The Monsters We Defy by Leslye Penelope
Kindle advanced reader copy
Vibes I wanted: adventure, ghosts, history, magic
Vibes I got: history, 1920s atmosphere, magic heists, intimate relationships, no-nonsense protagonist, destiny
Vibe rating: 5/5
I loved this book. I pulled out my phone at every chance to read a few more pages, I stayed up past my bedtime, I texted my friends as soon as I finished. This met and exceeded my expectations.
When I read the book described as a “magical heist,” I said yes without paying any attention to many other details. So when I started reading it and realized it was set in DC, it felt like an extra treat. DC is seriously underrepresented in fiction in general, much less fantasy, and Penelope does such a wonderful job of making the setting a vital part of the story. (Full disclosure: I recognize I live in the suburbs, but this is still exciting for me!)
Tied to her excellent use of the city is Penelope’s skill with the history side of historical fantasy. As someone who doesn’t know a lot about DC’s Black history and had never heard of U Street’s past as the center of Black Broadway, I spent much of the book looking up Penelope’s references to real people and places. Many of the people were familiar but I had no idea they had ties to DC in the 1920s. I’ve added the books Penelope mentions in her author’s note to my to read list, and I’m excited to learn more.
The fantasy elements fit perfectly within the 1920s atmosphere, heady and dangerous, and the magic acknowledges both the highs and the lows of the era. It’s intoxicating and unforgiving and full of potential. Against all of that, Clara Johnson is a perfect no-nonsense protagonist who’s being dragged into this world. I wouldn’t say she’s unlikeable—she is quite likable—but she’s not the most charming or exciting character. I like her all the more for it, and having her as the reader’s view into this world makes the novel’s Big Ideas of pasts and futures more powerful.
My favorite part, though, is the tenderness Penelope uses when writing the characters. The relationships they have with other people and the ones they develop with each other feel so genuine and intimate. Someone says to Clara, “You got something more powerful than stagecraft and illusion. You got a gift, a group of folks willing to help you, and a task worth doing. More than I can say for most.” And it’s with those relationships that dragons can be slayed.
I was trying to come up with some things I would change to prove that I can be a fancypants critical reader, but then I remembered I’m just here for the vibes. And the vibes are so, so good with this book. And honestly, I’m not sure there’s anything I would change.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
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