Page-turning SF fantasy novel featuring a lot of plot & a lot of world building. The ending suggests a sequel, which I would read. The idea of the supernatural guardian of a city reminds me of the premise behind N.K. Jemisin’s short story “The City Born Great”. Makes me want to read Journey to the West, & maybe re-read American Born Chinese (which also featured Monkey King). Similar to Long Way to a Small Angry Planet, Monkey Around hints at, but never shows weird supernatural/alien/animal sex, & I couldn’t help but think that Ocatvia Butler would have shown it, & Walter Mosely would show a LOT of it. The story was fun & moved along smoothly enough that I don’t really feel like picking the whole thing apart, which is definitely a plus.