This book is so slow in the beginning but i promise you won’t be disappointed if you can stick around until the second half. It’s a magical story that will channel your inner Sanderson sisters.

"We Shall Be Monsters" was a slower read for me initially, but I found myself fully immersed in the second half of the book. The story alternates between the timelines of Virginia and Gemma, exploring their choices that lead them into the dark woods inhabited by fae and monsters. Both women are drawn to the woods—and the men within—and must face the consequences of defying their mothers to enter these forbidden realms. While Virginia was a more challenging character for me to connect with, her motivations for protecting her daughter and lover were clear. Gemma, on the other hand, reminded me of Max from *Where the Wild Things Are*: a bit feral, making questionable choices but driven by fearless determination to confront and overcome the evils in the woods and protect her family. Despite the book taking me longer than usual to finish, I thoroughly enjoyed the lyrical and dreamlike quality of the writing. The dark fairytale atmosphere and the underlying theme of maternal love were compelling. I look forward to exploring more of Alyssa's work. Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC copy of this novel.

We Shall Be Monsters is a beautifully written fairy tale with gothic, creepy vibes woven throughout the lyrical prose. I saw this book described on NetGalley as if Coraline, Alice in Wonderland, and Brave had a baby and that description couldn’t be more accurate. I loved this book and the main characters it contained.

I especially liked that it wasn’t just a dark fairy tale or an adventure lit fic; We Shall Be Monsters touched on several complex themes, including what it means to be a monster and what protecting someone truly entails, but it did so without losing its sense of adventure or purpose. I also loved the mother-daughter bonds that were explored and I appreciated that neither character shied away when (painful) opportunities to grow were presented.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group- Ballantine for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc. I couldn’t even manage to read a single chapter before DNFing. Look, I love purple prose and my literary devices, but Jesus Christ. Metaphor, after metaphor, after simile, after simile, after metaphor. It was ad nauseam. The worst part? The similes and metaphors weren’t even good. Here’s a quote for example: “Mama looked at me in the mirror, unsmil-ing, tilting her head so that a lock of dark hair fell across her neck like a wound.” Uh, what? There are more cliche ones too. “Voice like ice,” “voice like leaves curling in autumn,” etc. It all had no purpose, it was juvenile at best, and I don’t care how good the plot may be, but I just can’t get past the prose.

I really wanted to like this book. I just wasn't captivating. The author clearly is talented but I found the pacing extremely slow.

Thanks to Netgalley and and publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC.

A beautifully written dark fairytale. Alyssa Wees once again writes a beautiful novel that whisks you away to another world. I love all the messages this book had, especially: What makes someone a monster and what makes them a hero? The setting and atmosphere of the story are done so well. You really feel immersed into the story and its’ world. Readers are constantly warned that the forest that is at the center of our story is dangerous, but like our characters we cannot resist entering. I really loved how the fae are depicted in this story. They are traditional fae full of bargains and schemes. The fae are not good (as we are told). But this is my favorite version of the fae. They are true to folklore. The central theme is the relationship between mother and daughter, which was beautifully done. But it is also about being your own person. I really appreciated the discussion of motherhood both when it is wanted and unwanted. There is a character toward the end whose story really spoke to me as someone who doesn’t wish to be a mother despite it being “what my body is made for.” I cannot wait to read more from one of my favorite authors!

This is a great story of a mother and daughter who both have a lot of secrets and ties to the magic filled forest in which they live. Lots of great twists and revelations in this novel, although in leans a little heavy on exposition and explanation in the final third. Overall a very satisfying and fun read.

This book is an enchanting and haunting tale that delves deep into the bonds between mothers and daughters, set against a backdrop of dark fairyland lore. The story follows Gemma Cassata, who lives with her mother, Virginia, in a secluded antiques shop in Michigan. This shop is near an enticing but dangerous forest that hides a magical gateway to fairyland. Despite her mother's repeated warnings about the perils that lie within the woods, Gemma's curiosity leads her to venture into the forbidden realm.

Virginia's own history with the woods is fraught with sorrow, as she defied similar warnings from her mother, resulting in a witch's curse on her true love. To protect Gemma, Virginia goes as far as stealing her daughter's memories. However, when Gemma edges too close to uncovering the truth, the witch takes Virginia, compelling Gemma to embark on a perilous journey into the heart of the mystical woods to save her mother and lift the curse.

Told through the alternating perspectives of Gemma and Virginia, the novel weaves a complex and lyrical narrative that explores themes of defiance, protection, and the enduring power of familial love. The dual timelines add depth and richness to the story, creating a multi-layered fantasy that feels both timeless and fresh. Wees’ prose is beautifully crafted, bringing the eerie, enchanting world to life and making this book a must-read for fans of dark fantasy and fairy tales.

Overall, "We Shall Be Monsters" is a spellbinding blend of fairy-tale enchantment and familial drama, perfect for those who relish a tale where the mundane and the magical intertwine. Alyssa Wees' skillful storytelling and evocative writing make this book a captivating read that is hard to put down.

Many thanks to NetGalley and publishers: Random House Publishing Group/ Ballantine/Del Rey for sharing this brilliant fantasy novel's digital reviewer copy in exchange of my honest thoughts.

I wanted to love this so bad but I had to DNF, and that was because of the writing style. I am someone who absolutely adores flowery, lyrical writing. The prose in this book was some of the most purple prose I’ve ever read. It just seemed like it would take pages and pages for one small thing to happen because of the descriptions, and I didn’t feel they were adding anything to the vibe or atmosphere, it just became frustrating. I understand what the author was trying to do, but I think the execution was very weak.

ARC provided by NetGalley

“We Shall Be Monsters” is a great book. It is not simply a mother/daughter book, but so much more. I enjoyed the alternating viewpoints, and I think that it added a layer of complexity to the story. I loved Alyssa Wees’ writing, it was beautiful and really helped bring the characters to life. It is a perfect fantasy book with fairytale elements intertwined. It is definitely my type of book, and one that I would definitely recommend.

At its core, *We Shall Be Monsters* explores the intricate relationships between mothers and daughters. One timeline follows Virginia, who is irresistibly drawn to the woods her mother has forbidden her to enter. The other timeline follows Virginia's daughter, who must venture into those same woods to break a curse. Beautifully written, this fantasy novel evokes the essence of an old fairytale, enriched with unexpected twists and a touch of horror.

At it's heart, We Shall Be Monsters is a book about the relationships between mothers and daughters. One timeline follows Virginia who longs for the woods her mother has tried to keep her away from while the other follows Virginia's eventual daughter, who must journey into the woods to break a curse. Beautifully written, this fantasy novel reads like an old fairytale with some twists and a twinge of horror along the way.