Ring Shout by P. Djèlí Clark

Ring Shout by P. Djèlí Clark, 185 pages

From the MARC: "In America, demons wear white hoods. In 1915, The Birth of a Nation cast a spell across America, swelling the Klan's ranks and drinking deep from the darkest thoughts of white folk. All across the nation they ride, spreading fear and violence among the vulnerable. They plan to bring Hell to Earth. But even Ku Kluxes can die. Standing in their way is Maryse Boudreaux and her fellow resistance fighters, a foul-mouthed sharpshooter and a Harlem Hellfighter. Armed with blade, bullet, and bomb, they hunt their hunters and send the Klan's demons straight to Hell. But something awful's brewing in Macon, and the war on Hell is about to heat up. Can Maryse stop the Klan before it ends the world?"

I devoured Ring Shout. I've never read any of Clark's work, but this whets my appetite for more. There's something about the tangible realness of the characters, the unflinching picture of open racism, and the foreign nature of the haints that come together in a boiling pot of paranormal entertainment. It's sad but empowering, and an interesting, timeless (and yet also timely) way of looking at good and evil. 

 

The Girl Who Cried Monster (Goosebumps, #8) by R.L. Stine

The Girl Who Cried Monster (Goosebumps, #8) by R.L. Stine-137 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Lucy Dark loves to scare her little brother Randy with monster stories. She tells him and others stories about monsters constantly. So, when the local librarian, Mr. Mortman, turns out to be a monster who eats flies, moths, and turtles no one believes her. She tries to get her parents, her brother, and her friends to believe that Mr. Mortman really is a monster, but to no avail. Will she make everyone believe her? What will happen if and when she does? I enjoyed this one. 

The Shuddering by Ania Ahlborn

The Shuddering by Ania Ahlborn - 283 pages

They only come when it snows, and nobody ever gets away.

A group of close friends gathers at a secluded cabin in the wintry mountains of Colorado for a final holiday hurrah. Instead, it may be their last stand. First a massive blizzard leaves them marooned. Then the more chilling realization: something is lurking in the woods, watching them, waiting...

Now a weekend of family, friends, and fun has turned into a test of love and loyalty in the face of inhuman horrors. The only hope for those huddled inside is to fight—tooth and nail, bullet and blade—for their lives. Otherwise, they'll end up like the monsters' other victims: bright pools of blood on glittering snow, screams lost in the vast mountains.

This book was great for the last 100 or so pages.  Before that it seemed more like a love story than horror, but I understand that build up needs to happen.  I just think it was a bit more than I wanted to see in a horror book.  I liked how the author described the "hellions" as well as their actions, they sound pretty scary.  Overall, the book was good, but the ending was fantastic!

Hide by Kiersten White

Hide by Kiersten White, 240 pages

One week of hide-and-seek in an abandoned amusement park and $50,000 is the prize: fourteen strangers, each desperate in their own way, are pitted against each other for a reality TV show. Mackenzie has been alone and hiding all her life, so why not take a shot at that amount of life-changing money? But as the competition creeps on, the players realize there is something very, very wrong.

I read this book within a six hour window; it started and just didn't stop. The build was paced perfectly, building up to a frenetic and satisfying conclusion. I've never read any of White's other material, but that will change. 

Dreams of Gods & Monsters

Dreams of Gods & Monsters, 613 p.

"Two worlds are poised on the brink of a vicious war. By way of a staggering deception, Karou has taken control of the chimaera's rebellion and is intent on steering its course away from dead-end vengeance. The future rests on her.

When the brutal angel emperor brings his army to the human world, Karou and Akiva are finally reunited—not in love, but in a tentative alliance against their common enemy. It is a twisted version of their long-ago dream, and they begin to hope that it might forge a way forward for their people. And, perhaps, for themselves.

But with even bigger threats on the horizon, are Karou and Akiva strong enough to stand among the gods and monsters?

The New York Times bestselling Daughter of Smoke & Bone trilogy comes to a stunning conclusion as—from the streets of Rome to the caves of the Kirin and beyond—humans, chimaera, and seraphim strive, love, and die in an epic theater that transcends good and evil, right and wrong, friend and enemy."--Goodreads blurb

While I can see the draw to this series by fantasy lovers and teens, this just wasn't the series for me. This last installment was a complete disappointment. I will say I was kept in the story just enough by the author to give her another try in the future. 

Days of Blood & Starlight by Laini Taylor

Days of Blood & Starlight by Laini Taylor, 517 p.

"Art student and monster's apprentice Karou finally has the answers she has always sought. She knows who she is—and what she is. But with this knowledge comes another truth she would give anything to undo: She loved the enemy and he betrayed her, and a world suffered for it.

In this stunning sequel to the highly acclaimed Daughter of Smoke & Bone, Karou must decide how far she'll go to avenge her people. Filled with heartbreak and beauty, secrets and impossible choices, Days of Blood & Starlight finds Karou and Akiva on opposing sides as an age-old war stirs back to life.

While Karou and her allies build a monstrous army in a land of dust and starlight, Akiva wages a different sort of battle: a battle for redemption. For hope. But can any hope be salvaged from the ashes of their broken dream?"--Goodreads blurb

I'm not sure if I would have stuck out this book (series, really) if not for listening to it on audiobook. The narrator really brings the characters to life in a story that is really just so-so for me. I'll be finishing out this series because I want to see how the story arc ends, but I will also be glad for it to be over. 

Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor

Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor, 418 p.

"Around the world, black hand prints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.

In a dark and dusty shop, a devil’s supply of human teeth grows dangerously low.

And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherworldly war.

Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real, she’s prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands", she speaks many languages - not all of them human - and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she’s about to find out.

When beautiful, haunted Akiva fixes fiery eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?"--Goodreads blurb

This is my second re-read of the month so I could finish out a series. I remember not being blown away by this first installment years ago, which is why I didn't finish it then, but it has been all over social media and people seem to love it. The story has some fun characters, an interesting main character, and intriguing storyline. I do see why teen readers would love this book. I will continue on with the second book.
 

The Great Hunt by Wendy Higgins

The Great Hunt by Wendy Higgins- 416 pages

When a strange beast terrorizes the kingdom of Lochlanach, fear stirs revolt. In an act of desperation, a proclamation is sent to all of Eurona—kill the creature and win the ultimate prize: the daughter of King Lochson’s hand in marriage.

Princess Aerity knows her duty to the kingdom but cannot bear the idea of marrying a stranger... until a brooding local hunter, Paxton Seabolt, catches her attention. There’s no denying the unspoken lure between them... or his mysterious resentment.

Paxton is not the marrying type. Nor does he care much for spoiled royals and their arcane laws. He’s determined to keep his focus on the task at hand—ridding the kingdom of the beast—but the princess continues to surprise him, and the perilous secrets he’s buried begin to surface.

A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah Maas

A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah Maas-699 pages

Looming war threatens all Feyre holds dear in the third volume of the #1 New York Times bestselling A Court of Thorns and Roses series.

Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin's maneuverings and the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit-and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well.

As war bears down upon them all, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords-and hunt for allies in unexpected places. 

In this thrilling third book in the #1 New York Times bestselling series from Sarah J. Maas, the earth will be painted red as mighty armies grapple for power over the one thing that could destroy them all.

Echoes in Death by J.D. Robb

Echoes in Death by J.D. Robb - 371 pages

Eve and Roarke are returning from a late night party when they literally run into an assault victim.  Daphne Straza was brutally assaulted while her husband was killed.  Now Eve must work quickly to find the man responsible for a string of monstrous assaults before he murders again.

I listened to this newest J.D. Robb book on audio.  I always enjoy listening to this series.  The narrator does a great job of distinguishing between the characters.  The story was well done this time leaving just enough clues for the reader (or listener) to figure out before the reveals.

Scary School by Derek the Ghost

Scary School by Derek the Ghost (aka - Derek Kent) - 258 pages

Derek the Ghost is going to give you the inside scoop about Scary School -- a school for monsters and regular children.  This is an exciting year as Scary School has been selected to host the Ghoul Games.  But there's a new twist this year.  The winners of the Ghoul Games gets to eat the losers. . . .

This is the first book in a series by Derek Kent.  I thought it was pretty good book.  I enjoyed the various students -- monsters and regular kids.  I will definitely recommend this to kids at the library.

Rosario + Vampire, v. 1 by Akihisa Ikeda

Rosario + Vampire, v.1 by Akihisa Ikeda - 200 pages

Tsukune has failed every high school exam.  Luckily his parents found a high school in the remote countryside that doesn't require exams for acceptance.  He's glad to be going there until he arrives and realizes it is a school for monsters.

I thought the premise was intersting, however, I didn't really care for the actual story.  Every chapter was pretty much the same.  Somebody threatens Tsukune to get to Moko and Moko must save the day by becoming a vampire.

This Broken Wondrous World by Jon Skovron

This Broken Wondrous World by Jon Skovron  365 pages

"My fellow monsters," said Moreau. "No longer will we hide in the shadows, cringing, cowardly, hiding our true potential. You see, the humans do not view us as people. We must force them to expand their view of personhood to include us. By any means necessary."

A year ago, Boy, the son of Frankenstein's monster, had never even met a human. Now he's living with his human "family", the descendants of Dr. Frankenstein, in Switzerland. That is until the maniacal genius Dr. Moreau, long-ago banished to a remote island for his crimes against humanity, asks for Boy's help.

Moreau wants Boy to join his army of animal/human hybrid creatures and help him overthrow human society. Boy will do anything to save this broken, wondrous world from the war that threatens to split it in two. But how much will he have to give up? And is the world worth saving?

The Wrenchies

by Farel Dalrymple -- 304 pages. 

The Wrenchies was like a post-apocalyptic version of "The Warriors", but the gangs are made up of kids instead of adults.  We are thrown into a world where monsters roam freely and survival is an everyday struggle. Dalrymple's artwork was beautifully done and his character's were fascinating.  I will be looking out for his future projects.  

Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo  432 pages

Hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Fold, Alina must try to make a life with Mal in an unfamiliar land, all while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. But she can't outrun her past or her destiny for long.
The Darkling has emerged from the Shadow Fold with a terrifying new power and a dangerous plan that will test the very boundaries of the natural world. With the help of a notorious privateer, Alina returns to the country she abandoned, determined to fight the forces gathering against Ravka. But as her power grows, Alina slips deeper into the Darkling's game of forbidden magic, and farther away from Mal. Somehow, she will have to choose between her country, her power, and the love she always thought would guide her--or risk losing everything to the oncoming storm.

Monster on the Hill by Rob Harrell

Monster on the Hill by Rob Harrell - 186 pages

Every town has a terrifying monster that the people can be proud of - every town except Stoker-on-Avon.  Their monster Rayburn is depressed.  So Doctor Wilkes is sent to fix the monster.  Now they are on a quest to get Rayburn back to being a terrifying monster.

I really liked this graphic novel.  It was a completely unique idea for a story.  The artwork was fun.  I liked that the book was in full color.  I also enjoyed the various characters in the story.  A great graphic novel for kids.

Shadow & Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Shadow & Bone by Leigh Bardugo  358 pages

Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee.
Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life - a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling.
Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha.and the secrets of her heart.

Lio: There's a Monster In My Socks by Mark Tatulli

Lio: There's a Monster In My Socks by Mark Tatulli - 224 pages

This is a collection of comics about Lio, a small boy who likes monsters, robots, and hates school.  I almost didn't pick up this book -- but I am really glad I did.  The comics are hilarious.  Several made me giggle out loud while reading.  I also loved how "demented" Lio is.  I definitely need to look for more of the comics.

Hollow Earth by John Barrowman & Carole E. Barrowman

Hollow Earth by John Barrowman & Carole E. Barrowman - 382 pages

Twins Em and Matt are able to animate their drawings -- bringing them to life.  While this is a great trick, it also brings them to the attention of two different groups that want to either harm them or use them.  The Guardians want to bind their powers as they are too powerful.  The Hollow Earth Society wants them to open the doors to Hollow Earth where all the monsters exist. 

I'll be honest.  I picked up this book to read simply because it is written by John Barrowman, the actor that plays Capt. Jack on Doctor Who and Torchwood.  I was surprised to find that I really enjoyed the book.  While it wasn't the best written fantasy story I've read, it was very enjoyable.  I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

Don't Play With Your Food! by Bob Shea

Don't Play With Your Food! by Bob Shea - 32 pages

Monster is determined to eat a group of bunnies.  However, they have a different idea - baking cupcakes, swimming, going to a carnival and more with the monster.

I really like Bob Shea's books.  I think this is his best one since the Dinsoaur Versus books.