I picked up this book due to a lengthy YouTube video where she GUSHES about how this novel changed her life. (This isn’t the actual video, but here is the YouTuber and another video where she discusses it again.) Spoiler alert, I have no idea what she’s talking about.

I like my horror books gruesome. This felt like a very slow moving story about grief and less about the horror that I was hoping I was diving into. Sure there were aspects that were ‘horrifying’, but the lack of gruesome details felt like we were more glossing over parts and making the reader use their imagination too often.

One criticism you can’t give the author is their lack of creativity. The story is original. One of a kind. So unique that once you start you won’t want to put it down.

The book is broken down into four narratives and the last act is what made this entire story ‘worth it’ for me. I loved getting into the mind of someone that I was trying to know for the first three acts. The horror was finally brought to the front and I was captivated.

The distinct and deep prose was beautifully done. So if you are looking for a story about grotesque horror or to jump slasher moments, this isn’t for you. If you are looking for deep reflection on grief and loyalty (with an unexpected protagonist) this might be a perfect novel to cozy up with on a rainy day.

Amazon Link – Monstrilio By: Gerardo Samana Cordova

Stats: 336 pages, Kindle (Libby) – First published March 7, 2023

P.S. One of my major complaints is the ‘horror’ book didn’t feel horror enough. Yet, when I explained the book to my husband I watched his face cringe. So maybe it’s more horror than I give it credit for.