A review by mrs_p0409
Monarch by Sophie Lark

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I went into this book completely blind. It had been sitting on my shelves for the best part of 6 months until it was picked as my book club's April read.
Why did I leave it so long?!

I'll start with the physical aspects. This book is beautful! The cover alone is worth picking it up for (which is probably what I did). But the artwork inside at the end of certain chapters is also absolutely gorgeous and perfectly captures the gothic feeling of the book.

Onto the book itself. Atmospheric, mysterious, spicy.....everything I look for in this genre of book. Elena may be sheltered and mousy (despite her height) when she first arrives in Grimstone, but she's also kind, strong willed and loves unabashedly. Lorne......well, you'll see if you read the book.
And Atlas!! Don't get me wrong, his sudden and complete infatuation felt a little too forced but I began to overlook that as the story went on. 
The story itself is beautifully written if a little rushed towards the end, hence the 4 stars.
But all in all I very much enjoyed this book and it will definitely be staying on my shelf