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Northern Creatures #1
Monster Born
Elves, werewolves, witches, vampires, and the patchwork son of Victor Frankenstein…
A little Penny Dreadful.
A tad bit Fargo.
All Northern Creatures.
Welcome to Alfheim, Minnesota.
I walked out of the Arctic and into Alfheim’s magic two centuries ago. The elves had no idea what to do with the giant, re-animated corpse in their midst other than to offer me what they had long offered all unloved and unwanted magicals — a home. Without elven magic, the Alfheim Werewolf Pack would descend into madness. Without the stability of the elves, the local vampires and witches would fall prey to their own evil natures. And without the elves, I would still be the rage-filled monster stitched together by my father’s genius and unholy hubris.
Now, I have a good life. I have family. Friends. A community that supports and protects me. But some ghosts from rage-filled pasts are more horrific than others. Some want to rip apart more than just my soul.
Some want my flesh. And now I must face a vampiric demon so powerful not even elven magic can stop it….
Join Frank Victorsson and the magical people of Alfheim, Minnesota, in Monster Born, the first novel in the new Northern Creatures series from Kris Austen Radcliffe.
A little Penny Dreadful.
A tad bit Fargo.
All Northern Creatures.
Welcome to Alfheim, Minnesota.
I walked out of the Arctic and into Alfheim’s magic two centuries ago. The elves had no idea what to do with the giant, re-animated corpse in their midst other than to offer me what they had long offered all unloved and unwanted magicals — a home. Without elven magic, the Alfheim Werewolf Pack would descend into madness. Without the stability of the elves, the local vampires and witches would fall prey to their own evil natures. And without the elves, I would still be the rage-filled monster stitched together by my father’s genius and unholy hubris.
Now, I have a good life. I have family. Friends. A community that supports and protects me. But some ghosts from rage-filled pasts are more horrific than others. Some want to rip apart more than just my soul.
Some want my flesh. And now I must face a vampiric demon so powerful not even elven magic can stop it….
Join Frank Victorsson and the magical people of Alfheim, Minnesota, in Monster Born, the first novel in the new Northern Creatures series from Kris Austen Radcliffe.
216 pages, ebook
Published August 8, 2017
597 people are currently reading
383 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
March 18, 2018
Wow, great story!
Monster Born is the story of the creature made by Frankenstein but in the present day. He has survived and lives in a town with other paranormal creatures. But something starts happening, and soon it is clear the town isn't safe and it is revolving around Frank. Seems Frank has a brother he never knew about and he is pure evil. Great read!
Monster Born is the story of the creature made by Frankenstein but in the present day. He has survived and lives in a town with other paranormal creatures. But something starts happening, and soon it is clear the town isn't safe and it is revolving around Frank. Seems Frank has a brother he never knew about and he is pure evil. Great read!
April 12, 2018
I feel like I probably would have liked this more if I wasn't expecting so much from it. Basically if there are two things I love it's Frankenstein retellings and Norse mythology so I thought this book was going to be AMAZING! Unfortunately there is very little of either of those things in this book and it's really more one of those general urban fantasy books where they shove every single mythological creature they can think of into one story. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy those books too, but there's so many of them that you really have to do something special to stand out and this did not do that.
Most of the characters felt very two dimensional. Frank didn't really have much of a personality in my opinion and he just ...didn't FEEL like the Creature from Frankenstein I guess. I mean there's a certain mood I think we come to expect from stuff featuring Frankenstein or the Creature and this just didn't have it. In the same way the elves didn't really feel like Norse mythology elves, they just kind of felt like your everyday random magic users or more like modern day faeries really. If you're just looking for an average urban fantasy mash-up then this might be an okay series for you, but I read so much urban fantasy that it all felt very tired to me.
Most of the characters felt very two dimensional. Frank didn't really have much of a personality in my opinion and he just ...didn't FEEL like the Creature from Frankenstein I guess. I mean there's a certain mood I think we come to expect from stuff featuring Frankenstein or the Creature and this just didn't have it. In the same way the elves didn't really feel like Norse mythology elves, they just kind of felt like your everyday random magic users or more like modern day faeries really. If you're just looking for an average urban fantasy mash-up then this might be an okay series for you, but I read so much urban fantasy that it all felt very tired to me.
March 22, 2018
Cover/Title: I was really interested in reading this book. I loved the cover and the title/synopsis drew me in.
Characters: I didn't particularly care for the characters. I just couldn't connect with these characters.
Plot: Frank is the "son" pieced together by Victor Frankenstein. There are odd things happening in town and they seem to center around Frank. He is determined to figure out what is happening.
Overall: My biggest problem with this book is trying to get interested in the story. It was so slow that I kept putting it down and finding other things to do. I finally just forced myself to finish it. I was hoping it would pick up later in the story. It did pick up but a little too late. By then, I was almost finished. Unfortunately, this is where I will end with this series. I am just not interested enough to find out what happens next.
Characters: I didn't particularly care for the characters. I just couldn't connect with these characters.
Plot: Frank is the "son" pieced together by Victor Frankenstein. There are odd things happening in town and they seem to center around Frank. He is determined to figure out what is happening.
Overall: My biggest problem with this book is trying to get interested in the story. It was so slow that I kept putting it down and finding other things to do. I finally just forced myself to finish it. I was hoping it would pick up later in the story. It did pick up but a little too late. By then, I was almost finished. Unfortunately, this is where I will end with this series. I am just not interested enough to find out what happens next.
August 22, 2017
Interesting concept and a pleasant diversion from the mage/detective standard these days. There was some really nice prose sprinkled throughout.
That being said, the characters could have been more developed and the various forms of magic better defined. I appreciate if the author wanted to avoid inserting magical data dumps, but some clearer explanations would have helped.
The most confusing element for me was why the elves had created this safe haven for supernatural creatures in the first place. They didn't appear to get anything out of it but hardship, and the elves introduced so far weren't exactly benevolent. So I kept asking 'why?'.
That being said, the characters could have been more developed and the various forms of magic better defined. I appreciate if the author wanted to avoid inserting magical data dumps, but some clearer explanations would have helped.
The most confusing element for me was why the elves had created this safe haven for supernatural creatures in the first place. They didn't appear to get anything out of it but hardship, and the elves introduced so far weren't exactly benevolent. So I kept asking 'why?'.
June 1, 2025
I have been looking forward to this series for a long time and finally got around to it…. Ummmmm yeah.. what?????? This had moments of . Okay not bad.. the rest was “ what the heck is this?” The story had no logical flow at time, characters danced in and out so you weren’t sure who they were and their relation to the story, except for Maura,her daughter and Ed. Frank for all his size and strength keeps getting his behind handed to him.. ughhhh
January 30, 2020
2 stars. A giant 'meh' from me. And that's even ignoring the small errors that were sprinkled throughout, especially: "Vampires, like most predators, left an area once they could no longer stalk their PRAY." Though not poorly written per se, just not at all interesting nor really worthy of the time spent reading it.
I decided to try this book out because I am always looking for someone BESIDES Mary Shelley to properly treat Frankenstein's Monster in an entertaining yet still faithful way. Dean Koontz tried (or whoever wrote those books tried) but after the first 2 installments that series turned into fertillizer. I'm not implying that Radcliffe hasn't respected the lore of 'The Monster' but this is a weak attempt at including him in whatever fantasy setting this book tried to convey. Frank's struggles to be 'human' and even to calm down some residual rage issues just got all confumbulated in the mix of settings, particularly when dealing with the Elvin leaders. Talk about trying to do too much at once! Sheesh.
To be honest, I have to admit I found the story at the same time both simple and yet also somewhat confusing. In the latter case, the book lacked SUFFICIENT build-up of the why's and wherefore's of this interesting town and county. OK, elves and werewolves and vampires and ghosts and all that are just here, no worries, right? The whole fantasy aspect is presented in just a kind of splat, here it is way. Really weak build up on all fronts. And in terms of being unsophisticated, well, to say it read fast would be like saying most sitcoms will be forgotten within a few weeks of their eventual cancellation. Like, wait, what? That's it? The whole book had a real Young Adult lilt to it and not the kind of YA style that is actually, well, good. Maybe add another Y and call it Young Young Adult because the style was anything but challenging.
The plot is also restricted to only being told through 'Frank's' eyes until the epilogue. With the cast that was presented, a lot more tension, heck even a lot more horror-slash-real suspense could have been created if some of the different folks split up and told things as they saw them. Even having Sheriff Ed only show up to talk to Frank got to be just plain silly after a while (so Frank, tell me what was just written about what you saw...). I've said it far too many times before, but this 'one track' style of story-telling is for me just too amateurish to really enjoy, particularly if a story is going to be condensed so thoroughly that it barely fills an evening's reading 'pleasure'. Take a cue from the movies and switch cameras once in a while!
Conclusion: no interest at all to continue the series. Yet another 'it had a good blurb, a strong cover and only cost a buck' bomb. I never learn.
I decided to try this book out because I am always looking for someone BESIDES Mary Shelley to properly treat Frankenstein's Monster in an entertaining yet still faithful way. Dean Koontz tried (or whoever wrote those books tried) but after the first 2 installments that series turned into fertillizer. I'm not implying that Radcliffe hasn't respected the lore of 'The Monster' but this is a weak attempt at including him in whatever fantasy setting this book tried to convey. Frank's struggles to be 'human' and even to calm down some residual rage issues just got all confumbulated in the mix of settings, particularly when dealing with the Elvin leaders. Talk about trying to do too much at once! Sheesh.
To be honest, I have to admit I found the story at the same time both simple and yet also somewhat confusing. In the latter case, the book lacked SUFFICIENT build-up of the why's and wherefore's of this interesting town and county. OK, elves and werewolves and vampires and ghosts and all that are just here, no worries, right? The whole fantasy aspect is presented in just a kind of splat, here it is way. Really weak build up on all fronts. And in terms of being unsophisticated, well, to say it read fast would be like saying most sitcoms will be forgotten within a few weeks of their eventual cancellation. Like, wait, what? That's it? The whole book had a real Young Adult lilt to it and not the kind of YA style that is actually, well, good. Maybe add another Y and call it Young Young Adult because the style was anything but challenging.
The plot is also restricted to only being told through 'Frank's' eyes until the epilogue. With the cast that was presented, a lot more tension, heck even a lot more horror-slash-real suspense could have been created if some of the different folks split up and told things as they saw them. Even having Sheriff Ed only show up to talk to Frank got to be just plain silly after a while (so Frank, tell me what was just written about what you saw...). I've said it far too many times before, but this 'one track' style of story-telling is for me just too amateurish to really enjoy, particularly if a story is going to be condensed so thoroughly that it barely fills an evening's reading 'pleasure'. Take a cue from the movies and switch cameras once in a while!
Conclusion: no interest at all to continue the series. Yet another 'it had a good blurb, a strong cover and only cost a buck' bomb. I never learn.
July 17, 2024
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Monster Born by Kris Austen Radcliffe is a new look at how Frankstein's monster would function in these modern times.
Will Frank figure out who the latest monster in town is and save his adopted family?
Frank Victorson
The man that Frankenstein built now lives in Minnesota. He has been alive for two centuries and has seen many types of evil. All he wants to do is sit on his deck and soak in the sunshine while practicing yoga and drinking green tea. Oh, and spend time with his adoptive family.
I like this version of Frankenstein's monster. Frank is a damaged individual, but you can see he wants to move on with his life and find happiness within himself. I love that he has a dog and that his dog has two names. He has some great qualities but massive insecurities.
Mystery
The mystery is who the newest threat to the town is. However, Frank's backstory also influences what is happening now, even if he doesn't know it.
Four Stars
I liked Ms. Radcliffe's spin on Frankenstein's Monster and the magical system she created. The setting is fabulous. I love the small town in Minnesota, which has mundane and magical creatures living side by side. Ms. Radcliffe also incorporates modern items and issues into small-town living that mix with ways gone by.
My rating for Monster Born by Kris Austen Radcliffe is four stars. I truly enjoyed this story, the characters, and the setting. I recommend it to all fantasy readers, as this is set to be a fantastic series.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Monster Born by Kris Austen Radcliffe.
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
Monster Born by Kris Austen Radcliffe is a new look at how Frankstein's monster would function in these modern times.
Will Frank figure out who the latest monster in town is and save his adopted family?
Frank Victorson
The man that Frankenstein built now lives in Minnesota. He has been alive for two centuries and has seen many types of evil. All he wants to do is sit on his deck and soak in the sunshine while practicing yoga and drinking green tea. Oh, and spend time with his adoptive family.
I like this version of Frankenstein's monster. Frank is a damaged individual, but you can see he wants to move on with his life and find happiness within himself. I love that he has a dog and that his dog has two names. He has some great qualities but massive insecurities.
Mystery
The mystery is who the newest threat to the town is. However, Frank's backstory also influences what is happening now, even if he doesn't know it.
Four Stars
I liked Ms. Radcliffe's spin on Frankenstein's Monster and the magical system she created. The setting is fabulous. I love the small town in Minnesota, which has mundane and magical creatures living side by side. Ms. Radcliffe also incorporates modern items and issues into small-town living that mix with ways gone by.
My rating for Monster Born by Kris Austen Radcliffe is four stars. I truly enjoyed this story, the characters, and the setting. I recommend it to all fantasy readers, as this is set to be a fantastic series.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Monster Born by Kris Austen Radcliffe.
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
December 28, 2020
This is my review of the audio version as posted on Audible:
Quite good but uneven
The premise of the book sounded really fascinating but although it's not a bad story at all, it's not as good as I had expected....
All the elements of a fantastic plot are there: the main character with a traumatic background who fights for what he loves most, elves, vampires and werewolves to keep him company, an opponent who is evil personified... and yet somehow it all doesn't work as well as it should... Maybe it's because the book feels uneven: there are quite a few fantastically written scenes and dialogues and there are parts which definitely slow the pace a lot. I know it's the first book in the series, and as such it must introduce us to the world and the system of magic, it must give us some clues for our understanding of the characters' behaviours, relationships, motivations, etc., but there were moments when I felt there was both too much and too little information... Too much as in too lengthy explanations, too many 'inner-thoughts' analyzing emotions and definitely slowing the pace of the story; and too little as in my confusion about the magic system (I'm still trying to wholy understand it) and about Frank's bonds with the elves - he's supposed to be their adopted son but they kick him out at the first sign of trouble...? I still don't get it...
But, all of that said, overall it's not a bad story at all; it has its moments, emotionally and action-wise:) And the best part? The villain, the opponent Frank has to fight - that is really excellently done, I loved both the idea of who that creature is and how Frank deals with the whole problem:)
Narration by Mr Carnes is quite good; the narrative parts are well read and Frank's voice is nicely done. I didn't much like the way he read female voices, and expecially the kid's voice was definitely very mismatched - it would probably sound much better if he just read those parts in his normal voice; we would still be able to recognize that there are different people speaking... So it's a 3.5 star narration rounded up to 4:)
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Quite good but uneven
The premise of the book sounded really fascinating but although it's not a bad story at all, it's not as good as I had expected....
All the elements of a fantastic plot are there: the main character with a traumatic background who fights for what he loves most, elves, vampires and werewolves to keep him company, an opponent who is evil personified... and yet somehow it all doesn't work as well as it should... Maybe it's because the book feels uneven: there are quite a few fantastically written scenes and dialogues and there are parts which definitely slow the pace a lot. I know it's the first book in the series, and as such it must introduce us to the world and the system of magic, it must give us some clues for our understanding of the characters' behaviours, relationships, motivations, etc., but there were moments when I felt there was both too much and too little information... Too much as in too lengthy explanations, too many 'inner-thoughts' analyzing emotions and definitely slowing the pace of the story; and too little as in my confusion about the magic system (I'm still trying to wholy understand it) and about Frank's bonds with the elves - he's supposed to be their adopted son but they kick him out at the first sign of trouble...? I still don't get it...
But, all of that said, overall it's not a bad story at all; it has its moments, emotionally and action-wise:) And the best part? The villain, the opponent Frank has to fight - that is really excellently done, I loved both the idea of who that creature is and how Frank deals with the whole problem:)
Narration by Mr Carnes is quite good; the narrative parts are well read and Frank's voice is nicely done. I didn't much like the way he read female voices, and expecially the kid's voice was definitely very mismatched - it would probably sound much better if he just read those parts in his normal voice; we would still be able to recognize that there are different people speaking... So it's a 3.5 star narration rounded up to 4:)
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
September 1, 2018
Monster Born isn't like any other book you've ever read. Sure, it has elves, werewolves, vampires, ghosts, a witch, and humans of course or what are called mundanes by the magical community. But then you have Frank Victorsson, a patchwork giant of a man that what most of us would know as Frankenstein's monster who stumbled upon the elven kingdom of Alfheim, Minnesota 200-some years after his creation in the classic telling by Mary Shelley. Here Frank was adopted by the elf king and queen, has learned to master the anger that has been his driving force since he awoke so many years ago, and built a life for himself sharing a lakeside cabin with his adopted elven sister and niece. That is until he starts being haunted by the ghosts of his past, and an old notebook that belonged to a friend of his who passed leads him to opening a portal to The Land of the Dead where he discovers he has a "Brother."
Kris Austen Radcliffe is an expert at world-building and character development. For those who may feel the book moves a bit slow, I say hang in there and enjoy the details and emotional complexity. Feel the internal struggle as Frank tries to figure out what we all do - who he is and where does he come from while fighting to keep his family safe and unravel a centuries old mystery.
I actually read Book 3 first so this helped me get Frank's back story as well as fill in some blanks for me, and I'm so glad I went back to do so. I started Book 2 right after and stayed up all night and am already 31% or to Chapter 8 if that's any indication of how good it is as well, so I highly recommend not only this book, but the entire series. I'm anxiously awaiting Book 4 as well.
Kris Austen Radcliffe is an expert at world-building and character development. For those who may feel the book moves a bit slow, I say hang in there and enjoy the details and emotional complexity. Feel the internal struggle as Frank tries to figure out what we all do - who he is and where does he come from while fighting to keep his family safe and unravel a centuries old mystery.
I actually read Book 3 first so this helped me get Frank's back story as well as fill in some blanks for me, and I'm so glad I went back to do so. I started Book 2 right after and stayed up all night and am already 31% or to Chapter 8 if that's any indication of how good it is as well, so I highly recommend not only this book, but the entire series. I'm anxiously awaiting Book 4 as well.
December 29, 2017
Creative and engrossing
Monster born is one of the more creative examples of world building that I've encountered in quite sometime. It's something of a mash up of urban fantasy, gothic horror, mythology, and fairytales, all rolled into one and plopped down in a somewhat unlikely location in northern Minnesota, like a giant Danish pastry. Or perhaps a parfait, because it's got layers. Frank Victorsson, the unlikely hero of the story, is none other than the infamous Frankenstein 's monster, several hundred years and untold hours of meditation and yoga from his inauspicious beginnings in Germany. Nowadays he leads a quiet life as Arne Odinsson 's adopted son. Arne is king of the Alfheim elves, because, apparently, everyone got caught up in the colonization furor of the Age of Exploration, including the elves, who now call northern Minnesota home. The elves do their best to create a safe place for magical beings, while keeping their existence hidden from mundanes who would harm them. Their existence is threatened when am evil infiltrates Alfheim, threatening to expose the elves to the mundane world and seek a more personal vengeance against inhabitants of the town. Frank struggles to figure out the nature and cause of the threat before things spiral out of control. I really enjoyed this book. The characters are complex and unpredictable. They display a depth of emotion and experience that one would expect from beings who have experienced centuries of life. I am hooked and will absolutely be reading the next book.
Monster born is one of the more creative examples of world building that I've encountered in quite sometime. It's something of a mash up of urban fantasy, gothic horror, mythology, and fairytales, all rolled into one and plopped down in a somewhat unlikely location in northern Minnesota, like a giant Danish pastry. Or perhaps a parfait, because it's got layers. Frank Victorsson, the unlikely hero of the story, is none other than the infamous Frankenstein 's monster, several hundred years and untold hours of meditation and yoga from his inauspicious beginnings in Germany. Nowadays he leads a quiet life as Arne Odinsson 's adopted son. Arne is king of the Alfheim elves, because, apparently, everyone got caught up in the colonization furor of the Age of Exploration, including the elves, who now call northern Minnesota home. The elves do their best to create a safe place for magical beings, while keeping their existence hidden from mundanes who would harm them. Their existence is threatened when am evil infiltrates Alfheim, threatening to expose the elves to the mundane world and seek a more personal vengeance against inhabitants of the town. Frank struggles to figure out the nature and cause of the threat before things spiral out of control. I really enjoyed this book. The characters are complex and unpredictable. They display a depth of emotion and experience that one would expect from beings who have experienced centuries of life. I am hooked and will absolutely be reading the next book.
January 2, 2021
Frank Victorsson, son of Victor Frankenstein did not want to be the monster his father had created. Frank settled in the magical town of Alpine, Minnesota. He became a family member to the elves and a friend to the werewolves who lived in, and protected Alpine. An innocent mistake by a young elf caught on camera by a tourist causes major ripples through the elvish community. This unwanted notoriety brings a malicious visitor to Alpine. Fearing he may have unwittingly played a role in the turmoil, he is determined to identify the source and set things right. I must admit to restarting the story as I did not comprehend what was taking place at first. Paying closer attention the second time rewarded me with a unique and interesting tale. Considering the tantalizing epilogue, I wish I had the next book. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
September 11, 2023
Monster Born
This was not what I was expecting, but not in a bad way! Most the urban fantasy I read is funny or has humor & this was more of a serious story.
This book was a different take on Frankenstein and it was thoroughly enjoyable, even if it was more serious. It definitely redid some of the old myths & stories in a new & original way that kept me reading long past when I should have put it down & gone to bed, lol. Frank is far more human in this story & feels very real. Also, the story doesn't bog you down with his backstory, bits of it get worled into flashbacks within the storyline that make sense with the time of the story for the flashback to happen, which I wholeheartedly approve of!
If you want a serious story & love Frankenstein, then this book is worth the price of admission & I highly recommend it. I am going to buy book 2 later today & get started on that, so here is hoping it is just as good!
This was not what I was expecting, but not in a bad way! Most the urban fantasy I read is funny or has humor & this was more of a serious story.
This book was a different take on Frankenstein and it was thoroughly enjoyable, even if it was more serious. It definitely redid some of the old myths & stories in a new & original way that kept me reading long past when I should have put it down & gone to bed, lol. Frank is far more human in this story & feels very real. Also, the story doesn't bog you down with his backstory, bits of it get worled into flashbacks within the storyline that make sense with the time of the story for the flashback to happen, which I wholeheartedly approve of!
If you want a serious story & love Frankenstein, then this book is worth the price of admission & I highly recommend it. I am going to buy book 2 later today & get started on that, so here is hoping it is just as good!
August 25, 2017
"A little Penny Dreadful.
A tad bit Fargo.
All Northern Creatures."
Come on, with a lead in like that, how could anyone resist? I've read other books by this author and consistently enjoyed them, so I couldn't resist this one. Boy oh boy am I glad I didn't trust. "Frank Victorsson"? Hah! I just knew that Kris Austen Radcliffe's take on the Frankenstein tale would be unique and wonderful. Add in all the other magical people of Alfheim, Minnesota (I always knew Minnesota had to be magical), the werewolves, witches and vampires, and the Elves who welcome them and keep everything going, then add in our big bad dude, a vampiric demon so powerful not even elven magic can stop it. This is either a recipe for disaster (Door A) or for total delight (Door B). I'm happy to report that Door B was selected. Welcome to Alfheim, Minnesota, indeed.
Highly recommended.
A tad bit Fargo.
All Northern Creatures."
Come on, with a lead in like that, how could anyone resist? I've read other books by this author and consistently enjoyed them, so I couldn't resist this one. Boy oh boy am I glad I didn't trust. "Frank Victorsson"? Hah! I just knew that Kris Austen Radcliffe's take on the Frankenstein tale would be unique and wonderful. Add in all the other magical people of Alfheim, Minnesota (I always knew Minnesota had to be magical), the werewolves, witches and vampires, and the Elves who welcome them and keep everything going, then add in our big bad dude, a vampiric demon so powerful not even elven magic can stop it. This is either a recipe for disaster (Door A) or for total delight (Door B). I'm happy to report that Door B was selected. Welcome to Alfheim, Minnesota, indeed.
Highly recommended.
February 21, 2021
Good story!💜
While I really liked the idea of this storyline, for me it was a bit much. I can appreciate the need to set up a series in the first book, but I prefer the information to gradually build. Maybe it’s just me but when there’s too much background info and story telling I can’t keep up and it makes it difficult to remember details. Aside from that, I really did like the story. I especially loved the relationship Frank has with his niece. Tons of magic and fantasy as well as some really great characters. The narration was fantastic!! Mike Carnes did an excellent job of bringing this story to life.
This is book 1 with an HEA but the story is far from over. I recommend this book!
Sisters Spotlight 💜
While I really liked the idea of this storyline, for me it was a bit much. I can appreciate the need to set up a series in the first book, but I prefer the information to gradually build. Maybe it’s just me but when there’s too much background info and story telling I can’t keep up and it makes it difficult to remember details. Aside from that, I really did like the story. I especially loved the relationship Frank has with his niece. Tons of magic and fantasy as well as some really great characters. The narration was fantastic!! Mike Carnes did an excellent job of bringing this story to life.
This is book 1 with an HEA but the story is far from over. I recommend this book!
Sisters Spotlight 💜
July 28, 2017
Kris Austen Radcliffe once again proves why she will always be a one-click Author for me. Monster Born is such a magical story filled with in depth characters that you will quickly become invested in. I love all of the different types of supernatural people that we are introduced to in this story. The characters are extremely relatable, especially Frank who is just trying to do the right thing and protect everyone he cares about. This is a terrific beginning to what is sure to be a must read series for all fantasy/supernatural/magical lovers. Looking forward to more in this series and from this Author!
June 18, 2018
Interesting, and a good read!
This book is very interesting as well as the characters. I enjoyed the storylines and tumbe twists. Very well written.
The end however I saw coming. I’m not sure if it’s just me. I kind of have that, very annoying lol. I did really enjoy the book though.
My favorite parts has to be the way the author gives each character their personalities, which are complex, yet compassionate in their own way. You’ll find characters that are stern, yet with a sense of loyalty. Definitely a good read! Read it in a day!!! 😉
I’m starting book 2 after this review.
This book is very interesting as well as the characters. I enjoyed the storylines and tumbe twists. Very well written.
The end however I saw coming. I’m not sure if it’s just me. I kind of have that, very annoying lol. I did really enjoy the book though.
My favorite parts has to be the way the author gives each character their personalities, which are complex, yet compassionate in their own way. You’ll find characters that are stern, yet with a sense of loyalty. Definitely a good read! Read it in a day!!! 😉
I’m starting book 2 after this review.
December 21, 2020
I chanced across this title, and the blurb gave me a laugh! With that in mind, I suspected that I'd have a good time... and this Urban-Fantasy didn't disappoint!
It takes place in a small town filled with all things magical, so why not make your protagonist Frankenstein's Monster?!?? That's exactly what Kris Austen Radcliffe did! I gotta say, I just loved Frank (his Nom de guerre) and the fun story he has to tell us! Although, it's probably not necessary to have read Mary Shelley's original Frankenstein to enjoy this tale, I think (having recently read Frankenstein myself) that it made Monster Born a richer story...
So let Frank (excellently voiced by Mike Carnes) tell you a story!
It takes place in a small town filled with all things magical, so why not make your protagonist Frankenstein's Monster?!?? That's exactly what Kris Austen Radcliffe did! I gotta say, I just loved Frank (his Nom de guerre) and the fun story he has to tell us! Although, it's probably not necessary to have read Mary Shelley's original Frankenstein to enjoy this tale, I think (having recently read Frankenstein myself) that it made Monster Born a richer story...
So let Frank (excellently voiced by Mike Carnes) tell you a story!
October 31, 2021
Story is good
The idea of the story is really good but it’s presentation is hard to get through. Action scenes are filled with too much introspection. The story is so short you can’t connect with the other characters. I’m not invested in any of them. If one died, I wouldn’t notice. I forgot his dog ran off until it was brought up at the end. There is so much that could be expanded on. Some shocking elements could’ve been better if more time is spent on there development instead of surprise.
I won’t be reading the rest. Not really interested another barely 200 page book on introspection and no investment into any other character.
The idea of the story is really good but it’s presentation is hard to get through. Action scenes are filled with too much introspection. The story is so short you can’t connect with the other characters. I’m not invested in any of them. If one died, I wouldn’t notice. I forgot his dog ran off until it was brought up at the end. There is so much that could be expanded on. Some shocking elements could’ve been better if more time is spent on there development instead of surprise.
I won’t be reading the rest. Not really interested another barely 200 page book on introspection and no investment into any other character.
April 28, 2022
Seeing as how this particular book series, is one I’ve just more or less started on, I’m choosing to give it some time to grow on me & for me to get further into the serious & possibly more involved with the characters like Akeylah, Frank, Arne, etc. I will say that compared to the Dean Koontz telling of the Frankenstein’s Monster story, this has definitely more of a laid back, tv show esque, relaxed nature. Koontz’s by its nature seems more serious, darker, etc. Both series are good in their own genre’s/takes on a this particular subject. I look forward to seeing what comes next for the citizens of Alfheim, Minnesota.
July 15, 2017
I love Kris Austen Radcliffe's imagination. In this book, Frankenstein's monster, Frank Victorsson is alive and well living with elves in Minnesota. She has crafted this book so well, that this fantastical premise seems perfectly believable. I love this story. I love how well Radcliffe has sculpted this story, weaving magic and the famous Mary Shelley book in and out of the prose seamlessly. I love the pace of this story, how the story comes together and gets really exciting. What a great beginning to a new series! I can't wait for the next book! 5 stars
November 26, 2021
This is not the first story about Frankenstein's monster after Frankenstein disappears that I have read, but this is the first that shows him in a truly positive light. Frank has become humanized (or is that elvin-ized?) and is struggling with family and love. It is hard enough to learn how to interact with adoptive family but a new brother in Frankenstein? And all that in addition to meeting a truly unusual beloved? Life really wants to test Frank, but he is up to the test. This is a creatively different twist on the Frankenstein tale which is worth savouring.
November 26, 2021
This is not the first story about Frankenstein's monster after Frankenstein disappears that I have read, but this is the first that shows him in a truly positive light. Frank has become humanized (or is that elvin-ized?) and is struggling with family and love. It is hard enough to learn how to interact with adoptive family but a new brother in Frankenstein? And all that in addition to meeting a truly unusual beloved? Life really wants to test Frank, but he is up to the test. This is a creatively different twist on the Frankenstein tale which is worth savouring.
May 7, 2024
The premise of this book sounded so interesting. Frankenstein's creation survives to the modern day and lives in a small town in America. A small town that is filled with magic and magical creatures. Unfortunately, this book was only ok. Frank Victorsson as he is known in the modern day, is an interesting character. The plot was alright but I think the author tried to introduce too much all at once. The characters and the storyline all felt an inch deep. This book had a lot of potential, but it didn't quite work for me. I probably won't continue.
August 24, 2017
Frankenstein's monster lives!
In Monster Born, Frankenstein's monster has survived 200 years to build a life for himself. Elves adopt Frank as part of their family and he lives contently among elves, werewolves, and even vampires. A great evil rises and Frank must protect his family. Interestingly unique and full of action, the story smoothly captures the reader and leaves you anticipating the next book.
In Monster Born, Frankenstein's monster has survived 200 years to build a life for himself. Elves adopt Frank as part of their family and he lives contently among elves, werewolves, and even vampires. A great evil rises and Frank must protect his family. Interestingly unique and full of action, the story smoothly captures the reader and leaves you anticipating the next book.
August 28, 2017
Entertaining but not what I expected
This story has a lot of action but a few times it feels like it drags or more like is explaining. It told In the first person style. And if dose have a bit of a cliffhanger.
You do have several types of supernatural beings represented in this book.
The main character,Frank, just seems to have issues with himself, even err n though he's a few centuries old.
Otherwise it is a,well written story that is entertaining.
This story has a lot of action but a few times it feels like it drags or more like is explaining. It told In the first person style. And if dose have a bit of a cliffhanger.
You do have several types of supernatural beings represented in this book.
The main character,Frank, just seems to have issues with himself, even err n though he's a few centuries old.
Otherwise it is a,well written story that is entertaining.
March 16, 2018
DNF - I could not finish this book. Stopped at 30%
This book seemed to ramble with no real direction to the plot, with not much really happening by the 30% point, it just did not hold my attention. I wanted to like it, I absolutely loved the cover, & I was intrigued by the blurb, but the story itself did not work for me. I didn't see much for editing/proof-reading mistakes in the 30% that I did read. Maybe other readers might enjoy this.
This book seemed to ramble with no real direction to the plot, with not much really happening by the 30% point, it just did not hold my attention. I wanted to like it, I absolutely loved the cover, & I was intrigued by the blurb, but the story itself did not work for me. I didn't see much for editing/proof-reading mistakes in the 30% that I did read. Maybe other readers might enjoy this.
January 20, 2019
Monster Born is an interesting book combining Frankenstein's creation, Frank, with elves, vampires and werewolves. Frank is a unique take on the story of the Frankenstein monster, instead being a big, gentle, soft if somewhat conflicted soul. His loyalties have no conflict though as Frank goes into full protection mode when "something " shows up to harm him and his friends. Monster Born is definitely a must-read for someone willing to take a chance on something a little different.
February 6, 2019
Quite honestly, this book just confuses me. I feel like I missed the first book in the series that gives some sort of base for the second one. It tries, sort of, to introduce concepts and characters, but not nearly enough to actually understand what the heck is going on. Frank goes into little soliloquies and such in his head, that seemingly have no relevance to what is happening in the story. They're obviously supposed to, though. Would not recommend.
February 7, 2024
If you like stories of witches, werewolves, and magic then Monster Born is an urban fantasy that you should check out. I love retellings of classics especially horror and this spin on Frankenstein’s monster feels fresh. The story is entertaining from beginning to end.
Read the full book review on the blog at: https://www.lifeofafemalebibliophile....
Read the full book review on the blog at: https://www.lifeofafemalebibliophile....
did-not-finish
October 19, 2024DNF 51%
While this has an interesting premise, it sadly isn’t working for me. Frank’s whole backstory and life should have kept me entertained but I find myself bored instead. I am halfway through the book and find that I am still not really enjoying what is happening. Yes things are picking up but nothing that has hooked me or makes me really want to continue, so I am stopping here.
TW: suicidal thoughts and actions mentioned; death of a daughter mentioned; missing dog;
While this has an interesting premise, it sadly isn’t working for me. Frank’s whole backstory and life should have kept me entertained but I find myself bored instead. I am halfway through the book and find that I am still not really enjoying what is happening. Yes things are picking up but nothing that has hooked me or makes me really want to continue, so I am stopping here.
TW: suicidal thoughts and actions mentioned; death of a daughter mentioned; missing dog;
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