The Monsters of Rookhaven
As seen:
By Pádraig Kenny and Edward Bettison
avg rating
10 reviews
Nominated for the CILIP Carnegie Medal 2022
Waterstones Children’s Book of the Month for October 2021
Winner of the Honour Award for Fiction, KPMG Irish Children’s Book Awards 2021
Sometimes the monsters take us. Sometimes we become the monsters.
Mirabelle has always known she is a monster. When the glamour protecting her unusual family from the human world is torn and an orphaned brother and sister stumble upon Rookhaven, Mirabelle soon discovers that friendship can be found in the outside world.
But as something far more sinister comes to threaten them all, it quickly becomes clear that the true monsters aren’t necessarily the ones you can see.
A thought-provoking, chilling and beautifully written novel, Pádraig Kenny’s The Monsters of Rookhhaven, stunningly illustrated by Edward Bettison, explores difference and empathy through the eyes of characters you won’t want to let go.
‘A stunning book . . . a brand new take on the monster story’ Eoin Colfer, author of Artemis Fowl
‘A magnificent, shadowy, gothic adventure full of heart’ Emma Carroll
‘A wildly imaginative story . . . a triumph’ Irish Examiner
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I first encountered Pádraig Kenny when I read his novel, Tin. I loved the story and the writing and recommend it whenever I have the opportunity at school. I bought this book for the school library some time ago but hadn’t managed to pick it up…until this week. Oh my goodness, it’s not the kind of book that I would normally read but I think it is definitely my new favourite Pádraig Kenny book and I have already ordered the sequel… Loved the writing , loved the characterisation…quite dark at times but a book I would recommend to Year 6/7…🤩
The story took a little time to get started with the Malice only appearing half way through. This book has left me wanting to read the follow on book as hopefully it addresses Mirabelle's mothers story.
This book, again, was only picked up for the cool front cover. I opened it one day and browsed the first few pages. I must admit, I was astounded at..,well, everything. This is a definite recommend, but almost 100% horror. I would recommend to young teens.
This book is great, very intriguing. It shows that you can find friends in even the unlikeliest of places.
Set just after the war, two humans stumble upon the gateway to another world. Shrouded in secrecy, the inhabitants are plagued by difficulty when an evil being starts to stalk their village. The story flows so well that you are thrown into a fantasy land. For ages 9+, this is a definite 5 out of 5!
I would recommend this book to people who like wholesome endings, monsters and supernatural beings. I liked Mirabelle, the main character, because she stands up to her uncle and doesn’t let anyone get in her way. I also like Jem because she is a friend of Mirabelle and she’s always there for her. Another one of my favourite characters was Odd because he pops up at the funniest times.
I really enjoyed this book. I liked all of the characters and their development. I liked how something was happening in all of their storylines. Loved the drama and would definitely recommend.
This was a really good book as it discussed all the monsters of the underworld and of old tales.
This book had an exciting plot as the greatest monster of rookhaven (piglet) had to defeat the evil monster. I thoroughly recommend it!
This is a great book full of mystery and suspense. It's an emotional rolercoster, a wirlwind of mystery and a battle of suspense and tension all packed into one book. I would most definitely recommend this to others as there is a new mystery lurking around every corner. This is a thrilling and engaging read perfect for those who want mystery and monsters in their reads.
Utterly wonderful...I cannot recommend this dramatic, convincing, mesmerising monster of a book more.
