Make Me a Monster by Kalynn Bayron
on September 30, 2025
ISBN: 1547615869
Format: Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

Make Me a Monster by Kalynn Bayron 

Though a unique take on the classic Frankenstein, the unsteady pacing of this book may distract readers from the important reflections on grief and love that it provides. 

Meka is your average teen: close friend group, supportive parents, adoring boyfriend. So what if she spends most of the time with the deceased as a mortician’s assistant at her family’s funeral home? When a sudden tragedy strikes someone closest to her, she struggles to adjust to her new normal. Everything feels so strange afterwards, made worse by the fact that those around her aren’t staying dead… 

This story is great for readers who like retellings of classic tales and are looking for relatable and personable characters. Its strength lies in these relationships the characters have: great examples of healthy, supportive parents and a sweet first romance that could appeal to younger teens. Though the pacing is steady for most of the book, readers may get frustrated at how drastically the plot escalates into “what is even happening” territory. Overall, I’d recommend this book less to horror fans as the plot gets a bit murky and more to those just looking for a tender read. 

Reviewed by Hannah Doktor, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta