Monster Hunter International, by Larry Correia
Modern Monster/Sci-Fi/Horror
4 out of 5 stars
Monster Hunter International (MHI) is the first book in a series of novels that blend monster horror with modern technology and tactics. Add a dash (ok, more like a ton) of hoplophilia, and you've got the makings of an adventure.
MHI starts out innocently enough, but like any decent yarn, it entangles you quickly. And weirdly. And violently. And entertainingly. Owen Pitt, accountant, lives a normal (boring) life, but a run-in with a monster puts him in a life-or-death situation. He barely escapes, showing a great deal of resourcefulness in the process. This attracts attention from some strange folk and Owen's life is turned inside out. From there, things just get weirder and weirder.
MHI is unapologetic in its embrace of tropes. Thankfully, there is enough novelty in the implementation of these tropes to keep things interesting. Pacing is great except for certain chapters that run rather long, but then again, they never really get boring. There are plenty of twists and turns, somewhat telegraphed but with interesting reveals/results.
Firearm and military tech enthusiasts should feel very much at home inside the pages of MHI. Monster enthusiasts as well. I was a little lacking in both departments and got lost a little here and there, but not so much to lose enjoyment. I could see this being a problem for people-not-of-the-gun, however. While light on philosophy, MHI has enough thought provoking content to not feel too pulpy. The inclusion of vampires from across history is a nice touch.
All in all, MHI is one heck of a ride and easily earns 4 out of 5 stars. It's also a nice counterpoint to other recent monster books: if you ever wanted to see vampires get shot, napalmed, blown to pieces and then staked to permadeath (instead of sparkle), MHI is for you.
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