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millennialbookreview's review against another edition
3.0
**I was provided with a review copy courtesy of Netgalley**
I enjoyed the concept of this novel, as it had a premise that was somewhat familiar, but done in a way I hadn't seen before. I also enjoyed how vivid the writing within the novel was. The story started off very strong and didn't have any issues keeping my attention. The world itself was very compelling.
At the same time, the plot was a little all over the place, It felt like some conflicts kept coming up and not being resolved. I struggled to connect with the characters. They needed a bit more depth and development.
All in all, this book was an entertaining read and had a great ending.
I enjoyed the concept of this novel, as it had a premise that was somewhat familiar, but done in a way I hadn't seen before. I also enjoyed how vivid the writing within the novel was. The story started off very strong and didn't have any issues keeping my attention. The world itself was very compelling.
At the same time, the plot was a little all over the place, It felt like some conflicts kept coming up and not being resolved. I struggled to connect with the characters. They needed a bit more depth and development.
All in all, this book was an entertaining read and had a great ending.
kindleandkettle's review against another edition
4.0
Tanvi Berwah has crafted an exceptional and dangerous world in Monsters Born and Made!
The Glory Race is a deadly chariot race run with Maristags, one of the strongest and fastest creatures in the world. Only the Lander-elites enter, but when Koral, a Hunter, challenges this in an attempt to win the prize money and save her sick sister the competition is thrown into chaos. Hunters capture the Maristags, breed them, train them and then sell them to the Landers. It sounds like a prized role but really it sets them apart from the Landers and the lower caste, Renters.
Koral is a determined character and I really liked the aspect of people questioning why she chose to enter The Glory Race. It is a question that pops up numerous times through the story and it shows how she has changed from the events she has taken in place, when she finally realises her own reasons. I was drawing some comparisons to The Hunger Games as I read, particularly with the Landmaster. She was reminding me a lot President Snow. But feel that is a characteristic that will always be present in this type of dystopian novel.
There are a lot of exhilarating scenes throughout this book and the author has really put a lot of effort into drawing the reader into the action. Thanks to a lot of detailed descriptions and world-building the races were so vivid. I often find that I need to slow down my reading during a high-intensity scene, so I can process what is happening. But with this book I was easily able to follow everything.
Monsters Born and Made is a great, quick read that will leave you on the edge of your seat!
Thank you to New South Books for gifting me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Glory Race is a deadly chariot race run with Maristags, one of the strongest and fastest creatures in the world. Only the Lander-elites enter, but when Koral, a Hunter, challenges this in an attempt to win the prize money and save her sick sister the competition is thrown into chaos. Hunters capture the Maristags, breed them, train them and then sell them to the Landers. It sounds like a prized role but really it sets them apart from the Landers and the lower caste, Renters.
Koral is a determined character and I really liked the aspect of people questioning why she chose to enter The Glory Race. It is a question that pops up numerous times through the story and it shows how she has changed from the events she has taken in place, when she finally realises her own reasons. I was drawing some comparisons to The Hunger Games as I read, particularly with the Landmaster. She was reminding me a lot President Snow. But feel that is a characteristic that will always be present in this type of dystopian novel.
There are a lot of exhilarating scenes throughout this book and the author has really put a lot of effort into drawing the reader into the action. Thanks to a lot of detailed descriptions and world-building the races were so vivid. I often find that I need to slow down my reading during a high-intensity scene, so I can process what is happening. But with this book I was easily able to follow everything.
Monsters Born and Made is a great, quick read that will leave you on the edge of your seat!
Thank you to New South Books for gifting me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
themoodypages's review against another edition
2.0
This was probably the most… disconnected I’ve felt to a fantasy book. There was nothing emotionally tying me to the main character. The action was everywhere. It felt like it was just a constant state of chaos and disarray. There was little to no explanation of the creatures. Just tiny description blips to make you guess what they looked like. Only at the VERY END of the book does it finally give descriptions as to what the heck it is you’re reading about
cozy_reading_times's review against another edition
3.0
3.25*
Thank you to Netgally and RB Media for providing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A short disclaimer: YA fantasy isn't a genre I typically gravitate much towards. I have read many YA books in the past, but for the last few years, I've read less and less of them - preferring adult SFF.
This year though, I've started trying to find my way back to this genre - wanting to give it a new chance and make it at least part of the range of genres I read from.
In some cases I was successful, actually discovering some of my favourite books of the year in this genre. But those were mostly the ones that defied the genre, tried new things and proved to be in general bolder than the generic mass of YA fantasy. And that is the kind of YA fantasy that I seek out and enjoy.
Monsters Born And Made isn't a bad book by any means. I think many readers will enjoy it and love it more than I did.
For me, it was simply a bit too much of what I've seen before.
While the setting and cultural background of the book seemed the most interesting to me, the author could have explored those aspects more and given them more depth.
Because the rest of this book was too much like any other epic fantasy book written for young adults that I've read:
An oppressive society with our protagonist on the lower end of the spectrum, brewing rebellion, a competition to prove herself and claim fame (but in which she'sthe absoluteunderdog), an ex-boyfriend for whom the protagonist still has feelings, who's also a sad rich boy who "could have been a better person if it weren't for his circumstances", a sick little sister who needs saving and an abusive father. It was all there.
For me, it was a bit much and made most of the book a little predicable. And I found that the book took place sometimes too much outside of the ring. I would have liked even more horse racing.
On the other hand, I had quite a busy week and I don't know if I would've been able to keep up with a more complex read. At times, it was nice to just listen to an easy story that wasn't confusing or dense but simply fun. The characters are compelling, the story easy to follow, the pay-off good. And I think the theme of colonialism was well executed, even if the world as a whole could have done with more information.
And as I'm not the target audience, I don't think this book has that much too fear in terms of reception. Sure, it's a "safe" book, but the industry needs those as well as the experimental, weird ones.
Thank you to Netgally and RB Media for providing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A short disclaimer: YA fantasy isn't a genre I typically gravitate much towards. I have read many YA books in the past, but for the last few years, I've read less and less of them - preferring adult SFF.
This year though, I've started trying to find my way back to this genre - wanting to give it a new chance and make it at least part of the range of genres I read from.
In some cases I was successful, actually discovering some of my favourite books of the year in this genre. But those were mostly the ones that defied the genre, tried new things and proved to be in general bolder than the generic mass of YA fantasy. And that is the kind of YA fantasy that I seek out and enjoy.
Monsters Born And Made isn't a bad book by any means. I think many readers will enjoy it and love it more than I did.
For me, it was simply a bit too much of what I've seen before.
While the setting and cultural background of the book seemed the most interesting to me, the author could have explored those aspects more and given them more depth.
Because the rest of this book was too much like any other epic fantasy book written for young adults that I've read:
An oppressive society with our protagonist on the lower end of the spectrum, brewing rebellion, a competition to prove herself and claim fame (but in which she'sthe absoluteunderdog), an ex-boyfriend for whom the protagonist still has feelings, who's also a sad rich boy who "could have been a better person if it weren't for his circumstances", a sick little sister who needs saving and an abusive father. It was all there.
For me, it was a bit much and made most of the book a little predicable. And I found that the book took place sometimes too much outside of the ring. I would have liked even more horse racing.
On the other hand, I had quite a busy week and I don't know if I would've been able to keep up with a more complex read. At times, it was nice to just listen to an easy story that wasn't confusing or dense but simply fun. The characters are compelling, the story easy to follow, the pay-off good. And I think the theme of colonialism was well executed, even if the world as a whole could have done with more information.
And as I'm not the target audience, I don't think this book has that much too fear in terms of reception. Sure, it's a "safe" book, but the industry needs those as well as the experimental, weird ones.
rosereadsnovels's review against another edition
4.0
A little confusing at first, but I liked the action scenes, characters, and creatures a lot! Will definitely be looking out for the next book (hopefully there is one- it ended on a bit of a cliffhanger!!)
colorfulleo92's review against another edition
3.0
This was interesting to listen to and was easy getting invested in. But didn't quite go to 4-5 stars for me
roguebubbles's review against another edition
4.0
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a very interesting read. Throw in a bit of Hunger Games, as others have said, but in that, the similarities are there. The plot and story line are very similar. I did enjoy the oceanic vibe of the world and felt that this was a good world idea.
I did have some small issues with the pacing.
I do love the cover of the book and think that this will be a great read for the young adults.
This was a very interesting read. Throw in a bit of Hunger Games, as others have said, but in that, the similarities are there. The plot and story line are very similar. I did enjoy the oceanic vibe of the world and felt that this was a good world idea.
I did have some small issues with the pacing.
I do love the cover of the book and think that this will be a great read for the young adults.
taylorwidmer's review against another edition
4.0
The Hunger Games meets An Ember in the Ashes.
I devoured this book! A wonderful tale of bravery featuring a touching depiction of the human animal bond, I was hooked from the first paragraph.
I devoured this book! A wonderful tale of bravery featuring a touching depiction of the human animal bond, I was hooked from the first paragraph.
chivon's review against another edition
4.0
Really enjoyed this fast paced , action packed , mythical beast in the ocean book . The political wars brewing in the island are tense and the class division is strong . A race in the islands chances a lower class being able to race , hoping to change the future and her family’s future as well .
The island beasts are beautiful and monstrous all at the same time . This was so intriguing and again actio packed into every chapter !!!!
Koral and her family train the sea creatures and she needs to help her family . Childhood ex friends Dorian soon comes back into her life and try’s to warn her away .
Their friendship and angst was cute and tense .
The races were so wild and just so action packed , can’t wait to see what’s next in the books to come .
The island beasts are beautiful and monstrous all at the same time . This was so intriguing and again actio packed into every chapter !!!!
Koral and her family train the sea creatures and she needs to help her family . Childhood ex friends Dorian soon comes back into her life and try’s to warn her away .
Their friendship and angst was cute and tense .
The races were so wild and just so action packed , can’t wait to see what’s next in the books to come .
rockyraccoon90's review against another edition
Wait so- is there another book coming?!!!