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lattelibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
I have a penchant for picking up sequels at the library without reading the first one. But, like the others, I had no idea that this was a sequel until I entered the information on Goodreads. The only signs were the fact that she had clearly been to the city by the sea before, and that she did not have a good time there. That being said, you could either read Ravenous first, or Monstrous first.
Ravenous was so fun to read that I read it in one day. It's fast-paced, and Greta, the protagonists, is headstrong, resourceful, and doubtful. I love love love it when women protagonists are allowed to be both strong and emotional, because that is exactly how many women are: they're made up of many things, and those many things seem to get cast aside in so many novels in favor of only one character trait. In addition to Greta, Dalen, her centaur sidekick, was so incredibly lovable and understanding to the predicament which causes Greta to choose between an entire starving city and her brother: a perfect duo. The two balance each other out, and even better, there's no romance between the two.
In terms of the plot--WOW. There was a lot that happened in just 300 or so pages, and I'm honestly thoroughly impressed with it. There's trauma, a quest, betrayal, friendship, a sea monster, a witch, and mercenaries. That's a lot for one book, but Connolly does it wonderfully. I can only say that I'm so excited to read Monstrous now, because Greta is a character that I adore.
In addition to this, I'd like to mention the novella at the end of the novel. It focuses on minor characters, some of which we've seen before, at least, in Ravenous, but I will warn you--and a minor spoiler alert here--the ending is not a happy one. I was simply shocked by it, and now that it's been a full day, I can tell you all that despite the fact that it's not a happy ending, it's a satisfying one......once you give it time. The novella helped explain some of the magical lore of the land, which I appreciated, and it helped developed context for why Ren and King Oliver act the way they do.
Get the full review here!
Ravenous was so fun to read that I read it in one day. It's fast-paced, and Greta, the protagonists, is headstrong, resourceful, and doubtful. I love love love it when women protagonists are allowed to be both strong and emotional, because that is exactly how many women are: they're made up of many things, and those many things seem to get cast aside in so many novels in favor of only one character trait. In addition to Greta, Dalen, her centaur sidekick, was so incredibly lovable and understanding to the predicament which causes Greta to choose between an entire starving city and her brother: a perfect duo. The two balance each other out, and even better, there's no romance between the two.
In terms of the plot--WOW. There was a lot that happened in just 300 or so pages, and I'm honestly thoroughly impressed with it. There's trauma, a quest, betrayal, friendship, a sea monster, a witch, and mercenaries. That's a lot for one book, but Connolly does it wonderfully. I can only say that I'm so excited to read Monstrous now, because Greta is a character that I adore.
In addition to this, I'd like to mention the novella at the end of the novel. It focuses on minor characters, some of which we've seen before, at least, in Ravenous, but I will warn you--and a minor spoiler alert here--the ending is not a happy one. I was simply shocked by it, and now that it's been a full day, I can tell you all that despite the fact that it's not a happy ending, it's a satisfying one......once you give it time. The novella helped explain some of the magical lore of the land, which I appreciated, and it helped developed context for why Ren and King Oliver act the way they do.
Get the full review here!
booklover160's review against another edition
4.0
Technically, I haven't finished the book as there's a novella in the back, but here's the review for 'Ravenous'.
At first I was apprehensive as I so adored Kym in the first book, I wasn't sure if I'd be able to get fully absorbed into this novel about Greta. We see Greta in a supporting role in 'Monstrous' and I did like her; she was smart, stubborn, and loyal. In her own novel, we see these traits featured first and foremost.
I really think the characters are what shone brightest in this series. Everyone is slightly flawed in a way that's so believable as characters. They all have such rounded personalities and strengths and flaws. It's always a joy to get close to one or a few of them.
As for things that were not as stand out this time, it'd be the pacing. There were odd moments in the book where things get very repetitive and slow and the climatic scenes were barely a single chapter. I wanted more of the action and less of Greta's internal debates. Not that I didn't enjoy seeing her change her mind and grow as a character, but there were plenty moments where I was like 'I got it. Let's move on.'
I also really wanted to know more about Stump. Where did he come from? What happens to him?
Overall, I really liked this companion to 'Monstrous'. I think it was just as good as the first (which is a tough feat) at best, although I did like the first more. I liked learning more about the characters we meet in the first novel and they really shone. The plot was well thought out, however not as well paced in my opinion, but not bad enough to stop my enjoyment.
Recommended for grades 4-6.
At first I was apprehensive as I so adored Kym in the first book, I wasn't sure if I'd be able to get fully absorbed into this novel about Greta. We see Greta in a supporting role in 'Monstrous' and I did like her; she was smart, stubborn, and loyal. In her own novel, we see these traits featured first and foremost.
I really think the characters are what shone brightest in this series. Everyone is slightly flawed in a way that's so believable as characters. They all have such rounded personalities and strengths and flaws. It's always a joy to get close to one or a few of them.
As for things that were not as stand out this time, it'd be the pacing. There were odd moments in the book where things get very repetitive and slow and the climatic scenes were barely a single chapter. I wanted more of the action and less of Greta's internal debates. Not that I didn't enjoy seeing her change her mind and grow as a character, but there were plenty moments where I was like 'I got it. Let's move on.'
I also really wanted to know more about Stump. Where did he come from? What happens to him?
Overall, I really liked this companion to 'Monstrous'. I think it was just as good as the first (which is a tough feat) at best, although I did like the first more. I liked learning more about the characters we meet in the first novel and they really shone. The plot was well thought out, however not as well paced in my opinion, but not bad enough to stop my enjoyment.
Recommended for grades 4-6.
thedizzyreader's review against another edition
3.0
A solid follow up to Monstrous... even if the battle between the witch and Greta felt anticlimactic and everyone lives happily ever after.
For now, anyway. Plenty of room for another sequel. :)
For now, anyway. Plenty of room for another sequel. :)
nerdygnome's review against another edition
3.0
We read this as a family read aloud, continuing what we'd started with book 1 in this series. The kids were well entertained and wished for more in the series. I appreciated that it was a quicker read than the first book, but ultimately, Ravenous lacked some of the energy and pacing that we enjoyed with Monstrous.
5elementknitr's review against another edition
4.0
I definitely liked Monstrous better, but this was also quite good!
There was kind of a lot going on in this book.
There were some pretty decent twists in here, but not very much of the villain/witch.
There was kind of a lot going on in this book.
There were some pretty decent twists in here, but not very much of the villain/witch.
rouver's review against another edition
3.0
This book contains both a sequel & prequel to [b:Monstrous|16181516|Monstrous|MarcyKate Connolly|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1403635962s/16181516.jpg|22083082]. I wanted to like this book a lot more than I did. I found the characters to be a bit irritating, the twists to be too predictable, and some of the descriptions to be annoying...something that surely could have been cleaned up a bit by a harsh editor. It's a young adult book, so perhaps the bar is set lower. It was fine and I wouldn't be opposed to my girls reading it, but it's nothing I'm going to make sure they read.
entamewitchlulu's review against another edition
3.0
I'm a little sad because I really wanted to enjoy this one more, but perhaps my gilded memories of how much I loved Monstrous gave me too high of expectations. This was a very good book, but in parts I found it meandering and difficult to keep my attention on.
Greta's story really is an interesting one; she's a lost girl trying to hold what little of her family remains after several traumatic events, and is forced to face the source of her PTSD in order to save what's important to her, while she is constantly dragged back and forth by her desire to help different groups. I found the treatment of her trauma very realistic and it was really nice to be able to see a young, hurt character be allowed to not only be hurt but to hate as well. She was allowed to have her turmoil over what happened to her and to be uneasy about helping people who she felt were partially responsible, even as she came to terms with the fact that other people suffered the way she did, and she can forgive them without forgiving the one who was really responsible for her pain.
The rest of the story, however, kind of dragged along outside of Greta's arc. There were some world-building bits that were enjoyable, but it felt like everything moved so slowly somehow.
It was an interesting addition to the world of Monstrous, but for whatever reason I didn't enjoy this one quite as much...still would absolutely recommend it to middle-grade fans of the first who are looking for more!
Greta's story really is an interesting one; she's a lost girl trying to hold what little of her family remains after several traumatic events, and is forced to face the source of her PTSD in order to save what's important to her, while she is constantly dragged back and forth by her desire to help different groups. I found the treatment of her trauma very realistic and it was really nice to be able to see a young, hurt character be allowed to not only be hurt but to hate as well. She was allowed to have her turmoil over what happened to her and to be uneasy about helping people who she felt were partially responsible, even as she came to terms with the fact that other people suffered the way she did, and she can forgive them without forgiving the one who was really responsible for her pain.
The rest of the story, however, kind of dragged along outside of Greta's arc. There were some world-building bits that were enjoyable, but it felt like everything moved so slowly somehow.
It was an interesting addition to the world of Monstrous, but for whatever reason I didn't enjoy this one quite as much...still would absolutely recommend it to middle-grade fans of the first who are looking for more!
doubleinfinity's review against another edition
3.0
3.5!
This was super cute. It got pretty melodramatic at times (but it's middle grade, so) and didn't shatter the tropes of young fantasy lit, but I usually go in for the atmosphere aspect & this one brought up a lot of nice themes and character growth that I think children will definitely benefit from. I'm gonna read the first book in the series. c:
This was super cute. It got pretty melodramatic at times (but it's middle grade, so) and didn't shatter the tropes of young fantasy lit, but I usually go in for the atmosphere aspect & this one brought up a lot of nice themes and character growth that I think children will definitely benefit from. I'm gonna read the first book in the series. c:
samantha_randolph's review against another edition
4.0
When Greta’s little brother is kidnapped by a witch whose hut has chicken feet, Greta must find a mysterious magical item to save the only family she has left. Unfortunately, locating such an item requires going back to the place Greta has her worst memories- the kingdom of Belladoma. She must face her own fears if she wants to save her brother.
This companion to Monstrous and reimagining of Hansel and Gretel brings magic, complex issues of right and wrong, and beautiful friendships. The lyrical writing creates a strong personal atmosphere where Greta voices her thoughts and brings out interesting facets of the power of fear and the consequences of magic. Never shying away from tough topics, Ravenous is not for the faint of heart but is sure to deliver a heartwarming experience by the end.
Out of all the beautiful layers in this story, the most powerful might be the way the book highlights the best way to face fears: with determination, support, and gentle courage. Greta is strong and independent, but she also grows to value a powerful friendship with Dalen, a moral and courageous character in his own right.
As intricate as the characters are, there are areas when the plot, particularly in the middle of the story, tends to drag a bit. However, readers who love character-focused stories will greatly appreciate the extra time to dive into Greta’s mindset on her journey to save her brother.
Those who loved the brilliant folklore and friendship elements in Monstrous will find them again in this companion. Ravenous dives right into the hearts of emotionally and morally complex conflicts and introduces a new spin on a classic tale.
Originally posted at YABC: http://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsfiction/18342-ravenous
This companion to Monstrous and reimagining of Hansel and Gretel brings magic, complex issues of right and wrong, and beautiful friendships. The lyrical writing creates a strong personal atmosphere where Greta voices her thoughts and brings out interesting facets of the power of fear and the consequences of magic. Never shying away from tough topics, Ravenous is not for the faint of heart but is sure to deliver a heartwarming experience by the end.
Out of all the beautiful layers in this story, the most powerful might be the way the book highlights the best way to face fears: with determination, support, and gentle courage. Greta is strong and independent, but she also grows to value a powerful friendship with Dalen, a moral and courageous character in his own right.
As intricate as the characters are, there are areas when the plot, particularly in the middle of the story, tends to drag a bit. However, readers who love character-focused stories will greatly appreciate the extra time to dive into Greta’s mindset on her journey to save her brother.
Those who loved the brilliant folklore and friendship elements in Monstrous will find them again in this companion. Ravenous dives right into the hearts of emotionally and morally complex conflicts and introduces a new spin on a classic tale.
Originally posted at YABC: http://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsfiction/18342-ravenous