Official Review: The Different Kinds Of Monsters
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[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Different Kinds Of Monsters" by Seth Chambers.]
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Chambers’ tale gives birth to a Jurassic period Allosaurus and ensnares readers by paralleling her evolution with the defining events in the life of a twentieth-century man. Dylan’s story is recounted to readers through chapters that are interrupted by coordinating chapters depicting the dinosaur. Readers watch the two grow, struggle and evolve in similar ways though separated by millions of years. A twist reveals they are connected far more than thought conceivably possible and the Allosaurus of years past is very much alive in this man’s life today. As Dylan transitions into adulthood, he realizes that his repeated childhood encounters with the dinosaur are hiding something much more sinister than a simple museum attraction.
The book starts slowly, but before realizing it, readers are engrossed in emotionally provocative scenarios that aren’t anticipated when first picking up a science fiction novel. The Different Kinds of Monsters showcases the struggles of being a parent, the heartbreak of being a spouse, the disappointments overcome in childhood, and the desires suppressed as an adult. As Dylan matures and attempts to unravel the mystery of his dangerous connection to the dinosaur, he unknowingly collects many of the traits he attributed to the villains of his youth and eventually transforms into his own kind of monster.
This was a difficult book for me to read, not because it was uninteresting but because I was so unprepared for the serious topics being discussed. While the chapters following the dinosaur are lighthearted and childlike, the human sections are much darker. There are instances of child abuse, child molestation, spousal abuse, sexual abuse, incest and more. This book is most definitely for adult audiences. These audiences chase Dylan down the rabbit hole of despair hoping to uncover if he will ever save himself from what he’s become.
I rated this book 3 out of 4 stars. There are a few grammatical errors that cannot be overlooked, but beyond that, I would have enjoyed more definitions during the dinosaur chapters. There are constant references to many species with no descriptions. Not every reader knows which dinosaurs are herbivores or predators; not every reader knows which are slow and lumbering as opposed to quick and deadly. Perhaps the author might consider a reference page? This book certainly has promise for those looking to blend the past with the present and the ancient with the new. However, reader beware: what follows is an intense dissection into the heart of a monster.
******
The Different Kinds Of Monsters
View: on Bookshelves |
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Chambers’ tale gives birth to a Jurassic period Allosaurus and ensnares readers by paralleling her evolution with the defining events in the life of a twentieth-century man. Dylan’s story is recounted to readers through chapters that are interrupted by coordinating chapters depicting the dinosaur. Readers watch the two grow, struggle and evolve in similar ways though separated by millions of years. A twist reveals they are connected far more than thought conceivably possible and the Allosaurus of years past is very much alive in this man’s life today. As Dylan transitions into adulthood, he realizes that his repeated childhood encounters with the dinosaur are hiding something much more sinister than a simple museum attraction.
The book starts slowly, but before realizing it, readers are engrossed in emotionally provocative scenarios that aren’t anticipated when first picking up a science fiction novel. The Different Kinds of Monsters showcases the struggles of being a parent, the heartbreak of being a spouse, the disappointments overcome in childhood, and the desires suppressed as an adult. As Dylan matures and attempts to unravel the mystery of his dangerous connection to the dinosaur, he unknowingly collects many of the traits he attributed to the villains of his youth and eventually transforms into his own kind of monster.
This was a difficult book for me to read, not because it was uninteresting but because I was so unprepared for the serious topics being discussed. While the chapters following the dinosaur are lighthearted and childlike, the human sections are much darker. There are instances of child abuse, child molestation, spousal abuse, sexual abuse, incest and more. This book is most definitely for adult audiences. These audiences chase Dylan down the rabbit hole of despair hoping to uncover if he will ever save himself from what he’s become.
I rated this book 3 out of 4 stars. There are a few grammatical errors that cannot be overlooked, but beyond that, I would have enjoyed more definitions during the dinosaur chapters. There are constant references to many species with no descriptions. Not every reader knows which dinosaurs are herbivores or predators; not every reader knows which are slow and lumbering as opposed to quick and deadly. Perhaps the author might consider a reference page? This book certainly has promise for those looking to blend the past with the present and the ancient with the new. However, reader beware: what follows is an intense dissection into the heart of a monster.
******
The Different Kinds Of Monsters
View: on Bookshelves |
Like NL Hartje's review? Post a comment saying so!
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