5*/5 Stars: ‘A Monster Calls’ by Patrick Ness.
→ Age Range: Young Adult.
→ Genre: Contemporary, Magical Realism.
→ Trigger Warnings: Grief, Violence, Death.

In-depth Rating:
→ Plot: ★★★★★
→ Character Development: ★★★★★
→ Setting: ★★★★★
→ Entertainment Level: ★★★★★
→ Writing: ★★★★★

General Comments: A poignant tribute to the life and talent of Siobhan Dowd; Patrick Ness has crafted a nuanced tale that draws on elements of classic horror to delve into the terrifying terrain of loss. In an ideal pairing of text and illustration, the novel is liberally laced with evocatively textured pen-and-ink artwork, which surrounds the text, softly caressing it in quiet moments of nightmarish intensity.

Favourite Quote: ‘Your mind will believe comforting lies while also knowing the painful truths that make those lies necessary. And your mind will punish you for believing both.’

Time Read: One Day.
→ Audiobook: Yes.
→ Audiobook Narrator: Jason Isaacs.

Re-Read Review:
2018: 5/5 Stars.
2019: 5/5 Stars.
2020: 5/5 Stars.
2021: 5/5 Stars.

*My All-Time Favourite Book.