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A review by mat_tobin
Where Monsters Lie by Polly Ho-Yen
4.0
I absolutely raced through this book. Having read and enjoyed [b:Boy In The Tower|18657652|Boy In The Tower|Polly Ho-Yen|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1397840682s/18657652.jpg|26473583] I first thought this might be a sequel but it stands alone completely. In a setting which reminded me of M. Night Shyamalan's The Village in which the elders both protect and control the culture and beliefs of this very small loch-bound population, Effie, her best friend Finn, and their families are party to a tragedy in which the local legend of the monster in the lake resurface and Effie must seek out the truth behind an age-old mystery.
Again, Ho-Yen has an excellent grasp of the young character. There is a wonderful relationship here between Effie and Finn and they're so well crafted that their actions, fears and thoughts are made all the more believable. The mystery of the monsters in the lake supported by the reluctance of the residents of this little village to talk about anything makes for a good outsiders story from the protagonist's point of view - children will also like this for the very same reasons of not being 'invited' into the world of adults.
I'm not too sure about the ending though. As with The Boy in the Tower, Ho-Yen leaves us with many questions unresolved and although I usually don't mind this at all, this time I felt the balance wasn't quite right and there were a few elements left unanswered which I wanted answers to.
Again, Ho-Yen has an excellent grasp of the young character. There is a wonderful relationship here between Effie and Finn and they're so well crafted that their actions, fears and thoughts are made all the more believable. The mystery of the monsters in the lake supported by the reluctance of the residents of this little village to talk about anything makes for a good outsiders story from the protagonist's point of view - children will also like this for the very same reasons of not being 'invited' into the world of adults.
I'm not too sure about the ending though. As with The Boy in the Tower, Ho-Yen leaves us with many questions unresolved and although I usually don't mind this at all, this time I felt the balance wasn't quite right and there were a few elements left unanswered which I wanted answers to.