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A review by awaywithforestfae
The Monsters of Rookhaven by Pádraig Kenny
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
A gothic and creepy, yet wholesome and heartwarming middle grade novel. Unfortunately, I think I read this at the wrong time, I should probably have dived into it in October or November and I may have enjoyed it more then, but thus is the way. Sometimes it's just the wrong place and wrong time for a book.
I really loved the found family involved in this story, and how there was more than meets the eye to each character and their own stories. I particularly loved the character of "Piglet" with all of his enigmas.
I thought that the message of "real monsters aren't the ones you assume" was delivered excellently, and is much needed in this day and age, when the corrupt and devious will do anything to turn you against people for being different, while they are doing the real evil things behind everyone's backs.
Again, the creepy vibes were immaculate, I think this is a bit too creepy for a middle grade though, I won't be putting this one in my Year 4's reading corner as I'd rather not give them nightmares 😂. I probably would've vibed with this more if I'd read it earlier in the year, but I made the mistake of thinking it looked like there was snow on the cover and saved it for December!!
I didn't really get shocked or taken aback by anything in the book, it was very good and different from other middle grade reads, but I didn't get the same feeling as with "Pog" by the same author. It was sweet and heartfelt, full of vibes, but nothing too special to me.
All in all I recommend to those who like creepy and Gothic middle grades, with found family and a heartwarming message.
I really loved the found family involved in this story, and how there was more than meets the eye to each character and their own stories. I particularly loved the character of "Piglet" with all of his enigmas.
I thought that the message of "real monsters aren't the ones you assume" was delivered excellently, and is much needed in this day and age, when the corrupt and devious will do anything to turn you against people for being different, while they are doing the real evil things behind everyone's backs.
Again, the creepy vibes were immaculate, I think this is a bit too creepy for a middle grade though, I won't be putting this one in my Year 4's reading corner as I'd rather not give them nightmares 😂. I probably would've vibed with this more if I'd read it earlier in the year, but I made the mistake of thinking it looked like there was snow on the cover and saved it for December!!
I didn't really get shocked or taken aback by anything in the book, it was very good and different from other middle grade reads, but I didn't get the same feeling as with "Pog" by the same author. It was sweet and heartfelt, full of vibes, but nothing too special to me.
All in all I recommend to those who like creepy and Gothic middle grades, with found family and a heartwarming message.