Official Review: Monsterland by Michael Okon

[MsTri]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Monsterland" by Michael Okon.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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In a contest between vampires, werewolves, and zombies, who do YOU think would win? Such is the question that Wyatt, Melvin, Howard Drucker (always referred to by both names), and Sean have been arguing over for years, though Wyatt is tiring of the same old thing. In Michael Okon's book, Monsterland, this question is finally answered when the aforementioned four teenagers go to the opening of a theme park sharing the name of the book.

Even though he's tired of the years-long discussion, 17-year-old Wyatt Baldwin - no relation to Alec, as we're reminded time and again - welcomes the opportunity to visit the amusement park on its opening night with his pals, Howard Drucker and Melvin, and his younger brother, Sean. He's also hoping to spend time with his crush, Jade, even though she'll be going with her bully boyfriend, Nolan. Wyatt is sure that they'll all be safe from the vamps, wolves, and zombies inhabiting the park because he greatly admires the creator of the park, Dr. Vincent Konrad, whom he believes to be a benevolent citizen looking out for what's best for the world. Wyatt's stepfather, Carter White, isn't so sure of Vincent's altruism, so it's a good thing that he's also going as a part of his job as a member of the Copper Valley Police Force.

With a set up like this, what could possibly go wrong? Aside from total chaos, murder, and mayhem, not a thing! I found Monsterland to be rollicking fun with a major shot of violence to sober the young protagonists who find that it's not all fun and games when dealing with such creatures. The author perfectly blended suspense and action with a nice dollop of humor on top. Even though this book is clearly a work of fiction, I was completely able to suspend my disbelief and worry about what would happen next. In the same vein, I could fully picture the park as a real place...provided the monsters therein were real. From the Werewolf River Run to The Abracadavers rocking out at the Nightmare Arena, I felt like I was right there, 'oohing and aahing' while taking in all of the sights, not to mention running from the hungry werewolves and zombies.

The teens in this tome were fairly realistic, if a bit stereotypical. Wyatt and Sean's relationship in particular illustrated sibling rivalry pretty well but also underscored the love that's there between brothers. Jade was a nice enough love interest, stuck in an undesirable relationship with a bully who didn't want to let her go. My favorite duo, however, were Howard Drucker and Keisha; they clearly liked each other, but Howard had trouble closing the deal even though it was clear that Keisha liked him back. I had the most trouble sympathizing with Melvin, as I didn't feel like I got to know him as well as I did the others. I will say that when he made a major decision about midway through the book, I expected more of a reaction from his friends, who took it all in stride and were way more nonchalant than I would have been!

As a big fan of stories involving any and all of the creatures noted above, I was very excited to read a book that put them all together in a theme park. It was therefore with pleasure that I noted that though Wyatt and his peers were central figures in this tome, the author also gave ample time to the vampires, werewolves, and zombies, telling things from their points of view, though I felt like the zombies could have used a bit more "screen-time". I especially enjoyed the chapters featuring the vampires, Raoul, Sylvie, Ian, and Angie. When I first set out to read this tale, I thought that the "monsters" would just be scary, but they were so much more. None of them were happy with their living arrangements in the park, even the vampires who had agreed to be there but found themselves having to survive off of packaged animal blood after having had their fangs capped. By the end of the book, I was unhappy about their behavior, yet I could also sympathize with their circumstances. I also came to realize that certain humans in the book were far more monster-like than these creatures could ever be. Carter, Dr. Konrad, and other adults were featured in separate chapters as well. I really appreciated that each chapter focused on different people because it made for a much fuller read than just following one person.

Monsterland had perhaps a handful of grammatical errors, none of them distracting, so I am very glad to award this book 4 out of 4 stars. I also highly recommend it to fans of vampires, werewolves, and/or zombies as well as people who enjoy unique theme parks. There was a lot of violence and some sexual innuendo, so I'd caution those with weak constitutions against reading this. For these reasons, I also think it's better for older teens or young adults than tweens. While there were a few places that gave me goosebumps, the tale wasn't overly scary, so those who are okay with minor frights should be okay with this book as well.

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Monsterland
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Like MsTri's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Bianka Walter]

This sounds like so much fun. I love the characters already, and like you say, who doesn't want the age-old question of 'who would win?' answered? Your review made this book come alive - awesome

[MsTri]

This sounds like so much fun. I love the characters already, and like you say, who doesn't want the age-old question of 'who would win?' answered? Your review made this book come alive - awesome

Aw, thanks so much for your kind words; I do try hard to make sure my reviews are entertaining as well as informative...And even though the question was "answered", I'm sure there are those who will still disagree. Such is life!

[1ditzyrn]

I can't wait to read this book. I love monster stories and this one sounds great. I especially like that the character development of all characters is done well. Thanks for your review!

[MsTri]

I can't wait to read this book. I love monster stories and this one sounds great. I especially like that the character development of all characters is done well. Thanks for your review!

You're so welcome, and thank YOU for commenting! I hope you DO get to read this, for it was great fun.

[kdstrack]

Your review makes monsters, vampires, zombies, etc., seem like fun creatures to hang out with! Great writing.

[Debjani Ghosh]

This book promises a unique premise. I will check out this book. Thanks for the review.

[kandscreeley]

I read this book as well. I found it to be absolutely engaging, unique and fabulous! Definitely worth reading. It was so much fun for me. I'd also recommend the second in the series, and I think there's going to be a third! Thanks for the review.

[Jackie Holycross]

This sounds great. I like these particular monsters as well and I love the fact that part of the story is from their point of view. Your review really makes me want to read this one.

[Michgal 32]

Your review makes me want to read the book. I guess I would be on the edge my seat when the monsters encounter one another.

[Heidi M Simone]

This sounds like a fun read, especially for next month! I also like when different perspectives are given (and done well) in a book, so I'm glad it worked out well here. Too bad about the errors, but I'm glad that it didn't distract from your enjoyment! Thank you for sharing and I'm glad you enjoyed this one!

[ea_anthony]

Just the kind of book I would love to read. This looks like a Jurassic Park (sans dinosaurs) meets World War Z and Twilight. Nice review by the way.

[Sakilunamermaid]

I love stories that have a mixture of monsters, its also really cool that you get to see events through the monsters perspective. This makes me think of Zombie Land but with 3x the danger. Look forward to meeting these characters and entering the park with them.

[MsTri]

Your review makes monsters, vampires, zombies, etc., seem like fun creatures to hang out with! Great writing.

Thanks SO much for your kind comment!

[MsTri]

This book promises a unique premise. I will check out this book. Thanks for the review.

And thank YOU for commenting!