Fabulous book. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a free advanced copy of this book to read and review.

When I requested this I hadn’t realised that another book came before and so I went and read that first. I’m glad that I did. It’s entirely possible to read this without reading the first book but I think them some of the references in the story would be lost..
This is a really difficult plot to encapsulate because the characters and story are so utterly unique and original that they defy conventional explanation. Suffice to say that this is a world of monsters, a world of beings who do not fit into the usual labels. Rookhaven is filling up with visitors who have come to celebrate the Great Configuration. It is an event which only happens every hundred years so there is huge excitement and Mirabelle is looking forward to her first experience. Amongst the visitors is a being on another mission; a mission which threatens the house of Rookhaven.

This author has the most amazing imagination and I think he writes incredible middle grade fiction full of the fascinating characters and imagery ..What I think makes him unique is the darkness and edginess which I think children will absolutely adore. It’s also this wonderful exploration of who we are, how we are labeled and how we fit in. Even as an adult reader I don’t think that I have understood everything that this book has to offer and I think this is a book you can read again and again..

I bought my own copy of both books ..the illustrations are absolutely sublime.


With many thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Children's books for my digital copy
copy.

I think my lasting impression of this was 'I liked it, but I didn't love it'. However, straight off the bat I will say I know I'm not the intended audience. This is a middle grade book, and I do think that in particular that my nine year old would enjoy this. Its creepy enough, with a heartwarming message about family that sets the right tone for that age group. I also think this has lost a bit of the charm that can be found in the first book, which really was brimming in originality. This second installment feels a bit like too much of the same thing.

Still a pretty good middle grade though, and the writing really is very well done.

A fantastic follow up to 'Monsters of Rokhaven' - if you loved the first, this is more of the same, showing more of the characters as they battle against new troubles, with themes of family, forgiveness and friendship all addressed as Mirabelle tries to find out more about her background and save them from an outsider bent on the family's destruction

I absolutely loved The Monsters of Rookhaven - so much that it was one of my top 5 reads of last year (top 3 if we exclude adult books). As soon as I finished it, I pre-ordered book two.

It was the last book I read in 2021 and I couldn't have wished for a better end to my reading year. The hardback edition is as gorgeous as the first book. The cover is absolutely stunning and the illustrations are simply superb. Edward Bettison has done an incredible job - the book is a beauty to hold. And when you start reading it, a gripping story awaits.

It's time for The Great Configuration - a special event that takes place every one hundred years. Monsters from all corners of the country come to Rookhaven to witness it. Mirabelle is the only member of the family to welcome and befriend Billy Catchpole - a mysterious guest to the Configuration. What Mirabelle doesn't realise is that Billy's presence is going to threaten her world. In an attempt to protect those dear to her, Mirabelle is forced to go on a journey where she'll have to face not only dangerous people but most importantly, the truth about herself...

Once again, Padraig Kenny crafted a brilliant tale. 'The Shadows of Rookhaven' is a story about family and belonging, a story about accepting who you are and finding your own path, a story about love and forgiveness. And it's got one of the best casts of characters ever!
Billy Catchpole is a brilliant addition to the family and his character is so well-written. The chapters are told from the perspective of various characters and their length brilliantly ties in with the plot. I loved the twist in the story. (Did not see that coming!)

I really hope that there's going to be another book as I'm not quite ready to say goodbye to Monsters just yet.

I absolutely loved The Monsters of Rookhaven so was very excited to read this sequel. It did not disappoint!

The Great Configuration only happens every one hundred years and there is great excitement in Rookhaven, particularly for those who will be witnessing it for the first time, like Mirabelle. The family have all received their invitations and begin to gather but, unbeknownst to them, there is an intruder in their midst; Billy Catchpole has been sent to Rookhaven on a terrible mission that could have devastating consequences for the family. Will he succeed and what will become of the family?

The characterisation in Kenny’s writing is always wonderful and the monsters are brilliantly inventive. The standout characters are Mirabelle and Billy but I really enjoyed getting a deeper insight into Odd and Piglet’s characters too.

This story is all about the importance of family, friendship and friends who are family. A must read!

I am a big fan of Kenny's writing, and loved The Monsters of Rookhaven, so was excited to find he had written a sequel. In this story, various members of the extended Family are meeting at Rookhaven for the Great Configuration, a once in a century event. But one of the new arrivals has a hidden agenda, one that could harm Mirabelle and her relatives. Once again, Kenny has written a wonderful story, full of emotion and often heart-wrenching. These so-called 'monsters' are not monstrous at all. In fact it is often the humans who behave in a monstrous way. The book is beautifully illustrated by Edward Bettison, and told with such warmth I cannot recommend it highly enough. I hope there will be more.

It's official. I absolutely adore this series!

After loving the Monsters of Rookhaven earlier this year I was eager to get my hands on this second instalment, and it did not disappoint. This is a wonderful addition to the series and a brilliant follow up to the first story.

Here we find the return of our favourite characters; Mirabelle, Odd, Piglet... and face a new terror, and I absolutely devoured it. I love Padraig Kenny's writing, the characters he has created are such endearing, complex, complicated souls and I just adore them all.

This is a wonderfully gothic and emotional adventure and I will happily, and eagerly, read whatever Padraig writes next.

Thank you so much to Pan Macmillan for the arc copy in exchange for an honest review.

5 perfect stars

A fantastic follow up to The Monsters of Rookhaven.
An enchanting catch up with Miribelle, Odd and Piglet. Padraig Kenny has given us another fantastic story with the family at Rookhaven.
Gorgeous illustrations as well, thank you NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to review this story.

There were many things i liked about this book but it was just missing a little something for me. The characters and the plot were interesting but i really struggled to pay attention to everything happening in it at times. I did like the writing style and would pick up another by this author, just not one in this series.

The Shadows of Rookhaven returns to the sanctuary of Rookhaven years after the events that took place in The Monsters of Rookhaven. The Rookhaven Family of diverse monsters are hosting The Great Configuration, which is held every 100 years, and Family from other sanctuaries are gathering there, many being brought through portals created by Odd.
A young boy, Billy Catchpole, arrives at Rookhaven, and is invited in by Mirabelle; however, he may not be there solely to celebrate the Great Configuration, and may well be intending harm on a member of the Family …
This is an absolutely stunning story told from different viewpoints in short atmospheric chapters: tantalising and intriguing; heart-warming and heart-breaking; a story that oscillates with secrets and revelations, and a delicious darkness and tension that makes it an excruciating delight to read.
Each of the characters is brilliantly portrayed, struggling with choices and emotions and hidden depths that become clear as the story unfolds. They struggle with some of the biggest questions: what lengths will we go to in order to save those we love? What happens when we cannot accept the inevitably of death? How can we forgive those who have betrayed us?
I really enjoyed the relationship that develops between Mirabelle and Billy as they share a connection that leads to a slow building of friendship. Mirabelle is courageous, empathetic and kind and recognises pain, grief and anger in others whilst feeling these emotions herself. Both are Misbegotten, half-monster and half-human, and face the prejudice of others for being different.
I also really loved finding out more about Piglet, one of the most fascinating characters in middle-grade fiction. He is an ancient, feared, shape-shifting entity who is endlessly curious about others and can enter their minds with ease to experience their emotions and experiences.
The black and white illustrations by Edward Bettison are stunning and cover both partial and full-page spreads. I love that the people portrayed are in shadow throughout, complementing the story perfectly.
I cannot recommend this dark, powerful, thought-provoking masterpiece enough: utterly brilliant!

I loved 'The Monsters of Rookhaven,' so I could not wait to get started on this title. It did not disappoint and is a wonderful follow up the the first title in the series. The illustrations are marvellous and even inspired a little curiosity in my teenager! I found myself talking about them and flicking back to admire the detail in them. I have only read the novel on a device, but would image they are even better in their full printed glory. My only criticism is that the black pages, revealing Piglet's voice, were very hard to read: the contrast and font really made my eyes ache!

Onto the story: it was fantastic to meet Mirabelle and her quirky family again. These characters are the modern day Addams Family. I was thrilled to actually really see Piglet and felt that so much more was revealed about Piglet's character and 'skills' in this title. The tension and suspense that Kenny develops is fabulous - those short chapters and quick changing viewpoints really enticed me to hold on. The start is incredibly pacey, with twists and turns and mystery prevailing..The highlight was the train station and the writing around that journey... read it and weep at the metre Kenny holds throughout the chapter.

There are many sad moments and poignant comments made in this book. As readers we learn a lot about outsiders, being different, what is 'our kind' and where does family truly begin? Many of the bad characters have backstories which somehow neutralises their desperation. This really is a book for today with so many aptly drawn situations that are cloaked by a gothic theme which softens the reality of existing in a world when you are different. So many wonderful opportunities for discussions with children.

I would say this is suitable for children aged 10 and above, but does contain some violence and gory scenes, so they need to be fairly mature.

It was wonderful to be back in Rookhaven. I loved the first book, The Monsters of Rookhaven. This author writes such emotional books that drawn me in, which is difficult to do. The opening was so nasty and gripping, really superb writing. Although the story was less surprising than the first book, it was a joy to read. This world is compelling and shines a light on the current problems in our society where hatred divides us. Really good read.

The Shadows of Rookhaven is the brilliant sequel to The Monsters of Rookhaven, a cheeky middle grade about friendship, monsters, and not judging a book by it's cover. Both books are filled with spooky whimsy, genuine tension and classic Gothic tropes. As well as a few nods to some horror-fan-favourites. It reads like a traditional fairytale, and has the potential to break your heart. It's magical and magnificent.

This sequel has surpassed the excellence of the first book.
The characters grow and change, but somehow their essence remains.
I loved Piglet in thenfirstthe first book and that has only grown. My heart missed a beat a couple of times in this story, because I was so taken in and involved with the Family.
The illustrations add a gothic beauty to the story.

Definitely a winning story from Pádraig Kenny, this is the sequel to The Monsters of Rookhaven (which I have not yet read, but will be reading on the strength of this book.
Mirabelle befriends Billy Catchpole who arrived unannounced at Rookhaven to for the Great Configuration, an event which occurs only once every hundred years, but Billy has a secret mission which will cause disaster and despair to many of The Family at Rookhaven.
With shapeshifting, travel portals and discussions about the nature of The Family, who is accepted, and who is not, this is a gripping gothic MG story which is to be released well in time for spooky Halloween reading!
A brilliant story which I will be recommending to pupils and teachers alike.

Thanks to #NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ahead of publication in exchange for an honest review

I think I have found a new series I love! After reading the first one, I really loved the atmosphere of the stories and the characters. This one is no different. We see the main character, Mirabella meet a boy called Billy who has been tasked to do something awful to the family in order to save her sister Meg. But when he arrives at the house or Rookhaven and meets the ever lovely Mirabella. Although this story doesn’t include Jem, there are more than enough lovely characters to meet on this adventure.

This story Mirabella learns more about who she is as she has to save all that is dear to her. I love that we hear so much more from Piglet in this story, he is definitely a favourite of mine. I love how the different view points are laid out on the page and the beautiful illustrations. The perfect spooky, not so spooky book with endearing characters and an engaging story line. I hope we can hear more about the Family at Rookhaven!

This book begins with Billy Catchpole, an outcast who falls into the clutches of the mysterious Mr Courtney and forced to work for him. Mirabelle and her family are preparing for the Great Configuration, an event which happens every 100 years. Friends and family are arriving all the time and Billy is assumed to be another guest.

When the time for the Configuration comes, Billy puts Courtney’s plan into action. Mirabelle is upset over losing Billy and his actions and chases after him. Will Billy and Mirabelle be able to stop Courtney in his tracks, or will he succeed in his wicked plan?

Mirabelle is still confident and warm-hearted but has to contend with the attitudes of some family members over her half human qualities. She will need to work hard to right Billy's wrongs. Billy lacks confidence and self esteem, allowing him to be easily led by Courtney. Billy and Mirabelle work well together and we can see the story from both their perspectives, allowing the story to move seamlessly.

I loved Monsters of Rookhaven and now love Shadows. I can only hope for more to come!

Creepy and atmospheric, a sequel to Monsters of Rookhaven.

I hadn't realised until about a quarter of the way through this that this was a sequel.

The story itself gave no indication until previous events were referred to quite a way in. It might be, though, that this is the reason I found it pretty slow going: readers familiar to the world, the characters, or type of characters, might have found more references to get them into the story quicker, but without having read the first instalment, it's difficult to tell. For that reason, I wouldn't recommend reading this without having read the first book.

I think it is well-written, and I was definitely creeped out by some of the ghoulish characters, so I would recommend the series to fans of monster stories and creepy houses, with a with a dash of ghoulish magic or powers. I personally found the second book, as a standalone, difficult to get into, so haven't yet finished it, but may revise this review on reading the whole book, or if I ever read the first one, but at this point, I'm not really in a hurry to.

PLEASE IGNORE THE STAR RATING!

Sadly, I was unfortunately unable to access this title on my kindle.