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dngoldman 's review for:
No Gods, No Monsters
by Cadwell Turnbull
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Turnbull is a writer to watch. No Gods; No Monsters is a page-turning urban fantasy that explores the consequences of a world where monsters are real and hidden among us. Or were hidden until now! Turnbull employes multiple perspectives and plot threads, ranging from a grieving sister who seeks justice for her brother's death at the hands of the police, to a secret society that tries to protect the monsters from exposure, to a journalist who uncovers a conspiracy that spans dimensions. Turnbull uses concepts such as emergence theory and model theory to enrich his narrative and to examine themes such as identity, belonging, oppression, and resistance. The novel is not only a thrilling adventure, but also a thoughtful reflection on how society treats its "others" of different races, classes, and sexual orientation. And how individuals cope with trauma and loss. Turnbull's prose is engaging, and his characters are complex and sympathetic for the type of novel. The novel's main weakness is that it sometimes feels overcrowded and confusing, with too many characters and ideas competing for attention. Some plot points are left unresolved or underdeveloped, leaving the reader wanting more. However, this also creates anticipation for the next installment in the series. No Gods; No Monsters is a remarkable early novel that showcases Turnbull's talent and vision.