Author: Mackenzi Lee
Series: Stand Alone
Published By: Katherine Tegen Books (September 22, 2015)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Retelling/Steampunk
My Rating: 4 Stars!
Book Description:
In 1818 Geneva, men built with clockwork parts live hidden away from society, cared for only by illegal mechanics called Shadow Boys. Two years ago, Shadow Boy Alasdair Finch’s life shattered to bits.
His brother, Oliver—dead.
His sweetheart, Mary—gone.
His chance to break free of Geneva—lost.
Heart-broken and desperate, Alasdair does the unthinkable: He brings Oliver back from the dead.
But putting back together a broken life is more difficult than mending bones and adding clockwork pieces. Oliver returns more monster than man, and Alasdair’s horror further damages the already troubled relationship.
Then comes the publication of Frankenstein and the city intensifies its search for Shadow Boys, aiming to discover the real life doctor and his monster. Alasdair finds refuge with his idol, the brilliant Dr. Geisler, who may offer him a way to escape the dangerous present and his guilt-ridden past, but at a horrible price only Oliver can pay…
Lee's well written, well told debut novel set in a Victorian steampunk era was fascinating and makes one wonder that it is her first novel. With words that are sometimes lyrical and a setting that is every bit as believable and it fantastical, this story really does stick out and jump off the pages.
Having been one that was always fascinated with Dr. Frankenstein and his freakish monster, it was no wonder that when I saw This Monstrous Thing, I didn't hesitate one iota to pick it up and dive right in.
Entertaining, engaging, imaginative, and fun are just a few words to describe it. I wholeheartedly was hooked from the very first page and found it hard to put down as I ventured into the life of Alasdair, his family, and the mechanical clockwork men that were so hated and feared throughout the story.
I enjoyed this so much and I'm so very excited to read more from this author in the future.
*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*
I downloaded this one already because you said so and I can't wait to read it. Perhaps this weekend already. It's been a while since I've read a decent steampunk novel. I'm so excited about it.
ReplyDeleteLOL! I hope you like it Maja!
DeleteGreat review and looks good enough to check out. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThank you!!
DeleteI don't think I have ever read any steampunk before. Glad you enjoyed this one - Great review!
ReplyDeleteI do hope you try it, it is a fun genre!
DeleteThis isn't something I would normally grab. I don't think I've ever read steampunk before. But man, that cover gets me EVERY TIME!! It's so gorgeous I really want to read it now!! :)
ReplyDeleteThe cover is gorgeous and you should try steampunk, it is definitely a fun genre.
DeleteYay! I'm so glad this one worked so well for you, Ali. It's not something that I would have picked up, but your reaction to it definitely makes me want to check it out. I hope it becomes available on audio! Can't wait to experience the lovely writing, Ali! :)
ReplyDeleteI hope it comes out on audio soon Nick and that you end up liking it. It really was a fun twist on the story.
DeleteI'm really happy to hear this one went over so well because I have it to review. I was so captivated by the blurb. Sounds like I was right in picking it. Great review, I can't wait to read it myself!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see what you thought about it as well!
DeleteIt's been too long since I've read steampunk Ali, I think I need to dive into this one immediately:) So glad to know you thoroughly enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Jenny!
DeleteI always love a steampunk book, the worlds are so intriguing!
ReplyDeleteThey really are! I always love the different devices and things they come up with. ;)
DeleteThis is next on my TBR and I'm even more excited to read it since you loved it :D
ReplyDeleteYay! I hope you love it!
DeleteI would love to try this one - I love Mary Shelley's original and I can only imagine what good writing and a healthy imagination could do with it :) Excited!!! Fantastic review, Ali - wishing you a beautiful weekend! <3
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Ramona!
Deleteooh Ali, you've really peaked my interest!
ReplyDeleteThanks
Happy Friday!!
Happy Friday Debbie!
DeleteThis one sounds pretty good, I'm also really intrigued by the Frankenstein aspects, and seems pretty unique and fun. Nice review :)
ReplyDeleteIt was pretty unique with the steampunk elements added in for sure.
DeleteI saw this tagged as "juvenile fiction" in EW. How YA is it?
ReplyDeleteIt's a pretty clean read as far as language and content goes but the main character is ready to start college so I don't know why this would be labeled as juvenile, it didn't read like an MG read or anything.
DeleteOkay, I'm trying it out then. I'm cool with "clean", but I can't deal with juvenile. It makes me impatient lol
DeleteSounds like a fascinating story!
ReplyDeleteIt really was! Thanks so much for stopping by!
DeleteLove the title, cover and steampunk. Oh I do enjoy retellings and I would love to read about Frank. :) Adding this one to my wishlist!
ReplyDeleteI think you will like this!
DeleteOoh I was curious about this one; it sounds great. I'm so happy to hear that you did indeed enjoy it. I think Frankenstein's Monster makes for a fascinating story line. :)
ReplyDeleteIt really does, especially in this case with all the twists. ;)
DeleteAn 1818 Geneva? I'm intrigued! I do love Victorian times; how did you enjoy the historical setting? It's been a while since I've read historical fiction :/ Nevertheless, I'm so glad you liked this one :)
ReplyDeleteIt was a fun setting as well, especially with the steampunk twist to it. ;)
DeleteOMG, I totally forgot about this book. I am not much for steampunk but this one sounds too good to pass up.
ReplyDeleteI hope you read and love it!
DeleteGreat review. This sounds like a really interesting read, one that I will probably check out myself.
ReplyDeleteI really hope you do!
DeleteJust like you, I have always been fascinated by Dr.Frankestein ! The last steampunk book I read was great so I look forward to reading more of that and this just sounds something I will actually like :) Glad you enjoyed it and lovely review ^__^
ReplyDelete@ "Book Addict"
Thank you and I really hope you like it as much as I did. ;)
DeleteOh steampunk you say! Haven't read anything of that sort for a while now and plus it's set in Victorian era. Not to mention that you liked it! I'm in. Great review :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Tanja, I hope you love this, but I think you will, it really was a lot of fun.
DeleteI am so glad to hear this delivered I have been wavering on ordering it.
ReplyDeleteI really think you would like this Kim, very different from most retellings and lots of twists.
DeleteThat sounds pretty dang good. Love when they hook you like that and it's a theme that just gets to you some way :)
ReplyDeleteI really do too!
DeleteI rarely read steampunk, but I've liked the ones I have read. This sounds like it might have a subtle creepy vibe. Maybe it's just the setting.
ReplyDeleteIt does have a very subtle vibe to it for sure. ;)
DeleteI have been seeing a lot of this one around. Thanks for your take on it.
ReplyDeletesherry @ fundinmental Sherry's Shelves
Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting! :D
DeleteOooh, oooh, ohhh! I didn't know that this was a retelling at all! I'm so happy that there are more retellings out there that are more than Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast... plus, STEAMPUNK! We need more amazing YA Steampunk!
ReplyDeleteFaye at The Social Potato
I agree!
DeleteI missed you Kindlemom! I love the cover of this book by the way! And it's pretty cool how the story merges a timeless classic with new characters and storyline. I will definitely check this out! :) Great review!
ReplyDeleteIt is so good to see you Amir!! *hugs*
DeleteGreat review. This does sound good. Sorry I've not been by to visit much. Work and family stuff has been crazy.
ReplyDeleteI understand. ;) So good to see you!!
DeleteI do love steampunk, this sounds good!
ReplyDeleteI bet you like this one Candace!
DeleteThis sounds so cool. A steampunk Frankenstein is something new, isn't it? Great succinct review, Ali!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Joy and I'm pretty sure it was completely new, which was so much fun!
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ReplyDeleteThey synopsis is very intriguing!
ReplyDeleteIt really was so interesting and fun. :D
DeleteI have been meaning to pick one at least one steampunk novel and see how it goes. This one sounds like a fun retelling of Frankenstein!
ReplyDeleteIt was fun and this would be a great one to get!
DeleteNot really my type of read(steampunk), but I am glad it was such a good read for you:)
ReplyDeleteThanks Lorna. :D
DeleteThis Monstrous Thing - *grabby hands again* why did I not grab this one up sooner?!! Lol... I'm so curious about the Stempunk used in this - seems a perfect fit for a Frankenstein retelling :)
ReplyDeleteGAH! I found it still on EW and grabbed it up :)
DeleteSo glad you were able to grab it still! I hope you love it! I'm excited to see what you think. :D
DeleteI'm excited about reading this one too. I am pretty picky with my steampunk.
ReplyDelete