Got my hands on this and devoured it as asap as possible, pun intended. I started seeing some buzz and went in with high expectations that were definitely met.

From the very first page, I was hooked by the unique and haunting story of a grieving mother who, in a desperate attempt to keep her deceased son Santiago's memory alive, cuts a segment of his lung out and nourishes it to life. As the lung grows, it becomes Monstrilio, a creature who holds some of Santiago's memories and traits, but who is not Santiago. The book is divided into four acts, each told from a different point of view, exploring themes of grief, acceptance, and the lengths we will go for those we love.

Reading this, I found myself completely invested in the story of Monstrilio and the people who loved him in every form he took. I enjoyed getting a perspective of Monstrilio and his creation from each of the main characters, it really rounded out the story One of the main things that sets "Monstrilio" apart from other horror novels, however, is its exploration of the monstrous and feral sides of love and loyalty. As Monstrilio grows and the lines are blurred between himself and Santiago, his instincts threaten to destroy second chance at life that his biological and chosen family have built for him... a life Monstrilio never chose for himself. It's such an interesting perspective what it means to be human and the sacrifices we make for those we love and the lives we know.

Overall, "Monstrilio" is an incredible debut that will stay with me for a long time. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves horror, literary fiction, or just a good, thought-provoking read. You're going to want to suck the marrow out of this one.

Thanks so much to Zando Projects as well as NetGalley for an advanced copy of this ahead of its publication on 03/07/23 in exchange for my honest thoughts! Loved this one so much!

✨I need 7 to 10 business days to process my feelings about this novel✨

7 days later…

I honestly didn’t want to rush to give my review as soon as I *devoured* this incredible novel.

Gerardo Sámano Cordova’s captivating prose made it impossible for me to look away, A thought provoking story about Loss ,Grief , Family & Love. But most importantly how incredibly Loyal those who truly love you can be.

Monstrilio was definitely a rollercoaster of emotions. How he managed to write something so wicked but yet funny, a story so captivating that I was literally in the brink of tears..? I don’t know how but he just did that. At least to me.

Monstrilio is the story of Santiago who dies when he’s 11 years old. His parents Magos and Joseph are left devastated with the loss. Magos decides that she needs a piece of her Santiago to keep her company and so she carved a piece of his lungs.

Her and Joseph can’t deal with the loss and so Magos goes back to Mexico with the piece of Santiago’s lungs. As any Latin American folktale story goes.. Mago is told that if she feeds the lungs, it may possibly grow into her Santiago..

As she follows with the feeding of the lung.. the novel start and you will meet Monstrilio.

Gerardo Sámano Cordova gives you 4 different perspectives, you will get to see Magos POV as she is unable to show emotions in her grief. Through Lena’s eyes we will get to understand Magos a bit better and see from someone else’s POV how she is dealing with her loss. You will also have Joseph and how he is able to managed to get himself out of the darkness of grief and You will finally have Monstrilio.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read this ahead of publication.
A fantastic and deeply unsettling read, Mostrilio ticked all the boxes and really exceeded my expectations. The voices of the narrators were distinct and all of them were fleshed out and realistic. I found Magos to be the most unsettling of them all and the one that held a bit of a mystery for me even after the end. I loved how queer the book was without the queerness being an afterthought or this huge plot point. Instead, the queerness was just something that most of the characters shared and to me that’s what makes a good queer book.
The story as a whole was certainly unsettling in the best way possible. It made want to keep reading until I finished and then some more.
The writing style was precise with vivid imagery.
Overall an amazing book that I will certainly keep thinking of for a while still.

Thank you so much for netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this early! I went into this book expecting a classic monster novel, but did not anticipate such a gut-wrenching meditation on grief, love, and acceptance. I loved how queer this novel was and that that queerness was normalized and didn’t exist for any deeper meaning other than an aspect of the characters’ identities.
It is safe to say that I have never read a novel, let alone a horror novel, quite like this one. The structure alone worked really well narratively as it was split into four parts following individual characters’ inner monologues as Monstrilio grew up. Magos gave Monstrilio life and love from the beginning, but equates him with her dead son; Lena accepted Monstrilio because of her love for Magos and kickstarted Monstrilio’s transition from monster to “human”; Joseph learned to accept Monstrilio—later M—for (almost) who he was, separate from Santiago, and loved him as his son, but could never seem to reconcile who he wanted M to become and what he actually was; and finally, concluding with M’s perspective, he seeks acceptance from those who love him, but also desires freedom to be who he is without compromise. While there were some classic body horror aspects present in this poetic novel, the real darkness lay in placing expectations on M that he was never capable of living up to, and him knowing that truth all along. I think the story ended the way it was meant to, with M leaving his family behind to live how he was always meant to—wild and free.
The story that followed the main characters was fantastic and each of their voices was so distinct. By the time I realized I would be able to read from M’s perspective, I raced to the end. However, I think there were some side characters that were unnecessary, for example, I didn’t quite see the importance of Peter’s character except for being a reason why Joseph couldn’t fully accept M while also being an avenue to move on once M leaves. A part of me wanted the drama of Peter finding out about M’s history—and accepting him. But this is a horror novel, and horror stories don’t usually have a happy ending. Ultimately, I rooted for M to thrive and live freely, so I’m glad he is able to shed his old life and family’s expectations in the end.
A fantastic and unique story that kept me on my toes.

Magos and Joseph’s son is dead. Santiago was never a strong boy having been born with only one lung and he lived probably longer than he should have. Magos wants a memento, just a little something that embodies her sons Santiagoness.
So begins a glorious piece of weird horror. This isn’t for the faint of heart but it’s not a gore fest either. Things do get messy both physically and emotionally but what really got me was how shocking it was. It was super creative and watching the development of Monstrilio grow from made me think that you understand what it means to be human more when you aren’t one.
Told in four different sections, each by a different character giving you unique perspectives for the continuous story creating a creepy, bizarre, and scary tale filled with grief, friendship and love. There were many moments that caught me off guard, completely rereading passages to make sure I read it right.
“its arm-tail grew not quite opposite its face but at an angle, with a paw at its end and three long black claws like talons.”

Wow Wow Wow. This book was phenomenal and exactly what I needed to get out of my slump. I devoured this and thought about it whenever I had to take a break from reading it. This was a beautifully written horror novel that was captivating from the moment it started. This is definitely a top contender for my favorite of the year.

This one is hard for me to rate. I personally wasn’t in love with this book but I don’t think that it’s the books fault. It is very literary and atmospheric. The dialogue felt so nonchalant even when talking about monstrilio eating “things.” I know that’s just how the writing is but it was just odd to me. I did enjoy how you could feel the love that these people had for M. They did everything they could for him and their love was deep! It made me think of my own relationship with my son and by the end I thinking “y’a I would do all of this for him.” If you knew you could bring a loved one back in some sort of capacity would you? I do think it was a beautiful book I just kind of felt like I trudged through it a little. Thank you so much Netgalley for this advanced copy.

"The world lightens before and revels its edges. Its shapes and in-between spaces. I step forward." So ends Monstrilio, or, as I would call it "A story of a failed attempt of becoming a particular image of the human". What I especially admire is the way Gerardo Sámano Córdova found a monstrous excess that is (always already, right?) a part of gay and lesbian middle class domesticity. A monstrous excess of desire that will never be tamed and always escapes that which would bound it to familiar and all too human ways of being. An excellent novel which I would pair up with Huesera, a post-horror film made by the Mexican director Michelle Garza Cervera, for an example of another line of flight from the stifling environments, which I accidentally saw a few days ago.

3.5 stars This was definitely unique. Started out bizarre and gross…I didn’t think I could wade through it. It then morphed into a sad and strangely beautiful story of grief, difference, and love.

This one ended up winning me over after a slow start. I found the quality of the prose uneven and the second section weaker than the rest, but the last third of the novel was particularly engrossing. This can be read metaphorically and it brings up a lot of questions about family, grief, nurturance, parental expectations, queerness, and how far people will go to protect those they love. A very interesting debut with a strong perspective and unwavering commitment to horror.

Honestly, I was not able to make it past the graphic dead baby mother mourning scene, that was rough, and it wasn't a good time emotionally for me (death of a friend's parent), but thank you for this advance copy anyway! Maybe consider more thorough trigger warnings, I know I feel silly saying that as this is a horror genre work.

MONSTRILIO surprised me more than any book has in a long, long time. This queer literary horror tackles grief, love, loss, pain, and what it means to be human.
The story opens with married parents Magos and Joseph grieving the death of their eleven-year-old son Santiago. Overcome with the weight of the loss, Magos cuts out a piece of Santiago’s lunch and keeps it in a jar. After learning of an old folktale from her mother’s housekeeper, Magos feeds and nurtures the lung until it grows into a carnivorous monster, given the name Monstrilio, that both loves Magos and cannot control its monstrous instincts. Throughout the novel, Monstrillio continues to grow and resemble Santiago, but can nurture fully erase nature?
This novel, told in four acts through the viewpoints of Magos, her friend Lena, Joseph, and finally Monstrilio, envelopes you in story that will expose complicated emotions and the strength of a parent’s loyalty.
This book was one of my highly anticipated releases for 2023 and it certainly did not disappoint. Gerardo Sámano Córdova’s use of language and story is a lush, all-consuming experience. I would not consider this novel a horror in the original sense and this story genre-bends in a way I have not experienced in a long time.

Pick up this book on March 7, 2023!

*thank you NetGalley and ZandoBooks for this early copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book is heartbreaking, weird, and even a bit funny. It's not really scary, but it's tense. You don't know what will become of Monstrilio or his loved ones. This book has various POV & most characters are queer. Monstrilio is unique. I think this book is lovely in the most awful way

Thank you Zando and Net Galley for this ARC! Im giving this novel a well deserved five stars. The story coming from multiple points of view was absolutely brilliant and all tied together well. Each character deals with grief a different way but learn to heal together. This was an emotional one for me, I felt super connected to each of the characters. I can’t believe this is a debut novel and can’t wait to see what Gerardo does next!

When Magus and Joseph’s son Santiago passes away at 11 years old his mother takes hiss lung to have something of her deceased beloved boy but as she nurture that she relies on an old Mexican folk remedy and start feeding it and watch it while it grows into something unexplainable. Despite what it looks like though it’s her son and she calls it Santiago and loves it but the longer the new “Santiago“ is around magus is shocked at the new “Santiago“ in his strange urges. Some of her family doesn’t agree with what she’s doing and have a hard time adjusting to the new strange boy his grandma wants to have a mass for the deceased Santiago the Daddy seems in different but when he goes missing everyone is worried. Make us want him back because she loves him Joseph wants him back because he’s worried about what he may do this is one of the strangest best books I have read and I don’t know if it really falls under hora but whatever this is a great book and one I highly recommend . There aren’t that many horror moments in the book but OMG this is a great book. I received this book from the author and Net galley but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review

When Goodreads released its list of most anticipated horror in 2023, I gave myself the challenge of reading all of the books on the list. Horror has always been, and I suspect always will be, my favorite genre. However, I found that I consistently and constantly read the same authors, which is not a bad habit in and of itself because those writers are incredibly talented. However, when that GR list of this year's horror was released, I realized that I am missing out on a lot of other books and authors within the genre.

Monstrilio is the second I've read out of the 39 on said list. Monstrilio's plot was unique, brutal, and fresh - like nothing I have ever read before! This book is insight into the brutality and horror of grief and the 'what ifs' we face in tragedy. Monstrilio was both an expedited journey through the stages of grief, as well as an exploration of the long lasting effects of bereavement, even the willingness to accept and love . . . a monster.

In addition to my delight in the uniqueness of the plot, the settings were also not one I was familiar with. Since I know very little Spanish and German, I did spend a lot of time looking up places and pronunciations because I wanted to be accurate and immersed in the settings. Overall, I have enjoyed this book.

Finally, Monstrilio depicts a variety of relationship types and the complexities within each.

Horror and magical realism are skillfully blended to create a harrowing, heartfelt tale about grief, acceptance and second chances.

Told from four perspectives and spanning three cities worldwide, "Monstrilio" explores just how far a family will go to protect themselves and the ones they love.

Mourning the loss of her 11-year-old son Santiago, grieving mother Magos carves out a piece of her son's lung. In the vein of an old folktale, Magos nurtures the lung as it grows into a sentient being, naming him Monstrilio. Little Monstrilio is animalistic in nature, but as he further develops to resemble a human, he and his family try their best to give Monstrilio a chance at a normal life. As Monstrilio navigates the burden of being the unspoken replacement for Santiago, his innate impulses become harder to suppress.

Getting to experience the point of view of each main character — mother, father, family friend and Monstrilio — highlights the humility of this family unit. Everyone copes with pain and loss in their own ways, but through the horror of it all, they remain loyal to each other. "Monstrilio" is a poignant family saga at its core that illustrates hope after tragedy.

What a unique story, I can easily say I have never read a book like this. I absolutely loved it! It is split into 4 different perspectives of main characters, which helps answer many of the different questions or things you wonder diving into this book.

Covering many different emotions grief, and how many handle. How they face those emotions, or don't face them. I feel a main premise of this book is about how they are unable to want to move on, how they cling to recreating their son, to not fully accept his death and fall in love with Monstrilio trying to create a version 2 of their life.

This story covers quite a handful of years, there is a jump in the middle of it where you get to see how everyone is doing and where they are in their lives. How they are all still struggling.

It was addictive, captivating, and highly unique.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC!

Feeling lost after the death of her son, Santiago, and moved by a mothers instinct, Magos removes part of her son's lung and nurtures it into the carnivorous child, Monstrilio. As he grows, he starts to resemble Santiago more and more, but his monstrous impulses continue to grow with him.

There are 4 different sections to this story where we see the growth of Monstrilio from the perspective of those around him - Magos (his mother), Lena (their friend), Joseph (his father) and finally, from Monstrilio (later called 'M') himself. M's own narrative made me so emotional - seeing his perspective on the choices his parents had made to try and curb his animal nature was really powerful.

The cover art was designed by Alex Merto and art directed by Evan Gaffney and is absolutely stunning! It's a wonderful personification of Monstrilio - both monstrous and endearing.

This is presented as a horror book and there are some graphic descriptions of things but it's so much more than that. It's a powerful exploration of grief and love and the lengths people go to for the ones they care about.

MUCH more literary than horror but that's not inherently bad just means it wasn't quite what I was looking for at the time.