Suitabook21% Monster
P. J Canning
- Reading
- If the reader has not met the team before, briefly establish the earlier relationships and transformations first. Pause after major action sequences to discuss teamwork, choices and how the danger is portrayed.
- Themes
- Teamwork and difference: Darren, Marek, Aurora and Genie join forces against Xastris, with each character described as contributing a different quality to the group. The team’s contrasting strengths are presented positively, particularly unity, reasoning, determination and optimism.
- Power, transformation and agency: Xastris transformed Darren into a genetically modified superhuman, and the group uses unusual abilities while opposing the organisation. The premise raises questions about bodily transformation, power and control, but the book’s judgement of those issues is not established.
- Resistance to powerful institutions: The young team attempts to bring down Xastris, a secret organisation planning an attack against major powers. Opposition to Xastris drives the adventure, but whether the story treats resistance as justified in all circumstances is unclear.
- Worth knowing
- The action includes planned attacks, battles, fight scenes, danger and survival-focused stakes.