Reminiscent of Frankenstein and tales by the Brothers Grimm, this debut novel stands out as a compelling, original story that has the feel of a classic.
The city of Bryre suffers under the magic of an evil wizard. Because of his curse, girls sicken and disappear without a trace, and all live in fear. No one is allowed outside after dark. Night is when Kymera comes to the city, with a cloak disguising her wings, the bolts in her neck, and her spiky tail. Her mission is to rescue the girls of Bryre. Despite Kym's caution in going secretively, a boy named Ren sees and befriends her . . . but what he knows will change her world forever.
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“Weaving allusions to Frankenstein, magic, and fairy tales, Monstrous is a hypnotic listen. Narrator Brittany Pressley excels at balancing the protagonist’s innocence and questioning as she slowly uncovers her true purpose and her past…Pressley’s Kymera has just the right amount of emotion to tug at the heartstrings. The supporting characters are well voiced, and Pressley subtly changes her portrayal of each one as true identities and motives are uncovered. With excellent pacing, Pressley keeps listeners engaged all the way to the breathtaking climax. Winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award.”
— AudioFile
“Connolly’s debut offers a premise both captivating and grotesque. Upon awakening, Kymera learns that she has been brought back to life by her scientist father through a series of experiments that leave her with patchwork skin, cat eyes, claws, wings, a barbed tail, and no memories…Connolly invokes fairy-tale elements with ease…The formidable theme of sacrifice resonates far beyond the final page.”
— Publishers Weekly“Hurtles along at a breathtaking pace…Magic, fantastic creatures, mythology, and a bit of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein combine.”
— School Library Journal“Guts, blood, and grim reality…Monstrous will keep young readers thinking about trust, good and evil, friendship and loyalty, and devotion to community.”
— Booklist“Readers seeking a lengthy, thoughtful novel, particularly those who appreciate careful world building, will find this worth their time.”
— Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books“A monster’s search for identity and redemption, with betrayal, lies, and madness at its core.”
— Kirkus Reviews“A marvel of storytelling alchemy.”
— Anne Ursu, award-winning author of Breadcrumbs“This is a dazzling and unique once-upon-a-time about a girl who is part dragon, part bird, part cat, all hero.”
— Natalie Lloyd, author of A Snicker of Magic“Pays tribute to classic fairy tales while turning the tradition on its head. A smart, ambitious adventure, led by a heroine whose differences only enhance her humanity.”
— Emma Trevayne, author of Flights and Chimes and Mysterious TimesBe the first to write a review about this audiobook!
MarcyKate Connolly is a writer and arts administrator living in New England with her husband and pugs. She’s a coffee addict and voracious reader.
Brittany Pressley has won several Earphones Awards as well as the prestigious Audie Award for Best Narration in 2018. She has recorded over one hundred titles and has received several nominations for American Library Association’s annual list of Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults. She is also an accomplished singer-songwriter and voice actress. Her voice can be heard on national and international TV and radio commercials as well as several animated series and video games. She is a graduate of Columbia University.