Cover Image: Man Made Monsters

Man Made Monsters

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Member Reviews

I gave this a four out of five stars. I really enjoyed this book and the stories. My favorite was the first couple. I am going to get a physical copy to add to my collection. I recommend think if you like horror reads and monsters who are human.

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Cherokee writer Andrea L. Rogers’ debut YA book delves into some of our favorite monsters (werewolves, vampires, zombies, etc) but balances them with the sometimes scarier horrors of man, including empire, of intimate partner violence, of dispossession. She also incorporates some of the classic Cherokee stories of Deer Woman and fantastical sea creatures. These stories do horror in the best possible way, traditional monsters mixed with the horrors of man as metaphor for our current fears. Throw in classic folk tales, and you’ve got me.

I loved the variety of characters, monsters, and stories, and I’d love to read more of Rogers writing. More Indigenous rep, especially in horror, please. Definitely recommend, whether you’re into YA or not, there’s something for all horror lovers in this collection.

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Hitting all the key classic monster tropes, there’s plenty here for the regular horror fan, as well as those who love a subversion or two. Rogers also explores Cherokee mythology, balancing her creatures – both good and evil – with horrors altogether man made. Genocide, dispossession, domestic violence, school shootings; these tales are as heartrending as they are horrifying, as likely to have you close to anger or tears as to fear. For me, that’s horror gold.

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Following a various branches of Cherokee family from 1839 through to 2039, Andrea L. Rogers' collection of ghosts, ghouls, and generational horror is an engrossing read. Each tale is strong enough to stand alone, but when placed side by side, Man Made Monsters tells a larger story of family, systemic racism, and what truly makes a monster.

Hitting all the key classic monster tropes, there's plenty here for the regular horror fan, as well as those who love a subversion or two. Rogers also explores Cherokee mythology, balancing her creatures - both good and evil - with horrors altogether man made. Genocide, dispossession, domestic violence, school shootings; these tales are as heartrending as they are horrifying, as likely to have you close to anger or tears as to fear. For me, that's horror gold.

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Unfortunately, I was unable to review this book due to a big reading slump. I appreciate the author and the publisher for sending me a copy to review. I am very upset that I did not get to read it. However, I will probably be picking it up once it gets out in the store.

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I never thought I was the biggest fan of short stories but I thoroughly enjoyed this collection. It was a little slow at first to get into but after the first few stories I was hooked. I loved how all the stories were connected to this larger family tree and thought that was something very unique brought to this collection. While I did not fully feel the horror elements of this, I loved the other supernatural elements and how the true horrors are not the monsters, its humanity and its oppression and racism and violence. I had never read a collection of stories from a Native perspective and I loved seeing these classic monsters we've heard of before being reimagined and told in a new light. The writing was engaging and easy to read and I would definitely pick up more from this author in the future.

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An anthology of short stories that entertains and captures the imagination of the reader. I am happy to read books by an indigenous author. It makes me proud that there are more and more indigenous authors coming out. I love hearing stories from other tribes. I am an enrolled member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe of South Dakota. Kudos to the author for being an impressive storyteller and being so magically creative.

Disclaimer: Thank you to NetGalley and Levine Querido for this review copy, I received this review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

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This is labeled horror but I think it defies definition. A collection of short stories spanning 200 years on Cherokee nation land (Texas and Oklahoma), it's historical and futuristic, delves into domestic abuse and grief saving other themes, and I was captivated. The author does such a great job of changing perspectives as we move through the family tree, so it doesn't sound like one narrator throughout. The illustrations are stunning. Be sure to check it the Cherokee vocabulary at the end. 4.5 highly-recommended sometimes-gory stars.

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Fantastic book! The format - linked short stories - is unique. The combination of supernatural monsters and monsters who walk among us chilling. The artwork is stellar and adds to the experience. A really incredible work.

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I loved this collection of short stories that followed one Cherokee family across generations. My favorites are the stories that included elements of social horror.

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I have been this book and Gu a few places before, and I wanted to give her a trial the story for me as that as quickly of a place that I was looking for for the month of October and November but I did like the book. Thank you for the opportunity to review .

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I am not much for horror, but this did it so well, It had such suspense and created a sense of unease so well throughout the collection. It also did a great job balancing supernatural vs human horror.

I also enjoyed the way each story connected to one another by the end. I don’t normally read short story collections but the way these wove together was incredibly well done. I also adored the artwork included throughout, it gave another layer to the novel.

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I enjoyed Man Made Monsters by Andrea Rogers, a great collection of horror short stories that follow a Cherokee family throughout generations. For me, the first and last stories are the best of the bunch. Some images from these stories refuse to leave my mind including the frog in the jar. Thanks to NetGalley and Levine Querido for the ARC.

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#ManMadeMonsters by @andrealrogers was a collection of stories, each with supernatural elements, following a Cherokee family through generations. Each story has supernatural elements such as vampires, zombies, werewolves and other classic horror monsters. But, it also explored the dark side of humanity and what turns people into monsters. The themes include colonization, death, grief, generational trauma and community. The first story, An Old Fashioned Girl, with its gore and spirit of vengeance left me wanting more. It's where I pulled this quote. The next one, me dolio asta el corazón, and so they continued each making me feel some sort of way. Each brilliantly haunting. With November almost over, I'd recommend this book to everyone as a reminder to read #NativeAmericanAuthors ALL year long and not just during #NativeAmerican HeritageMonth.

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Man Made Monsters was a great read! I loved the connection between the stories, and the characters, and that each tale felt like they could be read independently. despite the fact that they are intertwined. The illustrations are fantastic. My library has been looking for more content created by indigenous creators, and I will be recommending this highly.

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Man Made Monsters by @andrealrogers is a fantastic collection of YA horror short stories that follow one Cherokee family throughout generations. Not only does the collection deliver exciting takes on your classic horror elements (vampires, zombies, werewolves!) but it also delves into real world themes that show what humans are capable of doing to one another.

I absolutely loved this collection. I thought every story was unique and wonderfully done, and I loved the generational thread that linked it all together. Ghost Cat and I Come From The Water were my personal favorites, but every story was an experience highly worth your time.

If you pick this up, and I highly recommend that you do, the physical copy is STUNNING. The cover art is perfect and each story has accompanying illustrations by Jeff Edwards that really enhance the entire experience.

Thanks to @netgalley and @levinequerido for the digital advanced copy, I will absolutely be adding this to my home library.

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A collection of short stories that connects a family from the 1800's into the not-so-distant future (however, I have to admit, I would never had seen the connection if it hadn't been pointed out to me).  As with most collections, some tales were stronger than others.  Overall, I would recommend, but for me it just wasn't what I expected after reading the blurb.

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This was so good! What an incredible collection! I think this book did what a lot of my favorite horror movies do in that they pull you in with something really creepy but then also involve a real life horror i.e. racism, colonialism, etc. (think Jordan Peele!) I will be recommending this to any and everyone who enjoys this genre because it did not miss. Also, let's talk about how great that cover is, WOW!

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Could not put it down. Be it the october timing or the richness of the tales, I was completely drawn in. Also a huge fan of indigenous representation in fiction!

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I loved the short stories. The perspectives of colonization, misogyny, homophobia, oppression... and all from an indigenous viewpoint was amazing. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys YA horror. The art was amazing. each story was amazing and I wish they were longer stories if I am honest. fantastic book.

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