Hello Readers,
It's Greek Mythology May, which means we're spending the next month diving deep into the world of Greek mythology, exploring so many incredible retellings. I can't wait to share all these epic stories, fresh takes, and timeless adventures with you. Let’s celebrate the myths, heroes, and gods that continue to inspire us today.
Once a Monster is an utterly spellbinding reimagining of
Greek mythology, set against the gritty, fog-choked streets of Victorian
London. From the very first page, I was captivated by Robert’s richly
atmospheric storytelling, which intertwines themes of hope, identity, and
friendship with a dark, Dickensian world.
At the heart of the tale is Nell, a young mudlark scraping by under the oppressive hand of Mr. Murdstone a character as sinister and desperate as Fagin but without any charm. Nell’s only dream is to dance, a promise her mother made before her death, and her one treasured possession, a pair of ballet slippers, is a fragile link to that dream. Her life changes when she discovers a battered body on the riverbank. Minos, enormous and strange, with faint horns and a tattoo tied to an ancient myth, is more than a man. After saving him and nursing him back to health, Nell forms an unlikely bond with him that becomes central to the story.
The pacing is perfect as the narrative never drags, keeping readers hooked as the stakes rise. Minos’s arrival creates a new danger, with Murdstone seeing an opportunity to exploit Minos’s monstrous form and mythical past for his own gain. Enter Sophie Chretien, a mysterious Parisian dancer whose ambitions deepen the intrigue and force all characters to confront their pasts and futures.
Robert doesn’t just reimagine the Minotaur myth he asks what happens when a "monster" strives to find his humanity. The blend of myth with the grittiness of Victorian London creates a world that feels both fantastical and unsettlingly familiar. The emotional core is Nell’s drive to dance and Minos’s journey to define himself resonates deeply.
The relationship between Nell and Minos is a moving, heartbreaking reflection of both selfless love and the struggle for redemption. The supporting characters are equally vivid, from the scrappy children along the Thames to the calculating Murdstone, whose moral decay is chillingly portrayed.
Once a Monster is a masterfully written, richly layered novel that blends Greek mythology with Victorian gothic allure. It’s a story of ambition, betrayal, and greed, but also of love, hope, and the fight for a better life. Robert’s prose is both lyrical and punchy, creating a world that is immersive and haunting. The novel moved me to tears, anger, and laughter, leaving me feeling both heartbroken and inspired.
I adored every moment of this book. It’s an imaginative take on myth and history, and a powerful reminder of the redemptive strength of dreams and friendship. Once a Monster is a journey I will not soon forget.
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