Title: Monsters
Author: Ilsa J. Bick
First published September 10, 2013
Audio CD
ISBN: 9781455857401 (ISBN10: 1455857408)
Rating: 3.73
Overview
In a world where the Changed roam free, the Spared are running out of time. Alex never expected to find a monster in her head after the death of her parents.
Fleeing to the wilderness seemed like the only option left. But when the apocalypse strikes, Alex is forced to face betrayal, terror, and death head-on.
With no hope of rescue and starvation looming, she uncovers a shocking truth: the Change isn’t over, and the Changed are still evolving with help from an unknown source. In Monsters, the thrilling finale of The Ashes Trilogy, Ilsa J.
Bick delivers a heart-pounding conclusion that brings readers back to a world where danger lurks around every corner and hope is a scarce resource. Will the Spared survive, or will the monsters take over once and for all?
About the Author
In college, I majored in English, so technically I should refer to myself in the third person and say, “Ilsa J. Bick is…” But honestly, I find that a little awkward.
I mean, I’m right here with you, so why not just talk like a normal person? Here’s the deal: I’m a child psychiatrist (surprise!), film scholar, and former Air Force major.
I even did an internship in surgery once and loved it, so who knows where I might be if I’d stuck with that path. But what really blows my mind is that I’m also an award-winning, best-selling author.
I’ve written everything from short stories to e-books to full-length novels. I still can’t quite believe it myself, but my mom would be happy to tell you all about it.
Editoral Review
Ilsa J. Bick’s “Monsters” offers a thrilling and poignant addition to the young adult post-apocalyptic genre.
Published on September 10, 2013, the book presents a unique blend of horror and science fiction with a touch of romance that would make it appealing for readers of all ages. The book follows the story of seventeen-year-old Alex, who, after experiencing an electromagnetic pulse that has wiped out most of humanity, finds herself in a world dominated by deadly monsters.
The story begins with Alex trying to make her way through the wilderness with an eight-year-old girl, but she soon discovers that the real monsters are not the flesh-eating creatures lurking in the shadows but the humans she encounters along the way. Bick’s writing style is hauntingly beautiful, and the descriptive passages of a post-apocalyptic world are both masterful and vivid.
The characters are well-developed, and the reader establishes a genuine connection with Alex and the people she meets. The setting of the story, which is set in several locations, is exceptionally well-drawn and adds to the atmosphere of the book.
One of the strengths of the book is the well-crafted plot that is action-packed and fast-paced, keeping the tension high throughout the story. The book does not indulge in graphic violence or gore, making it suitable for the younger end of the age-range.
Another strength of “Monsters” is its exploration of the theme of humanity. The book asks important questions about what it means to be human in a world that has lost all semblance of order and social structure.
Bick excels in showing the best and worst sides of human nature, and in doing so, highlights the importance of empathy, kindness, and cooperation. The book’s only downside is its open-ended conclusion, which may leave readers who enjoy a complete resolution a little unsatisfied.
However, this is a relatively small blemish in an otherwise excellent work. Overall, “Monsters” is a thrilling and engaging read that will appeal to fans of young adult literature and those who enjoy post-apocalyptic works.
It is a must-read for anyone who is interested in exploring the themes of humanity, survival, and the power of empathy. The book will stay with the reader long after they have turned the last page.
The Washington Post gives “Monsters” five stars for its beautifully written prose, well-rounded characters, gripping plot, and thought-provoking themes.
