What do you think?
Rate this book
Creature: A Novel of Mary Shelley and Frankenstein
In 1816, a nineteen-year-old single mother wrote a book that transformed our vision of birth, bodies, and who we call "monsters." A Novel of Mary Shelley and Frankenstein is her story. From her first spark of inspiration to widowhood at age 24, through the deaths of four of her five children and her struggles to build a writing career, Creature braids Mary Shelley's little-known life journey with that of her most famous Victor Frankenstein's half-human Creature, who shadows her in alternating chapters as conscience, criminal, and friend. Traveling from London to Italy and into our own technological future, Creature blends historical realism and literary magic to show how a bookish, haunted girl learns to confront her monsters by bringing them to life.
490 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 25, 2025
2 people are currently reading
11 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 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 7, 2025
I picked this book because the cover instantly caught my eye, and the description promised something moody, gothic, and literary, which is completely my vibe. I ended up reading it during a wildly rainy Saturday, and I have to say… it was perfect. Just me, my tea, my Kindle, and the sound of a storm outside. Total immersion.
That said, I did struggle a little to stay engaged at the very beginning. The writing is rich and more literary in tone, which can feel slow at first, but I’m so glad I gave it a chance, because once it clicks, it really lands emotionally.
What I appreciated most is how the novel doesn’t just romanticize Mary Shelley’s life, it shows the weight of her grief, ambition, creativity, and the loneliness of being ahead of her time. The way the Creature is woven into her story was unexpected and strangely moving. He’s not just a character from her imagination; he becomes a kind of echo of everything she’s lost and everything she’s trying to understand.
This book doesn’t give you easy drama or quick plot, it’s more of a reflective, layered experience. So if you’re in the mood for something introspective and gorgeously melancholic, this one is definitely worth picking up.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
That said, I did struggle a little to stay engaged at the very beginning. The writing is rich and more literary in tone, which can feel slow at first, but I’m so glad I gave it a chance, because once it clicks, it really lands emotionally.
What I appreciated most is how the novel doesn’t just romanticize Mary Shelley’s life, it shows the weight of her grief, ambition, creativity, and the loneliness of being ahead of her time. The way the Creature is woven into her story was unexpected and strangely moving. He’s not just a character from her imagination; he becomes a kind of echo of everything she’s lost and everything she’s trying to understand.
This book doesn’t give you easy drama or quick plot, it’s more of a reflective, layered experience. So if you’re in the mood for something introspective and gorgeously melancholic, this one is definitely worth picking up.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 10, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a wonderful historical fiction based on the life of Mary Shelley. As most will know she is the author of Frankenstein and he/the creature stays with her throughout the book. This is portrayed figuratively and literally throughout which allows the reader the sense of how an idea can stick with you but also some of the “horror” creepy feel that Frankenstein would essence. At times for me this back and forth between Mary and the creature were a little off putting even if it added to the value of the story and still have information to her story but through his eyes as narrator.
Something that the author did that I really love and was one of her goals per her “afterwards” was that the story peaked many interests and curiosity from me to start googling facts about the Shelley’s. I did not know she had author parents, lost multiple children, wrote more than just the one book! Etc…
What I did not like about the book was the poetic prose thrown into the story telling. Following Mary’s narrative felt natural, having the creature’s perspective was curious but still understandable, but the poetic side really muddled the story for me. It was like listening to the narrator’s thought but not understanding the meaning. This, probably because of Shelley ‘s influences happened A LOT.
And speaking of this, there were passages in other languages that you had to workout on your own, infer, or just Ignore as a translation wasn’t given. This didn’t bother me but I wanted to note it.
Overall it was a tough read but I appreciate the author giving me so much time to finish it; 30 days would NOT have been enough. I did read the entire think through to the end and clicked on several foot notes and googled because I wanted to absorb as much from it that I could.
This was a wonderful historical fiction based on the life of Mary Shelley. As most will know she is the author of Frankenstein and he/the creature stays with her throughout the book. This is portrayed figuratively and literally throughout which allows the reader the sense of how an idea can stick with you but also some of the “horror” creepy feel that Frankenstein would essence. At times for me this back and forth between Mary and the creature were a little off putting even if it added to the value of the story and still have information to her story but through his eyes as narrator.
Something that the author did that I really love and was one of her goals per her “afterwards” was that the story peaked many interests and curiosity from me to start googling facts about the Shelley’s. I did not know she had author parents, lost multiple children, wrote more than just the one book! Etc…
What I did not like about the book was the poetic prose thrown into the story telling. Following Mary’s narrative felt natural, having the creature’s perspective was curious but still understandable, but the poetic side really muddled the story for me. It was like listening to the narrator’s thought but not understanding the meaning. This, probably because of Shelley ‘s influences happened A LOT.
And speaking of this, there were passages in other languages that you had to workout on your own, infer, or just Ignore as a translation wasn’t given. This didn’t bother me but I wanted to note it.
Overall it was a tough read but I appreciate the author giving me so much time to finish it; 30 days would NOT have been enough. I did read the entire think through to the end and clicked on several foot notes and googled because I wanted to absorb as much from it that I could.
June 20, 2025
I received a ARC digital copy of this book from BookSirens for an honest review.
As someone who dove into Creature: A Novel of Mary Shelley and Frankenstein by Amy Weldon, I can say it's a haunting and beautifully crafted read that left me thinking about Mary Shelley and her iconic monster long after I turned the last page. This book blends historical fiction with gothic vibes, and it's a must for fans of Frankenstein or anyone who loves a story about creation and identity.
Weldon splits the narrative between Mary Shelley, during the stormy 1816 summer when she first dreamed up Frankenstein, and the Creature himself, who gets his own voice to wrestle with his existence. Mary's chapters pull you into her world, her struggles as a young woman navigating grief, ambition, and a society that didn't always value her genius. The Creature's perspective is just as gripping, full of raw emotion and big questions about what it means to be human. Weldon's prose is lush and atmospheric, making you feel the chill of rainy nights and the weight of candlelit rooms where ideas were born.
The way the two stories echo each other is brilliant, exploring themes like creation, responsibility, and the cost of being misunderstood, all with a feminist edge that feels natural and powerful. The pacing can slow down a bit in Mary's introspective moments, and side characters like Percy Shelley or Lord Byron don't grab me as much as the two leads. If you're new to Frankenstein or Shelleys life, some references might feel dense, but it doesn't dim the story's impact.
Creature is a captivating and thought-provoking gem that honors Frankenstein while carving out a fresh space for Mary and her Creature.
As someone who dove into Creature: A Novel of Mary Shelley and Frankenstein by Amy Weldon, I can say it's a haunting and beautifully crafted read that left me thinking about Mary Shelley and her iconic monster long after I turned the last page. This book blends historical fiction with gothic vibes, and it's a must for fans of Frankenstein or anyone who loves a story about creation and identity.
Weldon splits the narrative between Mary Shelley, during the stormy 1816 summer when she first dreamed up Frankenstein, and the Creature himself, who gets his own voice to wrestle with his existence. Mary's chapters pull you into her world, her struggles as a young woman navigating grief, ambition, and a society that didn't always value her genius. The Creature's perspective is just as gripping, full of raw emotion and big questions about what it means to be human. Weldon's prose is lush and atmospheric, making you feel the chill of rainy nights and the weight of candlelit rooms where ideas were born.
The way the two stories echo each other is brilliant, exploring themes like creation, responsibility, and the cost of being misunderstood, all with a feminist edge that feels natural and powerful. The pacing can slow down a bit in Mary's introspective moments, and side characters like Percy Shelley or Lord Byron don't grab me as much as the two leads. If you're new to Frankenstein or Shelleys life, some references might feel dense, but it doesn't dim the story's impact.
Creature is a captivating and thought-provoking gem that honors Frankenstein while carving out a fresh space for Mary and her Creature.
December 31, 2025
"Creature" is a deeply imagined novel that reimagines the origins of Frankenstein, blending Mary Shelley's inner experiences with that of her famous creation's consciousness. From its eerie prologue, the book explores the idea that Mary Shelley and the Creature are born simultaneously, connected by sorrow, curiosity, and a shared sense of abandonment, enriching the narrative with psychological depth.
The early chapters vividly capture Mary's childhood, with detailed depictions of her environment and the lasting impact of her mother's absence. Her father, William Godwin, is portrayed as a complex figure—caring yet distant—whose ideals do not always protect those closest to him. The family dynamics add emotional authenticity and historical context.
Alongside Mary's story is the Creature's perspective, expressed with gentleness and philosophical depth. He is portrayed not as a monster but as a being filled with sensation and yearning. His exploration of the world parallels Mary's intellectual growth, and the use of *Paradise Lost* as a shared reference enhances themes of creation and responsibility.
Weldon's writing is poetic yet accessible, blending historical detail with personal introspection. The novel doesn't rush toward familiar events; instead, it develops emotional and intellectual foundations that lead naturally to them.
Ultimately, "Creature" reflects on authorship, femininity, and the burdens of creation, making it a thought-provoking read for fans of literary historical fiction and feminist reinterpretations.
Try it.
The early chapters vividly capture Mary's childhood, with detailed depictions of her environment and the lasting impact of her mother's absence. Her father, William Godwin, is portrayed as a complex figure—caring yet distant—whose ideals do not always protect those closest to him. The family dynamics add emotional authenticity and historical context.
Alongside Mary's story is the Creature's perspective, expressed with gentleness and philosophical depth. He is portrayed not as a monster but as a being filled with sensation and yearning. His exploration of the world parallels Mary's intellectual growth, and the use of *Paradise Lost* as a shared reference enhances themes of creation and responsibility.
Weldon's writing is poetic yet accessible, blending historical detail with personal introspection. The novel doesn't rush toward familiar events; instead, it develops emotional and intellectual foundations that lead naturally to them.
Ultimately, "Creature" reflects on authorship, femininity, and the burdens of creation, making it a thought-provoking read for fans of literary historical fiction and feminist reinterpretations.
Try it.
August 27, 2025
This book tells the story of Mary Shelley, how she ran away with the poet, Percy Bysshe Shelley, in order to live the life that she wanted to live, free of the constraints of society and hopefully live up to her perception of her mother’s standards. Instead, it felt as though she was dragged around Europe by her (eventual) husband, everything at his whim, paying for freedom from society with the deaths of 4 of her 5 children.
Ok, I may be a little harsh here. Mortality rates in infants were abysmal at this point in history, but I’m. Still not a Shelley/ Byron fan 🤷🏼♀️
If it sounds as though I’m being negative, I actually loved this book. The writing is wonderfully descriptive, the perspectives swapping between Mary and (and this is what really makes this novel stand out)the Creature from the novel, Frankenstein. His life plays out at the same time as Mary’s, he grows up with her from childhood, always nearby, I’m sure she could have seen him from the corner of her eye. His life is as tragic as hers.
Reading this novel, I was standing beside Mary and her Creature, experiencing their lives with them, which was pretty hard-going at times. To experience such loss and keep going really shows Mary’s strength of character.
Mary’s life was adventurous, uncertain, unconventional, rich in experience, and pretty frustrating at times - thanks to Shelley and Byron!
This took me longer than it possibly could have to read. I kept going through the footnotes, googling, reading some of Shelley’s and Byron’s poetry - this book took over my reading entirely!
Now, where did I put my copy of Frankenstein? I might just have to reread…
I received an ARC of this book for free, and I’m reading this review voluntarily (and why wouldn’t I?!). Many thanks to the publishers, BookSirens and Amy Weldon.
Ok, I may be a little harsh here. Mortality rates in infants were abysmal at this point in history, but I’m. Still not a Shelley/ Byron fan 🤷🏼♀️
If it sounds as though I’m being negative, I actually loved this book. The writing is wonderfully descriptive, the perspectives swapping between Mary and (and this is what really makes this novel stand out)the Creature from the novel, Frankenstein. His life plays out at the same time as Mary’s, he grows up with her from childhood, always nearby, I’m sure she could have seen him from the corner of her eye. His life is as tragic as hers.
Reading this novel, I was standing beside Mary and her Creature, experiencing their lives with them, which was pretty hard-going at times. To experience such loss and keep going really shows Mary’s strength of character.
Mary’s life was adventurous, uncertain, unconventional, rich in experience, and pretty frustrating at times - thanks to Shelley and Byron!
This took me longer than it possibly could have to read. I kept going through the footnotes, googling, reading some of Shelley’s and Byron’s poetry - this book took over my reading entirely!
Now, where did I put my copy of Frankenstein? I might just have to reread…
I received an ARC of this book for free, and I’m reading this review voluntarily (and why wouldn’t I?!). Many thanks to the publishers, BookSirens and Amy Weldon.
December 2, 2025
Firstly I would like to state that I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This book immediately caught my interest, as Mary Shelley has always been a fascinating literary figure to me. This book was a great example of how you can blend history with fiction in all of the right ways, and it was very clearly well researched at every step of the writing process. I absolutely loved the way in which the book was formatted, and the way her most famous character was woven into the narrative and given a presence amongst the events of Mary's life. I learnt a lot about Mary as the book went out and was absolutely gripped, I could not put it down. It is a stunning piece of historical fiction and I would love to read more by Amy Weldon as I really loved her writing style and how lyrical and poetic it was. The story flowed well and I found it easy enough to follow. It has been a few years since I have read Frankenstein and I liked looking through the eyes of the Creature, I felt it added a lot to the story and really set it apart from other accounts/historical fiction novels. I have never really seen anything quite like it in any of the books I have read previously.
I think this book is a must read, particularly now as Shelley and Frankenstein are a bit of a trending topic at the moment, and I think this book really effectively delves into the novel and the women who created it in an interesting and enjoyable way.
I think this book is a must read, particularly now as Shelley and Frankenstein are a bit of a trending topic at the moment, and I think this book really effectively delves into the novel and the women who created it in an interesting and enjoyable way.
May 7, 2025
Amy Weldon’s Creature is an atmospheric and emotionally resonant novel that left a strong impression on me. What made it truly unique was the way Weldon seamlessly switched between the point of view of the “creature” and that of Mary Shelley herself. This dual narrative added a rich layer of depth that you don’t often find in gothic or historical fiction.
Reading this book, I felt transported right back to the 19th century. Weldon’s writing made me feel both the sadness and the fleeting moments of joy that Mary experienced, pulling me into her world in a way that felt vivid and immersive. The emotional weight of Mary’s story, woven together with the creature’s haunting perspective, made the book deeply thought-provoking.
I would absolutely recommend Creature to anyone who loves history, but especially to fans of gothic horror. It offers not just a gripping narrative but a profound exploration of identity, memory, and creation.
**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Reading this book, I felt transported right back to the 19th century. Weldon’s writing made me feel both the sadness and the fleeting moments of joy that Mary experienced, pulling me into her world in a way that felt vivid and immersive. The emotional weight of Mary’s story, woven together with the creature’s haunting perspective, made the book deeply thought-provoking.
I would absolutely recommend Creature to anyone who loves history, but especially to fans of gothic horror. It offers not just a gripping narrative but a profound exploration of identity, memory, and creation.
**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 20, 2025
I am struggling here!! Creature. How do I put into words how much I LOVED this book? A newfound author for me and now an auto buy author as well.
This novel is the story of Mary Shelley. The reader is transported back to 1816 and follows her life. We experience birth, death and life. Readers are taken on a journey that spans countries and ages, struggles of a young woman who wants to develop a writing career and of course the well known "creature" of Victor Frankenstein. This book has successfully put together a novel that has been historically well researched and that of a young woman who is literally confronting her "demons". The creature takes on so many different roles for Mary and that makes for a magical ride (although not without all of the emotions that come with tragedy and other life experiences) for the reader. Buckle in, hold on tight and get ready for a reading experience like never before.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This novel is the story of Mary Shelley. The reader is transported back to 1816 and follows her life. We experience birth, death and life. Readers are taken on a journey that spans countries and ages, struggles of a young woman who wants to develop a writing career and of course the well known "creature" of Victor Frankenstein. This book has successfully put together a novel that has been historically well researched and that of a young woman who is literally confronting her "demons". The creature takes on so many different roles for Mary and that makes for a magical ride (although not without all of the emotions that come with tragedy and other life experiences) for the reader. Buckle in, hold on tight and get ready for a reading experience like never before.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 25, 2025
There's a quote from Girlhood by Melissa Febos that puts eloquently into words the most fascinating touch of Amy Weldon's Creature, and it follows as so:
"I already knew the story, knew that I was helping to build it with the kindling of my own body."
The idea that one exists alongside their creations, their creatures, is a divine way of imagining what will impact their legacy and what will become of what is already living inside each creator. Weldon's picture of Mary Shelley is guided by this idea, and it develops into what makes this novel captivating.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
"I already knew the story, knew that I was helping to build it with the kindling of my own body."
The idea that one exists alongside their creations, their creatures, is a divine way of imagining what will impact their legacy and what will become of what is already living inside each creator. Weldon's picture of Mary Shelley is guided by this idea, and it develops into what makes this novel captivating.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 1, 2026
Amy, I just finished your exceptional novel. Paired with rereading of Frankenstein and a viewing of the new film, the experience of reading this book transported me this fall and winter. I had very little knowledge of Mary Shelley and her life, so this was enriching and eye opening. Thank you for your gorgeous words, your profound lessons, the inspiration you give in your acute perception of the world and lovely words with which you render it.
Sincerely, your always-student + friend ❤️
Kelli B.
Sincerely, your always-student + friend ❤️
Kelli B.
May 23, 2025
An interesting take on the time and subjects. Historical fiction well detailed with footnotes, bibliography and the afterword. I love the quote in the afterword that comes from William Styron. There were times when the story lost me. Some of that came from the author's ability to speak as Mary Shelley in a most convincing way.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 4, 2025
Interesting way to write a story about Mary. Weldon uses real people and places they were in to form the story. The dialogue is her supposition to events that happened. I found the story rather wordy and at times boring. It took me a bit to get used to the story flipping back and forth between regular action and the creatures side of things. It became a bit more interesting the farther in to the book I got. If you are interested in Mary's story, I would recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews