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21% Monster
Genetically-modified teens try to bring down the organisation that made them.
Fun, fast-paced, high-octane action adventure, 21% Monster is a perfect page-turning new series for fans of Alex Rider, Percy Jackson and the MCU generation. When Darren Devlin is arrested for destroying his school with his bare hands, it's not just the police who are after him. Enter Marek Masters, 14 years old, 19% alien, and the most intelligent, most wanted "almost human" alive. Marek is here to tell Darren the truth - he is 21% monster, and together they must take down the secret organisation that created them. Darren and Marek are wanted, powerful and dangerous. And now it's payback time.
Fun, fast-paced, high-octane action adventure, 21% Monster is a perfect page-turning new series for fans of Alex Rider, Percy Jackson and the MCU generation. When Darren Devlin is arrested for destroying his school with his bare hands, it's not just the police who are after him. Enter Marek Masters, 14 years old, 19% alien, and the most intelligent, most wanted "almost human" alive. Marek is here to tell Darren the truth - he is 21% monster, and together they must take down the secret organisation that created them. Darren and Marek are wanted, powerful and dangerous. And now it's payback time.
- GenresFictionMiddle Grade
282 pages, Paperback
Published July 8, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 8, 2022
I received a proof copy of this for free in a Toppsta giveaway in exchange for both an honest review and the agreement that I will pass it on to someone in the targeted age group.
I always try to keep reviews spoiler free. This complicates things when there is a lot I could type that would be spoilers as is the case here.
This is an exciting and often fast paced story. I can understand why it is recommended for older readers as although it isn't insanely violent, there is necessary violence in the story. The two main characters are unlike any I have read before for reasons I won't spoil. Both were believable and it didn't take long to care about them. The supporting characters were well written for the most part too.
There is already a sequel in the works for this story and I look forward to reading it. Plus the further sequels I expect there to be. It is a series that could rival some of the biggest on the market and I am glad I got the chance to be one of the first to start reading it.
I always try to keep reviews spoiler free. This complicates things when there is a lot I could type that would be spoilers as is the case here.
This is an exciting and often fast paced story. I can understand why it is recommended for older readers as although it isn't insanely violent, there is necessary violence in the story. The two main characters are unlike any I have read before for reasons I won't spoil. Both were believable and it didn't take long to care about them. The supporting characters were well written for the most part too.
There is already a sequel in the works for this story and I look forward to reading it. Plus the further sequels I expect there to be. It is a series that could rival some of the biggest on the market and I am glad I got the chance to be one of the first to start reading it.
November 22, 2022
What a great new series starter for young readers. Aimed at ages 9-12 I can see this appealing to so many boys and girls.
I instantly warmed to Darren - a boy struggling with school work and feeling like he doesn't fit in. Always getting into trouble and being bullied because he's different.
When things go drastically wrong for him and he ends up in a mess, I loved that Marek came to his rescue and helped him to understand more about why he's different and more than that - he's special!
The 2 boys bond and grow together, helping each other out with their struggles - whilst also trying to stay safe from Department 10 and their covert operation to capture them - the perfect villains.
I loved the banter the boys had with each other throughout. Some great humour in the writing which was really easy to read - fast-paced, exciting and with lots of adventure.
Like every great spy/hero novel we have tons of tech and gadgets, special abilities, the thrill of the chase, excitement and intrigue. Definite Alex Rider vibes which is brilliant.
Ignore those youngsters - I'm obsessed with this series !! Cannot wait to get my hands on book 2 and see what's next for Darren...
I instantly warmed to Darren - a boy struggling with school work and feeling like he doesn't fit in. Always getting into trouble and being bullied because he's different.
When things go drastically wrong for him and he ends up in a mess, I loved that Marek came to his rescue and helped him to understand more about why he's different and more than that - he's special!
The 2 boys bond and grow together, helping each other out with their struggles - whilst also trying to stay safe from Department 10 and their covert operation to capture them - the perfect villains.
I loved the banter the boys had with each other throughout. Some great humour in the writing which was really easy to read - fast-paced, exciting and with lots of adventure.
Like every great spy/hero novel we have tons of tech and gadgets, special abilities, the thrill of the chase, excitement and intrigue. Definite Alex Rider vibes which is brilliant.
Ignore those youngsters - I'm obsessed with this series !! Cannot wait to get my hands on book 2 and see what's next for Darren...
October 15, 2022
A stunner of a middle grade action adventure book with a good helping of sci fi too.
Loved the banter between Marek and Darren, the trust the two slowly build up was very well done and nail biting fights.
Would highly recommend and I can't wait to read more about Helix 51 in the next book out 2023.
Loved the banter between Marek and Darren, the trust the two slowly build up was very well done and nail biting fights.
Would highly recommend and I can't wait to read more about Helix 51 in the next book out 2023.
August 9, 2022
I read this book after my 11 year old son finished and loved it. I am a primary teacher so like to read current children’s books.
Thoroughly enjoyed it, the book was fast paced and action packed! One of the many things I liked was that there was a strong bond between Darren and his sister Daisy and that Darren had a good moral compass. My son preferred the amazing tech and fights! My 9 year old daughter is next in line to read it. Looking forward to the sequel.
Thoroughly enjoyed it, the book was fast paced and action packed! One of the many things I liked was that there was a strong bond between Darren and his sister Daisy and that Darren had a good moral compass. My son preferred the amazing tech and fights! My 9 year old daughter is next in line to read it. Looking forward to the sequel.
July 3, 2022
Darren Devin is different. He doesn’t fit in at school and everyone calls him a freak. He knows he’s different but doesn’t understand why until things go disastrously wrong and he meets Marek, who informs him that they were both created as part of a hideous experiment with DNA. Darren is 21% monster and Marek is 19% alien. Reluctantly, they team up to save each other’s lives.
This book has many similarities to Jimmy Coates Killer. The boys are superhuman, they must stay away from their families to avoid capture and they need to find out about the organisation which was responsible for creating them.
I enjoyed the story but it doesn’t have a tidy enough ending for me. It is the beginning of a series and whilst I like to meet characters again in a sequel, I prefer each episode or adventure to be stand alone. At the end of this book, the scenario for the next story has already been set up, but apart from a decision to work together, not much from this story has been resolved.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book has many similarities to Jimmy Coates Killer. The boys are superhuman, they must stay away from their families to avoid capture and they need to find out about the organisation which was responsible for creating them.
I enjoyed the story but it doesn’t have a tidy enough ending for me. It is the beginning of a series and whilst I like to meet characters again in a sequel, I prefer each episode or adventure to be stand alone. At the end of this book, the scenario for the next story has already been set up, but apart from a decision to work together, not much from this story has been resolved.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 11, 2022
📚I just finished 21% monster by P.J Canning. This book is about Darren finding out that he is part monster and part human. But one day he accidentally destroyed half of the school when running from bullies. This causes him to go to a high security prison. When he escapes from prison with the help of Marek who is part alien and part human. When Darren escapes he finds that he and Marek are targeted by some people. Will Darren survive or will they catch him and kill him.
I would recommend you this book if you like action and adventure books because this book is filled with it.
I would recommend you this book if you like action and adventure books because this book is filled with it.
November 20, 2022
For a debut novel this is fantastic work. The imagination the author possesses is out of this world.
I'm gripped to know more, about the organisation, the councillors, the other children, Marek and Darren.
The family connection between Darren and Daisy is so lovely to read and I think Daisy will be pivotal in Darren succeeding.
Action packed from very early on I was gutted when it ended on such a cliffhanger!
21% monster, 19% alien, next 17% sabre tooth polar bear?! Can't wait!
I'm gripped to know more, about the organisation, the councillors, the other children, Marek and Darren.
The family connection between Darren and Daisy is so lovely to read and I think Daisy will be pivotal in Darren succeeding.
Action packed from very early on I was gutted when it ended on such a cliffhanger!
21% monster, 19% alien, next 17% sabre tooth polar bear?! Can't wait!
April 12, 2024
OMG I was shocked with this one. It is one of 6 books short listed for the Salford Children's Book Awards held annually by the Salford Library Service. I was not looking forward to this one but by jove it is good.
The Characters are enough for you to know them, the adventure is fun and it's an easy to follow storyline. The use of the jumping device is a little much. Apart from this I'm looking forward to reading book 2 & 3 to see how the story unfolds.
The Characters are enough for you to know them, the adventure is fun and it's an easy to follow storyline. The use of the jumping device is a little much. Apart from this I'm looking forward to reading book 2 & 3 to see how the story unfolds.
March 12, 2022
💎One of the most unique reads that has elements I couldn't really imagine otherwise. The language is easy and gripping. I was hooked from the very beginning, it's fun and action filled. Go for it.
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Rating: 4⭐️
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Rating: 4⭐️
September 3, 2022
I really enjoyed this action adventure. Darren is a likeable character who gets pulled into a lot o dangerous situations because of a secret science experiment that happened before he was born. Think I need a quieter book next to help me catch my breath 😍📖😍
December 17, 2022
I've read this book in preparation for reading the next book in the series, which I'm reviewing in January as part of the blog tour. I quite enjoyed it, although I am far from the target audience, not being an adolescent boy.
December 25, 2022
This was a very different kind of read. A boy 21% monster unites with a boy 19% alien to keep themselves alive and free. It has you choosing your side throughout, changing your mind about who the 'good guys' are. I can't wait for the sequel. I'd recommend it for anyone older than 9.
February 5, 2023
This was a fast paced, exciting read. Darren has always been different and has always struggled at school. Things take an even worse turn when he demolishes his school! Now he has caught the attention of certain people and his troubles have grown exponentially.
July 15, 2022
My son loved this book! Devoured it in a few nights. Highly recommend.
April 22, 2025
Great pre-teen book.
December 3, 2023
I loved this book, even if it's for children! And I let my nephew (aged 10) borrow my kindle for the afternoon. He tried to keep it because he loved the story so much. That's one Christmas present sorted then!
I found it totally intriguing. I couldn't work out who were the good guys and who were the bad guys. I feel so sorry for Marek and Darren who would never have known who they could trust. I love the idea that people might not be 100% human, and that the non human parts are all different. After all, even as humans we are all different!
Mareks inventions were so good. I'd love a S.Q.U.I.D!
If you're still stuck for last minute presents for anyone aged 10+ then I highly recommend this.
I found it totally intriguing. I couldn't work out who were the good guys and who were the bad guys. I feel so sorry for Marek and Darren who would never have known who they could trust. I love the idea that people might not be 100% human, and that the non human parts are all different. After all, even as humans we are all different!
Mareks inventions were so good. I'd love a S.Q.U.I.D!
If you're still stuck for last minute presents for anyone aged 10+ then I highly recommend this.
November 24, 2022
Here’s my review https://bookread2day.wordpress.com/20...
Today I’m shouting loudly about amazing new book 21% Monster and this is my ROAR!!!
All young pupils at school will adore the adventure of 217 Monster, starring a special 12 year old boy, Darren Devlin.
Twelve year old, Darren Devlin, has amber- yellow eyes with blond hair one moment, then it looks tinted blue.
The boys at Darren’s school aren’t very nice to him, and he has to run away from them, to his secret hiding place.
Darren’s mum who is a nurse is called to the school as they aren’t happy with Darren as he hasn’t made any progress in school at all, but he loves nothing more than listening to punk music.
The police are after Darren as they believe that he set fire to his school St Bartle’s. For punishment Darren is sent to prison.
When Darren is in prison he finds out why he is strong, and can roar, it’s because he is 21% percent monster, 19% percent alien.
Boys and girls and teachers are going to love this new exciting book 21% Monster by P. J. Canning.
21% Monster is the perfect book for a school library for 8 to 12 years old to take home to read as a class reading session.
I absolutely loved this story it’s fresh and different buzzing with a top secret project Helix, and a virus and a DNA adapter.
I’m seriously recommending this book to all boys, and girls as they are really going to enjoy reading about Darren Devlin being 21% monster.
Fans who like stranger Things TV series, your want the whole series of 21% Monster. Roar!!!
This is a fabulous action packed story. I’m a big fan of Alex Rider, that’s why I loved this book so much, and if all boys and girls like Alex rider books or the TV series they will love everything about Darren Devlin. ROAR!!
Today I’m shouting loudly about amazing new book 21% Monster and this is my ROAR!!!
All young pupils at school will adore the adventure of 217 Monster, starring a special 12 year old boy, Darren Devlin.
Twelve year old, Darren Devlin, has amber- yellow eyes with blond hair one moment, then it looks tinted blue.
The boys at Darren’s school aren’t very nice to him, and he has to run away from them, to his secret hiding place.
Darren’s mum who is a nurse is called to the school as they aren’t happy with Darren as he hasn’t made any progress in school at all, but he loves nothing more than listening to punk music.
The police are after Darren as they believe that he set fire to his school St Bartle’s. For punishment Darren is sent to prison.
When Darren is in prison he finds out why he is strong, and can roar, it’s because he is 21% percent monster, 19% percent alien.
Boys and girls and teachers are going to love this new exciting book 21% Monster by P. J. Canning.
21% Monster is the perfect book for a school library for 8 to 12 years old to take home to read as a class reading session.
I absolutely loved this story it’s fresh and different buzzing with a top secret project Helix, and a virus and a DNA adapter.
I’m seriously recommending this book to all boys, and girls as they are really going to enjoy reading about Darren Devlin being 21% monster.
Fans who like stranger Things TV series, your want the whole series of 21% Monster. Roar!!!
This is a fabulous action packed story. I’m a big fan of Alex Rider, that’s why I loved this book so much, and if all boys and girls like Alex rider books or the TV series they will love everything about Darren Devlin. ROAR!!
November 20, 2022
A fantastic middle grade book that is full of action, adventure and sci-fi and a premise that I found to be original and thought provoking. This is definitely a book that I think the older bracket of middle graders will love.
The book is well written and engaging and the storyline is completely riveting and the characters are well developed and I found myself really caring about Darren and Marek and I was rooting for them the whole way through. This book left me on the edge of my seat sometimes especially in the fight scenes.
The book definitely paths the way for the next book in the series which I really liked and I can't wait to read more
The book is well written and engaging and the storyline is completely riveting and the characters are well developed and I found myself really caring about Darren and Marek and I was rooting for them the whole way through. This book left me on the edge of my seat sometimes especially in the fight scenes.
The book definitely paths the way for the next book in the series which I really liked and I can't wait to read more
November 17, 2022
Darren does not fit in at school. He is special but does not know it. He knows he can do things other kids can’t. When he meets Marak, a kid similar to him, he finally starts to understand.
I loved this book because of the interaction between the boys. Marak is a leader and Darren keeps him in check. This is an excellent book for middle grade fantasy readers. I love that it is published by Usborn because they typically publish books for younger kids. I’m glad they are offering books for older kids so they can continue to grow with Usborn!
I loved this book because of the interaction between the boys. Marak is a leader and Darren keeps him in check. This is an excellent book for middle grade fantasy readers. I love that it is published by Usborn because they typically publish books for younger kids. I’m glad they are offering books for older kids so they can continue to grow with Usborn!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews