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lainy122's review against another edition
3.0
A fun, romping adventure book! This felt more like a middle grade book than a YA to me, and would be perfectly fine for 8-12 rather than the 12+ age bracket. The main reason I say this is because there were a few things that were simplified and skimmed over that I felt would have been delved into a bit more, if this was aimed at a slightly older audience.
I liked the casual queerness of the main character and how his sexuality wasn't a Big Deal, and the love interest was adorably sweet and the relationship was cute to see unfurl. I would have liked to see a few of the plot points explored in more depth - everything felt a bit cartoon-ish with how quickly we jumped from event to event, and it would have been nice to linger more in some areas.
I enjoyed the author's previous novel more than this one, but I still thought this was some great fun and will definitely be picking up the next one!
I liked the casual queerness of the main character and how his sexuality wasn't a Big Deal, and the love interest was adorably sweet and the relationship was cute to see unfurl. I would have liked to see a few of the plot points explored in more depth - everything felt a bit cartoon-ish with how quickly we jumped from event to event, and it would have been nice to linger more in some areas.
I enjoyed the author's previous novel more than this one, but I still thought this was some great fun and will definitely be picking up the next one!
cocoro's review against another edition
3.0
ok, this book was great. it was a mix of humour, fantasy, gay and characters which worked so well together. there were a couple of times where the humour felt forced, some one-liners i didn't understand and had to read twice before giving up and moving on, but not many. the entire god-aspect of the book was amazing (i thought it was about greek gods but it wasnt and that's ok) and i loved the way the monuments worked. connor was so sweet and pure and the friendship that forms between him and sally and ✨ locky ✨ is amazing and a few times i had to stop reading because of cuteness overload. the plotline was so good and there were plot twists. at times i was confused becaues of certain aspects (can't say because *ahem* spoilers) but that was fine. ANYway i desperately need the next book.
this book needs more people to read it so read it pls
this book needs more people to read it so read it pls
melbsreads's review against another edition
4.0
Trigger warnings: death, violence, end of a friendship.
I've thoroughly enjoyed all of Will Kostakis' other books so I was really curious to see what he could do with a new genre. I was a little hesitant when I first started because it basically hurls you straight into the action and I felt like I didn't quite know the characters yet.
But it proved to be pretty stinking delightful. It's fast paced and full of action and it reminded me a lot of a Rick Riordan book, but set in Sydney and with a non-specific mythology to the gods in question. There's a ton of diversity in the story which was utterly delightful. I had the pleasure of hearing Will Kostakis speak about his writing career and this book specifically on the day I finished it and hearing the passion with which he speaks about this story and its sequel was fantastic.
I've thoroughly enjoyed all of Will Kostakis' other books so I was really curious to see what he could do with a new genre. I was a little hesitant when I first started because it basically hurls you straight into the action and I felt like I didn't quite know the characters yet.
But it proved to be pretty stinking delightful. It's fast paced and full of action and it reminded me a lot of a Rick Riordan book, but set in Sydney and with a non-specific mythology to the gods in question. There's a ton of diversity in the story which was utterly delightful. I had the pleasure of hearing Will Kostakis speak about his writing career and this book specifically on the day I finished it and hearing the passion with which he speaks about this story and its sequel was fantastic.
bookswithneeks's review
3.0
When I first heard that Will Kostakis was bringing out a YA fantasy novel, I was extremely excited! While I wasn’t sure what to expect, I do love Will’s writing and adored The First Third and The Sidekicks.
If I could describe Monuments in one word, it would be: F U N
Basically, it follows the story of a boy named Connor who stumbles across a puzzle room, accidently solves it, and then accidently releases the god/statue… ahem, monument out of it’s slumber. Connor ends up following Sally, a Guardian, on an adventure around Sydney to wake up the monuments and relocate them in order for them to be protected. I hate to say the obvious here, but reading Monuments gave me major Percy Jackson vibes! It was easy to digest, entertaining, funny and a touch plot-convenient at times.
I have to admit, one of the main things that wasn’t vibing with me was the fact that these super immortal gods would crumble to dust by like, a shoulder wound… But I could also forgive that because I definitely see how it’s making room for book 2 and how it pushes the characters to grow.
The characters were great! Will has this way of writing characters that each feel unique with their own characteristics and personalities, and they all feel very real. Will accomplished this in The First Third and The Sidekicks, and he definitely accomplished it in Monuments! Connor is also gay (#ownvoices rep!) and falls for a boy and while at the end I ended up being totally on board with them as a couple, I felt it was a bit insta-lovey and I just wish we had a bit more development.
Monuments has all of the hilarious charm that I have come to expect from Will Kostakis, with great characters and an exciting plot that will keep you turning the pages! This book was so easy and fun to read, I read it in two sittings and couldn’t put it down!
Thankyou so much to Hachette Australia for the Advance Review Copy!
If I could describe Monuments in one word, it would be: F U N
Basically, it follows the story of a boy named Connor who stumbles across a puzzle room, accidently solves it, and then accidently releases the god/statue… ahem, monument out of it’s slumber. Connor ends up following Sally, a Guardian, on an adventure around Sydney to wake up the monuments and relocate them in order for them to be protected. I hate to say the obvious here, but reading Monuments gave me major Percy Jackson vibes! It was easy to digest, entertaining, funny and a touch plot-convenient at times.
I have to admit, one of the main things that wasn’t vibing with me was the fact that these super immortal gods would crumble to dust by like, a shoulder wound… But I could also forgive that because I definitely see how it’s making room for book 2 and how it pushes the characters to grow.
The characters were great! Will has this way of writing characters that each feel unique with their own characteristics and personalities, and they all feel very real. Will accomplished this in The First Third and The Sidekicks, and he definitely accomplished it in Monuments! Connor is also gay (#ownvoices rep!) and falls for a boy and while at the end I ended up being totally on board with them as a couple, I felt it was a bit insta-lovey and I just wish we had a bit more development.
Monuments has all of the hilarious charm that I have come to expect from Will Kostakis, with great characters and an exciting plot that will keep you turning the pages! This book was so easy and fun to read, I read it in two sittings and couldn’t put it down!
Thankyou so much to Hachette Australia for the Advance Review Copy!
emmwalker's review
4.0
Monuments is a fast-paced fantasy novel based on the premise that Ancient Gods have been interred for their own safety underneath some of the oldest schools in Sydney. The book is told entirely from the perspective of Connor, as he travels with a cast of Gods and his new pals; Sally and Locky (who, to be fair, is a bit more than a pal).
Things I loved about this book; easy and relatable humour and the great characterisation. I felt Sally’s need to cross four lanes of traffic to get drive thu Mexican food in my soul. I felt Connor’s guilt when he realised he hadn’t been spending enough time with his ailing grandfather in a nursing home and I cheered at the fact that I got to see Connor grow from a self-absorbed boy obsessed with HIS friends and HIMSELF, to someone who truly cared about those around him. Not to mention, as a young adult who has spent over half my life in Western Sydney, I audibly squealed when I found out one of the schools was in Blacktown. SO often with YA literature based in Australia, we are in the context of Melbourne, or the city in Sydney or the Inner West, it was refreshing to get so see, if even for a bit, the West.
Things I wasn’t a fan of: not much! Overall, the novel was very plot based. I really would’ve liked the opportunity to get to know some of the characters a little deeper, particularly Sally and Locky.
I enjoyed this book, I’m excited for August when I get to see how the gang meet their next challenge.
fotini_b's review
4.0
Actual rating: 4.5/5
Monuments by Will Kostakis is an incredible fantasy book set in Sydney, Australia. I am so glad that Kostakis based his story in Australia as fantasy books set here are quite rare. I also appreciated the main character, Connor, being Greek Australian. I was so glad to finally relate culturally to a character in a book and some parts of the story surrounding his family were very touching and made me quite emotional.
Another one of the main characters, Locky, is an Indigenous Australian Aboriginal from the Wiradjuri tribe. The lack of Indigenous Australians - particularly as main characters - in Australian books is shocking and I am so glad to see them be a part of newer Australian stories.
The plot of the book was intriguing and - sometimes - rather confusing which is why I rated it 4.5 instead of 5. I thought that Kostakis mostly explained everything really well, but there were times I felt very confused. By the end, everything definitely made more sense, but some aspects I personally felt weren't explained enough.
I absolutely was not expecting anything that happened which meant I was constantly on my toes and couldn't put the book down. The story was so unique and with all the new information as revelations were made, it became more complex and intricate. Some parts of the book did feel a bit rushed, however. I would have loved it to be longer, but I understand that this is aimed for younger readers, so it's the perfect length. I just wish I had the second book already!
The characters were interesting, but I was disappointed that we didn't get to know the gods more; another reason why I rated 4.5. The main trio's reaction to the rather shocking events in the book - particularly Connor and Locky - seemed quite calm for the most part. That slightly pulled me away from being immersed in the story as I couldn't imagine being in that situation and not freaking out completely at everything.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and cannot wait for the sequel next year!
Monuments by Will Kostakis is an incredible fantasy book set in Sydney, Australia. I am so glad that Kostakis based his story in Australia as fantasy books set here are quite rare. I also appreciated the main character, Connor, being Greek Australian. I was so glad to finally relate culturally to a character in a book and some parts of the story surrounding his family were very touching and made me quite emotional.
Another one of the main characters, Locky, is an Indigenous Australian Aboriginal from the Wiradjuri tribe. The lack of Indigenous Australians - particularly as main characters - in Australian books is shocking and I am so glad to see them be a part of newer Australian stories.
The plot of the book was intriguing and - sometimes - rather confusing which is why I rated it 4.5 instead of 5. I thought that Kostakis mostly explained everything really well, but there were times I felt very confused. By the end, everything definitely made more sense, but some aspects I personally felt weren't explained enough.
I absolutely was not expecting anything that happened which meant I was constantly on my toes and couldn't put the book down. The story was so unique and with all the new information as revelations were made, it became more complex and intricate. Some parts of the book did feel a bit rushed, however. I would have loved it to be longer, but I understand that this is aimed for younger readers, so it's the perfect length. I just wish I had the second book already!
The characters were interesting, but I was disappointed that we didn't get to know the gods more; another reason why I rated 4.5. The main trio's reaction to the rather shocking events in the book - particularly Connor and Locky - seemed quite calm for the most part. That slightly pulled me away from being immersed in the story as I couldn't imagine being in that situation and not freaking out completely at everything.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and cannot wait for the sequel next year!
stressejesse's review
4.0
i VIBE with this man's writing
i read the sidekicks and loved it, and picked this up even tho i usually just read contemporary, and I loved it
it's like,,,, a high 4, a 4.5 if goodreads did half stars
i read the sidekicks and loved it, and picked this up even tho i usually just read contemporary, and I loved it
it's like,,,, a high 4, a 4.5 if goodreads did half stars
kaylamc's review
5.0
Really interesting read! Great characters with humourous quips throughout. Can't wait for the next one.
missusb21's review
5.0
This might seem like a new direction for Will Kostakis, whose previous books have been contemporaries for older audiences, but it’s actually not. The snarky observations and modern language run rife through the story, making it just as funny as the The First Third, just as insightful as The Sidekicks, and just as topical as Loathing Lola.
While Connor is sixteen, the novel is deliberately targeted at a younger audience. The language is clean, and the romance low-key, keeping the focus on the tight, controlled narrative. Not a word is wasted, as every action, scene and conversation connects plot points cleverly. Its circular structure provides much of the heart and heroics, and sets readers up beautifully for the concluding novel to come.
There’s no doubt that Connor is an authentic teen. Encountering the Monuments, with their talk of responsibility and sacrifice challenges him, but it’s not a stretch, since he’s already a kid with a strong ethical stance. Ironically, it’s his desire to show ex best friend Olly that he can live a little dangerously, that leads him down this path of saving the world. There are sustained moments of sweetness and sadness among all the action, a balance that works to great effect.
Monuments treats young readers with respect, and we loved it for its banter and boldness.
While Connor is sixteen, the novel is deliberately targeted at a younger audience. The language is clean, and the romance low-key, keeping the focus on the tight, controlled narrative. Not a word is wasted, as every action, scene and conversation connects plot points cleverly. Its circular structure provides much of the heart and heroics, and sets readers up beautifully for the concluding novel to come.
There’s no doubt that Connor is an authentic teen. Encountering the Monuments, with their talk of responsibility and sacrifice challenges him, but it’s not a stretch, since he’s already a kid with a strong ethical stance. Ironically, it’s his desire to show ex best friend Olly that he can live a little dangerously, that leads him down this path of saving the world. There are sustained moments of sweetness and sadness among all the action, a balance that works to great effect.
Monuments treats young readers with respect, and we loved it for its banter and boldness.
rhi's review
3.0
this!! book!! i binged it over two nights and like,,, woah. some parts were confusing with the whole timeline/s but the humour!!! there were some golden lines in this. it's ownvoices for the gay and greek rep, and these are both integral threads to connor's character. (also!! the fact that this book is set in australia.... yeah that checks out re: literally everything about connor and the way he just goes along with it)
overall a really sweet read, and i can't wait for the next one !!!
the other thing i adored was the way connor went to that place and could only think of olly and this is an insight into how!! powerful!! friendships!! and losing them!! can be!! i just,,,, this meant a lot to me and i almost teared up because i have places like this with someone and it's like..... MORE PLEASE I WANT MY HEART TO JUMP OUT OF ITS PLACE
overall a really sweet read, and i can't wait for the next one !!!