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A review by critterbee
Scarlett Hart: Monster Hunter by Marcus Sedgwick
2.0
This graphic novel seems like it is an introductory edition to a 'Monster Hunter' series, featuring young, orphaned, bratty-with-something-to-prove Scarlett, her underappreciated butler, unexplained monsters roaming the world, and an uninspired, cookie cutter nemesis.
The premise? Scrappy orphaned daughter of two famous monster hunters tries to prove her worth as a monster hunter with the help of servants who have been with her family since she was a baby. Opposing her are monsters, the letter of the law (she is underage), and a slimy, one-dimensional Purple Pieman of a villain. The premise is a great one, yet the story and characters seemed 'dumbed down,' as if unsure how to be communicated to a younger audience. I felt that that underestimated the majority of middle readers' ability to appreciate well written stories. Middle readers do not need stories to be dumbed down for them.
For a first in a series book, there was not much world building. Scarlett's backstory was flat and unsurprising. Scarlett came across as spoiled, unappreciative, reckless, always in need of rescue and very inept at monster-hunting. That her 'loyal butler' is not even named in the book summary illustrates how much he is taken for granted, exploited and undervalued as a person by Scarlett and the story.
The plot was jerky and progressed because it had to, rather than following a natural storytelling arc. It felt forced. The artwork (where were the pupils?) was unique, and unsettling. Points for being unique, but was it following the artist's style, or just lazy illustrating?
I would rate 2 out of 5 stars because the premise was interesting. Everything else about it let me down.
*eARC Netgalley*
The premise? Scrappy orphaned daughter of two famous monster hunters tries to prove her worth as a monster hunter with the help of servants who have been with her family since she was a baby. Opposing her are monsters, the letter of the law (she is underage), and a slimy, one-dimensional Purple Pieman of a villain. The premise is a great one, yet the story and characters seemed 'dumbed down,' as if unsure how to be communicated to a younger audience. I felt that that underestimated the majority of middle readers' ability to appreciate well written stories. Middle readers do not need stories to be dumbed down for them.
For a first in a series book, there was not much world building. Scarlett's backstory was flat and unsurprising.
Spoiler
Count Stanky, the 'nemesis,' was romantically rejected by Scarlett's mother, and now he must destroy Scarlett...The plot was jerky and progressed because it had to, rather than following a natural storytelling arc. It felt forced. The artwork (where were the pupils?) was unique, and unsettling. Points for being unique, but was it following the artist's style, or just lazy illustrating?
I would rate 2 out of 5 stars because the premise was interesting. Everything else about it let me down.
*eARC Netgalley*