The Monstrumologist

This book has left me puzzled. It took me a while to finish it and I think I only did that to see if I could. I wanted to love it. I don't think I do. It is about Will Henry, an orphan, who lives with Dr. Pellinore Walthrop- a monstrumologist. They go on a hunt to track down a pack of Anthropophagus- headless creatures who feast on humans. It is violent and extraordinarily bloody for a YA book. It is also not an easy read, and I find it hard to imagine which of my students could make it through and understand it. I think Jack the Ripper is in the story as a fellow monster hunter. I like Will Henry, he is an engaging character. I like monster books. But something isn't sitting right with this one for me. I'm glad I'm done, I won't read the sequel and I'm ready to move on to something more pleasant- like dystopian fiction. Because even I, who has read it all, found parts of this book stomach turning. Step lively Will Henry Snap to! and Happy reading my friends.