This was a super fun read. I mean, who doesn’t love a book about monsters? Especially when the world building is there, and the writing style itself makes the read even more fun. The characters were great, the dialogue being probably the best part.

My daughter is six, and I’d say this was probably geared toward kids a bit older, but she really enjoys listening to chapter books like this. So if your child is enthralled by a fun, lengthy book it’s a good read.

While I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley, I’m considering buying a physical copy just to have on the shelf.

Cute monster book with an uplifting message. I really wanted to love it but something was missing.

Unfortunately, my son didn't really care for this book. We read together, and while if a book catches his interest at all he is a voracious reader, this one he showed little enthusiasm for. We managed to make it all the way through, he didn't dislike it enough to give it up, but it was a bit of a struggle.

Personally, I thought the world building was great, but the story line to complicated and a little lacking in actual substance. A lot mixed together, but nothing really fleshed out. The world has potential still, but we won't read any more in this series.

Great Read! I read this first and then let my son read it and we both enjoyed it so much! Good little bedtime scary story.

I have decidedly mixed emotions about this book.

For the positives, the dialogue is realistic and refreshing which is saying something since it’s all about monsters. The scenes are descriptively detailed in this unique world as Reeg did a wonderful job creating a world which although very different from our own we can still feel like we are walking around in it. The plot line is well thought and easy to follow. I also thought it was interesting that two separate endings were included; one if this is a standalone and the second if she’s able to turn it into a series.

Using monsters we are all familiar with such as Frankenstein, Dragons, Trolls, Witches, etc was a cute idea particularly since this is a kid’s book and would be perfect for Halloween. It was also a unique idea as I can honestly say I don’t think I’ve ever read a take like this before when it comes to the monster genre although the closest would probably be Disney’s Halloweentown Movie Series.

I wanted to truly love this book for all those reasons but what made it hard for me is the story. It starts off with talking about how monsters who are different and don’t act ‘normal’ have to ride a different bus than the other students, they are treated like outcasts, punished for not being normal and essentially threatened with being kicked out of their society if they don’t learn to comply. The president of the monster world has even created all these laws claiming that misfits are dangerous and dragging on their society so they must not be allowed to be a part of their society.

I have 2 daughters with Autism so I’m already very familiar with how society treats those it does not consider ‘normal’ and long grew up with knowing how a ‘special’ bus was used for those who are not ‘normal’ and the jokes that went along with it. Right away I started having reservations about whether or not this is a book I want to read to my kids once I’m done or even recommend to fellow parents particularly those with special needs kids.

I kept going because I was hoping there would be some saving grace at the end where their monster society would have a change of heart and realize that misfit monsters are still monsters. They should be accepted regardless of their differences not to mention allowed to contribute to their society however their abilities can be adapted. There was also a TON of bullying going on between students and by adults against other adults and children.

But the book ended, under both versions, without that happening. Maybe if the author continues this into a series then the other books will contain these lessons about how to not treat others like crap just because they’re different and bullying shouldn’t be allowed.

On the one hand I’m very well aware this is a fictions book about monsters and not people but on the other hand I’m trying to teach my daughters that they, and everyone else who society would label as a misfit, are just as good and deserve to be treated as such. Maybe I’ve had to watch my daughters get bullied and be treated badly by both kids and adults way too many times so I can’t see the ‘fun’ in books with these kinds of storylines because I’ve read all the other glowing, positive reviews and no one else seems to have a problem with that part of the story.

Bullying is at the center of this read and our characters struggle with being who they are, or becoming what others want them to be. Frankie's "arch enemy" in the form of Malcolm ends up having to spend time with him in a place called Exxillium. It is frightful to both of them, but may help them to grow, and possibly change Malcolm's outlook in life.

"'Monsters only believe in monstering,' I muttered. I wasn't good at that. At all. And if I didn't get good at pretending, it looked like Exxillium was where I would end up. Could I pretend to monster up, enough to make them all believe it? I had to. I'd sort of done it so far. Well, not good enough to keep me out of this Exxillium excursion, but I could get better. Couldn't I?"

It is a story of struggle with every day life, with fitting in, and hurtful kids (monsters) who choose to not see their faults. It catches the attention of children because it resonates with many of them and everyday struggles they go through, but it also loses them with words they can't pronounce or understand, as well as phrases you might not want you're child picking up.

"I was the one panting now. 'Your dad, Malcolm. It was him on Exxillium.' 'No! You lying, misfit maggot! My dad died in Scare Patrol. My dad's a hero."

"Sometimes rumination prior to extermination is essential. Mind over monster!' Not my usual mode of operation but perhaps this trouble called for careful rumination."

There is great deal of life lessons and overcoming bad things when you feel you never will. It has a main character you come to adore because he is pure and means well, refuses to be a monster like everyone else. An adventure in finding out truths and working together. It might not be suited for younger children as stated above, but will fit perfectly on a more intermediate level. They are sure to enjoy From the Grave and everything is has to offer.

***I received this copy from Jolly Fish Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.***