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The Monsters of Rookhaven
Book Review
Amazing scenes build in your mind as you read each word that has been written
The Monsters of Rookhaven by Pádraig Kenny is an amazing book. The monsters aren’t like what we think about when someone mentions monsters, but are more like humans with special powers. It is told from four different points of view, which brings the story together in a structure otherwise unachievable. It is about a girl called Mirabella who lives with her family the monsters in a house protected by magic. Mirabella is not like the other monsters. She can’t eat, she can’t sleep and she has only one form.
The trouble really starts when two human children find their way to the monster’s house, alone. They appear harmless, but the damage they end up causing is huge. And so, armed with a murder of crows and a strange, powerful being called Piglet, Mirabella and her friends set out to save their home.
I really enjoyed reading this book because it often doesn’t tell you what is happening, but shows you through incredible words and lively vocabulary. Amazing scenes build in your mind as you read each word that has been written. This really builds the atmosphere and allows you a more vivid picture of the world that has been brought to life by Pádraig Kenny.
I would recommend this book to older children, teenagers and adults alike. I think most people would enjoy reading it as much as I did.
About the Book
This thought-provoking, chilling and beautifully crafted novel from award-wining author, Pádraig Kenny is suitable for older children. The Monsters of Rookhaven contains lots of intricate illustrations, drawn by Edward Bettison, which really impact upon reading experience of the narrative which explores the difference and empathy through the eyes of fully developed characters.
Mirabelle has always known she is a monster. When the glamour protecting her unusual family from the human world is torn and an orphaned brother and sister stumble upon Rookhaven, Mirabelle soon discovers that friendship can be found in the outside world. But as something far more sinister comes to threaten them all, it quickly becomes clear that the true monsters aren’t necessarily the ones you can see…
Author
Pádraig Kenny
Pádraig Kenny is an Irish author originally from Newbridge, County Kildare, now living in Limerick.
He worked as an arts journalist, teacher, and librarian’s assistant before becoming a full-time writer, and his novels—such as 'Tin' and 'The Monsters of Rookhaven'—have earned critical acclaim.
Reviewer Profile
Margaret, 11
- Reviews: 15
- Likes: crochet, watercolour painting and fossils
- Dislikes: seafood and stir-fry
- Favourite Book: Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs by Steve Brusatte
- Favourite Film: Star Wars - The Clone Wars
- Favourite Song: Apparition No. 12 by Thea Gilmore
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