This Monstrous Thing

By Mackenzi Lee | Publisher: HarperCollins

About the book

A wildly creative Gothic fantasy retelling of Frankenstein, This Monstrous Thing is a wholly new reimagining of the classic novel by Mary Shelley and is perfect for fans of retellings such as Cinder by Marissa Meyer, fantasy by Libba Bray and Cassandra Clare, and alternative history by Scott Westerfeld.

In an alternative fantasy world where some men are made from clockwork parts and carriages are steam powered, Alasdair Finch, a young mechanic, does the unthinkable after his brother dies: he uses clockwork pieces to bring Oliver back from the dead.

But the resurrection does not go as planned, and Oliver returns more monster than man. Even worse, the novel Frankenstein is published and the townsfolk are determined to find the real-life doctor and his monster. With few places to turn for help, the dangers may ultimately bring the brothers together—or ruin them forever.


  • A Dark Reimagining: In this steampunk version of Mary Shelley’s classic, a young mechanic named Alasdair uses forbidden science to resurrect his brother, only to create something he can’t control.
  • Monsters and Humanity: When the famous novel Frankenstein is published, it ignites a real-life witch hunt, forcing the brothers to confront what it truly means to be a monster.
  • Brother Against Brother: As Oliver grapples with his monstrous new existence, his bond with Alasdair is tested by secrets, guilt, and a past that won’t stay buried.
  • Alternative History with a Twist: Explore a richly imagined 1818 Geneva powered by steam and secrets, where the line between man and machine is dangerously thin.

Editions of This Monstrous Thing

Paperback
ISBN 9780062382788
EBook
ISBN 9780062382795

Read an Excerpt

A wildly creative Gothic fantasy retelling of Frankenstein, This Monstrous Thing is a wholly new reimagining of the classic novel by Mary Shelley and is perfect for fans of retellings such as Cinder by Marissa Meyer, fantasy by Libba Bray and Cassandra Clare, and alternative history by Scott Westerfeld.

In an alternative fantasy world where some men are made from clockwork parts and carriages are steam powered, Alasdair Finch, a young mechanic, does the unthinkable after his brother dies: he uses clockwork pieces to bring Oliver back from the dead.

But the resurrection does not go as planned, and Oliver returns more monster than man. Even worse, the novel Frankenstein is published and the townsfolk are determined to find the real-life doctor and his monster. With few places to turn for help, the dangers may ultimately bring the brothers together—or ruin them forever.


  • A Dark Reimagining: In this steampunk version of Mary Shelley’s classic, a young mechanic named Alasdair uses forbidden science to resurrect his brother, only to create something he can’t control.
  • Monsters and Humanity: When the famous novel Frankenstein is published, it ignites a real-life witch hunt, forcing the brothers to confront what it truly means to be a monster.
  • Brother Against Brother: As Oliver grapples with his monstrous new existence, his bond with Alasdair is tested by secrets, guilt, and a past that won’t stay buried.
  • Alternative History with a Twist: Explore a richly imagined 1818 Geneva powered by steam and secrets, where the line between man and machine is dangerously thin.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is This Monstrous Thing about?

A wildly creative Gothic fantasy retelling of Frankenstein, This Monstrous Thing is a wholly new reimagining of the classic novel by Mary Shelley and is perfect for fans of retellings such as Cinder by Marissa Meyer, fantasy by Libba Bray and Cassandra Clare, and alternative history by Scott Westerfeld.

In an alternative fantasy world where some men are made from clockwork parts and carriages are steam powered, Alasdair Finch, a young mechanic, does the unthinkable after his brother dies: he uses clockwork pieces to bring Oliver back from the dead.

But the resurrection does not go as planned, and Oliver returns more monster than man. Even worse, the novel Frankenstein is published and the townsfolk are determined to find the real-life doctor and his monster. With few places to turn for help, the dangers may ultimately bring the brothers together—or ruin them forever.


  • A Dark Reimagining: In this steampunk version of Mary Shelley’s classic, a young mechanic named Alasdair uses forbidden science to resurrect his brother, only to create something he can’t control.
  • Monsters and Humanity: When the famous novel Frankenstein is published, it ignites a real-life witch hunt, forcing the brothers to confront what it truly means to be a monster.
  • Brother Against Brother: As Oliver grapples with his monstrous new existence, his bond with Alasdair is tested by secrets, guilt, and a past that won’t stay buried.
  • Alternative History with a Twist: Explore a richly imagined 1818 Geneva powered by steam and secrets, where the line between man and machine is dangerously thin.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in This Monstrous Thing?

Children’s, Teenage and Educational > Children’s / Teenage fiction and true stories > Children’s / Teenage fiction: Family and home stories

Where can I read a sample of This Monstrous Thing?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780062382788

Who is/are the Author/s of the book This Monstrous Thing?

Mackenzi Lee

Who is the Publisher of the book This Monstrous Thing?

HarperCollins

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

This Monstrous Thing is available as paperback(ISBN 9780062382788) and ebook(ISBN 9780062382795)

Where can I buy This Monstrous Thing online or support local independent bookshops?

You can buy This Monstrous Thing from below

Where can I buy This Monstrous Thing?