One additional creation included was the front page of a newspaper that featured highlights of the story. Wouldn't it be fun for students to create something like this for the books they're reading, too?
This book cries to be read on a 'dark and stormy night' and by young teens and up. With some science fiction, eerily familiar politics and quite gory details, it became a fast read for me. The tension rose page by page until it was hard to stop. Senior Wyatt Baldwin takes a lead role in the story, along with his brother and stepfather, who have a relationship that can only be termed "bearable". The parents have divorced and the boys' father has left them penniless and stayed out of touch, too. Wyatt's friends argue often about the most superior monster, but he would prefer hearing the voice of a girl named Jade. Sadly, she's dating a big guy, the quarterback named Nolan, and Wyatt yearns from afar.
There is conspicuous excitement for what is about to arrive in the grand opening of a theme park, Monsterland, where those attending can see real vampires, zombies, and werewolves. This project has brought hundreds of jobs to a dying community, so most are celebrating. While Wyatt does his after-school job at a restaurant, we get a taste of who he is when he pays for and offers the best burger to who appears to be a homeless character, slipping inside for a bit of warmth. That man turns out to be Dr. Vincent Konrad, a wealthy man who is the creator of these parks, set to open simultaneously all over the world. He is impressed by Wyatt's kindness and offers VIP tickets to him and all his friends and family.
Small arguments between the stepfather, Carter, and the brothers occur because while Carter must go because he's a security officer, he doesn't like the ideas that are being advertised. He is suspicious, wants to keep the boys safe, though he doesn't tell why. It's just a feeling. That's when we learn that those amusement park vampires, zombies, and werewolves are indeed real, have been kept in separated colonies in the US and other countries for the safety of the regular population. Only the werewolves have been living free. and must be captured before the park opens. They are all now incarcerated for safety and science, with a goal to "cure" their diseases.
The story moves quickly, chapter by chapter. Once in a while, a chapter centers on one werewolf especially, telling his own story of capture, his own sad story. And another shows a vampire couple speaking back and forth. It is a nightmarish story, violent and full of tension, with some relief in the family and romantic aspects, and certainly one that will make readers who love anything about monsters "howl".
There are predictable moments, and they are reassuring. Carter tries hard to be a caring stepfather. The brothers fight when one teases the other. The friends banter back and forth like high schoolers, and Wyatt's in anguish over loving Jade, but feeling hopeless about it. Sean, the younger brother, thinks everything is cool. However, the best part is that the book often jumps out to say "boo", and that's what a scary book does well.
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GIVEAWAY!
Enter for a chance to win a Monsterland swag bag; plus, there are loads of runner-up prizes, too!
One (1) grand prize winner receives:
- A Monsterland Swag Bag
- A copy of Monsterland, signed by Michael Okon
- A signed poster
- A t-shirt (Large)
- A wool hat
- A fidget spinner
- A wrist band (entrance)
- Pencils
- An exclusive collectors item
Ten (10) winners receive:
- A copy of Monsterland, signed by Michael Okon
Ten (10) winners receive:
- A Monsterland t-shirt
Ten (10) winners receive:
- A Monsterland hat
Ten (10) winners receive:
- A Monsterland fidget spinner
Age Range: 14+
Giveaway begins October 1, 2017, at 12:01 A.M. MT and ends October 31, 2017, at 11:59 P.M. MT.
Giveaway open to residents of Canada and the fifty United States and the District of Columbia who are 13 and older.
Prizes provided by Michael Okon
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michael Okon is an award-winning and best-selling author of multiple genres including paranormal, thriller, horror, action/adventure and self-help. He graduated from Long Island University with a degree in English, and then later received his MBA in business and finance. Coming from a family of writers, he has storytelling is his DNA. Michael has been writing from as far back as he can remember, his inspiration being his love for films and their impact on his life. From the time he saw The Goonies, he was hooked on the idea of entertaining people through unforgettable characters.
Michael is a lifelong movie buff, a music playlist aficionado, and a sucker for self-help books. He lives on the North Shore of Long Island with his wife and children.
OFFICIAL LINKS
Be sure to follow him on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and SnapChat @IAmMichaelOkon #Monsterland!
FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | SNAPCHAT | MICHAELOKON.COM
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Thanks for the great review. My grandson would love reading Monster land. Thanks for the post.
ReplyDeleteCarol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com