Book Review – When Villains Rise by Rebecca Schaeffer
When Villains Rise by Rebecca Schaeffer (Market of Monsters #3)
Fantasy | Young Adult | 384 pages
Published on 8th September 2020 by HMH Books For Young Readers
Synopsis
Dexter meets Victoria Schwab in this dark and compelling fantasy about a girl who is determined to take down the black market once and for all in the conclusion to the trilogy that started with the critically acclaimed Not Even Bones.
Nita finally has Fabricio, the boy who betrayed her to the black market, within her grasp. But when proof that Kovit’s a zannie – a monster who eats pain in order to survive – is leaked to the world, Nita must re-evaluate her plans.
With enemies closing in on all sides, the only way out is for Nita and Kovit to take on the most dangerous man in the world: Fabricio’s father. He protects the secrets of the monsters who run the black market. Stealing those secrets could be the one thing that stands between Nita and Kovit and certain death in the thrilling conclusion to the trilogy that began with the critically acclaimed Not Even Bones.
My rating:
Review
This series is one I neeeeeeed to see more people shouting about. Where is the love???? Honestly I have adored every single moment of it, and am sad it doesn’t get more publicity. It’s possible because I don’t think it’s been released here in the UK, but I’m not sure.
One of the reasons I like it is that it is unapologetically violent and dark, and shows how people can do really awful things in all sorts of situations. And enjoy them. But also still want to be a good person, and it shows how that struggle could work. It also shows that not only “monsters” do monstrous things.
Nita is still struggling with the awful influence of her mother as well as the events of the first two books. I think this is shown really well – she is constantly battling her inner demons and shrouded in doubt. She does some terrible things in her mission to just be able to live a clear and free life, and it’s hard not to understand that.
And Kovit’s arc in particular has real nuance. I love him, despite the fact he’s objectively evil.
The background we gain into INHUP, and the DUL in particular, is SO GOOD. I really didn’t see some of that coming. It lined up some story threads I hadn’t realised were there, very clever.
I also loved the discussion of romance, or lack thereof, in the book. While not given a name, there was a couple of amazing moments that are definitely aromantic and probably asexual. Yesssssss to not needing romance!
Ahhhh. I could scream about this forever. Go read Not Even Bones if you haven’t already. Seriously. Go.
5 stars.
Read my reviews for Not Even Bones and Only Ashes Remain
2 Comments
Literary Leisha
I’ve not heard of this series before! Sounds good!
Ellie
not heard of this! glad you enjoyed!!