Reviews

Monstrous by Jessica Lewis

qace90's review against another edition

dark emotional sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

I received an advance copy from the publisher via Netgalley for review purposes; this in no way influences my review.

Content notes:

- Murder
- Depiction of PTSD response
- Panic attack
- Homophobia (discussed, not on page)
- Past cold abuse (discussed)
- Aggressive dog attacks (c4, 9%)
- Abduction (c4, 9%)
- Injury (broken leg) (c4, 10%)
- Reference to enslavement (c10, 21%)
- Recollection of parent kicking out child for queerness (c36, 75%)
- Reference to past suicidal ideation

I was so excited for this book between how much I loved Bad Witch Burning and how much I love any book that explores “what is a monster” but the ending kinda ruined it for me in some ways. I still recommend this book and there’s really great exploration of trauma healing, and reclaiming power and strength, and interpersonal dynamics, but for me personally the ending didn’t work as well.

Full review closer to release.

lberestecki's review against another edition

dark sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0