3,5 stars rounded down.

Overall this was a good book! There are things that I really liked and things I didn’t really like so let’s get into it.

My favorite aspect was definitely the relationship between Koral and Stormgold. I think they’re similar in a lot of ways and seeing their bond grow over the course of the story was so heartwarming I loved it. I also really liked the fact that even though Stormgold is a maristag she felt like a fully realized character just like any of the other main characters in the book. She got her own character development and we could see her growth and I loved that so much. I thought it was nice to see Koral’s dedication to not only Stormgold but also to her family and Crane. I also really enjoyed Dorian and Koral's dynamic, in terms of relationships outside of Stormgold I think this was the most interesting by far and I can't wait to see more of them in the future. The world building was done well and I enjoyed that aspect a lot. The history behind the Glory Races is really interesting and how they’ve chosen to honor it every 4 years was fun to learn about. I also loved learning about the maristags and the other creatures present in the world. There were also some really intense action packed scenes that kept me hooked and wanting to read more just when I felt like things were starting to come to a bit of a lull. I also loved the Glory Race events, particularly the last one.

Onto the things I didn’t like, as a character Koral fell flat for me. I didn’t think she had a lot of character development, She spent almost all, if not all, of the book being angry and although her anger was absolutely warranted, nothing really came of it. The anger was kind of just always there but it felt very one note to me and I was waiting to see other sides of her as the book progressed and that never really came. I also wish the focus of the book had been more on the Glory Races, the events were so short compared to some of the other parts of the book and this made the pacing a bit weird and I was left wanting more from the races. This also would’ve allowed us to get to know the other contestants better, I believe there’s 10 of them and we only really get to know Dorian and kind of know 2 of the others. I also wish more had been done with Crane’s story line, the rebel storyline was really interesting but ultimately it was so short lived that I felt a little let down by it.

The ending was a bit predictable so I didn’t love it but I do think it set up nicely for the next book so I’m excited to see what happens next for Koral and Stormgold!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for this ARC!

I love every pages! Monsters Born and Made was a perfect blend of adventures, family and friendship, a fight against oppressions and unjust systems, and delicious slow burn romance. I couldn't ask for more. Except maybe a sequel :)

The cover and book description hooked me and I requested this book right away. And as it turns out, MBAB exceeds my (already) high expectation and I enjoyed every seconds I've spent reading it! I love the fast pace and the writing style which was easy to read. It was a roller coaster ride and I love it.

Koral is a strong female main character! I love how bold she is, how she refused to stay put and took matters in her own hands. Yes, she is also hot headed and tend to make decisions by feelings which is not always ideal, but I love her sharp wits and enjoyed her adventure and character development! Also love her brother Emrik and sweet baby sister Liria! And ughhh don't get me started on Dorian Akayan because he has all my yeses.

The world building was amazing. I could almost feel the sea breeze, it was so immersive. I love maristags and the race idea! Stormgold is such a dear, we must protect her. Love all the challenges! And all those slow burn moments? EPIC.

I need a sequel or more story in this universe! It was amazing :))

<< Thank you Sourcebookfire for providing me E-ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review >>

Generally a good book, kept my attention. The story was great, characters well thought out, and the pacing was good. Overall, I enjoyed the book and would read more by this author!! Thank you so much for the ARC!

This book is fast-paced and very adventurous. It made me think of fantasy sports anime and I loved the creative races. The monster creatures were also super cool. A very inventive fantasy!

Thank you Netgalley and SourceBooks Fire for allowing me to read and review this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

When I read the description and the comparison to Hunger Games with a mix of Fable, I think my expectations might have been a little high.

I really liked the fantasy/dystopian aspect of the story. I miss reading dystopian books and they're hard to find as every author is writing about fae and the retelling of Hades and Persephone. Monsters Born and Made is a breath of fresh air.

There are different factions of living: Landers, Renters and Hunters. Koral is a Hunter with her family. When her sister falls ill and Koral realizes their situation is dire, she decides to sneak into the Glory Race. Only Landers are competitors. Koral sneaks her name into a box and is randomly picked to compete for riches to help keep her sister alive and her life afloat.

I can see the Hunger Games comparison with the competition, the brutal living conditions, a rebellion arises, and Koral volunteering as "tribute" to save her family. I'm a little unsure of the Fable comparison.

For the most part I did enjoy the book and the writing is pretty good but the characters fell flat and the ending is predictable and left open for a possible sequel.

Overall an average read with a gorgeous cover and an eye catching description.

3.5 stars