Rating: 3 stars
Monster, a human man who’s trained in magic and turns a different color every time he sleeps; each color represents a different type of effect. Chester, a higher life form from a sixth dimension, is a one dimensional paper gnome in this world and Monster’s trusty assistant. Very helpful, with impeccable manners, Chester compliments Monster’s abrupt nature. Together Chester and Monster are cryptobiological handlers who catch rare crypto creatures – think magical animal control.
Monster already has his hands full with his job and his demanding succubus girlfriend whom he brought back from hell; then he meets Judy and things get even more out of control.
Humans, or cogs as they’re called in the magic community, can’t really conceive of magic around them and when they do have a run-in with mythical creatures they quickly forget everything. Judy, a worker at a local food mart – and light cog -- finds Yentis eating all the Rocky Road ice cream and she’s not sure who to call. When Monster shows up to take care of the problem, he and Judy form a mutual annoyance for each other, but this won't be the last time their paths cross. Unbeknownst to Judy, she is somehow linked to the magical world and crypto creatures abound; her apartment is overrun by trolls and Monster’s house is suddenly full of Scottish Goat Men. When Judy is kidnapped by two cryptos, Monster must keep from being killed or eaten by the all creatures Judy’s subconscious is conjuring up long enough figure out where Judy fits in to the magic world and how to save her.
The creativity factor was high and the writing light and funny. Martinez’s storytelling comes with a good dose of entertainment and imagery; however, Monster seemed more YA than adult. The idea that magic is all around, but humans can’t grasp it, is an interesting Matrix-like idea. Throw Zooey Deschanel in as Judy and this might make for an interesting after-school special.
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Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Orbit; 1 edition (May 11, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-0316041263