What Genre Does 'Ordinary Monsters' Belong To?

'Ordinary Monsters' is a fascinating blend of dark fantasy and historical fiction, with a strong dash of horror. It’s set in the late 19th century, following children with eerie supernatural abilities hunted by sinister forces. The book’s gothic atmosphere and eerie, almost cinematic descriptions make it feel like a Tim Burton movie meets 'Stranger Things.' The historical setting adds depth, grounding the fantastical elements in a gritty, believable world. The horror isn’t just jump scares—it’s psychological, creeping under your skin with its themes of isolation and monstrous transformations.

The genre-defying nature of the story keeps you hooked, blending mystery, adventure, and even a touch of found-family drama. It’s not just about monsters; it’s about what makes someone monstrous, weaving moral ambiguity into every page. The pacing is deliberate, letting the tension simmer until it boils over in terrifying or heart-wrenching moments. If you love stories that make you question reality while keeping you on edge, this is it.

This book is a masterclass in genre fusion. It’s primarily dark fantasy but borrows heavily from thriller and mystery tropes. The supernatural elements are grounded in a richly detailed Victorian-era backdrop, making it feel like 'Penny Dreadful' meets 'X-Men.' The horror aspects are more atmospheric than gory, relying on dread and the unknown to unsettle readers. The children’s powers are eerie yet poetic, blurring the line between gift and curse. Themes of identity and belonging elevate it beyond typical genre fare.

I’d call 'Ordinary Monsters' a dark fantasy thriller with a historical twist. The supernatural abilities of the kids are central, but the real star is the mood—oppressive, mysterious, and haunting. It’s like if 'The Umbrella Academy' took a detour into Victorian horror. The stakes feel personal, not just world-ending, which makes the horror hit harder. The prose is lush but never slows the pulse-pounding tension.

Think gothic fantasy meets supernatural mystery. 'Ordinary Monsters' thrives in shadows, blending historical realism with bizarre, unsettling powers. The children aren’t just heroes; they’re survivors in a world that fears them. The horror is subtle but relentless, creeping in through details—a whisper, a flicker of movement. The genre bends rules, making it hard to pin down but impossible to put down. It’s a moody, atmospheric ride with teeth.

Dark fantasy with a historical horror edge. The book’s strength lies in its ambiguity—are the monsters the kids or those chasing them? The Victorian setting amplifies the eerie vibe, like Sherlock Holmes stumbling into a nightmare. The action is sparse but impactful, letting character drama and dread take center stage. It’s less about battles and more about surviving a world that wants you dead.