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welovelizards's review
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
_pickle_'s review
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A dark (and darkly fun) novel about loss and the ways in which we cope. I was impressed with the clarity and strength of Sámano Córdova's prose and character work and am very keen to read more of their work.
ryantlabee's review
4.0
A Captivating Tale of Love, Loss, and Monstrosity: "Monstrilio" by Gerardo Sámano Córdova
Rating: ★★★★½
Gerardo Sámano Córdova's "Monstrilio" immerses listeners in a haunting and introspective debut novel, brilliantly narrated by Victoria Villarreal and Johnny Rey Diaz. With their evocative delivery, the audiobook version elevates the experience, enhancing the tale's themes of grief, acceptance, and transformative love. Against the backdrop of Mexico City, this captivating story explores the complexities of our humanity, delving deep into the heart of a grieving mother and the enigmatic creature she nurtures.
The narrative unfolds through Magos, a mother shattered by the loss of her eleven-year-old son, Santiago. Driven by an ancient folktale and a primal instinct, Magos preserves a piece of Santiago's lung, which astonishingly evolves into the carnivorous being known as Monstrilio. Victoria Villarreal and Johnny Rey Diaz skillfully capture the weight of grief as they navigate the depths of Magos's sorrow, setting the stage for a story that pushes the boundaries of love and loyalty.
While the book's initial section may seem slow, laden with the burden of grief, listeners are urged to persevere. As the tale progresses, "Monstrilio" undergoes a mesmerizing transformation, exploring the depths of change and self-discovery. It deftly embraces the familiar horror trope of a child's death, infusing it with uniqueness and unexpected twists.
The audiobook's narration, skillfully brought to life by Victoria Villarreal and Johnny Rey Diaz, masterfully shifts perspectives, allowing listeners to glimpse into the minds of Magos, Lena (Magos's devoted friend), and Joseph (Magos's husband). These characters undergo profound transformations, molded not only by grief but also by the enigmatic presence of Monstrilio. The creature itself defies categorization, eluding existing archetypes and perpetually keeping listeners on edge. As Monstrilio evolves and challenges the perceptions of those around him, the boundaries between desire and truth become increasingly blurred.
"Monstrilio" fearlessly explores the macabre and the grisly, delving into scenes that feature kink, both consensual and non-consensual. This boldness adds complexity to the narrative and enhances its intricacy. It is worth noting that the story embraces a literary style that appeals to a broad audience. While some horror enthusiasts may find the pacing slower than anticipated, the novel offers a truly exceptional and unconventional experience for those seeking something extraordinary.
An unexpected delight lies in the exploration of queerness throughout "Monstrilio." Most main characters identify as queer, lending depth and resonance to their personal journeys, which I particularly enjoyed and appreciated. The novel seamlessly weaves together themes of parent-child relationships and self-discovery, drawing striking parallels between the transformative experiences of grief and queerness. Victoria Villarreal and Johnny Rey Diaz's narration enhances the richness of the story, making it even more compelling.
"Monstrilio" by Gerardo Sámano Córdova, brilliantly narrated by Victoria Villarreal and Johnny Rey Diaz, is an exceptional audiobook that pushes genre boundaries while delving into the profound depths of the human experience. With its captivating performances, unpredictable plot twists, and unyielding exploration of grief and love, this audiobook is a must-listen for fans of literary horror. Córdova's evocative prose, brought to life by the talented narrators, paints a cathartic and precise portrait of the human condition, leaving listeners in awe and wonder. "Monstrilio" stands as an extraordinary work, promising great things to come from this talented author and the narrators who skillfully breathe life into the story.
*Thank you to Netgalley and HighBridge Audio for the advanced audiobook version in exchange for an honest review
Rating: ★★★★½
Gerardo Sámano Córdova's "Monstrilio" immerses listeners in a haunting and introspective debut novel, brilliantly narrated by Victoria Villarreal and Johnny Rey Diaz. With their evocative delivery, the audiobook version elevates the experience, enhancing the tale's themes of grief, acceptance, and transformative love. Against the backdrop of Mexico City, this captivating story explores the complexities of our humanity, delving deep into the heart of a grieving mother and the enigmatic creature she nurtures.
The narrative unfolds through Magos, a mother shattered by the loss of her eleven-year-old son, Santiago. Driven by an ancient folktale and a primal instinct, Magos preserves a piece of Santiago's lung, which astonishingly evolves into the carnivorous being known as Monstrilio. Victoria Villarreal and Johnny Rey Diaz skillfully capture the weight of grief as they navigate the depths of Magos's sorrow, setting the stage for a story that pushes the boundaries of love and loyalty.
While the book's initial section may seem slow, laden with the burden of grief, listeners are urged to persevere. As the tale progresses, "Monstrilio" undergoes a mesmerizing transformation, exploring the depths of change and self-discovery. It deftly embraces the familiar horror trope of a child's death, infusing it with uniqueness and unexpected twists.
The audiobook's narration, skillfully brought to life by Victoria Villarreal and Johnny Rey Diaz, masterfully shifts perspectives, allowing listeners to glimpse into the minds of Magos, Lena (Magos's devoted friend), and Joseph (Magos's husband). These characters undergo profound transformations, molded not only by grief but also by the enigmatic presence of Monstrilio. The creature itself defies categorization, eluding existing archetypes and perpetually keeping listeners on edge. As Monstrilio evolves and challenges the perceptions of those around him, the boundaries between desire and truth become increasingly blurred.
"Monstrilio" fearlessly explores the macabre and the grisly, delving into scenes that feature kink, both consensual and non-consensual. This boldness adds complexity to the narrative and enhances its intricacy. It is worth noting that the story embraces a literary style that appeals to a broad audience. While some horror enthusiasts may find the pacing slower than anticipated, the novel offers a truly exceptional and unconventional experience for those seeking something extraordinary.
An unexpected delight lies in the exploration of queerness throughout "Monstrilio." Most main characters identify as queer, lending depth and resonance to their personal journeys, which I particularly enjoyed and appreciated. The novel seamlessly weaves together themes of parent-child relationships and self-discovery, drawing striking parallels between the transformative experiences of grief and queerness. Victoria Villarreal and Johnny Rey Diaz's narration enhances the richness of the story, making it even more compelling.
"Monstrilio" by Gerardo Sámano Córdova, brilliantly narrated by Victoria Villarreal and Johnny Rey Diaz, is an exceptional audiobook that pushes genre boundaries while delving into the profound depths of the human experience. With its captivating performances, unpredictable plot twists, and unyielding exploration of grief and love, this audiobook is a must-listen for fans of literary horror. Córdova's evocative prose, brought to life by the talented narrators, paints a cathartic and precise portrait of the human condition, leaving listeners in awe and wonder. "Monstrilio" stands as an extraordinary work, promising great things to come from this talented author and the narrators who skillfully breathe life into the story.
*Thank you to Netgalley and HighBridge Audio for the advanced audiobook version in exchange for an honest review
autumpearl's review
5.0
Breathtaking and difficult, but humanity and monstrosity share equal parts in this brutally beautiful read.
kaesrin's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
peachyz's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
bookworm_haley's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
lithic's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5