Mongrels Stephen Graham Jones Book Summary

Mongrels is a novel by Stephen Graham Jones that blends elements of horror, fantasy, and coming-of-age themes.

The story follows a young boy named Max who lives with his family on the outskirts of a small town in the American Midwest.

The novel explores Max's experiences growing up in a world where werewolves are real and his family is part of a long line of shape-shifters.

Max navigates the challenges of adolescence while also dealing with the supernatural threats that surround him.

The book delves into themes of identity, community, and the struggle for acceptance.

It's a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat and make you think about what it means to be human.

Stephen Jones is a master of crafting stories that blur the lines between reality and myth, as seen in his novel "Mongrels". His writing often explores the darker side of human nature and the supernatural.

Jones's use of unreliable narrators creates a sense of unease and uncertainty in the reader, drawing them deeper into the world of the story. This technique is evident in the character of the narrator in "Mongrels", who is often at odds with his own perceptions of reality.

The novel is a blend of horror, fantasy, and coming-of-age themes, making it a unique and captivating read.

Stephen Graham Jones' approach to storytelling is deeply rooted in his experiences growing up on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in Montana. His unique perspective is a result of being raised in a community where storytelling was a vital part of everyday life.

He often incorporates elements of horror and the supernatural into his stories, which is reflected in his novel "Mongrels". This blend of genres allows him to explore themes of identity, culture, and the human condition.

Jones' writing is known for being unflinching and honest, often tackling difficult subjects like racism, colonialism, and the struggles of growing up Native American. His stories are a reflection of the complexities and nuances of life on the reservation.

He has said that his goal as a writer is to tell stories that are authentic and true to his experiences, rather than trying to fit into predetermined genres or styles. This approach has earned him a reputation as a bold and innovative storyteller.

Jones' use of language is often described as lyrical and evocative, drawing heavily on the rhythms and cadences of Native American oral traditions.

Mongrels by Stephen Graham Jones has received widespread critical acclaim, with many authors praising its unique blend of horror, humor, and heart.

Carrie Vaughn, New York Times bestselling author of the Kitty Norville series, calls it "a brutal mythology of werewolves" that will leave readers unforgettable.

The book's narrator's voice is described as "lyrical" and "heartfelt" by Publishers Weekly, making it an often moving portrait of a family struggling to survive.

Kirkus Reviews praises Jones' portrayals of rural America, saying they "ring true in many ways", and notes the graphic mythology will appeal to horror enthusiasts.

Benjamin Percy, author of The Dead Lands, describes Mongrels as "a bloody great read" that exists in the borderlands of literary and genre fiction.

Josh Malerman, author of Bird Box, simply says Jones is "as powerful as the monsters herein", highlighting the author's skill.

Paul Tremblay, author of A Head Full of Ghosts, is left speechless by Mongrels, praising its originality, thrilling plot, and horrifying elements.

The Los Angeles Times calls it "a gory monster coming-of-age tale" that makes other vampire romances seem trivial by comparison.

Tor.com says Mongrels is "meaty, surprisingly sweet of heart, and immensely satisfying", comparing it to S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders but with more teeth.

LitReactor says Jones' words are so compelling that even the biggest skeptic will be converted into a believer, and will have you howling at the moon in no time.

New York Journal of Books says Mongrels is "hilarious, painful, fascinating, and satisfying", and will be remembered as one of the most unique and unforgettable werewolf tales ever written.

Mongrels by Stephen Graham Jones is a novel that explores the complexities of human identity and the blurred lines between humans and animals.

The story takes place in a rural area of Montana, where the protagonist, Mack, lives with his family on a farm.

Mack's family has a unique history, with his mother being a werewolf and his father a shapeshifter.

The novel delves into themes of identity, family, and community, raising questions about what it means to be human.

Mack's struggles with his own identity and sense of belonging are a central focus of the story.

The book is part of the Tor.com Publishing imprint, a division of Tor Books that specializes in science fiction and fantasy.