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elliott_the_clementine's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Let me begin by saying that this book is not what I expected. I thought Monstersona would be kind of like a queer version of the dystopian-style young-adult fiction novels of my childhood; instead, I found an absolutely unhinged horror-romance-thriller that functions as a multilayered story showing the complexities of trauma, grief, and recovery. This book is perfect for fans of Jennifer’s Body (the most bisexual horror film of all time, and specifically mentioned in this book!), the television series Daybreak and The Last of Us, and literally any kind of horror-comedy media.
Also, there is an amazing dog! His name is Tigger and I love him.
Also, there is an amazing dog! His name is Tigger and I love him.
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Medical trauma, Car accident, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Fatphobia, Infertility, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Vomit, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Biphobia, Misogyny, and Sexism
amandadevoursbooks's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
The promise of this book is great. Queer monster Thelma and Louise as a YA novel. YES. YES. YES. With a dog. YES. I love all these things. The writing is tight, fast-paced, and it pushed me through the novel beautifully.
Riley's mom is at work. Her classmates at her new school are at homecoming, and Riley is home with her dog. Suddenly, the town catches fire and Riley hops in the car with her dog and evacuates. On the way she picks up a mysterious hot class mate. As they drive across the US, they are chased by mysterious figures, and not is all what it seems. It's a classic road trip, coming of age story that focuses on who the real monsters are.
There was a bit of pacing issues right at the end. It short changed the relationship between the dad and daughter. My biggest issue was mid-book there was just some blatant fat phobia and diet culture that I wish had been handled differently.
If you like YA fantasy, monsters, road trips, forced proximity, bad parents, and the good guys being chased, check this out. You might like it.
If towns going up in flames and killing thousands of people is too much right now, I would suggest skipping this.
Riley's mom is at work. Her classmates at her new school are at homecoming, and Riley is home with her dog. Suddenly, the town catches fire and Riley hops in the car with her dog and evacuates. On the way she picks up a mysterious hot class mate. As they drive across the US, they are chased by mysterious figures, and not is all what it seems. It's a classic road trip, coming of age story that focuses on who the real monsters are.
There was a bit of pacing issues right at the end. It short changed the relationship between the dad and daughter. My biggest issue was mid-book there was just some blatant fat phobia and diet culture that I wish had been handled differently.
If you like YA fantasy, monsters, road trips, forced proximity, bad parents, and the good guys being chased, check this out. You might like it.
If towns going up in flames and killing thousands of people is too much right now, I would suggest skipping this.
Graphic: Body horror, Gore, Death of parent, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Gun violence and Violence
Minor: Body shaming and Sexual harassment
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