The Monsters We Defy

By: Leslye Penelope

Narrated by: Shayna Small

'Rich and immersive. . . full of mesmerizing magic!' P. Djèlí Clark, author of A Master of Djinn

'This gorgeous historical fantasy combines a folkloric bent with a truly excellent heist' Holly Black, author of The Cruel Prince

A dazzling historical fantasy that weaves together African American folk magic, history and romance.

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. 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.
But as conflict in the spirit world begins to leak into the human one - an insidious mystery is unfolding, one that could cost Clara her life.

Praise for The Monsters We Defy:

'Penelope's blend of fantasy and history is pitch perfect. . . Readers will be wowed' Publishers Weekly

'A high-stakes, delightful read' Buzzfeed

'An enchanting adventure that weaves a spell' Justina Ireland

Reader reviews:

'Omg this book is a MUST READ!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Absolutely wonderful' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'One of my favourite books of the year' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'With seamlessly blended fantasy and history, complex characters, and a little touch of romance, this is a practically perfect read!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Glorious! Absolutely gorgeous!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

' I loooooooved this book. I love a good heist novel and this one was delightful' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'I loved this book and I know it's one I'll be going back to reread in the future, It was an absolute blast to read, a mystery to solve heart pounding suspense, a little romance, and absolutely incredible characters. I can't recommend this book enough!!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'I adored this book! It's witty, adventurous, romantic and heartbreaking ' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐©2022 Leslye Penelope

Critic reviews

Rich and immersive. . . full of mesmerizing magic! (P. Djèlí Clark, author of A MASTER OF DJINN)

This gorgeous historical fantasy combines a folkloric bent with a truly excellent heist . . . This book has one of the cleverest magic systems I've come across, plus a delightful array of performers and outcasts (Holly Black)

An enchanting adventure that weaves a spell (Justina Ireland)

Stolen destinies, dubious bargains, and unlikely groups of allies, all in a city whose history deserves more fame; a fresh and engaging take on historical fantasy (Marie Brennan)

Masterfully crafted. This smart and entertaining magical heist novel hits all the right notes (T. L. Huchu)

Clara is a heroine for the ages, and her 1920s Black Washington society, both the glamour and the grit, is so compellingly evoked it's as though Penelope has given us a peek behind the veil to hear the tales of our ancestors (Alaya Dawn Johnson)

A high-stakes, delightful read (Buzzfeed)

Penelope's blend of fantasy and history is pitch perfect. . . Readers will be wowed (Publishers Weekly)

A great blending of realistic characters, spiritualism and magic, fantasy, mystery, a heist story and a strong element of romance. I love it when I encounter a book of a type I don't often read and get completely carried away with. And The Monsters We Defy is such a book that draws you into a brilliantly recreated historical world (SciFi Mind)