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A review by bookdragon217
Small Town Monsters by Diana Rodriguez Wallach
adventurous
dark
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
"The only way for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing."
Small Town Monsters by Diana Rodriguez Wallach was such a great read. It's a YA horror book full of supernatural elements, well developed characters, and captivating storytelling. The fast pace led to me binge reading in two days because I was so interested in getting to the root of what was happening. I definitely got the creeps while reading certain parts at night. I like my horror ominous and this one definitely fits the bill.
I loved this story because I got to see a Latinx female lead who wasn't the stereotypical "feisty girl" trope. Vera Martinez was interesting and unique. Her parents are demonologists and her grandmother is very Catholic. Vera is an outcast at school because of her parents' line of work. It was fascinating to see how they maintained such a strong family unit despite their different belief systems and ways of dealing with "monsters."
I loved the way the themes of monsters and choice are used throughout the story. Monsters in small towns deem people like Vera's family to be others, not only because of religion but also background. Monsters are those who prey on the vulnerabilities of others. Monsters could also be nihilists, who only think of themselves despite dire consequences to others. Monsters could also be literal beings that possess us. Over and over, you see the overarching theme of the dangers of relegating people to "otherness" based on fear and pain. Rodriguez Wallach doesn't shy away from giving you depth.
Overall, the suspenseful storytelling kept me going. The Puerto Rican representation made my heart sing, especially Vera's relationship with her grandmother and the food. The author seamlessly weaves in actual events and horror references. The ending is so fast-paced that you don't see it coming. I was rooting for Vera the whole time because she reminded me so much of teenage me in the ways that she questions everything and interprets the world. If you love Wednesday Addams, then please read this one and meet Vera Martinez. I would love if this one got a sequel, but I'm looking forward to Diana's next latinx horror book, Hatchet Girls, out Fall 2023.
Small Town Monsters by Diana Rodriguez Wallach was such a great read. It's a YA horror book full of supernatural elements, well developed characters, and captivating storytelling. The fast pace led to me binge reading in two days because I was so interested in getting to the root of what was happening. I definitely got the creeps while reading certain parts at night. I like my horror ominous and this one definitely fits the bill.
I loved this story because I got to see a Latinx female lead who wasn't the stereotypical "feisty girl" trope. Vera Martinez was interesting and unique. Her parents are demonologists and her grandmother is very Catholic. Vera is an outcast at school because of her parents' line of work. It was fascinating to see how they maintained such a strong family unit despite their different belief systems and ways of dealing with "monsters."
I loved the way the themes of monsters and choice are used throughout the story. Monsters in small towns deem people like Vera's family to be others, not only because of religion but also background. Monsters are those who prey on the vulnerabilities of others. Monsters could also be nihilists, who only think of themselves despite dire consequences to others. Monsters could also be literal beings that possess us. Over and over, you see the overarching theme of the dangers of relegating people to "otherness" based on fear and pain. Rodriguez Wallach doesn't shy away from giving you depth.
Overall, the suspenseful storytelling kept me going. The Puerto Rican representation made my heart sing, especially Vera's relationship with her grandmother and the food. The author seamlessly weaves in actual events and horror references. The ending is so fast-paced that you don't see it coming. I was rooting for Vera the whole time because she reminded me so much of teenage me in the ways that she questions everything and interprets the world. If you love Wednesday Addams, then please read this one and meet Vera Martinez. I would love if this one got a sequel, but I'm looking forward to Diana's next latinx horror book, Hatchet Girls, out Fall 2023.