This Monstrous Thing

Name: This Monstrous Thing
Rating: 3.649 (248 reviews)
ISBN: 9780062382795

By Mackenzi Lee

Publisher Description

A wildly creative Gothic fantasy retelling of Frankenstein, This Monstrous Thing is a wholly new reimagining of the classic novel by Mary Shelley and is perfect for fans of retellings such as Cinder by Marissa Meyer, fantasy by Libba Bray and Cassandra Clare, and alternative history by Scott Westerfeld.

In an alternative fantasy world where some men are made from clockwork parts and carriages are steam powered, Alasdair Finch, a young mechanic, does the unthinkable after his brother dies: he uses clockwork pieces to bring Oliver back from the dead.

But the resurrection does not go as planned, and Oliver returns more monster than man. Even worse, the novel Frankenstein is published and the townsfolk are determined to find the real-life doctor and his monster. With few places to turn for help, the dangers may ultimately bring the brothers together—or ruin them forever.

A Dark Reimagining: In this steampunk version of Mary Shelley’s classic, a young mechanic named Alasdair uses forbidden science to resurrect his brother, only to create something he can’t control.
Monsters and Humanity: When the famous novel Frankenstein is published, it ignites a real-life witch hunt, forcing the brothers to confront what it truly means to be a monster.
Brother Against Brother: As Oliver grapples with his monstrous new existence, his bond with Alasdair is tested by secrets, guilt, and a past that won’t stay buried.
Alternative History with a Twist: Explore a richly imagined 1818 Geneva powered by steam and secrets, where the line between man and machine is dangerously thin.

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This Monstrous Thing Reviews

3.5

maryisnotreading

Created 2 months ago

Atmospheric

Jordan J

Created 4 months ago

Minor characters stand out Multilayered Gripping/exciting Uneven pacing Atmospheric Bleak Ableism Bigotry Child loss Death Grief Murder Violence

the_epi_reader

Created 4 months ago

“Frankenstein but let’s make it steampunk. This Monstrous Thing is your typical young adult Frankenstein retelling. It was a literary slow-burn focusing on the characters and the gothic atmosphere. I did like how Lee made Mary Shelley a character in the novel, and Lee made me want to read a biography on Shelley’s life after finishing This Monstrous Thing. In the novel, Mary was kind of self-centered and unlikable, making me question Mary’s true personality (I hope she wasn’t really like that). Overall I did enjoy the book, but it wasn’t anything to write home about or really that rememberable. If you’re a big Frankenstein fan, or love retellings, give This Monstrous Thing a go!”

Verena

Created 8 months ago

“It is a dark, atmospheric take on Frankenstein (god I love Frankenstein so much) that really dives into obsession, grief and the heavy price of ambition. The Gothic vibe is beautifully crafted, with vivid imagery. But the pacing can feel a bit uneven, especially in the middle, where the story drags a bit. While the emotional impact is strong, some secondary characters remain underdeveloped, serving maybe more as symbols. It’s a haunting beautiful read and - my god Oliver 🥹 I love him so much. I’m so happy he gets the end he craves so much. “Perhaps we all said the right things at the wrong time; perhaps we couldn’t help it. Perhaps words became too heavy to haul, and the moment we let them loose was always the wrong one, but they needed to be free.” “[…] the dark-haired boy with the wild heart who just felt everything so deeply.” “When I was a boy, I remember reading books and thinking the monsters weren’t afraid, but they are. They’re more frightened than anyone.”” “We’re all monsters,” I said. “We’re all careless and cruel in the end.” “From what Mrs. Shelley said, you made a human being. And humans are, by nature, monstrous.” “You can’t make people the way you want them to be, Alasdair. Sometimes you just have to love them how they are.” “Are you good, whispered that horrid voice inside me, or are you clever?” “my heart as true as a compass.” “Just because you don’t scream out loud doesn’t mean I can’t still hear you screaming.””

Ash

Created 9 months ago

About Mackenzi Lee

Mackenzi Lee holds a BA in history and an MFA from Simmons College in writing for children and young adults. Her short fiction and nonfiction have appeared in Atlas Obscura, the Boston Globe, Crixeo, and the Newport Review, among others. Her debut novel, This Monstrous Thing, won the PEN New England–Susan P. Bloom Children’s Book Discovery Award. Her second book, The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue, was a New York Times bestseller and an ABA bestseller, earned five starred reviews, was a #1 Indie Next Pick, and received a 2018 Stonewall Book Award Honor and a New England Book Award. She loves Diet Coke, sweater weather, and Star Wars. On a perfect day, she can be found enjoying all three. She currently calls Salt Lake City home.

Other books by Mackenzi Lee

Masters of the Universe (Film): Teela: Daughter of Eternos