I read this one with my young niece over a few weeks of visits and she loved this. She hopes there's more to come!

I enjoyed Ciannon Smart’s debut duology, Witches Stepped in Gold, so when she announced that she was writing a middle grade book next I knew I had to check it out even though I’m not a huge middle grade reader. I was not disappointed, Rayleigh Mann in the Company of Monsters by Ciannon Smart is a wonderfully dark and fun tale about monsters.

Set in London, Rayleigh Mann in the Company of Monsters is a unique coming of age story. Rayleigh Mann’s plans for trick of treating with his friends turn upside down when a strange girl tries to kidnap him. As the night gets even stranger, Rayleigh learns that he’s actually only half human; his dad is a monster. Not just any monster, the infamous Bogey Mann. Now that he’s twelve it’s time for him to learn all about monsters and Below, the hidden subterranean city of monsters beneath London.

Whisked away to Below-London by his uncle, Rayleigh learns all about monsters and being a monster. Everything he knows about monsters is wrong, they’re not bad, they’re good. They exist to scare children straight during childhood, so they don’t grow up to become murderers or worse in their adulthood. As a monsterling Rayleigh has to take part in an induction to determine his monstrous heritage, consisting of three trials. Each trial is designed to help monsterlings uncover their monstrous identity and powers, and decide whether they wish to remain in Below-London or return to their human family.

It’s a hard decision for Rayleigh who misses his Mum, Nana, and friends, but recognises the advantages of Below-London. Labelled as a trouble-maker at school, in monster society he’s encouraged to cause trouble. He can also walk around the city without anyone watching him, crossing the street to avoid him or dubiously eyeing his fashion and afro. There’s also the biggest benefit of all; getting to know his dad.

Unfortunately his Dad is missing, and as Rayleigh tries to focus on his trials he finds himself getting drawn into dangerous conspiracies. With his new family and friends by his side, can he get through the induction and save his Dad?

I loved everything about Rayleigh Mann in the Company of Monsters. The world of monsters that Smart has created is brilliant, pulling on mythology, folklore, legends and urban legends from all around the world, with an emphasis on Jamaican mythology like her previous duology. Her world-building is once again top-notch. Also, as a South East (SE) Londoner I was very happy to have a book set in East London rather than central London – not much of a surprise as Smart is also from SE London. There’s London vernacular used in the dialect, including some cockney rhyming slang in there which was a delight to see!

If you’re wondering if the topic of monsters and nightmare is a topic too dark for a middle grade novel, don’t worry. Although there’s an edge of darkness, there is so much fun and humour in this book that readers of all ages will fall in love with the “monsters”. Older readers like myself will adore the sassiness of Bloody Mary, and the charm and sarcasm of Shade.

The characters and their relationships are at the heart of Rayleigh Mann in the Company of Monsters, and Smart has done a fantastic job with their dynamics. I loved the relationship between The Terrors, in particular, and their moments of banter were great. Here are some of the most terrifying monsters, and they’re sniping at each other as best friends do. I also appreciated the way that Smart represented relationships between young people, showing that sometimes people are just scared and mess up. Not everything in a book needs to turn into full on drama.

Smart’s dedication reads “I hope this story gives the different among you, the shelved, a chance to been seen as you deserve: the hero of your story” and I felt that in every word of this book. Rayleigh Mann in the Company of Monsters is a must-read for everyone, and I’m certain that young readers are going to love this one as will the adults in their life.

A fast paced urban fantasy perfect for young readers reading to move on to slightly more challenging texts.

Rajyleigh Mann is Neil Gaiman meets Monsters Inc with a little of the best of Harry Potter thrown in (and non of the bad bits).

Like, 'She fed her to the Beast' this is another book with a young Black lead that I wish had been around when I was a kid. It's well paced, magical and adventurous.

My only criticism? It could have done with a bit more editing. But the storyline and charectorisation is still mighty!

Thanks to Netgalley for this free ARC.

I really enjoyed this book, it drags you in from the first page and does not give up till the end. Breathtaking, suppose I should reread it again with the kids !

I just couldn't get into this one. I tried for some time, but it just wasn't clicking.
I wouldn't say there's anything particularly wrong with it, but the characters weren't drawing me in and the story seemed like it could be good, but I also feel I've read a lot of similar stories, and just didn't feel like I needed to read another. The 3 stars are because although I didn't finish it, I feel like it has potential and it may just be that it's not my kind of story or characters, rather than it actually being a bad book.

Rayleigh Mann likes to sneak around and get the better of his teachers as well as his Nana and his Mama. At Halloween, he makes a special effort. After all, there's all those trick or treat goodies to hide away in his pillowcase! This year, however, is turning out a little differently than usual. The disguises are really good, but those wearing them seem to be intent on grabbing him!

When he is taken to a whole new world in Below London, Rayleigh finds things out about his dad's side of the family he wouldn't have ever believed if there wasn't proof right in front of him! In the world of Above London, Rayleigh was an unwelcome terror who never saw his dad, but now that's a good thing because his dad's vanished and he is going to find him.

The first in a new middle grade sci-fi series this is a fun read, and although there are lots of characters to remember, you just need to keep your wits about you! I did feel some of the dialogue and thoughts attributed to Rayleigh weren't what a twelve-year-old would use, and these were quite noticeable at times. There is an underlying message about what behaviour is or isn't acceptable from anyone which is part of the fast moving storyline about finding and accepting who you are and making it work for you, whatever world you inhabit!

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Bonnier Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. I enjoyed this very much and look forward to reading more about Rayleigh and his friends' exploits in the future.

I was given an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to Netgalley, Bonnier Books UK and Piccadilly Press.

Rayleigh's world is turned upside down almost instantly on All Hallow's Eve, when he learns about who his father really is. From there, the book follows him on his journey through London-Below, and the challenges he faces there.

This book has a really diverse cast of characters, and some brilliant characterisation. An entertaining read, and one that was perfectly paced - I found it hard to put down. The twists and turns were great, and the final reveal was not was I was expecting at all.

I loved this book, and cannot wait to see what comes next. I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoys an urban fantasy, especially younger readers!