But as they race along DC’s legendary Black Broadway, conflict in the spirit world begins to leak into the human one-an insidious mystery is unfolding, one that could cost Clara her life and change the fate of an entire city. The Monsters We Defy is a timely and dazzling historical fantasy that weaves together African American folk magic, history, and romance. She’ll need the help of an unlikely team, from a handsome jazz musician able to hypnotize with a melody to an aging actor who can change his face, to pull off the impossible.

Product Details Price 17.99 16.73 Publisher Redhook Publish Date AugPages 384 Dimensions 5.8 X 8.8 X 1.1 inches 1. The task: steal a magical ring from the wealthiest woman in the District.Ĭlara can’t pull off this daring heist alone. The Monsters We Defy is a timely and dazzling historical fantasy that weaves together African American folk magic, history, and romance.

So when a powerful spirit offers her an opportunity to gain her freedom, Clara seizes the chance, no questions asked. The Monsters We Defy is a book about demonsor as Clara Johnson calls them, Enigmas. Even the magic is derived from a combination of African mythology and traditions from the African diaspora, particularly hoodoo. C., 1925: Clara Johnson can talk to spirits-a gift that saved her during her darkest moments, now a curse that’s left her indebted to the cunning spirit world. The most effective aspect of The Monsters We Defy is how Penelope portrays the Black experience on its own terms. 'Never make a deal with shadows at night, especially ones that know your name.” Monsters We Defy is cool audio piece winning an Audie Award for the category of Fiction written by Leslye Penelope and read and peformed by Shayna Small. A woman able to communicate with spirits must assemble a ragtag crew to pull off a daring heist to save her community in this timely and dazzling historical fantasy that weaves together African American folk magic, history, and romance.

The Monsters We Defy by Leslye Penelope