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katyakat 's review for:
Of Monsters and Mainframes
by Barbara Truelove
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
⭐️ 4.7 stars
What a cool story. This was something completely different from what I usually read, and honestly, it was exactly what I needed. Told from multiple perspectives, each voice felt distinct, like every character had their own personality—especially the AI.
The vibe is chaotic if I try to explain it out loud: space, monsters, AI sass, and oh yeah… Dracula. But somehow it all works. It’s sci-fi, it’s horror, it’s cozy found family in space. The banter between Demeter (the ship) and the other AI systems was one of my favorite parts. Genuinely funny and sharp without overdoing it.
I loved the diversity in the cast and how it wasn’t just for show. Everyone felt like they belonged in this weird, messy crew. The blackout time jumps and shifting POVs meant I didn’t always know what was going on—but I kind of loved that too. It kept things moving, kept me guessing.
If I have one complaint, it’s that the ending felt a bit rushed. I would’ve liked a little more time to sit with the impact of everything that happened. But overall? This was fresh, fast-paced, and full of heart.
🖤 Final thoughts:
This is the kind of book that sounds unhinged on paper but ends up being warm, smart, and weirdly comforting. I really enjoyed it.
✨ Best for:
Readers who love chaotic space adventures, classic horror vibes, queer found family, and AI with attitude.
What a cool story. This was something completely different from what I usually read, and honestly, it was exactly what I needed. Told from multiple perspectives, each voice felt distinct, like every character had their own personality—especially the AI.
The vibe is chaotic if I try to explain it out loud: space, monsters, AI sass, and oh yeah… Dracula. But somehow it all works. It’s sci-fi, it’s horror, it’s cozy found family in space. The banter between Demeter (the ship) and the other AI systems was one of my favorite parts. Genuinely funny and sharp without overdoing it.
I loved the diversity in the cast and how it wasn’t just for show. Everyone felt like they belonged in this weird, messy crew. The blackout time jumps and shifting POVs meant I didn’t always know what was going on—but I kind of loved that too. It kept things moving, kept me guessing.
If I have one complaint, it’s that the ending felt a bit rushed. I would’ve liked a little more time to sit with the impact of everything that happened. But overall? This was fresh, fast-paced, and full of heart.
🖤 Final thoughts:
This is the kind of book that sounds unhinged on paper but ends up being warm, smart, and weirdly comforting. I really enjoyed it.
✨ Best for:
Readers who love chaotic space adventures, classic horror vibes, queer found family, and AI with attitude.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Violence, Blood