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reila's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
I anticipated this book after coming across the author on Twitter! The premise of vampires amidst the backdrop of the Russian Revolution was intriguing, and (after reading) I am so curious how this world will flesh out in future installments.
It's refreshing to read something so self-indulgently gory, as well as read (I don't know how else to phrase it---callous, powerful (?)smutty (??)) sex scenes that are messy and can be the political set-pieces they can be. Maybe that's me reading too closely (or obtusely, as I am with romance-anything [highly likely]). 'Love' could be there, but the world came off as too bleak for me to believe relationships are more than a means to cope; far too much on certain characters' plates to even consider the prospect of 'uncomplicated love,' methinks.
The characters are largely independent, and I seriously wonder what they're cooking! But I am a patient, invested person :)
The disadvantage of reading a series is that each book is but a slice of the whole work; therefore, the merit of it shouldn't be judged on one. This is not to say I was wholly dissatisfied, but I wished there was more padding in between plot points to get to know the characters better. And the best/worst part is that those parts will probably be in future work, so I'm going to shut up now and submit this review.
It's refreshing to read something so self-indulgently gory, as well as read (I don't know how else to phrase it---callous, powerful (?)
The characters are largely independent, and I seriously wonder what they're cooking! But I am a patient, invested person :)
The disadvantage of reading a series is that each book is but a slice of the whole work; therefore, the merit of it shouldn't be judged on one. This is not to say I was wholly dissatisfied, but I wished there was more padding in between plot points to get to know the characters better. And the best/worst part is that those parts will probably be in future work, so I'm going to shut up now and submit this review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Death, Gore, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual content, and Violence
spooniereads's review
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
THE FEALTY OF MONSTERS is a gothic horror + fantasy retelling of the Russian Revolution, full of political intrigue, vampires, and a whole lot of queerness! it’s also a book that’s incredibly near and dear to my heart— the author, Ladz, is one of my closest online friends, and it’s been an absolute honor to serve as a beta reader for their debut novel; it finally releases this month (March 12, 2024), and i couldn’t be more excited to share my early review with you!
FEALTY is the story of Sasza, a vampire living in secret within the Odonic Empire’s aristocracy. his closest friend, Lady Świetlana, fears that her father may wage war against the Vampire States, and she is determined to stop him; meanwhile, Sasza’s lover, Ilya, is deeply entangled in a treacherous cabal, and war rages on around them. as the Empire’s tensions reach a fever pitch, Świetlana (now aided by Ute, a childhood-friend-turned-soldier who serves as her Magical Advisor) and Sazsa orchestrate a plan— and nothing will ever be the same. it’s a rich, raunchy, and deeply complex tale; the sex scenes are luscious and intimate, the climax of the story is visceral and jaw-dropping, and the characters themselves are nuanced and perfectly exemplify the capitalist, revolutionary, and sordid issues of the early 20th century with plenty of fantastical + gothic themes… there’s a total of eight volumes planned in this series, and i’m waiting with bated breath to know what’ll happen to Sasza, Świetlana, and Ute as the story unfolds!
i’ve said it before, and i’ll say it again— internet friends can truly change your life, and Ladz is someone who i now can’t imagine my world without; they’re a wonderful person, a passionate activist, and a beautifully-creative author! i’m SO grateful that they sent me one of their early print copies as an ARC, complete with stunning illustrations from Soren Häxan— the book also includes a character compendium, a pronunciation guide, and a source-list; this story is SO well-researched, expressive, and delightfully morally-grey, and i love it with my whole heart❤️🔥
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Sexual content, and Gore
Moderate: Vomit
Minor: Alcoholism, Infidelity, War, Alcohol, Panic attacks/disorders, and Self harm
Blood, gore, body horror, blood drinking, needles, emetophobia (blood), mosquitos, patricide, infidelity, explicit sexual acts and situations, dubious consent between adults, self-harm for magic use, depiction and discussion of alcoholism and drinking, depiction of a panic attack, mentions of war, mentions of sedition. Not intended for readers under 18.
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