Monster Calls

There's no denying it: this is one profoundly sad story. But it's also wise, darkly funny and brave, told in spare sentences, punctuated with fantastic images and stirring silences. Past his sorrow, fright and rage, Conor ultimately lands in a place - an imperfect one, of course - where healing can begin. A MONSTER CALLS is a gift from a generous story-teller and a potent piece of art.--The New York Times A nuanced tale that draws on elements of classic horror stories to delve into the terrifying terrain of loss. . . . Ness brilliantly captures Conor's horrifying emotional ride as his mother's inevitable death approaches. In an ideal pairing of text and illustration, the novel is liberally laced with Kay's evocatively textured pen-and-ink artwork, which surrounds the text, softly caressing it in quiet moments and in others rushing toward the viewer with a nightmarish intensity.A poignant tribute to the life and talent of Siobhan Dowd and an astonishing exploration of fear.--Kirkus Reviews (starred review) Profoundly moving, expertly crafted tale... a singular masterpiece, exceptionally well-served by Kay's atmospheric and ominous illustrations... tackles the toughest of subjects by refusing to flinch, meeting the ugly truth about life head-on with compassion, bravery, and insight.--Publishers Weekly (starred review) A brilliantly executed, powerful tale.--School Library Journal (starred review) Ness twists out a resolution that is revelatory in its obviousness, beautiful in its execution, and fearless in its honesty. Kays artwork keeps the pace, gnawing at the edges of the pages with thundercloud shadows and keeping the monster just barely, terribly seeable.--Booklist (starred review) A masterpiece about life and loss that will stay with the reader long after the final page is turned.--Library Media Connection (starred review) A nuanced tale that draws on elements of classic horror stories to delve into the terrifying terrain of loss. . . . Ness brilliantly captures Conor's horrifying emotional ride as his mother's inevitable death approaches. In an ideal pairing of text and illustration, the novel is liberally laced with Kay's evocatively textured pen-and-ink artwork, which surrounds the text, softly caressing it in quiet moments and in others rushing toward the viewer with a nightmarish intensity.A poignant tribute to the life and talent of Siobhan Dowd and an astonishing exploration of fear.--Kirkus Reviews (starred review) Profoundly moving, expertly crafted tale... a singular masterpiece, exceptionally well-served by Kay's atmospheric and ominous illustrations... tackles the toughest of subjects by refusing to flinch, meeting the ugly truth about life head-on with compassion, bravery, and insight.--Publishers Weekly (starred review) A brilliantly executed, powerful tale.--Schoo Powerful and impressive. The story behind the book is fascinating and moving too, the idea coming to life in the safe hands of Patrick Ness-- a vivid example of how stories live on. -Philip Pullman Patrick Ness has turned his exceptional talent to the subject of loss... This is storytelling as it should be (and almost enver is) -- harrowing, lyrical, and transcendent. - Meg Rosoff I never got to meet Siobhan Dowd. I only know her through her superb books: four electric young adult novels, two published in her lifetime, two after her too-early death. This would have been her fifth book. She had the characters, a premise, and a beginning. What she didn't have, unfortunately, was time. When I was asked if I would consider turning her work into a book, I hesitated. What I wouldn't do-- what I couldn't do-- was write a novel mimicking her voice. But almost before I could help it, Siobhan's ideas were suggesting new ones to me, and I began to feel that itch that every writ