Overview

No Gods, No Monsters begins with the public exposure of monsters living among humans. Set mainly in Boston, the novel follows a wide group of connected characters as fear spreads and authority responds with force. Protests grow, policing intensifies, and everyday life is reshaped by suspicion and control.

Writing & Voice

We found the writing steady and deliberate. Turnbull avoids spectacle and keeps the focus on people and systems. The calm tone makes moments of violence and loss feel sharper rather than sensational.

Content & Perspective

The story unfolds through many viewpoints rather than a single plot. We move between activists, students, police officers, academics, and those directly affected by the revelation. Monsters are used as a reflection of how society treats marginalised groups under pressure.

Themes

The novel explores fear, power, and resistance. It examines policing, protest, media narratives, and the language used to justify harm. We were struck by its focus on collective action and the cost of choosing silence.

What Worked

• A collective structure that mirrors social movements.
• Political ideas handled clearly and directly.
• Speculative elements grounded in real world systems.

Minor Quibbles

• The large cast can be disorienting at first.
• Some story threads remain open by the end.

Final Thoughts

We found No Gods, No Monsters measured and unsettling, using collective voices and restrained speculation to examine power, policing, and what solidarity costs when fear becomes policy.

Rating: ★★★★☆ / 5