From blood-sucking vampires to shape-shifting werewolves, eccentric mad scientists to decaying, rotting zombies, the annals of YA horror have long been a destination for the eerie, scary, the unexpected and unexplained. YA horror lets readers dive into the fascination with the unknown, blending suspense, action and dark humour to create unforgettable spine-chilling adventures. Monsterland, by Michael Okon, takes this concept to the next level, throwing readers into a theme park where real monsters roam – but as you would expect, things don’t go according to plan. A thrilling ride into horror and chaos.
The world has been ravaged by a virus, resulting in economic collapse and a zombie plague. This leads billionaire Dr. Vincent Conrad to unveil a revolutionary idea: Monsterland, a global network of 7 theme parks on 6 continents designed to house and study supernatural creatures. The theme parks promise visitors the chance to walk among zombies, interact with vampires, and outrun werewolves – all in the name of scientific discovery to find a cure … and entertainment all in a safe environment, obviously.
For Wyatt Baldwin, a 17-year-old struggling with family changes (divorce and a new stepdad) and high school drama, the grand opening of Monsterland is the perfect distraction. Wyatt and his friendship group love monsters but he is tiring of the discussions about which monster is superior so when he and his friends receive VIP passes to the park, they are excited, expecting thrills and excitement. But as the night unfolds, the monsters prove they are far more than mere attractions – they are prisoners, desperate for freedom. Chaos erupts, and Wyatt finds himself caught in a battle for survival.
Overall, Monsterland is an excellent story, fast-paced and cinematic, a joy for young adult readers. With vampires, werewolves and zombies contained in an amusement park to entertain the public, Michael Okon has created a fantastic, absorbing story packed with high-stakes action, gruesome horror, and unexpected twists. This novel explores several themes including, power, control, and the blurred lines between humanity and monstrosity
The “attractions” of Monsterland are prisoners in the theme parks and just want to be released, but their captor has visions of world domination, so when these two forces clash it results in death and destruction, but which side will be victorious?
The story is about a theme park full of monsters, and your definition of monsters could also include those in charge of the parks, but the story also has an underlying plot of family dynamics with a stepdad trying to connect with his stepchildren, Wyatt’s crush on the most popular girl in school and those real-life monsters in the form of politician’s and power hungry individuals.
Monsterland has an excellent mix of characters, blended with a horror, terror, blood, gore and violence that will keep readers engaged and turning the pages for more. With werewolves roaming the swamps of the Everglades to monsters taking control of the parks, you will be gripped and enthralled.
With its pulse-pounding suspense, eerie atmosphere, and unforgettable monsters, Monsterland is a must-read for fans of YA horror and supernatural thrillers. Michael Okon has crafted a world that is both terrifying and exhilarating, ensuring readers will be hooked from start to finish.
Monsterland is the first novel in the Monsterland series.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £20.99 (Hardback) / £11.99 (Paperback)
For more information, visit www.michaelokon.com. Available to buy from Amazon here.
