Wednesday, June 15, 2011

The Monstrumologist, by Rick Yancey

The Monstrumologist
by Rick Yancey
Simon & Schuster, NY 2009

monstrumology (n)
1. the study of life forms general malevolent to humans and not recognized by science as actual organisms, specifically those considered products of myth and folklore
2. the act of hunting such creatures (p. v)

Apprentice to the renowned Monstrumologist Dr. Pellinore Warthrop, orphan Will Henry is accustomed to the macabre studies of his master. But when a grave digger delivers the body of a young woman to the doctor, the boy must push aside his horror and disgust in order to assist the monster hunter as he dissects the Anthropophagus (headless monster) who chocked to death eating the dead girl. And, as all monstrumologists know, where there's one Anthropophagi, there's 35. Unfortunately for Will Henry, the malodorous creatures are quite hungry. 

I've been watching horror movies since I was eight (Nightmare on Elm Street) and reading horror novels (Chain Letter) since I was about the same age. Basically, it takes a lot to freak me out. Not only did this book give me nightmares and a general sense of unease, it grossed me out completely. Well done Rick Yancey. Well done.

Bottom Line:
Fantastically gory and scary; Step to, readers!

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