A Monster Calls

by Patrick Ness
A Monster Calls cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Young Adult (YA)
Technical:
  • ID: 850
  • Added: 2025-09-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-03
  • ISBN: 9780763692155
  • Publisher: National Geographic Books
  • Published: 2016-08-02
  • Formats: 43
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £8.99–£9.99
Bookshop
Format • £9.49

In 'A Monster Calls,' Conor O'Malley is visited by a monstrous figure that is not the one he expected from his recurring nightmares. This ancient and wild creature wants something from Conor—the truth. The novel explores themes of loss, grief, and the power of storytelling, as Conor grapples with his mother's illness and the emotions he struggles to express. /n/nOriginally conceived by the late Siobhan Dowd, the story was completed by Patrick Ness, blending Dowd's final idea with Ness's unique narrative voice. The book is a poignant and imaginative exploration of dealing with grief and the monsters—both real and imagined—that we face in life.

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 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.

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