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jordandotcom's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
gOD.
ariel_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
alexerllent's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book had me by the tagline, "Frankenstein meets Indian mythology."
Kajal, the protagonist, is a young woman that feels all too familiar in her self-criticism. She constantly confronts her flaws, reflecting in response to the plot. Her world is a well-crafted blend of Hindu, Buddhist, and Sikh myth that beautifully represents the diversity of India. Each character feels real in the imagination. Actions have motivations that become clear over the course of the book.
I was truly impressed with this novel; the world-building, character development, and story arc are all well developed and interesting. I will be passing this on to my teen sister!
I received an uncorrected proof for free at the CALIBA Spring Forum, but I am voluntarily writing this review.
Kajal, the protagonist, is a young woman that feels all too familiar in her self-criticism. She constantly confronts her flaws, reflecting in response to the plot. Her world is a well-crafted blend of Hindu, Buddhist, and Sikh myth that beautifully represents the diversity of India. Each character feels real in the imagination. Actions have motivations that become clear over the course of the book.
I was truly impressed with this novel; the world-building, character development, and story arc are all well developed and interesting. I will be passing this on to my teen sister!
I received an uncorrected proof for free at the CALIBA Spring Forum, but I am voluntarily writing this review.
darquedreamer's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I absolutely loved this one! It gave me all the Gothic vibes I craved, as well as the Frankenstein influences I was promised. It was darkly vibrant, full of mythology, dreamlike storytelling, and characters I couldn't get enough of! I couldn't put it down!
Tara Sim crafted such a beautifully unique story that captured my imagination and flew with it. It's been a while since I was really able to visualize what was happening in my mind as I was reading. We Shall Be Monsters read like a horror comic full of color, feels, and just the right amount of comedy.
The last several chapters had me tearing up. No spoilers, but just because of the twists and turns in the story telling. The entire book centered around, not only the theme of good vs evil but, the theme of balancing good and evil, darkness and light. It was multi - faceted and woven so vibrantly and intricately.
Beyond the multi-layered plot, the well developed characters, and the dark beauty of the story, what I loved the most is that this one didn't feel like a typical young adult book. It didn't make me feel like I was too old to be enjoying it. It gave me Lord of the Rings meets Willow and Thriller vibes, where there were bits of horror and fantasy to be enjoyed for most ages. It took me on mystical, enchanting adventure that I cannot wait to continue!
Thank you, Penguin Teen, for the e-arc!
Tara Sim crafted such a beautifully unique story that captured my imagination and flew with it. It's been a while since I was really able to visualize what was happening in my mind as I was reading. We Shall Be Monsters read like a horror comic full of color, feels, and just the right amount of comedy.
The last several chapters had me tearing up. No spoilers, but just because of the twists and turns in the story telling. The entire book centered around, not only the theme of good vs evil but, the theme of balancing good and evil, darkness and light. It was multi - faceted and woven so vibrantly and intricately.
Beyond the multi-layered plot, the well developed characters, and the dark beauty of the story, what I loved the most is that this one didn't feel like a typical young adult book. It didn't make me feel like I was too old to be enjoying it. It gave me Lord of the Rings meets Willow and Thriller vibes, where there were bits of horror and fantasy to be enjoyed for most ages. It took me on mystical, enchanting adventure that I cannot wait to continue!
Thank you, Penguin Teen, for the e-arc!
emmajanereads's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
sretta's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
This was truly a unique and enjoyable read! Although the pacing can be quite slow at times, I really enjoyed the world building and the characters. I thought it was such an interesting premise; the mythology and Frankenstein aspects worked really well together. Looking forward to the sequel!
fanboyriot's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
♡ High Fantasy
♡ Dark Adventures
♡ Undead (Zombie) Dog
This story was adventurous and action packed. There was a lot going on but it was written it a way where it wasn’t overwhelming or confusing to understand. There was death, necromancy, and a rich history of the fantasy world the author created.
The mix of mythology from different cultures was so interesting to read. The author’s note pointing it all out even more and further explaining their own spin on things.
I feel like people who liked Frankenstein would love this more fantasy level book. It was complex with lovely world building and characters. Even including a dog that was brought back from the dead.
Thank you to the author, NetGalley, Penguin Young Readers Group, and Nancy Paulsen imprint for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Spice Level: n/a
Spice Level: n/a
Angst Level: 💧💧💧 (3/5)
POV: Third Person
Release Date: 25, June 2024
Rep: Non-Binary (Side Character)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Death, War, Violence, Animal death, and Murder
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Gore, Medical content, Religious bigotry, and Grief
Minor: Death of parent, Blood, and Body horror
brecox's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book left me so wonderfully conflicted: Content but upset with the ending, in awe of the story telling but mad that it had to end, and craving more but satisfied with what I read.
Tara Sim borrows bits of Frankenstein in an amazing retelling of Halahala. Infused with Hindu mythology (and some Buddhist), the story follows Kajal’s quest to bring her sister back to life. Every bit of Hindu lore was explained in a way that even someone with little background knowledge of Hinduism could follow. I only know the basics and could keep up- though I did constantly look up pronunciations. A pronunciation guide would be the cherry on top. Plus the typical tropes (one horse, for example) were done in a different way- understated but definitely a trope.
The writing style is beautiful. The prose is not overly flowery. The horror aspect was well done. The horror scenes were scary without being over the top. There was definitely some Walking Dead vibes! Even with the horror, the banter was really amusing. The small snippet of romance was cute and believeable- no falling head over heels immediately.
The characters were so relatable. Kajal is witty, strong-willed, and perceptive. I really enjoyed her character’s growth, especially at the end. Tav was tragic and almost underdone- I wanted more of him! But I like how his actions make more sense by the end.
The pacing was different but not bad. Youre thrown into the story fast paced with a hundred questions. The pacing slows down, but never to a point where it gets boring. When I thought I was in a lull there would be a wild twist that had me audibly gasping (or yelling or screaming “no no no!”).
This is definitely a book I will re-read over and over. I’m surprised it’s not blowing up on social media.
zowie333's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
mistyelena's review
First, I want to thank NetGalley, Tara Sim, and the publisher for allowing me to read this advanced reader copy.
I also want to mention before I go any further that I didn't finish this book but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't give it a try.
I was drawn to this book for the cover, it is absolutely beautiful! Upon reading the synopsis, I was somewhat hesitant about the horror aspect and hint of potential romance but intrigued about the blend of Frankenstein and Indian Mythology (and I LOVE a sister storyline). I've been trying to read books outside of my comfort genres and have been pleasantly surprised so I decided to give We Shall Be Monsters a try. Unfortunately, I'm also in my "if I'm not in love with it, I'm not finishing it" era, so I DNF'd at 53%. I might try to read the physical copy once it is published (partially so I can have this gorgeous cover on my bookshelf) because I didn't have any major issue with the book, I just simply could not get into it. I'm not sure if it was because I feel like the synopsis told me the first 35% in a few sentences or if it was the pacing itself but this book dragged for me. I kept trying to pick it up just to see if maybe something would hook me but I just never got there.
DNF for me just means that I set the book down and can't bring myself to pick it back up, there were no glaring issues for me and I would still recommend this to people who enjoy slower paced novels with some world building!
I also want to mention before I go any further that I didn't finish this book but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't give it a try.
I was drawn to this book for the cover, it is absolutely beautiful! Upon reading the synopsis, I was somewhat hesitant about the horror aspect and hint of potential romance but intrigued about the blend of Frankenstein and Indian Mythology (and I LOVE a sister storyline). I've been trying to read books outside of my comfort genres and have been pleasantly surprised so I decided to give We Shall Be Monsters a try. Unfortunately, I'm also in my "if I'm not in love with it, I'm not finishing it" era, so I DNF'd at 53%. I might try to read the physical copy once it is published (partially so I can have this gorgeous cover on my bookshelf) because I didn't have any major issue with the book, I just simply could not get into it. I'm not sure if it was because I feel like the synopsis told me the first 35% in a few sentences or if it was the pacing itself but this book dragged for me. I kept trying to pick it up just to see if maybe something would hook me but I just never got there.
DNF for me just means that I set the book down and can't bring myself to pick it back up, there were no glaring issues for me and I would still recommend this to people who enjoy slower paced novels with some world building!