Monsters We Make, Vol. 1 by CoryxKenshin

The first read for October is all about monsters. Now, I'm not sure what meaning the title will hold because it does hint at some deep dives into the human psyche. Or maybe not? This read might get rough because it is for the more mature end of the YA audience, 16+. But let's just take a peek and see what's inside.

MONSTERS WE MAKE

VOL. 1

by CoryxKenshin

IDW Publishing

Young Adult Dystopian   /   

Graphic Novel

264 pages

ages 16+

COMING...

OCTOBER 28th!!!

For Jabari Booker, New Edyn Academy promised a future of music and mastery. But on his first day, that promise shatters into a nightmare. As he’s dragged deeper into the abyss, he realizes that true horror awaits at the end of the broken road. To survive, he must battle not only New Edyn’s monsters but also the corruption festering within its walls.

GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

Action and danger hit with rapid pacing in a future world, where monsters are determined to destroy humanity and only a handful of talented teens have any prayer of stopping them.

Jabari is super stoked to have been accepted into New Edyn Academy, since only the best gain entrance and his musical talent definitely slides him into that category. Add that his father has just gotten a great job at the one corporation, which keeps the world running, and all's looking up in Jabari and his family's world. Once at the academy, he runs into some other students who seem to be eager to convince him not to stand out as much as he does. When he's told he needs to take another aptitude test, the warnings from the students increase. But Jabari's never been one to back down, especially since his family is counting on him. He passes all tests with amazing scores and is called to the Dean's office, but he's not given special classes like he assumes will happen. Instead, he's shown the deadly truth about the existence of terrible monsters, and he's now expected to join the small team, which is supposed to save the world. His chances of survival are next to zero, but the academy isn't really giving him a choice.

I'll just start out with the trigger warning on the violence and gore. These monsters are vicious and the fights are brutal with visual, physical damage to express how horrid these monsters are. So, there are graphic scenes. On the other hand, it's not as over the top as it could be. In other words, there are moments of gore and brutality as the monsters destroy their targets, but this doesn't feel as if it's placed there for the purpose of enjoying the gore and isn't constantly shown. It fits the plot and is used to show how dangerous this entire game is. 

That said, this read keeps the tension high and pacing speeding along the entire way through. While most of the read follows Jabari as he enters the school, is put on the team, and heads out onto his first, deadly mission, the author does slide in other perspectives, at times, to add necessary background information. These moments are well-placed and happen mostly in side stories, which keeps the information interesting and add needed depth. Not everything  about this world is clear, but the characters themselves mention that they are trying to figure some things out, since the academy hasn't exactly given them much information, either...only that necessary to fight the monsters. This adds a bit of mystery and intrigue, which lures into the upcoming books in the series and promises much more to come.

The graphics bring the action in full-throttle, while also adding in some information through visual details. The tension and danger remains obvious in each scene, and the teasing, light moments add just enough relief to make the characters likeable. A couple scenes were heavy on the ink and lines, and it took a second to pull back and see what was visually going on. But, in general, it's well created with strong emotions hitting to keep the urgency and sympathy high.

This is a grabbing read, which opens the door to an interesting, dystopian world. There are very light hints that a deeper intrigue is brewing, but this first volume centers on Jabari as he sinks into his role and gets to know his team members. It will be fun to see where this one goes next because there are quite a few directions this tale could take.

What's Coming in October?

Happy October, everyone! 

Finally, I can submerge myself in Pumpkin Spice lattes, cuddle in a blanket every now and then, and wiggle my toes in fuzzy socks. Okay, the temperatures haven't dropped that much, yet, and September decided to hit us hard with a huge drought and mid 90 temps (so evil), but these ridiculous temperatures can't hold much longer, right?

Anyway, I'm glimpsing through my October read list and see quite a few tales to accompany the spookier holiday at the end of the month. I also have some more heart-filled reads, it appears, and a couple graphic novels. I've been shoving things around for October like crazy, since several books never arrived. I'm, actually, afraid they are just delayed and will suddenly swamp me in November. But we do what we can, either way.

So, here's a glimpse at what goodness is coming this month. The dates, as always, are what I have on the schedule right now...but these can change or shift due to various reasons. I do try to stick to it as much as I can, though.

MONSTERS WE MAKE

I'm starting the month off with a read, which I hope holds a great balance between creepy and edgy. This is the first in a new graphic novel series and promises tons of suspense. I'm not sure if this one will take a more mental dive or true horror one, since it deals with a teen and a school, which promises to fulfill is music dreams. I'm hoping it will be a bit of both with food for thought. I'll be visiting this one tomorrow.

Young Adult Horror   /    Graphic Novel

HAUNTED U.S.A.

Every state in the U.S. has local tales about monsters, ghosts, and more. This book takes a look at one from each state. Considering it's only around 150 or so pages, these should be short enough to quickly enjoy for ghost stories sessions or around campfires in the summer. I'm looking forward to see the variety each place has to offer and will be sinking into these pages on the 4th.

Middle Grade Horror  /   Short Story Collection

WHEN I FEEL LONELY

I know so many people (kids included), who tend to feel a little more down during this time of year. I think quite a bit of it has to do with the weather, the monotony of school, and rollercoaster of emotions thanks to the holidays. This read promises to not only take a touching approach to the topic but, I'm told, should hold amazing artwork. I'm curious to see if this one will be as beautiful as some claim. So, let's find out together on the 7th.

Picture Book

THE SILENT CABIN

The cover already makes it clear that this read heads into the suspense direction, which should make it a great fit for this month. This one takes on human monsters as a girl finds herself, accidentally, in the middle of a group of smugglers and has to do her best to avoid capture and more. It sounds like it should keep the reader on the edge of their seats, and I'm looking forward to discovering more on the 10th.

Young Adult Thriller

IN THE WITCH'S HOUSE

Ready for some sweet-spooky-not-so-creepy fun? That's what this read promises to be. A little girl, a creepy house, a 'witch', and tons of surprises should adorn these pages. I have a feeling I know which direction this one will take, and if I'm right, it should be a rewarding read. Let's pry open this cover and take a peek on the 16th.

Picture Book

THE FOREST OF A THOUSAND EYES

I am so, so, so, so, so looking forward to this read. Not only did the cover and title catch my attention, but the book is said to hold amazing illustrations in two-colors. I'm not sure what direction it will take, but it circles around a girl, who travels through the forest and must survive the various creatures it holds. There's also the mention of people living on the Wall...whatever that means. But my curiosity is definitely sparked, and I'll be sharing it on the 20th.

Middle Grade Fantasy

MYSTERY OF THE MISSING BALL

Not all mysteries are tension-packed or chilling...or even dark. This book seemed to be the perfect fit for those readers out there, who enjoy the fun of a mystery but also love cute characters and lighter atmospheres. This is one in a series of books. I do like the idea of an AI kitten, too, since this might add an intriguing, modern twist. I'll find out more and share what I think on the 21st.

Children's Mystery

HOW TO DRIVE YOUR BOTHER BANANAS

Even the spookiest month needs some humor, and this read looks like it will hold quite a bit of that. It's part of a series of books...I think this one is the 2nd...and should be just what good-sibling rivalry needs. Bananas. Or maybe not. In any case, I'll be opening this one up to see how fun it gets on the 24th.

Beginning Readers Book

FAYMAN PREPARATORY SCHOOL

If this cover doesn't scream creepy, than I don't know which one would. It centers around a boarding school, which only lets students head back home for summer when they have reached a certain standard in their studies. Those who have not are kept over during those months, and with an array of new teachers, learn more. Except that isn't what's happening. Or something like that. It should be very mysterious and hold tons of intrigue and danger. I'll be cuddling in my blanket with a cup of tea on the 29th to learn more.

Young Adult Horror

HALLOWEEN

Yep, the fitting book for the big holiday is something I'll visit at the end of the month. And since it's the younger readers out there, who love the holiday the most, this read should be a great fit. It's a board book and centers around the fun activities surrounding Halloween. I'm hoping it will lead into trick-or-treating with the right amount of fun. We'll find out on the 31st!

Board Book

As all of you know, a book lover's pile is never finished! I always have more books on my list than I could ever schedule to review during the month. But thanks to life, I get some unexpected slots opening up. That means, I can work in a few reads, which I didn't think I was going to get to. The Joker Read is the book on the very top of this pile. I will be reading it this month; I just have no idea when.

THE MOSS

This one promises to be a very spooky read as it follows a girl's search for her lost sister. It surrounds a murder (I think), a bog called the Moss, and an evil draw to the darker corners, where monsters reside. I'm thinking there will be some fantastical elements but of the more invisible kind. It also promises to be beautifully written, and I'm game for that. So, this would be a perfect read for the Halloween season...if and when I get to it. Whenever that might be.

Young Adult Horror