What do you think?
Rate this book
Frankenstein's Monster
A bold, unique sequel to Mary Shelley’s classic work of literature from the author of Dracula’s Child and The City of Dr Moreau.
"He was soon borne away by the waves, and lost in darkness and distance." There are those who would swear that Victor Frankenstein is dead. Those who would swear his Creature died also.
They were wrong.
1842. Underneath the Thames, workmen digging Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s tunnel uncover something monstrous, asleep in the clay. In Norfolk, a ragged stranger arrives at the home of philosopher Samuel Greene and his wife and sets to work, conducting bizarre experiments.
1850. Stories spread across someone living in the shadows, helping those in need. In Newgate prison, Samuel Greene stands accused of murder. Philanthropist Edwin Melrose and investigator Arthur Phipps are determined to understand what happened, but the story Greene has to tell is almost monstrous, impossible creations made in an outhouse laboratory.
In this visionary sequel to Mary Shelley’s original classic of literature, old experiments resume, new mysteries arise, and the true question of mankind’s morality tested once more.
"He was soon borne away by the waves, and lost in darkness and distance." There are those who would swear that Victor Frankenstein is dead. Those who would swear his Creature died also.
They were wrong.
1842. Underneath the Thames, workmen digging Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s tunnel uncover something monstrous, asleep in the clay. In Norfolk, a ragged stranger arrives at the home of philosopher Samuel Greene and his wife and sets to work, conducting bizarre experiments.
1850. Stories spread across someone living in the shadows, helping those in need. In Newgate prison, Samuel Greene stands accused of murder. Philanthropist Edwin Melrose and investigator Arthur Phipps are determined to understand what happened, but the story Greene has to tell is almost monstrous, impossible creations made in an outhouse laboratory.
In this visionary sequel to Mary Shelley’s original classic of literature, old experiments resume, new mysteries arise, and the true question of mankind’s morality tested once more.
288 pages, Paperback
Published September 2, 2025
5 people are currently reading
265 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 15, 2025
“It is a house, then, of splendid and terrible seclusion.”
Frankenstein‘s monster doesn’t just pay homage to Shelley’s Frankenstein but to many of the old gothic classics. Personally I saw echoes of Dickens, Wilkie Collins, Stevenson & Susan Hill.Also I did see some similarities to his previous work (The lost city of Dr Moreau) Barns may introduce his readers to new characters but the core message remains the same. This tale is written in epistolary form, this not only adds atmosphere but strong physiological depth. The story also functions with a dual timeline.
Through Frankenstein’s Monster Barnes extends on Shelly’s original tale with thought provoking accuracy & understanding. Barnes masterfully demonstrates Shelly’s philosophical anxieties while exploring into new moral territory. Victor is revived as an obsessive visionary soul & not as a transformed man. Victor is still consumed with the idea of conquering death & even declaring that creation should be man’s not women’s. This particular appreciation becomes a central through a character named Alice Greene. Through her Barnes creates a brilliant inversion which allows him to explore/suggest that true monstrosity is not in the outward appearance but inside through moral corruption.
Through victor’s creature Barnes writes him brilliantly with a deep understanding of the inward workings of his mind but compassionately evolves him. This only strengthens Shelly’s argument that humanity isn’t defined by the outer appearances but is defined by action. Barnes hints that true horror isn’t the creature but it’s humanity’s unwilling capacity to change Victor Frankenstein’s original sin, a warning that mirrors Shelley’s era. Without ethical change to sciencic progress occurring horror is made. This thematically lifts the complexities thus elevating Barnes’ sequel with genuine philosophical understanding to the source material.
Frankenstein’s monster is a slow burn psychological gothic.
Reading this felt like I was stepping into a gothic novel not just simply opening a novel, with cinematic scenes, dark & brooding atmosphere. The reader is kept at arms left with secrets & deceit revealed precisely at the right moments with a touch of melodrama. A worthy mention is that I loved that Barnes focused on psychic energies & the impact of victors original sin had upon nature/the unbalance it thus created.
Barnes achievement to capture the tone of the 19th century, through not only his prose but capturing the anxieties of the time period to modern audience is nothing but outstanding! With also being able to channel Shelly’s romantic gothic. Undoubtably, he’s an underrated writer & it’s criminal.
Frankenstein‘s monster doesn’t just pay homage to Shelley’s Frankenstein but to many of the old gothic classics. Personally I saw echoes of Dickens, Wilkie Collins, Stevenson & Susan Hill.Also I did see some similarities to his previous work (The lost city of Dr Moreau) Barns may introduce his readers to new characters but the core message remains the same. This tale is written in epistolary form, this not only adds atmosphere but strong physiological depth. The story also functions with a dual timeline.
Through Frankenstein’s Monster Barnes extends on Shelly’s original tale with thought provoking accuracy & understanding. Barnes masterfully demonstrates Shelly’s philosophical anxieties while exploring into new moral territory. Victor is revived as an obsessive visionary soul & not as a transformed man. Victor is still consumed with the idea of conquering death & even declaring that creation should be man’s not women’s. This particular appreciation becomes a central through a character named Alice Greene. Through her Barnes creates a brilliant inversion which allows him to explore/suggest that true monstrosity is not in the outward appearance but inside through moral corruption.
Through victor’s creature Barnes writes him brilliantly with a deep understanding of the inward workings of his mind but compassionately evolves him. This only strengthens Shelly’s argument that humanity isn’t defined by the outer appearances but is defined by action. Barnes hints that true horror isn’t the creature but it’s humanity’s unwilling capacity to change Victor Frankenstein’s original sin, a warning that mirrors Shelley’s era. Without ethical change to sciencic progress occurring horror is made. This thematically lifts the complexities thus elevating Barnes’ sequel with genuine philosophical understanding to the source material.
Frankenstein’s monster is a slow burn psychological gothic.
Reading this felt like I was stepping into a gothic novel not just simply opening a novel, with cinematic scenes, dark & brooding atmosphere. The reader is kept at arms left with secrets & deceit revealed precisely at the right moments with a touch of melodrama. A worthy mention is that I loved that Barnes focused on psychic energies & the impact of victors original sin had upon nature/the unbalance it thus created.
Barnes achievement to capture the tone of the 19th century, through not only his prose but capturing the anxieties of the time period to modern audience is nothing but outstanding! With also being able to channel Shelly’s romantic gothic. Undoubtably, he’s an underrated writer & it’s criminal.
November 2, 2025
I enjoyed this quite a bit, having just reread Shelley's Frankenstein (also in preparation for Del Toro's recently released film adaptation). It's different, but also smartly concerned with Shelley's largely philsophical/theological interests. The way it brings Victor Frankenstein and his monster back to life feels like pulling these themes from its original context and giving them a renewed lens through which to apply it to our own context.
I struggled a bit with the shifting timelines (I always do), but what helped is the consistency with which Barnes ties these contrasting worlds together with a shared interest and struggle. Here the similar wrestling that we find ingrained in Shelley's monumental and classic work finds its embodiment in a new character on a fresh journey navigating a still unfamiliar world that seems to be held captive to modernity's insistance that we create (and recreate) the world in our image. The world that stares back at us in this book is a reminder of just how palpable and familiar that old monster remains, even as we continue to reclaim it and redeem it from the system that defined it.
I struggled a bit with the shifting timelines (I always do), but what helped is the consistency with which Barnes ties these contrasting worlds together with a shared interest and struggle. Here the similar wrestling that we find ingrained in Shelley's monumental and classic work finds its embodiment in a new character on a fresh journey navigating a still unfamiliar world that seems to be held captive to modernity's insistance that we create (and recreate) the world in our image. The world that stares back at us in this book is a reminder of just how palpable and familiar that old monster remains, even as we continue to reclaim it and redeem it from the system that defined it.
October 29, 2025
This was sort of an impulse buy. I saw it at Books-A-Million and, having been on a huge Frankenstein tear, re-reading the novel for the umpteenth time and watching many of the Universal and Hammer films, I was intrigued by the cover and the description. I’ve read other unofficial Frankenstein sequels, such as Dean Koontz’s somewhat camp take, but this one felt special in many ways.
Barnes makes a commendable attempt at capturing Mary Shelley’s Russian nesting-doll, stories-within-stories style of progression. It also feels like Stoker’s Dracula (which Barnes has also written a sequel to that I intend to check out), being essentially epistolary. There are also echoes of Lovecraft in Barnes’s influence, with our primary protagonist, Jesse Malone, being introduced as a raving madman, and his scrapbook slowly revealing why he’s been rendered to this.
As far as working as a true sequel to Shelley’s novel in terms of characterization, though, I think Barnes takes a different route that, while not being wholly loyal to the novel, works as a real page-turning, fun horror experience.
Victor Frankenstein is here characterized almost exactly like how he is in Hammer’s film series, where he’s portrayed by Peter Cushing. He’s charismatic, scheming, has a tendency to use aliases and pseudonyms, and shows no regret for what he’s done beyond the creature he first created being disobedient to him. While this is a far cry from Shelley’s original portrayal of a regretful and depressed man who, by the end of the work, seems to at least partially understand his mistakes, this characterization of Victor does make for a fantastic villain, one that, like Cushing’s performance in the Hammer films, you can’t help yourself from being morbidly intrigued by.
For a complete blind-buy and read, I lucked out and really enjoyed this. I’ll definitely be giving Barnes’s Dracula and Moreau sequels a look.
Barnes makes a commendable attempt at capturing Mary Shelley’s Russian nesting-doll, stories-within-stories style of progression. It also feels like Stoker’s Dracula (which Barnes has also written a sequel to that I intend to check out), being essentially epistolary. There are also echoes of Lovecraft in Barnes’s influence, with our primary protagonist, Jesse Malone, being introduced as a raving madman, and his scrapbook slowly revealing why he’s been rendered to this.
As far as working as a true sequel to Shelley’s novel in terms of characterization, though, I think Barnes takes a different route that, while not being wholly loyal to the novel, works as a real page-turning, fun horror experience.
Victor Frankenstein is here characterized almost exactly like how he is in Hammer’s film series, where he’s portrayed by Peter Cushing. He’s charismatic, scheming, has a tendency to use aliases and pseudonyms, and shows no regret for what he’s done beyond the creature he first created being disobedient to him. While this is a far cry from Shelley’s original portrayal of a regretful and depressed man who, by the end of the work, seems to at least partially understand his mistakes, this characterization of Victor does make for a fantastic villain, one that, like Cushing’s performance in the Hammer films, you can’t help yourself from being morbidly intrigued by.
For a complete blind-buy and read, I lucked out and really enjoyed this. I’ll definitely be giving Barnes’s Dracula and Moreau sequels a look.
July 23, 2025
I read an eARC of this book on NetGalley so thank you to the author and the publisher.
This book evoked Frankenstein well. It takes very familiar characters and themes from the original book and builds them into a sequel of sorts. We are reading a tale of terror built from different peoples’ accounts and collated into the scrapbook of an American currently residing in London. I can’t decide whether I think it’s necessary to have read Frankenstein first, or if you could read this standalone. I felt I benefitted from having read Frankenstein first as it gave me recognition of characters and events that are alluded to. However it also meant I had some baggage from the original that influenced how I viewed the characters when they came up here.
I felt this book showed a lot of affection to the original whilst creating its own unique story. This is set years later and the core of it has two friends looking into the purchase of a menacing house, with a tragic story. While they look into the events that happened at the house, we learn from different witnesses and recollections of the history of this house and how the arrival of a man at this dark place, ruined lives and caused great suffering. Atmosphere was well done here and there was something very creepy created with this house.
I enjoyed this and found myself compelled to keep reading. I was heavily invested in the central story and it was fun spotting recognisable pieces from the original that the author had woven in.
This book evoked Frankenstein well. It takes very familiar characters and themes from the original book and builds them into a sequel of sorts. We are reading a tale of terror built from different peoples’ accounts and collated into the scrapbook of an American currently residing in London. I can’t decide whether I think it’s necessary to have read Frankenstein first, or if you could read this standalone. I felt I benefitted from having read Frankenstein first as it gave me recognition of characters and events that are alluded to. However it also meant I had some baggage from the original that influenced how I viewed the characters when they came up here.
I felt this book showed a lot of affection to the original whilst creating its own unique story. This is set years later and the core of it has two friends looking into the purchase of a menacing house, with a tragic story. While they look into the events that happened at the house, we learn from different witnesses and recollections of the history of this house and how the arrival of a man at this dark place, ruined lives and caused great suffering. Atmosphere was well done here and there was something very creepy created with this house.
I enjoyed this and found myself compelled to keep reading. I was heavily invested in the central story and it was fun spotting recognisable pieces from the original that the author had woven in.
August 17, 2025
I would like to extend a thank you to the author, J.S. Barnes for helping me to get a copy of his upcoming novel, Frankenstein’s Monster, and to NetGalley for providing the ARC.
I had been previously reading his other novel, Dracula’s Child, which is why I was so interested in reading it.
What the book blurb calls a sequel, I would consider more of a reimagined version of Mary Shelley Wollstonecraft’s most famous piece of literature.
Barnes’ story is told through both written letters to/from various characters, and personal narrations as well. While at first, I was drawn into this addition to the infamous horror legend of Frankenstein, and his “monster”, I eventually started to lose interest. I think this was in large part by the character’s never ending stories, that felt like they could have been much more condensed than presented. The other struggle I had was that when a character started to tell something that felt very compelling and was pregnant with anticipation of what was about to be told, they would say something along the lines of “well you could guess what happened” or “I would tell you but you don’t want to know those details. Yes! Actually I do!!!! This happened throughout the entire novel. It caused a lot of frustration for me as a reader. The author was dangling what possibly could have been some very exciting reading material, and then snatched it away. Was this a writing strategy? Was this lack of conceptual follow through? I still don’t know for certain. But, using said author’s own clear strategy is this…
What I know for certain is that I am glad that I did not DNF this book. While the story had small bits and pieces that were compelling, the abysmally painful lengths of how the characters (author) chose to tell stories actually did pay off in the end. At the very literal end. At parts I began to think I wasn’t even reading the correct story any longer. I thought maybe this is more about Victor Frankenstein, than his monster. And frankly, in some parts, a lot of the middle through the end, it was. The original Creature does make some special guest appearances, the story focuses more on an elderly Frankenstein (Victor, not the monster), and his story after he “died” in Shelley’s version.
Barnes does incorporate the sense of dark dread and despair, such as Shelley did, and continues to use her for inspiration in his adaptation. While there are some characters who make guest appearances from the original story, there are also a handful of new ones who help to extend this gothic, grotesque classic horror story into the 20th century era.
Rating wise, if it were up to me, I would give this a 2.5 stars. But since Goodreads and NetGalley use an odd numbered rating system, I am forced to round it up to a solid 3.
I would advocate that this is a book great for those who loved the original, fans of reanimated corpses/Reanimator (movie), and fans of any of the original classic horror monsters. The author has additionally written a book on Doctor Moreau which could be further reading if one enjoys his writing/this story.
I am curious to find out if I will enjoy Dracula’s Child more, as vampires are my main focus for reading. Will I prefer it over this? Stay animated and find out!
I had been previously reading his other novel, Dracula’s Child, which is why I was so interested in reading it.
What the book blurb calls a sequel, I would consider more of a reimagined version of Mary Shelley Wollstonecraft’s most famous piece of literature.
Barnes’ story is told through both written letters to/from various characters, and personal narrations as well. While at first, I was drawn into this addition to the infamous horror legend of Frankenstein, and his “monster”, I eventually started to lose interest. I think this was in large part by the character’s never ending stories, that felt like they could have been much more condensed than presented. The other struggle I had was that when a character started to tell something that felt very compelling and was pregnant with anticipation of what was about to be told, they would say something along the lines of “well you could guess what happened” or “I would tell you but you don’t want to know those details. Yes! Actually I do!!!! This happened throughout the entire novel. It caused a lot of frustration for me as a reader. The author was dangling what possibly could have been some very exciting reading material, and then snatched it away. Was this a writing strategy? Was this lack of conceptual follow through? I still don’t know for certain. But, using said author’s own clear strategy is this…
What I know for certain is that I am glad that I did not DNF this book. While the story had small bits and pieces that were compelling, the abysmally painful lengths of how the characters (author) chose to tell stories actually did pay off in the end. At the very literal end. At parts I began to think I wasn’t even reading the correct story any longer. I thought maybe this is more about Victor Frankenstein, than his monster. And frankly, in some parts, a lot of the middle through the end, it was. The original Creature does make some special guest appearances, the story focuses more on an elderly Frankenstein (Victor, not the monster), and his story after he “died” in Shelley’s version.
Barnes does incorporate the sense of dark dread and despair, such as Shelley did, and continues to use her for inspiration in his adaptation. While there are some characters who make guest appearances from the original story, there are also a handful of new ones who help to extend this gothic, grotesque classic horror story into the 20th century era.
Rating wise, if it were up to me, I would give this a 2.5 stars. But since Goodreads and NetGalley use an odd numbered rating system, I am forced to round it up to a solid 3.
I would advocate that this is a book great for those who loved the original, fans of reanimated corpses/Reanimator (movie), and fans of any of the original classic horror monsters. The author has additionally written a book on Doctor Moreau which could be further reading if one enjoys his writing/this story.
I am curious to find out if I will enjoy Dracula’s Child more, as vampires are my main focus for reading. Will I prefer it over this? Stay animated and find out!
October 19, 2025
Overall 3*, first few "parts" took ages to get into
Plot/Story: 4* the story picks up at page 35, Part Two, The Personal Testimony of Jesse Malone , however I found myself fully engrossed (and thoroughly enjoying it) once we reached page 157, Part Six, A Letter From The Reverend C. W. Leigh-Stanley To Jesse Malone
There are a few plot-holes that others have mentioned and certain circumstances fell too easily in place like the manner in which Victor Frankenstein automatically seemed to command the will of certain people e.g. Alice Greene for no apparent reason falls under his spell. There's a hint that it's a supernatural pull, but isn't explained. And it doesn't work on everyone.
Writing Style: 2.5* it does drag which could be the reason it took me ages to get into.
Horror level: 2.5* the evil isn't in the creatures created but the humans and their ability to hurt others. These incidents are related in Part Five, Three Further Sightings e.g. a young man who elopes and sends letters to his mother. It doesn't mention how these letters find their way to the scrapbook (the assumption must be made that Jesse Malone sought them out and added them).
Atmosphere: 3* the atmosphere becomes decidedly chilly after Part Four.
Characters: 2.5* initially there's something very one dimensional about them but once Adam joins the cast, it changes
Dr Frank Wyatt: the narrateur..his father, Sergeant Wyatt arrests a "vagrant" who happens to be Jesse Malone.
Jesse Malone: seems like a bored rich guy who gets himself tangled into things he had no business getting involved with. Should have used his vast wealth to build schools, create a political party or research aliens. But nope, he goes around London pretending to be poor imitation Sherlock Holmes.
Hubert Crowe: a psychic who doesn't play a massive role other than to tangle poor Jesse Malone into Frankenstein's world. If "curiosity killed the cat" was a person that would be Hubert.
Nathaniel Greene: initially found him a tedious stereotype of the "gentleman" class. But once Adam joined the story I grew to like him. His character development was what had me hooked
Alice Greene: a lonely woman married to a philanderer with seemingly no hobbies or interests beyond feeling sorry for herself and resenting her husband (who pretty much tries to imply that she's frigid in order to justify his behaviour). She's vulnerable and just ripe for a con artist to take advantage of her but that still doesn't explain how easily Victor Frankenstein does.
Victor Frankenstein: the book doesn't deal with him that much but he's the caricature of a mad but brilliant evil scientist
The Creature with No Name: he doesn't understand man's capacity to commit evil.
The Reverend C. W. Leigh-Stanley: one of the more interesting and sympathetic characters. I enjoyed his letter the most. And would have liked to have known more of what he wrote regarding Adam and Nathaniel Greene but can understand why more couldn't be shared
Plot/Story: 4* the story picks up at page 35, Part Two, The Personal Testimony of Jesse Malone , however I found myself fully engrossed (and thoroughly enjoying it) once we reached page 157, Part Six, A Letter From The Reverend C. W. Leigh-Stanley To Jesse Malone
There are a few plot-holes that others have mentioned and certain circumstances fell too easily in place like the manner in which Victor Frankenstein automatically seemed to command the will of certain people e.g. Alice Greene for no apparent reason falls under his spell. There's a hint that it's a supernatural pull, but isn't explained. And it doesn't work on everyone.
Writing Style: 2.5* it does drag which could be the reason it took me ages to get into.
Horror level: 2.5* the evil isn't in the creatures created but the humans and their ability to hurt others. These incidents are related in Part Five, Three Further Sightings e.g. a young man who elopes and sends letters to his mother. It doesn't mention how these letters find their way to the scrapbook (the assumption must be made that Jesse Malone sought them out and added them).
Atmosphere: 3* the atmosphere becomes decidedly chilly after Part Four.
Characters: 2.5* initially there's something very one dimensional about them but once Adam joins the cast, it changes
Dr Frank Wyatt: the narrateur..his father, Sergeant Wyatt arrests a "vagrant" who happens to be Jesse Malone.
Jesse Malone: seems like a bored rich guy who gets himself tangled into things he had no business getting involved with. Should have used his vast wealth to build schools, create a political party or research aliens. But nope, he goes around London pretending to be poor imitation Sherlock Holmes.
Hubert Crowe: a psychic who doesn't play a massive role other than to tangle poor Jesse Malone into Frankenstein's world. If "curiosity killed the cat" was a person that would be Hubert.
Nathaniel Greene: initially found him a tedious stereotype of the "gentleman" class. But once Adam joined the story I grew to like him. His character development was what had me hooked
Alice Greene: a lonely woman married to a philanderer with seemingly no hobbies or interests beyond feeling sorry for herself and resenting her husband (who pretty much tries to imply that she's frigid in order to justify his behaviour). She's vulnerable and just ripe for a con artist to take advantage of her but that still doesn't explain how easily Victor Frankenstein does.
Victor Frankenstein: the book doesn't deal with him that much but he's the caricature of a mad but brilliant evil scientist
The Creature with No Name: he doesn't understand man's capacity to commit evil.
The Reverend C. W. Leigh-Stanley: one of the more interesting and sympathetic characters. I enjoyed his letter the most. And would have liked to have known more of what he wrote regarding Adam and Nathaniel Greene but can understand why more couldn't be shared
September 3, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Frankenstein’s Monster by J.S. Barnes is a dark and atmospheric sequel to Mary Shelley’s classic, told through letters and personal narrations. At first, I was completely drawn into this gothic continuation of the infamous horror legend, but over time I found myself losing a bit of interest.
The writing style is beautifully brooding and very reminiscent of the gothic tone I love in Bram Stoker’s Dracula. In fact, that similarity in prose was one of my favorite aspects of the book. I also appreciated the twists in the story and the bursts of graphic horror, which I honestly wouldn’t have minded seeing more of. The atmosphere throughout is compelling, and I enjoyed the way it stirred different emotions on different levels.
That said, I did struggle with the structure. The story shifts between perspectives and letters so quickly that it felt disjointed in places, and it wasn’t the kind of book I could easily set down and pick back up. I often had to flip back a few pages to reorient myself. While the narrative kept me engaged overall, I found it difficult to warm to any of the characters, which lessened my investment in their journeys.
Still, this was an enjoyable read. It’s quick, moody, and definitely worth picking up if you’re a fan of classic gothic horror. I’m intrigued to explore Barnes’ other works, especially Dracula’s Child and his take on Doctor Moreau.
If you enjoy modern continuations of the great horror classics, I would certainly recommend giving this one a try. For me, it lands at a solid 3 stars (3.5 if I could).
Frankenstein’s Monster by J.S. Barnes is a dark and atmospheric sequel to Mary Shelley’s classic, told through letters and personal narrations. At first, I was completely drawn into this gothic continuation of the infamous horror legend, but over time I found myself losing a bit of interest.
The writing style is beautifully brooding and very reminiscent of the gothic tone I love in Bram Stoker’s Dracula. In fact, that similarity in prose was one of my favorite aspects of the book. I also appreciated the twists in the story and the bursts of graphic horror, which I honestly wouldn’t have minded seeing more of. The atmosphere throughout is compelling, and I enjoyed the way it stirred different emotions on different levels.
That said, I did struggle with the structure. The story shifts between perspectives and letters so quickly that it felt disjointed in places, and it wasn’t the kind of book I could easily set down and pick back up. I often had to flip back a few pages to reorient myself. While the narrative kept me engaged overall, I found it difficult to warm to any of the characters, which lessened my investment in their journeys.
Still, this was an enjoyable read. It’s quick, moody, and definitely worth picking up if you’re a fan of classic gothic horror. I’m intrigued to explore Barnes’ other works, especially Dracula’s Child and his take on Doctor Moreau.
If you enjoy modern continuations of the great horror classics, I would certainly recommend giving this one a try. For me, it lands at a solid 3 stars (3.5 if I could).
October 7, 2025
A scrapbook filled with whispers about Creatures made from cold, dead limps, stitched together by the hands of the mad doctor Victor Frankenstein, this story follows a series of events after Mary Shelley's original novel. How refreshing it was to read a book written this way! Instead of telling the story start to finish, we puzzle it together through letters, journal entries and newspaper articles. Many characters pass, which was at times difficult to follow, but it was fun to figure the story out along with Jesse Malowe, who assembled the scrapbook and lost his mind while doing so. The places he travelled to and the people he encountered were described so vividly, creating the perfect Gothic atmosphere a book like this calls for. Fieldwick Hall really build itself inside my head, brick by brick, each stone laid by a different character.
I would not say this book is heavy and filled with horror - if you know the story of Frankenstein, you know what to expect. For frequent readers of Gothic, I might even go as far as to call this a light and fun book, while still honouring the genre and giving us all the elements we love in a story like that. The way it's being told (through the scrapbook) makes it really unique and worth checking it out!
I would not say this book is heavy and filled with horror - if you know the story of Frankenstein, you know what to expect. For frequent readers of Gothic, I might even go as far as to call this a light and fun book, while still honouring the genre and giving us all the elements we love in a story like that. The way it's being told (through the scrapbook) makes it really unique and worth checking it out!
October 3, 2025
This book was described as being written “in the style of Mary Shelley’s classic.” Personally, I don’t think that comparison quite holds. The prose lacks the elegance and depth of Frankenstein, though to be fair, few works can rival Shelley’s.
I struggled with the explanations of how both Victor Frankenstein and his creation managed to survive. The explanations never felt convincing enough to allow me to fully suspend disbelief. The author also reimagines Victor in ways that didn’t ring true to me. That, along with some of the characters rapidly falling under his influence without any clear reason, left me frustrated.
The story shifts between multiple narrators, and while this can sometimes add interesting perspectives, here it sometimes becomes confusing. A more focused, single perspective might have made the narrative stronger.
That said, the book is neither poorly written nor slow-paced. It does make for a fun, atmospheric read during spooky season. It just fell short in a few key areas. For the most part, I enjoyed the story while reading, but it’s not one I’m likely to revisit or recommend.
I struggled with the explanations of how both Victor Frankenstein and his creation managed to survive. The explanations never felt convincing enough to allow me to fully suspend disbelief. The author also reimagines Victor in ways that didn’t ring true to me. That, along with some of the characters rapidly falling under his influence without any clear reason, left me frustrated.
The story shifts between multiple narrators, and while this can sometimes add interesting perspectives, here it sometimes becomes confusing. A more focused, single perspective might have made the narrative stronger.
That said, the book is neither poorly written nor slow-paced. It does make for a fun, atmospheric read during spooky season. It just fell short in a few key areas. For the most part, I enjoyed the story while reading, but it’s not one I’m likely to revisit or recommend.
October 4, 2025
Full of menace and atmosphere
—
In an imaginative sequel to Shelley’s original, Barnes takes the Creature and his maker and braids a tale from the various people they encounter as they journey away from each other, until events draw the two back together again. If you’ve forgotten how Frankenstein ends, the two are at odds and the Creature is shown to be more than a revenant, with an intelligence that has been rarely depicted since. In this novel, sightings of the creature are related in letters, news clippings and journals, tracking its adventures into the Arctic, back to Europe, England and, eventually, America, where things have turned even more grisly.
Presented as a linear novel in snippets of correspondence, personal diaries and relevant news articles, the story at the heart of the book takes an age to get going, and the slight glimpses of the Creature at the beginning made me question if this really was a Frankenstein book. The reason for starting in New York isn’t really explained until almost the last page, by which time I was already bamboozled, befuddled and discombobulated. Full of menace and atmosphere but the central attractions are too long obscured.
—
In an imaginative sequel to Shelley’s original, Barnes takes the Creature and his maker and braids a tale from the various people they encounter as they journey away from each other, until events draw the two back together again. If you’ve forgotten how Frankenstein ends, the two are at odds and the Creature is shown to be more than a revenant, with an intelligence that has been rarely depicted since. In this novel, sightings of the creature are related in letters, news clippings and journals, tracking its adventures into the Arctic, back to Europe, England and, eventually, America, where things have turned even more grisly.
Presented as a linear novel in snippets of correspondence, personal diaries and relevant news articles, the story at the heart of the book takes an age to get going, and the slight glimpses of the Creature at the beginning made me question if this really was a Frankenstein book. The reason for starting in New York isn’t really explained until almost the last page, by which time I was already bamboozled, befuddled and discombobulated. Full of menace and atmosphere but the central attractions are too long obscured.
December 26, 2025
I don't generally go for gimmicky fiction, retellings, or fan sequels, but I was so taken by Del Toro's cinematic take on Frankenstein, that I wanted to linger in that world a bit longer. This book actually did the trick ...in a way.
Told in an epistolary manner, through journal entries and recollections of various personage who've had the dubious fortune to have encountered Victor Frankenstein and his famous creation, the novel mimics the language and style of the era well enough, without dragging it down with some of the more cumbersome aspects of bygone linguistic gymnastics. It even throws in enough imaginary flourishes to make it worthwhile.
Barnes, it seems, has made a career out of sequelizing famous works. We live/read in a day and age where originality is often sacrificed at the altar of "what sells," tragically including but not limited to a variety of revisits, retellings, reimaginings, etc. of famous existing works. If it must be done, let it be at least done by someone who does a decent job of it - such as the case here.
Or - just a wild thought here -why not write your own monsters, strange and original enough to enter public imagination for centuries to come? A nineteen-year-old had managed it once. Just saying ...
Thanks Netgalley.
This and more at https://advancetheplot.weebly.com/
Told in an epistolary manner, through journal entries and recollections of various personage who've had the dubious fortune to have encountered Victor Frankenstein and his famous creation, the novel mimics the language and style of the era well enough, without dragging it down with some of the more cumbersome aspects of bygone linguistic gymnastics. It even throws in enough imaginary flourishes to make it worthwhile.
Barnes, it seems, has made a career out of sequelizing famous works. We live/read in a day and age where originality is often sacrificed at the altar of "what sells," tragically including but not limited to a variety of revisits, retellings, reimaginings, etc. of famous existing works. If it must be done, let it be at least done by someone who does a decent job of it - such as the case here.
Or - just a wild thought here -why not write your own monsters, strange and original enough to enter public imagination for centuries to come? A nineteen-year-old had managed it once. Just saying ...
Thanks Netgalley.
This and more at https://advancetheplot.weebly.com/
July 26, 2025
This is a well written, dark, and atmospheric sequel to Mary Shelley's classic tale. Written in a style that echoes the original, it has a brooding, gothic tone that brings the period to life.
The story primarily follows a writer and his wife, who have escaped to the countryside. Their lives are disrupted when a bedraggled stranger arrives on their doorstep. It is the arrival of this man and the wife's longing for a child which are the main driving forces of the plot. An American philanthropist becomes entangled in the story, determined to uncover the truth behind the mysterious events that took place at the house.
While it’s a relatively quick and engaging read, I found it difficult to warm to any of the characters. The narrative kept me reading, but at times felt disjointed, which made the plot harder to follow in places. Despite this, it’s still an enjoyable homage to Frankenstein.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC.
The story primarily follows a writer and his wife, who have escaped to the countryside. Their lives are disrupted when a bedraggled stranger arrives on their doorstep. It is the arrival of this man and the wife's longing for a child which are the main driving forces of the plot. An American philanthropist becomes entangled in the story, determined to uncover the truth behind the mysterious events that took place at the house.
While it’s a relatively quick and engaging read, I found it difficult to warm to any of the characters. The narrative kept me reading, but at times felt disjointed, which made the plot harder to follow in places. Despite this, it’s still an enjoyable homage to Frankenstein.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC.
August 1, 2025
I will read (or watch) any adaptation of Mary Shelley’s work—and this sequel genuinely earns its place alongside the original. Frankenstein’s Monster is a gorgeously written, moody continuation that doesn’t simply mimic Shelley’s style, it embraces it.
The dual timelines, creeping suspense, and deeply philosophical undertones make it clear Barnes respects the source material. While it leans more into gothic horror than raw emotion, it explores familiar questions—creation, responsibility, humanity—in new, provocative ways.
The story unfolds like an old wound reopened. You can almost smell the candlewax and rain-soaked wood. This is what a gothic sequel should feel like.
4/5 stars – Dark, literary, and reverent to the original. A love letter to Shelley’s monster, with new chills.
The dual timelines, creeping suspense, and deeply philosophical undertones make it clear Barnes respects the source material. While it leans more into gothic horror than raw emotion, it explores familiar questions—creation, responsibility, humanity—in new, provocative ways.
The story unfolds like an old wound reopened. You can almost smell the candlewax and rain-soaked wood. This is what a gothic sequel should feel like.
4/5 stars – Dark, literary, and reverent to the original. A love letter to Shelley’s monster, with new chills.
October 9, 2025
An interesting exploration on what could have happened had Victor and the creature survived the Antarctic. I enjoyed that the format felt reminiscent of the source text and that it in particular had the sense of being pieced together by the collator. It portrayed the creature very well and accurate to how I read him in the original novel and it was interesting to see Victor devolve further and further until he became one of his own creations. I also enjoyed the addition of Adam and seeing him get to be raised by a loving father unlike the creature and how that changed him as well as his reunion with the creature who gets to find a family of him own with him. Overall I enjoyed it and it felt respectful to the orginal book while bringing its own perspective to the characters.
August 13, 2025
The book is short and easy to read. I also really enjoyed the narrator’s voice. I think it’s perfect for those who love historical fiction. The darkness of the era, memories, letters...
This is an ARC review. I appreciate receiving this copy from NetGalley and the publisher in return for an honest review.
This is an ARC review. I appreciate receiving this copy from NetGalley and the publisher in return for an honest review.
September 5, 2025
A worthy sequel to the original Frankenstein. Told in the same style as the original book i was engaged in it from the start. The excellent plot and characters made reading this book a joy to read. Fans of Frankenstein should give this book a go you won't be disappointed. Thanks to Titan books and Netgalley for this review copy.
October 9, 2025
DNF. I have struggled with this one, but I give up after reading half of it. A book filled with unlikable characters, illogical situations, and boredom inducing chapters. Not a good novel and, of course, not a worthy sequel to the original story.
November 19, 2025
📖4.5⭐️
I loved this nearly as much as Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. J.S. Barnes almost had me believing this was Mary's sequel. Though I do wish there was more with the monster than the Victorian Gentleman, it was still very well done.
I loved this nearly as much as Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. J.S. Barnes almost had me believing this was Mary's sequel. Though I do wish there was more with the monster than the Victorian Gentleman, it was still very well done.
Want to read
March 9, 2025"A bold, unique sequel to Mary Shelley's classic work of literature from the author of Dracula's Child and The City of Dr Moreau."
November 9, 2025
Did the world need a sequel to Mary Shellys classic?No.
Is this a good book with enough goth and horror to make for a very nice read? Definately yes.
Is this a good book with enough goth and horror to make for a very nice read? Definately yes.
October 20, 2025
I love anything having to do with Frankenstein, not the Doctor but the creature.
This was a bit of a slow burn and I had trouble getting into it at first. The last half of the book really picks up and was enjoyable. Lots of atmosphere and I loved the epistolary sections of the book. Read like a found footage film.
This was a bit of a slow burn and I had trouble getting into it at first. The last half of the book really picks up and was enjoyable. Lots of atmosphere and I loved the epistolary sections of the book. Read like a found footage film.
December 10, 2025
This is one of those books that I need to read in person to have the full experience because it’s written in such a unique older fashion that mimics the way that the first Frankenstein book was created and that in itself as an art form, but it also is very daunting and odd to read on an electric device something that is very modern day so that juxtaposition was a little weird on my brain. That being said, I loved this book immensely. Every page is just perfection.
I am very much a Frankenstein and Mary Shelley fan and this book has magic in it and I need it so I can just read it over and over again and keep it on my shelf for when I’m wanting my Frankenstein fix.
I will admit this book is definitely something that takes a lot of mental energy to read. It’s not an easy read, but it is packed full of action. Boredom is not something that you will be experiencing while reading this. It was difficult to put down and also just genuinely work of art.
I’m excited to buy this in stores and have it on my shelf once I’m able to just to be able to cherish.
Thank you for this ARC! I appreciate the opportunity to leave honest feedback voluntarily.
I am very much a Frankenstein and Mary Shelley fan and this book has magic in it and I need it so I can just read it over and over again and keep it on my shelf for when I’m wanting my Frankenstein fix.
I will admit this book is definitely something that takes a lot of mental energy to read. It’s not an easy read, but it is packed full of action. Boredom is not something that you will be experiencing while reading this. It was difficult to put down and also just genuinely work of art.
I’m excited to buy this in stores and have it on my shelf once I’m able to just to be able to cherish.
Thank you for this ARC! I appreciate the opportunity to leave honest feedback voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews