Monstrous

Reminiscent of Frankenstein and tales by the Brothers Grimm, this debut novel stands out as a compelling, original story that has the feel of a classic.

The city of Bryre suffers under the magic of an evil wizard. Because of his curse, girls sicken and disappear without a trace, and all live in fear. No one is allowed outside after dark. Night is when Kymera comes to the city, with a cloak disguising her wings, the bolts in her neck, and her spiky tail. Her mission is to rescue the girls of Bryre. Despite Kym's caution in going secretively, a boy named Ren sees and befriends her . . . but what he knows will change her world forever.

The city of Bryre suffers under the magic of an evil wizard. Because of his curse, girls sicken and disappear without a trace, and Bryre's inhabitants live in fear. No one is allowed outside after dark.

Yet night is the only time that Kymera can enter this dangerous city, for she must not be seen by humans. Her father says they would not understand her wings, the bolts in her neck, or her spiky tail—they would kill her. They would not understand that she was created for a purpose: to rescue the girls of Bryre.

Despite her caution, a boy named Ren sees Kym and begins to leave a perfect red rose for her every evening. As they become friends, Kym learns that Ren knows about the missing girls, the wizard, and the evil magic that haunts Bryre.

And what he knows will change Kym's life.

Reminiscent of Frankenstein and the tales of the Brothers Grimm, this debut novel by MarcyKate Connolly stands out as a compelling, original story that has the feel of a classic.

“Kym’s bravery shines, as she fights against the menacing forces in Bryre and also struggles to figure out where she, a self-described monster of a girl, belongs. This remarkable, absorbing debut will enchant readers. --Rebecca Behrens, author of When Audrey Met Alice - .

“This is a dazzling and unique once-upon-a-time about a girl who is part dragon, part bird, part cat, all hero.” --Natalie Lloyd, author of A Snicker of Magic - .

“Like a literary mad scientist, MarcyKate Connolly takes bits from classic fairy tales and legends and uses them to assemble a creation that is wholly original and wonderfully strange. Subversive, bewitching, and whip-smart, Monstrous is a marvel of storytelling alchemy. --Anne Ursu, author of Breadcrumbs - .

Readers seeking a lengthy, thoughtful novel, particularly those who appreciate careful world-building, will find this worth their time. - Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

From its first line, MONSTROUS had me in its grip. MarcyKate Connolly has created a fresh and wildly inventive dark fairy tale about Kym, a protagonist as sweet as she is strong. Kym’s bravery shines, as she fights against the menacing forces in Bryre and also struggles to figure out where she, a self-described monster of a girl, belongs. This remarkable, absorbing debut will enchant readers. --Rebecca Behrens, author of When Audrey Met Alice - .

“While Kymera’s journey reads like a timeless fairy tale, my favorite thing about her is that she’s not waiting to be rescued. She is the rescuer. She’s tough, vibrant, intelligent and brave enough to be vulnerable. This is a dazzling and unique once-upon-a-time about a girl who is part dragon, part bird, part cat, all hero.” --Natalie Lloyd, author of A Snicker of Magic - .

“Pays tribute to classic fairy tales while turning the tradition on its head. A smart, ambitious adventure, led by a heroine whose differences only enhance her humanity.” --Emma Trevayne, author of Flights and Chimes and Mysterious Times - .

Connolly invokes fairy-tale elements with ease, and... the formidable theme of sacrifice resonates far beyond the final page. - Publishers Weekly

A likely read-aloud that has its share of guts, blood, and grim reality within this fantasy land, Monstrous will keep young readers thinking about trust, good and evil, friendship and loyalty, and devotion to community. - Booklist

Magic, fantastic creatures, mythology, and a bit of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein combine here for an exciting…tale. - School Library Journal