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Monster or Die #2
Into the Shadowlands
In this tale of two monsters, seventh-grade troll Malcolm McNastee is on a mission to rid Uggarland of misfits, especially Frankenstein (Frank) Frightface Gordon. Much to Malcolm's horror, Frank rescued Malcolm's disgraced dad from exile. This unspeakable act could tarnish Malcolm's true-blood troll reputation. On the other claw, Frank--a neat freak who's never fit the normal monster mode--must quickly reform under a new Uggarland law. If he doesn't, he could face exile--or worse. Malcolm decides to regain his good-monster standing by leading Frank and a band of misfits into the dangerous Shadowlands--where many enter and few emerge unscathed. Frank and Malcolm must brave the Shadowlands' perils, realizing that even if they make it out alive, their lives will never be the same.
- GenresMiddle GradeFantasy
200 pages, Paperback
First published October 10, 2017
205 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 3, 2017
There has never been a finer collection of monsters, ghouls, and other assorted creatures of creepiness in one volume. And never have they struggled against type with such pathos to do what they believe is the right thing in the face of condemnation. Hurrah!
June 25, 2017
A wonderful sequel! I am Team Frank all the way, and there were so many twists and turns in this plot that it would strike fear into the heart of any self-respectful monster! Kids will devour this! Scary on!
July 4, 2017
Full disclosure: I was the editor on this book. But that makes my love for this book all the more tender! 💚💜🖤 This is a lovely sequel to FROM THE GRAVE and is part of a great middle grade series about "monstering," inclusivity, fitting in, friendship, loyalty, and fighting for what you believe in. I was surprised by how touched I was by Malcolm's transformation in this story. Read the first book, FROM THE GRAVE, this summer just in time for INTO THE SHADOWLANDS to come out at Halloween! 🎃👻👹💀
July 12, 2017
This continuation of the Monster or Die series is every bit as entertaining as book 1. The story switches between Frank and Malcolm as before and both of them manage to get themselves deeper and deeper into trouble. I'm growing especially fond of the monstrous Malcolm and his struggles to prove himself. The fast-paced adventure has plenty of laughs along the way as the author plays with all the traditional monster tales. There are some great new characters too. Can't wait to read the next instalment.
October 5, 2017
Monster or Die is a series set in Uggarland—a world full of monsters set apart from humankind. In Uggarland, there are Monsters, and then there are OMOs, or Odd Monsters Out.
The OMOs don’t act as monsters are expected to behave. Life is difficult for the OMOs. Uggarland rules require them to purge themselves of their misfit ways and become more monsterly (“monster or die!”), or they will be exiled to a horribly sunny and warm island to live out the rest of their days.
This is a wonderfully fresh book of middle-grade self-discovery and acceptance. It addresses differences in others and finding the best in people. It explores themes of the marginalization and exclusion of minority groups, and calls to mind the forced conformity and assimilation to European ways found in the Native American boarding schools of the early 20th Century.
The language in this book is entertaining. There are many monster words (such as the “slybrary” and exclamations like “snotfargle extremo!”) to keep readers entertained. The characters’ names all make kids chuckle (e.g., Mr. McNastee). And there is plenty of action to keep the story moving.
I didn’t read the first Monster or Die book, but that didn’t impair my ability to read and enjoy this one. I received an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.
The OMOs don’t act as monsters are expected to behave. Life is difficult for the OMOs. Uggarland rules require them to purge themselves of their misfit ways and become more monsterly (“monster or die!”), or they will be exiled to a horribly sunny and warm island to live out the rest of their days.
This is a wonderfully fresh book of middle-grade self-discovery and acceptance. It addresses differences in others and finding the best in people. It explores themes of the marginalization and exclusion of minority groups, and calls to mind the forced conformity and assimilation to European ways found in the Native American boarding schools of the early 20th Century.
The language in this book is entertaining. There are many monster words (such as the “slybrary” and exclamations like “snotfargle extremo!”) to keep readers entertained. The characters’ names all make kids chuckle (e.g., Mr. McNastee). And there is plenty of action to keep the story moving.
I didn’t read the first Monster or Die book, but that didn’t impair my ability to read and enjoy this one. I received an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.
April 18, 2018
Reviewed for School Library Journal, August 2018
Gr 3–5—Being a misfit monster is a serious problem in Uggarland and can eventually lead to exile or even death. Fortunately for Frankenstein (Frank) Gordon and his nonconformist friends, there is an "Odd Monsters Out" class at Fiendful Fiends Academy, where the eccentricities range from a dragon who can't breathe fire to a vampire who drinks milk. In this second installment of the series, Frank and his friends have just returned from a daring rescue of two misfits from exile but soon find themselves in another deadly situation. Their class is sent on a scavenger hunt to the Shadowlands, the treacherous divide between Uggarland and the human world, which is full of dangerous animals and malevolent spirits. To make matters worse, Frank's nemesis, the troll Malcolm McNastee, has been assigned to chaperone the group. Malcolm reviles all misfits and has a very personal reason for hating Frank above all others. There's a little something for everyone here; suspense, adventure, a blossoming romance, and some truly corny humor from a two-headed gargoyle. VERDICT: An approachable read for fans of adventure/fantasy and humor in a school setting. While feasible as a stand-alone, it is optimal to have read the first installment.—Amy Nolan, St. Joseph Public Library, MI
Gr 3–5—Being a misfit monster is a serious problem in Uggarland and can eventually lead to exile or even death. Fortunately for Frankenstein (Frank) Gordon and his nonconformist friends, there is an "Odd Monsters Out" class at Fiendful Fiends Academy, where the eccentricities range from a dragon who can't breathe fire to a vampire who drinks milk. In this second installment of the series, Frank and his friends have just returned from a daring rescue of two misfits from exile but soon find themselves in another deadly situation. Their class is sent on a scavenger hunt to the Shadowlands, the treacherous divide between Uggarland and the human world, which is full of dangerous animals and malevolent spirits. To make matters worse, Frank's nemesis, the troll Malcolm McNastee, has been assigned to chaperone the group. Malcolm reviles all misfits and has a very personal reason for hating Frank above all others. There's a little something for everyone here; suspense, adventure, a blossoming romance, and some truly corny humor from a two-headed gargoyle. VERDICT: An approachable read for fans of adventure/fantasy and humor in a school setting. While feasible as a stand-alone, it is optimal to have read the first installment.—Amy Nolan, St. Joseph Public Library, MI
March 22, 2022
Into the shadowlands by Cynthia Reeg.
Book 2 of monster or die.
In this tale of two monsters, seventh-grade troll Malcolm McNastee is on a mission to rid Uggarland of misfits, especially Frankenstein (Frank) Frightface Gordon. Much to Malcolm’s horror, Frank rescued Malcolm’s disgraced dad from exile. This unspeakable act could tarnish Malcolm’s true-blood troll reputation. On the other claw, Frank—a neat freak who’s never fit the normal monster mode—must quickly reform under a new Uggarland law. If he doesn’t, he could face exile—or worse.
Malcolm decides to regain his good-monster standing by leading Frank and a band of misfits into the dangerous Shadowlands—where many enter and few emerge unscathed. Frank and Malcolm must brave the Shadowlands’ perils, realizing that even if they make it out alive, their lives will never be the same.
A really really good read my daughter loves it. Especially the pictures. 5*.
Book 2 of monster or die.
In this tale of two monsters, seventh-grade troll Malcolm McNastee is on a mission to rid Uggarland of misfits, especially Frankenstein (Frank) Frightface Gordon. Much to Malcolm’s horror, Frank rescued Malcolm’s disgraced dad from exile. This unspeakable act could tarnish Malcolm’s true-blood troll reputation. On the other claw, Frank—a neat freak who’s never fit the normal monster mode—must quickly reform under a new Uggarland law. If he doesn’t, he could face exile—or worse.
Malcolm decides to regain his good-monster standing by leading Frank and a band of misfits into the dangerous Shadowlands—where many enter and few emerge unscathed. Frank and Malcolm must brave the Shadowlands’ perils, realizing that even if they make it out alive, their lives will never be the same.
A really really good read my daughter loves it. Especially the pictures. 5*.
August 31, 2017
A fun and Boo-tastic tale that will make any young reader want to Monster On! Once again, Reeg creates a fast-paced world that's adventurously rich and hilariously funny. Kids will love this latest journey of Frank and Malcolm as they trudge through the murky swamp of growing up. I fell head over a witches hat for Frank during book I of this series. And for me, this time it was Malcolm that stole the show. He had some pretty tough decisions to make for a monster middle schooler, which created a lot of internal turmoil. (Loved that, especially with Malcolm!) And he rose to the challenge. Of course, the other characters were just as fantastic as in the first book. This is such a fun read. Kids will love it!
July 22, 2017
What a lot of fun!
Cynthia Reeg's Into the Shadowlands takes off at breakneck speed after the events of From the Grave. Frank, Malcolm and all the other monsters are back and up to their necks in trouble. This may be a story about monsters, but it's also a story about friendship, rivalry, trying to fit in, and being true to yourself, whoever or whatever you might be.
Charming, scary, and imaginative. Perfect for the little ghoul in your life.
Cynthia Reeg's Into the Shadowlands takes off at breakneck speed after the events of From the Grave. Frank, Malcolm and all the other monsters are back and up to their necks in trouble. This may be a story about monsters, but it's also a story about friendship, rivalry, trying to fit in, and being true to yourself, whoever or whatever you might be.
Charming, scary, and imaginative. Perfect for the little ghoul in your life.
November 1, 2017
From a fifth grade reader: "Overall, I liked this book better than the first book. I loved the way the author uses such vivid details. I can practically see everything that is happening as if it were me in the story."
A read to consider for Halloween season! Might be a good parent read aloud at home for those that are easing into chapter books.
A read to consider for Halloween season! Might be a good parent read aloud at home for those that are easing into chapter books.
November 9, 2017
Loved it. Even better than the first in the series. Looking forward to the next installment. Just right for middle grade readers.
I received this book free from Goodreads First Reads.
I received this book free from Goodreads First Reads.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews