IThere was an Initial lore dump with names of things, people and places threw me a bit at the start but past 15% it eases up and the story really takes over.

The narration feels mature and there is a breadth of vocabulary used. Sometimes I felt like I wasn't sure where we were or what the characters looked like because the focus was on the story rather than the context.

I hate the girl who is supposed to be her closest friend and disliked her from the start. I hated most of the side characters actually, which is evidence of good writing.

40% in and was just desperate for more tension and interactions between the two main characters, they've barely said a few words to one another.

I knew who pushed her from chapter 2, I thought it was obvious but it dragged out that reveal until 65% in which confused me. I'm still not clear on the why of it all tbh

I was also hoping to see more of the magic system, especially when people have access to powerful magic, we only saw the FMC use bits of hers

I generally enjoyed the story, and corrupt people in power feels very on brand at the moment, I'm excited to see where this author goes next.

FMC: 18
MMC: Not alluded to

I inhaled this book and had such a fun time, feeling very grateful to be getting approved for NetGalley books that I had already added to my TBR!
The only thing I knew going into this was 'enemies-to-lovers ancient Rome inspired'. I was curious to see how the ancient Rome setting would play out, but actually it ended up influencing more of the legal/political set up of the story than the day-to-day of the characters. I also saw the expression 'spicy romantasy' floating around: personally I would call this a Fantasy Romance, and there is a one page spicy scene - nothing too scandalous imo.
The build up of the plot throughout this novel was delicious truly. The hook on the first page was STRONG and the twist part way through had my jaw on the floor - I hadn't even slightly guessed at what the reveal was going to be.
I noticed that the author used to work in the law field and this really comes through in the book's showdown. Despite violence playing a large role in this book, some of the major conflicts here are fought with words and politics and the wording of the law which I loved.
If I was still regularly rating books I think this would be a 4.5 for me, because I was all-in and captivated but then at the last second a little disappointed with the set up for book 2 (which I am already determined to get an ARC for when it comes out next ye

I am genuinely just struck in complete awe because that was beyond beautifully written?! I adore the main character Sarai and her relationship with Kadra was developed so well! The ending was also very satisfactory and I can't wait to see what happens next.

Read this if you like:
-Enemies to lovers romance
-Slowwww burn !!!
-Ancient Rome setting
-Exploring corrupted justice system
-Morally grey MMC
-FMC you will so cheer for and want to give a hug!!

Thank you Hodderscape for the gifted eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Well this was a surprised for me, I didn't heard of it until recently but I'm glad I got the Arc!

I really enjoyed this one. The political intrigue, the betrayal, the romance... all so well done it kept me hoocked the entire time. The magic system was chef's kiss.

Really love the main characters. The tension between them was to die for... and I enjoyed to get to know them better as the story progressed and understanding why they did the things they did... specially our MMC.

And to think this is a debut. I'm in awe and I can't wait to read more books of this Author.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder and Stoughton for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Eighteen-year-old Sarai doesn't know why someone tried to kill her four years ago, but she does know that her case was closed without justice. Hellbent on vengeance, she returns to the scene of the crime as a Petitor, a prosecutor who can magically detect lies, and is assigned to work with Tetrarch Kadra. Ice-cold and perennially sadistic, Kadra is the most vicious of the four judges who rule the land - and the prime suspect in a string of deaths identical to Sarai's attempted murder. Certain of his guilt, Sarai begins a double life: solving cases with Kadra by day and plotting his ruin by night. But Kadra is charming and there's something alluring about the wrath he wields against the city's corruption. So when the evidence she finds embroils her in a deadly political battle, Sarai must also fight against her attraction to Kadra - because despite his growing hold on her heart, his voice matches the only memory she has of her assailant...

Sarai is someone who is fixated on finding out what happened to her, and meting out justice for the torture that she was put through. I really liked her character. Despite the stress of her new job and the responsibilities she bears, Sarai remains humble and kind. She has some darker tendencies that emerge deeper into the book but it really worked for her character and also helped to explain some of her motivations. She still gives people the benefit of the doubt, wanting to see the best in them and give them a chance but when she is cast aside, ignored or disrespected… Ooooo, I love Sarai in those moments!
Kadra is an enigma for the majority of the book, to be perfectly honest. I found myself frustrated at times because I just wanted to delve into his head and get to know him. But the wait was definitely worth it. The air of mystery that surrounds him really helps spur the book on - as does his wicked deeds which clash with his devoted actions for his people!

When I saw this book available to request, the blurb intrigued me big time. Romantasy with deception, mystery and violence? Sign me up! The plot was pretty good and it had a decent flow. There was a lot of world building in this story. To the point I will admit that it felt a little much at times. My brain was struggling to keep up with everything, all the information that had been thrown my way. As the book progressed, I found that not analysing it as much helped maintain my engagement and keep my enjoyment up. I love knowing about a world but when it becomes confusing, my attention can start to drift. There is a very large cast of characters here - understandable since it’s such a complex world. However, I believe they were all very well written. I liked that they were not always as they seemed, that there was plenty of depth to each person. I also loved that we just casually had non-binary characters too! It’s such a pleasure to see such characters and not have a big song and dance about it! Romance wise, it wasn’t a big focus in the story which worked perfectly for me. Now, I adore a romance but it just would not have felt right for this book if it was in the forefront. But the little fluffy hints we got were so nice! It helped show further humanity in characters that were touched by darkness which is always amazing to see. The ending was a brilliant conclusion for the events of this story. It was full of violence, of mystery and a good few shocks. I love that the final chapter has left it open enough that more books in this world are possible but it also wraps up everything neatly.

Overall, This Monster of Mine is a great romantasy book with Ancient Rome vibes.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Thank you again to Hodder & Stoughton for an advanced copy of this book. Review will be live on my blog on release day and is available now on Goodreads.

I’ve heard only good things about this book and I’m so happy that it matched my expectations! I found the magic system really compelling and original. And the characters? i don’t know who I loved more! They were so well done and the banter and tension were everything!

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher Hodderscape for the digital ARC, it has not affected my honest review.

Release Date: April 3rd 2025 (UK)/ April 1st 2025 (US)

TW: alcoholism, severe injury, PTSD, immolation, execution, violence, abuse, depression, panic attacks

Four years ago Sarai was thrown from a tower, being left with horrific scarring and little memory of the event. Her case was thrown out without explanation but Sarai wants vengeance for what happened to her. Now eighteen, Sarai returns to the scene of the crime as a Petitor, a prosecutor who can magically detect lies, and she’s assigned to work with the ice cold judge Tetrarch Kadra. Brutal and efficient, Kadra is the prime suspect in a series of deaths identical to Sarai’s attempted murder years ago, long disguised as suicides. Convinced of Kadra’s guilt, Sarai starts working with him by day while planning his ruin every night. However, it soon becomes clear that Kadra is charming and that his crusade against corruption is more and more appealing to Sarai. Finding evidence that drives her into a twisted world of politics, Sarai must begin to push back against her attraction to Kadra- especially as her memory starts to return, and with it, the sound of her pusher’s voice.

‘This Monster of Mine’ is a gorgeous dark fantasy, starting with a terrifying scene where our main character plunges from a tower. Sarai is a brilliant main character and I loved how her trauma and the anxiety that came from it was such a huge focus of this book, even as she seeks to find out what happened to her. The gradual flashbacks and the way she tries to cope were so effective in showing us how she feels. The Roman-inspired world that’s driven by justice and it’s magical system is excellently written and the pressure Sarai feels constantly is so prominent. I have to write about Kadra, and his character, because he is honestly so cold and callous and unpredictable in the early parts of this book- I could so clearly imagine all of his scenes with Sarai, with their constant pushing and challenging relationship. The tension between them is just absolutely perfect, Sarai is so frustrated by him even as she becomes more and more caught up in his ways of dealing out justice. The side characters and the world building is given to the reader gradually, just as it is to Sarai, and the magic system is incredibly original. ‘This Monster of Mine’ isn’t afraid to go to difficult places, the reality of trauma and the violence of this world (and the ways Sarai can get the truth from people) is handled so seamlessly. I adored all of this book and I can’t wait to see how the sequel might go, especially because I’m so invested in the fraught, beautiful relationship between Sarai and Kadra. This book is an incredible debut, seamlessly written and weaving together a complex, political fantasy I can’t get enough of.

Rating: 5⭐️


She watched with slitted eyes as Kadra
crossed the temple's threshold. Catching
her perusal, he raised an eyebrow. "They
say evil can't pass the High Elsar's doors.”
She shrugged. "I was expecting you to burst
into flames." "Expecting?" He gave her a
dark smile. "Or hoping?"


Oh wow, this book was as amazing as it seemed from the description! I love a scarred, complex, imperfect fmc that doesn’t shy away from action when it’s needed and Sarai was all this and more, all the while maintaining her sensibility and selflessness.
This Monster of Mine is set in a Roman inspired world (with a great deal of lating words which i really appreciated), our fmc Sarai longs to solve a mystery happened four years before and seizes the opportunity to become a pretor in the capital, escaping her miserable life in the north. She’s aware that she’s entering a dangerous reality, full of conspiracies, liars and abuses but she’s also happy to be able to dispense some justice even if comes with a hefty price: working for Tetrarch Kadra, youngest ever Tetrarch to be elected and a very ambiguous man with a reputation for being cruel and merciless.

Sarai will learn to form her own opinion and judgment on things, often accepting some “morally gray” reasonings which I totally adored! She’s someone who doesn’t shy away from working hard and digging out the truth, no matter how painful it might be.
I loved following the different mysteries woven into this book (even if the descriptions were a bit gory at times😆 but it definitely fit the style of the book) and it was so satisfying to learn the truth along with Sarai🥰

As for the other characters, I really don’t want to spoil anything BUT I absolutely loved the romance! It was so natural, the mmc is just SO intense and murderous🥺 my favourite combination! His and Sarai’s chemistry together was almost palpable through the pages!

I also liked some secondary characters, even if one of them got me feeling sooo frustrated (but i guess that was the intent!)
I definitely cannot wait for book 2, i’m so excited to go back to this world!! (But please let my babies be safe, they’ve gone through so much already🥲)

Read this is you like:
🥀 morally gray mmc
📍 determined, scarred fmc
⚡️enemies to reluctant allies to lovers
🏛 ancient rome inspired worldbuilding
⚖️ a bit of politics, history, intrigues, deceits
🔮 magic


Thanks so much to Hodderscape, the author and Netgalley for an arc of this beautiful book, all opinions are my own!

I really have no idea where to start with this. I couldnt put it down, and when I did I made sure to keep reading as soon as possible!!

I love love LOVE political fantasies, and worlds with good politics and this one is near perfect. Within the first quarter Abeysekara has set up how unfair the laws are, but without simply listing them. Sarai goes through so many tests of morals (the Robing) that immediately I start thinking ‘if this is the easiest of it, how much more corrupt can it get? A lot of it reflects our world also, and I think that’s why it really shone.

All of our characters are so well written, but I wish there was more of them throughout as it felt like Harison and Anek disappeared midway through, to then appear at the end however if this is a setup for future events then it entirely makes sense. I have never found a best friend of the FMC so pettily annoying! Yet I could relate to everything she was saying, and all of the love and hatred from Sarai. When I ask for a slow burn romance, this is what I mean. They barely hold hands and can’t tolerate each other until 80%, and even then it isn’t stemming from nowhere. There’s a universe where I wish they actually stayed companions opposed to lovers, but I’m not complaining at all. You can really see how torn Kara gets in the world where he can’t be what he has to be, but doesn’t want to be what he’s not. A true grey character.

What’s interesting is that not once did I think Sarai was an unreliable narrator. She’s the main character, she has to be reliable. I assumed all my doubts and theories were wrong since they didnt align with hers, but that of course cannot be true in hindsight. There are so many hints and casual drops of who is who in her flashbacks, and who really she can trust, so for her to be wrong several times (and also perfectly right) was a massive shock to me. I was well and truly invested into her thought process and mind and emotions.

It would have been nice to know there was a glossary at the back since some of the beginning confused me, but I slowly got the idea of it through natural exposition. I truly cannot wait for the next book in this series- there’s so many doors opened and characters to explore (how is it Kadra can read minds?), and many more towns and cities to see.

This Monster of Mine is a tale of vengeance and resilience, threaded with the right amount of slow-burning tension and I can't love it more! I wouldn't say this is your typical romantasy, which is why I enjoyed it so much.

Returning to a city that once shattered her, Sarai is relentless in her pursuit of her culprit, made difficult by only flashes of memories. She conceals her appearance carefully but ghosts of her past remain. When she's assigned to work with our cold, calculating adjudicator main male character, a game of cat and mouse begins. A delicate dance of power and deception, where trust is a dangerous luxury.

Kadara, our enigmatic and ruthless wielder of justice, is impenetrable as a locked door. We see him through Sarai's eyes, where every moment of hesitation becomes another puzzle piece. Beyond this central mystery, the story delivers a rich web of complex friendships, driven by their own ambitions.

But let's talk about the tension - because that's what kept me hooked. Sarai and Kadra barely need words, they every interaction is a collision of will and barely there restraint. The overarching action and political intrigue waves in themes of corruption, unchecked ambition and the devastating clash between faith and power. The way magic is entangled with greed creates a prophetic tone - justice is rarely as simple as it seems.

I couldn't put this book down and can't wait for more.

I kind of went into this one based off of the vibes of the cover and being told it was a romantasy, but the romance ended up being a subplot for most of the story. I don't normally mind this but the plot itself needs to have more progression or be more fast paced when this happens. Unfortunately the plot felt dragged out, especially in the middle so it didn't hit quite as hard for me as I expected this one would.

That being said, our FMC Sarai, I really liked. She was determined throughout and I love a story of feminine rage and revenge. I really enjoyed the prosecutor parts of the story and Sarai being able to detect lies and how that was shown to us on the page. By the end I loved Kadra but wish we'd had a dual POV for him or have him in the story more as sometimes I thought to myself "Where's Kadra?" and doubting as to whether this was actually a romantasy.

I'm not someone who liked worlds based on real life history but I didn't feel like the 'Ancient Rome inspired' setting too overbearing but the politics and who rules what and who felt a little confusing. Everyone has powers but only some are Tetrarch's? Are Tetrarch's gods or just judges and what is the difference? I'm still a little lost now honestly.

The last 30% really hooked me and made me bump my rating up from 3 stars to a 3.75 as it was the only section that I couldn't put down, I read it whilst cooking dinner and ended up cutting my finger. I recommend NOT reading whilst preparing food but I really wanted to know how it would end!

I also recommended that the publisher puts the glossary at the start of the book in the final version as I didn't know it was at the back until I had finished and the Latin words within the dialogue threw me off, especially when on occasions this wasn't explained what they were saying and it detached me from the story a little bit.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Hodder for providing me with the e-arc of this one.

Thank you Net Galley

This was perfection!! I have already pre ordered to book!

The magic was very unique and I loved it! the world building and pacing was spot on.

Definitely recommend to ant fantasy romance lovers!

Shalini Abeysekara’s This Monster of Mine transports us to a brutal, ancient Rome-inspired fantasy world that is as ruthless as it is captivating. With a story full of political intrigue, vengeance, and an electrifying romance, this novel keeps you hooked from the very first page.
At its heart is Sarai, a woman with unique magical abilities, including the power to detect lies. Four years ago, she was brutally attacked, mutilated, and thrown from a tower in the city of Edessa. She barely survived and has little memory of what happened—but she is determined to return and seek justice. When the opportunity arises to go back as a Petitor (a prosecutor serving the ruling Tetrarchs), she seizes it. She is assigned to Tetrarch Kadra, a man infamous for his cruelty and bloodshed. Suspiciously, all signs point to him as her attacker. As the two are forced to work together, their dynamic becomes increasingly dangerous—and undeniably magnetic.
Abeysekara crafts a world that draws heavily from ancient Rome, with a well-developed political and judicial system that keeps the reader constantly engaged. The novel weaves dark themes of justice, power abuse, and systemic violence into its plot, making it both thought-provoking and immersive. The eerie mystery surrounding the suicides of Petitor candidates adds a chilling, almost thriller-like element to the story.
Sarai is an incredibly compelling protagonist, balancing strength with vulnerability in a way that makes her feel real. I particularly loved that she doesn’t fit the genre’s usual perfect beauty standard—her scars make her unique and add so much depth to her character. However, I was slightly disappointed that she hides them behind magical illusions. While it makes sense for her to do so (as she doesn’t want to be recognized by them), it would have been even more powerful to see her embrace them fully.

This Monster of Mine follows Sarai who was the victim of attempted murder 4 years ago. She is hell-bent on getting revenge on the person who did it, only she cannot remember anything from that night. Returning to the scene of the crime as a Petitor, a prosecutor who can detect lies and see into people’s minds, memories begin to unfold. She is thrust into an investigation with her Tetrarch, Kadra, into the “suicides” of multiple Petitors who have come before her. Together they unravel the lies in this world. But Sarai cannot ignore the fact that she remembers Kadra’s voice from the night she was thrown from the tower.
This book was FANTASTIC! It had everything I wanted in a fantasy book.
- political intrigue
- mystery
- corruption
- interesting magic system
- slow burn romance
- fascinating world building
- betrayal
The book was dark and compelling. I was glued to every page. The romance was well developed and believable.
This is going to be a popular book for sure!!

Shalini Abeysekara’s This Monster of Mine is a gripping blend of political intrigue, slow-burn romance, and a justice system laced with magic. With a setting inspired by Ancient Rome and a heroine bent on revenge, this debut novel delivers a spellbinding mix of tension, mystery, and morally grey characters that keep you hooked until the very last page.

Sarai is a compelling protagonist—fierce, determined, and haunted by a past that nearly killed her. She’s armed with the ability to detect lies, making her a formidable force in the city’s corrupted legal system. But her mission for vengeance becomes complicated when she’s paired with Kadra, a ruthless and enigmatic Tetrarch who may be responsible for the very crime that shaped her. Their dynamic is electric, fraught with suspicion, unspoken attraction, and a dangerous push-and-pull that makes every interaction crackle with intensity.

The world-building in this novel is intricate and immersive, weaving together political machinations, class struggles, and a unique legal system built on magic. Abeysekara crafts a society that feels both historically grounded and refreshingly original, with layers of secrets and power plays that add depth to every twist and turn.

Though the romance takes a backseat to the larger plot, it enhances the story with its slow, simmering tension. Sarai and Kadra’s relationship is one of calculated moves and shifting loyalties, making each moment between them feel earned. Kadra, in particular, is a fascinating character—equal parts monstrous and magnetic, a man whose motives remain as shadowy as his reputation.

Beyond the romance and intrigue, This Monster of Mine also delves into deeper themes of justice, morality, and the cost of revenge. It doesn’t shy away from difficult questions, making the reader wrestle with the same dilemmas as its characters. With a razor-sharp narrative, stunning twists, and a heroine who refuses to be broken, this book cements itself as a standout in the romantasy genre.

If you love stories with political intrigue, tension-filled slow burns, and morally complex characters, This Monster of Mine is a must-read.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy. I enjoyed this one! I am loving the combination of fantasy and mystery lately and this was another good example. I would have liked a little more worldbuilding particularly relating to the magic and governing systems, but the characters were well written and complex. Although I am not a big fan of romance in general I thought it worked for this book and avoided the dreaded insta-love that many enemy to lovers plots have. A warning - this book is very dark at times so make sure to check the trigger warnings. But overall, I thought this was a good book and would recommend it for fans of the romantasy genre.

4.5⭐️. The opening for this one is dark, so check trigger warnings! 4 years ago, someone tried to kill Sarai. She has limited memories of what happens, but does know that she was quickly thrown out of the city without justice. The scars she’s been left with prevent her from pursuing her dream career as a healer; however, she also has the ability to magically detect lies. Four years later, an opportunity presents itself for her to return to the scene of the crime and see if she can uncover the mystery that’s been haunting her for years.

I had a great time with this book. While I wish fantasy romance authors wouldn’t constantly choose to age their FMCs so young, Sarai has been through so much in her early life that she doesn’t read like the typical, immature 18 year old.

“Powerful people like you have always made people like me lace ourselves into subservient personalities in order to survive. Then you blame us when they become a second skin.”

The slow burn was slow, which I love. And the world was interesting and felt unique. There weren’t any twists that I didn’t see coming, but that didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the book. I think I heard that this will be a duology and I’m really excited to see where the story will go next!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc of this book.

With thanks to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC!

This was a very strong debut! This is set in an Ancient Rome inspired world, where four Tetrachs rule Edessa with the assistance of their Petitors. Four years ago, Sarai was almost killed in a horrifically brutal manner, but now she has returned to Edessa to find the man who tried to kill her.

I really do have to commend the author for the worldbuilding. I was fascinated from the very first page, and everyhing felt well researched. I was utterly obsessed with the magic system here. The lie detector magic was so incredibly cool and the stormfalls were an excellent addition.

I also loved Sirai. As our main character, she has suffered through so much and is so determined. I loved her tenacity, her drive, and her stubborness. I found her relatable, and enjoyed seeing her investigate and put the pieces together. Her relationship with Kadra is a slow burn, which I think worked well with the story, and I liked seeing their relationship develop and grow and change.

The only thing I didn't necessarily enjoy was the characters ages. In my head when I was reading this back I did age Sirai up at least five years. I don't really understand why she had to be eighteen, and it also felt rather odd to me to have an eighteen year old acting as a magical lawyer. I suppose the magic may handwave away the age part, but I wished the characters were older by at least a few years aat least.

Overall, I did enjoy this story, and I am definitely interested to see it continue! I highly recommend if you want to read something set in a brutal Ancient Rome inspired world with with very strong writing.

I enjoyed this but the world building was fuzzy so some times it was hard to follow. Would have appreciated a glossary at the start for runes, lingo used throughout the book and names of places/characters etc and some of this wasn't really explained in detail, but this is a me issue and did enjoy this for a debut!

4.5⭐️ 2🌶️

- Enemies-to-lovers
- Touch-her-and-💀
- Forced Proximity
- Magic systems
- Slow-burn

When Assessors arrive in the small, remote town of Arsamea, Barmaid Sarai unexpectedly gets a chance to join the next group of prestigious Petitors, who can detect lies in criminal cases. This is her chance to finally get revenge on the mysterious person who left her for dead four years ago. When she’s paired up with the infamous and morally ambiguous judge Tetrarch Kadra, she finds herself questioning whether he’s truly the villain everyone claims him to be. But despite her growing feelings for him, she has to fight them if she wants to stay safe, because whilst she may not know who pushed her off that tower one stormy night, Kadra’s voice sounds like the only memory she has of her attacker…

This Monster of Mine is a brilliant standalone, debut romantasy with a lot of depth. I really enjoyed Sarai’s character development, the slow-burn romance, and the political intrigue kept me hooked until the end!

I loved how the relationship between Sarai and Ciseré was explored. The main relationships aren’t just romantic ones, but it also explores bonds of friendship, family, and community with a lot of subtlety.

Sarai is no one-dimensional heroine. She has flaws, doubts and passion that is embraced and developed. The slow-burn is 🔥 and I fell in love with Kadra from the very beginning!

I would have loved to have seen a bit more world-building, but the ancient Rome-style aesthetic was a great backdrop for the plot.

A great read, thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!