What if you were a spaceship roaming the universe, and oh shit, you accidentally picked up Dracula, and you have to team up with various passengers and AI on your ship to keep from getting extremely dead? This is like classic sci fi meets pulp meets a Hammer movie, and it's a really fun ride. Definitely pick it up when it comes out this summer.

Of Monsters and Mainframes is So. Much. Fun.

After a series of supernatural catastrophes on Demeter—an interstellar passenger liner—tarnishes her reputation, she decides to take matters into her own “hands” and hunt down the one responsible: Dracula.

The cast is truly the highlight of the story. If you’ve ever wondered how a werewolf, a mummy, and a Frankenstein’s monster would fare as space pirates, look no further. Every character, both AI and supernatural, has their own unique voice and is 𝘴𝘰 easy to love.

I really only have good things to say about this book! It’s campy, hilarious, and full of character and I can’t wait to pick up a physical copy on release!

Thank you NetGalley and Bindery Books for the ARC!

Of Monsters and Mainframes was such a crazy ride. I only partly knew what I was requesting from Netgalley: a hard to classify pulpy sci-fi, space opera, monster mashup. But it was still a surprise when the likes of Dracula, Frankenstein, a mummy, a werewolf, and disciples of Cthulhu are all involved and in space. The story is told from numerous different POV including artificial intelligences onboard a space liner. You really have to read it to understand. I found it fun and action packed but also... A LOT. It's doing too much.

I enjoyed this novel. It was weird but in a good way. The plot was easy to follow and I enjoyed taking the journey with the characters. It was a nice twist in older characters and kept me interested.

Dropped to 4 stars because while I enjoyed it I am not sure I would ever reread it.

Thanks to NetGallery and the publisher for this Arc in exchange for my honest review.

This book is so fun! And so unique. This isn't hard sci-fi so anyone who doesn't typically find themselves being able to read sci-fi because the the overwhelming science aspects, this might be for you!

I absolutely loved this book! 4.5⭐️

The story is primarily told from the perspective of Demeter, an AI system piloting a space shuttle between Earth and Alpha Centauri. Unfortunately, all of her passengers keep dying—not due to system failures, as her AI medical system suggests, but something much more sinister.

The plot itself isn't heavily structured, making the story more character-driven, which I think works really well here. The book is fun, quirky, and occasionally weird, but in the best possible way. Despite my initial reservations, I found myself really connecting with the main characters—Demeter and her fellow AI steward. I never expected a book featuring AI characters to evoke such emotional investment, but here we are!

Demeter embarks on a quest for revenge after Dracula boards her ship and kills all the humans. She is joined by an unexpected crew of monsters: Steve, a mummy who is actually an alien; a teenage werewolf; and a non-binary Frankenstein’s monster, who shares a similar AI system to Demeter’s. Together, they hunt down Dracula, making for an unusual yet compelling adventure.

Overall, the character development and relationships are the standout elements of this book. It’s a delightful, offbeat story that blends sci-fi with horror and humor, and it’s one I’m sure many readers will enjoy.

It’s been aWHILE since a book surprised me and this was fantastic! I loved how it followed the classic “journal entry” style from the original story and spun it into such a fun sci fi world! I fell in love with these characters and the story kept me coming back!

This novel was a hoot, a mash up of sci fi, horror and comedy. A far-fetched space opera. We have as our protagonist Demeter, a spaceship who just wants to shuttle humans betwixt Earth and Alpha Centauri but when Dracula boards and kills the passengers, Demeter despising their “Ghost Ship” moniker is bent on revenge. Aided by a motley crew of monsters: a mummy called Steve, a teenage werewolf, a non-binary Frankenstein’s monster with prodigious engineering skills and her onboard AI medical steward who has issues with Demeter’s “Priority Command”, they hunt down the undead Count.
Demeter is not your cold AI, they feel emotions such as vengeance, embarrassment and even love. Demeter is often surprised 'how suboptimal humans can be.'
There are many changes of POV and if you can suspend your disbelief it is a highly entertaining read.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for my eARC.

I got this as an arc on Netgalley and it will come out in June. Words cannot express how much I love this. Monsters in space and a very determined ship with a sarcastic doctor program? Disability and queer themes? Reimagining old time monsters and their stories? Yeah I loved the shit out of this.

I loved this book!! It was such a unique story, with themes similar to the Murderbot series, but with a really interesting twist. The combination of AI and monsters is of course far-fetched, but it was done really well and I loved reading this book. 4.5 rounded up!

🌈Queer rep: main nongendered/agender AI’s, queer female main character, FF relationship.

Content Warnings: Gore (Blood), Memory Loss (Forced),

This was such a fun read. Loved Demeter, the ship AI, and Stewart, the medical AI, and their interactions the most. At first, I found the jumping around from adventure to adventure a little odd, but by the time I reached the end of the book, I appreciated how everything tied together. I don’t think this book is for everyone, but I loved it. If you’re a fan of classic monsters and pulps, or cheesy old sci-fi/horror movies, I think you’ll enjoy the mix of humor, adventure, and spookiness this book offers.

Of Monsters and Mainframes by Barbara Truelove is an absolute blast—a quirky, high-camp adventure that blends sci-fi, horror, and humor in the best possible way. Set aboard a sentient spaceship, Demeter, and told from the perspectives of the ship and her AI medical companion, Steward, this book had me laughing out loud while still tugging at my heartstrings.

The characters are wonderfully weird and endearing, from a werewolf and a pharaoh to a Frankenstein-esque engineer, a vampire and a fleet of cheerful spider drones. I especially loved the asides from each character in their mini-chapters—they gave me a deeper look into their personalities, and the humor was spot-on. It’s a unique mix, and what really shines is the emotional depth beneath the action-packed story. The relationships between the crew members—despite their vast differences—are unexpectedly touching. And the blend of supernatural creatures like vampires and mummies with space opera elements is just brilliant.

What I loved most was how the story never took itself too seriously. It’s fast-paced, fun, and impossible to put down, but it also explores some surprisingly deep themes about identity, friendship, and what it means to be a “monster.” I couldn’t recommend this book more for anyone who loves a good laugh with their adventure!

Thank you to NetGalley, Bindery Books and Ezeekat Press for the laughs and the advanced copy!

This was weird and so much fun! I found myself laughing out loud several times while reading this. Love found family and a good sentient AI (not one but TWO, and they're in love?!?) and we also happen to encounter dracula? And werewolves? What a weird concept for a story but I am glad I read it. Reminiscent of murderbot and Becky Chambers books but weirder?

What a crazy journey!!! Reading the first 100 pages you think “wtf” in the best possible way! The plot is so unserious but really takes a turn for the best.
As you make your way into the book you start to feel an attachment to all the characters mostly Demeter and Stewart. They’re the core ( pun intended ) of the book and it’s wonderful.
Probably one of funniest read in a long time for me !

This novel was a wild, fun ride in space. A sci-fi book told mostly from the point of view of spaceship AI called Demeter (which is funny in itself for those that know of dracula lore - this boat carried him). The book starts out with Demeter realizing there are no heat signatures aboard her ship, which is weird as she had over 300 humans transporting on the ship. She then breaks out of her "mold" and starts investigating as much as AI can and realizes that Dracula was aboard her ship and has killed everyone. She then becomes known as the ghost ship. She has multiple hilarious conversations and little dramatic fights with the other AI aboard her ship "Steward" who is a medical AI female. Throughout the journey of the novel, we meet a wide variety of monsters and interesting characters while the Demeter just tries to help.

I really enjoyed this book. It was fun, goofy, and even a little mysterious at times. It was charming, yet weird at the same time if possible. The cast of characters was great - especially all the different monsters that ended up coming aboard the Demeter. Also lots of sapphic love in this book, so if you need a little romance it's there - obviously not the focal point. I would say there isn't too much plot, it's more just fun and vibes.

4,5⭐️

That was one fucking charismatic book, pardon the language.
One that captures you from the first chapter, and before you know, you've devoured it whole in one evening. You find yourself at the edge of your seat, deeply involved in space opera about werewolves and cosmic vampires, deeply in love with every strange character on across-galactic stage. What can be said about "Of Monsters and Mainframes" to make you feel like you need to read this book when it's still hot off the grill?

What will interest you? A new aspect of sci-fi, a story told from the perspective of spaceship AI, but not in the "gaining self-conciousness" way, but more "I am here to cause mayhem and mischief" way? Maybe you want queer cast? Or maybe you love vampires and werewolves, but grew bored of classical interpretations – don't worry, here we have them in space. Murder mystery? Sure, but why limit – let's get mass murder mystery. And not once, but twice. You want existential dread? Humor? Absolute insanity? Absolute hodgepodge of mismatched elements that become genius next to each other?

Well look no further.

I adore this book. It's funny, with a great side of charming, it's weird, but it's also greatly written. I do not exaggerate when I say I don't know when I've read. It lasts, and then it ends, and you're left with the want of more. Barbara Truelove wrote a georgeous story that proves there are still new paths to find in science fiction genre.

Y'all need to read this book. Y'all need to experience how AI medical system argues with fifteen years old werewolf when the spaceship they're on does a low-g barrel in space, while throwing a dinosaur theme party.

Omg! I had high hopes for this book and is superceded them all. It's funny and tense all at the same time! And the character development is to die for. I love the inclusion of all the classical monsters, and the way they all integrate into the story!

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the arc! From the very beginning I knew this book would not be for me, and I haven’t picked it up since. This is not an issue with the book itself -it’s just personal. I hate the narrative voice. I don’t like the formatting. I think I’ll just leave it there

This was the best book I’ve read in a long time! I wasn’t sure how the mix of characters would work together, but it just does. It’s a mix of sci fi adventure, found family vibes, & strong characters.

It had me laughing throughout. Definitely my type of humour

Sometimes getting the most out of your life is going down a different path to your loved ones which is so heartbreaking but I love that the character was comfortable with that decision.

I’m going to be recommending this book to all my friends (I already have been tbh)

Thank you NetGalley & Bindery Books / Ezeekat Press for the ARC

OH PULP SCI FI IS SOOOOO BACK YALL!!! this was such a fun, unique book— maybe it’s bc i don’t read that much sci fi but i was still thoroughly enchanted by this? UNIVERSAL HORROR MONSTERS! IN SPACE! this book has everything you could ever want if that premise sounds even a little interesting to you.