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bluewithstars's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
relaxing
sad
tense
fast-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
If I could i would give this more than 5 stars. Admittedly I am a fan of Frankenstein, and this is just superbly written as a sequel. Full of hope, emotion and brutally honest at times. It is truly excellent. I will be sharing this with as many as I can.
jade314's review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
neeyag's review
hopeful
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? No
4.5
An excellent sequel to Shelley's novel; intriguing and well-paced. Most suited to teens.
novellaquill's review
5.0
Following Frankenstein is about a girl called Maggie who has lost her mother and recently loses someone else but the one thing that is worrying her is her father's obsession with Finding Frankenstein monster.
Maggie's father's obsession has driven him insane and out of Maggie's life. He had only one goal to find the monster. Maggie is worried for her father and herself. She needs to stop him before his obsession tears his life apart.
One day Maggie's father is given the opportunity to travel on the Moby Dick captained by the infamous Ishmael to find Frankenstein's monester. Maggie realized she has to go with her father to keep him safe.
So Maggie and her pet Victor stowed away on the ship. They traveled to the Arctic where they meet Frankenstein's monster's son!! :O
Together Maggie and Kata face many dangers like a curiosity circus, a bounty hunter, and a man out for revenge!
If they are one of the many things that I love to see in books is the merge of different books and characters.
To see Ishmael in her and his ship the Moby Dick was so wonderful and a circus I mean no one would ever think of Frankenstein and the circus together...
This is truly one of the best books I have read in a very long time.
It is adventurous, sad, beautiful, and heartwarming.
Thank you to everyone who has read this review.
BookWanderer- Gone Wandering.
Maggie's father's obsession has driven him insane and out of Maggie's life. He had only one goal to find the monster. Maggie is worried for her father and herself. She needs to stop him before his obsession tears his life apart.
One day Maggie's father is given the opportunity to travel on the Moby Dick captained by the infamous Ishmael to find Frankenstein's monester. Maggie realized she has to go with her father to keep him safe.
So Maggie and her pet Victor stowed away on the ship. They traveled to the Arctic where they meet Frankenstein's monster's son!! :O
Together Maggie and Kata face many dangers like a curiosity circus, a bounty hunter, and a man out for revenge!
If they are one of the many things that I love to see in books is the merge of different books and characters.
To see Ishmael in her and his ship the Moby Dick was so wonderful and a circus I mean no one would ever think of Frankenstein and the circus together...
This is truly one of the best books I have read in a very long time.
It is adventurous, sad, beautiful, and heartwarming.
Thank you to everyone who has read this review.
BookWanderer- Gone Wandering.
booksandbabble's review
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Torture
Moderate: Slavery, Kidnapping, Animal death, and Confinement
Minor: Death of parent
janettedv's review
4.0
This story is a great sequel to Mary Shelley’s original and focuses on a young girl, Maggie Walton, whose father is obsessed by finding Frankenstein’s monster. His obsession has cost him all his wealth and reduced his family to living to living in rooms near London Docks. A mysterious stranger arrives looking for Robert Walton and employs him to lead a final expedition to the Arctic to find the monster.
Maggie stows away and then becomes part of the ship’s crew. The story then follows their voyage across the arctic ice where they meet a community of Innuit who have met the monster and his child. The child is captured and taken to America to the mysterious stranger. However, the stranger is not what he appeared to be and their fate is very different to that which they imagined.
The author describes her characters and the different landscapes brilliantly and the story is fast paced so you never lose interest. There are several strong themes in the book including what it means to belong somewhere and also the subject of mental illness. The effects of her father’s obsession on Maggie are made really clear.
I loved the acknowledgments at the back of the book and enjoyed finding out more about what inspired Catherine Bruton to write this book. This is another great book from the publishers, Nosy Crow and I’m really grateful to them and Net Galley for allowing me to read this advance copy.
Maggie stows away and then becomes part of the ship’s crew. The story then follows their voyage across the arctic ice where they meet a community of Innuit who have met the monster and his child. The child is captured and taken to America to the mysterious stranger. However, the stranger is not what he appeared to be and their fate is very different to that which they imagined.
The author describes her characters and the different landscapes brilliantly and the story is fast paced so you never lose interest. There are several strong themes in the book including what it means to belong somewhere and also the subject of mental illness. The effects of her father’s obsession on Maggie are made really clear.
I loved the acknowledgments at the back of the book and enjoyed finding out more about what inspired Catherine Bruton to write this book. This is another great book from the publishers, Nosy Crow and I’m really grateful to them and Net Galley for allowing me to read this advance copy.
kba76's review
4.0
Frankenstein has always had a special place in my reading experience, so as soon as I saw the title I was hooked.
Maggie Walton is the daughter of a man obsessed with Frankenstein’s creation, a man who has brought the family to nothing in his pursuit of the infamous monster. Maggie and her pet mouse, Victor, have grown up with stories of the search for Frankenstein’s creation. So, when her father decides to try one last time to find him, Maggie decides to stow away.
Her journey involves characters from many literary tales. Each plays their part in guiding Maggie to a journey that could not be believed in her wildest imaginings. A journey that involves the son of Frankenstein’s creation.
This was a story that took us through numerous landscapes, and which had - at its heart - the message to look beyond superficial differences and to value people for who they are. For a Frankenstein fan it was a real treat, but I think it could inspire new readers to dip their toes into Shelley’s world.
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for allowing me to read this before publication.
Maggie Walton is the daughter of a man obsessed with Frankenstein’s creation, a man who has brought the family to nothing in his pursuit of the infamous monster. Maggie and her pet mouse, Victor, have grown up with stories of the search for Frankenstein’s creation. So, when her father decides to try one last time to find him, Maggie decides to stow away.
Her journey involves characters from many literary tales. Each plays their part in guiding Maggie to a journey that could not be believed in her wildest imaginings. A journey that involves the son of Frankenstein’s creation.
This was a story that took us through numerous landscapes, and which had - at its heart - the message to look beyond superficial differences and to value people for who they are. For a Frankenstein fan it was a real treat, but I think it could inspire new readers to dip their toes into Shelley’s world.
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for allowing me to read this before publication.
motherbooker's review
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
I've read Frankenstein by Mary Shelley more than any other book. Doing a literature degree with a significant focus on Romantic literature meant that I studied the book every single year of my undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. I love it. I don't think I could ever get sick of the story of a scientist trying to play God and realising how out of his depth he really is. I've read it so many times that I had to take a break from it. That hasn't stopped me from picking up books that were inspired by Shelley's novel. Not all of them work, but some are well worth a read.
Catherine Bruton's middle-grade novel doesn't rewrite the original story but asks what happened next. Maggie Walton is the daughter of Robert Walton, the explorer who listens to Victor Frankenstein's story in Mary Shelley's book. Since meeting the famed scientist, Walton has become obsessed with finding the monster and it has cost him his family. When her father announces that he is chasing the monster once more, Maggie stows away on the boat. What will she find on her journey and will she be able to get her father back?
It's clear that Catherine Bruton is a fan of Frankenstein and plenty of other classic tales. Following Frankenstein is littered with references and in-jokes for fans. Among the literature mentioned are Moby Dick and The Rime of the Ancient Mariner. It also takes us from London to the Arctic and then to New York. We also find ourselves in a circus freak show and on the Underground Railroad. It's safe to say that there's a lot going on here. Perhaps too much. The main story just gets lost and I found myself getting bored. We never got to grips with anything that Bruton introduces because she moves on so quickly.
The pacing of this book is so strange. It starts off really slowly but then races through to the end. If I'd read this as a child, I wouldn't have finished it. The opening just wouldn't have grabbed my attention and I wouldn't have wasted my time. Even as an adult I had to push myself to finish it. This is so stuffed with historical, literary and even pop culture references that the main story becomes really flimsy. There's a lack of characterisation here. I just didn't really care about the characters that much. Considering the original novel did such a good job of making the unlovable seem so loveable, it's a huge shame.
However, I guess there is some fun here. Maggie has a cute mouse sidekick and there are some interesting characters. Maybe a younger reader would prefer this frenetic pace? Certainly, the narrative keeps moving forward in a way that could suggest excitement. I just don't think this reads like a children's book. It's stuffed so full of references that younger readers won't get, which leaves them with very little to enjoy. It's not the kind of book I would have enjoyed at that age.
stitchsaddiction's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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? It's complicated
5.0
Following Frankenstein is an incredible read and one that holds your attention from the get go.
I loved that there is a true element and nod to Shelley's Frankenstein with the darkness and bleakness to Bruton's world. There is a fantastic blend of the two with Maggie's (our wonderful protagonist) father having seen Prometheus (I'm aware technically he isn't called this but for years; I have acknowledged Frankenstein's monster as this. Sorry, I just dont like calling him momster or creature constantly) wandering around London years before our story begins. I think this works so well to acknowledge Shelley's work and hopefully encourage young readers to search out this classic when they're able to.
This sighting has caused Maggie's father to become obsessed with finding the monster, and has thrust the two of them into destitution and yet? He doesn't stop nor truly see what his actions have caused his innocent daughter to endure. As an adult reader, I felt so much frustration at his actions and his inability to care fully for his daughter and I imagine that same feeling will carry across to children thanks to the creative world building that the author has gifted the reader. Bruton's words enable you to practically feel the dirt on your skin, and the hunger all the children suffer from thanks to the scenes that play out.
Maggie is far more the adult in their family than the father, and that is shown so much in how she cares and tries to protect her father from making poor decisions but alas; and to of course, begin our great adventure? Her father is deaf to all her fears, concerns and pleas for him to see the dire results of his actions.
Adventures on the high seas finds Maggie as a stowaway as she desperately tries one last time to save her fsther from abject ruin, alongside the ships Captain, Ishmael who swears to have seen Frankenstein's monster, and the ship's crew. Promises are made, but could it be too late for Maggie to salvage her family from what is close to insanity?
This is a story that whilst being for middle grade children, is thought provoking and deals with true historical events alongside those from fiction in a wonderfully blended manner that do cause one to think. With mentions of the slaves, the dire events of the slave trade itself and the Underground rail roads (Something I didn't know much about as it wasn't taught in school etc) that often led to salvation for those torn from their homeland? There is much to talk about and provide insight into a horrific time in our history.
Whilst there is some bleak moments in the book, there is also some wonderfully light moments filled with hope and happiness. Even though Maggie's life isn't what it was; she never loses hope of a better fortune and the restoration of her father to a better place in body and mind. Following Frankenstein is a reminder of acceptance both of yourself and of others who maybe different in both looks, beliefs and expectations. A story of found family and a strong hope in the goodness of others.
It's a read for all, and you will experience a myriad of emotions along the way.
I loved that there is a true element and nod to Shelley's Frankenstein with the darkness and bleakness to Bruton's world. There is a fantastic blend of the two with Maggie's (our wonderful protagonist) father having seen Prometheus (I'm aware technically he isn't called this but for years; I have acknowledged Frankenstein's monster as this. Sorry, I just dont like calling him momster or creature constantly) wandering around London years before our story begins. I think this works so well to acknowledge Shelley's work and hopefully encourage young readers to search out this classic when they're able to.
This sighting has caused Maggie's father to become obsessed with finding the monster, and has thrust the two of them into destitution and yet? He doesn't stop nor truly see what his actions have caused his innocent daughter to endure. As an adult reader, I felt so much frustration at his actions and his inability to care fully for his daughter and I imagine that same feeling will carry across to children thanks to the creative world building that the author has gifted the reader. Bruton's words enable you to practically feel the dirt on your skin, and the hunger all the children suffer from thanks to the scenes that play out.
Maggie is far more the adult in their family than the father, and that is shown so much in how she cares and tries to protect her father from making poor decisions but alas; and to of course, begin our great adventure? Her father is deaf to all her fears, concerns and pleas for him to see the dire results of his actions.
Adventures on the high seas finds Maggie as a stowaway as she desperately tries one last time to save her fsther from abject ruin, alongside the ships Captain, Ishmael who swears to have seen Frankenstein's monster, and the ship's crew. Promises are made, but could it be too late for Maggie to salvage her family from what is close to insanity?
This is a story that whilst being for middle grade children, is thought provoking and deals with true historical events alongside those from fiction in a wonderfully blended manner that do cause one to think. With mentions of the slaves, the dire events of the slave trade itself and the Underground rail roads (Something I didn't know much about as it wasn't taught in school etc) that often led to salvation for those torn from their homeland? There is much to talk about and provide insight into a horrific time in our history.
Whilst there is some bleak moments in the book, there is also some wonderfully light moments filled with hope and happiness. Even though Maggie's life isn't what it was; she never loses hope of a better fortune and the restoration of her father to a better place in body and mind. Following Frankenstein is a reminder of acceptance both of yourself and of others who maybe different in both looks, beliefs and expectations. A story of found family and a strong hope in the goodness of others.
It's a read for all, and you will experience a myriad of emotions along the way.