Description

‘I enjoyed everything about Damien Love’s debut.’ Anthony Horowitz, bestselling author of the Alex Rider series

‘Hugely original, exciting debut novel… a fantastical but entirely believable world with scary killer robots oiled to perfection with automaton history, surprising characters and dry humour… Get hold of a copy, wind it up and let yourself go.’ The Times

‘An effortless, atmospheric evocation of place and history combine in an unforgettable, immersive reading experience.’ Guardian

‘This grandad and grandson adventure has all the hallmarks of a whopping kids’ thriller.’ The Big Issue, Kids’ Books of the year

When twelve-year-old Alex receives an old tin robot in the post, the note from his grandfather simply reads: ‘This one is special’. But as strange events start occurring around him, it doesn’t take Alex long to suspect that the small toy is more than special; it might also be deadly.

Just as things are getting out of hand, Alex’s grandfather arrives, whisking him away from his otherwise humdrum life and into a world of strange, macabre magic. From Paris to Prague, they flee across snowy Europe in a quest to unravel the riddle of the little robot, and outwit relentless assassins of the human and mechanical kind. How does Alex’s grandfather know them? And can Alex safely harness the robot’s power, or will it fall into the wrong, wicked hands?

Publisher Review

'Action-packed and cinematic with a great side-serving of dark gloopy weirdness' -- Sinead O'Hart, author of The Starspun Web 'What a heart-stopping adventure...With twists and turns, thrills, suspense and secrets, this is captivating.' * Harry, aged 13 * 'The action was so gripping that I thought I was in the book... great for all young ages that love a fantasy filled with amazing description and daredevil stunts. Can't wait for the sequel!' * Barnaby, aged 11 * 'A well-knit debut generously stocked with chills, thrills, and chancy exploits.' * Kirkus * 'What fun! An evil villain, a host of scary robots, big and small, and a hero with commendably bad personal habits. Loved it!' * John Flanagan, New York Times bestselling author of the Ranger's Apprentice series * 'The elements of the story are strong and put me on the edge of my seat throughout reading this masterpiece.' * Olly, aged 16 * 'Mysterious and frightening...a well-crafted adventure that's filled with desperate chases, narrow escapes, fight scenes, and twists.' * Publishers Weekly, starred review * 'A great read. The descriptive writing really created an incredible image in my mind of what was happening. Can't wait for the sequel.' * Max, aged 14 * "It is hard to believe that this fantastic, mega-original novel is Love's first book. The author speeds through his thrillingly ingenious tale with the confidence and creativity of a seasoned storyteller." -- South China Morning Post 'I enjoyed everything about Damien Love's debut - its title, its breakneck action, its sly sense of humour. If you imagine Rick and Morty colliding with early Spielberg, you get some idea of this delirious adventure...and I wouldn't be at all surprised to see it on the screen. I wish my first novel had been as imaginative and assured.' * Anthony Horowitz * 'This is an immensely entertaining adventure tale, with Scottish author Love's masterful manipulation of pacing alternately drawing out tension or speeding up life-and-death clashes to keep the pages furiously turning. Atmospheric and cinema ready.' * BCCB review * 'Damien Love's Monstrous Devices is an atmospheric, adventure-packed debut, which will surely appeal to fans of Jonathan Stroud's immersive, multi-layered novels.' * Love Reading, debut of the month * 'Monstrous Devices effortlessly brings mythic legend and modern life together in one exhilarating, breathless chase. With humour, relentless adventure, and true insight, he compels us to look closely at our wishes and illusions, at the dark and light forces of creation, at what really makes us tick.' * S. E. Grove, bestselling author of The Glass Sentence * 'Raiders of the Lost Ark meets Toy Story.' * Publishers Weekly * 'An adventure story [that] moves at a fast pace.' * School Librarian * 'An ingenious tale, the familiar fights and flight scenario kept interesting by the figure of grandfather, a kind of ageing James Bond.' * Books for Keeps * 'I was gripped from the first page of Monstrous Devices by Scottish author Damien Love. It is making me look at robots suspiciously . . . and I can't wait to see what happens next!' * Scottish Book Trust * 'Another assured debut that takes its protagonist somewhere unexpected... Fans of Anthony Horowitz will love Monstrous Devices.' * Irish Times * 'A breakneck adventure story, told thrillingly.' * Sunday Times * 'One of the most acclaimed, exciting new children's series in years... A hugely appealing adventure for all ages, which seems almost certain to be adapted for the screen.' * The Herald * 'Hugely original, exciting debut novel by Damien Love. He has built a fantastical but entirely believable world with scary killer robots oiled to perfection with automaton history, surprising characters and dry humour... Get hold of a copy, wind it up and let yourself go.' * The Times * 'A superbly assured debut... an effortless, atmospheric evocation of place and history combine in an unforgettable, immersive reading experience.' * Guardian *