You had an interesting concept and this is what you give us?!?!?
None of the characters are likable and frankly, pissed me off.
This has to be The most toxic siblings relationship I have ever read from a YA.
Skye, I understand that she wants to have her own freedom away from her sister and make her own friends, but damn girl you are going beyond with the angst.
Deirdre is a toxic as fuck sister! All those tantrums when she wouldn’t get Skye to do her bidding.
Saying “ Some Champion you are”, when Skye has done all she could for her.
Then there are the parents, who put all their troubles on their kids especially Skye. Like Damn!
As for the actual plot, I was bored out of my mind.
The only saving grace is the cover.
I have had this book sitting on my shelves for a few years and I’m glad to be removing it.
... Read moreHaving read multiple young adult novels, I find that stories tackling sibling relationships often resonate deeply, especially when they portray complexities and toxicity. In 'Here There Are Monsters,' the portrayal of Skye and Deirdre's fractured relationship really highlights how unresolved tensions and conflicting desires for freedom and control can create intense emotional conflict.
From my experience, such narratives can evoke a strong response—whether empathy, frustration, or even exhaustion. Skye’s struggle to establish her independence away from her sister and the heavy expectations placed by their parents mirrors real-life family dynamics where children often feel trapped or misunderstood. The toxic behavior shown by Deirdre, including tantrums and harsh judgments, serves as an example of how sibling rivalry can spiral when communication breaks down.
Beyond family tension, the book's cover—mentioned as the only saving grace—also plays a compelling role in attracting readers by visually conveying the dark and mysterious atmosphere that the story promises. Covers are crucial in YA fiction because they set expectations and mood before the first page is even read.
Despite mixed reviews on the plot's pacing and character likability, this novel’s intense emotional core offers value by illuminating how family issues can impact youth. For readers seeking realistic, gritty portrayals of sibling conflict rather than idealized friendships, this story may serve as both a caution and a conversation starter. It’s also a reminder that YA fiction does not always have to sugarcoat struggles, and sometimes the messier, uncomfortable narratives can foster empathy and self-reflection.
Overall, if you're intrigued by complex family drama and are prepared for a heavy dose of angst, 'Here There Are Monsters' might be worth exploring, even if it challenges your patience or preferences. It’s a book that pushes the boundaries of typical YA themes by focusing on flawed, deeply human characters navigating toxic relationships.