A Monster Calls

by Patrick Ness, Patrick Ness, Siobhan Dowd, Jim Kay, Patrick Ness and Siobhan Dowd
A Monster Calls cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Young Adult (YA)
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £8.99–£9.99
Bookshop
Format • £9.49
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 850
  • Added: 2025-09-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9780606321068
  • Publisher: Turtleback Books
  • Published: 2013-08-27
  • Formats: 54
  • Reviews: 4

Thirteen-year-old Conor's life is turned upside down when an ancient, wild monster appears outside his bedroom window. This creature is not the one from his recurring nightmares but a force that demands Conor face the harsh realities of his mother's illness and the emotional turmoil it brings. The monster's visits compel Conor to tell three stories, each revealing layers of truth and loss that he has been struggling to accept. A Monster Calls is a deeply moving exploration of grief, courage, and the power of storytelling. The novel blends elements of fantasy with raw emotional depth, making it a poignant read for both young adults and adults alike. The author's unique narrative style and the monster's enigmatic presence create a story that lingers long after the last page is turned.

Reviews
the starving artist · Devontre Varro Flaherty · 2023-06-14
rewarding 4.00

The book is a sad and somewhat difficult YA novel that ultimately feels rewarding. It borders on a novella but delivers a powerful emotional journey.

Devontre Varro Flaherty describes 'A Monster Calls' as a sad and somewhat difficult YA novel that borders on a novella. They found the book to be emotionally challenging but ultimately rewarding. The reviewer appreciated the powerful exploration of grief and the emotional journey it takes the reader on. Despite its brevity, the story packs a punch and leaves a lasting impact. The reviewer acknowledges that while it may be a tough read, it is well worth the emotional investment.

Quick quotes

    A sad, somewhat difficult YA book that borders on a novella and, in the end, is rewarding.

    It is a powerful exploration of grief and loss.

    The emotional journey it takes the reader on is profound and impactful.

The Fiction Fox · 2018-09-09
profound 5.00

The book is a five-star read that resonates on a personal level, with no major flaws. It is a profound and impactful story that leaves a lasting impression.

The reviewer considers 'A Monster Calls' to be one of those rare books that defines a five-star read. They found it deeply impactful and personally resonant, noting that it left a lasting impression on them. The reviewer was unable to find any major flaws in the story, praising its profound exploration of grief and healing. The book's ability to connect with readers on an emotional level is highlighted as one of its greatest strengths.

Quick quotes

    It is one of those books that defines a five-star read for me.

    It hit me on a personal level and I am not able to find any major flaws with it.

    A profound and impactful story that leaves a lasting impression.

The Book Satchel · 2016-07-21
unforgettable 4.50

The book is fast-moving, thought-provoking, and intense, capturing the reader's heart with its emotional depth and powerful storytelling. It is an unforgettable read.

The Book Satchel's review praises A Monster Calls for its fast-paced narrative, thought-provoking themes, and intense emotional depth. They highlight how the story captures the reader's heart with its powerful storytelling and emotional resonance. The reviewer appreciates how the book handles complex emotions and relationships, making it a standout in young adult fiction. They also note that the book's emotional impact is heightened by its realistic and heartfelt portrayal of grief and loss, which resonates deeply with readers. Overall, they find the book to be an unforgettable and deeply moving read.

Quick quotes

    Fast moving, thought provoking and an intense read based on the mind of a school boy – this book truly captured my heart.

    The book's emotional impact is heightened by its realistic and heartfelt portrayal of grief and loss.

    It is an unforgettable and deeply moving read.

The Guardian · 2016-01-18
heartbreaking 4.50

The novel is a poignant exploration of grief and loss, beautifully crafted and deeply moving. It captures the raw emotions of a young boy dealing with his mother's illness.

This reviewer found 'A Monster Calls' to be a deeply moving and beautifully crafted novel. They appreciated how the story captures the raw emotions of a young boy grappling with his mother's terminal illness. The reviewer highlights the novel's ability to explore themes of grief and loss in a way that is both heartbreaking and hopeful. The writing and structure of the story are praised for their exceptional quality, making it a standout read.

Quick quotes

    It is a story that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page.

    The novel's exploration of grief is both heartbreaking and profoundly moving.

    The writing impresses you from the first page.

Appears in Lists