A review by za_hra
Monstrilio by Gerardo Sámano Córdova

adventurous dark emotional mysterious relaxing sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

A book which teaches us that you cannot bring back the dead or replaced the ones that you’ve lost. Not matter how much you love someone you also cannot change who they are. The first two sections written from the POV of Magos and Lena I didn’t enjoy as much as the final two from Joe and M’s POV. I found Magos unlikeable and almost child like in her narration.
Lena, I wasn’t sure what the point was about her not being able to sleep but Joe I understood and despite his willing ignorance of who M really was, I didn't find it as frustrating as Magos' delusion of who M really was.
M’s section was the best. Despite demonstrably being a monster he doesn’t feel like one and you want him to be free. At some points the story felt rushed like the plot was being progressed quite significantly in a matter of sentences but for a debut novel it's good. Would've given 4 stars had the first two sections been more enjoyable for me.

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