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scoutabout's review against another edition
Wadn't in the mood for it to grab my attention
caylieratzlaff's review against another edition
4.0
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel. 4/5 stars.
This is a delightful middle-grade novel set in a world where all the monsters from stories exist. It's lowkey like Monsters Inc., where the monsters produce clean energy by scaring and other monstery things with the world above BUT this power also powers the world above. Rayleigh's life turns upside down when he turns 12 and discovers he has monster ancestry. He goes below to face trials and essentially what is monster puberty...all while searching for his missing dad (the supreme leader of monsters) and learning more about himself and his monster side. There's a found family with a troll, a shadow, literally Bloody Mary, and then Rayleigh's friend Marley.
I enjoyed this from the monster world to the trials and ultimately the end and what it leaves open for more books in the series. It was a cleverly crafted world, and it's also hilarious with humor.
This is a delightful middle-grade novel set in a world where all the monsters from stories exist. It's lowkey like Monsters Inc., where the monsters produce clean energy by scaring and other monstery things with the world above BUT this power also powers the world above. Rayleigh's life turns upside down when he turns 12 and discovers he has monster ancestry. He goes below to face trials and essentially what is monster puberty...all while searching for his missing dad (the supreme leader of monsters) and learning more about himself and his monster side. There's a found family with a troll, a shadow, literally Bloody Mary, and then Rayleigh's friend Marley.
I enjoyed this from the monster world to the trials and ultimately the end and what it leaves open for more books in the series. It was a cleverly crafted world, and it's also hilarious with humor.
thewintersings's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
kataya09's review against another edition
This seemed like a fairly interesting book but with the amount of British slang, there was no way I could read this with my daughter and have her understand it. I think the writing just wasn't for us either. As I was reading with her, I found myself updating the sentence structure to add more words, or slightly changing the order to have the sentences read better, at least in my case. I'm sure those who use the slang or terms in the book would love it, but it was very hard to read while having to look up the terms to understand what the book is trying to say. My daughter received this book through Owlcrate Jr, and this is the only one we are putting down without finishing.
lyg004's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
motherofheleus's review
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I really enjoyed this book. I found it by accident when I was curious if Ciannon Smart had written another novel. I'll admit I wasn't too fond of Witches Steeped in Gold, but I now want to return to WSTIG and see if my opinion has changed.
I adored reading how Rayleigh came to accept himself and who he wanted to be by the novel's end, which did set up a sequel. It's inspiring. He's a great character because he's been told most of his life that he's a troubled kid and that has had an effect on him and witness his removal of these doubts and anxieties was fantastic and I felt that Ciannon Smart captured it well.
I loved Below London and the action kicks off quickly. Rayleigh is incredibly intelligent and keeps the pace of the novel moving. His interactions with the other monsterlings shows how caring he is, but not to be mistaken for a pushover.
I loved the found family aspect as well. The adults in Rayleigh's life were fun to read about in how they supported him throughout the book.
I also really enjoyed the world-building of Below London and how gifts and transformations manifest for each person. Or not. Also loved the titles everyone had. So much fun to be had.
The central theme of the book is belonging and I think Ciannon Smart captured that elegantly and adequately.
I definitely recommend.
I did also enjoy the narrator: Jake Fairbrother. Narration was really well done and captured the story well.
----------------------------
Some of my favorite quotes include:
I adored reading how Rayleigh came to accept himself and who he wanted to be by the novel's end, which did set up a sequel. It's inspiring. He's a great character because he's been told most of his life that he's a troubled kid and that has had an effect on him and witness his removal of these doubts and anxieties was fantastic and I felt that Ciannon Smart captured it well.
I loved Below London and the action kicks off quickly. Rayleigh is incredibly intelligent and keeps the pace of the novel moving. His interactions with the other monsterlings shows how caring he is, but not to be mistaken for a pushover.
I loved the found family aspect as well. The adults in Rayleigh's life were fun to read about in how they supported him throughout the book.
I also really enjoyed the world-building of Below London and how gifts and transformations manifest for each person. Or not. Also loved the titles everyone had. So much fun to be had.
The central theme of the book is belonging and I think Ciannon Smart captured that elegantly and adequately.
I definitely recommend.
I did also enjoy the narrator: Jake Fairbrother. Narration was really well done and captured the story well.
----------------------------
Some of my favorite quotes include:
“How does fear make them better?”
“It makes them confront that which prevents them from being better. Monsters act as mirrors. It’s why we exist. We reflect the worst versions of people. Physically to humans. When they see that, they want the opposite. They want better.”
“I think we know who we’re going to be early on, even if it sometimes takes us a while to realize that.”
“Illustrious once meant distinguished, prestigious, important but now the Society has become a warning about the short distance b/w power and madness.”
“The Confederation can understand how jarring it can be to live one life for 12 years before you’re expected to accept another reality in a matter of days. It can seem frightening or exciting initially but rest assured monsterlings have more control over this change than they think.”
justgeekingby's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I enjoyed Ciannon Smart’s debut duology, Witches Stepped in Gold, so when she announced that she was writing a middle grade book next I knew I had to check it out even though I’m not a huge middle grade reader. I was not disappointed, Rayleigh Mann in the Company of Monsters by Ciannon Smart is a wonderfully dark and fun tale about monsters.
Set in London, Rayleigh Mann in the Company of Monsters is a unique coming of age story. Rayleigh Mann’s plans for trick of treating with his friends turn upside down when a strange girl tries to kidnap him. As the night gets even stranger, Rayleigh learns that he’s actually only half human; his dad is a monster. Not just any monster, the infamous Bogey Mann. Now that he’s twelve it’s time for him to learn all about monsters and Below, the hidden subterranean city of monsters beneath London.
Whisked away to Below-London by his uncle, Rayleigh learns all about monsters and being a monster. Everything he knows about monsters is wrong, they’re not bad, they’re good. They exist to scare children straight during childhood, so they don’t grow up to become murderers or worse in their adulthood. As a monsterling Rayleigh has to take part in an induction to determine his monstrous heritage, consisting of three trials. Each trial is designed to help monsterlings uncover their monstrous identity and powers, and decide whether they wish to remain in Below-London or return to their human family.
It’s a hard decision for Rayleigh who misses his Mum, Nana, and friends, but recognises the advantages of Below-London. Labelled as a trouble-maker at school, in monster society he’s encouraged to cause trouble. He can also walk around the city without anyone watching him, crossing the street to avoid him or dubiously eyeing his fashion and afro. There’s also the biggest benefit of all; getting to know his dad.
Unfortunately his Dad is missing, and as Rayleigh tries to focus on his trials he finds himself getting drawn into dangerous conspiracies. With his new family and friends by his side, can he get through the induction and save his Dad?
I loved everything about Rayleigh Mann in the Company of Monsters. The world of monsters that Smart has created is brilliant, pulling on mythology, folklore, legends and urban legends from all around the world, with an emphasis on Jamaican mythology like her previous duology. Her world-building is once again top-notch. Also, as a South East (SE) Londoner I was very happy to have a book set in East London rather than central London – not much of a surprise as Smart is also from SE London. There’s London vernacular used in the dialect, including some cockney rhyming slang in there which was a delight to see!
If you’re wondering if the topic of monsters and nightmare is a topic too dark for a middle grade novel, don’t worry. Although there’s an edge of darkness, there is so much fun and humour in this book that readers of all ages will fall in love with the “monsters”. Older readers like myself will adore the sassiness of Bloody Mary, and the charm and sarcasm of Shade.
The characters and their relationships are at the heart of Rayleigh Mann in the Company of Monsters, and Smart has done a fantastic job with their dynamics. I loved the relationship between The Terrors, in particular, and their moments of banter were great. Here are some of the most terrifying monsters, and they’re sniping at each other as best friends do. I also appreciated the way that Smart represented relationships between young people, showing that sometimes people are just scared and mess up. Not everything in a book needs to turn into full on drama.
Smart’s dedication reads “I hope this story gives the different among you, the shelved, a chance to been seen as you deserve: the hero of your story” and I felt that in every word of this book. Rayleigh Mann in the Company of Monsters is a must-read for everyone, and I’m certain that young readers are going to love this one as will the adults in their life.
Set in London, Rayleigh Mann in the Company of Monsters is a unique coming of age story. Rayleigh Mann’s plans for trick of treating with his friends turn upside down when a strange girl tries to kidnap him. As the night gets even stranger, Rayleigh learns that he’s actually only half human; his dad is a monster. Not just any monster, the infamous Bogey Mann. Now that he’s twelve it’s time for him to learn all about monsters and Below, the hidden subterranean city of monsters beneath London.
Whisked away to Below-London by his uncle, Rayleigh learns all about monsters and being a monster. Everything he knows about monsters is wrong, they’re not bad, they’re good. They exist to scare children straight during childhood, so they don’t grow up to become murderers or worse in their adulthood. As a monsterling Rayleigh has to take part in an induction to determine his monstrous heritage, consisting of three trials. Each trial is designed to help monsterlings uncover their monstrous identity and powers, and decide whether they wish to remain in Below-London or return to their human family.
It’s a hard decision for Rayleigh who misses his Mum, Nana, and friends, but recognises the advantages of Below-London. Labelled as a trouble-maker at school, in monster society he’s encouraged to cause trouble. He can also walk around the city without anyone watching him, crossing the street to avoid him or dubiously eyeing his fashion and afro. There’s also the biggest benefit of all; getting to know his dad.
Unfortunately his Dad is missing, and as Rayleigh tries to focus on his trials he finds himself getting drawn into dangerous conspiracies. With his new family and friends by his side, can he get through the induction and save his Dad?
I loved everything about Rayleigh Mann in the Company of Monsters. The world of monsters that Smart has created is brilliant, pulling on mythology, folklore, legends and urban legends from all around the world, with an emphasis on Jamaican mythology like her previous duology. Her world-building is once again top-notch. Also, as a South East (SE) Londoner I was very happy to have a book set in East London rather than central London – not much of a surprise as Smart is also from SE London. There’s London vernacular used in the dialect, including some cockney rhyming slang in there which was a delight to see!
If you’re wondering if the topic of monsters and nightmare is a topic too dark for a middle grade novel, don’t worry. Although there’s an edge of darkness, there is so much fun and humour in this book that readers of all ages will fall in love with the “monsters”. Older readers like myself will adore the sassiness of Bloody Mary, and the charm and sarcasm of Shade.
The characters and their relationships are at the heart of Rayleigh Mann in the Company of Monsters, and Smart has done a fantastic job with their dynamics. I loved the relationship between The Terrors, in particular, and their moments of banter were great. Here are some of the most terrifying monsters, and they’re sniping at each other as best friends do. I also appreciated the way that Smart represented relationships between young people, showing that sometimes people are just scared and mess up. Not everything in a book needs to turn into full on drama.
Smart’s dedication reads “I hope this story gives the different among you, the shelved, a chance to been seen as you deserve: the hero of your story” and I felt that in every word of this book. Rayleigh Mann in the Company of Monsters is a must-read for everyone, and I’m certain that young readers are going to love this one as will the adults in their life.
Content Warnings
clo79's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
sal_tinajero's review against another edition
4.0
I received a free e-arc from NetGalley for an honest review. Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins!
4.5 stars
I hadn't read Ciannon Smart's work before this book, and now they've become an auto-buy for me. This world was so unique and felt so advanced in its development that I would've been satisfied to just walk the streets of Below-London. Instead, Smart shows us just how many secrets are lying in plain sight and it made for a fun, inclusive, and approachable middle-grade romp.
The only reason this wasn't a 5 star for me was some slight instances where the prose required a second or third read for me to understand the exact visual. However, that won't stop me from reaching for the next installment.
4.5 stars
I hadn't read Ciannon Smart's work before this book, and now they've become an auto-buy for me. This world was so unique and felt so advanced in its development that I would've been satisfied to just walk the streets of Below-London. Instead, Smart shows us just how many secrets are lying in plain sight and it made for a fun, inclusive, and approachable middle-grade romp.
The only reason this wasn't a 5 star for me was some slight instances where the prose required a second or third read for me to understand the exact visual. However, that won't stop me from reaching for the next installment.