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A review by thelitraccoon
This Monster of Mine by Shalini Abeysekara
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
5 Stars⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 🌶️ 🌶️ 2 Spice
What to Expect:
• Political intrigue, betrayal, and rigid class systems.
• An MMC who’s not morally grey—he’s utterly black.
• A scientific, Rome-adjacent fantasy world with stunning and unique world-building.
The Setting:
The world-building in This Monster of Mine is immaculate. As a history student who’s studied Latin since grade six, I was completely captivated by how the author created a setting that feels grounded in historical systems while remaining fresh and original. The scientific, Roman-inspired fantasy world feels alive, with just enough familiarity to draw you in while showcasing the author’s incredible ability to construct complex and distinct worlds. The magic system, atmosphere, and overall feeling of the story are unlike anything I’ve read before.
The Romance:
The romantic subplot is masterfully done. It’s a true slow burn filled with yearning, tension, and a palpable sense of wariness. The FMC and MMC’s dynamic is charged with mutual intimidation and uncertainty about each other’s intentions, which made every interaction compelling. I loved that the romance enhanced the main story instead of taking over—it’s a fantasy with romantic elements, not a romance in a fantastical setting. This balance was exactly what I wanted.
Themes:
This book doesn’t shy away from tackling heavy topics, and it does so with nuance and care. It explores:
• Class struggles and the pressure of capitalism.
• General misogyny and hints of non-binary phobia.
The themes are interwoven seamlessly into the narrative, making the story impactful and thought-provoking without feeling preachy or heavy-handed.
Representation:
Sexuality, gender, and relationships are handled beautifully. The book normalizes diverse identities and connections without making them feel performative. It’s refreshing to see this kind of representation presented so naturally.
The Characters:
The characters in this book are some of the most multi-faceted I’ve read in a long time. The FMC’s scars are an integral part of the story, symbolizing both her strength and insecurities. The way she reflects on them, using them as a source of empowerment while still grappling with moments of doubt, is deeply poetic and moving. Both the main and side characters feel real—their struggles, motivations, and flaws make them leap off the page.
Final Thoughts:
This is easily one of the best books I’ve ever read. I couldn’t put it down and finished it in less than 24 hours because I was so enthralled. The vivid emotions, masterful world-building, and complex characters made this an unforgettable experience.
Trigger Warnings:
The author does an exceptional job portraying intense emotions and events, but this makes the trigger warnings essential to consider. The vividness of the writing may be overwhelming for some, so proceed with care.
What to Expect:
• Political intrigue, betrayal, and rigid class systems.
• An MMC who’s not morally grey—he’s utterly black.
• A scientific, Rome-adjacent fantasy world with stunning and unique world-building.
The Setting:
The world-building in This Monster of Mine is immaculate. As a history student who’s studied Latin since grade six, I was completely captivated by how the author created a setting that feels grounded in historical systems while remaining fresh and original. The scientific, Roman-inspired fantasy world feels alive, with just enough familiarity to draw you in while showcasing the author’s incredible ability to construct complex and distinct worlds. The magic system, atmosphere, and overall feeling of the story are unlike anything I’ve read before.
The Romance:
The romantic subplot is masterfully done. It’s a true slow burn filled with yearning, tension, and a palpable sense of wariness. The FMC and MMC’s dynamic is charged with mutual intimidation and uncertainty about each other’s intentions, which made every interaction compelling. I loved that the romance enhanced the main story instead of taking over—it’s a fantasy with romantic elements, not a romance in a fantastical setting. This balance was exactly what I wanted.
Themes:
This book doesn’t shy away from tackling heavy topics, and it does so with nuance and care. It explores:
• Class struggles and the pressure of capitalism.
• General misogyny and hints of non-binary phobia.
The themes are interwoven seamlessly into the narrative, making the story impactful and thought-provoking without feeling preachy or heavy-handed.
Representation:
Sexuality, gender, and relationships are handled beautifully. The book normalizes diverse identities and connections without making them feel performative. It’s refreshing to see this kind of representation presented so naturally.
The Characters:
The characters in this book are some of the most multi-faceted I’ve read in a long time. The FMC’s scars are an integral part of the story, symbolizing both her strength and insecurities. The way she reflects on them, using them as a source of empowerment while still grappling with moments of doubt, is deeply poetic and moving. Both the main and side characters feel real—their struggles, motivations, and flaws make them leap off the page.
Final Thoughts:
This is easily one of the best books I’ve ever read. I couldn’t put it down and finished it in less than 24 hours because I was so enthralled. The vivid emotions, masterful world-building, and complex characters made this an unforgettable experience.
Trigger Warnings:
The author does an exceptional job portraying intense emotions and events, but this makes the trigger warnings essential to consider. The vividness of the writing may be overwhelming for some, so proceed with care.