Book Review: Here There Be Monsters by H.P. Newquist
Title: Here There Be Monsters: The Legendary Kraken and the Giant Squid
Author: H.P. Newquist
Release date: April 9, 2010
Have you read ‘Behemoth’ by H.P. Newquist? It was released by Bloodshot Books a few years back and was my first time reading anything from Newquist. It was a stunning book, one that I often think about even now, but I was also surprised to learn that is was Newquist’s first work on fiction. It was even more surprising when I saw just how many non-fiction releases he has!
But it was this one, ‘Here There Be Monsters’ that intrigued me. I snagged it for my Kindle, but much to my surprise, Newquist kindly sent me a physical copy for myself and my son to enjoy! I have to say – this book is gorgeous. The artwork, classic illustrations and photographs inside really work to heighten the narrative even more.
What I liked: The book itself investigates the historical reports of sea monsters, the Kraken and what role the giant squid plays in all of that. We get a look at reports throughout the years, as well as Hollywood has embraced the Kraken to create some truly memorable moments in cinema history.
Newquist does a fantastic job of diving into each area, ensuring that we get a balanced look at the reports as well as the real-world implications. I loved seeing the old maps, the drawings from eye witness accounts and how they have always stayed similar, even as the centuries past by.
The look into the giant squid, its discovery and the research behind it that make up the final section of the book was truly amazing and, as someone who loves cryptids and creatures, the photos and descriptions were fantastic.
What I didn’t like: I wished this book was longer! Like double or triple the length haha! I loved reading everything about it and Newquist writes with such an ease, as though you’re listening to a professor share his love of the sea, I could’ve handled another hundred pages of lore!
Why you should buy this: Thorough, balanced and laid out really well, ‘Here There Be Monsters’ is as close as you’ll get to a complete look at the Kraken myth as well as the arrival of The Giant Squid to modern day Oceanologists and science. This was such a well done book, I’ll need to take a look and see what other non-fiction releases H.P. has done over the years!
5/5
