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Join a brave young monster and their grouchy mentor on a heartfelt quest for redemption and growth in a world run by fear.
Felix is a shy little beast growing up in a world where monster wrestling is the biggest spectacle there is. Lonely, and constantly bullied by the bigger monsters his age, Felix struggles to prove themselves and find their place in the world. Their fate is changed forever when a dare lands them on the doorstep of one of the scariest monsters in the whole world— Macabber Tails, one of the most famous monstering champions in history.
Felix wants to be big and brave and strong and tough, just like Macabber, and so they decide to do whatever it takes to not be a fraidy little monster anymore. Their unlikely journey together sends them to Macabber's hometown, to the mountains of the colossal flame-wielding Kilnver—a monster able to make an army of knights out of just its own saliva—and to the lair of the dastardly Amaret, the monster that made Macabber the champion they are today.
Together they face some battles for their life, but not always in ways that are physical and by the end, Felix and Macabber may learn a thing or two about being tough.
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Creators
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Publisher
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Release date
October 31, 2023 -
Formats
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OverDrive Read
- ISBN: 9781506738239
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Languages
- English
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Reviews
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October 15, 2023
Grades 9-12 "A monster doesn't cry. A monster fights." In a world of monsters, timid little Felix is constantly bullied by his peers. When they dare him to knock on the door of a huge, spooky house, he does, only to run in terror when confronted with its occupant, Macabber, legendary monstering champion (similar to wrestling) and known as the scariest monster in the world. Later, Macabber rescues Felix from the bullies chasing him after school, and soon Felix is following the retired champion around, hoping to learn how to be an intimidating, ruthless fighter, too. Macabber, who sees his childhood self in the little monster, visits his hometown seeking closure, where he delves into his bitter, violent past. Amid a wide variety of Ba's inventive monster designs, Felix stands out for being terribly cute, with huge round eyes and pointy ears peeking out of an oversized hoodie, while the more properly monstrous Macabber's expressive face shows his inner turmoil. Chaotic battle scenes--from Macabber's spectacle-rich monstering competitions to meaner, more personal fights--balance introspective moments that highlight the toxic cycle of violence and the emotional cost of never showing weakness.COPYRIGHT(2023) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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December 1, 2023
Gr 5-8-A world of monsters, an unlikely friendship, and a legacy at risk. Much to his chagrin, Felix is small for his age. Other monsters pick on him and call him names, and after one particularly intense bullying episode, Felix ends up at the door of Macabber, a former brawler and fight champion. The two strike up a friendship when Felix unknowingly gets in Macabber's car as he goes to visit an old acquaintance. As the former fighter deals with his legacy and past, Felix finds himself immersed in a world of pride, broken friendships, and revenge. This graphic novel has a very unique and arresting art style. The fighting scenes will have readers frantically turning pages, and the lettering helps the pace and intensity of the story. The plot goes back and forth in the time line in a way that is occasionally confusing, but the overall message comes across. This book has broad appeal, especially for reluctant readers. VERDICT Highly recommended for upper elementary and middle school libraries. Give this graphic novel to students asking for a fast-paced, action-packed title.-Carol Youssif
Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
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