Will Henry is an orphan. His parents died in a fire and the doctor who employed his father takes him under his wing. The thing is, the doctor isn't an ordinary doctor. OH NO. He studies monsters for a living. Which means Will Henry sees and hears and learns many absurd and surreal and downright frightening things from time to time. His greatest horror unfolds when a grave robber brings the body of a girl who is wrapped up with a monster. Now Will Henry and the doctor must identify the monster, figure out how it came to live here, how many more there are and how to kill them. And, you know, make sure no more innocent people die in the process.
This Monstrumologist is dark. Like, crazy dark...and I loved it. I was hoping it didn't take the subject matter to a slapstick absurdity, and it did not disappoint. The monsters are described in vivid detail, the circumstances of Will Henry's life are completely and utterly depressing, and even the doctor is a character riddled with flaws and a damaged past.
The complexities of characters and the mysterious and supernatural plot made for an excellent read. Slowly we find out more about what the monsters are, how they got there, and continue to worry about how in the world Will Henry and the doctor are going to take care of the problem!
I was scared, excited, hopeful, anxious, and enthralled from cover to cover. The characters pulled at my heartstrings while the mystery kept me biting my nails. I can't wait to see where the rest of The Monstrumologist series takes me!
Fave quotes:
"These are the secrets I have kept. This is the trust I never betrayed." (pg 1. Opening like, y'all!)
"There are indeed more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in our philosophy, but those things were, like the Anthropophagi, quite physical, entirely natural, capable of fulfilling our curious and baffling need for a marauding horror of malicious intent, thank you very much." (pg 121)
Fix er up: This isn't a turn off for me, but it may be for some. The book is pretty lengthy. Like, 450 pages in a paperback form lengthy. You've been warned. But also, it's totally worth it.
Title: The Monstrumologist (Monstrumologist #1)
Author: Rick Yancey
Genre: Horror, Historical Fiction, Fantasy
Publishing Info: Simon and Schuster, 2010
[FTC Notice: I received a finish copy of this book from a fellow blogger. I was not compensated in any way for this review. Thanks again, Red House Books!]
I reviewed this book as part of the Rewind and Review challenge hosted by GReads! and yours truly. I'm so glad I finally gave this book the time it deserved!
This book is my most creepiest, scariest book I've ever read. I really got chills. Books rarely have that effect on me. Great review!
ReplyDeleteFOR REAL. Spooky as all get out. And I LURVED it.
DeleteYESSSSSSSSSSSSS!
ReplyDeleteI am psyched that you liked the Monstrumologist. How badly did you want to hug Will Henry? Seriously.
AND OMG.
The ANTHROPOPHAGI. Scary shiz yo.
I totally need to buy the third book in this series like yesterday.
OF COURSE I DID. It was so spookalicious and rad. I want to adopt Will Henry and lead him away from that life of horror. I will protect you Will Henry!
DeleteAlso, his name is Will Henry. Not Will, not Henry. SO COOL.
It's only when books get over 500 pages that they start to worry me, this one sounds great.
ReplyDeleteI actually checked this out from the library this week because of you. I'm glad to see you ended up loving it :]
ReplyDeleteYAY! I hope you love it too!
DeleteAH! I need to read these ASAP. I've been wanting to get to them because they sound INTENSE and fantastic. And I seriously want to grab ALL THE ORPHANS and hug them tight forever. I'm sure that Will Henry is no exception!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds perfect for Asheley. Onto the TBR it goes. Oh wait, it may possibly be there already. I shall check, and if it isn't there, onto the TBR it goes! I think I would like it for sho.
ReplyDeleteAwesome review! I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the shout out :)