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Monstrous Devices #1
Monstrous Devices
On a winter's day in a British town, twelve-year-old Alex receives a package in the mail: an old tin robot from his grandfather. "This one is special," says the enclosed note, and when strange events start occurring around him, Alex suspects this small toy is more than special; it might be deadly.
Right as things get out of hand, Alex's grandfather arrives, pulling him away from an attack--and his otherwise humdrum world of friends, bullies, and homework--and into the macabre magic of an ancient family feud. Together, the duo flees across snowy Europe, unravelling the riddle of the little robot while trying to outwit relentless assassins of the human and mechanical kind.
Right as things get out of hand, Alex's grandfather arrives, pulling him away from an attack--and his otherwise humdrum world of friends, bullies, and homework--and into the macabre magic of an ancient family feud. Together, the duo flees across snowy Europe, unravelling the riddle of the little robot while trying to outwit relentless assassins of the human and mechanical kind.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published October 16, 2018
87 people are currently reading
1712 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews
January 22, 2019
The grandfather is a supremely unlikable character, and the pace and plotting get real dodgy in the last fifty pages. But the setting is compelling, the story is intriguing on the whole, and there is a lot for me to like about a middle-grade novel that doesn't flinch at getting a little dark; kids need scary/thrilling stories, too.
February 5, 2020
AD - Thanks to Rock the Boat for gifting me an ARC to review!
Oh my. So.. Like.. I don't know but in a way I'm ashamed to admit that yet another middle grade-book spooked me. I already admitted to Schwab's City of Ghosts scaring me - not to mention if she'd written it as a young adult or even an adult novel. But.. I was kind of hoping that one would be an exception? It seems I'm simply a huge pussy because Monstrous Devices had me all goosebump-y only a couple of chapters in. Who knew I'd get freaked out by tiny robots? I know I didn't. But, that's beside the point. Thing is I got spooked and.. didn't really expect it. Which made it all the better, looking back. We all want books that makes us feel and fear is part of that.
The story? I was intrigued! Can you imagine your younger self [or current self, depending on your age] getting stuck in a situation where there are live robots attacking you? People trying to take one of your toy robots? Not to mention having a grandfather taking you on a trip to Paris and Prague to solve this whole "robot-issue"? Well, Alex - our main character of 13 - can! And his character fit his age, which I appreciated. He was lost in what was going on, but still questioned things as well - like any curious 13 year old would!
I can definitely see children enjoying this fantastical story a lot - goosebumps and all! It helps how the events keep following one another so you barely have room for a breather and.. I think that's exactly what this age group needs in books? I might be wrong, but.. I can imagine some kids needing a book that grabs and holds their attention because event after event after event happens.
But, back to the story! It started off with bullying - so be aware of that - but soon after the story got weird fast. Although the presence of - what seemed to be - an amazing and cool grandfather helped lighten the creepy mood. Admittedly, the creepiness decreased after the first couple of chapters but I'm not sure whether that's me having mentally prepared myself better or not, haha.
Alex' grandfather.. Now there's a character I'm torn about. On the one hand I love the guy for protecting Alex, but still wanting to teach him things. He's a unique guy with some funny quirks but..
He did get on my nerves at times. I can see why the author would go "Oh, I'm going to let grandfather smoke a cigaret but then make him repeat two times Alex should never do that since it's bad for your health!" Not only regarding smoking, but different subjects. I couldn't help think that maybe.. you shouldn't make his grandfather do those things in the first place then? The whole "yeah, you shouldn't do this yourself, Alex"-thing got repetitive after a while and I didn't like it. [It might definitely not be an issue for younger readers, but it got to me, okay.]
QUESTIONS. I had so many questions during the story and they barely got answered. By the end of the book, I was hoping to at least understand more of what was going on but.. that didn't happen? I know there'll be a sequel, but I hate having this many questions left after finishing a book. I'm not a fan of open endings in general and this honestly feels like one.
3.5 / 5!
I do have some issues with this book, but I feel like it's mainly due to my being 27 - and definitely not the intended age group. I can imagine my younger self enjoying some of the things I now experienced as "negative", to put it in an extreme way. But.. Overall I definitely enjoyed the story, the pace and the creepiness / action!
Oh my. So.. Like.. I don't know but in a way I'm ashamed to admit that yet another middle grade-book spooked me. I already admitted to Schwab's City of Ghosts scaring me - not to mention if she'd written it as a young adult or even an adult novel. But.. I was kind of hoping that one would be an exception? It seems I'm simply a huge pussy because Monstrous Devices had me all goosebump-y only a couple of chapters in. Who knew I'd get freaked out by tiny robots? I know I didn't. But, that's beside the point. Thing is I got spooked and.. didn't really expect it. Which made it all the better, looking back. We all want books that makes us feel and fear is part of that.
The story? I was intrigued! Can you imagine your younger self [or current self, depending on your age] getting stuck in a situation where there are live robots attacking you? People trying to take one of your toy robots? Not to mention having a grandfather taking you on a trip to Paris and Prague to solve this whole "robot-issue"? Well, Alex - our main character of 13 - can! And his character fit his age, which I appreciated. He was lost in what was going on, but still questioned things as well - like any curious 13 year old would!
I can definitely see children enjoying this fantastical story a lot - goosebumps and all! It helps how the events keep following one another so you barely have room for a breather and.. I think that's exactly what this age group needs in books? I might be wrong, but.. I can imagine some kids needing a book that grabs and holds their attention because event after event after event happens.
But, back to the story! It started off with bullying - so be aware of that - but soon after the story got weird fast. Although the presence of - what seemed to be - an amazing and cool grandfather helped lighten the creepy mood. Admittedly, the creepiness decreased after the first couple of chapters but I'm not sure whether that's me having mentally prepared myself better or not, haha.
Alex' grandfather.. Now there's a character I'm torn about. On the one hand I love the guy for protecting Alex, but still wanting to teach him things. He's a unique guy with some funny quirks but..
He did get on my nerves at times. I can see why the author would go "Oh, I'm going to let grandfather smoke a cigaret but then make him repeat two times Alex should never do that since it's bad for your health!" Not only regarding smoking, but different subjects. I couldn't help think that maybe.. you shouldn't make his grandfather do those things in the first place then? The whole "yeah, you shouldn't do this yourself, Alex"-thing got repetitive after a while and I didn't like it. [It might definitely not be an issue for younger readers, but it got to me, okay.]
QUESTIONS. I had so many questions during the story and they barely got answered. By the end of the book, I was hoping to at least understand more of what was going on but.. that didn't happen? I know there'll be a sequel, but I hate having this many questions left after finishing a book. I'm not a fan of open endings in general and this honestly feels like one.
3.5 / 5!
I do have some issues with this book, but I feel like it's mainly due to my being 27 - and definitely not the intended age group. I can imagine my younger self enjoying some of the things I now experienced as "negative", to put it in an extreme way. But.. Overall I definitely enjoyed the story, the pace and the creepiness / action!
Read
December 11, 2018Very fun. Think Steven Spielberg (circa Indiana Jones) meets Jewish folklore. And the role of Grandpa goes to: Sean Connery (also circa Indiana Jones). If you can't get enough golems, 'Sweep' by Jonathan Auxier is another excellent middle-grade from 2018.
August 16, 2018
Damien Love’s MONSTROUS DEVICES is a devilishly creepy children’s book about a young boy’s journey with his grandfather. Twelve-year-old Alex collects toy robots, but when his grandfather sends him a strange, very old looking, little tin robot, neither of them are prepared for what happens. The robot itself seems to have a mysterious connection to Alex, and it isn’t long before he and his grandfather are traveling through Europe (with stops in Paris and Prague) to prevent a cadre of strange people (and their minions) from acquiring a supernatural power.
If this all sounds rather cryptic, it is. Alex’s grandfather seems to know a lot about what’s really going on, but he consistently resists spilling the beans (leaving Alex – and the reader – more than a little frustrated). What exactly is this little tin robot and why does it seem to have some sort of magical power? Who are the weird people trying to get their hands on it, and what are the mechanical flying things they seem to control? The whole thing has something to do with religious mythology that may or may not be real (the weird people believe in it, but Alex’s grandfather poo-poos it, even as he risks his life – and Alex’s – to stop whatever might happen).
The suggested age range for this book is 8-12 (grades 3-7). I do think my own sons would have loved this when they were young, but they were always fans of creepy, macabre stories with more than a little hint of danger. This is definitely a tense read, with a crazy fast pace and tons of heart-stopping action that comes close to destroying our dynamic duo. And while I was a big fan of Alex (he’s real and believable and brave), his grandfather drove me to distraction (he’s quirky and odd and stubbornly evasive about what’s going on and why). Still, the book had me from the first page.
There’s a moment near the end of the book that reminded me profoundly of a scene at the end of the movie “King Kong” (the 1932 original and the 2005 remake) – and then Love’s narrator writes that Alex himself was reminded of “a scene from an old black-and-white movie, a woman soothing a giant monkey atop a tall building.” I did like the ending of this novel, even though very little is resolved, few questions are answered, and Alex’s future remains wildly up in the air. While there may ultimately be a sequel (and I’d love to read it!), there is a sense here that our own imaginations are enough to unspool what might (or might not) happen next.
I do recommend this book. Just be prepared for an enigmatic ride requiring more than a little suspension of disbelief. Alex is a great character, and the challenges he will face as he grows older are huge. Will he rise to them, or let them crush him? We may never really find out, but I think I know the answer!
[Please note: I was provided an Advance Reading Copy of this book free of charge; the opinions expressed here are my own.]
If this all sounds rather cryptic, it is. Alex’s grandfather seems to know a lot about what’s really going on, but he consistently resists spilling the beans (leaving Alex – and the reader – more than a little frustrated). What exactly is this little tin robot and why does it seem to have some sort of magical power? Who are the weird people trying to get their hands on it, and what are the mechanical flying things they seem to control? The whole thing has something to do with religious mythology that may or may not be real (the weird people believe in it, but Alex’s grandfather poo-poos it, even as he risks his life – and Alex’s – to stop whatever might happen).
The suggested age range for this book is 8-12 (grades 3-7). I do think my own sons would have loved this when they were young, but they were always fans of creepy, macabre stories with more than a little hint of danger. This is definitely a tense read, with a crazy fast pace and tons of heart-stopping action that comes close to destroying our dynamic duo. And while I was a big fan of Alex (he’s real and believable and brave), his grandfather drove me to distraction (he’s quirky and odd and stubbornly evasive about what’s going on and why). Still, the book had me from the first page.
There’s a moment near the end of the book that reminded me profoundly of a scene at the end of the movie “King Kong” (the 1932 original and the 2005 remake) – and then Love’s narrator writes that Alex himself was reminded of “a scene from an old black-and-white movie, a woman soothing a giant monkey atop a tall building.” I did like the ending of this novel, even though very little is resolved, few questions are answered, and Alex’s future remains wildly up in the air. While there may ultimately be a sequel (and I’d love to read it!), there is a sense here that our own imaginations are enough to unspool what might (or might not) happen next.
I do recommend this book. Just be prepared for an enigmatic ride requiring more than a little suspension of disbelief. Alex is a great character, and the challenges he will face as he grows older are huge. Will he rise to them, or let them crush him? We may never really find out, but I think I know the answer!
[Please note: I was provided an Advance Reading Copy of this book free of charge; the opinions expressed here are my own.]
October 18, 2020
This is a great big rollicking adventure with a touch of magic and a hefty dose of witty conversation. A thoroughly enjoyable romp, over rooftops, in creepy houses, on country lanes and in the company of one of the most lovely grandad and grandson combos you'd hope to meet. Alex finds himself joining his elderly granddad on a trip to Paris which turns into a wild ride to protect a toy robot from evil. Chasing them are a bunch of robots who have weapons and skills that will put our heroes in near constant danger. They'll need all their wits to win this battle, and it really is a battle.
It has a fearsome pace and around every corner there is danger lurking. I really enjoyed this book and will be recommending it widely for intermediate and junior secondary readers looking for something a bit different and adventurous. It has a very British feel, kind of like an old fashioned adventure and I really hope there is a sequel, Alex and his Grandad are the perfect characters to take on a bunch of baddies.
It has a fearsome pace and around every corner there is danger lurking. I really enjoyed this book and will be recommending it widely for intermediate and junior secondary readers looking for something a bit different and adventurous. It has a very British feel, kind of like an old fashioned adventure and I really hope there is a sequel, Alex and his Grandad are the perfect characters to take on a bunch of baddies.
June 12, 2020
There is plenty to enjoy about this book. A boy and his grandfather, hurrying away on the train to Paris in winter. A toy robot which seems just a bit, well, different. Unusual events happening to Alex at school (and the bullying not playing too large a part in the overall book, thank goodness....)
The story is well written. There is plenty of description, which brings some strange things to life, without making it feel padded. Particular turns of phrase are exquisite, but I didn't stop to highlight them. It feels gothic and steampunk all at the same time. There is mystery, there is a legend, and it unfolds almost like a junior James Bond movie.
And yet... it is very uneven. Several times I wondered whether I had to pick it up again (usually after a particularly distasteful episode) only to find the next piece charming and exciting, really driving the story forward. Much is not explained. Some is explained in ways that ten year old boys will probably love. I tried comparing it to The Screaming Staircase (Lockwood & Co #1), but it seemed crueller, yet not as sophisticated. I tried to compare it to Artemis Fowl, and got much closer to the feeling I had.
There is plenty to enjoy about this book, but somehow I didn't find the whole satisfying. Very much like my feelings for Artemis Fowl, in fact. I wish it the same success, but I won't be reading any more of this series.
The story is well written. There is plenty of description, which brings some strange things to life, without making it feel padded. Particular turns of phrase are exquisite, but I didn't stop to highlight them. It feels gothic and steampunk all at the same time. There is mystery, there is a legend, and it unfolds almost like a junior James Bond movie.
And yet... it is very uneven. Several times I wondered whether I had to pick it up again (usually after a particularly distasteful episode) only to find the next piece charming and exciting, really driving the story forward. Much is not explained. Some is explained in ways that ten year old boys will probably love. I tried comparing it to The Screaming Staircase (Lockwood & Co #1), but it seemed crueller, yet not as sophisticated. I tried to compare it to Artemis Fowl, and got much closer to the feeling I had.
There is plenty to enjoy about this book, but somehow I didn't find the whole satisfying. Very much like my feelings for Artemis Fowl, in fact. I wish it the same success, but I won't be reading any more of this series.
May 19, 2019
When Alex is sent a toy robot by his grandfather, he thinks nothing of it - until he finds himself acting oddly, and strange things happening around him. One night, as he is being attacked in his room by other little robots, his beloved grandfather shows up and spirits him away. And that's when Alex starts to learn that his grandfather isn't all the he appears - and fairy tales may not always be just stories.
This was a good book, great for middle-graders. It's unique and imaginative, the pace is good, and the characters are interesting. There's a lot of action, between the chasing and the getting chased, of Alex and his grandfather - but no serious violence, so it would be appropriate for most ages. Honestly, it would make an excellent read-aloud for a classroom setting or at home.
The story was resolved (no spoilers), however it would be possible for a sequel, based on how events played out. I can honestly say that if a sequel were to happen, I would certainly enjoy reading it!
This was a good book, great for middle-graders. It's unique and imaginative, the pace is good, and the characters are interesting. There's a lot of action, between the chasing and the getting chased, of Alex and his grandfather - but no serious violence, so it would be appropriate for most ages. Honestly, it would make an excellent read-aloud for a classroom setting or at home.
The story was resolved (no spoilers), however it would be possible for a sequel, based on how events played out. I can honestly say that if a sequel were to happen, I would certainly enjoy reading it!
August 25, 2018
Golems are interesting, frightening creatures, aren't they? One could also argue that automata are similarly interesting and frightening. So a book that combines both with adventure and chase scenes (including one on the rooftops of Paris) is a book I want to promote to my readers. Alex's life is somewhat like that of Milo's in The Phantom Tollbooth, albeit with a bit of bullying added, and the excitement of the toys his grandfather brings him lessens that somewhat. But this time, the gift is a little too exciting and Alex's life will never be the same. There are many questions not answered, which makes me believe that this will be the first in a series (leading to one huge question: can the series maintain the quality of this book?).
ARC provided by publisher.
ARC provided by publisher.
August 20, 2018
This is wild, slightly creepy and quite a mystery. Like Charlie Bucket entering Willy Wonka's odd wonderful world, Alex accompanies his secretive grandfather on an impromptu mission to Paris.
All Alex knows for sure is his old metal robot toy seems to have powers fascinating and terrifying that are key to their hasty trip from Paris across to Prague.
It seems they're fighting against time and the wild legends are very much present and growing in danger. An excellent read, simply fabulous.
spoiler alert:
centered on a Golem from Prague.
All Alex knows for sure is his old metal robot toy seems to have powers fascinating and terrifying that are key to their hasty trip from Paris across to Prague.
It seems they're fighting against time and the wild legends are very much present and growing in danger. An excellent read, simply fabulous.
spoiler alert:
centered on a Golem from Prague.
Want to read
July 10, 2019this sounds like the kind of story I wished would happen to me when I was a child
September 29, 2024
I don't know what to say... this book was really confusing all the way through, and it had a lot about black magic and such.i didn't like it, and it is not going on my bookshelf😑
June 9, 2018
The positives:
This book is a fabulous choice for teachers! It serves as the springboard for numerous lesson ideas. A science unit in which students learn about the five simple machines then employ that knowledge by designing and constructing their own robots. Mathematical concepts obviously will be needed in conjunction with the construction as well as in determining the distance traveled by the novel's young protagonist, Alex, and his grandfather as they trek across Europe. That adventure easily lends itself to a unit on geography. History comes into play by studying the invention and different applications of robots over the years. (You could even debate the merits of automation of jobs.) Language arts lessons are seemingly endless; rewriting the ending, writing the story from one of the robots' points of view, changing the setting, etc. Vocabulary, spelling, you name it, this book is a gold mine!
The reality:
I am not a fan of fantasy, either in literature or film. I fell asleep watching the first Harry Potter movie. I tried, unsuccessfully (much to my dismay) to fall asleep during the second Lord of the Rings film, thus enduring the longest two hours and fifty-nine minutes of my life. Therefore, I tend to shy away from anything even hinting at fantasy in my reading selections. So, Monstrous Devices was not my particular cup of tea. Having said that, I could appreciate the relationship between twelve-year-old Alex and his beloved grandfather. Most anyone else would likely find the novel exciting, full of mystery and adventure. Word imagery is author Damien Lowe's strong suit so I could almost feel the biting cold of winter in Prague and hear the muffled tones of a snowy night. My own preferences meant I slogged through the book all the while becoming excited at the possibilities it afforded for the classroom.
With notes of The Indian in the Cupboard and a relatable young boy at its helm Monstrous Devices is likely to be a boon to educators and a hit with those able to stay awake watching Harry Potter flit around on his broomstick or whatever the hedgehog his flying device is called.
This book is a fabulous choice for teachers! It serves as the springboard for numerous lesson ideas. A science unit in which students learn about the five simple machines then employ that knowledge by designing and constructing their own robots. Mathematical concepts obviously will be needed in conjunction with the construction as well as in determining the distance traveled by the novel's young protagonist, Alex, and his grandfather as they trek across Europe. That adventure easily lends itself to a unit on geography. History comes into play by studying the invention and different applications of robots over the years. (You could even debate the merits of automation of jobs.) Language arts lessons are seemingly endless; rewriting the ending, writing the story from one of the robots' points of view, changing the setting, etc. Vocabulary, spelling, you name it, this book is a gold mine!
The reality:
I am not a fan of fantasy, either in literature or film. I fell asleep watching the first Harry Potter movie. I tried, unsuccessfully (much to my dismay) to fall asleep during the second Lord of the Rings film, thus enduring the longest two hours and fifty-nine minutes of my life. Therefore, I tend to shy away from anything even hinting at fantasy in my reading selections. So, Monstrous Devices was not my particular cup of tea. Having said that, I could appreciate the relationship between twelve-year-old Alex and his beloved grandfather. Most anyone else would likely find the novel exciting, full of mystery and adventure. Word imagery is author Damien Lowe's strong suit so I could almost feel the biting cold of winter in Prague and hear the muffled tones of a snowy night. My own preferences meant I slogged through the book all the while becoming excited at the possibilities it afforded for the classroom.
With notes of The Indian in the Cupboard and a relatable young boy at its helm Monstrous Devices is likely to be a boon to educators and a hit with those able to stay awake watching Harry Potter flit around on his broomstick or whatever the hedgehog his flying device is called.
July 17, 2024
This was a lot of fun. A boy's thrilling adventure racing across Europe with his grandfather to save the world from evil villains... plus killer robots! What's not to love!!
It needed a wee bit of fine tuning: some of the action scenes were clunky; children's dialogue had an adult voice; and what crazy person is continually giving a 12 year old coffee, but it was still an enjoyable ride and I'm keen to see if this becomes a series. There is no such thing as too many killer robot / biblical monster stories.
Reminiscent of Young Indiana Jones and sure to delight Rick Riordan fans.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers, Rock The Boat, for the ARC.
It needed a wee bit of fine tuning: some of the action scenes were clunky; children's dialogue had an adult voice; and what crazy person is continually giving a 12 year old coffee, but it was still an enjoyable ride and I'm keen to see if this becomes a series. There is no such thing as too many killer robot / biblical monster stories.
Reminiscent of Young Indiana Jones and sure to delight Rick Riordan fans.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers, Rock The Boat, for the ARC.
October 24, 2018
I absolutely loved this book. I was worried after reading the preface and the first chapter that it would be a bit to scary for the recommended age group, but it wasn’t at all. Or at least I thought it was age appropriate.
This story felt like a blend of Harry Potter meets A Series of Unfortunate Events. Like a lot of middle grade novels out there the boy had one remaining parent left, but unlike a lot of middle grade books that wasn’t the focus of the plot and that was one of the reasons I loved it so much. This book was more about the plot, the robots, his witty grandfather and the crazy adventure they set out on.
I hope there is a sequel!!
This story felt like a blend of Harry Potter meets A Series of Unfortunate Events. Like a lot of middle grade novels out there the boy had one remaining parent left, but unlike a lot of middle grade books that wasn’t the focus of the plot and that was one of the reasons I loved it so much. This book was more about the plot, the robots, his witty grandfather and the crazy adventure they set out on.
I hope there is a sequel!!
March 1, 2020
Lots of exciting action. Mysteries abound, especially about ALex's own family.
Interesting, open ended resolution.
Interesting, open ended resolution.
April 18, 2019
DNF - First one of these in a looooong time. My friend had obtained an ARC, and I borrowed it from her. The cover is quite attractive as is the premise, but I wound up not wanting to read it anymore after hitting page 115. Part of the problem is that I am not the target audience, so issues that wouldn't occur to a kid reading a middle grade book occurred to me.
Let me start with the stupidest one first. I am aware it is kind of silly, but for some reason it drove me batty. Alex is bebopping all over the place with his cell phone, able to make calls and texts, but WITHOUT AN INTERNATIONAL PLAN. Also, his mom was able to text him, and he was texting her, but there wasn't the hassle of area codes. It was just like he knew how to make international calls no prob. Alex, 12 year old jetsetter. Things that should have been obstacles, even trifling ones, were just easily ignored or solved.
Also, what the heck is up with his grandfather? Is he like, hanging out with Sylvester Stallone and Bruce Willis at the old action stars gym? Because he's kicking butt all over the place without once complaining about his arthritis or bad back. (Another semi-ridiculous complaint, but how old is this guy? Why doesn't he show signs of struggle? Is he himself a robot?)
His grandfather was pretty obnoxious in general. He was constantly flippant and capable of solving any problem they came across easily, leaving little to no sense of actual danger. He was also incredibly cavalier with the life of his grandson. He sent a robot to him knowing full well it could put him in danger because he didn't want this other group to have it. What the flip Gramps?
Alex also seems poorly fleshed out to me. He's fairly 2D, and I feel he's just meant for any young boy to transpose their own identity onto so they can buy into this adventure. All we have to go on is that he likes robots, and he gets bullied. (On that note, I am really over the trope of insanely vicious bullies who get away with it right under the noses of their teachers. Bullies are sneakier, anyone that violent and monstrous would hopefully get snagged and punished.)
I could probably go on about my issues with this book at length, but I feel kind of like a jerk because this is his first book. I'm trying to write a book now, and I'm kind of terrified of it ever getting out there for some Goodreads user to tear a new one. So, I'm just going to slow my roll and not give it a star rating since it's not a book meant for me.
Let me start with the stupidest one first. I am aware it is kind of silly, but for some reason it drove me batty. Alex is bebopping all over the place with his cell phone, able to make calls and texts, but WITHOUT AN INTERNATIONAL PLAN. Also, his mom was able to text him, and he was texting her, but there wasn't the hassle of area codes. It was just like he knew how to make international calls no prob. Alex, 12 year old jetsetter. Things that should have been obstacles, even trifling ones, were just easily ignored or solved.
Also, what the heck is up with his grandfather? Is he like, hanging out with Sylvester Stallone and Bruce Willis at the old action stars gym? Because he's kicking butt all over the place without once complaining about his arthritis or bad back. (Another semi-ridiculous complaint, but how old is this guy? Why doesn't he show signs of struggle? Is he himself a robot?)
His grandfather was pretty obnoxious in general. He was constantly flippant and capable of solving any problem they came across easily, leaving little to no sense of actual danger. He was also incredibly cavalier with the life of his grandson. He sent a robot to him knowing full well it could put him in danger because he didn't want this other group to have it. What the flip Gramps?
Alex also seems poorly fleshed out to me. He's fairly 2D, and I feel he's just meant for any young boy to transpose their own identity onto so they can buy into this adventure. All we have to go on is that he likes robots, and he gets bullied. (On that note, I am really over the trope of insanely vicious bullies who get away with it right under the noses of their teachers. Bullies are sneakier, anyone that violent and monstrous would hopefully get snagged and punished.)
I could probably go on about my issues with this book at length, but I feel kind of like a jerk because this is his first book. I'm trying to write a book now, and I'm kind of terrified of it ever getting out there for some Goodreads user to tear a new one. So, I'm just going to slow my roll and not give it a star rating since it's not a book meant for me.
July 10, 2019
Monstrous Devices by Damien Love, 338 pages. Viking (Penguin Random House), 2018. $18.
Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG.
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
When Alex’s grandpa shows up suddenly and whisks him on an adventure, Alex is desperately trying to figure out why. He learns gradually about robots that have taken on human characteristics and one in particular that has enough power to control an entire population. His grandpa is reluctant with information, especially information involving Alex’s father, leaving Alex to figure out the clues himself.
I am usually up for a multigenerational adventure, but the relationships between family members that holds those stories together was very much absent in this book. At no point did I really understand or relate to any of the characters, nor they to each other. The setting was mysterious and mostly enjoyable, but the plot, like the characterization, was disjointed and choppy.
Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2019...
Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG.
BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
When Alex’s grandpa shows up suddenly and whisks him on an adventure, Alex is desperately trying to figure out why. He learns gradually about robots that have taken on human characteristics and one in particular that has enough power to control an entire population. His grandpa is reluctant with information, especially information involving Alex’s father, leaving Alex to figure out the clues himself.
I am usually up for a multigenerational adventure, but the relationships between family members that holds those stories together was very much absent in this book. At no point did I really understand or relate to any of the characters, nor they to each other. The setting was mysterious and mostly enjoyable, but the plot, like the characterization, was disjointed and choppy.
Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2019...
January 18, 2019
Really enjoyed this one, and look forward to the sequel that seems likely. It first reminded me of The Historian but for "middle grade", with its embedding of classical motifs like the golem in a contemporary setting, and then of The Monstrumologist, bringing a kid into a world of generally ignored monsters -- but the linking of the golem and robots (through the Czech origins) is its own thing, and I quite liked it. I'm far removed from the MG target audience, but I do enjoy reading them, at least good ones!
My hypothesis about . I'll be curious to see if I'm right, but interested to see what comes next in any case. Nearly a 5-star book for me....
My hypothesis about . I'll be curious to see if I'm right, but interested to see what comes next in any case. Nearly a 5-star book for me....
December 17, 2018
This book wasn't for me.
November 12, 2020
I loved it! It was an incredible read, the scenery was also amazing- breathtaking old cities, never a dull moment! Would very highly recommend.
Read
March 15, 2021DNF @35%
I’m just not feeling it, unfortunately. The premise sounded cool, but I’m having a hard time staying engaged.
I’m just not feeling it, unfortunately. The premise sounded cool, but I’m having a hard time staying engaged.
October 27, 2021
Alex receives an old tin robot in the mail as a gift from his Grandfather - this sets off an unpredictable chain of events. Accompanying his Grandpa on a journey throughout England, Alex tries to do what's best with the little information given to him. A thrilling and spooky adventure!
Content warning - there is some violence in this book.
Content warning - there is some violence in this book.
physical-books
December 1, 2021Self reminder that if this book is good to buy one of the other editions because we got the ugly one
June 28, 2020
Ja hij mag toch blijven. Het leek een wat geknutseld verhaal, met steeds toevoegingen omdat het anders niet meer klopte. Maar het heeft me toch overtuigd. Jammer dat het zo vluchtig eindigt, en ik houd niet van uitgebreide achtervolgingen. Het heeft wel veel vleugjes van bekende toppers. Maar heel veel ja's voor een klassieker. Heerlijke humor, en ik hou van Praag.
November 28, 2018
"All I'm telling you, Alex, is that this is the story. It's a story. Stories all come from somewhere, and sometimes they get bent out of shape over the years. But this is the story." - Alex's grandfather
A fun, quick-paced story that involved robots that are as sinister as the scary puppets in The Puppetmaster, which is not a recommended film for kids (though this book is great for kids). I won't look at robots the same again ... or the streets of Prague. The setting is powerful and can completely make or break the book - and I think more could be done to really bring the city to life. Paris gets a fair treatment but Prague, where the epic ending is meant to take place sort of ... is flattened, like the Golem taking a swing at it with a tree.
Prague has a rich, beautiful, and fearful history at times. This is hinted at and could be employed fully to really explore why the Golem is there, what role the Charles Bridge plays, along with the other important (and perhaps magical) buildings and locations.
I did have a good time reading the adventure story, but I feel that some things were not as well-solved by the end of the novel as I'd like. I don't know if this is the first of a series, but I felt some of the plot points could be cleared up more. The resolution hardly felt resolved, and some of the characters ... they fell a bit flat. Alex's grandfather was funny at times, but other times, his 'uh's' and other hesitations seemed overdrawn. Less charming and more annoying. I felt bad for Alex most of the time - I understand the point of keeping some things for later in the book, but the kid is so caught up in a mess that nobody understands completely. Not even the people fighting seem to have the clearest idea of who or what they're on about. He just randomly fights against these vague "evil" forces without understanding the real history behind the bad guys. Who is that girl? Who is the tall man? Why are they all scarred up and how are the robots controlled by them? The little bits that are uncovered leave more questions.
After all, what is the key idea - science shouldn't be messed with? There is a bad side to invention without moral purpose? How should fact (science) be fitted against myth? What is the role of religion - or no religion? How has history shaped these devices - for good or ill? I'd be interested in a book two to see if anything gets cleared up or explored further.
A fun, quick-paced story that involved robots that are as sinister as the scary puppets in The Puppetmaster, which is not a recommended film for kids (though this book is great for kids). I won't look at robots the same again ... or the streets of Prague. The setting is powerful and can completely make or break the book - and I think more could be done to really bring the city to life. Paris gets a fair treatment but Prague, where the epic ending is meant to take place sort of ... is flattened, like the Golem taking a swing at it with a tree.
Prague has a rich, beautiful, and fearful history at times. This is hinted at and could be employed fully to really explore why the Golem is there, what role the Charles Bridge plays, along with the other important (and perhaps magical) buildings and locations.
I did have a good time reading the adventure story, but I feel that some things were not as well-solved by the end of the novel as I'd like. I don't know if this is the first of a series, but I felt some of the plot points could be cleared up more. The resolution hardly felt resolved, and some of the characters ... they fell a bit flat. Alex's grandfather was funny at times, but other times, his 'uh's' and other hesitations seemed overdrawn. Less charming and more annoying. I felt bad for Alex most of the time - I understand the point of keeping some things for later in the book, but the kid is so caught up in a mess that nobody understands completely. Not even the people fighting seem to have the clearest idea of who or what they're on about. He just randomly fights against these vague "evil" forces without understanding the real history behind the bad guys. Who is that girl? Who is the tall man? Why are they all scarred up and how are the robots controlled by them? The little bits that are uncovered leave more questions.
After all, what is the key idea - science shouldn't be messed with? There is a bad side to invention without moral purpose? How should fact (science) be fitted against myth? What is the role of religion - or no religion? How has history shaped these devices - for good or ill? I'd be interested in a book two to see if anything gets cleared up or explored further.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2021
3.5 rounded off to 4 star
When twelve year old Alex receives an old tin robot from his grandfather in the mail with a note saying it's special, strange events begin to occur. As if his bullying at school wasn't enough, robots attack him one fine night. In the face of supposed danger, his grandfather and Alex travel to Europe, trying to unravel the mysteries of the tiny robot.
Right from the prologue, Damien Love instils a sense of mystery in us readers, giving us the sense of an impending doom. You start thinking 'oh lovely, sweet' and it soon turns into 'oh damn, that was dark'! There wasn't a miss in the adventurous tone of the story and throughout, we journey along as our MC face challenges after challenges.
While the grandfather didn't grow on me, I liked Alex's character. He embodied the innocence of a twelve year old thrust into a world of magic and secrets that he was struggling to understand. I think Alex's youth and him still trying to grasp the truth about his broken family makes the events of the story much better.
The story is very fast paced, and kept me engaged all throughout. The author's writing is very fresh and easy to glide through, with vivid imagery of the setting and robots and magic. He took magic and science and mixed them up together to create some dangerous tin monsters, human and mechanical assassins and a story filled with action.
I'll admit that the last few chapters felt a bit rushed and happened way too fast, but I absolutely digged that ending. I loved that Alex took control and got familiar with the macabre. Love takes us on a whirlwind tour of Europe, filled with monstrous tin robots as well as the glamour of snow clad Europe, tea and cakes! I'm really looking forward to the next book, Shadow Arts, and to see what happens next!
Monstrous Devices by Damien Love came out in paperback on 1st April 2021. The Shadow Arts (book 2) will be published in hardback on 20th May 2021!
When twelve year old Alex receives an old tin robot from his grandfather in the mail with a note saying it's special, strange events begin to occur. As if his bullying at school wasn't enough, robots attack him one fine night. In the face of supposed danger, his grandfather and Alex travel to Europe, trying to unravel the mysteries of the tiny robot.
Right from the prologue, Damien Love instils a sense of mystery in us readers, giving us the sense of an impending doom. You start thinking 'oh lovely, sweet' and it soon turns into 'oh damn, that was dark'! There wasn't a miss in the adventurous tone of the story and throughout, we journey along as our MC face challenges after challenges.
While the grandfather didn't grow on me, I liked Alex's character. He embodied the innocence of a twelve year old thrust into a world of magic and secrets that he was struggling to understand. I think Alex's youth and him still trying to grasp the truth about his broken family makes the events of the story much better.
The story is very fast paced, and kept me engaged all throughout. The author's writing is very fresh and easy to glide through, with vivid imagery of the setting and robots and magic. He took magic and science and mixed them up together to create some dangerous tin monsters, human and mechanical assassins and a story filled with action.
I'll admit that the last few chapters felt a bit rushed and happened way too fast, but I absolutely digged that ending. I loved that Alex took control and got familiar with the macabre. Love takes us on a whirlwind tour of Europe, filled with monstrous tin robots as well as the glamour of snow clad Europe, tea and cakes! I'm really looking forward to the next book, Shadow Arts, and to see what happens next!
Monstrous Devices by Damien Love came out in paperback on 1st April 2021. The Shadow Arts (book 2) will be published in hardback on 20th May 2021!
December 25, 2024
This book has all the classic enjoyable tropes — young protagonist kept in the dark about unnatural circumstances and lore by an older/elderly figure, and the two go off on a wild adventure full of action, chase, asked and unanswered questions, and mysterious power.
In that regard, it is a thrilling book.
However;
I love to read stories of machinations, robots, artificial intelligence; you name it. Can’t get enough of it. But this book, while it certainly had many robots and machinations, took a very odd and unexpected twist towards religion. It thankfully did not offer absolutes to theological questions (nor did the book delve into theology aside from a few brief conversational instances) but it was very much out of the blue.
I think the trope of the older/elderly mentor hiding information from the younger protégé is very tired by now, and the main protagonists’ grandfather was almost entirely insufferable to listed to. Everyone loves a quirky character, but when it comes to unanswered questions in numerous life-threatening situations, it’s just complete foolery and endangerment. The book may be fictitious, but that doesn’t mean a writer can ignore common sense and courtesy.
In that regard, it is a thrilling book.
However;
I love to read stories of machinations, robots, artificial intelligence; you name it. Can’t get enough of it. But this book, while it certainly had many robots and machinations, took a very odd and unexpected twist towards religion. It thankfully did not offer absolutes to theological questions (nor did the book delve into theology aside from a few brief conversational instances) but it was very much out of the blue.
I think the trope of the older/elderly mentor hiding information from the younger protégé is very tired by now, and the main protagonists’ grandfather was almost entirely insufferable to listed to. Everyone loves a quirky character, but when it comes to unanswered questions in numerous life-threatening situations, it’s just complete foolery and endangerment. The book may be fictitious, but that doesn’t mean a writer can ignore common sense and courtesy.
November 25, 2018
I wanted to like this book so much. In fact, my co-worker, when I told her I didn't like it said, "What? But it seemed right up your alley!" Monstrous Devices is a cool concept but the book is a bit of a mess. There is too much going on and none of it gets fully realized. The grandfather in the book is constantly doing things that set a bad example for children. He says "Don't do what I do" but the characters only survive because of what he does. A lot of things are brought up but never resolved. Is the grandfather immortal? He is a greater being? Is the bad guy Alex's father? Is the little girl his sister? I didn't believe it for a moment when he said that he didn't care to know by the end of the book. It felt like Love didn't feel like making a decision one way or the other. And then religion come in out of nowhere. The characters need to know the true name of god to gain unlimited powers that come in the form of a golem. It's way too much stuff for such a short children's book. I am so disappointed that I didn't like this one.
September 17, 2018
I would ideally give Monstrous Devices, which I picked up at BookExpo this year, 3 1/2 stars. The writing is quite good and evocative, and especially the ending was interesting and exciting.
When I'm not quite sure about some things in a MG or YA book, I wonder if part of it is that I am not the target audience, but I felt that the main character of the grandfather was off every now and then. Perhaps because we never know his name so the author must refer to him as "the old man" a lot. Maybe more will be revealed, but he did not quite work for me.
When I'm not quite sure about some things in a MG or YA book, I wonder if part of it is that I am not the target audience, but I felt that the main character of the grandfather was off every now and then. Perhaps because we never know his name so the author must refer to him as "the old man" a lot. Maybe more will be revealed, but he did not quite work for me.
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