If you grew up in the 90s, there’s a good chance you read one or two (or twenty) Goosebumps books. And if you did, then you probably remember the iconic green slime known as Monster Blood. Written by R.L. Stine, this third book in the original series spawned its own saga of books and left us wanting more!
First and foremost, let’s talk about what makes Monster Blood so memorable. The concept of a magical substance that makes things grow to monstrous proportions is both fascinating and terrifying. As a kid, I remember being simultaneously intrigued and creeped out by the idea of something like Monster Blood existing in real life. And even as an adult, I can appreciate how well Stine executed this concept in his writing.
Of course, we can’t talk about Monster Blood without mentioning Trigger – Evan’s loyal dog who eats some of the slime and subsequently grows to enormous size. Although Stine may have not fleshed out Trigger as a pet, a 12-year-old dog with some serious stamina and energy, we can see at least what he was trying to do.
As always when it comes to Goosebumps books, one thing to keep in mind while reading Monster Blood is that it was written for kids between 8-12 years old. Some of us older readers might find certain aspects of the story predictable or simplistic. However, even as an adult reader, I found myself fully invested in Evan’s journey and rooting for him to come out on top.
Monster Blood may not be a literary masterpiece, but it’s a fun and engaging read that stands the test of time and this reader who was six when it was first released still enjoy the heck out of reading. It’s a classic Goosebumps tale that introduced us to an iconic horror element – the green slime that makes things grow. Whether you’re revisiting your childhood favorites or introducing your own kids to the world of Goosebumps, Monster Blood is definitely worth a read.
Monster Blood is the third book in the original Goosebumps series and is available in bookstores everywhere. Check out the audiobook on Libro.fm narrated by Kirby Heyborne.
