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Summer of the Monsters
“Monsters aren’t real.”
That’s what sixteen-year-old Lucy Brannigan has always believed, until, broke and desperate, she and her father move to an isolated farmhouse in the small Scottish town of Helsbridge. It’s their last chance, and they have to make it work.
For Lucy, life appears to be over. With no friends, and surrounded by miles of thick woodland, there’s nothing to do. But why did the previous occupants leave their belongings behind? And why is their new home surrounded by dozens of scarecrows? And worst of all… what is the cause of the horrifying screams that wake her in the night?
This summer, Lucy will be forced to learn the dark secret of Helsbridge. And as the bodies pile up, and the blood flows in rivers, she makes a shocking discovery that will change the course of her life forever.
Monsters are real… and no amount of flesh can sate their diabolical hunger.
Summer of the Monsters is a tender and brutal coming-of-age horror story from the savage mind of David Sodergren, author of Maggie’s Grave and The Haar.
That’s what sixteen-year-old Lucy Brannigan has always believed, until, broke and desperate, she and her father move to an isolated farmhouse in the small Scottish town of Helsbridge. It’s their last chance, and they have to make it work.
For Lucy, life appears to be over. With no friends, and surrounded by miles of thick woodland, there’s nothing to do. But why did the previous occupants leave their belongings behind? And why is their new home surrounded by dozens of scarecrows? And worst of all… what is the cause of the horrifying screams that wake her in the night?
This summer, Lucy will be forced to learn the dark secret of Helsbridge. And as the bodies pile up, and the blood flows in rivers, she makes a shocking discovery that will change the course of her life forever.
Monsters are real… and no amount of flesh can sate their diabolical hunger.
Summer of the Monsters is a tender and brutal coming-of-age horror story from the savage mind of David Sodergren, author of Maggie’s Grave and The Haar.
254 pages, Paperback
Published December 5, 2024
225 people are currently reading
1700 people want to read
About the author
David Sodergren
21 books2,863 followersDavid Sodergren lives in Scotland with his wife Heather and his best friend, Boris the Pug.
Growing up, he was the kind of kid who collected rubber skeletons and lived for horror movies. Not much has changed since then.
His best known books include the gory and romantic fairy tale The Haar, the blood-drenched folk-horror Maggie’s Grave, and the analog-horror fever dream Rotten Tommy. David also writes under the pseudonym Carl John Lee, publishing splatterpunk
novels such as Psychic Teenage Bloodbath and Cannibal Vengeance.
Growing up, he was the kind of kid who collected rubber skeletons and lived for horror movies. Not much has changed since then.
His best known books include the gory and romantic fairy tale The Haar, the blood-drenched folk-horror Maggie’s Grave, and the analog-horror fever dream Rotten Tommy. David also writes under the pseudonym Carl John Lee, publishing splatterpunk
novels such as Psychic Teenage Bloodbath and Cannibal Vengeance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews
November 25, 2024
I would first like to thank the author again for graciously sending me an early copy of his book (I'm not an arc reviewer or anything, I just like yapping about books). I have been a huge fan of his for years and I truly wish him all the success ever! Support indie authors!
Of course 5 stars
I loved it. I loved it. I loved it. I loved it. I loved it. Truly I had so much fun reading this and didn't want it to end. The blurb perfectly describes this book: a coming of age story but with monsters 😅 What I love about David's books(other than that they are so well-written) is the fact that they are so entertaining and immersive. It truly feels like you're watching a campy horror movie with likable and unlikable characters and this one was SO CAMPY AND NOSTALGIC!! 😭
I loved how this book was kind of meta in certain places and LOVED the tiny little easter eggs of "Maggie's Grave" (another of his novels which was AWESOME!!!!)
This was kind of different than his other books in terms of gore and body horror; this one still had some but it was actually such a heartfelt and at times funny book and the ending made me emotional 🤧
One of my favorite parts of any DS book is the afterword where he explains how he draws inspiration from his life or historical places in Scotland(which is where he is from and his stories are set). It's just so interesting how some stories have a little bit of truth to them. (don't mind me, I'm a huge horror nerd
Can't wait to read his other upcoming release which he said is the complete opposite of this book, so I'm expecting to be thoroughly traumatized😌 can't wait!
( my opinions are my own, and receiving this arc had no effect on this book's rating )
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Not my absolute favorite horror author actually sending me, AN ACTUAL NOBODY, an arc of this book simply because I asked him and he knows I am a huge fan of his 😭😭😭😭😭😭 David Sodergren ILYSM 💘💘💘
Of course 5 stars
I loved it. I loved it. I loved it. I loved it. I loved it. Truly I had so much fun reading this and didn't want it to end. The blurb perfectly describes this book: a coming of age story but with monsters 😅 What I love about David's books(other than that they are so well-written) is the fact that they are so entertaining and immersive. It truly feels like you're watching a campy horror movie with likable and unlikable characters and this one was SO CAMPY AND NOSTALGIC!! 😭
I loved how this book was kind of meta in certain places and LOVED the tiny little easter eggs of "Maggie's Grave" (another of his novels which was AWESOME!!!!)
This was kind of different than his other books in terms of gore and body horror; this one still had some but it was actually such a heartfelt and at times funny book and the ending made me emotional 🤧
One of my favorite parts of any DS book is the afterword where he explains how he draws inspiration from his life or historical places in Scotland(which is where he is from and his stories are set). It's just so interesting how some stories have a little bit of truth to them. (
Can't wait to read his other upcoming release which he said is the complete opposite of this book, so I'm expecting to be thoroughly traumatized😌 can't wait!
( my opinions are my own, and receiving this arc had no effect on this book's rating )
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Not my absolute favorite horror author actually sending me, AN ACTUAL NOBODY, an arc of this book simply because I asked him and he knows I am a huge fan of his 😭😭😭😭😭😭 David Sodergren ILYSM 💘💘💘
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October 23, 2024Hello everybody, Summer of the Monsters is my latest horror novel. Is it a tender coming-of-age story? Or a brutal creature feature? Well, why can't it be both! I hope you enjoy it. Out December 5th 2024.
November 3, 2025
It’s a somewhat rare occasion when I give a book a perfect rating like this. In 2024, out of the nearly 400 reviews I wrote up, maybe 5 were 5-star ratings, which is like around 1%. I’m very nitpicky about books these days, and am a stickler for horror, which has always been my main interest. Now, I’ve read almost all of David Sodergren’s works at this point. This friggin’ guy can write his ass off and this is a perfect example of his skills. The story blends horror and fantasy beautifully, all encompassing coming of age tale with bunches of themes like grief, family, survival, friendship and acceptance, etc. Lucy was a wonderful lead character, leading the charge to everything going on in her new, unsettling hometown with her father. The creatures were fascinating and scary, but were never the central focus. Sodergren kept the attention on the pertinent plot points, using them in various ways to explore the story and deepen the takeaways. This type of book will really appeal to a wide array of readers, all of which will enjoy themselves. Topsiders, I highly recommend this author and encourage you all to spread the word on this highly talented writer.
April 11, 2025
I can't f*cking believe they killed Totoro.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2025
This was so much fun. David's stories are always so full of heart and charm, while still being downright terrifying, and this was no exception. Sammo ♥️
November 1, 2024
unlike the author, i am unfortunately not good with words but i was lucky enough to be able to read this book before it's official release and it absolutely did not disappoint!
i couldn't put it down, every page was filled with suspense and emotion, i just had to keep reading to find out what happened. i may have even shed a little tear at one point too.
i really hope everyone who reads this enjoys it just as much as i did!
i couldn't put it down, every page was filled with suspense and emotion, i just had to keep reading to find out what happened. i may have even shed a little tear at one point too.
i really hope everyone who reads this enjoys it just as much as i did!
December 5, 2024
I'm not shocked that David has done it again. I've been fortunate to befriend Sodergren in the last year—a friendship I'm deeply grateful for. I want to thank David for trusting me to beta read "Summer of the Monsters."
This novel follows Lucy, a teen who recently lost her mom and is moving from the bustling city to the Scottish Highlands with her dad, Brian. Moving to Helsbridge is a desperate attempt to restore their finances and encourage Brian to write again. But something lies within the woods... forces of good and evil will change this small town forever.
If you know me, when I say this one is Haar-level worthy, you know I'm serious. I loved this book deeply. Lucy's character mirrors my own experience of losing my mom in my teens and navigating life with an equally lost parent. This is more than just a coming-of-age novel—it's about love and hope, defiance and trust. When I picked up this book, I didn't put it down for two days. I was either on the edge of my seat, laughing out loud, or crying my eyes out. Sodergren understands the intricacies of what it means to be human—it's his superpower. Every character has a purpose, every chapter holds a secret, and the setting is unmatched (as usual).
I can't wait for everyone to experience "Summer of the Monsters." You might even see some familiar names 🤭 🎨
5/5 - my favorite read of 2024!
This novel follows Lucy, a teen who recently lost her mom and is moving from the bustling city to the Scottish Highlands with her dad, Brian. Moving to Helsbridge is a desperate attempt to restore their finances and encourage Brian to write again. But something lies within the woods... forces of good and evil will change this small town forever.
If you know me, when I say this one is Haar-level worthy, you know I'm serious. I loved this book deeply. Lucy's character mirrors my own experience of losing my mom in my teens and navigating life with an equally lost parent. This is more than just a coming-of-age novel—it's about love and hope, defiance and trust. When I picked up this book, I didn't put it down for two days. I was either on the edge of my seat, laughing out loud, or crying my eyes out. Sodergren understands the intricacies of what it means to be human—it's his superpower. Every character has a purpose, every chapter holds a secret, and the setting is unmatched (as usual).
I can't wait for everyone to experience "Summer of the Monsters." You might even see some familiar names 🤭 🎨
5/5 - my favorite read of 2024!
July 13, 2025
3.5 stars
My Neighbor Totoro with more gore. Having loved The Haar by the same author, the stylistic shift in Summer of the Monsters took me by surprise—it’s a more innocent, coming-of-age story with moments of levity, rather than something dark and grotesque. The novel’s strengths lie in its imaginative environments, as well as in its character dynamics—particularly the relationship between the protagonist and her father. These elements stood out more than the plot, which felt underdeveloped at times, with gaps in logic behind certain events and decisions (especially the ending, which resonated emotionally, but left me unclear on the character’s motivation and its implications).
Summer of the Monsters has the vibe of a great summer horror read—its forest setting and young protagonist make it feels like something straight out of a campfire tale. However, as a fan of David Sodergren’s typically darker and more twisted storytelling, this shift stripped away some of his signature edge and made the overall experience more mainstream and less memorable. While I respect the effort to branch out, for those seeking the full David Sodergren experience—especially if it’s your first time reading him—I’d suggest starting with a different title.
My Neighbor Totoro with more gore. Having loved The Haar by the same author, the stylistic shift in Summer of the Monsters took me by surprise—it’s a more innocent, coming-of-age story with moments of levity, rather than something dark and grotesque. The novel’s strengths lie in its imaginative environments, as well as in its character dynamics—particularly the relationship between the protagonist and her father. These elements stood out more than the plot, which felt underdeveloped at times, with gaps in logic behind certain events and decisions (especially the ending, which resonated emotionally, but left me unclear on the character’s motivation and its implications).
Summer of the Monsters has the vibe of a great summer horror read—its forest setting and young protagonist make it feels like something straight out of a campfire tale. However, as a fan of David Sodergren’s typically darker and more twisted storytelling, this shift stripped away some of his signature edge and made the overall experience more mainstream and less memorable. While I respect the effort to branch out, for those seeking the full David Sodergren experience—especially if it’s your first time reading him—I’d suggest starting with a different title.
March 17, 2025
★★★ ½
Summer of the Monsters was a quick and very fun read. The story moved along at a good pace, building towards a fast-paced action sequence before slowing down for an emotive close. It never dragged, and the momentum kept things engaging throughout.
Lucy was a strong and well-developed protagonist, and I enjoyed following her perspective. However, I felt her dad could have done with a bit more depth—his character was there, but he felt underdeveloped in comparison. Miss Wade also seemed a bit token in the narrative, and I wasn’t quite sure what purpose she served beyond being there.
The horror elements worked well, and while I would have liked more explanation or exposition about the monsters, I suppose the mystery is part of what makes them effective. That said, a little more lore could have elevated the story even further.
Overall, a solid and enjoyable read with a great sense of pace, even if a few aspects left me wanting a bit more.
Summer of the Monsters was a quick and very fun read. The story moved along at a good pace, building towards a fast-paced action sequence before slowing down for an emotive close. It never dragged, and the momentum kept things engaging throughout.
Lucy was a strong and well-developed protagonist, and I enjoyed following her perspective. However, I felt her dad could have done with a bit more depth—his character was there, but he felt underdeveloped in comparison. Miss Wade also seemed a bit token in the narrative, and I wasn’t quite sure what purpose she served beyond being there.
The horror elements worked well, and while I would have liked more explanation or exposition about the monsters, I suppose the mystery is part of what makes them effective. That said, a little more lore could have elevated the story even further.
Overall, a solid and enjoyable read with a great sense of pace, even if a few aspects left me wanting a bit more.
March 11, 2025
We are born, we live, and then we die.
David's stories and writing never ceases to amaze me. Summer of the Monsters was no exception.
I binged this book in a day. I loved the setting, the characters, and of course, the plot was solid. It flowed seamlessly, and I couldn't look away from it for too long. I find that his books are equal part character and plot driven, which I absolutely love. So, you not only end up with a great storyline but also well written and crafted characters.
The body horror isn't as intense as his other reads, but it's still there and still very horrific. The visuals were spot on and left very little to the imagination. Though the book is horror. There's an air of poignancy that makes it way deeper than the average horror book.
The relationship between Brian and Lucy as a grieving father and daughter duo, trying to hold it together despite losing everything.
I loved the ending, and it really taps into that poignancy that I mentioned above. This is why I find Sodergren's work fascinating. Not only does he deliver on horror and gore. He also tugs at your heartstrings a bit.
Another five-star rating from me.
David's stories and writing never ceases to amaze me. Summer of the Monsters was no exception.
I binged this book in a day. I loved the setting, the characters, and of course, the plot was solid. It flowed seamlessly, and I couldn't look away from it for too long. I find that his books are equal part character and plot driven, which I absolutely love. So, you not only end up with a great storyline but also well written and crafted characters.
The body horror isn't as intense as his other reads, but it's still there and still very horrific. The visuals were spot on and left very little to the imagination. Though the book is horror. There's an air of poignancy that makes it way deeper than the average horror book.
The relationship between Brian and Lucy as a grieving father and daughter duo, trying to hold it together despite losing everything.
I loved the ending, and it really taps into that poignancy that I mentioned above. This is why I find Sodergren's work fascinating. Not only does he deliver on horror and gore. He also tugs at your heartstrings a bit.
Another five-star rating from me.
March 5, 2025
A surprising YA horror novel from Sodergren. The prose, at first seems to be in a completely different style as a teen girl and her father move to a small Scottish town after her mother’s death. The banter between the girl and her dad, who is a semi-famous and semi-retired novelist, is heartwarming. But then when they get to the small town, there are rumors of monsters in the woods. There are also cute boys and high school drama, but once the monsters start to show up, there’s trouble (and maybe a new friend?).
It reads like it was written for 16-year-olds, but then it has plentiful f-bombs and gets a little bit gory. This is a good slasher horror adventure for teens, with a lot of creativity in the monsters. There’s also a little bit of a goofy sense of humor. If the question comes up for teen girl slasher monster adventures, here is one of those. There’s a big animal-friend part of the plot too, if that helps, but it’s better as a surprise. But all said and done, not really my thing, it’s a kid’s book. The R-rated horror movie version of a kid's book.
It reads like it was written for 16-year-olds, but then it has plentiful f-bombs and gets a little bit gory. This is a good slasher horror adventure for teens, with a lot of creativity in the monsters. There’s also a little bit of a goofy sense of humor. If the question comes up for teen girl slasher monster adventures, here is one of those. There’s a big animal-friend part of the plot too, if that helps, but it’s better as a surprise. But all said and done, not really my thing, it’s a kid’s book. The R-rated horror movie version of a kid's book.
December 24, 2025
In what is a very uncommon critique from me, I left this story thinking it could have benefitted from being longer. Like with his take on Fulci, AND BY GOD’S HAND…, this R-rated haunted Ghibli meets Goosebumps tale starts very strongly. But then it rushes toward what could have been a more impactful ending if the story had been given the time to grow.
I’m not encouraging Sodergen to engage with the Stephen King style of writing never-ending narratives, but this could have used another 100 pages or so of exploring what is really going on in Helsbridge, developing Isobel and Arab, giving us a little more from Sammo and the other townspeople. Maybe even building out the budding romance between the teacher and her father for maximum dramatic effect at the tragic end. I’m all for quick and dirty horror storytelling but I think there was something more here that got left off the table.
That being said, this is mid-tier Sodergren for me.
Sodergren Ranked:
1. The Haar
2. Hard Luck Jenny
3. Maggie's Grave
4. Rotten Tommy
5. The Forgotten Island
6. Dead Girl Blues
7. Summer of the Monsters
8. And by God's Hand You Shall Die
9. Satan's Burnouts Must Die
10. Death Spell
11. Cannibal Vengeance
12. The Navajo Nightmare
Read on independently published paperback.
I’m not encouraging Sodergen to engage with the Stephen King style of writing never-ending narratives, but this could have used another 100 pages or so of exploring what is really going on in Helsbridge, developing Isobel and Arab, giving us a little more from Sammo and the other townspeople. Maybe even building out the budding romance between the teacher and her father for maximum dramatic effect at the tragic end. I’m all for quick and dirty horror storytelling but I think there was something more here that got left off the table.
That being said, this is mid-tier Sodergren for me.
Sodergren Ranked:
1. The Haar
2. Hard Luck Jenny
3. Maggie's Grave
4. Rotten Tommy
5. The Forgotten Island
6. Dead Girl Blues
7. Summer of the Monsters
8. And by God's Hand You Shall Die
9. Satan's Burnouts Must Die
10. Death Spell
11. Cannibal Vengeance
12. The Navajo Nightmare
Read on independently published paperback.
April 13, 2025
Coming-of-age done right, with the perfect mix of horror and heart, and an ending that puts a beautiful bow on the whole thing. Sodergren is quickly becoming a go-to author for me. I haven’t been disappointed yet, and I doubt I will any time soon.
August 17, 2025
This was a super quick read for me, I flew through it in a couple of days. It has a YA feel, but with some mild gore. This was a fun book, but a little too silly for my taste. I did enjoy the writing style, so I will be keen to read more from this author. My next pick will definitely be The Haar. Yay for finally trying out David Sodergren!
January 7, 2025
4,5*
Another amazing story by David Sodergren. This one felt quite different from the others and if it wasn’t for all the violence we got especially towards the end, this would almost read like a YA book. This is also another reason why I think this book might be a great introduction to the author if you are considering picking up his books. You should!
Lucy is having a life crisis. She has to move with her dad to an old farmhouse in the middle of nowhere because that is all they can afford. Leaving the city life and her friends behind, she is having trouble adapting to the new place and the school. She felt so real and so human.
Lucy will soon discover that this place is hiding a big secret. There are monsters living in the woods. But monsters are not real, right?
As Lucy is trying to uncover the secrets that the woods hide, she will end up in terrible danger. Will she be able to find the monsters? And if she does find them, will she be able to escape unscathered?
This book was such a fun, quick read and truly action packed from beginning to end. It talks about the importance of accepting reality, learning to move on and that not all monsters are evil but most humans truly are.
Another amazing story by David Sodergren. This one felt quite different from the others and if it wasn’t for all the violence we got especially towards the end, this would almost read like a YA book. This is also another reason why I think this book might be a great introduction to the author if you are considering picking up his books. You should!
Lucy is having a life crisis. She has to move with her dad to an old farmhouse in the middle of nowhere because that is all they can afford. Leaving the city life and her friends behind, she is having trouble adapting to the new place and the school. She felt so real and so human.
Lucy will soon discover that this place is hiding a big secret. There are monsters living in the woods. But monsters are not real, right?
As Lucy is trying to uncover the secrets that the woods hide, she will end up in terrible danger. Will she be able to find the monsters? And if she does find them, will she be able to escape unscathered?
This book was such a fun, quick read and truly action packed from beginning to end. It talks about the importance of accepting reality, learning to move on and that not all monsters are evil but most humans truly are.
March 20, 2025
This book was so amazing. I could not put it down it was such a fun, emotional read.
I love Sodergren but this work is massively different tonally from the rest of his work, being much more of a story of love and coming of age. The settings were so vivid, the characters seemed so real, and the relationships so genuine. This novel evokes an almost Ghibli-esque feeling of magic and wonder while also bringing some good horror and dread at times. This combination felt truly fresh and unique for the genre, as someone well read in it.
The father-daughter relationship at the center of the novel is complex, touching, and fun, it managed to fit so much in to such a short, fast paced read. This book also did a wonderful job of capturing the combination of pessimism of being an edgy teenager and thinking you know how the world works but also the optimism of being that age and still beliving in so much.
This is one of the only horror novels that has brought tears to my eyes and i cannot recommend it highly enough. Also Scottish people talk funny hehe.
I love Sodergren but this work is massively different tonally from the rest of his work, being much more of a story of love and coming of age. The settings were so vivid, the characters seemed so real, and the relationships so genuine. This novel evokes an almost Ghibli-esque feeling of magic and wonder while also bringing some good horror and dread at times. This combination felt truly fresh and unique for the genre, as someone well read in it.
The father-daughter relationship at the center of the novel is complex, touching, and fun, it managed to fit so much in to such a short, fast paced read. This book also did a wonderful job of capturing the combination of pessimism of being an edgy teenager and thinking you know how the world works but also the optimism of being that age and still beliving in so much.
This is one of the only horror novels that has brought tears to my eyes and i cannot recommend it highly enough. Also Scottish people talk funny hehe.
April 18, 2025
I don’t know how he keeps doing it, but David Sodergren has me sobbing by the end of his books ever. single. time. As usual, I ate this up in just a day and will be thinking about it for weeks to come. I continue to be blown away by his story-telling, it’s truly amazing.
June 15, 2025
Another 5⭐️ read from Mr. Sodergren.
A coming of age/monster story with so much heart. Lucy was a fantastic main character, and her relationship with her widowed father and awkward adjustment to her new hometown is never overshadowed by the terrifying monsters shown throughout the story. And Sammo!!!! Not saying anymore. The final chapters of this book really did a number on me. 😭😭😭 Sodergren is criminally underrated, continually delivering gem after gem with nary a mention online. 😕
A coming of age/monster story with so much heart. Lucy was a fantastic main character, and her relationship with her widowed father and awkward adjustment to her new hometown is never overshadowed by the terrifying monsters shown throughout the story. And Sammo!!!! Not saying anymore. The final chapters of this book really did a number on me. 😭😭😭 Sodergren is criminally underrated, continually delivering gem after gem with nary a mention online. 😕
August 22, 2025
Definitely went through all the emotions with this one 😮💨
January 6, 2025
Fantastisk som alla av Davids böcker. Längtar redan tills nästa bok han kommer att släppa. Inte lika mycket skräck som tidigare men ack så bra ändå.
December 16, 2024
One of Sodergren's more emotional stories, I understand why he and others compare this to The Haar - Summer of the Monsters is an effective, punchy, often funny horror story set in the summer of 1996 where we meet Lucy and her father. Still reeling after the loss of her mother, they have just moved into an abandoned house for super cheap at the edge of a mysterious forest and a tiny town filled with secrets.
If it sounds tropey, it sure is, but David Sodergren does a great job always at turning tropes upside down or at least doing something fun and creative with them. There's a cinematic feel to this story, and Sodergren has put in several Easter eggs for fans of his other works, especially Maggie's Grave, so there's plenty to enjoy for long-time fans, but I'd also suggest this to be a great entry point for the author in case you haven't read from him before. It's nowhere near as intense in terms of horror as some of his other books, but the character work is mostly strong and it's effused with his typical sense of humor that makes his books also stand out.
I don't love this QUITE as much as some of his other titles, mainly due to unexplained lore regarding the monsters, the town, and the ending felt a little rushed. The book is only 236 pages, and while his books are always pretty short, I think we could have used another 20-30 pages to flesh things out a little more or be more graphic in some of the carnage/violence at the very end. Overall though, I had a great time reading this and I'd highly recommend it.
If it sounds tropey, it sure is, but David Sodergren does a great job always at turning tropes upside down or at least doing something fun and creative with them. There's a cinematic feel to this story, and Sodergren has put in several Easter eggs for fans of his other works, especially Maggie's Grave, so there's plenty to enjoy for long-time fans, but I'd also suggest this to be a great entry point for the author in case you haven't read from him before. It's nowhere near as intense in terms of horror as some of his other books, but the character work is mostly strong and it's effused with his typical sense of humor that makes his books also stand out.
I don't love this QUITE as much as some of his other titles, mainly due to unexplained lore regarding the monsters, the town, and the ending felt a little rushed. The book is only 236 pages, and while his books are always pretty short, I think we could have used another 20-30 pages to flesh things out a little more or be more graphic in some of the carnage/violence at the very end. Overall though, I had a great time reading this and I'd highly recommend it.
March 9, 2025
Definitely not my favourite Sodergren but the first to make me cry. And the first I’ve read without a dick getting torn to pieces…
December 9, 2024
Thank you to David for sending me this early, I was so excited to read something before publication by an author I absolutely adore.
This book, like many of David's is not just horror, it looks at the human condition with themes of acceptance, longing, love and friendship. You follow Lucy and her father as they move from one town to another, looking for a new start after losing her mother. Lucy, like most teens, is not interested in the integration process at a new school and like many 80s horror or comedy movies we have the stereotypical cast, bullies, nerds, the loner, etc. But that doesn't matter because where this shines is David's ability to showcase emotions in a horror novel unlike many who try.
If you liked the Haar, this is nowhere near as weird or gorey but it is definitely going to scratch the itch. In many ways I felt like the plot was similar to Clown in a Cornfield and if you liked that book you will absolutely like this one. If you have never read David's work before, this may not be the place to start but it is a quick read and delivers a really fun ride.
This book, like many of David's is not just horror, it looks at the human condition with themes of acceptance, longing, love and friendship. You follow Lucy and her father as they move from one town to another, looking for a new start after losing her mother. Lucy, like most teens, is not interested in the integration process at a new school and like many 80s horror or comedy movies we have the stereotypical cast, bullies, nerds, the loner, etc. But that doesn't matter because where this shines is David's ability to showcase emotions in a horror novel unlike many who try.
If you liked the Haar, this is nowhere near as weird or gorey but it is definitely going to scratch the itch. In many ways I felt like the plot was similar to Clown in a Cornfield and if you liked that book you will absolutely like this one. If you have never read David's work before, this may not be the place to start but it is a quick read and delivers a really fun ride.
October 12, 2025
Fun concept, but didn’t quite land for me.
Summer of the Monsters has a great premise and all the ingredients for a nostalgic creature-feature style horror, but for me, the execution leaned more toward violent tween horror than the deeper, more layered storytelling I’ve come to appreciate from Sodergren.
I know Sodergren can deliver strong atmosphere, character depth, and action when those elements are balanced just right. In this book, though, the plot felt promising at first but eventually lagged and dipped into familiar, almost stereotypical territory. The pacing slowed down in places where I wanted it to ramp up, and I didn’t feel as engaged or invested in the characters or stakes as I expected to be.
That said, the idea behind the story is solid, and I can see readers who enjoy fast-paced, youthful horror with plenty of gore having a good time with it. For me personally, it just didn’t capture my imagination the way his other work has.
Three stars for a fun concept that had potential, even if it didn’t fully click. I still enjoy Sodergren overall and look forward to seeing him hit that perfect blend of depth and action again in future books.
Summer of the Monsters has a great premise and all the ingredients for a nostalgic creature-feature style horror, but for me, the execution leaned more toward violent tween horror than the deeper, more layered storytelling I’ve come to appreciate from Sodergren.
I know Sodergren can deliver strong atmosphere, character depth, and action when those elements are balanced just right. In this book, though, the plot felt promising at first but eventually lagged and dipped into familiar, almost stereotypical territory. The pacing slowed down in places where I wanted it to ramp up, and I didn’t feel as engaged or invested in the characters or stakes as I expected to be.
That said, the idea behind the story is solid, and I can see readers who enjoy fast-paced, youthful horror with plenty of gore having a good time with it. For me personally, it just didn’t capture my imagination the way his other work has.
Three stars for a fun concept that had potential, even if it didn’t fully click. I still enjoy Sodergren overall and look forward to seeing him hit that perfect blend of depth and action again in future books.
December 2, 2025
4.25/5
A phenomenal YA release from Sodergren! The gore is toned down compared to his adult releases but it still leans more toward the elder YA or NA audience. This was such fantastic creepy woods/monster story! It’s full of heart and manages to keep you on the edge of your seat while tugging on all your feels.
A phenomenal YA release from Sodergren! The gore is toned down compared to his adult releases but it still leans more toward the elder YA or NA audience. This was such fantastic creepy woods/monster story! It’s full of heart and manages to keep you on the edge of your seat while tugging on all your feels.
January 21, 2025
David, David, David.
I am sitting here sobbing like an idiot. That was a whirlwind of a story and so beautiful.
Thank you for bring Sammo back, I don't think I would have pulled though.
Best book EVER!
I am sitting here sobbing like an idiot. That was a whirlwind of a story and so beautiful.
Thank you for bring Sammo back, I don't think I would have pulled though.
Best book EVER!
January 2, 2025
Overall I did like this book, it was fun to read and the story pulled me in. I would like to have seen more character development though because it did feel rushed throughout.
June 24, 2025
HOLY MOLY!!! I LOVED this book! The setting and plot were perfect for my first read of summer vacation. I freaking loved Lucy, Brian, and Sammo! And the end?!?!? My heart!!!!❤️
September 10, 2025
SAMMO! ❤️
A fast paced Scottish monster story that leaves you hating townsfolk and wanting the monsters to have their bloodbath.
A fast paced Scottish monster story that leaves you hating townsfolk and wanting the monsters to have their bloodbath.
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