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The Monsters We Defy

By Leslye Penelope
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Check link for latest rating. ( 6,064 ratings, 1,192 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Monsters We Defy by Leslye Penelope is a historical fantasy set in 1920s Washington, D.C. The story follows Clara, a woman with the ability to communicate with spirits, who is drawn into a high-stakes mission involving magic, intrigue, and a diverse cast of characters. Integrating elements of African American folklore and history, the novel explores themes of resistance and resilience in the face of supernatural challenges.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$2799
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're drawn to stories that weave historical elements with magical realism, set against the backdrop of Washington D.C. in the 1920s. This fantasy novel delves into themes of community, identity, and power, featuring a captivating blend of mystery and magic with a strong, resourceful female protagonist at its centre.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

A timely and dazzling historical fantasy that weaves together African American folk magic, history, and romance.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Rich and immersive... full of mesmerizing magic! — P. Djeli Clark, author of A Master of Djinn

Clara Johnson can talk to spirits — a gift that saved her during her darkest moments, now a curse that's left her indebted to the cunning spirit world.

So when a powerful spirit offers her an opportunity to gain her freedom, Clara seizes the chance. The task: steal a magical ring from the wealthiest woman in the District.

Clara can't pull off this daring heist alone. She'll need the help of an unlikely team: from a handsome jazz musician able to hypnotize with a melody, to an aging actor who can change his face.

But as conflict in the spirit world begins to leak into the human one — an insidious mystery is unfolding, one that could cost Clara her life.

Praise for The Monsters We Defy:

Leslye Penelope blends magic, mystery and mayhem in this deliciously complex historical fantasy — Veronica G. Henry

Penelope's blend of fantasy and history is pitch perfect... Readers will be wowed — Publishers Weekly

A high-stakes, delightful read — Buzzfeed

An enchanting adventure that weaves a spell — Justina Ireland

A fresh and engaging take on historical fantasy — Marie Brennan

Masterfully crafted. This smart and entertaining magical heist novel hits all the right notes — T. L. Huchu

Clara is a heroine for the ages — Alaya Dawn Johnson

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Monsters We Defy by Leslye Penelope is praised for its rich and immersive world building and enchanting adventure. Reviewers highlight its masterful blend of history and fantasy, combining mesmerizing magic with a thoughtful exploration of 1920s Black Washington society. The smart and entertaining narrative features a compelling heroine set against a backdrop of stolen destinies and magical heists, making it a delightful and engaging read.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780356518107

Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 11 August 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Orbit

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 28.0mm

Width: 126.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 260g

Pages: 384

Collections

Fantasy Fiction General Fiction Historical Fantasy Leslye Penelope Sci-Fi & Fantasy

About the Author

Leslye Penelope has been writing since she could hold a pen and loves getting lost in the worlds in her head. She is an award-winning author of fantasy and paranormal romance. Equally left and right-brained, she studied filmmaking and computer science at Howard University and sometimes dreams in HTML. She hosts the My Imaginary Friends podcast and lives in Maryland with her husband and furry dependents.

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