Mollie Tanner and her friends Harley, Lana, Ivy and Samuel are the members of their town’s Monster Club. Monsters are drawn to their town of Ravenwood, and with the help of their class teacher Miss Faye who also happens to be a good witch, they work together to rid the town of the monsters that come to cause chaos. Are you ready to join Mollie and her friends on their monster hunting adventures? In ‘The Vampire Substitute’ Mollie and her friends panic when their teacher Miss Faye goes missing and is replaced by a vampire who goes by the name Mr Drakola. Who is this vampire and what did he do with their teacher?
The Monster Club is the latest book from author Gemma Paul, who is also known for the children’s horror books The Mummy Walks at Midnight, The Little Bat that Could and A Very Zombie Christmas.
Whilst the previous books were aimed at a younger audience as short picture-based stories (with artwork by Gemma), The Monster Club is her first novel which is aimed at slightly older readers of 7–12-year-olds. With that being said, there is no exclusivity and older kids (including adults) can still find something to enjoy, especially with the horror references throughout.
You can tell that The Monster Club has been written by a horror fan, as it includes a variety of nods to the genre, although one of the main influences does seem to be Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Ravenwood becoming the new monster hub for Hellmouth. Whilst the characters are younger, they are still up to the task of fighting evil. Combining their individual strengths as a team to overcome several monster enemies. It incorporates several themes of the Buffy TV series, which has been revamped (excuse the pun) for a new younger generation.
The pacing of the events come at you thick and fast and it is surprising how many different scenarios the kids find themselves, often with a different monster to overcome. Whilst we do get a few moments where the book explores the strengths or weaknesses of each character, and friendships, it is very much about them combining a mixture of brains and brawn to overcome the monsters in an attempt to save their teacher.
It introduces the reader to a variety of monsters and it is surprising how much it cover in one book. In addition to the popular monsters you would expect including ghosts, vampires, and werewolves which you would expect, Gemma also throws in some more original characters. The Garbage Men were one of my favourite additions and it would be interesting to see them explored more.
Gemma once again provides character illustrations throughout the book, although as a novel they are less prominent and are more a supporting element to the story. I did however like how some of the characters looked and at times it works really well to add to books humour throughout. It also gives you an indication of how well it could potentially work as both a spin off comic book or animated series.
The book has several extras in addition to the story, which adds to the enjoyment of the book. At the start you have a breakdown of the main characters including their Specialities when it comes to monster hunting, biggest fears and favourite monsters. In addition you also have a map of the town and surrounding areas.
After the main story there is a Monster Glossary which gives a breakdown for some of the terminology used in the book. This is an informative read for younger readers and with some fun explanations. This is then followed by a questionnaire where you can find out which Monster club member you are. My choices matched the team leader Mollie. These extras are great additions to the book and I feel really adds to themes of the story, in learning more about the characters.
My daughter who is 13 read the book in one sitting and enjoyed it as much as I did, citing the comical elements as one of the things she really enjoys. The interactions with the books main monster villain and substitute teacher Mr Drakola, creating some of her favourite moments. When it came to characters it is unsurprising that her favourite of the group was the leader Molly, although she did say it was difficult to pick a favourite monster as they were all described so well.
The Monster club works brilliantly as an action-packed mystery horror and a great introduction for a younger reader to the genre, introducing them to some of the best (or worst) characters in horror. Whilst there is some mild peril to the characters with the horror theme, the violence is kept to a minimum which makes it perfect for younger or more sensitive readers.
I would recommend picking up a copy of The Monster club for parents who want to introduce their kids to the genre without the violence, although they may also enjoy it themselves thanks to the humour and easter eggs throughout. Deciphering the play on names is something most fans will enjoy.
This is a great entry to open the series and I can’t wait to see where the next story takes our heroes, and more importantly what monsters they are going to face next.
Book 1 of The Monster Club: The Vampire Substitute is now available on paperback and ebook from Amazon.
Book Review - Book 1 of The Monster Club: The Vampire Substitute
Book Title: Book 1 of The Monster Club: The Vampire Substitute
Book Description: Mollie Tanner and her friends Harley, Lana, Ivy and Samuel are the members of their town's Monster Club. Monsters are drawn to their town of Ravenwood, and with the help of their class teacher Miss Faye who also happens to be a good witch, they work together to rid the town of the monsters that come to cause chaos. Are you ready to join Mollie and her friends on their monster hunting adventures? In 'The Vampire Substitute' Mollie and her friends panic when their teacher Miss Faye goes missing and is replaced by a vampire who goes by the name Mr Drakola. Who is this vampire and what did he do with their teacher?
Book Author: Gemma Paul
Book Edition: 1
Book Format: Paperback
Publisher - Orgnization: Raven ad
Publisher Logo:
Date published: January 17, 2021
Illustrator: Gemma Paul
ISBN: 191432000X
Number Of Pages: 193
Summary
Review of the children’s novel ‘Book 1 of The Monster Club: The Vampire Substitute’ from author Gemma Paul
Published in various websites, Philip is a reviewer who is best known for his interviews and media coverage of independent projects including; films, books, theatre and live events. Always on the lookout for something different to cover!
