The Monarchs

By: Mark Sabbas
Publisher: Koehler Books
Publication Date: June 25, 2024
ISBN: 979-8-88824-268-1
Reviewed by: Kathy Stickles
Review Date: October 29, 2024

The Monarchs, by Mark Sabbas, is one of the loveliest books that I have read in quite some time. The author takes readers on a spiritual and thought-provoking adventure filled with magic, peril, and so much love that you cannot help but feel good as you read the final page.

In The Monarchs, we follow the story of main character Samuel Helen, a child who was born into the world as one of a “new” group who arrive on earth with huge eyes and amazing psychic powers. These children who are already confused, scared, and not sure how to survive, are taken by a group of scientists to a military facility. Here they are forced to participate in numerous experiments as the scientists attempt to discover what powers they actually have and how those powers can be used to control others. Samuel’s only real hope in his life is his tutor Walter and a beautiful orphan girl named Evelyn, who lives in the next town and who he sees once a week during his work detail.

When a group of magical and very dark rebels attacks the facility, Samuel somehow escapes. He finds Evelyn and they run as fast as they can. When they are attacked by others, Evelyn ends up in a coma and Samuel is heartbroken. As he tries to figure out how to help her, he connects with Luna, an amusing and strange young woman who is, of all things given the world they live in, a pacifist. As they head off to find a sanctuary that Luna knows of where Evelyn can be helped, this journey of danger and self-awareness really takes off. Can Evelyn be saved and will Samuel learn how to use his power and ultimately, do the right thing with Luna’s help?

The Monarchs is an amazing story that is incredibly well-written. Mark Sabbas is able to create so many amazing worlds in the story and the writing is so descriptive that readers will feel as if they are actually there. Samuel is a fabulous protagonist and much stronger than he gives himself credit for. To see him grow and learn to accept his gifts is wonderful for the reader. All of the other characters in the book are also extremely well-developed and intriguing. We are able to learn much about and from Evelyn, even in her comatose state, due to the magic of the story. Evelyn is another really strong character that readers will love. There is really nothing about this book that will not be loved by adults and teens alike. It is a story that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.

The Monarchs is one that I would highly recommend to everyone, regardless of your age or what type of genre is your favorite. It is one that combines so many of a readers’ favorite things: magic—both good and bad, love, danger, fantasy, and so much more. It is a do-not-miss story and I cannot wait to see what happens with these characters next.

Quill says: There are very few books out there that can be considered truly beautiful and it is a pure joy to actually find one. The Monarchs is just such a book and following the characters on their journey is something that will make every reader feel good.

For more information on The Monarchs, please visit the author's website at: nothingtodoubt.org