This Monstrous Thing

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 steampunk 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 Frankenstein Retelling: A wholly new reimagining of Mary Shelley’s classic, where young mechanic Alasdair Finch uses forbidden science to bring his brother, Oliver, back from the grave.
• YA Historical Fantasy: Step into an alternative 1818 Geneva, a city of steam-powered carriages where men with clockwork parts are both a marvel and a menace.
• A Monstrous Secret: When the resurrection goes wrong, Oliver returns as something more monster than man, forcing the brothers to conceal the shocking truth of what Alasdair has done.
• A Dangerous Obsession: The publication of a certain gothic novel ignites a real-life monster hunt, and the townsfolk are determined to find the truth behind the fiction—at any cost.

In 1818 Geneva, men built with clockwork parts live hidden away from society, cared for only by illegal mechanics called Shadow Boys. Two years ago, Shadow Boy Alasdair Finch's life shattered to bits. His brother, Oliver—dead.

His sweetheart, Mary—gone.

His chance to break free of Geneva—lost.

Heartbroken and desperate, Alasdair does the unthinkable: he brings Oliver back from the dead.

But putting back together a broken life is more difficult than mending bones and adding clockwork pieces. Oliver returns more monster than man, and Alasdair's horror further damages the already troubled relationship. Then comes the publication of Frankenstein, and the city intensifies its search for Shadow Boys, aiming to discover the real-life doctor and his monster. Alasdair finds refuge with his idol, the brilliant Dr. Geisler, who may offer him a way to escape the dangerous present and his guilt-ridden past, but at a horrible price only Oliver can pay. . . .

Inspired by Mary Shelley's classic novel, Mackenzi Lee's dark yet redemptive debut is part fantasy, part Gothic horror, and ultimately the story of two brothers who might just keep each other human.

The old and new are woven together in language and theme creating a solid tale that explores what it means to be human. Part homage to a sci-fi original, part re-imagining, plenty of teen torment and trouble—an absorbing read. - Kirkus Reviews

Lee’s accomplished first novel envisions an early-19th-century Geneva where clockwork technology is common yet controversial. - Publishers Weekly

A compelling and brave retelling of the first science fiction novel. A secret history, a love story, something both old and new. - Scott Westerfeld, author of Zeroes and Uglies

Mackenzi Lee’s This Monstrous Thing is simply beautiful. It pulses with electricity, mystery, and heart and brings to life one of my all time favorite tales with an unexpected twist. - Danielle Paige, New York Times bestselling author of Dorothy Must Die and The Wicked Will Rise

A richly imagined tale of two brothers and a dark science that twists everything I thought I knew about Frankenstein. A monstrously good read! - Megan Shepherd, author of The Madman’s Daughter series

In her debut, Lee has crafted an intriguing premise that will easily satisfy gothic horror and steampunk fans. - Booklist

Retellings of classics can be hit-or-miss undertakings, but in Lee’s masterful prose, this macabre novel is charged with unmistakable signs of life. - The Horn Book

Richly imagined and ingeniously plotted, this version incorporates quotations from Shelley’s text while updating the perennial questions of the original regarding how far is too far when it comes to meddling in the affairs of life and death. - Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

The adeptly paced and well-written story reveals the troubled relationship between two brothers and how their choices can either destroy or make them stronger. Full of action, mystery, and suspense, this reimagined classic will not disappoint readers of gothic, steampunk, and historical fiction. A satisfying tribute to Shelley’s monster tale. - School Library Journal