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Monster Who Wasn't Trilogy #1
The Monster Who Wasn't
A brilliantly rich and strange fantasy adventure that will make us all believe in monsters – be they good, bad or somewhere in between.
It is a well-known fact that fairies are born from a baby's first laugh. What is not as well documented is how monsters come into being …
This is the story of a creature who is both strange and unique. When he hatches down in the vast underground lair where monsters dwell, he looks just like a human boy – much to the disgust of everyone watching. Even the grumpy gargoyles who adopt him and nickname him 'Imp' only want him to steal chocolate for them from the nearby shops. He's a child with feet in both worlds, and he doesn't know where he fits.
But little does Imp realise that Thunderguts, king of the ogres, has a great and dangerous destiny in mind for him, and he'll stop at nothing to see it come to pass …
It is a well-known fact that fairies are born from a baby's first laugh. What is not as well documented is how monsters come into being …
This is the story of a creature who is both strange and unique. When he hatches down in the vast underground lair where monsters dwell, he looks just like a human boy – much to the disgust of everyone watching. Even the grumpy gargoyles who adopt him and nickname him 'Imp' only want him to steal chocolate for them from the nearby shops. He's a child with feet in both worlds, and he doesn't know where he fits.
But little does Imp realise that Thunderguts, king of the ogres, has a great and dangerous destiny in mind for him, and he'll stop at nothing to see it come to pass …
271 pages, Paperback
First published August 8, 2019
23 people are currently reading
562 people want to read
About the author
T.C. Shelley
4 books18 followersT.C. Shelley studied Creative Writing and Literature at University. She has been teaching English for over twenty years and her first school was classified as the most remote in Australia. She loves an audience and long before she took up teaching was writing and performing her poetry and short stories.
Shelley began writing novels to entertain her daughter, who wisely suggested that she try to get them published.
She lives with her husband, her daughter and two dogs in Perth, Western Australia. She loves to travel and isn’t frightened of being lost.
Shelley is the author of a brilliant middle grade fantasy series. Book 1 - The Monster Who Wasn't - is published in August 2019.
Shelley began writing novels to entertain her daughter, who wisely suggested that she try to get them published.
She lives with her husband, her daughter and two dogs in Perth, Western Australia. She loves to travel and isn’t frightened of being lost.
Shelley is the author of a brilliant middle grade fantasy series. Book 1 - The Monster Who Wasn't - is published in August 2019.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
November 26, 2020
I really enjoyed this! It took me a minute to get into it, but I think that had more to do w/what was going on w/my pup at the exact time that I picked this up. This was such a beautiful story. It was so unique in its details, the backstory, & just the whole story of Sam. There’s a big message on family, belonging, & just ones identity. Also, the power souls have. And how many humans waste theirs. There are different “species” of monsters, & they are all described in such vivid detail. Sam is trying to figure out who he is, what he is, & where he belongs. There are a lot of twists & turns throughout his adventure & I loved it all. My favorite are his “pack”-the gargoyles Bladder, Wheedle, & Spigot. Oh and Daniel the angel was amazing. My absolute favorite character was Bladder though. I loved him. This was a magical adventure, w/deep meaning behind it all. I highly recommend it. Beautiful cover of course as well!💜
November 2, 2019
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"It is a well-known fact that fairies are born from a baby's first laugh. What is not as well documented is how monsters came into being."
The opening lines of Shelley's The Monster Who Wasn't are, without a doubt, few of the best opening lines I've read till date. They captured me instantly and I was eager to find out more about this strange world Shelley intends to take us, all the while wondering about this monster who wasn't. What was he not? A monster? Or he wasn't anything? What? I was beyond curious and I intended to find out just about everything about this world.
And I wasn't disappointed. This is the story of a monster who was born at a very crucial time, and did not quite successfully end up being one. An old man's last sigh and a baby's first laugh is what made him so he was a little bit of both—he was a monster and he was a human looking being. But as soon as he is born, he finds out that Thunderguts, the king of ogres, has some great plans for him, that he hopes to God he should never have to fulfill.
The story takes the reader on a roller-coaster ride where one watches as the strange monster lives with the gargoyles, is called an "imp", is often confused for being a human and related to the Kavanagh family, is changed into Samuel and leaves us all speechless. The story is of adventure and excitement, of fantasy and love, of beauty and the need to appreciate it. It is of everything that a person can hope to look for while reading a book. And I was completely enraptured while I read it.
The only thing about it that disappointed me a little (and which was also the reason why it took me so long to read it) was that I found it a little slow. I understand that Sam was seeing the world for the first time. He had been born for only half a day and had such a strange experience. He had to be looking at everything for the first time and marveling over it. But it felt to me, as a reader, that it was a little over the top. I understand that it was necessary but some of it was also too detailed for it to actually turn out to be boring. The descriptions, hence, disappointed me a bit. This was probably the only reason why it took me so long to finish it. Otherwise, the story was actually rather great.
I particularly loved Daniel's character and was a little disappointed when I didn't get to see enough of him in the latter half of the book. Although he seemed a rather helpful person, he also felt to me one of those people who are somehow, conveniently present at the right situation at the right time. I mean, why did he have to leave Sam with the Kavanaghs when he knew he might be found out? Why didn't he do something different, something better? He very well had the strength to change the entire course of the novel and decided not to. This bothered me a little, but slowly, I came to appreciate why, in the end, was it necessary. (There wouldn't have been half of this book without that scene, lol.)
"It is a well-known fact that fairies are born from a baby's first laugh. What is not as well documented is how monsters came into being."
The opening lines of Shelley's The Monster Who Wasn't are, without a doubt, few of the best opening lines I've read till date. They captured me instantly and I was eager to find out more about this strange world Shelley intends to take us, all the while wondering about this monster who wasn't. What was he not? A monster? Or he wasn't anything? What? I was beyond curious and I intended to find out just about everything about this world.
And I wasn't disappointed. This is the story of a monster who was born at a very crucial time, and did not quite successfully end up being one. An old man's last sigh and a baby's first laugh is what made him so he was a little bit of both—he was a monster and he was a human looking being. But as soon as he is born, he finds out that Thunderguts, the king of ogres, has some great plans for him, that he hopes to God he should never have to fulfill.
The story takes the reader on a roller-coaster ride where one watches as the strange monster lives with the gargoyles, is called an "imp", is often confused for being a human and related to the Kavanagh family, is changed into Samuel and leaves us all speechless. The story is of adventure and excitement, of fantasy and love, of beauty and the need to appreciate it. It is of everything that a person can hope to look for while reading a book. And I was completely enraptured while I read it.
The only thing about it that disappointed me a little (and which was also the reason why it took me so long to read it) was that I found it a little slow. I understand that Sam was seeing the world for the first time. He had been born for only half a day and had such a strange experience. He had to be looking at everything for the first time and marveling over it. But it felt to me, as a reader, that it was a little over the top. I understand that it was necessary but some of it was also too detailed for it to actually turn out to be boring. The descriptions, hence, disappointed me a bit. This was probably the only reason why it took me so long to finish it. Otherwise, the story was actually rather great.
I particularly loved Daniel's character and was a little disappointed when I didn't get to see enough of him in the latter half of the book. Although he seemed a rather helpful person, he also felt to me one of those people who are somehow, conveniently present at the right situation at the right time. I mean, why did he have to leave Sam with the Kavanaghs when he knew he might be found out? Why didn't he do something different, something better? He very well had the strength to change the entire course of the novel and decided not to. This bothered me a little, but slowly, I came to appreciate why, in the end, was it necessary. (There wouldn't have been half of this book without that scene, lol.)
January 13, 2020
DNF
I was intrigued by the blurb, hoping for a children's story á la Kate DiCamillo with good imagery and a philisophical subtext... however, there seemed to be very little subtext in it, it was just a children's story, not very amusing for adults. (Though the premise is still cute) That by itself is not terrible, but on top of that i found her writing style and descriptions very confusing, i found myself constantly drifting away and even unsure of what was happening and where the characters were in the space.
I was intrigued by the blurb, hoping for a children's story á la Kate DiCamillo with good imagery and a philisophical subtext... however, there seemed to be very little subtext in it, it was just a children's story, not very amusing for adults. (Though the premise is still cute) That by itself is not terrible, but on top of that i found her writing style and descriptions very confusing, i found myself constantly drifting away and even unsure of what was happening and where the characters were in the space.
December 11, 2022
My reviewing mojo is at a low ebb at the moment, but this was one of the best children's books I have read for ages!
The main character, Imp, was fun and his journey was fascinating. The world building was delightful; the whole monster culture was written magnificently, enough scary to make it real but enough interesting to make it heaps of fun. Enough good writing and puckish humour to make it very enjoyable for an adult reader.
A really impressive first book from this author.
I am more than a little bit sad I don't know any children of the right age to recommend this to! I feel like this could be a perfect gateway to a reading addiction if given to the right child.
The main character, Imp, was fun and his journey was fascinating. The world building was delightful; the whole monster culture was written magnificently, enough scary to make it real but enough interesting to make it heaps of fun. Enough good writing and puckish humour to make it very enjoyable for an adult reader.
A really impressive first book from this author.
I am more than a little bit sad I don't know any children of the right age to recommend this to! I feel like this could be a perfect gateway to a reading addiction if given to the right child.
August 8, 2019
I absolutely adored this extraordinary story, full of wonderful characters, rich description and powerful messages relating to identity, familial bonds and belonging. It wholeheartedly captured my imagination as it took me on a riveting rollercoaster of fast-paced action through a series of tantalising twists and turns which astounded and delighted me.
Deep down in The Hole, a monster has been hatched by the Ogre King, formed from the last regretful sigh of a dying man, and the first gurgling laugh of his grandchild. What hatches is an enigma: nothing from the known bestiary of monsters, but a young boy, with a heart and a soul. The boy has been created for a sinister purpose, but will he have the strength and courage to fight against his destiny?
When he draws the keen and hungry attention of King Thunderguts, the ruler of the monsters, and his crone, he makes a desperate escape from the pandemonium that ensues. During his escape, he encounters three gargoyles: Wheedle, Bladder and Spigot. The relationship between the boy and the gargoyles is incredibly heart-warming as these gruff, kind-hearted creatures make him a part of their pack and give him a sense of belonging. They are hiding a secret of their own which, if revealed, would see them even more despised by the monsters than they already are. It also explains their kindness, humour, loyalty and protectiveness towards the boy – and possibly their love of chocolate!
The diverse collection of monsters, who have their own hierarchy, are richly imagined and described in horribly delightful detail, striking a perfect balance between the scary and the grotesque.
The aching vulnerability and innocence which radiates from the boy as he grapples with some of life’s big questions relating to identity and belonging is very touching: Who am I? Where do I belong? As he begins to find answers, the reader is drawn into some amazing twists and unexpected discoveries which makes this a book which I found impossible to put down.
Thank you to Toppsta Book Giveaways and Bloomsbury Kids for a copy in return for an honest review of the book.
Deep down in The Hole, a monster has been hatched by the Ogre King, formed from the last regretful sigh of a dying man, and the first gurgling laugh of his grandchild. What hatches is an enigma: nothing from the known bestiary of monsters, but a young boy, with a heart and a soul. The boy has been created for a sinister purpose, but will he have the strength and courage to fight against his destiny?
When he draws the keen and hungry attention of King Thunderguts, the ruler of the monsters, and his crone, he makes a desperate escape from the pandemonium that ensues. During his escape, he encounters three gargoyles: Wheedle, Bladder and Spigot. The relationship between the boy and the gargoyles is incredibly heart-warming as these gruff, kind-hearted creatures make him a part of their pack and give him a sense of belonging. They are hiding a secret of their own which, if revealed, would see them even more despised by the monsters than they already are. It also explains their kindness, humour, loyalty and protectiveness towards the boy – and possibly their love of chocolate!
The diverse collection of monsters, who have their own hierarchy, are richly imagined and described in horribly delightful detail, striking a perfect balance between the scary and the grotesque.
The aching vulnerability and innocence which radiates from the boy as he grapples with some of life’s big questions relating to identity and belonging is very touching: Who am I? Where do I belong? As he begins to find answers, the reader is drawn into some amazing twists and unexpected discoveries which makes this a book which I found impossible to put down.
Thank you to Toppsta Book Giveaways and Bloomsbury Kids for a copy in return for an honest review of the book.
October 6, 2019
I was hesitant when I bought the book because it was for a kid ( or middle aged kid) but I was glad that I've read and finished the book. It was about an Imp who looks human is born into an underworld of monsters,and gargoyles adopted Imp as their own but as the story kept going it was really well written. I really liked the angel Daniel who taught the Imp about everything about human emotion to vocabulary and their meaning. I really liked the imagination and the creativity in this book also- but I also liked Cornelia Funke's books also because it has good imagination and creativity in it also.5 stars for me
August 19, 2019
This was such a heart warming story that i think everyone should read. Everything was amazing but there were afew small reasons why this wasnt 5 stars.
Afew of the things were unrealistic, i mean I know it is a fantasy book but people dont die of blood loss from a small cut on their hand like Samuel almost did.
Also it was unrealistic at the end when they just welcomed him back with no questions asked about what happened pr whether he was the reason it happened.
Apart from that rant it was a wonderful story with a great concept and funny jokes weaved between it all. Well done author!!!
Afew of the things were unrealistic, i mean I know it is a fantasy book but people dont die of blood loss from a small cut on their hand like Samuel almost did.
Also it was unrealistic at the end when they just welcomed him back with no questions asked about what happened pr whether he was the reason it happened.
Apart from that rant it was a wonderful story with a great concept and funny jokes weaved between it all. Well done author!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2019
I loved the concept and it begun so beautifully. Fairies are created from the first laugh of a baby, while monsters are born from a human's last sigh. Entertaining up until and I found that distressing for a middle grade novel. If you have a child with a fear of monsters, this won't help to alleviate their fears. Quite the opposite.
June 19, 2020
This is such a fun, heart-warming, hilarious read. I loved all the characters and how much imagination was woven through the story. I now wish I had a bunch of chocolate-loving gargoyles to hang out with too!
August 28, 2019
The whole concept of a monster who wasn’t truly monstrous is so poignant.
Are we the circumstances of our birth? Can we change our destiny? Can we become something different?
The idea that monsters are born from a person’s last sigh is like an arrow to the heart! It makes us consider what kind of “monster” our life will create when the chill winds of eternity blow away our birthdays. How we live our lives really does affect and impact those around us.
Really well developed characters and themes, and very carefully crafted eloquent sentences.
Her style really reminds me of C S Lewis as well as Roald Dahl. There is a real ease to the flow of the narrative.
I also thought of the Lemony Snicket’s Series and Miss Peregrines... as they are about children who have been left alone through no fault of their own and mistreated by adults around them.
A story that will endure even after you grow up due to the depth of the storytelling.
Are we the circumstances of our birth? Can we change our destiny? Can we become something different?
The idea that monsters are born from a person’s last sigh is like an arrow to the heart! It makes us consider what kind of “monster” our life will create when the chill winds of eternity blow away our birthdays. How we live our lives really does affect and impact those around us.
Really well developed characters and themes, and very carefully crafted eloquent sentences.
Her style really reminds me of C S Lewis as well as Roald Dahl. There is a real ease to the flow of the narrative.
I also thought of the Lemony Snicket’s Series and Miss Peregrines... as they are about children who have been left alone through no fault of their own and mistreated by adults around them.
A story that will endure even after you grow up due to the depth of the storytelling.
September 1, 2019
I loved this - gargoyles with hearts, an ogre king, an angel, a peace dove and a special monster.
Sure, it wasn't perfect and I did pick up one minor editing error (The imp's name was used before he had decided on his name) but they are minor quibbles when I think about the emotions I felt when reading this story.
A wonderful fairy tale for all ages.
Sure, it wasn't perfect and I did pick up one minor editing error (The imp's name was used before he had decided on his name) but they are minor quibbles when I think about the emotions I felt when reading this story.
A wonderful fairy tale for all ages.
August 26, 2019
A wonderfully heartwarming story about family and belonging, with a lot of monsters thrown in. As well as a main character you just want to hug, three equally adorable and hilarious gargoyles (how can you not love three gargoyles of varying degrees of cantankerousness, who love chocolate and know what the film Alien is?) and a kind-hearted angel. Looking forward to and very interested in seeing where the story goes next!
December 2, 2020
A young imp is born from the combination of a last sigh and a baby's first laugh. His creation makes him unique and with the addition of a human soul, he becomes a valuable commodity in the ogre king's fight to return to hunting humans. After fleeing the underworld, the imp, who comes to call himself Samuel, joins up with some gargoyles and takes up residence on top of an old church. Since he looks human, Sam is sent by the gargoyles to obtain chocolate where he meets the family of the baby and grandfather whose sigh and laugh created him. He feels drawn to them and with the help of an angel he flees the ogre king and goes to stay with this family. But when the baby is stolen, Sam is forced to choose whether to help the human family he is drawn to or stay away from the underworld and protect himself.
I wanted to like this story more than I did. Sam is a sympathetic character, but his creation felt creepy and ugly to me. I did enjoy Sam's interactions with the gargoyles. My personal beliefs prevented me from really enjoying the parts involving the angel and church. There was plenty of action, especially once Sam goes after the baby, but the plot as a whole felt odd. The themes of friendship and family and the importance of having a soul were clear. Overall, I enjoyed some aspects of the book, but other aspects didn't really click for me. This I believe, is because of personal opinions and likes and dislikes. The book is well-written and could work for the right reader, but I wasn't that reader.
I wanted to like this story more than I did. Sam is a sympathetic character, but his creation felt creepy and ugly to me. I did enjoy Sam's interactions with the gargoyles. My personal beliefs prevented me from really enjoying the parts involving the angel and church. There was plenty of action, especially once Sam goes after the baby, but the plot as a whole felt odd. The themes of friendship and family and the importance of having a soul were clear. Overall, I enjoyed some aspects of the book, but other aspects didn't really click for me. This I believe, is because of personal opinions and likes and dislikes. The book is well-written and could work for the right reader, but I wasn't that reader.
August 20, 2019
An Imp who looks human is born into an underworld of monsters. Some grumpy yet adorable gargoyles adopt him because he can steal chocolate without being noticed. Can Imp find his place in the world or will the King of Ogres use him for his evil plan? A wonderfully Gothic fantasy full of good and bad monsters which will enthrall children. I especially loved Imp's hilarious adopted family. Spiderwick Chronicles meets Labyrinth.
April 5, 2022
This is a pretty solid debut however it could have used a bit of a closer eye when it came to editing. There is part early the book where she refers to Sam and I've gone who is Sam. And he didn't have his name yet. Also later in the book some sentences where repeated. Not huge things but enough to pull me out of the story. Some sentences just didn't make sense and I just had to move on. However, I did enjoy it and I am looking forward to the next book.
August 14, 2019
It’s a really sweet idea, but sadly not very well written.
January 3, 2020
Took a while to get into, but an enjoyable and heartwarming read
October 2, 2019
The first thing that caught my eye about this book is the concept that monsters are born from a human's last sigh. Depending on the heaviness of deed from that sigh, the type of monster will be born. As most of us know from Tinkerbell, fairies are born from a baby's first laugh. Well, what happens if the last sigh and the first laugh is combined into one?
We explore that notion in The Monster Who Wasn't. "Imp" as they call him at the beginning of the book is a monster that looks, smells, and feels exactly like a human boy. He was born in the dark underground monster cave for a purpose rendered by the King of Ogres - Thunderguts. Amid chaos wherein Thunderguts tries to capture the boy, a pack of gargoyles saves the boy thinking he was one of their own since 'Gargoyles comes in all shapes and sizes' . While the story may seem simple from the start, it is filled with mysteries that the reader will actively rack their brains to solve. I know I did! The ending was a surprise for me, I went into this book without any expectations as I often do when reading middle-grade books.
I feel that this is a book filled with whimsy wonder and the backside of the usual faerie fantasy middle-grade books filled with smiley smiles and dancing. This book is about the lesser written dark side of fantasy where evil lurks in the corners of the human world. One thing about this book is that it is quite graphic in words about violence. It is not a book for children who want to overcome their fears of monsters but rather for kids who are daring to explore the uncharted, formless world of monsters.
The themes surrounding this book that I adore with my entire soul is found, families and LOVE. It is truly Magnificent. A tale fit for lovers of The Hunchback.
Thank you to @definitelybooks for sending me this mystic read.
We explore that notion in The Monster Who Wasn't. "Imp" as they call him at the beginning of the book is a monster that looks, smells, and feels exactly like a human boy. He was born in the dark underground monster cave for a purpose rendered by the King of Ogres - Thunderguts. Amid chaos wherein Thunderguts tries to capture the boy, a pack of gargoyles saves the boy thinking he was one of their own since 'Gargoyles comes in all shapes and sizes' . While the story may seem simple from the start, it is filled with mysteries that the reader will actively rack their brains to solve. I know I did! The ending was a surprise for me, I went into this book without any expectations as I often do when reading middle-grade books.
I feel that this is a book filled with whimsy wonder and the backside of the usual faerie fantasy middle-grade books filled with smiley smiles and dancing. This book is about the lesser written dark side of fantasy where evil lurks in the corners of the human world. One thing about this book is that it is quite graphic in words about violence. It is not a book for children who want to overcome their fears of monsters but rather for kids who are daring to explore the uncharted, formless world of monsters.
The themes surrounding this book that I adore with my entire soul is found, families and LOVE. It is truly Magnificent. A tale fit for lovers of The Hunchback.
Thank you to @definitelybooks for sending me this mystic read.
August 31, 2024
This tells the story of a kid who isn’t one, who also happens to be a monster but isn’t really one too. I was already sorry for the main character from the start. He’s lucky he’s somewhat smart enough to get caught in the right kind of crowd just after coming into existence in such a bleak place that has no business having creatures such as kids in it. We follow him being hesitantly adopted by a race of monsters (who may or may not actually be monsters in the classical sense adopted by this book), as well as being taken under the wing of an actual angel (I am not sorry), and eventually as he stumbles upon his own kind, who of course ends up loving him the way he immediately falls in love with them. It was heartbreaking observing how he develops feelings and has trouble dealing with them. What’s worse is seeing how easily gaslighted (gaslit?) he is by his ‘fellow’ monsters, as more than being good, his main desire is to truly belong somewhere. One of my favorite things in this book is how it addresses the ‘main character [despite being a literal newborn] saves the day’ trope, actively telling us, the readers, that no, the adults in this book are not leaving the mess to the child anymore. It’s easy to forget that the child’s poor decisions is hugely due to his being a child, and I hope other readers can be forgiving towards children from now on. It ends with several key questions unanswered and that’s fine with me; it’s a story for another day, hopefully addressed in the sequel.
August 9, 2021
Firstly, I want to say, this isn’t a bad book! There were some parts that were really good but I was just bored! I thought about DNFing it but only finished it because it’s less than 300 pages! Bladder was my favourite character, his grumpy quips made me smile.
September 2, 2019
The first in a new adventure trilogy, readers of fantasy will adore this book. “Imp” is a creature born in the underworld but with a foot in each world. He looks like a human child with a courageous heart and soul but he has been brought to life by the Ogre King, ‘King Thunderguts’, as a tool of evil and he must choose his own path in life. There is a rich tradition of Celtic mythology style monsters in this book and our hero encounters ogres, pixies, boggarts and banshees in his quest to learn his identity and find his family. When a baby is taken he must draw on his internal character strengths and the help of friends to rescue her from the dangers of the underworld. Fabulous characters and rich and imaginative descriptions abound in this book. Relationships are at the forefront, particularly the relationship Imp develops with three chocolate loving protective gargoyles. There is something for every reader in this book and we can’t wait to read more from this author.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bi2Yf...
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bi2Yf...
September 25, 2019
Fun. Good worldbuilding. Felt a bit too much on the religious side for me?
The gargoyles were fantastic.
The gargoyles were fantastic.
October 11, 2019
I chose this book to read aloud to my 10 year old son and we loved it! The premise of a creature born from a person's last sigh and a baby's first laugh is magical and unique. We loved reading about Sam's struggle to understand what he is, where he fits in and what love is. The climax of the story had us reading until we had finished the book. The characters in the story are unique and lovable. A great book for middle grade children to read.
December 12, 2019
The Monster who Wasn’t isn’t your average children’s book, it’s a gem. Like the protagonist, this book is a little jewel you’ll want to keep. It’s a tale that needs to be read, and reread.
Created by the combination of a man’s last sigh and a baby’s laugh, a human-looking imp hatches under the impetus of an ogre king’s breath. While born with some knowledge, the imp boy’s experiences quickly increase his vocabulary and his understanding of the world. An understanding that must operate quickly, as crones and trolls try to capture him mere seconds after he comes to life.
Three gargoyles rescue the newly-hatched imp boy and hide him from the ogre king. Further helped by an angel, the imp boy struggles to understand how he fits in the monster world and why everyone is so interested in him. Is he to be eaten? Sacrificed? Should he live with monsters, or humans? Gargoyles, trolls, elves, pixies, brownies, banshees and humans all supply clues as he unravels the mysteries surrounding his existence.
And mysteries there are, as are questions on belonging, and questions about the nature of love, of life, and of death.
T.C. Shelley’s writing is exquisite, and often endearingly funny. Between the delicate brushstrokes of her prose, her intricate characters, and settings that belong to the stuff of both dreams and nightmares, The Monster who Wasn’t is a book that will delight the children in your life.
Created by the combination of a man’s last sigh and a baby’s laugh, a human-looking imp hatches under the impetus of an ogre king’s breath. While born with some knowledge, the imp boy’s experiences quickly increase his vocabulary and his understanding of the world. An understanding that must operate quickly, as crones and trolls try to capture him mere seconds after he comes to life.
Three gargoyles rescue the newly-hatched imp boy and hide him from the ogre king. Further helped by an angel, the imp boy struggles to understand how he fits in the monster world and why everyone is so interested in him. Is he to be eaten? Sacrificed? Should he live with monsters, or humans? Gargoyles, trolls, elves, pixies, brownies, banshees and humans all supply clues as he unravels the mysteries surrounding his existence.
And mysteries there are, as are questions on belonging, and questions about the nature of love, of life, and of death.
T.C. Shelley’s writing is exquisite, and often endearingly funny. Between the delicate brushstrokes of her prose, her intricate characters, and settings that belong to the stuff of both dreams and nightmares, The Monster who Wasn’t is a book that will delight the children in your life.
December 27, 2019
The opening line is fantastic and I was hooked by the concept. I loved all the different magical creatures, especially the Gargoyles. Discovering the world through Sam's eyes is fascinating but, unfortunately at times very confusing because he doesn't understand what is happening a lot of the time meaning the reader might get confused too. There also seemed to be not internal logic as to when he remembered something and when he knew nothing.
An interesting idea, with a lot to recommend it for any fans of fantasy or children who like their monster stories a bit dark and disgusting.
An interesting idea, with a lot to recommend it for any fans of fantasy or children who like their monster stories a bit dark and disgusting.
September 23, 2019
When you're following a protagonist who was literally born yesterday, you know you're in for a different kind of story. With a mythology that borrows and blends elements from English folklore to C.S. Lewis to Lewis Carroll (not to mention the clever little device of its own main premise), a plot that drops you straight into the action and whips you through its three day span, characters that leap off the page and visual descriptions just begging to be adapted into a film, this is a fantastic read for young adults. Or the young at heart. Or anyone, really.
April 28, 2020
I really liked it. Great characters and an awesome finale!
November 29, 2019
Title: The Monster Who Wasn't
Author: T.C. Shelley
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Publication: 19 Sep 2019
Genre: Fantasy
My Take:
"The Monster Who Wasn't" is a beautifully written story of family bond and belonging. I liked the concept behind how monsters come into a being. It was something I never heard or came across. I don't remember the last time I loved the characters of a book unanimously. Be it Daniel, Sam (the imp boy), the adorable gargoyles or the Kavanaghs I loved each one of them.
The way Daniel took care of the imp boy made him an absolute favourite. Despite giving shelter to the imp boy, Bladder wasn't quite happy in welcoming the imp into their pack, but this paved the way for the turn of events that made the imp boy question his own identity and where he actually belonged.
The arrival of the Banshee, Pixies, Brownies, Goblins and the arduous journey of Sam to the underworld to save Beatrice made the latter part of the book even more interesting. The author through her eloquent writing and vivid descriptions will teleport you into the world that she has so exceptionally created where you cannot help but believe the very existence of the creatures of the dark. For the family who Sam (the imp boy) risked his life made it all worth in the end.
Overall, its an interesting read with great world-building, wonderful character development, and a completely engrossing narrative. I'm eagerly waiting for the second instalment in this trilogy. A definite recommendation from my side if you love middle-grade fantasy fiction.
I would like to thank Bloomsbury India for providing me with a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Author: T.C. Shelley
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Publication: 19 Sep 2019
Genre: Fantasy
My Take:
"The Monster Who Wasn't" is a beautifully written story of family bond and belonging. I liked the concept behind how monsters come into a being. It was something I never heard or came across. I don't remember the last time I loved the characters of a book unanimously. Be it Daniel, Sam (the imp boy), the adorable gargoyles or the Kavanaghs I loved each one of them.
The way Daniel took care of the imp boy made him an absolute favourite. Despite giving shelter to the imp boy, Bladder wasn't quite happy in welcoming the imp into their pack, but this paved the way for the turn of events that made the imp boy question his own identity and where he actually belonged.
The arrival of the Banshee, Pixies, Brownies, Goblins and the arduous journey of Sam to the underworld to save Beatrice made the latter part of the book even more interesting. The author through her eloquent writing and vivid descriptions will teleport you into the world that she has so exceptionally created where you cannot help but believe the very existence of the creatures of the dark. For the family who Sam (the imp boy) risked his life made it all worth in the end.
Overall, its an interesting read with great world-building, wonderful character development, and a completely engrossing narrative. I'm eagerly waiting for the second instalment in this trilogy. A definite recommendation from my side if you love middle-grade fantasy fiction.
I would like to thank Bloomsbury India for providing me with a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
August 30, 2019
The book hooked me in right from the beginning. The technicalities of the birth of a monster had enough of realism mixed with the fantasy aspect to feel like its something that could possibly happen. I wasn't sure if I liked the protagonist in the beginning but as the story progressed I couldn't help but feel sorry for him. He is sweet, loving and innocent and all his decisions are based on what his heart tells is right.
As soon as the Gargoyles came into the story, I fell in love with them. I am a sucker for characters with a gruff exterior and molten chocolate insides. I kept waiting for one of the 'good' characters in the story to betray the Imp because they gave off that kind of vibes. It is a reflection on the author's storytelling prowess that she kept me guessing who that character would be till the very end. I was curious to see how the author would handle introducing multiple fantasy creatures and if the story would get lost in the details but that was not the case.
I loved how unpredictable the story was. Although it has been categorised as 'Middle Grade' it could very easily sell as Young Adult and wow the target audience. The concepts of loss and guilt, of the need to belong and the camaraderie shown by the characters will definitely interest a wide age range. The book is equal parts funny and sad. The dialogues are witty and sassy. It was a brilliant read especially as a debut novel and I can't wait to see what the author comes up with.
As soon as the Gargoyles came into the story, I fell in love with them. I am a sucker for characters with a gruff exterior and molten chocolate insides. I kept waiting for one of the 'good' characters in the story to betray the Imp because they gave off that kind of vibes. It is a reflection on the author's storytelling prowess that she kept me guessing who that character would be till the very end. I was curious to see how the author would handle introducing multiple fantasy creatures and if the story would get lost in the details but that was not the case.
I loved how unpredictable the story was. Although it has been categorised as 'Middle Grade' it could very easily sell as Young Adult and wow the target audience. The concepts of loss and guilt, of the need to belong and the camaraderie shown by the characters will definitely interest a wide age range. The book is equal parts funny and sad. The dialogues are witty and sassy. It was a brilliant read especially as a debut novel and I can't wait to see what the author comes up with.
November 27, 2019
DNF’d
The story concept is cute, BUT there were things that were such a disappointment. Which breaks my heart. As not only is the author local BUT I love stories about gargoyles.
The gargoyles are just stone animals, when in actual fact gargoyles are chimeras. Made up of different parts of animals..... but that’s not what you get in this story at all. Just a stone lion,bird and bull.
The gargoyles are awake 24/7 and show them selves to pple.... nah for me this is a no no. Yea there a rules to break like vampires that sparkle in the sun, but things along this line are a nope.
Then there’s the woman who works at the chocolate store who just happily gives the boy sweets every single day. Without question. Without a hassle etc. just come on NO Grown up would ever do this. Just didn’t sit right at all.
It breaks my heart, as I would have loved to read this to my niece in the near future. But na it’s a pass from me.
3.8 stars
The story concept is cute, BUT there were things that were such a disappointment. Which breaks my heart. As not only is the author local BUT I love stories about gargoyles.
The gargoyles are just stone animals, when in actual fact gargoyles are chimeras. Made up of different parts of animals..... but that’s not what you get in this story at all. Just a stone lion,bird and bull.
The gargoyles are awake 24/7 and show them selves to pple.... nah for me this is a no no. Yea there a rules to break like vampires that sparkle in the sun, but things along this line are a nope.
Then there’s the woman who works at the chocolate store who just happily gives the boy sweets every single day. Without question. Without a hassle etc. just come on NO Grown up would ever do this. Just didn’t sit right at all.
It breaks my heart, as I would have loved to read this to my niece in the near future. But na it’s a pass from me.
3.8 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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