A review by emmsbookshelf
Monuments by Will Kostakis

4.0

Monuments is a fast-paced fantasy novel based on the premise that Ancient Gods have been interred for their own safety underneath some of the oldest schools in Sydney. The book is told entirely from the perspective of Connor, as he travels with a cast of Gods and his new pals; Sally and Locky (who, to be fair, is a bit more than a pal).

Things I loved about this book; easy and relatable humour and the great characterisation. I felt Sally’s need to cross four lanes of traffic to get drive thu Mexican food in my soul. I felt Connor’s guilt when he realised he hadn’t been spending enough time with his ailing grandfather in a nursing home and I cheered at the fact that I got to see Connor grow from a self-absorbed boy obsessed with HIS friends and HIMSELF, to someone who truly cared about those around him. Not to mention, as a young adult who has spent over half my life in Western Sydney, I audibly squealed when I found out one of the schools was in Blacktown. SO often with YA literature based in Australia, we are in the context of Melbourne, or the city in Sydney or the Inner West, it was refreshing to get so see, if even for a bit, the West.

Things I wasn’t a fan of: not much! Overall, the novel was very plot based. I really would’ve liked the opportunity to get to know some of the characters a little deeper, particularly Sally and Locky.

I enjoyed this book, I’m excited for August when I get to see how the gang meet their next challenge.