Monstrous Devices

Product Information

It’s another Bookwagon day in our house. The kids were so excited to get their latest books in the post. I do recommend this book. Just be prepared for an enigmatic ride requiring more than a little suspension of disbelief. Alex is a great character, and the challenges he will face as he grows older are huge. Will he rise to them, or let them crush him? We may never really find out, but I think I know the answer! If this all sounds rather cryptic, it is. Alex’s grandfather seems to know a lot about what’s really going on, but he consistently resists spilling the beans (leaving Alex – and the reader – more than a little frustrated). What exactly is this little tin robot and why does it seem to have some sort of magical power? Who are the weird people trying to get their hands on it, and what are the mechanical flying things they seem to control? The whole thing has something to do with religious mythology that may or may not be real (the weird people believe in it, but Alex’s grandfather poo-poos it, even as he risks his life – and Alex’s – to stop whatever might happen).

Monstrous Devices – An Imaginary Damien Love Guest Blog: Monstrous Devices – An Imaginary

This one is special. Look after it,” writes Grandfather when he sends Alex a 1920s tin robot through the post from Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. A superbly assured debut... an effortless, atmospheric evocation of place and history combine in an unforgettable, immersive reading experience.' * Guardian * Prague has a rich, beautiful, and fearful history at times. This is hinted at and could be employed fully to really explore why the Golem is there, what role the Charles Bridge plays, along with the other important (and perhaps magical) buildings and locations. I am not a fan of fantasy, either in literature or film. I fell asleep watching the first Harry Potter movie. I tried, unsuccessfully (much to my dismay) to fall asleep during the second Lord of the Rings film, thus enduring the longest two hours and fifty-nine minutes of my life. Therefore, I tend to shy away from anything even hinting at fantasy in my reading selections. So, Monstrous Devices was not my particular cup of tea. Having said that, I could appreciate the relationship between twelve-year-old Alex and his beloved grandfather. Most anyone else would likely find the novel exciting, full of mystery and adventure. Word imagery is author Damien Lowe's strong suit so I could almost feel the biting cold of winter in Prague and hear the muffled tones of a snowy night. My own preferences meant I slogged through the book all the while becoming excited at the possibilities it afforded for the classroom.There is plenty to enjoy about this book. A boy and his grandfather, hurrying away on the train to Paris in winter. A toy robot which seems just a bit, well, different. Unusual events happening to Alex at school (and the bullying not playing too large a part in the overall book, thank goodness....) What is the most exciting part of Eid? From food to fabulous outfits, find out everything you need to know about Eid Young crime lovers, meanwhile, will snap up Serena Patel’s lively, funny Anisha, Accidental Detective (Usborne), with zany illustrations from Emma McCann, featuring a down-to-earth, logical heroine drawn into a tall tale of a kidnapped bridegroom and a scheme to sabotage a wedding. Anisha must follow all the clues to save her beloved aunt Bindi from heartbreak – even if it does mean she’ll have to wear an itchy orange bridesmaid’s lehenga … Monstrous Devices from Damien Love is aimed directly at the young teen reader market and as the contents of the storyline are almost too real at times, making this one very scary book; a little judicious direction from parents could be considered as very helpful, especially if the child is one that still occasionally finds monsters under the bed! Don’t we all at times. MONSTROUS DEVICES también está disponible en español como PEQUEÑOS ROBOTS MALVADOS de Alfaguara. Para más información, ¡pincha aquí!

Monstrous Devices by Damien Love | Waterstones

Alex, who is twelve, receives a gift from his grandfather of what appears to be an old tin robot, with a note saying ‘this one is special’ but it does not take too long for Alex to begin to wonder just what it is his grandfather has sent him, as things in his already somewhat abstract world, are becoming more so, horribly, terribly, dangerously so! Magic and reality merge in a razor-sharp and gripping adventure… an exciting and fascinating story that holds the reader in its grip from the first…so lifelike you can almost see it before you” – NEDERLANDS DAGBLAD I'll admit that the last few chapters felt a bit rushed and happened way too fast, but I absolutely digged that ending. I loved that Alex took control and got familiar with the macabre. Love takes us on a whirlwind tour of Europe, filled with monstrous tin robots as well as the glamour of snow clad Europe, tea and cakes! I'm really looking forward to the next book, Shadow Arts, and to see what happens next! Damien Love’s MONSTROUS DEVICES is a devilishly creepy children’s book about a young boy’s journey with his grandfather. Twelve-year-old Alex collects toy robots, but when his grandfather sends him a strange, very old looking, little tin robot, neither of them are prepared for what happens. The robot itself seems to have a mysterious connection to Alex, and it isn’t long before he and his grandfather are traveling through Europe (with stops in Paris and Prague) to prevent a cadre of strange people (and their minions) from acquiring a supernatural power. This was a good book, great for middle-graders. It's unique and imaginative, the pace is good, and the characters are interesting. There's a lot of action, between the chasing and the getting chased, of Alex and his grandfather - but no serious violence, so it would be appropriate for most ages. Honestly, it would make an excellent read-aloud for a classroom setting or at home.You can find out more about Monstrous Devices and Damien Love on the other #MonstrousDevices blogtour stops; The toy robot accompanies Alex and Grandpa to Paris and as the story unfolds we discover its history and why the evil villains in the story will stop at nothing to get it. But Alex’s robot isn’t the only robot, there are also armies of toy robots, life sized robots and fliers (drone like robots). Time and time again Alex and his grandfather have to defend themselves from the robots and the girl who unleashes them.