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Is her monster really the worst monster out there?

I went into this with high hopes and the expectation of a Romantasy set in Ancient Rome. This book did not give me what I wanted in that aspect but did provide a rich fantasy world. It stands up to its description - a bloodbath of manipulation, deception and forbidden love.

My main complaint is that you are thrown very quickly into a complex magic system with a ton of characters, some with similar names which often gets confusing. The plot is very slow until the last 20 or so percentage at which point you are given a lot of pieces of information to put the mystery together. Until this point I wasn't fully engaged with the plot as it moved slowly.

The characters were provided with a lot of backstory and lore, with flashbacks for the main character Sarai. Some chapters started with these flashbacks with no indication of a different timeline and I was often part way down a page confused how we had got there.

Overall I enjoyed this but would have liked a fast moving plot.

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This Monster of Mine is a brutal, brilliant debut that claws into your soul and refuses to let go. Set in a world inspired by Ancient Rome, dripping with corruption, cruelty, and twisted justice, Shalini Abeysekara delivers a dark romantasy that is as politically charged as it is emotionally gripping. At the heart of the story is Sarai, a heroine shaped by vengeance and disillusionment, whose moral compass doesn’t point north so much as tremble under the weight of survival. Her journey is one of navigating a system that punishes the weak while elevating monsters in gold robes. And somehow, amidst it all, she finds herself drawn to one such monster—Kadra, a mentor, judge, executioner... and possibly more.

Their dynamic is a masterclass in slow-burn tension. There's violence. There's manipulation. There's a dance of trust and betrayal so sharp it bleeds. And yet, somehow, it works. Because Abeysekara never glorifies the darkness—she examines it. She forces her characters, and her readers, to reckon with the idea that doing the “right thing” in a broken system often means breaking the rules themselves.

The worldbuilding is tight, immersive, and terrifying in its plausibility. The magic—rooted in oaths, runes, and chilling rituals—is clever and never overshadows the real horror: a justice system that feeds on fear and protects the powerful. The mystery unfolds layer by layer, drawing you deeper into a web of classism, violence, and systemic rot. And just when you think you know where it’s headed—Abeysekara twists the knife.

The writing is razor-sharp, unflinching, and lean. Every scene matters. Every line stings. There’s no filler, no fluff—just raw emotion, tension, and stakes that feel real. And while this is technically a romantasy, romance never softens the edges. It complicates them. Challenges them. Makes the emotional beats hit even harder.

Final Thoughts
This Monster of Mine is not a comforting read—it’s a confronting one. It's for readers who love morally gray characters, romance with teeth, and stories that dare to question the systems we live in. Dark, daring, and emotionally relentless, it’s one of the most impressive debuts I’ve read in a long time. Sarai and Kadra are unforgettable—and I’ll be first in line for book two.

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For the first time, I can believe in the phrase "villain romance". How can you describe a book where the main characters kill, maim, murder and sentence to death people and then they just... share a drink? Ok, the protagonist regrets it and tries to do the "right" thing, but she enters the story with a desire for vengeance and murder, so, not really a saint, our girl. Jokes aside, I do enjoy characters with more... flexible morals, especially if the story supports them. We see a country where, under the pretence of law, crime and corruption flourish, and those whom the gods bind to uphold that law are the first to allow them. It's not surprising that our protagonist, a girl who was wronged and had a desire to do good, has to accept that the system is flawed, right? Especially with a charming little devil on her shoulder, aka her mentor/employer/judge(/potential love interest), keeps showing her how useless it is (and honestly, at the second burning and maiming in official capacity, I would question it too..). Loved the slow burn between the characters (finally a good slow burn people, I was pleasantly surprised, I was expecting things to go so much faster, especially since this book reads like a standalone) and while I mourn the loss of the friendship, it's another thing to add to the whole brainwashing people to believe that they're doing good just because they're following the rules. Sometimes, rules must be broken.

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Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

There seem to be quite a few Roman-inspired fantasy novels floating around at the moment, but this one takes the inspiration and implements it in a more unique way. The Petitor system was interesting and I also really liked the thread of resilience running through the novel. While the relationship between Sarai and Kadra was cliche and owes a lot to Maas etc., it was well done and believable. I'm invested enough to see what happens next.

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This monster of mine was really a fun read with a nice writing style, mystery and the enemies to lovers trope. It was somewhat clear at the beginning of the book who the culprit is, a bit predictable; nevertheless, it was enjoyable to see how Sarai was working towards her goal. I definitely would want to go back to this world to see what would happen next, because you get a sense that there is a lot more to tell about this world and the characters.
Thanks to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for the ARC.

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I’ve been in a real fantasy/romantasy slump lately and this book grabbed me by the throat and dragged me right out of it!!!!!

Sarai was almost murdered four years ago, she’s back to figure out who tried to kill her and why. She gets a job as a prosecutor (ACAB does NOT apply to our gal) who can detect lies. Out of all the new bosses she could have got, she was paired with the most evil, violent and sexy one, obviously. She recognises his voice from the night of her sorta-murder, so she starts trying to bring him down while working with him on cases for their patch. Amongst all of that, she starts to uncover a massive conspiracy that goes right to the top - I do not envy this girls to do list fr.

It’s dark and twisty and broody and I had no idea where it was going at any point. The world is super complex and rich, the politicking and machinations going on are just deliciously intricate and intriguing and I’m not lying I’m IN LOVE WITH THAT PSYCHO KADRA.

Anyhoo, just go buy this book. Seriously. You won’t regret it.

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Tha j you to Netgalley and the publisher for my copy of this e-arc!

I wanted to love this so bad but I ended up dnf’ing due to not being able to immerse in the story from the get go!

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5/5 stars!!!
This book has claws and I loved every sharp, brutal moment of it. Set in a vividly reimagined, Ancient Rome–inspired world, this debut fantasy delivers a potent mix of political intrigue, slow-burn romance, mystery, and moral ambiguity, with a heroine who burns with quiet rage and a system as twisted as the magic that holds it together.

This book isn’t just about romance. It’s also a clever political thriller, steeped in mystery and dark magic. Petitors are dying in droves and Sarai is determined not to be next. As she digs deeper, the rot beneath Edessa’s polished surface is revealed layer by layer, with brutal clarity. This is a city that punishes the poor, protects the powerful, and cloaks itself in the illusion of justice.The magic system, based in runes and oaths, is smart, manageable, and never overwhelms the plot. The justice system, arguably the most fantastical and horrifying aspect, is chillingly familiar in its failures. The themes of classism, systemic corruption, and who the law actually serves are unflinching, and timely in the best way.

As for the writing itself? Efficient, evocative, and razor-sharp. Scenes hit hard. Dialogue moves fast. Descriptions never drag. There’s gore, political scheming, and a genuine sense of dread that builds until the final twist, which really delivers!! This is an extraordinarily strong debut; gritty, smart, and emotionally raw. If you’re looking for a romantasy that doesn’t pull punches, one with real stakes, systemic critique, and characters who earn every moment of connection, they’re right here. Sarai and Kadra will linger in your head long after you close the book, and if the sequel is anything like this one, it can’t come soon enough! I need book 2 now!!

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This monster of mine. (5.5/5)

This book is my “take my money” of 2025. I loved every single part of it and secured my special edition of it before I even finished the ARC. I will try to make the review without any spoilers so it’ll have a more general opinion.

First of all, this book has some graphic violent scenes and delicate topics so proceed with caution. Make sure you check the warnings before you read it.

Now, the review. This book was PHENOMENAL. It has an intriguing justice system that involves the main characters. The MFC (Sarai) can detect lies and has other abilities that makes her a candidate to be a Petitor, which is not the perfect moment to be because Petitor candidates have started to die mysteriously over the last 4 years, but that’s part of the mystery.

So, when Sarai takes her position and starts working as a prosecutor for the Tetrarch she is assigned to (Kadra - who is like a judge in their system) things get really interesting. Kadra, one of the four Tetrarchs, is cunning, intelligent, and is always one step ahead. Even as a reader, no matter how fast you catch up on things, you will reach the next scene and realize he already has twisted everything you thought you knew. Which creates a complicated and captivating dynamic between Kadra and Sarai of working together while not being able to completely trust anything that’s going on.

I have to say that I adored Sarai’s character. While Kadra is completely morally grey and can twist his morals, Sarai knows what she wants to do and follows it through the whole book. She has her ideas and morals clear and there's a lot of strength in that. I absolutely adored her.

It was an amazing (really amazing) book. Captivating, with a lot of mystery, a perfectly done system. I loved every detail and was speechless when we discover Kadra’s true motivations. I loved every second of this book and I will never stop recommending it.

Thank you to netgalley for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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This Monster of Mine is easily one of my top reads of the year! The first book in a sizzling dark Ancient Rome-inspired romantasy debut that blew me away, TMOM is definitely on my reread list! The magic system was so unique and the story kept me guessing.

You NEED to read this one if you’re a fan of:
🩶Slow burn forbidden romance
🩶Forced proximity - he’s literally her boss
🩶Magic x law
🩶Justice and revenge
🩶M*rder mystery
🩶Morally grey characters that are ACTUALLY morally grey
🩶MAJOR Darkling vibes PLS 🙂‍↕️🙏🏻

Definitely check trigger warnings for this one‼️

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An absolutely magnificent debut! An unbelievable turn of events, fight for justice and discovery of true power.
The whole world building was extremely impressive, unique and I loved how the mysterious investigation went on, using the MC’s own personal history and the corruption of the jury/law system of this city.

I really enjoyed the exploration of a different type of enemies to lovers, unique magic system, gods, hint of Roman inspired world! Cannot wait to read from this author more.

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Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free ARC in exchange for a review.

I enjoyed this Ancient Rome-esque world and the mystery within it! The Ancient Rome inspiration is definitely a whisper. If you weren't very familiar with the triumvirate period, you probably wouldn't notice a ton of similarities, which is quite fun, as Abeysekara really makes her world her own. I wish the runes and the magic system were a little more explained, but there's definitely enough to get you on the level.

Sarai is a great, strong main character, and Kadra is a fun morally-grey counterpoint. My main issue was actually the mystery itself. Cisure is an almost comically over the top character, to the point where her friendship with Sarai was completely unbelievable. Her <spoiler> devotion to Aelius is not really well-developed and neither is her fanatical hatred for Kadra. Some reasoning is given, but based on the rest of her character, it doesn't totally make sense. She's also just ridiculously evil to an almost unreadable point. If I was to DNF this book, it would have been because of her. She makes Sarai seem like an idiot for not seeing how awful her BFF is. </spoiler>.

The reveal of who attacked Sarai was also made pretty obvious about 5% in. <spoiler> They literally say she's someone's aide's friend and she only has one friend. And her one friend is an aide for one guy. It's not exactly a puzzle. </spoiler> Her suspicions about Kadra are very unfounded, but at least you feel like there's something to unravel there.

I also found Cassandane a very frustrating character. One of the four most powerful people in the country and yet is constantly doing literally nothing. And it's not really explained why. She's just useless.

Overall, it's an enjoyable read but there are some roll-your-eyes moments sprinkled in. Three stars from me.

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1.5 stars. DNF'd at 45% . i got the Arc for this book and honestly i tried to read it more than 5 times and everytime i struggled. Then the audiobook came out and i said let's give it one more go ,but honestly it was even worse!
The narrator was barely adequate . All the characters sounded the same and most of the times i felt confused to who spoked and if it is in a dialogue or their inner thoughts!
Honestly i don't get the hype for this book . Our FMC has a traumatic past and she is out for revenge but everything feels that purposely opens a path for her without the author truly justified them . Our MMC is supposedly the bad guy and the most powerful character in the book but it feels like a shadow that barely speaks or does something. I keep picturing him in a throne bored ,having all the answers and just seeing the show that unfolds in front of him ...hilarious .
i get that this is supposedly a book about justice and famine rage but there wasn't any chemistry between the characters and the writing was so off that the book lost me. I tried reading it several times and i just couldn't continue. Each time i felt more confused and the plot holes in the book bigger ! the purpose of a book, above all else , is to take you on a journey amd along the way to pass on a message to you. If i have to sweat to read a book , i don't want it !

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DNF at 55%

I am so sorry because I would have LOVED to LOVE this book since it has exactly what I look for a in story: mystery, revenge plot and a hinted lover story with some power play? Count me in. I don’t know if it is the writing style or the slowness of the story (I am still waiting for it to “click”) but I just could not connect with the character nor rooting for them, and the curiosity alone could not put me through other 200 pages. I would have loved to loved it. Really. I am keeping an eye on the author since I really enjoyed the overall idea and concept (this is why I gave 3 stars) but I don’t think it’s for me.

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I have been so looking forward to this release - and I'm so thrilled it lived up to my very high expectations. I loved every moment of this and I couldn't recommend it enough.

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"It is difficult to have to convince others of your humanity. Not just being human but being... worthy of all the accoutrements of humanity."

This book was absolutely phenomenal and exactly what I've been craving. It is based on Ancient Rome and I loved the political intrigue, romance, and the plot kept me on my toes. Not to mention, the justice system is so fascinating and expertly done in the story.

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3.5⭐This was an enjoyable, dark romantasy debut set in an Ancient Rome inspired fantasy world that was overflowing with sinister undertones and corruption, I was immediately drawn in by the opening flashback, detailing the horrific and violent attack that should have killed Sarai, the FMC, four years before the start of this book. It's important to highlight that this book is very dark at times and does come with content warnings that readers should be aware of before jumping in.

The politics, justice and magic system were all really interesting although it could be a little confusing at times to keep up with everything. I enjoyed the sizzling romantic tension between Sarai and Kadra, who was your classic dark and brooding morally grey love interest in the enemies>reluctant allies>lovers journey also have to give a shout out to Kadra's slutty little robe). I found Sarai to be a great FMC and enjoyed her female rage and unwillingness to be silenced where issues of classism, equality and injustice were concerned. However, I do wish that where some things and certain characters were concerned she was a bit quicker on the uptake and didn't stand for their shit (I have so much hate for this character on a Taryn in TFOTA level - which indicates they were well written by the author to incense me so much although I did think the reveal ended up being a little obvious)

Overall I enjoyed this one and look forward to book 2!

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This Monster of Mine is a dark, twisty debut that blends political intrigue, slow-burn romance, and a touch of monster-infested horror, all set against a backdrop loosely inspired by Ancient Rome. The story hooked me with its unique premise and kept me invested through courtroom drama, layered power plays, and the magnetic, ever-evolving dynamic between Sarai and Kadra.

Though the opening is particularly dark and heavy (a heads-up for sensitive readers), the narrative soon finds its stride. Sarai, a determined prosecutor with a vengeful agenda, and Kadra, the morally grey judge she suspects of betrayal, have electric chemistry that steals the show. Every interaction crackles with tension, and their enemies-to-lovers arc is deliciously well-drawn.

While the worldbuilding is rich and intriguing, some of the Roman-inspired elements and political terms could have been clearer. A bit more clarity would have elevated the setting and helped ground the reader more firmly. Still, this didn’t take away too much from my enjoyment—it’s a gripping, ambitious debut and I’m definitely looking forward to what’s next.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC!

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4.5 ⭐️
Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC of This Monster of Mine

Okayyyy hello Kadra. I loved this, if I had had the opportunity I could have sat and lapped this up in a day but time didn’t allow it for me and it took me so much longer to finish than I’d have liked, but it was worth it.

Think dark fantasy, enemies to lovers, morally grey MMC with a little murder mystery thrown in.

Sarai our FMC is hell bent on revenge returning to the place where the ‘died’ 4 years earlier, and ends up being the Petitor to the man she believes was behind killing her… I think we all know how this goes.

.5 stars deducted because apparently this was set in ancient Roman times….. I wasn’t aware until I began reading other reviews lol oops. This wasn’t obvious (maybe just to me though, after researching the titles if you know your stuff about ancient Roman times this probably is obvious) and a few of the terms mentioned I didn’t understand. Had I known I feel I could have built a much better picture of the world and characters but regardless this was great.

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3.5 rounded to 4.

A deadly game of deception, revenge, and painfully slow attraction, This Monster of Mine throws you into a world of courtroom battles and monster-infested shadows—but takes its sweet time getting to the payoff.

✨ A prosecutor with secrets sharper than her blade ⚖️ A ruthless judge who makes morality look flexible 🔥 A romance that simmers (and simmers… and simmers…)

Abeysekara crafts an intense, tension-filled world where every glance is a threat, and every touch carries consequences. The slow-burn romance is agonizingly drawn out, which might work for some—personally, I needed just a little more urgency.

If you love enemies-to-lovers with a side of courtroom power plays, this one will keep you hooked—just be prepared to wait for the sparks to catch fire.

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