“The Monsters of Marymount Mansion” by Gregory G. Allen

• 10/10/2023
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The Monsters of Marymount Mansion

Gregory G. Allen
ASD Publishing
ISBN:  978-0996102940
Reviewed by Lily Andrews for Reader Views (08/2023)

“The Monsters of Marymount Mansion” is a superbly written and bold narrative by Gregory G. Allen. Here, readers meet little Toby, a young monster whose life is mainly confined in the basement of Marymount Mansion, where he, his family, and other monsters are housed by a kind woman, Celeste. She had struck an endearing bond with the monsters and took great care of them. For Toby, Halloween was his favorite time of the year since he and the other monsters would be allowed by their hostess to go upstairs dressed in costumes and join the townspeople in the celebrations that had been passed down through generations.

However, Toby always longed to spend more time outdoors and the opportunity finally comes for him to sneak out without his parents finding out. His excitement, often displayed by letting off a cloud of sugary stuff, was palpable as he set off on an all-important mission hoping to stay disguised during the journey but was this a wise thing to do? “The Monsters of Marymount Mansion” is a thought-provoking and heartwarming story that will keep even the most reluctant readers glued to the story. There is much to love here. Middle-grade readers and the general audience at large will find much to resonate with and brings to sharper focus themes that reflect the world we live in.

Allen’s voice is strong and the main protagonist, Toby, is memorable and worth rooting for. He creates mystery and curiosity around him as he describes his appearance to be different from other children and his furry green skin to be a cross between a fish’s and a dog’s. The story moves at an even pace with a great deal of world-building as the little monster takes in breathtaking scenes and the diversity around him comparing this with what he is accustomed to. The writer flavors his narrative with a graceful style and lucid prose bound to leave middle-grade readers, who are the target audience, fulfilled and yearning for more.

“The Monsters of Marymount Mansion” no doubt hits the five-star mark effortlessly. The cover page, beautifully illustrated by Shelby Goodwin, is eye-catching and arresting, creating an aura of prickling anxiety and mystery, accentuating the story herein. It is a short read that will capture the attention of every reader and is a worthy addition to its genre.