Reviews

The Monsters of Rookhaven by Pádraig Kenny

sarahbc93_'s review

4.0

I actually really enjoyed this one! I think this is what Americans call “middle grade”? I think, I’m not sure. But even so, I really enjoyed it.

It’s fast paced enough that you don’t feel let behind by the story, you just keep on moving through it which I appreciated. Also, the concept itself is one that really intrigued me, I love the idea of an Addams family type house hidden in the middle of the English countryside. And each of the “monsters” in the story are well written and well rounded out, and they all interact so well with each other as well.

Colour me impressed. Can’t wait to see where the rest of the series goes!

linkalipski's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A

4.0

I felt emotionally involved and teary at times. The story is well written and I would definitely recommend it to young people.

The villagers and the monsters all are metaphors for how denying one’s grief can do more harm than good which I think is a lovely message.

(spoiler alert) I like piglet as character but was a bit unsure regarding Mirabelle being human.. I’m a bit confused on her backstory and who is responsible for her monster side. Also.. Mirabel triumph over the malice monster by eating his soul. I was taken aback by this and especially how the humans aren’t now scared of her.

itsreirei's review against another edition

challenging dark mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

nrogers_1030's review against another edition

medium-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes

4.25

katyboo52's review

5.0

I loved this book. Mirabelle lives in a strange house with an even stranger family. Members of the family appear from time to time through portals. Nobody knows where they come from or what they will be, but they will forever after be family. Their home and way of life is protected from the 'real' world by a glamour which shields them from being hunted by humans, except one day, the glamour wears thin and humans enter. Things will never be the same again. This is properly mysterious and has really scary moments, but is also a beautiful exploration of love, loss and the true meaning of the word family. It's stunningly illustrated by Edward Bettison and a perfect read for this Halloween season. I am delighted that a sequel is already out in hardback as I am dying to know what happens next. I recommend this for 9-12 readers who don't mind a bit of gore.

betonylark's review

5.0

Delightfully dark and uniquely quirky. Deeply emotional yet fast paced and light. Easily enjoyable for adults as well. I devoured this book, it went by far too quickly! Can't wait to read the next one!

Trigger warning / age warning:
I recommend this book more for preteens (age 12 and up) than younger children. There is a fairly gory scene (one of the monsters kills and devours a cow, with descriptive words like "entrails" and such) making it not quite age appropriate for younger children. I feel that this scene fits the flow and tone of the larger story (it's not out of place, nor too gory for teens and preteens) but it might still upset younger kids.

farfetched's review

adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced

4.0

I think this was a good book, but it wasn't for me. There were elements that I really enjoyed, like Jem and Mirabelle's friendship and Freddie, and things that just kind of confused me, possibly because I found it hard to visualise. However, I would absolutely recommend this to a teenager/young adult who likes creepy books, and it's for a few good lessons on not letting grief swallow you whole. With the right audience, I'm sure this is an absolutely fantastic book. 

redheadreader73's review against another edition

4.0

An unusual tale of monsters and monster pie humans (at times). The black and white art work was a delight and the white in black text sections added interest too. I liked the introduction of ‘malice’ as a theme to be explored. I am sure Y6s would love this book.

naynayreads's review

dark emotional hopeful lighthearted mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This is such a cute spooky book. I didn’t realize it was a middle grade book when I picked it up but I would have absolutely adored this book when I was little.

saccalai's review

4.0

An amazing first line which made me like the book right away 'Mirabelle was in the garden feeding bones to the flowers when Uncle Enoch came for her.'
There are lots of weird and wonderful characters to meet, all so different. And there is a surprisingly emotional ending.