Monstrous Devices

Reviews

'A superbly assured debut… an effortless, atmospheric evocation of place and history combine in an unforgettable, immersive reading experience.'

'Hugely original, exciting debut novel by Damien Love. He has built a fantastical but entirely believable world with scary killer robots oiled to perfection with automaton history, surprising characters and dry humour... Get hold of a copy, wind it up and let yourself go.'

'One of the most acclaimed, exciting new children's series in years... A hugely appealing adventure for all ages, which seems almost certain to be adapted for the screen.'

'A breakneck adventure story, told thrillingly.'

'Another assured debut that takes its protagonist somewhere unexpected... Fans of Anthony Horowitz will love Monstrous Devices.'

'I was gripped from the first page of Monstrous Devices by Scottish author Damien Love. It is making me look at robots suspiciously . . . and I can't wait to see what happens next!'

‘An ingenious tale, the familiar fights and flight scenario kept interesting by the figure of grandfather, a kind of ageing James Bond.'

'An adventure story [that] moves at a fast pace.'

'Raiders of the Lost Ark meets Toy Story.'

'Monstrous Devices effortlessly brings mythic legend and modern life together in one exhilarating, breathless chase. With humour, relentless adventure, and true insight, he compels us to look closely at our wishes and illusions, at the dark and light forces of creation, at what really makes us tick.'

'Damien Love's Monstrous Devices is an atmospheric, adventure-packed debut, which will surely appeal to fans of Jonathan Stroud's immersive, multi-layered novels.'

'This is an immensely entertaining adventure tale, with Scottish author Love's masterful manipulation of pacing alternately drawing out tension or speeding up life-and-death clashes to keep the pages furiously turning. Atmospheric and cinema ready.'

'I enjoyed everything about Damien Love's debut - its title, its breakneck action, its sly sense of humour. If you imagine Rick and Morty colliding with early Spielberg, you get some idea of this delirious adventure...and I wouldn't be at all surprised to see it on the screen. I wish my first novel had been as imaginative and assured.'

'What fun! An evil villain, a host of scary robots, big and small, and a hero with commendably bad personal habits. Loved it!'

‘It is hard to believe that this fantastic, mega-original novel is Love's first book. The author speeds through his thrillingly ingenious tale with the confidence and creativity of a seasoned storyteller.'

'A great read. The descriptive writing really created an incredible image in my mind of what was happening. Can't wait for the sequel.'

'Mysterious and frightening...a well-crafted adventure that's filled with desperate chases, narrow escapes, fight scenes, and twists.'

'The elements of the story are strong and put me on the edge of my seat throughout reading this masterpiece.'

'Adventure, mystery and tin-toy terror! An absolutely ripping read from start to finish.'

'A well-knit debut generously stocked with chills, thrills, and chancy exploits.'

'The action was so gripping that I thought I was in the book... great for all young ages that love a fantasy filled with amazing description and daredevil stunts. Can't wait for the sequel!'

'What a heart-stopping adventure…With twists and turns, thrills, suspense and secrets, this is captivating.'

'Action-packed and cinematic with a great side-serving of dark gloopy weirdness'

'This debut novel exhibits a canny ability to conjure just the right word, the picture-perfect metaphor, the witty one-liner to bring a story to life. This grandad and grandson adventure has all the hallmarks of a whopping kids' thriller; a mysterious quest, a dream-like flight across snowy lands, a sinister magic, a throng of foes, and, most important of all, a huge heart.'

'Looking for the perfect story to escape from everyday life? Then Damien Love's debut novel is a spellbinding, roller coaster of a ride... This action packed story provides thrills and chills and gives readers plenty of spine tingling moments.' 

‘The cinematic writing combined with the dark plot makes it a gripping read for 10+.'