The Monstrumologist
The Monstrumologist
by: Rick Yancey
Simon & Schuster
Ages 12 & up
2009
Genre: Horror, Young Adult
Keywords: Monsters, Graveyards, Supernatural, Orphans, Apprenticeships
Summary: After a fire killed his parents in the late 1800s, 12-year old Will Henry is taken in by Dr. Pellinore Warthrop, a reclusive monstrumologist. Will Henry becomes indispensable to the Doctor as his apprentice, especially when a predatory species, which can only be categorized as monsters, are discovered in the graveyard outside of town feasting on the dead. The Doctor and Will Henry try to piece together how the monsters ended up in New England, but when the monsters start attacking the living rather than the dead the Doctor and Will Henry must quickly find a way to exterminate them — without becoming the next victims.
The good: This is the first book in an ongoing series and, as such, holds the attention of the reader with inventive and horrifying monsters, well-developed characters, and beautiful prose. To be honest, this is the first horror book I have read (not counting Edgar Allan Poe’s short stories) and am surprised by how much I loved it. While certain scenes are gruesome and had me quaking in my boots, those scenes are also highly creative and fascinating to imagine. The character of Will Henry is everything an orphaned boy should be, quickly capturing the imagination and heart of the reader. Dr. Warthrop is a fascinating and complex character who has a level of depth that I am sure the other books will further elucidate. The vocabulary is at times complex but perfectly suited with its historical setting and is accomplished without isolating the reader.
The verdict: I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a spooky read. In fact, it is a perfect October read and a perfect recommendation for boys who can’t get enough of R. L. Stine or similarly “horrorific” authors.
The rating: 7
Filed under: Horror, Printz, Young Adult
