Format Read: ebook.

Release Date: April 29, 2013.

Genre: Horror/Comedy.

Series: Monstrosity #1.

Length: 224 pages.

Publisher: Pocket Star.

Formats Available: ebook.

Purchasing Info: Author’s Website, Goodreads, Amazon.

Book Blurb:

Natalie’s one of Frankenstein’s creations and works in a New York City morgue. So of course she needs therapy. She and her friends—er, fellow monsters—have formed the world’s most exclusive, most dysfunctional support group. What could go wrong?

Undetected in the modern world and under pressure to stay that way, Natalie Grey, Dracula, Bob the Blob, and others (including the fetching wolfman Alec) meet regularly to talk about the pressures of being infamous in the Big Apple. Topics include how long it’s been since their last sighting, how their “story” creates stereotypes they can’t fulfill, and—gasp—sometimes even their feelings. But when their pervy Invisible Man, Ellis, is killed in a manner reminiscent of the H.G. Wells novel, it’s clear someone’s discovered their existence and is down for some monster busting.

Led by Natalie—and definitely not helped by Hyde’s bloodthirsty tendencies—the members of Monstofelldosis Anonymous band together for security and a little sleuthing. And maybe—maybe—if they don’t end up dead, they’ll end up friends somewhere along the way.

My Thoughts:

Are you as tired as I am of all the brooding immortals and sparkly vampires who want nothing more than to hook up with teenagers?

Of course you are. Which is why you are going to run out and grab a copy of Club Monstrosity. It’s a quick, fun, read that focuses on the trials and tribulations of being a closeted classical monster in modern NYC, and the how – for all their differences – these really are humanity’s children. (If you caught the BSG reference, you are a rock star. If you’ve never seen Battlestar Galactica, then I weep for you.)

The monsters featured in this story stem directly from the classic source material. No sparkles or soul mates or clones allowed. However, they seem less monstrous when viewed through a modern lens.

Swampthing is a hypochondriac. The Blob is a kleptomaniac one phone call away from being featured on Hoarders. Frankenstein’s Monster suffers from body image issues, while the Mummy just can’t escape her millennia-long domestic violence relationship.

Basically, these people have plenty of issues before being victimized by hate crimes pulled directly from their origin stories.

Which leads me to the pink elephant in the room – the villain. This sociopathic monster slayer was all built up to be the head of a Van Helsing army, a government-sanctioned assassin, or an extremist neighborhood gentrification association. Terrifying. Unstoppable……

Yeah not so much. Bullshit emotional drama. “Woe is me! My love is dead! I shall now arbitrarily assign guilt!”

The book starts of very strong, but the last-minute set-up for book two feels forced and out of place. I don’t feel like there were more stories to be told here, and I’m worried the fun premise is going to try to take itself too seriously in future outings. Nonetheless, I’ll give book 2 a try. Prove me wrong Ms. Petersen!

I give Club Monstrosity 4 stars!*

*Only because it really wouldn’t be right to deduct a star due to anticipation of a crappy sequel. Would it?

Note: I had a bitch of time buying this book since BooksOnBoard is dead. Giving money to Amazon or B&N causes me pain – and DRM restrictions inhibit my freedom to buy from other indie sellers For some reason, they have difficulties with the Alaska IP address. (Is it Canadian or American? American or Canadian? Better to be safe than sorry and just ban them access to everything. They can take a dog sled to the nearest igloo-bookstore if they really want to read something.)

***FTC Disclaimer: Most books reviewed on this site have been provided free of charge by the publisher, author or publicist. Some books we have purchased with our own money and will be noted as such. Any links to places to purchase books are provided as a convenience, and do not serve as an endorsement by this blog. All reviews are the true and honest opinion of the blogger reviewing the book. The method of acquiring the book does not have a bearing on the content of the review.

About Draconismoi

Draconismoi is a Legal Aid Attorney out on the frozen tundra. After two weeks of -30F, she started telling people she moved to Alaska because she loves the indoors. Right now you'll find her curled up under all the blankets she owns, surrounded by a pile of books. Every so often she emerges from her cave (when there is food) and wonders how she'll justify prolonging this behavior once the temperature rises and the sun returns.

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