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The Henchperson's Guide to Unionizing
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Expected 22 Sep 26Win a free print copy of this book!
28 days and 18:59:44
10 copies available
U.S. only
A mad scientist's apprentice, a witch's cat, and a vampire's wife walk into a haunted mansion...
Humor meets horror in this heartwarming tale of friendship, solidarity, and stolen body parts.
As the laboratory assistant to the brilliant but demanding Doctor, Igor spends his nights robbing graves, stitching together body parts, and ensuring that his master doesn’t electrocute himself (too badly). It’s thankless work, but Igor knows it’ll all be worth it once they finally succeed in the Doctor’s all-encompassing quest to create new life from dead flesh.
When a mob of peasants wielding torches and pitchforks drives them out of town (again), Igor and the Doctor relocate to the isolated Ravenwald Manor to resume their experiments. But Igor and the Doctor are not the only ones seeking refuge within the walls of Ravenwald. The manor is already home to a vampiric Count and his highly dissatisfied bride, Cornelia—and an enigmatic witch and her feline familiar, Grimalkin, intend to use it as the site of a magical ritual.
At Igor’s suggestion, the three pairs come to an uneasy agreement to cohabitate in Ravenwald, lest they attract the suspicion of the nearby village. In the wake of this truce, Igor, Cornelia, and Grimalkin soon begin to realize that they might have more common with one another than their respective masters. When the trio discovers that they've been unwitting participants in a horrible plan to destroy the world as they know it, they must work together to stop their masters from bringing on armageddon... and stop the increasingly suspicious villagers from reaching for their pitchforks and torches.
Igor, Grim, and Cornelia must unite to cast off the chains of their masters and embrace life on their own terms in the hilarious, heartwarming, and just-spooky-enough The Henchperson's Guide to Unionizing.
Humor meets horror in this heartwarming tale of friendship, solidarity, and stolen body parts.
As the laboratory assistant to the brilliant but demanding Doctor, Igor spends his nights robbing graves, stitching together body parts, and ensuring that his master doesn’t electrocute himself (too badly). It’s thankless work, but Igor knows it’ll all be worth it once they finally succeed in the Doctor’s all-encompassing quest to create new life from dead flesh.
When a mob of peasants wielding torches and pitchforks drives them out of town (again), Igor and the Doctor relocate to the isolated Ravenwald Manor to resume their experiments. But Igor and the Doctor are not the only ones seeking refuge within the walls of Ravenwald. The manor is already home to a vampiric Count and his highly dissatisfied bride, Cornelia—and an enigmatic witch and her feline familiar, Grimalkin, intend to use it as the site of a magical ritual.
At Igor’s suggestion, the three pairs come to an uneasy agreement to cohabitate in Ravenwald, lest they attract the suspicion of the nearby village. In the wake of this truce, Igor, Cornelia, and Grimalkin soon begin to realize that they might have more common with one another than their respective masters. When the trio discovers that they've been unwitting participants in a horrible plan to destroy the world as they know it, they must work together to stop their masters from bringing on armageddon... and stop the increasingly suspicious villagers from reaching for their pitchforks and torches.
Igor, Grim, and Cornelia must unite to cast off the chains of their masters and embrace life on their own terms in the hilarious, heartwarming, and just-spooky-enough The Henchperson's Guide to Unionizing.
384 pages, Paperback
Expected publication September 22, 2026
About the author
Marshall J. Moore
32 books141 followersMarshall J. Moore is a writer, filmmaker, and martial artist who was born and raised on Kwajalein, a tiny Pacific island. He has trained a professional mercenary in unarmed combat, once sold a thousand dollars' worth of teapots to Jackie Chan, and on one occasion was tracked down by a bounty hunter for owing $300 in overdue fees to the Los Angeles Public Library.
He lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife Megan and their two cats.
He lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife Megan and their two cats.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⚡ The Henchperson’s Guide to Unionizing ⚡
I loved this entire set of characters! This book was filled with dark humor, friendship, redemption, hope and found family. And the epilogue 😍😍😍
5 Star read!
✨ What to Expect
• Found family
• Villain employers 👀
• Gothic manor setting
• Dark humor
_ _ _ _
📅 Pub Date: September 22, 2026
📝 Thank you to Ballantine and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
I loved this entire set of characters! This book was filled with dark humor, friendship, redemption, hope and found family. And the epilogue 😍😍😍
5 Star read!
✨ What to Expect
• Found family
• Villain employers 👀
• Gothic manor setting
• Dark humor
_ _ _ _
📅 Pub Date: September 22, 2026
📝 Thank you to Ballantine and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was such a wonderful read. The Henchperson's Guide to Unionizing is cozy, heartfelt, and full of good humor. The book felt almost cinematic in parts; I could see the characters and scenes so clearly in my head. The writing was definitely a highlight for me. The author manages to endear the characters to the reader instantly, and you just can’t help but love them. Igor and his friends stole my heart completely, and I was rooting for them the entire time. I would give up my own appendix for Spare any day.
Even though Igor’s occupation and daily tasks are quite gruesome and creepy, it never felt over-the-top gross or gory to me. The tone of the book remained quite light throughout, save for some more heartfelt moments. The final stand-offs between henchmen and their masters had some touching speeches, and a few times I got misty-eyed reading them. Igor is an earnest and selfless man who was ready to offer his friends and neighbors good advice any time they needed it, without it feeling preachy. I really appreciated having him as the main character.
From the looks of it, this is supposed to be a standalone, but I genuinely would love to return to this world and see more of Igor and his friends in the future. As it is, I will check out the audiobook on the day of publication. I have a feeling this book will also shine in the audio format with the right narrator.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Even though Igor’s occupation and daily tasks are quite gruesome and creepy, it never felt over-the-top gross or gory to me. The tone of the book remained quite light throughout, save for some more heartfelt moments. The final stand-offs between henchmen and their masters had some touching speeches, and a few times I got misty-eyed reading them. Igor is an earnest and selfless man who was ready to offer his friends and neighbors good advice any time they needed it, without it feeling preachy. I really appreciated having him as the main character.
From the looks of it, this is supposed to be a standalone, but I genuinely would love to return to this world and see more of Igor and his friends in the future. As it is, I will check out the audiobook on the day of publication. I have a feeling this book will also shine in the audio format with the right narrator.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Where would villains be without their assistants and familiars?
Nowhere, apparently, since the villains seem to take all the credit while the assistants do all the work!
I wasn't sure what to expect going into this one, since I haven't reach anything by Marshall Moore before, but he has given us a cozy, found family fantasy that still has lots of humor and moving moments. I loved Igor from the start, and the developing connections between him, Grimalkin, and Cornelia throughout the book were wonderful. It was great to see Igor grow as a person and standing up for himself and his friends... and Spare! Who absolutely steals the scenes he's in.
There's a lot of questions raised about what makes someone evil, and how we judge people based on their appearance (Igor having a humpback) or needs (Cornelia needing to drink blood of some kind) and so on. A really lovely message wrapped in funny scenes and lots of action as Igor and his friends try to save the world from their bosses.
One of my favorite quotes: "A saint's heart looks much the same as a sinner's. Virtue isn't innate, is what I'm trying to say. It has to be chosen, each and every night."
Nowhere, apparently, since the villains seem to take all the credit while the assistants do all the work!
I wasn't sure what to expect going into this one, since I haven't reach anything by Marshall Moore before, but he has given us a cozy, found family fantasy that still has lots of humor and moving moments. I loved Igor from the start, and the developing connections between him, Grimalkin, and Cornelia throughout the book were wonderful. It was great to see Igor grow as a person and standing up for himself and his friends... and Spare! Who absolutely steals the scenes he's in.
There's a lot of questions raised about what makes someone evil, and how we judge people based on their appearance (Igor having a humpback) or needs (Cornelia needing to drink blood of some kind) and so on. A really lovely message wrapped in funny scenes and lots of action as Igor and his friends try to save the world from their bosses.
One of my favorite quotes: "A saint's heart looks much the same as a sinner's. Virtue isn't innate, is what I'm trying to say. It has to be chosen, each and every night."
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Henchpeople don’t get speeches. They don’t get glory. They get disposable contracts and a front-row seat to someone else’s evil plan. The Henchperson’s Guide to Unionizing (THGtU) changes that and gives the Henchpeople a voice, and a chance to stand up for themselves.
Set in a fantasy world where magic abounds, mythical creatures roam the lands, and other dimensions are knocking on the door, THGtU introduces you to a fun cast of characters. Igor is a smart, innovative Henchperson whose potential is squandered by the Doctor. Grim reluctantly serves the witch Mag, who holds Grim’s fate in her hands. Cornelia is bound to the Count, despite her desire to be free. Igor, Grim, and Cornelia form a unique trio who look after each other, and challenge each other to stand up for themselves.
THGtU was an enjoyable read. It is a story of overcoming, togetherness, and doing what’s right. In the current times we are living in, it’s an important story. The story developed a little slower than I was hoping for, and some plot points were very predictable, however that did not diminish the heart of the story shining through.
Set in a fantasy world where magic abounds, mythical creatures roam the lands, and other dimensions are knocking on the door, THGtU introduces you to a fun cast of characters. Igor is a smart, innovative Henchperson whose potential is squandered by the Doctor. Grim reluctantly serves the witch Mag, who holds Grim’s fate in her hands. Cornelia is bound to the Count, despite her desire to be free. Igor, Grim, and Cornelia form a unique trio who look after each other, and challenge each other to stand up for themselves.
THGtU was an enjoyable read. It is a story of overcoming, togetherness, and doing what’s right. In the current times we are living in, it’s an important story. The story developed a little slower than I was hoping for, and some plot points were very predictable, however that did not diminish the heart of the story shining through.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Netgalley and Bantam Publishing for this Advance Readers Copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is a fun story following Igor and his work with the Doctor on finishing the "Great Work". Igor just wants to be appreciated as he does so much for the Doctor with no thanks, no good job, nothing. After being chased out of their last town, the end up cohabitating with quite the case of characters. All with their own priorities, but also with each pair is an unfairly treated "side kick".
I had so much fun reading this story, It was a cozy easy read. I think it offered a fun new look at Igor, as not just this bumbling fool, but a real person with feelings that is taken advantage of. I enjoyed all of your characters, though Grim may be the top of the list. There were some surprises and some not so surprising things, but overall such a great read. Would recommend to anyone. It also has a great message.
This is a fun story following Igor and his work with the Doctor on finishing the "Great Work". Igor just wants to be appreciated as he does so much for the Doctor with no thanks, no good job, nothing. After being chased out of their last town, the end up cohabitating with quite the case of characters. All with their own priorities, but also with each pair is an unfairly treated "side kick".
I had so much fun reading this story, It was a cozy easy read. I think it offered a fun new look at Igor, as not just this bumbling fool, but a real person with feelings that is taken advantage of. I enjoyed all of your characters, though Grim may be the top of the list. There were some surprises and some not so surprising things, but overall such a great read. Would recommend to anyone. It also has a great message.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book felt a bit like a TV show you keep playing in the background—you’re not fully immersed every moment, yet you somehow stay completely aware of everything happening. The narrative structure especially reinforced that feeling, with conflicts unfolding in an episodic rhythm. Whenever drama arose in one group, it quickly shifted to another, creating a cycle that kept the story moving but sometimes made it feel repetitive.
At times, the pacing resembled a roller coaster, with frequent peaks of tension. However, the ending didn’t quite deliver the same impact, it felt more like a sudden flattening of the track, wrapping things up a bit too quickly compared to the buildup.
That said, it was an enjoyable and entertaining read overall. The format and style would likely translate very well into a visual medium like a TV series or webtoon. While I’m glad I experienced it, it’s probably not one I would revisit.
At times, the pacing resembled a roller coaster, with frequent peaks of tension. However, the ending didn’t quite deliver the same impact, it felt more like a sudden flattening of the track, wrapping things up a bit too quickly compared to the buildup.
That said, it was an enjoyable and entertaining read overall. The format and style would likely translate very well into a visual medium like a TV series or webtoon. While I’m glad I experienced it, it’s probably not one I would revisit.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
*Thank you to Random House for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own*
For fans of found (and created) family, this a fun story about Igor, of Frankenstein fame, and his recognition of the life he wants. It follows him and other henchmen - henchcreatures? - as they unite to create the union to advocate for their right to be treated fairly. Lots of warm fuzzy feelings as well as some deeper emotions about the value of life and imperfection. I loved the characters in this story and seeing them grow over the story. The plot was a bit slow to start but once it picked up, it really got going and kept me hooked. The ending wrapped up everything very neatly without feeling too rushed. I would recommend reading this when you need something to make you have hope in our future, as is so desperately needed in our world.
For fans of found (and created) family, this a fun story about Igor, of Frankenstein fame, and his recognition of the life he wants. It follows him and other henchmen - henchcreatures? - as they unite to create the union to advocate for their right to be treated fairly. Lots of warm fuzzy feelings as well as some deeper emotions about the value of life and imperfection. I loved the characters in this story and seeing them grow over the story. The plot was a bit slow to start but once it picked up, it really got going and kept me hooked. The ending wrapped up everything very neatly without feeling too rushed. I would recommend reading this when you need something to make you have hope in our future, as is so desperately needed in our world.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was so much fun! Cozy, witty, and a little bit creepy, it follows Igor as he helps the Doctor try to create life -- only circumstances introduce a few other characters into their dynamic, and things start to go awry.
While I loved the light horror elements, this book was also so heartwarming and sweet. The found family dynamic was so wholesome and I loved seeing Igor grow in confidence and come into his own. The messages of self-acceptance and standing up for oneself (and others) were well done, and I loved the development of the eccentric cast of characters (while I love them all, Spare absolutely has my heart).
The Henchperson's Guide to Unionizing is such a touching and comforting book, interspersed with dark humor and a good old fashioned horror setting (creepy castle, mad scientist, vampires, and more!). I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one!
While I loved the light horror elements, this book was also so heartwarming and sweet. The found family dynamic was so wholesome and I loved seeing Igor grow in confidence and come into his own. The messages of self-acceptance and standing up for oneself (and others) were well done, and I loved the development of the eccentric cast of characters (while I love them all, Spare absolutely has my heart).
The Henchperson's Guide to Unionizing is such a touching and comforting book, interspersed with dark humor and a good old fashioned horror setting (creepy castle, mad scientist, vampires, and more!). I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I thoroughly enjoyed this slower-paced, quirky book. I'm glad I got a chance to read this book. It was hard to read at times because of how horribly these henchpeople were treated. It was great to see them stand up for themselves. If you like a slower-paced, cozy book with a found family, then you should give this book a chance. Marshall J. Moor did a great job creating these characters. I felt like I got to know them pretty well. The henchpeople were well-written. Also, who doesn't love having a cat as a main character? I know I do. Their character was hilarious. Overall, I enjoyed this book. I would highly recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley, Marshall J. Moore, and Bantam for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley, Marshall J. Moore, and Bantam for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Henchperson's Guide to Unionizing is a well-written tale that held my attention despite feeling quite familiar, and at times, rote. The book doesn't swell with novelty, unique characters that leap off the page, nor shocking plot twists. But it is well-paced, and strung me along with its charm. And the title is just outstanding... *chef's kiss*
If you love stories framed around found families and the power of friendship, and aren't bothered by predictable storylines, then this is right up your alley.
If you love stories framed around found families and the power of friendship, and aren't bothered by predictable storylines, then this is right up your alley.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Henchperaon’s Guide to Unionizing is a fun, fast paced, cozy story of your favorite monster story henchpersons finding mutual support in ther oppresive working conditions. I laughed and smiled the whole way through this read. It falls into the kind of cozy as legends and lattes. If you need a story that brings together disparate characters for a common good, read this and enjoy with a cup of coffe and smiles.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What happens when Igor gets "ideas" of his own and makes friends with a witch's familiar and a vampire's creation? Well, you get minor chaos and a highly entertaining book.
Marshall J. Moore has taken minor characters from some of our favorite genres and given them a life of their own.
A super quick read, but one that keeps you engaged the whole time!
Thanks to Ballantine|Bantam and NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Marshall J. Moore has taken minor characters from some of our favorite genres and given them a life of their own.
A super quick read, but one that keeps you engaged the whole time!
Thanks to Ballantine|Bantam and NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 25, 2026
This was a really fun read! The friendship between Igor, Cornelia, and Grimalkin is so heartwarming and it’s great seeing them all band together.
Note: I received this book as an ARC through NetGalley.
Note: I received this book as an ARC through NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from Author
RTC but this was such good read -- mark your calendars, folks!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This felt like a warm hug.
It is a great tale of self discovery and found family, with lovely characters.
It's a great cozy fantasy.
Thank you Ballantine for this ARC!
It is a great tale of self discovery and found family, with lovely characters.
It's a great cozy fantasy.
Thank you Ballantine for this ARC!
Review of advance copy
Not a bad story, just a bit too slow and sappy for me.
I received an advanced copy of this for review.
I received an advanced copy of this for review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Had an absolute ball reading an advance copy of Marshall J. Moore's traditional debut, which made me tear up almost as frequently as it made me laugh out loud. A phenomenally creative and entertaining story of found family and knowing your own worth, wrapped up in a deliciously weird tentacle-y package. I would fight all manner of monstrous creatures for Spare. (Plushie WHEN?!)
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews