12/09/2014

2015 Feature: Monstrous by MarcyKate Connolly

Today's 2015 post is focusing on the only middle-grade novel in the whole feature, which I am extremely excited about for many reasons. One of which is the presence of dragons. Because DRAGONS.

Anyway, first here's a bit about the book:

Monstrous by MarcyKate Connolly.

To be published: February 10, 2015
by: HarperCollins Children's Books.

Goodreads Synopsis:
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.

MarcyKate is here to share with us some of the most exciting elements of her debut novel. Welcome, MarcyKate!

My debut novel Monstrous is often described as Frankenstein meets the Brothers Grimm. It draws much inspiration from both of those books, but it is by no means a retelling, so while you will see some recognizable elements, the plot is a whole new adventure.
If you’re a fan of all things Frankenstein and fairy tale, what should you expect? Here are some of my favorite (non-spoilery) highlights to look forward to:

* The main character, Kymera. She is a monster girl, remade by her father with giant raven wings, the claws and eyes of a cat, and a snake’s tail. Her name is also a play on the word chimera, a mythological creature made up of several animal parts.

* Hybrid creatures. Kymera is not the only franken-creation in the book. Her father also created a flock of goat-chickens and a pet sperrier (a terrier with sparrow wings).

* Dragon! Enough said, right?

* Classic fairy tale setting. Monstrous is set in a fairy tale world that has a dark, dangerous forest, and a briar patch that is slowly devouring a castle.

* Monstrous people and things. Like Frankenstein, one of the main themes is: what makes a monster? Kymera may be monstrous in appearance, but she is kind and sweet and loyal. Other characters in the book may seem human and good, but underneath are terrible plans and deeds. At the heart of Kymera’s character is the question of whether she should suppress the things that make her different or embrace them. And yes, she may have to deal with a few pitchforks and torches before she figures that out.

* Inspiration from a classic fairy tale. While again Monstrous is definitely not a retelling, you could characterize it as “Rumpelstiltskin’s revenge.” What happened after he was denied his agreed upon reward? What if he were more powerful? Rumpelstiltskin himself is not a character in Monstrous, but his situation and the potential consequences play a role in this book.

* Did I mention there’s a dragon? Because there is, and I hope readers love him as much as I do!

Thanks, MarcyKate! I think that if that list doesn't speak for itself, I don't know what else you could possibly be looking for in a book! Everyone, please tell me you're as excited about this one as I am! Dragons? As MarcyKate put it: enough said!

Preorder Monstrous here: Amazon US // Amazon Canada // Barnes & Noble // Chapters Indigo // Indiebound // The Book Depository

Follow MarcyKate here: Facebook // Tumblr // Twitter // Website

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