The Monsters of Rookhaven is a delightful middle-grade gothic tale of a little girl named Mirabelle and her family. For centuries, the Family has lived protected in their home away from the eyes of most humans. Until one day, the veil tears and two abandoned and abused human children find their way in. They are promptly and fiercely championed by seemingly normal Mirabelle to stay. While the rest of those living at the estate are unsure, the children are quickly settled in amongst the strange and usual characters. The rift, however, leaves the family vulnerable to those that might wish them harm and it has been out there patiently waiting.
The world that Kenny weaves is mysterious and enchanting. The estate that the family lives on is brooding and sprawling, replete with unnatural flowers guarding the paths. Each of the family has a unique "talent". There's Uncle Betram, who can transform into a huge bear. Aunt Eliza is made up of spiders. Gideon can transport via portals. The twins, well they are their own breed. Piglet is the literal monster in the basement. We have to learn much later what their talent is, but the family keeps them behind a tremendous locked door and whispers "Piglet is dangerous."
There are themes of friendships and found family, and how the monsters aren't always the one to be feared. It's not all love and sweetness though—the last half takes a very dark turn. There is a defined evil under the the burgeoning friendship and comfort that the family supplies. Secrets often can cause harm and there is a big ominous secret waiting in the wings for Mirabelle. It will change everything.
I was lucky enough to get The Monsters of Rookhaven on audiobook narrated by Emma Noakes. She has a gift with voices and made the listen that much more enjoyable. Her volume ebbed and flowed through all the different voices, bringing each character to life in turn. I found myself smiling while listening. I couldn't wait to get my earbuds plugged back in to this unforgettable story with its captivating narrator.
Fans of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children will be charmed by this story. It's fantastical and magical. Perfect for middle-grade readers or for those wanting a little more enchantment in their lives.
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Customer reviews
Wow. This author just gets better & better. He has a way of connecting you so strongly to his characters, & just falling in love w/them completely. This was so beautiful to read, it was heartbreaking..if that makes sense lol This book makes you think about who the real monsters are. We always judge on appearance. If something is different, it makes us fearful. Some people who are afraid of those different from them can become monsters themselves. A monster can have 3 heads & be the nicest being ever. A human being can look like the nicest being ever, & be pure evil on the inside. So when you think of what the word monster means..which fits that definition better? The chapters alternate b/n Mirabelle, who is a “monster”, & Jem-a regular human girl who stumbled upon the monsters home w/her brother Tom. There are also chapters sprinkled in from Freddie’s POV. A boy who lives in the village whose father is on the council that keeps the covenant b/n the village & the monsters going. From the twins, the Uncle’s, Aunt Eliza, to Gideon..I loved the creativity & the uniqueness to each monster. I loved these characters, & reading about them. So atmospheric too, with the descriptive writing-from the characters, to things around them, what’s they’re doing, & the amazing house..I felt like I was there visiting, & experiencing it 1st hand. Mirabelle was an amazing character. I loved her so much. But my entire heart & soul belongs to Piglet. The monster locked in the house, that even the other monsters are scared of. On the outside he is terrifying. But on the inside he is so beautiful it makes me want to cry. What he can do is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. There are a few snippets from his POV too, & they always got me emotional-in the best ways. This book is more than it appears on the surface as well. Yes, it’s creepy, scary, & like a gothic fairytale..but at its core it’s beautiful, moving, deep, & full of life lessons-like about what a true monster is for example. I want more from this family so badly. I wish there were going to be more. This is a favorite author though, so I will always be on the lookout out for anything new from him. Highly recommend. Absolutely stunning cover by Edward Bettison, & beautiful illustrations throughout the book as well.💜
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Top reviews from other countries
Shannon Petrou
An interesting spooky tale
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 24, 2022
oliveratnorwich
Ny grand-daughter loved it.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 20, 2020rosereira
Wonderful and surprising book. Not for the faint hearted though!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 2, 2021
