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Monstrous
They say that behind every comedian lurks a tortured soul…
Yet, comedian Henry Black finally has everything he’s always dreamed of: a thriving career, and a wife and daughter who he loves more than life itself. After years of struggle, he finally has it made.
Until three men force their way into his home, killing Henry and destroying the safe, comfortable world he has built for his family.
But that is only the beginning of his hellish torment. He wakes in purgatory, where he’s met by two men, both offering a choice. Randall offers a chance at heaven. Boothe, however, offers something far more tempting — a chance to go back to his life.
A chance to see if his family is okay.
For Henry, there is no choice. He accepts Boothe’s deal. But with every deal comes a price: his body is twisted to match his sins, and Henry is no longer the man his wife remembered — Henry is no longer a man at all.
He is monstrous.
Thrust into darkness and madness — unable to be with the people he loves — Henry embraces his new form, and his new supernatural abilities, and does the only thing he can: avenge his murder. But as Henry grows closer to the truth of what happened on that terrible night, he grows further from his humanity.
How far will he go to seek revenge?
And is he willing to sacrifice his soul?
Yet, comedian Henry Black finally has everything he’s always dreamed of: a thriving career, and a wife and daughter who he loves more than life itself. After years of struggle, he finally has it made.
Until three men force their way into his home, killing Henry and destroying the safe, comfortable world he has built for his family.
But that is only the beginning of his hellish torment. He wakes in purgatory, where he’s met by two men, both offering a choice. Randall offers a chance at heaven. Boothe, however, offers something far more tempting — a chance to go back to his life.
A chance to see if his family is okay.
For Henry, there is no choice. He accepts Boothe’s deal. But with every deal comes a price: his body is twisted to match his sins, and Henry is no longer the man his wife remembered — Henry is no longer a man at all.
He is monstrous.
Thrust into darkness and madness — unable to be with the people he loves — Henry embraces his new form, and his new supernatural abilities, and does the only thing he can: avenge his murder. But as Henry grows closer to the truth of what happened on that terrible night, he grows further from his humanity.
How far will he go to seek revenge?
And is he willing to sacrifice his soul?
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First published November 27, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
July 13, 2013
I was initially intrigued by the plot. A man, Henry, comes back as a demon to seek revenge upon the men responsible for his murder and the attack on his family. I read a lot of supernatural fiction and this is not a brand new concept but I like to see the different twists authors come up with to make their story unique, whether it is the characterization or conflict or setting. I was disappointed in this book.
I just could not connect with the characters. We are given just a very basic backstory for Henry; just some facts presented as if you had learned about him in a casual conversation. "Oh yeah, I'm a famous comedian and I have a wife and daughter. We're very happy. Blah blah." I was never emotionally invested in Henry or in his plight. His torment was not very real to me. His relationships were light-weight. We're expected to understand his pain and anguish but I never felt his joy and love. I can't sense his loss when I never sensed he had anything to lose. Henry's fellow demon/mentor was a little more interesting in that he did not really behave in a demon-like way. But his mystery was also a foggy backstory that failed to hook me. I don't really care if I find out why he did the things he did.
I am not likely to continue reading this serial. It was not witty or engaging. For a comedian, Henry is not even slightly entertaining.
I just could not connect with the characters. We are given just a very basic backstory for Henry; just some facts presented as if you had learned about him in a casual conversation. "Oh yeah, I'm a famous comedian and I have a wife and daughter. We're very happy. Blah blah." I was never emotionally invested in Henry or in his plight. His torment was not very real to me. His relationships were light-weight. We're expected to understand his pain and anguish but I never felt his joy and love. I can't sense his loss when I never sensed he had anything to lose. Henry's fellow demon/mentor was a little more interesting in that he did not really behave in a demon-like way. But his mystery was also a foggy backstory that failed to hook me. I don't really care if I find out why he did the things he did.
I am not likely to continue reading this serial. It was not witty or engaging. For a comedian, Henry is not even slightly entertaining.
October 14, 2014
Monstrous by Sean Platt and David Wright is a book that has good points. Its premise is one of my favourites, what happens after death. Henry Black just died. He and his family were attacked in their home. He finds himself in limbo, confused and frightened he makes a hurried deal with a demon named Boothe to get back his family. He returns to the land of living but not as the Henry he knows. He is now a monster.
That sounds awesome right? The story is good; it is a classic revenge story, guy gets killed comes back from the dead to get his revenge on his murders. This book could have been awesome. Unfortunately it falls flat for several reasons a massive one being the protagonist, Henry. He is just awful, just the worse person in that universe at that moment. He didn’t start like that right out the gate. At first I was rooting for him, I wanted him to get his revenge and save his family but by the end I just wanted him to be real so I can punch him in the face and tell him to grow the hell up. I hate him with a passion. I know I don’t normally spoil books or plot points but with this book I have to make an exception because I have to explain why Henry is such a horrid character.
First, I have to cover the undertones of the book. Well, I say undertones but it basically beats you over the head with it. In this book Heaven, Hell and Limbo are proven to be there with the big man upstairs watching us all.
Henry is a non-believer, and while he accepts that God exists now, he doesn’t fully understand the concept of Free Will. Throughout the book, Henry has to make a choice and every time he makes the wrong one he blames God for it. Not himself for making the stupid choice in the first place, nope he blames God. Henry doesn’t take responsibility for anything that he does. Boothe tells him not to let anyone see him, Henry isn’t careful and someone takes a picture him which ends up on the news. A religious cult sees this and dresses up as Henry goes to a church and kills several children because Henry killed a few of their followers ‘It’s not my fault.’ Says Henry. This is a mirror of his life when his wife, Samantha, talks about what Henry was like when he was alive. Henry was a comedian , his wife worked for a charity organisation that helped women who were in abusive relationships. Henry made a sketch calling the organisation ‘Waah’ which resulted in his wife getting fired from a job she loved. ‘It’s not my fault, they got offended too easily. ’ Says Henry. The final nail in the coffin for me was near the ending,. It made me not want to continue the series.
That's not the end of it, you want to read the rest SPOILER ALERT, click the link:
http://wp.me/p1gOxm-33Y
That sounds awesome right? The story is good; it is a classic revenge story, guy gets killed comes back from the dead to get his revenge on his murders. This book could have been awesome. Unfortunately it falls flat for several reasons a massive one being the protagonist, Henry. He is just awful, just the worse person in that universe at that moment. He didn’t start like that right out the gate. At first I was rooting for him, I wanted him to get his revenge and save his family but by the end I just wanted him to be real so I can punch him in the face and tell him to grow the hell up. I hate him with a passion. I know I don’t normally spoil books or plot points but with this book I have to make an exception because I have to explain why Henry is such a horrid character.
First, I have to cover the undertones of the book. Well, I say undertones but it basically beats you over the head with it. In this book Heaven, Hell and Limbo are proven to be there with the big man upstairs watching us all.
Henry is a non-believer, and while he accepts that God exists now, he doesn’t fully understand the concept of Free Will. Throughout the book, Henry has to make a choice and every time he makes the wrong one he blames God for it. Not himself for making the stupid choice in the first place, nope he blames God. Henry doesn’t take responsibility for anything that he does. Boothe tells him not to let anyone see him, Henry isn’t careful and someone takes a picture him which ends up on the news. A religious cult sees this and dresses up as Henry goes to a church and kills several children because Henry killed a few of their followers ‘It’s not my fault.’ Says Henry. This is a mirror of his life when his wife, Samantha, talks about what Henry was like when he was alive. Henry was a comedian , his wife worked for a charity organisation that helped women who were in abusive relationships. Henry made a sketch calling the organisation ‘Waah’ which resulted in his wife getting fired from a job she loved. ‘It’s not my fault, they got offended too easily. ’ Says Henry. The final nail in the coffin for me was near the ending,. It made me not want to continue the series.
That's not the end of it, you want to read the rest SPOILER ALERT, click the link:
http://wp.me/p1gOxm-33Y
February 8, 2013
I'm conflicted on what I thought of this book. It was a page turner (I will give it that), I wanted to keep reading to find out what Henry decided to do... BUT I HATED and I mean HATED him. He was so pathetic, he whined to much and I just can't see someone being that indecisive and stupid. He continually picked the wrong decision each and every time. If he truly loved his daughter as much as this book per-trade he did he wouldn't have made half of the choices he made. His character annoyed me!
February 27, 2013
Had me hooked and I do believe I have become rather smitten with the serial format! This tale had moments of justice, sadness and edge of your seat action. I can not wait to see what this writer comes up with next!
March 17, 2018
OMG this was a fun read. Imagine that you've finally achieved the life of your dreams: career and financial success, beautiful family, fine home - then in an instant it's ripped from you by violence. You'd sell your soul for revenge too, right?
It's a story that's been done before - Faustian deal; but this is a really good tale.
I love the descriptions of Nowhere aka Purgatory.
Angels, demons, cults, crooks - this story has everything.
I started reading this morning and couldn't put it down until I finished it a couple hours later. The ending was a 'twist' I saw coming but I never would have guessed who would be affected by the twist - well played author.
Of course I got to the end and found out that it's the first in a series - dang it, now I have to go buy more because it's just that good a story with a great main character. He's not a hero, not a villain, in fact he's a bit of a loser who's sucked into something well beyond his experience.
Well worth the read.
It's a story that's been done before - Faustian deal; but this is a really good tale.
I love the descriptions of Nowhere aka Purgatory.
Angels, demons, cults, crooks - this story has everything.
I started reading this morning and couldn't put it down until I finished it a couple hours later. The ending was a 'twist' I saw coming but I never would have guessed who would be affected by the twist - well played author.
Of course I got to the end and found out that it's the first in a series - dang it, now I have to go buy more because it's just that good a story with a great main character. He's not a hero, not a villain, in fact he's a bit of a loser who's sucked into something well beyond his experience.
Well worth the read.
August 4, 2021
The premise was quite interesting. It was what kept me reading. I found the... anti-hero to be a little self-centered and self-serving but it seemed to fit the narrative well. Overall it was an enjoyable read if a little difficult to work through at times.
September 13, 2013
Anyone who has read anything from the libraries of Sean Platt and David Wright this is a must have read. If you haven't ever read any of their books, its a great one to start with and decide if you like waiting for the next installment like your favorite TV show.
Im a huge fan of their work at Collective Inkwell and was really looking forward to reading this one as its slightly different style to their other series.
Yet again I polished this book off in 2 main sittings and couldn't put it down till I'd turned that last digital page.
What is slightly different about Monstrous is that its the first serial the boys have concentrated on with one point of view. Whereas we have been used to following multi-characters in their other serials. This has been a nice change as they have focused more on Henry and the world around him.
The plot revolves around a comic who has finally become successful after years of hard work; but a devastating family tragedy destroys everything he had. Its a violent first chapter that will keep you hooked. Monstrous is about stone cold revenge and how it can eat you up.
I really love Henry, I was emotionally attached within the first few chapters; his so believable and very relatable as we can all sympathize with how he feels in these traumatic circumstances. What is great about this book its following human nature and I think everyone reading this book will be rooting for poor Henry. Does he help his wife or daughter what a choice to have to make!
I wondered how the boys could make demons and angels work within the book without seeming cliche, but by god they have..what a fantastic read!
I love Ezra and as another reviewer mentioned he really reminded me too of Dobby from Harry Potter. (Can we keep him..please don't kill him off).
Boothe the demon was one of Sean and David's favorite characters to write and one of mine to follow. You know he's up to something but you don't know what till the end...!
Its a brilliant start to a fantastic new series, its an extremely well written, compelling, fast paced read which I simply couldn't put down. I loved how Henry has to face so many different dangers and I really enjoyed the twists you guys have thrown in. It doesn't have as many cliffhangers as their other serials as its more focused on Henry; which I love as a change.
The other characters involved are also strong and engaging and the intense pace keeps you addicted till the end; you wont be disappointed! The ending has a fantastic twist something I really wasn't expecting; you rotten devils...its yet another fab cliffhanger, it would make a fantastic film and I wouldn't have expected anything less from the boys!
Now I cant wait for Monstrous series two to see whats instore for Henry and his family.
How far would you go to protect your family...?
Im a huge fan of their work at Collective Inkwell and was really looking forward to reading this one as its slightly different style to their other series.
Yet again I polished this book off in 2 main sittings and couldn't put it down till I'd turned that last digital page.
What is slightly different about Monstrous is that its the first serial the boys have concentrated on with one point of view. Whereas we have been used to following multi-characters in their other serials. This has been a nice change as they have focused more on Henry and the world around him.
The plot revolves around a comic who has finally become successful after years of hard work; but a devastating family tragedy destroys everything he had. Its a violent first chapter that will keep you hooked. Monstrous is about stone cold revenge and how it can eat you up.
I really love Henry, I was emotionally attached within the first few chapters; his so believable and very relatable as we can all sympathize with how he feels in these traumatic circumstances. What is great about this book its following human nature and I think everyone reading this book will be rooting for poor Henry. Does he help his wife or daughter what a choice to have to make!
I wondered how the boys could make demons and angels work within the book without seeming cliche, but by god they have..what a fantastic read!
I love Ezra and as another reviewer mentioned he really reminded me too of Dobby from Harry Potter. (Can we keep him..please don't kill him off).
Boothe the demon was one of Sean and David's favorite characters to write and one of mine to follow. You know he's up to something but you don't know what till the end...!
Its a brilliant start to a fantastic new series, its an extremely well written, compelling, fast paced read which I simply couldn't put down. I loved how Henry has to face so many different dangers and I really enjoyed the twists you guys have thrown in. It doesn't have as many cliffhangers as their other serials as its more focused on Henry; which I love as a change.
The other characters involved are also strong and engaging and the intense pace keeps you addicted till the end; you wont be disappointed! The ending has a fantastic twist something I really wasn't expecting; you rotten devils...its yet another fab cliffhanger, it would make a fantastic film and I wouldn't have expected anything less from the boys!
Now I cant wait for Monstrous series two to see whats instore for Henry and his family.
How far would you go to protect your family...?
February 6, 2013
Platt & Wright KICK ASS!!! A great start to a new series.
Really cool, I'm definitely hooked. I love the authors' ability to not only create a world I can't get enough of, but to fill that world with characters I am emotionally attached to and will follow anywhere; all in such a short amount of time. The writing is killer and the characters are perfect--the intense pace suits the story well.
I'm a little shaken up by Henry's experience, but looking forward to some vicarious thrills as he seeks revenge.
The serial format is AWESOME, especially the anticipation of being part of Henry's world, as it develops. I will eagerly devour this entire series as it becomes available. Excellent read; well done guys.
***UPDATE***
Holy crap! Ok, just finished Episode Six and listen, all I can say is...Holy Crap!!! Man oh man, I just...HOLY CRAP!!!
I'm pulsing with adrenaline. You might think I'm full of s*** or being paid to write positive reviews, but you can look at my Goodreads profile and see that I just love to read. The reason I'm such a huge fan is because these guys are f'n brilliant.
Monstrous took a turn at the end of the story and threw me out of my seat. Henry is a brilliant character placed in the worst predicament imaginable. Boothe is an antagonist who, once we learn his motivation, seems more human-if that's possible. Don't get me wrong, he's still a selfish scumbag, but I get where he's coming from. I won't say anymore, you should read for yourself. Just be ready for an emotional hangover.
If you loved this season as much as me then you will be in agony (as I am) that Season Two has yet to be written. This is exactly why I love to read.
Really cool, I'm definitely hooked. I love the authors' ability to not only create a world I can't get enough of, but to fill that world with characters I am emotionally attached to and will follow anywhere; all in such a short amount of time. The writing is killer and the characters are perfect--the intense pace suits the story well.
I'm a little shaken up by Henry's experience, but looking forward to some vicarious thrills as he seeks revenge.
The serial format is AWESOME, especially the anticipation of being part of Henry's world, as it develops. I will eagerly devour this entire series as it becomes available. Excellent read; well done guys.
***UPDATE***
Holy crap! Ok, just finished Episode Six and listen, all I can say is...Holy Crap!!! Man oh man, I just...HOLY CRAP!!!
I'm pulsing with adrenaline. You might think I'm full of s*** or being paid to write positive reviews, but you can look at my Goodreads profile and see that I just love to read. The reason I'm such a huge fan is because these guys are f'n brilliant.
Monstrous took a turn at the end of the story and threw me out of my seat. Henry is a brilliant character placed in the worst predicament imaginable. Boothe is an antagonist who, once we learn his motivation, seems more human-if that's possible. Don't get me wrong, he's still a selfish scumbag, but I get where he's coming from. I won't say anymore, you should read for yourself. Just be ready for an emotional hangover.
If you loved this season as much as me then you will be in agony (as I am) that Season Two has yet to be written. This is exactly why I love to read.
July 17, 2014
~Possibly includes spoilers~
Monstrous is about a well-off comedian called Henry, who lives comfortably with his wife, Samantha, and their daughter Amèlie. One day their sizeable house is broken into, but it seems the only thing the attackers want is Henry's life, and his daughter's. Henry and Amèlie end up killed and in Purgatory, although separated, where Henry meets a man in white and a man in black. Instead of waiting for his judgement from God, the man in black - Boothe - persuades Henry to go back to the Earth plane as one of the undead, to seek revenge on his (and Amèlie's) killer. However, Henry is turned into a monster who feeds from violence and sorrow.
I didn't really connect with this book. Henry was just so easily persuaded by Boothe and Randall (the men in white and black), forever jostling with his alliance to one or the other, that by the end it was completely unconvincing. Noone can be that indecisive. Also, there were a lot of profanities, which wouldn't normally bother me, but there were so many that it just seemed forced and cheesy. One thing I did like about the book was that for a long while I was never really sure about who was the bad guy out of Randall and Boothe. There's a massive plot twist at the end of the book, which I also liked, even though it was unexpected enough to make you feel a little uneasy.
Monstrous is about a well-off comedian called Henry, who lives comfortably with his wife, Samantha, and their daughter Amèlie. One day their sizeable house is broken into, but it seems the only thing the attackers want is Henry's life, and his daughter's. Henry and Amèlie end up killed and in Purgatory, although separated, where Henry meets a man in white and a man in black. Instead of waiting for his judgement from God, the man in black - Boothe - persuades Henry to go back to the Earth plane as one of the undead, to seek revenge on his (and Amèlie's) killer. However, Henry is turned into a monster who feeds from violence and sorrow.
I didn't really connect with this book. Henry was just so easily persuaded by Boothe and Randall (the men in white and black), forever jostling with his alliance to one or the other, that by the end it was completely unconvincing. Noone can be that indecisive. Also, there were a lot of profanities, which wouldn't normally bother me, but there were so many that it just seemed forced and cheesy. One thing I did like about the book was that for a long while I was never really sure about who was the bad guy out of Randall and Boothe. There's a massive plot twist at the end of the book, which I also liked, even though it was unexpected enough to make you feel a little uneasy.
September 18, 2013
A decent premise for this serialized e-book about a man who makes a Faustian bargain to come back from the grave for revenge after he is brutally murdered along with his daughter while his wife is brutalized by a trio of thugs.
The catch is that he comes back but as a demon with exceptional abilities but also an exceptional need to...well, be demonic. A good premise that kind of falters as the 'demonic' aspect never really fleshes out and the story devolves into a mishmash of half-developed threads that don't resolve or satisfy.
The dialogue is frequently awkward (the protagonist was apparently a successful comedian before his murder so he makes a lot of really stupid cracks along the way). The authors note at the end that the story is about the main character's fall, his character arc is stilted and his reactions to events seem forced.
I understand this is "Season 1" and Platt and Wright have a little cottage industry of producing serailized books by the truckload, but I think a little more care to the stories and characters (as opposed to just the cool premise) would be a more satisfying approach.
The catch is that he comes back but as a demon with exceptional abilities but also an exceptional need to...well, be demonic. A good premise that kind of falters as the 'demonic' aspect never really fleshes out and the story devolves into a mishmash of half-developed threads that don't resolve or satisfy.
The dialogue is frequently awkward (the protagonist was apparently a successful comedian before his murder so he makes a lot of really stupid cracks along the way). The authors note at the end that the story is about the main character's fall, his character arc is stilted and his reactions to events seem forced.
I understand this is "Season 1" and Platt and Wright have a little cottage industry of producing serailized books by the truckload, but I think a little more care to the stories and characters (as opposed to just the cool premise) would be a more satisfying approach.
January 1, 2023
This book was truly in the middle for me. Just as many things to like as not to like. I really like the story itself. It starts off seeming like it's going to have a preachy message but then it says some things that make you sure that's not the case. Boothe is a great villain who's not really all that evil in the end. The main character, Henry, is completely unlikeable but it seems like maybe he's supposed to be.
The things I dislike most have to do with the overall writing style. The fight scenes seem like they're written by someone who's not only never been in a fight but hasn't even watched enough of them in action movies to write a believable one. There's one part toward the end where Henry wraps his arms around a man's shoulders, spins and pulls him to the ground and headbutts him. As if that weren't bad enough, it then says that blood drips, not splashes from the man clearly below him, but drips onto his face.
On another positive note the twist at the ending left me absolutely stunned. Overall an ok book but with a writing style that needs a lot of work
The things I dislike most have to do with the overall writing style. The fight scenes seem like they're written by someone who's not only never been in a fight but hasn't even watched enough of them in action movies to write a believable one. There's one part toward the end where Henry wraps his arms around a man's shoulders, spins and pulls him to the ground and headbutts him. As if that weren't bad enough, it then says that blood drips, not splashes from the man clearly below him, but drips onto his face.
On another positive note the twist at the ending left me absolutely stunned. Overall an ok book but with a writing style that needs a lot of work
August 24, 2014
overall I guess this book is OK. It's rather repetitive... should I, could I, yes I will, no I won't.
The interpretation of heaven and hell is rather unique I suppose but the "rules" are just stupid and the ending is abrupt, disappointing and makes NO SENSE WHATSOEVER.
spoiler!!!
he finally caves and gets more or less full revenge and for his actions HIS DAUGHTER is sent to hell....
Wtf???
it then throws to be continued at you while you're trying to figure out the logic in that crazy freaking plot hole portrayed as a twist.
honestly I don't know that I'd read a sequel. The characters weren't exactly likable, and I mean any of them beyond the daughter who is barely in it. Being repetitive makes it hard to get into, it took three times longer to develop the motivation to finish than it should and after that ending I don't truly care to read him whine and complain for another book.
The interpretation of heaven and hell is rather unique I suppose but the "rules" are just stupid and the ending is abrupt, disappointing and makes NO SENSE WHATSOEVER.
spoiler!!!
he finally caves and gets more or less full revenge and for his actions HIS DAUGHTER is sent to hell....
Wtf???
it then throws to be continued at you while you're trying to figure out the logic in that crazy freaking plot hole portrayed as a twist.
honestly I don't know that I'd read a sequel. The characters weren't exactly likable, and I mean any of them beyond the daughter who is barely in it. Being repetitive makes it hard to get into, it took three times longer to develop the motivation to finish than it should and after that ending I don't truly care to read him whine and complain for another book.
April 28, 2015
I have yet to read a Platt/Wright book I don't like - this one is no exception. They just have a way of writing that makes it impossible for me to put the book down.
Even thought it doesn't say it, this book is first in a series. This was a bit of a letdown as I got to the end only to discover it wasn't the end. It also states that this was published in 2012, which makes me wonder if they are going to continue the series.
This is the story of Henry. He finally had everything - a wonderful wife, a fantastic daughter, a huge home and no worries about money. That's when three men violently broke into their home and killed him. Henry woke up in purgatory and his only thoughts were of his family. He had to know what happened to them and he had to protect them. He was given this chance but at a great cost.
I would recommend waiting to read this until we know if more will be published. It's a good read but not worth the time if this is it.
Even thought it doesn't say it, this book is first in a series. This was a bit of a letdown as I got to the end only to discover it wasn't the end. It also states that this was published in 2012, which makes me wonder if they are going to continue the series.
This is the story of Henry. He finally had everything - a wonderful wife, a fantastic daughter, a huge home and no worries about money. That's when three men violently broke into their home and killed him. Henry woke up in purgatory and his only thoughts were of his family. He had to know what happened to them and he had to protect them. He was given this chance but at a great cost.
I would recommend waiting to read this until we know if more will be published. It's a good read but not worth the time if this is it.
September 11, 2015
I read quite a few negative reviews for this novel before purchasing it, but I have to say that overall I enjoyed it. It may be that I purchased the audio book version (Audible) -- which at the time was supercheap -- and that this enhanced the story because of the voice acting. But it held together and kept me interested til the end.
It's a new take (for me anyway) on a morality tale. I winced at the frequent profanity especially when aimed at God, and the constant questioning of the angel and demon got a little repetitive, but yeah, good story, told well.
SLIGHT SPOILER:
However, on reaching the cliffhanger ending, I felt that I'd read/heard enough and I won't be getting the sequel. That said, the novel is fine as a standalone and the cliffhanger lent a circularity to the story that I actually found satisfying in itself.
It's a new take (for me anyway) on a morality tale. I winced at the frequent profanity especially when aimed at God, and the constant questioning of the angel and demon got a little repetitive, but yeah, good story, told well.
SLIGHT SPOILER:
However, on reaching the cliffhanger ending, I felt that I'd read/heard enough and I won't be getting the sequel. That said, the novel is fine as a standalone and the cliffhanger lent a circularity to the story that I actually found satisfying in itself.
August 12, 2015
It has it's fantastic moments, but the rest is just...done. I thought of several things I would have done to the perps instead of beating and killing them. You don't get a sense of what type of comedian Henry was/is and it doesn't seem to transfer to his new found demon state. Sadly Henry doesn't present as smart, just reactionary - which probably is his character. It annoyed me.
I'd be interested in exploring Ezra and Boothe's characters/backstories further. And I will be reading the next season, I don't like leaving things undone.
The ending held a hint of surprise -
I'd be interested in exploring Ezra and Boothe's characters/backstories further. And I will be reading the next season, I don't like leaving things undone.
The ending held a hint of surprise -
January 28, 2013
An interesting concept, but at each turn of the plot the authors just introduce a new level of mystical twists to drive things along. I've read through episode 5 so far (all that have been released) and it kind of seems like the characters, especially the main character, are just along for the ride, instead of driving the story by their decisions. Maybe the main character, who has enough determination to make it back from death, will discover the fortitude to stand up and make some of his own choices in later episodes.
May 14, 2013
In the authors' note at the end of the book, Platt and Wright ask: What would you do in the shoes of Henry Black? There are no easy answers. I found myself asking that same question throughout the book, as Black went from crossroad to the next.
While this serial doesn't have quite the same amount of cliffhangers as the other serials from these authors, I enjoyed the story just as much. I felt for the main character an wanted what's good for him to happen...without knowing what that would really be. A great, if dark, story.
While this serial doesn't have quite the same amount of cliffhangers as the other serials from these authors, I enjoyed the story just as much. I felt for the main character an wanted what's good for him to happen...without knowing what that would really be. A great, if dark, story.
September 3, 2016
The concept of the book intrigued me, but it was poorly executed. I didn't connect to the characters, and the supernatural "we have rules we have to follow" just seemed like the authors hadn't come up with that part of the book yet and needed some filler. My overall impression was that the book tried too hard to be hip and relevant with many cultural references, rather than developing characters or relationships. I ultimately didn't care for any of the main characters. I only really liked Pastor Owen.
December 3, 2014
A truly great moral tale!
Sean Platt and David Wright have successfully written a modern fable with a horror twist. The choices the hero is forced to make would be beyond difficult for any normal person. I also enjoyed the religious dichotomy, bad vs good, angels vs demons, etc, sometimes those roles get a little blurry. I will say that if you are one of the devoted flock, you may get a wee bit offended by the context, but keep in mind that this book is fiction, and of the horror genre as well. Great job, Mr. Platt & Mr. Wright, I'm looking forward to reading the sequel!
Sean Platt and David Wright have successfully written a modern fable with a horror twist. The choices the hero is forced to make would be beyond difficult for any normal person. I also enjoyed the religious dichotomy, bad vs good, angels vs demons, etc, sometimes those roles get a little blurry. I will say that if you are one of the devoted flock, you may get a wee bit offended by the context, but keep in mind that this book is fiction, and of the horror genre as well. Great job, Mr. Platt & Mr. Wright, I'm looking forward to reading the sequel!
June 13, 2015
Started to get good at the end. The ending was very sudden and I haven't been able to find any info on any new parts. This was a Kindle Series and the version I purchased contained all of the episodes. I wouldn't mind continuing the series, it started to get much better in the last few chapters. Felt like the story finally found it's footing and ended too soon. Wouldn't recommend to everyone, I would recommend it if you can look past some pacing and character issues and generally enjoy horror stories.
February 17, 2015
A good read. I had guessed half the twist at the (near) ending for what was going to happen, and hope that 47North picks up the book for a second season. I also hope that they go to a weekly release schedule instead of bi-weekly because reading it in the original publication schedule is fun but 2 weeks between episodes is too long. (Sent feedback to Amazon to that effect, obviously now that the book is completed it's a moot point.)
February 20, 2013
This is the second Amazon Serial book I've read from Platt and Wright. They are quickly rising up my list of "go to" writers when I am wanting a decent thrill ride.
This book has a definite comic book feel (think Spawn) but is very dark throughout. If you like uplifting tales of good conquering evil then I suggest you skip this book. However, if you like stories that keep you guessing on the outcome and enjoy digging below the superficial then you should enjoy "Monstrous."
This book has a definite comic book feel (think Spawn) but is very dark throughout. If you like uplifting tales of good conquering evil then I suggest you skip this book. However, if you like stories that keep you guessing on the outcome and enjoy digging below the superficial then you should enjoy "Monstrous."
February 11, 2013
Another great series by Collective Inkwell. I'm a big fan of their work, and while this wasn't my favorite series, I do love it that they are branching out and trying new things (this was a one-character perspective). My favorite thing about their work is that I can get bite-sized entertainment that isn't brain-numbing or stupid. It's compact, interesting, and leaves me wanting the followup...but I have to wait until the next week!
March 13, 2013
This was a kindle free book and typically I don't expect much from them. I was quite wrong on that count. I loved the premise and I really enjoyed the characters. I was rooting for Henry to do the right thing and yet I understood and sympathized when he (sometimes) failed to do so. This is serial and set to have a sequel or a 'season two'. I'm quite interested in what's going to happen next with Henry and the mess he's gotten himself into.
August 4, 2013
The premis sounded interesting. A man dies and returns as a monster. I was expecting a lot of focus on his internal struggle as well as some growth and insight. No such luck. Overweight guy comes back as super-strong, super-fast demon who proceeds to kick-butt. No character development, no internal struggle, no insight. Stopped reading about 30% through and skipped to the end, which was a waste of time, I should have just stopped. ;)
August 6, 2014
This was a light breezy read. I liked the way how at every major step, authors reminded the protagonist and through him, to us, about the power of choice. The choices were so on the edge of the seat, it kept me, as a reader guessing what will happen if the other way was chosen. The climax was a surprise and as the book is on its last paragraph, another intriguing twist was introduced which has me guessing and wanting to read the next installment of this.
October 23, 2015
there is not much to tell about this book. the plot is as simple as it can be. guy dies goes to purgatory makes a deal with a evil entity and shenanigans occur...the end.
but i have to say for a comedian henry black is one of the stupidest guys i have ever read. okay only recently. i dont know if it was on purpose or what but this guy makes me say wtf?? several times.
but its a short easy book to read.
but i have to say for a comedian henry black is one of the stupidest guys i have ever read. okay only recently. i dont know if it was on purpose or what but this guy makes me say wtf?? several times.
but its a short easy book to read.
January 28, 2016
I'm glad that I finally found time to finish Monstrous. The story is brilliantly written. It radiates a great mixed sense of mystery, authenticity, fear, love, confusion, hatred, and revenge. There were times throughout my reading that I thought the story line is becoming too religious. Yet, the human emotions and reactions that follow, balance the story and make it believable in its particular setting. Can't wait to read the next book in the series! Definitely recommend giving it a chance!
March 30, 2013
This is the very first book I purchased ($.99) on my e-reader (Kindle paperwhite) and I thought I'd go with a different genre than my usual "safe" picks. I have to say that I'm really happy I did. Nicely written, very fast pace and interesting right from the beginning. Many times it made me think what would I do if I was in Henry's shoes? I will be looking forward to Season 2.
September 9, 2013
To be honest, the 2 ending chapters killed the story off for me. The story started off with a POW, my curiosity in such a brutal beginning kept me reading. As I read and waited for a powerful conclusion, that hope died off when the big revelation came. I probably won't read the second, I feel robbed of my time and energy.
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