous will appeal to those who love fairy tales and who love eerie middle grades.
The opening of Monstrous is great. Kymera wakes up, a patchwork creature. This story is essentially a Frankenstein retelling that’s been combined with fairy tales. Her father tells her of her creation; using science, he’s put his daughter back together after many failed attempts, following her death at the hands of the evil wizard. Unfortunately, he could not save her memories. As a bonus, though, she’s now better than human; she’s part cat, part bird, and part snake too.
What I love is that Kym is partly a monster. She’s not a sweet human girl trapped in the guise of a monster, at least not entirely. Kym is sweet, but she’s also got animal instincts coming from her animal parts. She’s a predator, and can consume raw rabbit flesh. Annoyed by the family pet, a sparrow-dog combo, she considers eating it. Kym can kill and she’s willing to, despite being a little girl.
Connolly also does a really good job with the balance between Kym being a child and being almost a newborn. Kym has instincts and reasoning from her brain’s previous learning, but, without her memories, she’s also a babe in the woods. Everything she knows comes from reading fairy tales and from her what her father tells her. It’s no wonder that, when she meets a cute boy, she immediately decides she’s in love with him, since that’s how fairy tales go, right?
Monster did drag for me in the middle couple hundred pages. There’s a very long stretch of time where I knew what the twist was, and I was just waiting for Kymera to figure it out. On the one hand, I think it was pretty realistic, because again she’s days old on some levels, so it would be hard on her. Even so, this period lasted long enough that my attention began to wander. It felt like no narrative progress was really being made.
The ending picked back up again, however, getting back to the dark roots. I didn’t expect such a death toll from a middle grade. Connolly was not playing around. I think Kym is an interesting ethical figure, both lovable and, indeed, monstrous. I wish the ending had been less abrupt, because I would have liked to know more of what came after.
I’m really impressed with Connolly’s debut and will be curious to try whatever she writes next. Dark fairy tales are pretty much always Christina bait, and Monstrous is no exception.
3.5 stars
Continuing a streak of good middle grade novels, I picked up Monstrous, because I’d heard good things from Dahlia (author of Behind the Scenes/Last Will and Testament/Under the Lights). In a lot of ways, it’s a strange book. It’s surprisingly dark for a middle grade novel, which okay yes I do see that about most of the ones that I read, but those are the ones I like. Monstrous will appeal to those who love fairy tales and who love eerie middle grades.
The opening of Monstrous is great. Kymera wakes up, a patchwork creature. This story is essentially a Frankenstein retelling that’s been combined with fairy tales. Her father tells her of her creation; using science, he’s put his daughter back together after many failed attempts, following her death at the hands of the evil wizard. Unfortunately, he could not save her memories. As a bonus, though, she’s now better than human; she’s part cat, part bird, and part snake too.
What I love is that Kym is partly a monster. She’s not a sweet human girl trapped in the guise of a monster, at least not entirely. Kym is sweet, but she’s also got animal instincts coming from her animal parts. She’s a predator, and can consume raw rabbit flesh. Annoyed by the family pet, a sparrow-dog combo, she considers eating it. Kym can kill and she’s willing to, despite being a little girl.
Connolly also does a really good job with the balance between Kym being a child and being almost a newborn. Kym has instincts and reasoning from her brain’s previous learning, but, without her memories, she’s also a babe in the woods. Everything she knows comes from reading fairy tales and from her what her father tells her. It’s no wonder that, when she meets a cute boy, she immediately decides she’s in love with him, since that’s how fairy tales go, right?
Monster did drag for me in the middle couple hundred pages. There’s a very long stretch of time where I knew what the twist was, and I was just waiting for Kymera to figure it out. On the one hand, I think it was pretty realistic, because again she’s days old on some levels, so it would be hard on her. Even so, this period lasted long enough that my attention began to wander. It felt like no narrative progress was really being made.
The ending picked back up again, however, getting back to the dark roots. I didn’t expect such a death toll from a middle grade. Connolly was not playing around. I think Kym is an interesting ethical figure, both lovable and, indeed, monstrous. I wish the ending had been less abrupt, because I would have liked to know more of what came after.
I’m really impressed with Connolly’s debut and will be curious to try whatever she writes next. Dark fairy tales are pretty much always Christina bait, and Monstrous is no exception.
June 4, 2015
Review originally posted on my blog Dee's Reads
My Rating: 2.5 stars
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Monstrous was an interesting fantasy with many elements seen in other fantasies, and even felt a bit like a retelling because it was so familiar. I do have to say it didn't read much like a middle grade book, it felt very YA and I did like that aspect a lot. The voice and narrative of the main character was incredibly strong and the pacing was excellent, even though I did take my time reading it.
In fact, it is actually pretty hard to review it. I don't want to give much of the plot away—although it's probably my favorite part of the whole thing. I thought the plot was original with many unique twists and turns! It felt like a story we have all read before…but then…it didn't. o.O
And for a middle grade book it was very dark, which of course I loved.
It's definitely a novel you want to take your time and enjoy. I felt like I entered a fairy tale where the main character wasn't fully human, and very much a tortured soul. Her devotion to her "father" and creator was intense and she craved love so much it made me sad to see her just try to do the right thing, but kind of bungle it all up. The journey she made was incredible, and I found myself really liking the other characters…especially the dragon.
I give so much credit to a book that can surprise me these days. Especially coming from a genre I have read so much of (middle grade fantasy). I guess with all these praises I should say why I had to give it the rating that I did, and I will try to explain who I think would like this novel (like what type of reader).
Like I mentioned before, the pacing as very slow. I felt like the book could have just gone a lot smoother and quicker, and I think that definitely could have improved things.
I wish there was more suspense involved. I feel like there were so many surprises, which is good but building up to them sometimes can make things so much better.
All in all, this was an entertaining fantasy about a not-quite girl who is a hero to a city plagued by an evil magician. The elements of fantasy (and there's a dragon!) will appeal to lovers of the genre but the pacing may make younger readers yawn.
My Rating: 2.5 stars
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Monstrous was an interesting fantasy with many elements seen in other fantasies, and even felt a bit like a retelling because it was so familiar. I do have to say it didn't read much like a middle grade book, it felt very YA and I did like that aspect a lot. The voice and narrative of the main character was incredibly strong and the pacing was excellent, even though I did take my time reading it.
In fact, it is actually pretty hard to review it. I don't want to give much of the plot away—although it's probably my favorite part of the whole thing. I thought the plot was original with many unique twists and turns! It felt like a story we have all read before…but then…it didn't. o.O
And for a middle grade book it was very dark, which of course I loved.
It's definitely a novel you want to take your time and enjoy. I felt like I entered a fairy tale where the main character wasn't fully human, and very much a tortured soul. Her devotion to her "father" and creator was intense and she craved love so much it made me sad to see her just try to do the right thing, but kind of bungle it all up. The journey she made was incredible, and I found myself really liking the other characters…especially the dragon.
I give so much credit to a book that can surprise me these days. Especially coming from a genre I have read so much of (middle grade fantasy). I guess with all these praises I should say why I had to give it the rating that I did, and I will try to explain who I think would like this novel (like what type of reader).
Like I mentioned before, the pacing as very slow. I felt like the book could have just gone a lot smoother and quicker, and I think that definitely could have improved things.
I wish there was more suspense involved. I feel like there were so many surprises, which is good but building up to them sometimes can make things so much better.
All in all, this was an entertaining fantasy about a not-quite girl who is a hero to a city plagued by an evil magician. The elements of fantasy (and there's a dragon!) will appeal to lovers of the genre but the pacing may make younger readers yawn.
June 16, 2015
"A yapping brown dog with sparrow wings skids to a landing by Father's plush armchair. Pippa. He calls her a sperrier.
I call her delicious".
This book has so many great elements. The characters are fantastic! Kymera, Ren, Batu <3... even Barnabus. The story for the most part is well developed, even though parts are too predictable. I just can't get over the ending. So much build up and so anticlimactic.
I keep reminding myself this is middle grade and I am 30 yearsold young. But I cannot get over the lack of explanation of the magic system. The most frustrating part for me was
I really enjoyed the story, but thought the last 100 pages could have included more detail & reasoning. Also in fairy tales I'm a fan of happily ever after. Did this end happy? I guess in a way. I, however, am left confused and feeling a little ripped off.
Literary Escapist Blog
I call her delicious".
This book has so many great elements. The characters are fantastic! Kymera, Ren, Batu <3... even Barnabus. The story for the most part is well developed, even though parts are too predictable. I just can't get over the ending. So much build up and so anticlimactic.
I keep reminding myself this is middle grade and I am 30 years
I really enjoyed the story, but thought the last 100 pages could have included more detail & reasoning. Also in fairy tales I'm a fan of happily ever after. Did this end happy? I guess in a way. I, however, am left confused and feeling a little ripped off.
Literary Escapist Blog
February 12, 2019
L'histoire de ce premier tome ne plaira pas à tout le monde, à cause de son manque d'action notamment, de son aspect peu surprenant, de l'absence de réponse ou ne serait-ce que parce que le récit est finalement très introspectif et lent. Malgré tout j'ai été embarqué dans l'intrigue, il y a une atmosphère foncièrement accrocheuse, mais c'est surtout le personnage de Louna qui m'a beaucoup plu, toute imparfaite qu'elle soit.
Mon avis complet : https://bloggalleane.blogspot.com/201...
Mon avis complet : https://bloggalleane.blogspot.com/201...
Read
March 9, 2015No rating as this is a DNF. I only read a few pages but I can already tell this is going to be SO not for me. The premise is just silly to me. And I am supposed to root for a protagonist that wants to eat a dog on page three? Yeah, I am just not gonna be able to do that.
Writing is fine. It's just not my thing.
Writing is fine. It's just not my thing.
on-hold-bored-lost-interest
February 25, 2015I just can't.... I haven't read enough of this book to give it a rating, or to certainly say if it is the book or me that is the problem. I am bored and just not in the mood to read another fantasy right now. I may come back to it later. Maybe. Maybe not.
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