THE MONSTER WHO WASN'T BY T C SHELLEY

The Monster Who Wasn’t is a lovely book about a boy-like creature who isn’t quite human and isn’t quite a monster. He is unique and as a consequence is very special. Monsters are formed by the last sigh of regret a human breathes. The depth of that regret determines the size and power of the monster hatched. But if a last regret somehow mingles with the laugh of an innocent child, a distinct being is created.

Born in the underworld where monsters of all kinds live and plot and squabble, Imp, as he is called by his adopted gargoyle family, has no idea about anything much. He is taken above ground to a massive cathedral and begins his new life. Knowledge is handed out haphazardly by the gargoyles Bladder, Wheedle and Spigot, who mainly want him to steal chocolates for them from the near-by shops.

Imp is discovered by Daniel, a busy angel who helps with his education and sets him on the road to discovering who he is and where he belongs. The boy-monster is drawn to a family who is somehow familiar. He meets Nick and baby Beatrice and their parents and gives his name as Sam. The same name as their recently deceased grandfather.

Meanwhile, in the underworld, Thunderguts, the ogre leader of the monsters is trying to track him down. Trapped underground during daylight hours, the monsters want 24-hour access to delicious humans. Imp is the only creature who can free them from their prison and they need him back to break the spell. An evil kidnap plot is formed and Imp is the only one who can save baby Beatrice from death. She cannot survive for long in the underground cavern and he must race against time and devious hungry monsters to free her.

T.C.Shelly’s novel is beautifully written with moments of wonder and humour as well. The themes of belonging and loyalty are well expressed and the reader cannot help but become very fond of Imp’s gargoyle family.

For Ages: 8+ years

Number of Pages: 271

Published: August 2019

Themes: Family, belonging and loyalty

Rating: 3.5/5

I wish: I had a friendly gargoyle family