The Monsters at the End of the World: An astonishing debut about friendship and survival

by Rebecca Orwin

'A powerful tale of compassion and understanding' – Hannah Gold, author of The Last Bear.

Sunny waited until her mother was asleep before she went back for the monster . . .

All her life, Sunny has known three truths about the creatures that prowl the seas off her tiny coastal town. They are dangerous. They are violent. They are monsters.

But when a chance encounter leads to an unexpected connection, Sunny discovers just how wrong she has been. The monster she meets – Mo – is intelligent, gentle, and searching for his lost brother.

Sunny desperately wants to help, and to keep her new friend a secret. But other people are keeping secrets too. And as hunger grips the town, new truths will emerge about the real monsters in Seawaren . . .

An astonishing debut novel about friendship, trust and survival, perfect for fans of Skellig.

'A spectacular debut, full of adventure and bravery. Sunny and Mo have stolen a piece of my heart' – Clare Harlow, author of The Many Faces of Ista Flit.

Genres: Middle Grade

299 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 8, 2026

Reviews

[Hannah Rials Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunning debut! Agree with the comps to Skellig and Tyger. For kids with a high reading level, or early teens, as I did find some parts quite scary and the world and communication as a whole pretty complex. But loved the originality, the characters and friendships, the monsters. All of it! Can’t wait to see what she does next.

[BookBairn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fabulous dystopian nature-based fiction for kids that is not simply about surviving in a world where water (along with crops and animals) is poisoned but about a deeper empathy with those we share the planet with. About misconceptions. About seeing the world through different eyes. A powerful story!

[Katy Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dystopic us-and-them eco tale for younger readers.

I do applaud writers for introducing younger audiences to darker topics, heavier themes, in a world where childhood has changed so much and kids see so much around them to question and worry. Books need to reflect this.

This story of a community driven to the edge (literally) of the land by encroaching poison in the water, scraping by each year and working hard, even the children, for every morsel, does fit into this shift. Sunny and her friends help the adults with crops and fishing, avoiding the poison, still trying to find time for fun and lightness where they can.

Their world however is a shared one. 'Monsters' live in the seas, to be avoided, sometimes fought off, and the children one day find a young monster caught in one of their own traps near home, only Sunny wanting to return to free it.

And when she does, in the tussle to help, she finds that a touch of this creature's body and she can read his thoughts. And he, hers.

The creature may not be quite as monstrous as all the humans believe.

This starts a cross-species narrative of growing understanding, trust and kinship. With secrets and lies, misunderstandings and stand-offs, Sunny and Mo (as she calls him) take readers through the darker side of a society on the brink, showing each other the flaws of their species but also what they have in common.

I was glad the book was illustrated. I would have pictured a Lilo and Stitch-type character otherwise. The insights into the growing communication between the two, the minds of both, and the plot itself was a great combination.

Sunny is a likeable girl, Mo very similar - a creature brought up to believe one thing but willing with evidence to change his mind, both empathetic and ready to trust and work together. There are other memorable characters in the cast and the world of Sunny's village is bleak and well described, easy to bring to life in your head.

Suitable for ages 9 and above.

With thanks to the publisher for providing a sample reading copy.

[Chloe Emmerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get my hands on a pre-release of this absolutely stunning children's fantasy novel. It highlights simply beautifully the power and importance of empathy, compassion and understanding. This is so important now, arguably, more than ever, for children to read about and engage with. The character of Sunny was a true heroine, and her and Mo are a model of kindness and friendship in unlikely circumstances. The illustrations are also a stunning companion. I will be recommending this book to all the younger Secondary school students that I teach and their parents. What a stunning debut by a talented woman.

[Laura Heath · Rating 5 out of 5]

spectacular

This has been the best book I have read for a long time. So empathetic, such a journey. I can’t even describe how significant I feel this book is for children to read and get an understanding of the danger of the fear of difference. My goodness I adore these characters. I have adored this whole thing. Thankyou for writing this. Please write more!

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely STUNNING!! I loved every word.

[Michael Orwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best fantasy book that can be found on a shelf.

[Kate H · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
A dystopian How to train your dragon. Enjoyable and well written.