Helga by Catherine Yu

Release: August 20th, 2024
Format: Ebook
Publisher: ‎ Page Street YA
Source: TBR and Beyond Tours
Find it at: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

Helga is not the obedient science experiment her father intended. And though she has only just awoken, he leaves her in the care of his lab assistant Penny to go on a business trip.

Bursting with curiosity, Helga quickly escapes from the well-meaning Penny and heads into Amaris City. There Helga finds she is as untamable as the invasive blackberry vines overtaking the island. And because of the misdeeds of her father’s scientific community, the natural world grows more volatile.

She soon discovers the night market, rowdy clubs, delicious food, and cute boys. Enamored with city life, she’ll do anything to find love―but she has only two weeks until her father gets back, and besides there are ominous rumblings from the volcanic island that could put her dating schemes, and even her own life, in grave peril.

Content Warning: Body Horror

About the Author:

Catherine Yu writes dark speculative fiction. She was born in Nanjing and is now based in New York. She is the author of Direwood and Helga, slated for spring 2024 (Page Street).

Her short fiction has appeared or is forthcoming from Baffling Magazine, Fantasy Magazine, and the Death in the Mouth anthology.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

Helga Review:

“Helga” by Catherine Yu is a delightful and quirky young adult retelling of Mary Shelley’s classic “Frankenstein.” In this imaginative narrative, Yu breathes new life into the well-known story by introducing Helga, a teenager created in a lab, who navigates the complexities of her existence with a blend of innocence and resilience.

Helga, the central character of this book, is a standout feature. Despite her unconventional origins, Yu has managed to imbue her with a depth and relatability that makes it easy to forget she’s not entirely human. Her teenage struggles, curiosities, and growth make her a compelling protagonist. The portrayal of Helga as a teenager rather than a traditional monster is refreshing and endearing, making her journey all the more engaging.

Yu’s world-building is another highlight. The contrast between uptown and downtown adds a dystopian flavor to the setting, enhancing the story’s intrigue. The author vividly depicts the societal divide, creating a rich backdrop against which Helga’s story unfolds.

The characters surrounding Helga are equally fascinating. Penny’s unwavering support and bond with Helga bring warmth and a sense of normalcy to the story. Even Anna, in her complexities, adds depth to the narrative. Clyde and the Professor, the volatile characters with unclear intentions, keep readers on edge, wondering what impact they will have on Helga’s fate.

Although I haven’t read the original “Frankenstein,” “Helga” has certainly piqued my interest. Yu’s retelling has sparked a desire to explore the classic that inspired this modern twist. As a reader, I’m intrigued by the parallels and differences between the two stories.

The story concludes satisfyingly yet leaves enough possibilities for a sequel that I eagerly anticipate. Catherine Yu has crafted a captivating tale with “Helga,” and I eagerly hope she continues Helga’s adventures in future books.