The Monsters We Defy

LoveReading Says

Magnetic and multi-layered, with themes of racism resonating from its 1920’s setting, Leslye Penelope’s The Monsters We Defy is as vibrant and thought-provoking as fantasy comes. Think Neil Gaiman with historic bite, as a curious cast of characters come together to pull off a very necessary heist. 

Penelope’s storytelling prowess is mighty — her language dances with lucidity as we’re drawn into the world of Clara, a woman who was born at a crossroads and has the gift of talking to spirits. Though this gift saved Clara during her darkest days, it’s rendered her indebted to the world of Enigmas (spirits), which is why she accepts the powerful Empress Enigma’s deal to be freed from her debt.

Trouble is, the task is nigh impossible. Clara must steal a ring from “untouchable and powerful” opera singer Madame Josephine, wife of a gangster, and the richest woman in town. The ancient ring, stolen from Africa, is the reason more and more townsfolk are being transformed into “mindless automatons” — “the ring was obviously dangerous. It had the potential to kill.” And so Clara calls upon a variously talented bunch to help her out, with much magic and mayhem untangling through the masterfully crafted plot.

Joanne Owen

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