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emeryyy's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-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? Yes
4.75
it took me so long to read this book because of life - which i’m kind of annoyed about because it was so good!! indian mythology mixed with elements of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, great writing, and a strong female protagonist. the characters are all really well written and i loved so many of them (along with the nonbinary / bisexual representation). the sibling bonds really stood out to me. as a bio major, i like how scientific and methodical Kajal is. she also has an (undead) dog!
the following has some potential spoilers. read at your own risk:
i love how the story is constructed and how seemingly trivial details woven throughout the story end up being important at the end. the feeling when everything clicks into place ahhh. i like how Kajal initially looks at Tav through a scientific lens and how their relationship slowly develops over time (although i'm a bit disappointed because i was hoping for a platonic route). the ending felt rushed because so much happened at the end, but that’s the only negative i have to say. i can’t wait to see where this story goes!
releases June 25, 2024
thank you to BookishFirst and Penguin Teen for the arc!
the following has some potential spoilers. read at your own risk:
i love how the story is constructed and how seemingly trivial details woven throughout the story end up being important at the end. the feeling when everything clicks into place ahhh. i like how Kajal initially looks at Tav through a scientific lens and how their relationship slowly develops over time (although i'm a bit disappointed because i was hoping for a platonic route). the ending felt rushed because so much happened at the end, but that’s the only negative i have to say. i can’t wait to see where this story goes!
releases June 25, 2024
thank you to BookishFirst and Penguin Teen for the arc!
jordandotcom's review
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
gOD.
ariel_reads's review
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
alexerllent's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book had me by the tagline, "Frankenstein meets Indian mythology."
Kajal, the protagonist, is a young woman that feels all too familiar in her self-criticism. She constantly confronts her flaws, reflecting in response to the plot. Her world is a well-crafted blend of Hindu, Buddhist, and Sikh myth that beautifully represents the diversity of India. Each character feels real in the imagination. Actions have motivations that become clear over the course of the book.
I was truly impressed with this novel; the world-building, character development, and story arc are all well developed and interesting. I will be passing this on to my teen sister!
I received an uncorrected proof for free at the CALIBA Spring Forum, but I am voluntarily writing this review.
Kajal, the protagonist, is a young woman that feels all too familiar in her self-criticism. She constantly confronts her flaws, reflecting in response to the plot. Her world is a well-crafted blend of Hindu, Buddhist, and Sikh myth that beautifully represents the diversity of India. Each character feels real in the imagination. Actions have motivations that become clear over the course of the book.
I was truly impressed with this novel; the world-building, character development, and story arc are all well developed and interesting. I will be passing this on to my teen sister!
I received an uncorrected proof for free at the CALIBA Spring Forum, but I am voluntarily writing this review.
darquedreamer's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
slow-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? Yes
5.0
I absolutely loved this one! It gave me all the Gothic vibes I craved, as well as the Frankenstein influences I was promised. It was darkly vibrant, full of mythology, dreamlike storytelling, and characters I couldn't get enough of! I couldn't put it down!
Tara Sim crafted such a beautifully unique story that captured my imagination and flew with it. It's been a while since I was really able to visualize what was happening in my mind as I was reading. We Shall Be Monsters read like a horror comic full of color, feels, and just the right amount of comedy.
The last several chapters had me tearing up. No spoilers, but just because of the twists and turns in the story telling. The entire book centered around, not only the theme of good vs evil but, the theme of balancing good and evil, darkness and light. It was multi - faceted and woven so vibrantly and intricately.
Beyond the multi-layered plot, the well developed characters, and the dark beauty of the story, what I loved the most is that this one didn't feel like a typical young adult book. It didn't make me feel like I was too old to be enjoying it. It gave me Lord of the Rings meets Willow and Thriller vibes, where there were bits of horror and fantasy to be enjoyed for most ages. It took me on mystical, enchanting adventure that I cannot wait to continue!
Thank you, Penguin Teen, for the e-arc!
Tara Sim crafted such a beautifully unique story that captured my imagination and flew with it. It's been a while since I was really able to visualize what was happening in my mind as I was reading. We Shall Be Monsters read like a horror comic full of color, feels, and just the right amount of comedy.
The last several chapters had me tearing up. No spoilers, but just because of the twists and turns in the story telling. The entire book centered around, not only the theme of good vs evil but, the theme of balancing good and evil, darkness and light. It was multi - faceted and woven so vibrantly and intricately.
Beyond the multi-layered plot, the well developed characters, and the dark beauty of the story, what I loved the most is that this one didn't feel like a typical young adult book. It didn't make me feel like I was too old to be enjoying it. It gave me Lord of the Rings meets Willow and Thriller vibes, where there were bits of horror and fantasy to be enjoyed for most ages. It took me on mystical, enchanting adventure that I cannot wait to continue!
Thank you, Penguin Teen, for the e-arc!
emmajanereads's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
sretta's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
This was truly a unique and enjoyable read! Although the pacing can be quite slow at times, I really enjoyed the world building and the characters. I thought it was such an interesting premise; the mythology and Frankenstein aspects worked really well together. Looking forward to the sequel!
fanboyriot's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
♡ High Fantasy
♡ Dark Adventures
♡ Undead (Zombie) Dog
This story was adventurous and action packed. There was a lot going on but it was written it a way where it wasn’t overwhelming or confusing to understand. There was death, necromancy, and a rich history of the fantasy world the author created.
The mix of mythology from different cultures was so interesting to read. The author’s note pointing it all out even more and further explaining their own spin on things.
I feel like people who liked Frankenstein would love this more fantasy level book. It was complex with lovely world building and characters. Even including a dog that was brought back from the dead.
Thank you to the author, NetGalley, Penguin Young Readers Group, and Nancy Paulsen imprint for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Spice Level: n/a
Spice Level: n/a
Angst Level: 💧💧💧 (3/5)
POV: Third Person
Release Date: 25, June 2024
Rep: Non-Binary (Side Character)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Death, War, Violence, Animal death, and Murder
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Gore, Medical content, Religious bigotry, and Grief
Minor: Death of parent, Blood, and Body horror
brecox's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book left me so wonderfully conflicted: Content but upset with the ending, in awe of the story telling but mad that it had to end, and craving more but satisfied with what I read.
Tara Sim borrows bits of Frankenstein in an amazing retelling of Halahala. Infused with Hindu mythology (and some Buddhist), the story follows Kajal’s quest to bring her sister back to life. Every bit of Hindu lore was explained in a way that even someone with little background knowledge of Hinduism could follow. I only know the basics and could keep up- though I did constantly look up pronunciations. A pronunciation guide would be the cherry on top. Plus the typical tropes (one horse, for example) were done in a different way- understated but definitely a trope.
The writing style is beautiful. The prose is not overly flowery. The horror aspect was well done. The horror scenes were scary without being over the top. There was definitely some Walking Dead vibes! Even with the horror, the banter was really amusing. The small snippet of romance was cute and believeable- no falling head over heels immediately.
The characters were so relatable. Kajal is witty, strong-willed, and perceptive. I really enjoyed her character’s growth, especially at the end. Tav was tragic and almost underdone- I wanted more of him! But I like how his actions make more sense by the end.
The pacing was different but not bad. Youre thrown into the story fast paced with a hundred questions. The pacing slows down, but never to a point where it gets boring. When I thought I was in a lull there would be a wild twist that had me audibly gasping (or yelling or screaming “no no no!”).
This is definitely a book I will re-read over and over. I’m surprised it’s not blowing up on social media.
zowie333's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5