Monster on the Hill (Rob Harrell)

Monster on the Hill
Rob Harrell
Top Shelf Productions
Fiction, YA Fantasy/Graphic Novel
**** (Good)

DESCRIPTION: In mid-1800's England, monsters are all the rage. Every worthwhile town has its own beast, and regular raids mean a thriving tourist industry. But Stoker-on-Avon's monster, Rayburn, does nothing but mope and groan all day, an embarrassment that hasn't sold a single action figure or trading card. A discredited inventor and a street urchin take up the task of getting Rayburn into proper monstrous form - but their efforts may not be enough when a real threat comes to town.


REVIEW: Monster on the Hill is a bit of a riff on the old Reluctant Dragon idea, a monster who has little experience or interest in being a monster. Doctor Wilkie and young Tim, plus an old schoolmate (and highly successful monster), Tentaculor (also known as Noodles), help lure him out of his funk, though naturally at some point Rayburn must stand on his own two talons. It's a fun read, if rather lightweight and a trifle predictable... enough to almost, but not quite, cost it a half-star.

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