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izzys_internet_bookshelf's review
4.0
4.5/5
Loved this book so much! It was such a new twist on putting teens into an area to fight to the death. I enjoyed the setting of the sea and the creatures. The main characters development with her own creative was done somewhat rushed to me but otherwise I loved the book. Even with Koral always thinking of her family. This has to be one of the few times because usually parents/any siblings in these type of books are dead.
Loved this book so much! It was such a new twist on putting teens into an area to fight to the death. I enjoyed the setting of the sea and the creatures. The main characters development with her own creative was done somewhat rushed to me but otherwise I loved the book. Even with Koral always thinking of her family. This has to be one of the few times because usually parents/any siblings in these type of books are dead.
alexandergrantwriter's review
5.0
~ Amazing, Dystopian-Fantasy! ~
I loveddd this book!!!!! The characterization and world building were just sooo good and so much fun to read!!
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The concept of the glory races and the island was just so cool and I loved spending time in this world! It gave me some 2012 dystopian nostalgia, but the plot and fantasy aspect made it so much more fun and intriguing! Also this had a really really amazing and well written battle scene and I don’t know why it really stood out to me, but it did, and I loved it!
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Koral was a great protagonist and I really love when authors create protagonists that are unapologetically human! I really loved how Koral was just trying to survive and make it out alive and it just felt so realistic. Too often in dystopias, characters are focused on sacrificing themselves for others and the greater good at all costs, so it was very refreshing to have a character that only had the headspace for self preservation for her and her family!
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Dorian was a fun side character and I loved the rivalry and history between him and Koral! The other races were fun as well and each added something different to the plot! Crane was a really interesting best friend and I loved her and Koral’s determination to stay friends despite their slowly shifting motivations and loyalties!
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I’m going to need a sequel asap and I highly recommend you pick this one up!! It was sooo good and I looked forward to every free moment I got to pick this one up and read more!!
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CWs - occasional strong language
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***Thank you so much to NetGalley for providing me with an early e-arc to read and review! All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.***
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I loveddd this book!!!!! The characterization and world building were just sooo good and so much fun to read!!
•
The concept of the glory races and the island was just so cool and I loved spending time in this world! It gave me some 2012 dystopian nostalgia, but the plot and fantasy aspect made it so much more fun and intriguing! Also this had a really really amazing and well written battle scene and I don’t know why it really stood out to me, but it did, and I loved it!
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Koral was a great protagonist and I really love when authors create protagonists that are unapologetically human! I really loved how Koral was just trying to survive and make it out alive and it just felt so realistic. Too often in dystopias, characters are focused on sacrificing themselves for others and the greater good at all costs, so it was very refreshing to have a character that only had the headspace for self preservation for her and her family!
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Dorian was a fun side character and I loved the rivalry and history between him and Koral! The other races were fun as well and each added something different to the plot! Crane was a really interesting best friend and I loved her and Koral’s determination to stay friends despite their slowly shifting motivations and loyalties!
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I’m going to need a sequel asap and I highly recommend you pick this one up!! It was sooo good and I looked forward to every free moment I got to pick this one up and read more!!
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CWs - occasional strong language
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***Thank you so much to NetGalley for providing me with an early e-arc to read and review! All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.***
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annamickreads's review
5.0
4.5 for sure and what a debut this was!!
If you liked The Hunger Games, especially District 4 and all the oceanic elements, I have amazing news for you! "Monsters Born and Made" is definitely for anyone who loved Suzanne Collins' trilogy or "The Scorpio Races" by Maggie Stiefvater.
"Monsters Born and Made" follows our protagonist Koral, whose family, the Hunters (of the lower caste the Renters) have been responsible for wrangling creatures known as maristags. Maristags are used in a deadly chariot race by the ruling class (the Landers). Koral knows her family is in dire straits, especially with her younger sister Liria's illness, and she decides to enter the Glory Race for the prize money.
What Koral doesn't anticipate is how much her entry, while technically legal, will be met with rebellion and backlash even from everyone around her. She must work to (literally) keep her head above water, all while dealing with tensions at home, tensions between her friends, and a mysterious competitor who was once her childhood friend.
While I understand what some reviewers were saying about pacing and being thrown into a lot at once, I think the world building was phenomenal, inventive, and definitely continue to grow over time. Debut authors in my book should be given some grace and it seems like (no spoilers) this book will at least have a sequel so I look forward to see how things continue!
If you liked The Hunger Games, especially District 4 and all the oceanic elements, I have amazing news for you! "Monsters Born and Made" is definitely for anyone who loved Suzanne Collins' trilogy or "The Scorpio Races" by Maggie Stiefvater.
"Monsters Born and Made" follows our protagonist Koral, whose family, the Hunters (of the lower caste the Renters) have been responsible for wrangling creatures known as maristags. Maristags are used in a deadly chariot race by the ruling class (the Landers). Koral knows her family is in dire straits, especially with her younger sister Liria's illness, and she decides to enter the Glory Race for the prize money.
What Koral doesn't anticipate is how much her entry, while technically legal, will be met with rebellion and backlash even from everyone around her. She must work to (literally) keep her head above water, all while dealing with tensions at home, tensions between her friends, and a mysterious competitor who was once her childhood friend.
While I understand what some reviewers were saying about pacing and being thrown into a lot at once, I think the world building was phenomenal, inventive, and definitely continue to grow over time. Debut authors in my book should be given some grace and it seems like (no spoilers) this book will at least have a sequel so I look forward to see how things continue!
mochipandabear's review
3.0
3/3.5 ⭐️
First half or so didn’t really grip me, but I had figured I’d gotten so far so I decided I would finish it. The ending however does have me a bit interested. I can see myself picking up another book if this does become a series.
First half or so didn’t really grip me, but I had figured I’d gotten so far so I decided I would finish it. The ending however does have me a bit interested. I can see myself picking up another book if this does become a series.
meganlovesbooks's review
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
5.0
pkrantz's review
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
bumblebeewhisper's review
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
miseraya's review
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
bookgirlangie's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I truly loved this book and was very intrigued by the story and the creatures but the ending… I am really hoping there’s going to be a second book (though so far I can’t find anything about it) because I have sooo many questions.
anastasiaeleni's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Holy fucking hell— that ending! This entire book! 😭🤯🔥