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A review by tessa_talks_books
Ordinary Monsters by J.M. Miro
5.0
What's it about (in a nutshell):
Ordinary Monsters by J.M. Miro is a memorable and awe-inspiring epic fantasy tale about children with special abilities (Talents). They are discovered and brought to the Cairndale Institute to protect and learn how to use their talents. The adults who find and transport these children are racing against a dark evil that threatens their very existence. The story that unfolds is enormous and robust and will stay with me for years to come.
Initial Expectations:
The title, the setting, and the dark cover make me think about Dickens' depiction of Victorian England, which is more of the dark side. Children are used for cheap labor in unhealthy settings, and abuse is commonplace. Between disease, living conditions, and work conditions, the life expectancy of any children was sadly not long. The description lets me know there is magic in this world, and some chosen children are the wielders of the magic and must save the world with their Talents.
Actual Reading Experience:
Do you ever read a book that awes you so much that you struggle to find the words to adequately describe your reading experience? Ordinary Monsters is definitely one of those books for me.
The world-building is phenomenal. The darkness is expertly conveyed in every aspect and every scene. It is pervasive and immersive and can be felt with all senses. It sets the stage for a flawed group of characters who have suffered at the hands of others yet whose resilience remains stubborn and strong. It also hides layers and layers of meaning and story that slowly come to light as you realize the story you've been reading is different than the actual story you've been reading.
Magic is my favorite part of any fantasy tale that utilizes it. In this story, a child's talent reflects their very personality, and I absolutely adored that connection. The magic is unique, with roots in magic known to the reader. I love that the story takes tried and true magical abilities, infuses them with unique ones, and turns them all into something fresh and new.
Ordinary Monsters is told in 3rd person omniscient narration. The prose is so rich and compelling that it is impossible to not read and savor each word. The suspense level remains high from the first page to the last, and the plot twists and turns with unexpected surprises and challenges. It is a riveting tale that I couldn't put down even when needed.
Characters:
There are so many characters, and they all are artfully developed and detailed. I agonized with all the children as they faced so much. Still, my favorite character had to be Alice Quicke, one of the adults who finds talented children and safely brings them to the Cairndale Institute. I loved her because she shines without a talent in a world of people with special abilities. She is the most heroic character and humble in her heroism. I loved everything about her.
To Read or Not to Read:
This story will reverberate for years to come. I can't imagine anyone who would not savor and appreciate the world that J.M. Miro has created with Ordinary Monsters.
Ordinary Monsters by J.M. Miro is a memorable and awe-inspiring epic fantasy tale about children with special abilities (Talents). They are discovered and brought to the Cairndale Institute to protect and learn how to use their talents. The adults who find and transport these children are racing against a dark evil that threatens their very existence. The story that unfolds is enormous and robust and will stay with me for years to come.
Initial Expectations:
The title, the setting, and the dark cover make me think about Dickens' depiction of Victorian England, which is more of the dark side. Children are used for cheap labor in unhealthy settings, and abuse is commonplace. Between disease, living conditions, and work conditions, the life expectancy of any children was sadly not long. The description lets me know there is magic in this world, and some chosen children are the wielders of the magic and must save the world with their Talents.
Actual Reading Experience:
Do you ever read a book that awes you so much that you struggle to find the words to adequately describe your reading experience? Ordinary Monsters is definitely one of those books for me.
The world-building is phenomenal. The darkness is expertly conveyed in every aspect and every scene. It is pervasive and immersive and can be felt with all senses. It sets the stage for a flawed group of characters who have suffered at the hands of others yet whose resilience remains stubborn and strong. It also hides layers and layers of meaning and story that slowly come to light as you realize the story you've been reading is different than the actual story you've been reading.
Magic is my favorite part of any fantasy tale that utilizes it. In this story, a child's talent reflects their very personality, and I absolutely adored that connection. The magic is unique, with roots in magic known to the reader. I love that the story takes tried and true magical abilities, infuses them with unique ones, and turns them all into something fresh and new.
Ordinary Monsters is told in 3rd person omniscient narration. The prose is so rich and compelling that it is impossible to not read and savor each word. The suspense level remains high from the first page to the last, and the plot twists and turns with unexpected surprises and challenges. It is a riveting tale that I couldn't put down even when needed.
Characters:
There are so many characters, and they all are artfully developed and detailed. I agonized with all the children as they faced so much. Still, my favorite character had to be Alice Quicke, one of the adults who finds talented children and safely brings them to the Cairndale Institute. I loved her because she shines without a talent in a world of people with special abilities. She is the most heroic character and humble in her heroism. I loved everything about her.
To Read or Not to Read:
This story will reverberate for years to come. I can't imagine anyone who would not savor and appreciate the world that J.M. Miro has created with Ordinary Monsters.