Published by HarperTeen on July 2, 2019
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy
Pages: 400
Format: ARC, eBook
Source: Publisher
Solomon and Ash both experienced a traumatic event when they were twelve.
Ash lost all memory of that event when she fell from Solomon’s treehouse. Since then, Solomon has retreated further and further into a world he seems to have created in his own mind. One that insulates him from reality, but crawls with foes and monsters . . . in both animal and human form.
As Solomon slips further into the place he calls Darkside, Ash realizes her only chance to free her best friend from his pain is to recall exactly what happened that day in his backyard and face the truth—together.
I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Destroy All Monsters is a book that surprised me. Based on the premise, I went in expecting a contemporary novel and received magical realism and a parallel world. I have mixed feelings over this. On the one hand, the social issues / mental health classifications are relevant given the hate crimes, police brutality and oppressiveness, and Ash’s depression (and Solomon’s something). On the other hand, we’re led to believe that Solomon has schizophrenia but come out with the answer that artists are able to tap into another, magical realm. Does this result downplay the issue of schizophrenia? I don’t know, but it leaves me with questions.
At first glance, the novel appears to alternate between the two 1st person POVs of Ash and Solomon. Later, it becomes apparent that there are actually four (more like three) POVs: that of our side Ash and Solomon and that of Darkside Solomon. Because of the number of narrators and the frequent shifting of the POV, I never quite felt like I got to know the characters. The focus of this novel is more on the idea that monsters are made and how they lurk under even the most benign exteriors. How they lurk even in the people we know and trust.
While events on our side also parallel events in Darkside, the storyline itself isn’t entirely continuous; time will skip when we return to a particular narrator. This can be confusing, and there were POVs that I skimmed because I wanted to get back to another POV. Darkside Solomon and our side Ash were especially concerning to me because (1) they play more of an active role in the story and (2) they make choices that put them in dangerous situations. The mystery of twelve years ago and the present hate crimes kept me turning the pages.
The mystery of the event that happened twelve years ago threads in and out of the narrative, and it has bearing on the present day. Solomon and Ash have strong negative emotions towards it, which may have something to do with their inability to remember, and it influences how they treat other issues once they recover their memories. That said, the big reveal didn’t feel like a surprise, and once initiated, the resolution moves quickly and straightforwardly to the finish.
Not everything resolves happily or conclusively, but it’s clear what needs to be done. Some, if not all, characters are clearly moving forward. Others we can only root for—and I was left feeling okay with this because the events of this chapter of the characters’ lives has reached its conclusion. And because the characters’ uncertain future is reflective of real life.
Content: PG-13
Otherside (Our Side):
View Spoiler »
Darkside:
View Spoiler »
Chat With Me
📚 What social issues are you passionate about?
📚 Thoughts on books with parallel worlds?
Kristen @ Metaphors and Moonlight says
I also thought this was contemporary and am surprised to learn it’s not. Eh, yeah, I’m not really a fan usually of mental illnesses (or any disability) turning out to actually be something magical/supernatural. This Darkside stuff sound interesting, though I agree it can be hard to get to know character sometimes when there’s too many POVs. Glad you still seemed to enjoy it.
Crystal says
Yeah, Destroy All Monsters has its strengths and weaknesses, but altogether it was interesting enough that I enjoyed it.
Aleen @ Lampshade Reader says
Despite your issues with it, I’m glad you were still able to enjoy it.
It does seem like a really interesting book. But I’m not sure if it’s my type of read, but your review definitely piqued my interest!
Crystal says
Thanks, Aleen. I’m glad to hear it piques your interest even though it may not be your type of read 🙂
Dani @ Perspective of a Writer says
I wondered about this book when I saw it offered. I love mental health and don’t even mind when its dramatized somewhat to bring focus onto the illness. I’m really intrigued by the POV mess that you talked about. I wonder if I should read it too just to check it out. I do appreciate that even though you skimmed some POVs that you enjoyed this in the end. ❤️
Crystal says
I actually passed over this one the first time I saw it, then I think I saw a review of it and got curious enough to check it out. The magical elements were a pleasant surprise for me since this book didn’t have a fantasy tag. My biggest point of confusion is that I don’t know what to think about Solomon’s mental health in the end, though it’s not necessarily a bad thing. At least this book opens the floor for discussing mental health, and it normalizes professional help (since Ash gets professional help and encourages Solomon to see someone too).
I think any book that intrigues you is worth a look. That’s what got me to read this book 🙂
Sophia Rose says
Now, that is different. One of the those confusing yet riveting ones. I can see why having the schizophrenia dealt with correctly would be a sticking point for you.
Crystal says
It was a really interesting read, riveting in part because it’s so different. The part the confuses me most is whether Solomon really has a mental illness and what sort of help he needs (since Ash is still concerned about him at the end and encourages him to seek professional aid).