Good retelling of Frankenstein

Jonathan Ferrara’s The Monster of Chateau Du Coeur, the second book in The Ghost of Buxton Manor series, reimagines Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein through a fresh, Gothic lens. I always enjoy retellings of classic literature, and like its predecessor, this novel is told from the perspective of the so-called "monster"—in this case, Adam.

While the premise is intriguing, the pacing feels uneven. The first half lingers too long on excessive details and an unnecessary subplot that does little to drive the story forward, while the latter half rushes through crucial developments. However, Ferrara excels at crafting suspenseful reveals that keep the reader engaged. One of the novel’s strongest aspects is Adam’s romance with Collin, a human, which adds warmth and emotional stakes to the narrative. At times, their love story carries the novel when the pacing falters.

Despite its strengths, The Monster of Chateau Du Coeur doesn’t deliver the same emotional impact as The Ghost of Buxton Manor. The first book had a raw, heart-wrenching quality that this installment lacks, likely due to its structural imbalance and overwhelming detail. While still an engaging read with moments of brilliance, the novel doesn’t quite reach the heights of its predecessor.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!