The Shape of Monsters
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Pub Date 24 Sep 2026 | Archive Date 24 Sep 2026
Pan Macmillan | Tor
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Description
A gripping tale of a descent into darkness as two siblings enter a world of magic, secrets and twisted loyalties – for those who loved Starling House by Alix E. Harrow, Gallant by V. E. Schwab and A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid.
A lost heir inherits her House’s wild magic.
Her feckless brother inherits nothing.
When a magical fire destroyed their family as children, Aleks and Vaira Kercheval escaped. Born to a world where power was everything, they’ve hidden from it all their lives. Then a letter arrives stating that Vaira has inherited Aubrey House, a decaying Gothic mansion full of dark, wild magic.
The estranged siblings haven’t spoken for years. But together, they return to their ancestral home, where crossing the threshold plunges them into a realm of shadows and ancient feuds. As the pair are drawn into a war between rival mages, the powerless Aleks accidentally summons and binds a monstrous prince from the Void – a creature of immense power. His gifted sister must learn to unleash her inner fire as the lines between human and monster blur. But can they survive the darkness that is to come?
From acclaimed author CL Hellisen, The Shape of Monsters is a treasure trove of dark magic, demonic possession and family secrets, where betrayals linger and power corrupts.
* * *
'Elements of both gothic storytelling and dark academia . . . Hellisen weaves a story of love, lust and magic'
– Annabel Campbell, author of The Outcast Mage
'A dark and intricate delight . . . exquisite'
– Lorraine Wilson, author of The Salt Oracle
Readers are also loving The Shape of Monsters
- ‘A dark, Gothic, twisty delight’
- ‘Haunting, heartfelt and utterly unforgettable’
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781037401190 |
| PRICE | £20.00 (GBP) |
| PAGES | 400 |
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Buy on Bookshop.org Buy on WaterstonesAverage rating from 10 members
Featured Reviews
Donna U, Reviewer
The Shape of Monsters
Author: CL Hellisen
Publication Date: 24 September 2026
Publisher: Pan Macmillan | Tor
The Shape of Monsters is a richly imagined gothic fantasy that blends dark magic, haunted family legacies and morally complex characters into an immersive and atmospheric story. From the opening chapters, the decaying Aubrey House becomes as compelling as the characters themselves, filled with secrets, danger and an unsettling sense that something ancient is always watching.
The relationship between siblings Aleks and Vaira is at the heart of the novel. Their fractured bond, shaped by loss and years of separation, gives the story real emotional depth alongside the fantasy elements. Watching them navigate old wounds while facing terrifying new threats creates a compelling balance between character-driven storytelling and high-stakes magical conflict.
CL Hellisen delivers vivid world-building, weaving together rival mages, forbidden power, demonic forces and ancient feuds without losing sight of the human emotions driving the narrative. The gothic atmosphere is wonderfully sustained throughout, creating a constant feeling of tension as the story explores how power, grief and ambition can transform even the best of people.
Fans of dark fantasy, gothic fiction and stories filled with dangerous magic, haunted houses and morally grey characters will find plenty to enjoy here. It's an engrossing, beautifully written tale that lingers long after the final page and will especially appeal to readers who enjoy richly layered worlds with a darker edge.
#TheShapeOfMonsters #CLHellisen #PanMacmillan #TorBooks #FantasyBooks
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