This is the sequel to Connolly's first book Monstrous and takes on the adventures of Greta who was one of the young girls saved by Kymera from the mad king of Belladoma. However Greta has been changed by her experiences and returns to a brother she keeps secret so that they will not be separated and sent to orphanages when it is found out their parents have disappeared. He too has been changed by life and as they steal to get by Greta's friendship with Ren and the King of Bryre helps her in this time of sorrow. So the shock of betrayal is great when the King announces his plan to aid the failing city of Belladoma which is being brought to ruin by the Sonzeeki, the sea monster that lurks beneath its cliffs. Greta's objections to helping the very people who selfishly allowed the sacrifices of her friends causes a rift and when her brother is kidnapped and she asks for their help, they believe her story to be an effort to stop them from aiding the ailing city. Greta is left with no choice but to go after Hans herself. Greta's search will lead her from a witch's house that stalks the forests to the very epicenter of her worst nightmares. Her past is not done with her and if she wishes to reunite her family and friends she will have to face the most frightening creature of all, her fears.
This is a deftly weaved continuation featuring sea monsters, child eating witches, and creatures fantastical and cruel. Forgiveness, understanding, and compassion are the bones of Greta's story as she comes face to face with the people she believes to be so repulsive. In the end this is a story about a young woman forging herself into what her destiny calls for, a hero.
Included in this edition is a novella called Precious which is about Princess Rosabel who we learned was Kymera's first life. As we watch her rebelling against her parent's strict watch to protect her from a wizard she doesn't believe exists anymore, we are given a more intimate view of the acts that lead up to the very moment we began Monstrous. This creates a more solid bedrock for these stories to grow on.
Absolutely recommend these books for 10 and up who are not ready for teen reads but need more to sink their teeth in. Fairy tales for the real world.
This is a deftly weaved continuation featuring sea monsters, child eating witches, and creatures fantastical and cruel. Forgiveness, understanding, and compassion are the bones of Greta's story as she comes face to face with the people she believes to be so repulsive. In the end this is a story about a young woman forging herself into what her destiny calls for, a hero.
Included in this edition is a novella called Precious which is about Princess Rosabel who we learned was Kymera's first life. As we watch her rebelling against her parent's strict watch to protect her from a wizard she doesn't believe exists anymore, we are given a more intimate view of the acts that lead up to the very moment we began Monstrous. This creates a more solid bedrock for these stories to grow on.
Absolutely recommend these books for 10 and up who are not ready for teen reads but need more to sink their teeth in. Fairy tales for the real world.
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