Scan barcode
A review by marie_thereadingotter
The Monsters We Defy by Leslye Penelope
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I received this book from NetGalley for review.
Lesley Penelope, who also writes as L. Penelope, is one of those auto-read authors for me. I've read almost all her books so far, and have enjoyed each one.
This is a very different book from her other ones. While it still has a fantastical element, this is the first of her books that doesn't have a sci-fi or futuristic element. Having it set in the "real world" 1920's limits the technology and resources available. And as a fan of the 1920's aesthetic when it comes to fashion and music, this book was practically built for me.
The characters shine in all of Lesley's books, and it is no different in this book. All the characters get a chance to shine and have their story told. Something a lot of ensemble stories forget to do. Clara is the main character, but I loved getting to know more about Zelda, I'd love a book 2 to get more of her.
I haven't read many heist books or watched many heist movies. But in most of them, everything happens too conveniently for me to believe that any stakes are all that high. In this book, the stakes felt high, I was nervous for the characters. I wanted to know how they'd achieve their goal and if the people negatively affected would come out safe.
Again, I really hope this has at least a second book. This book has a slightly open ending. There is a conclusion, but more of these characters could never be a bad thing.
Lesley Penelope, who also writes as L. Penelope, is one of those auto-read authors for me. I've read almost all her books so far, and have enjoyed each one.
This is a very different book from her other ones. While it still has a fantastical element, this is the first of her books that doesn't have a sci-fi or futuristic element. Having it set in the "real world" 1920's limits the technology and resources available. And as a fan of the 1920's aesthetic when it comes to fashion and music, this book was practically built for me.
The characters shine in all of Lesley's books, and it is no different in this book. All the characters get a chance to shine and have their story told. Something a lot of ensemble stories forget to do. Clara is the main character, but I loved getting to know more about Zelda, I'd love a book 2 to get more of her.
I haven't read many heist books or watched many heist movies. But in most of them, everything happens too conveniently for me to believe that any stakes are all that high. In this book, the stakes felt high, I was nervous for the characters. I wanted to know how they'd achieve their goal and if the people negatively affected would come out safe.
Again, I really hope this has at least a second book. This book has a slightly open ending. There is a conclusion, but more of these characters could never be a bad thing.