Join a book club that is reading The Monsters We Defy!

Lawless Bookclub

A genre-exploration bookclub located in Los Angeles, California. We read a little bit of everything: seeking only adventure, feelings, and what it means for a book to be an example of one genre (or many!)

 

Want to join us? We meet in-person on the first Sunday of the month in Carlson Park, and online on the following Saturday. 

 

All are welcome!

 

Hosted by Sarah: current lawyer, former bookseller, and forever bookclub enthusiast.

The Monsters We Defy

"[P]itch perfect, with wit, romance, and a lovable found family." Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"This smart and entertaining, magical heist novel hits all the right notes!" ―T.L. Huchu

NPR Best Book of 2022! Paste Best Fantasy Book of 2022!

"Never make a deal with shadows at night, especially ones that know your name."

Washington D. C., 1925: Clara Johnson can talk to spirits--a gift that saved her during her darkest moments, now a curse that's left her indebted to the cunning spirit world. So when a powerful spirit offers her an opportunity to gain her freedom, Clara seizes the chance, no questions asked. The task: steal a magical ring from the wealthiest woman in the District.

Clara can't pull off this daring heist alone. She'll need the help of an unlikely team, from a handsome jazz musician able to hypnotize with a melody to an aging actor who can change his face, to pull off the impossible. But as they race along DC's legendary Black Broadway, conflict in the spirit world begins to leak into the human one--an insidious mystery is unfolding, one that could cost Clara her life and change the fate of an entire city.

The Monsters We Defy is a timely and dazzling historical fantasy that weaves together African American folk magic, history, and romance.

BUY THE BOOK

384 pages

Average rating: 8.26

34 RATINGS

|

2 REVIEWS

These clubs recently read this book...

Community Reviews

Anonymous
Mar 13, 2024
10/10 stars
I was sucked into this world almost immediately. I love that it was set in DC. The fantastical nature of the world was grounded by the character's experiences. The Monsters We Defy is a compelling heist story with a likable and honest main character. It's so hard to find a satisfying fantasy standalone book these days. I'm so glad I stumbled into this one.
Nas
Oct 28, 2022
10/10 stars
I’m no good at reviews but I had to just write that I absolutely loved this book! I read and also listened to this book… both ways gave me so much fulfillment. This story gives a peak back in history in a way I didn’t know I needed then added magic, spirits, and African Folklore!!! This will be a book I reread for sure 🖤

See why thousands of readers are using Bookclubs to stay connected.

More books by this author