i haven’t read the first book in the series but i was easily able to pick up everything just from the second book alone. this book is nothing like the actual monster high web series and doll line so you should keep that in mind when reading this series; at first, that put me off but i think it was a good decision because it means the author was able to be a bit more ‘mature’ with things and target it towards a slightly older demographic which i was surprised about. although i disliked the fact that the monsters or RADs had to hide their true selves since the web series and dolls were all about being true to yourself and expressing your individuality regardless of what other’s have to say, i think the way in which they do live among ‘normies’  is pretty beneficial in developing a plot, first and foremost, and i’d say it also helps to develop the ideas of inclusivity by creating solidarity between different groups in a quest to break down discriminatory barriers. of course, just like the web series and the dolls, it very much applies to real life. it’s kinda nice how the monsters are outsiders because it builds a greater sense of community among them and it just felt so heartwarming reading the parts where they sought refuge and comfort and celebration in each other.

it’s also great if you’re feeling reminiscent of the past; was mattel sponsored by different brands because wow, the amount of times they have to mention the iPhone 4, Clawdeen’s Motorola  and everyone wearing UGGs. it’s interesting that the monsters didn’t have monster-fied versions of these like in the web series where they had iCoffins, for instance. i guess those names were dropped for a sense of relatability for the reader and perhaps also to show that these monsters are like the ‘normies’ and deserve to be treated as such. 

going back to the relating to real life thing, i like how colonialism was kinda hinted at through cleo talking abt how all the antiques from ancient egypt were stolen and fed-exed to be placed in museums for people to gawk at without understanding their true value.

this kinda mindset was shown again during the photo shoot when cleo mentions how the people referred to her as ‘the egyptian’ and couldn’t pronounce anything and had prints of king tut on their t-shirts

 

im kinda confused as to why melody felt like an outcast as well. was it truly just because of her asthma? i’m assuming it was also because of her nose since it’s  mentioned a few times that it’s been operated on and the ending also alludes to that. i’m not sure how much of melody’s backstory is given in the first book, which i have not read, but is that really comparable to being like a literal vampire? idk the comparisons between the two seem very trivial 

this also made be audibly laugh at some points. i feel like that’s kinda embarrassing to admit but i stand by that!