Show Don’t Tell

by Curtis Sittenfeld
Show Don’t Tell cover
Good Books rating 4.5
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  • ID: 3752
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-20
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-10-21
fantastic 4.50

The reviewer loved The Monsters We Defy, praising its vibrant setting, well-developed magic system, and engaging characters. They found it to be a fun and thrilling heist novel with a unique blend of magical realism, ghosts, and robbery. The only minor critique was the protagonist's closed-off nature, which didn't fully align with the narrative style.

The reviewer had a fantastic time reading The Monsters We Defy, describing it as a book they couldn't put down. They were particularly impressed with the setting, which is richly detailed and vibrant, capturing the essence of 1925 Washington DC during its version of the Harlem Renaissance. The magic system is also well-crafted, with just the right amount of detail to make it believable and engaging. The characters are another highlight, each bringing unique talents and personalities to the story, creating a dynamic and entertaining heist crew. The reviewer appreciated the blend of magical realism, ghosts, and robbery, making it a standout heist novel. The only minor issue was the protagonist's closed-off nature, which, while fitting her character arc, didn't always work well with the third-person limited narrative style. Overall, the reviewer highly recommends this book and plans to reread it.

Quick quotes

    I had a blast reading this book. It’s a fun ride, I laughed, I was sucked into the world Leslye Penelope created; all I wanted to do for a week straight was read this book.

    Leslye Penelope puts all the right details into her story and setting. The class divide of black Washington DC is clear from the first page, there’s the melting pot of practices such as hoodoo, voodoo, and other closed practices that make up this world’s magic system and the community it fosters, there’s also the slightly hidden LGBTQIA+ community featured in these pages.

    God, I really love this book. The Monsters We Defy is a novel I can talk on and on about because there’s so much good stuff within its pages.

karissareadsbooks.com · Unknown · 2025-05-16
excellent 4.50

The Monsters We Defy is a fantasy heist set in 1925 Washington DC, blending Black history, conjuring, and superstitions. The story follows Clara Johnson, a clairvoyant woman, as she navigates a dangerous heist to stop malevolent spirits from kidnapping Black people. The novel is praised for its joyful yet intense narrative, rich character development, and historical depth.

The Monsters We Defy is a captivating fantasy heist novel set in 1925 Washington DC during the Harlem Renaissance. The story revolves around Clara Johnson, a short-tempered woman with clairvoyant abilities, who is tasked with stopping a malevolent spirit from kidnapping Black people. The novel seamlessly blends Black history, conjuring, and superstitions, creating a rich backdrop for the main conflict. Clara's journey is filled with danger, as she must steal a powerful magic ring from the wealthiest woman in the District to save the Afflicted and free herself from a debt to an Enigma. The characters are well-developed, each with unique abilities and backstories that add depth to the narrative. The novel is praised for its joyful yet intense storytelling, with a perfect balance of action, emotional revelations, and historical context. The heist itself is thrilling, and the personal motivations of the characters make the stakes even higher. The novel also touches on real-world parallels, such as the 1919 Race Riots in DC and the death of Breonna Taylor, adding a layer of historical significance to the story.

Quick quotes

    The Monsters We Defy is a fantasy heist set in 1925 Washington DC at the height of the Harlem Renaissance.

    Despite these threats, I was extremely pleased with how joyful yet stunning a read The Monsters We Defy was.

    The heist itself and the action leading up to it are intense, particularly after realizing that we don’t have insight into everything the team has planned.

saschadarlington.me · Unknown · 2025-01-28
excellent 4.50

The Monsters We Defy is a magical heist set in 1920s Washington DC, rich with historical detail and folk magic. The story follows Clara, a traumatized heroine with a unique gift, and her friends as they embark on a daring heist to retrieve a magical ring. The book is praised for its vivid portrayal of Black communities, intricate world-building, and themes of community responsibility and personal growth.

The Monsters We Defy by Leslye Penelope is a captivating magical heist set in 1920s Washington DC. The story is rich with historical detail, vividly portraying the Black communities, clubs, and speakeasies of the era. The protagonist, Clara, is a complex character with a unique gift that allows her to communicate with spirits, a gift that is both a blessing and a curse. Alongside her roommate Zelda and a ragtag crew of friends, Clara embarks on a daring heist to retrieve a magical ring from a powerful individual on behalf of devious spirits called Enigmas. The book is praised for its intricate world-building, blending the real world with the spiritual realm, and its exploration of themes such as community responsibility, personal growth, and the complexities of human relationships. The historical fiction elements are particularly noteworthy, with cameos of famous figures from the time period adding depth to the narrative. The characters' appreciation for both immediate and larger stakes adds a layer of urgency and emotional resonance to the story. While the book falters slightly in the second half as the plot becomes more complex, the foundation of historical detail, folk magic, and thoughtful character development makes it an exceptionally fun and absorbing read.

Quick quotes

    I started this book on a chaotic morning when there was a lot of noise in my house and a lot of barking because of the noise, and despite all that, I could not put it down. Each chapter flies, and as soon as I finished one chapter I had to keep reading to find out what happens next.

    I absolutely loved the meticulous historical detail about Black communities in DC in the 20s: the clubs, the prohibition speakeasies, the hotels, the businesses, and the families.

    That’s one of the major themes of the story, and one I appreciated: the characters have reasons to mistrust one another, and as they learn to rely on one another and on their Charms (and Tricks) they evolve as individuals and as a group.

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