Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Hero archetypes
Heroine archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Themes
Synopsis
In alternating chapters, tells of the mermaid Syrenka's love for Ezra in 1872 that leads to a series of horrific murders, and present-day Hester's encounter with Ezra's ghost that reveals her connection to the murders and to Syrenka.
Is Monstrous Beauty appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 15 and up.
This dark fantasy involves a series of horrific murders connected to a doomed mermaid-human romance and features strong violence and disturbing content. The dual timeline structure and ghostly elements create Gothic horror atmosphere suitable for mature teens.
What to know going in
This book has strong violence, mild sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include murder, death, and grief (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Teens who love dark fairy tales and Gothic mysteries with dual timelines will be drawn to this atmospheric story connecting past murders to present-day revelations.