Monuments
Lothian Children’s Books, 2019
“They built the world, now we have the power to change it.”
All sixteen-year-old Connor wants is his ex-best friend back in his life. That is until he stumbles across a trapdoor to a secret chamber under his school, and finds himself dangling upside-down from the ceiling. But that’s mostly Sally’s fault. When the mysterious trespasser invites Connor to join her on the search for ancient gods, it’s a distraction too good to refuse.
Together with a new friend, Locky, they must find the Monuments – gods who have been hidden for generations to protect humans from a powerful evil. The thing is, the Monuments need protecting too, and Connor isn’t sure who, himself included, can be trusted with the knowledge and power of the gods.
The first book in an exciting new series from bestselling author Will Kostakis.
Indie Book Awards, Young Adult Shortlist 2020
CBCA Book of the Year Awards, Older Readers Notable Book 2020
“What Kostakis brings to this weighty premise is his authentic voice, wit and heart − it is like nothing else you will read this year.” Mischa Parkee, BOOKS+PUBLISHING
“Monuments is page-turning adventure fiction peppered with humour, romance and high-stakes dramatic reversals that should leave its target audience hungry for more.” Cameron Woodhead, THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD
“Monuments is the epic adventure today’s teenagers deserve.” Emily Booth, DYMOCKS
“The first book in this new series is as notable and ambitious as its title implies. It is a fast-moving drama, with a cast of capable, yet unintentional hero(ine)s compelled to step beyond the limitations of their humanity and fight for a better world. A drama well-seasoned with a flourish of romantic love, a side of comic relief and a good serving of moral fibre.” Natalie Platten, READINGS
“Wrapped up in this action-packed urban fantasy, Monuments delivers subtle commentary on power and influence. Having been thrust into the world of gods and Monuments, Connor must confront who he really is and what he stands for. Ignoring stereotypical YA representations, Kostakis has created authentic diverse characters. They grapple with real-life issues such as the loss of a friendship, the joy and nervousness of new relationships, and the ever-important issues of identity and belonging. Connor is equal parts witty, awkward and heroic. His blossoming relationship with Locky is sweet and adds a tenderness to the otherwise excitement-fuelled adventure.” Fiona Miller-Stevens, CBCA READING TIME
“Will Kostakis has blended realistic fiction, adventure and fantasy in his latest novel, and while this could result in a hideous mish mash of genre tropes, Kostakis has expertly plotted and planned and somehow he pulls off his rather ambitious plan. Monuments slips effortlessly between contemporary Sydney and the lives of ancient beings and while in some ways this seems a departure from ‘the Will Kostakis we know and love’, his whip-smart wit shines through as always and somehow it just works.” Megan Daley, CHILDREN’S BOOKS DAILY
“Monuments is a great book to read especially for teens because it depicts issues they face from day to day in a fantasy setting. This is one book I would have in my class so students could read.” Maria Komninos, READPLUS
Rebel Gods
Lothian Children’s Books 2020
“This is our moment. We have to meet it.”
With the Monuments gone, newbie gods Connor, Sally and Locky must stop the rebel gods from reducing the world to ruin. Trouble is, they don’t know how. While Sally searches for answers and Locky makes plans to change the world, Connor struggles to keep up appearances as an ordinary teenager.
But when a rebel god offers them a deal to end the chaos, their lives are turned upside down and they’re forced to reckon with the question: who should decide the fate of the world?
Rebel Gods is the action-packed sequel to Monuments, a Children’s Book Council of Australia Notable Book 2020.
“Wow it was good.” Bailey White, HERALD SUN
“Will Kostakis keeps writing YA stories that win awards and hearts. His books offer a satisfying combination of adventure, romance and humour that stands out against the tide of dark YA stories while still recognising important issues. More power to him.” Clare Rhoden, AUREALIS
“Will Kostakis is a champion for increased diversity in children’s literature, to ensure that today’s teens see themselves reflected in what they read. Rebel Gods delivers on this and satisfies the reader’s desire for a credible end to the saga. The conclusion is a fitting end to this fantastic story. I would recommend this book for readers 12+.” BETTER READING
“Romance! Ethics! To murder or not to murder! … Rebel Gods has it all.” Nalini Haynes, DARK MATTER ZINE
“Rebel Gods is the action-packed and emotional finale to the Monuments duology. Starting with a bang, right where Monuments left off, it really does not disappoint!” Louise Nice, THE NERD DAILY