A review by lit_vibrations
The Monsters We Defy by Leslye Penelope

5.0

This was such an amazing read!!!!! I literally enjoyed this book from start to finish. This is something I’d love to see on tv or in theaters it gives Halloween type vibes. What I loved most was finding out the story had been inspired by true events that occurred in history.

Based during the 1920’s Clara Johnson was our gifted heroine who set out to save her city from destruction. Many of their local citizens had become “Afflicted” which was them being placed under a spell that took their souls and left them mindless like zombies in a sense. Clara took notice to what was occurring when one of her co-workers had come up missing. Word got around town of many others going missing or not acting like their usual selves.

Once Clara gets to the bottom of what’s happened in their city. She must band together a team that can assist her with setting those that have been “Afflicted” free and keeping those that have not safe before it’s too late. Her team consisted of different individuals that each had their own Charm given to them by an Enigma. Their Charms would be used to assist them in the biggest heist none of them were truly prepared for. Yet the mission was accomplished.

I loved all of the characters but Zelda had to be my fav. She was the true definition of a ride or die friend that’s down for whatever. She could hold her own and wasn’t afraid of nothing. Whatever Clara was about to do Zelda was right there like I got you let’s do this even when the help was unwanted.

I honestly didn’t know what to expect when I began reading this. I can barely put into words how awesome this was. The backstories were everything it gave so much insight into each characters life and how their charm/trick was obtained. In most cases going back in time to explain how a character fits into the story can take away from it or can be overly informative. But the way Leslye put this novel together was PERFECT.

Favorite Quote: “Already got the milk, what he need the cow for?” -Mama Octavia

If you haven’t read this yet I definitely RECOMMEND you do and if you’ve already read the novel it won’t hurt to read it again. I definitely plan to for Halloween!!!!!!!!