Manga/Graphic Novel/Video Game Novel Challenge 2013 Review

So this year since I said that I would try to get to Level 3 of the Challenge That means I need to have at least 25 books read before the end of the year. That's at least 2 books a month. (and one extra one in at least one of those 12 months)   As a change from last year I'm gonna be putting the reviews up here as I get them done and then linking them in the monthly round-up at Mother/Gamer/Writer.  I also plan to try to remember my update my Challenge page at the end of the month. Want to see what the other people in the challenge are reading this month? Click here!

Monster on The Hill

By: Rob Harrell

Amazon Summery:

In a fantastical 1860s England, every quiet little township is terrorized by a ferocious monster -- much to the townsfolk’s delight! Each town’s unique monster is a source of local pride, not to mention tourism.

Each town, that is... except for one. Unfortunately for the people of Stoker-on-Avon, their monster isn’t quite as impressive. In fact, he’s a little down in the dumps. Can the morose Rayburn get a monstrous makeover and become a proper horror? It’s up to the eccentric Dr. Charles Wilkie and plucky street urchin Timothy to get him up to snuff, before a greater threat turns the whole town to kindling.

Monsters of all ages are sure to enjoy this tale about life’s challenges, the power of friendship, and creative redemption, packed with epic battles and plenty of wild beasts!

My Review:

I liked this book. 

In the book there are various towns.  Each town has its own monster.  Every town takes pride in its monster and basically uses it as a tourist attraction.  People come and visit, live through an attack, and then buy souvenirs to remember their adventure.  However one particular town is very unhappy with its monster because it has stopped its attacks.  It just hides in its lair and sulks. The story follows the local town mad scientist and one of the town’s orphans as they try to find out what is wrong with their monster.

This book is hysterical.  There are tons of little one liners, as well as some great sarcastic humor, that kept me laughing throughout.  The characters were fun.  Watching them interact with each other and learn that they aren’t always what they thought was great too.

I liked the artwork also.  It wasn’t over the top detailed or realistic, but it fit well with the story and the characters.  The lettering was also easy to read.  This is a bonus since I’ve read some graphic novels that I’ve had to strain just to make out the words.

I think this is an awesomely cute book, with a lot of fun and funny moments.  It’s great for kids as well as amusing for adults.   

I received and e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.  All opinions are my own.