<<'One moment a man, one moment a monster. This is just the ordinary truth of existence. And there you stand, on the line that divides one from the other, poised on the precipice - ready to choose.'>>

What do we have here but the darling story line of the left, that any monster can become a decent being if they would only choose to overcome their beastly urges ..*eye roll*
In this case our beast is non other than the Minotaur, resurrecting from the dark recesses of his Labyrinth to take part in a Victorian rags-to-riches tale. He saves Nell from the claws of her money thirsty master and from a damning life on the river, and she in turn saves him from himself and his damning life as a monster. Isn't that cute??! *double eye roll*.

Robert Dinsdale writes well, but in my view he starts with interesting ideas for then to sticks to well known paths/stories. Go out of the box, dear Robert. It's gonna give you an edge!

*Rant over* lol

The premise for this was right up my street: Dickensian London, mythical retelling and some magical realism all mixed together in one package but for me this didn't quite hit the spot, sadly. I've read many glowing reviews, but for me personally I found it didn't hold my interest to the end. Would like to read more by this author though, on a different subject.

This was such an original take on greek mythology!
Once upon a monster is more of a reimagining than a retelling with absolutely wonderful writing! The characters, heroes and villains alike, were so well written they never felt two dimensional or even fictional.

The world was also rich in detail with a breathtaking setting. It's clear that Dinsdale KNOWS how to write characters and set the atmosphere correctly.


Overall I loved this and 100% recommend.

This book is a retelling of the Minotaur myth meets Dickens and it's a wonderful read.

Nell, an orphan and one of Benjamin Murdstone's mudlarks in London, finds the body of a dead giant one day. When she discovers he is still breathing, the girl decides to save him and take care of him in a cave, even though he is rather furry and seems to have horns on his head.

Little does she know that she has found the Minotaur who wasn't dead when Theseus left him, but followed the thread of his halfsister Ariadne to get out of the labyrinth instead. We get his stories throughout the centuries as well as Nell's story, who dreams of being a ballet dancer one day.

The book drew me in from the start. It has a splendid pace and even if you know your myths, it offers a whole new world and perspective. I loved how all the characters were kept realistic and I could picture the minotaur in Dickensian London.

Thank you for the ARC NetGalley and MacMillan UK.

What a fabulous take on a Greek myth. A Dickensian mixture of the Minotaur in his labyrinth along with an Oliver Twist style gang of mudlarks lead by their own Fagin, Benjamin Murdstone. Fabulously descriptive, exciting & emotional!

Sadly this one just wasn’t for me. I struggled to get into it and was just a bit slow for me. Nothing against the author, just how I felt. DNF

Published 21 September 2023. Having loved The Toymakers by this author, and being rather partial to Greek myths, there was no way that I was going to miss the chance to read this. This is not a Greek myth retelling, this is a Greek myth reimagining. What if Theseus didn't kill the Minotaur? What if the Minotaur found his way out of the labyrinth and is in Victorian London? There is a Dickensian feel about this novel - for Fagin read Murdstone, for Fagin's little gang of child pickpockets read Murdstone's little group of mudlarks. Our story follows 10 year old Nell as, with the rest of the mudlarks, she scours the Thames looking for 'treasures' that can be sold for a meal. On this occasion she doesn't find a coin, a scrap of metal, she finds what she believes to be a body. The body of a giant of a man with misshapen features that make him appear monstrous. But this man is not dead, just badly injured and Nell makes the decision to help him - and to hide him from Murdstone. A bond develops between Nell and the man, Minos and he tells her stories, memories as he tries to find out who he is. When Murdstone does find them, he sees in Minos an opportunity to make his fortune and he also sees that he can use Nell to control the 'beast'. In this book we do not just have Minos' story as his past begins to haunt him, to leave him questioning whether he is a monster or if there is a man inside him, we also have Nell's story. Nell dreams of being a dancer - her mother was a seamstress for the ballet dancers at the Alhambra before she died and Nell became Murdstone's 'property'. I really enjoyed this, the mix of myth and Dickensian London. Murdstone is really well fleshed out villain. I did feel that, at times, the pacing slowed in the middle but the final chapters were terrific and the ending just - for me - perfect. I did struggle at little with Nell sometimes as well, a ten year old who at times seemed younger and older than her years. But Minos, I did enjoy his character, his battle to find himself as he was forever 'turning left, turning right, forever moving forward'. I also loved the ideas of the sewers under London becoming almost the tunnels of the labyrinth. This was such an original idea and at times it feels as if the author is sitting with is telling us a story - as Minos sits with Nell and tells her stories - when he breaks the fourth wall and tells us to 'follow that water' or when he talks to us and tells us to 'dredge our memories'. For me this book was a lovely mix of historical fiction and Greek myth, and a book about good and evil, nature and nurture. I look forward to seeing what he writes next.

— 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 —

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: Once A Monster
𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: N/A
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫(𝐬): Robert Dinsdale
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Mythology/Historical Fiction
𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝: 21st September 2023
𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝: 16th August 2023
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ★★★ ½

“I like to think the Greeks knew a little about this sorry old business of being alive. That’s something we’ve forgotten in Modern Times. We Englishmen remain a puritanical breed. Being good or bad isn’t a human choice. Being good and bad–that’s the human condition.”

I adore the blending of the genres: Greek mythology stirred into a pot of filthy and industrious 1860s London is not one I could have imagined would work, but Robert Dinsdale somehow managed to enforce the imagery of muddy orphaned children fishing for treasures in the riverbanks whilst ducking and dodging the perils of urban life and mixing this scene with the literal and figurative revival of a myth. I particularly enjoyed the clever parallels between the Greek labyrinth and the London sewers.

The storytelling was deeply immersive, Dinsdale utilised a personable and vivid Dickensian prose to add depth and gravity to the book whilst holding a certain magical horror element through the character of Minos and the savage beauty of the ballet through Nell’s perspective. The author chooses the break the fourth wall every now and then to guide the reader through the story which gave me a frisson of excitement each time as I knew the story was about to develop in some way.

There is thematic exploration of human morality; the dichotomy of good and evil blurred into multiple moments that serves as the pendulum of individual choices of a righteous man and a wrongful one. These character decisions feel Dorian Gray in its nature; the more hideous choices baring a physical change on the characters, once again lending the story the feel of a timeless classic.

Once A Monster is thoughtful, savage, and has an air of finality in name and slow paced, hypnotic, and an air of continuity in nature. This book is great for those who want to slowly trudge through a labyrinth of Robert Dinsdale’s making, detailing every mark on the wall and each turn the story is about to take through historical London with a monster.

—Kayleigh🤍

I have enjoyed previous books by Robert Dinsdale so I had high hopes for this one.

I wanted to like it a lot but somehow fell flat. I didn't really like the storytelling and the characters annoyed me big time! I also struggled reading the chapters, felt too long...

However, the world-building was really good. I think the market is saturated with Greek mythology; this one is somehow different but still felt something was missing.

With such a saturated market when it comes to Greek mythology, it is hard to do something that stands above the rest. But in this tale of The Minotaur, Robert Dinsdale breathes new life into a myth we all know so well. For me, the pacing was too slow at points and I wanted to see more character development, but an enjoyable read nevertheless.

I thank NetGalley for gifting me the arc of this book. I submitted my request but was only granted the request very much later. My interest in this book has already started to wan but reflecting that The Toymakers was such a great book, my interest in this book rekindled.

This book fascinates me and has a magical feel to it. I like the story because it is a historical fiction set in London with a friendship element thrown in with some added mystery. I tend to like books set in historical London with a magical feel to it. This one has something to do with Greek myth which is something that I do not like to read too much unless it is a mystery or horror genre kind of book but this was tastefully done. This story has also something to do with the retelling of the Minotaur which is rather unique. The pacing of the story was great but just that Dinsdale's writing might not be everyone's kind of tea as I prefer a more simplistic and flowy style of writing. But after a while, you will get used to it. The characters Nell and Minos are at the forefront of the story and their friendship is touching if not bittersweet to read. The characters are all very realistic and well-developed. Overall it is a good book with a unique magical story in it and enchanting characters but not all of them are enchanting. You need to read to know as there are villains in it.

I am looking forward to seeing what would be Dinsdale's next book. I hope it is also set in Victorian times and it involves an enchanting but sad love story full of mysterious magical vibes which is the trademark of his beautiful stories. The Toymakers remains his best book. I will rate this book 4 stars because it is indeed a unique story and I could see that Dinsdale has put a lot of effort and creative juices into it. Overall I still like it and would recommend it to anyone who likes a magical and interesting story

Oh I so wanted to love this book, the premise sounded so interesting but the reality was a plodding storyline, uninteresting characters and a story that didn't live up to what I was hoping for.
The Minotaur legend is one of my favourites, such possibilities for this character, but I found myself bored and struggling to finish chapters, it feels like a waste of an opportunity.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read and review this ARC.

An unusual and highly enjoyable book. A clever and subtle bringing together of Dickens and ancient myth:
Dickens in the presence of poor children and a Fagin like character who controls and exploits them (and even a Little Nell); and ancient myth in an imagination that the minotaur survived Theseus’ attack and lived through the millennia seeking to find out who he is.
The minotaur and Nell meet when she finds him left for dead in the Thames mud and a lasting friendship ensues.
In some degree a tortured soul, bad deeds and violence make the minotaur more or a monster; good deeds more of a man. His determination towards the latter is exemplified in the constant refrain of “No!”, but is often driven to the former.
Nell’s dream of becoming a dancer provides a delightful subplot.
The style is intriguing and the characters well drawn. The pace picks as the novel develops. Ultimately a tale of redemption.

Greek mythology is getting tougher and harder to approach in new and interesting ways, but Dinsdale has succeeded with his breathtaking Victorian London-set retelling of the Minotaur narrative. The Greek myth of the Minotaur is charmingly reimagined in Dickens' novel Once a Monster. This is what I envision Greek mythology would look like if the Brothers Grimm wrote it. I don't believe I have ever read a novel with an intersection like this, thus the notion is unique. The fourth wall is periodically broken throughout the novel, which is written as though it were being told by a storyteller. It has the appearance of being read aloud while curled up next to a warm fire.

It’s becoming harder and harder to do something innovative and fresh with Greek mythology, but Dinsdale has managed to pull it off with his spectacular reimagining of the Minotaur myth in Victorian London.

Orphaned at a young age, Nell now spends her days as a mudlark on the Thames, searching for treasures to sell for her guardian - and villainous overseer - Murdstone. She stumbles upon a vast body in the mud - and on discovering it is still alive, chooses to nurse it back to health in a nearby cave. It is Minos - not the King of Crete, but the Minotaur himself, escaped from the labyrinth and the clutches of Theseus. The story unfolds at pace - from Nell, as an Ariadne figure, leading Minos through his feverish dreams and forgotten memories, to Minos sacrificing his freedom for Nell’s own future - and then follows the twists and turns of both characters as they struggle through their choices and fates.

This isn’t a quick and easy read, but rather a beautifully complex tale spanning centuries. Dinsdale skilfully weaves together several different stories and perspectives, and his impressive worldbuilding brings to life not just the dark and grimy world of Victorian London but also the glimpses of a more ancient time. But it is the reflections on the nature of monstrosity and heroism that really make the heart of this book, and offer an in-depth and unflinching exploration of the tragedy of the Minotaur himself.

London, 1800’s. A group of destitute children comb the banks of the Thames for treasures that they can sell; a lump of coal or a pair of old waterlogged shoes means a hot meal that night. But one morning, 10 year old Nell finds more than she expected; a man, if one could call him that. He is huge, brutish, with odd protuberances sprouting from a misshapen skull that suggests the emergence of bone underneath the skin. Instead of stealing from him, she nurses him to health, and despite his amnesia begins to discover the story of Minos…but is he a man, or a monster?

Once a Monster is an enchanting Dickensian reimagining of the Greek myth of the Minotaur. If the Brothers Grimm wrote Greek mythology, I imagine you’d have something similar to this. The premise is original; I don’t think I have ever read a novel with an intersection like this. The novel is written as though being narrated by a storyteller, with the fourth wall being occasionally broken. It gives the impression of being read to aloud, cosy beside a roaring fire.

Dinsdale has crafted a very atmospheric book, and the rivers and city streets flow directly from the page. The cast of characters are very Oliver Twist-esque; Benjamin Murdstone, Once a Monster’s antagonist, seems to have been directly styled on Fagin. While this helps add to the sense of place in the novel, the result is that the characters come across as archetypal and two-dimensional at times. I did really enjoy the exploration of Nell’s and Minos’ found-father-daughter relationship, though.

One gripe I had is that the prose can often feel repetitive, with certain plot points being returned to until they are worn smooth and indistinct.

I’d recommend this unusual but enjoyable novel to fans of Fairy Tales and myths. Minos’ issues in memory also reminded me of the mystery of Piranesi. While not a complete page-turner, it was still a very easy and magical read.

Book Review 📚
Once A Monster by Robert Dinsdale - 3.5/5 ⭐

Victorian London cross Greek Minotaur. Who knew there was ever such a cross over?! It's subtle on both parts but yet enough to know exactly what's happening and where.

The description and detail in this book was phenomenal. There has been so much thought in the description of not only characters but the world building also. Each and every character is perfectly described so your never questioning or wondering anything. It's done really well and Dinsdale pulled it off brilliantly.

The general theme comes across as good Vs evil which is actually pulled off amazingly. The historical fiction makes the story so much more than just a fiction, it's a nice touch and helps make the story. Overall it's a brilliant story and worth the read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for allowing me to read this ARC - this is an HONEST review from my own personal opinion.

I loved Robert Dinsdale's The Toymakers, but I really struggled with the pace of his latest novel, Once a Monster. The PoV changes were fine, switching between Nell and Minos, and a few other characters along the way, but the prose really could've done with a trim. Every thought was laboured, every plot point discussed to death, and I found myself skimming pages to get to the next scene! The ending too could of used some love - it felt rushed and too eager to wrap up lose ends. Still, it was better than a 3, so marking it a 4.

A memorable read! I was entirely seduced by Robert Dinsdale’s tale spinning, the Dickensian feel and a very refreshing take on the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur. Ive never read anything else by this author but I plan to correct that shortly! Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book.

This could have been such a good book, the premise is great but the execution fell flat for me sadly