Scan barcode
A review by katykelly
Monster by C.J. Skuse
4.0
I've only recently listened to Pretty Bad Things, and saw parallels instantly between these titles - school setting, bright protagonist, close relationships to their brothers. This story is set in its entirety in Nash's (Natasha's) private school however, with occasional forays into a Harry-Potter like village (and even with references to Hogwarts).
Nash has been working herself silly to become Head Girl for years, the decision is soon to be announced. Just before Christmas, this coincides with the communication that her older brother, travelling, has gone missing. She fears he is dead. At the same time, local legends of the Beast of Bathory resurface as locals are killed and Nash sees what could be the creature near the school.
Stuck in the school over the Christmas holidays with a handful of others, Nash soon finds herself fighting with them to stay alive. Just what is out there?
A touch Harry Potter (the everyday life of a boarding school), and a touch The Faculty (unseen supernatural-like dangers and pop-culture references), I found this witty and entertaining. A few twists (some I kicked myself that I didn't see coming), it may not really bring anything new to the genre, but Skuse does bring a lot of humour and a group of real teenage characters to the school setting.
I really enjoyed the contemporary references and Nash's character. She's a great resourceful heroine, with her own demons clawing at her constantly. The setting is brilliantly spooky as well - I'm not one for horror stories, and this towed the line nicely between fantasy and reality for me.
Dark, witty and fast-moving, one for ages 13+.
Nash has been working herself silly to become Head Girl for years, the decision is soon to be announced. Just before Christmas, this coincides with the communication that her older brother, travelling, has gone missing. She fears he is dead. At the same time, local legends of the Beast of Bathory resurface as locals are killed and Nash sees what could be the creature near the school.
Stuck in the school over the Christmas holidays with a handful of others, Nash soon finds herself fighting with them to stay alive. Just what is out there?
A touch Harry Potter (the everyday life of a boarding school), and a touch The Faculty (unseen supernatural-like dangers and pop-culture references), I found this witty and entertaining. A few twists (some I kicked myself that I didn't see coming), it may not really bring anything new to the genre, but Skuse does bring a lot of humour and a group of real teenage characters to the school setting.
I really enjoyed the contemporary references and Nash's character. She's a great resourceful heroine, with her own demons clawing at her constantly. The setting is brilliantly spooky as well - I'm not one for horror stories, and this towed the line nicely between fantasy and reality for me.
Dark, witty and fast-moving, one for ages 13+.