Of Monsters And Planes is a heartfelt story about two brothers grappling with severe autism… and the apocalypse. After miraculously surviving a global nuclear meltdown, Mikey and his autistic brother Alby must travel across the scorched Earth, avoiding the perils of this dangerous new world as they attempt to reach the last outpost of human survivors. It is a thrilling adventure about a brotherly bond forged in the most trying of circumstances…
Johnathon Nicolaou is an Australian author specialising in the Fantasy and Young Adult genres. He is the creator of The Lost Artefacts series as well as other fantasy and young adult books. All his books can be found on his website or through distributers like Amazon. You can follow him on Instagram and TikTok @johnathonniclolaouauthor.
UPDATE: May 25, 2023 - Of Monsters and Planes is officially out and available for you all to read! You can grab your copy on Amazon. I am super excited for you all to read this one, it was written in honour of my autistic brother and is definitely my most profound piece of work to date. I hope you all love it as much as I do.
Save the date, Of Monsters and Planes, a story about two brothers - one with severe autism - grappling with the apocalypse launches May 25, 2023!
So a book like this isn't typically my cup of tea, but it was a relatively short read so I gave it a go. First thing's first, the characterisation of autism through Alby was incredible, especially in the las chapter 'Of Alby' I have to say i didn't expect to enjoy the character because there was nothing to relate to, but having Mike ands frustration did help. There was also a good change of pace with the chapters where they were fighting off mutants which added a nice layer and fantasy.
This is very different to what I read Honestly I was hesitant thinking I wouldn’t like it But turn out I was surprised and really like the story And can I say just wow the way the autistic character is portrayed , very believable (well done) 💜💜💜 looking forward to what’s next
I was expecting something similar to the curious incident of the dog in the night time but this was far different from that, but just as good. Alby's autism is far different to that of Christopher and instead of it being a mystery it's a scifi adventure with Alby and his brother travelling apocalyptic outback Australia. The nature of their relationship was the highlight in this book because you could really feel their struggle.
I've read all of Johnathon Nicolaou's work, and this was something very different from what he's previously written. You could tell there were a lot of raw emotions poured into this book and it really reflected well in the novel. Alby's representation of autism was very new for me, and unlike anything I have ever read. One small note, a couple of the chapters were quite long and I prefer to read shorter chapters.
Of Monsters and Planes is an action packed story following the growth and journey of two brothers. What stands out most about this story is that one of the main characters not only faces changes from this new apocalyptic world, but is also represented as someone who lives with autism. It is a truly moving piece of writing with a quality ending you are able to enjoy until the very last page.
This author described this book on his TikTok as "completely unique" and he was absolutely right. I've never seen a character like Alby, and the growth of the two brothers was incredible.
Wow, never read a book like this. Had no idea autism could be like this. Love the dev of the two bros relationship. I definitely think we need more books like this out there
3 stars for a local author using local settings. That said an author's job is to make the implausible plausible. Mission failed. I am thinking this is prob appealing to the 10 year old age range.
One of the most beautifully written books with the bost beautifully written characters I have ever read.
- Alby was a sweetheart and despite having limited communication you always knew what he was feeling - Mikey was complicated and you at time both really felt for him and almost disliked him. His development in learning to love his brother from the person rather than the obligation was so well done - Loved the dystopian and sci0fi vives of having monsters force their decisions. Finding the first survivors inthe carpark and the fallout of the bat and rat really proppelled the story and had me turning pages like no tomorrow - I think the ending was necessary despite being soul crushing to show the true extent of their bond
There is a lot to love in this novel. You get the action you want in a dystopian landscape with a treacherous adventure and a world ruled by mutant monsters. You see the struggles of people and loved ones dying written at a sadly and gruesomely realistic level, and you get a tragic twist it the end that leaves the book on a bang. Mikey's POV is well rounded as you see all colours of the emotional spectrum as he deals with the apocalypse and Alby's autism. It was good that they had a fractured relationship as you could relate to the situation, especially as they attempted to mend it through the story. Enjoy the twist of the carpark dwellers and loved the suspense of the rat tunnel.
There is a lot of beauty in this novel which is ironic given that it is set in the wasteland. It is wonderfully written and the relationship between the two brothers is very well developed. Alby is an absolute gem and you can't help but want to cry for him. it is incredible that despite his autism being sevre it does not stop him from being an asset in the two brother's journey. Easily in my top 5 favourite books of all time.
Never read a book with an autistic MC, was very eye opening. Alby's character though unable to speak was very well understood, so cudos to the author, and the develpoment of the brothers' bond was captivating, emotional, and really exciting. Not sure if there can be a sequel, would be cool if ther was
5/5 love a good post apocalypse, but the dynamic beyween Mikey and Alby made this book for me. Never have I felt for two almost competing characters at the same time. You could really feel Mikey's struggle with Alby's autism, just as much as you could feel Alby not really understanding what was happening and why it was happening. His reaction to their parent's death broke my heart
This is not something I would aroinarily read, but the author said they write this for their autistic brother, and my cousin has autism soI wanted to read it. Was very interesting to see a different type of autism (Alby's was much different to my cousin). I really liked the setting of the post apocalypse and watching the two brothers. Great book.
Beautifully written. Alby is a unique character with an inability to communicate as we do, even for the simple things, yet he was written so well i could feel and understand who he was feeling, as well as what he was trying to say. A very good story about love, sacrifice, and patience, and an entertaining post apocalyptic book.
One of the emotionally abusive (to me the reader) books I've ever read. Alby is so adorable, he did not deserve any of it! Will recomend this book to anyone who will listen. The only thing more tragic than this book is how few reads it seems to have
This story is a beautiful take on the human condition pushed to its absolute furthest point, showing that love and selflessness can prevail in the most trying of circumstances. Both heartwarming and tearjerking, this was incredible
I haven't read anything like this. I like the immediate post apocalyptic plot as I feel like all dystopias are in the future, so it was quite cool to see characters dealing with the aftermath of the fallout. I'd be lying if i said i didn't cry through this one