Monsterland Reanimated

Monsterland Reanimated is the second novel in this fun young adult series and it starts pretty much where its prequel, Monsterland, left off. I would definitely recommend reading the series in order because, while Michael Okon does a good job of recapping what went before, obviously he doesn't remind readers of every detail! This novel takes more of a science fiction dystopia direction for its main narrative, but there are still plenty of nods to classic monster movies - and classic horror novels too. I managed to spot several myself, but I am sure that horror aficionados would enjoy identifying even more references.

Our intrepid group of teens (minus one, plus another) sets off in stepfather Carter's police car when Copper Valley loses all outside communication, to discover what has happened in the wider world. There's a great highway chase scene on the way - and then things all start getting very weird! I won't say anything else about the plot in order to avoid spoilers, but I was amazed at the breadth and quantity of ideas that Okon incorporates into this tale. At times there was almost too much to get my head around so I felt I needed to slow right down to understand everyone's role and motivations. It's certainly an exciting ride!