Huge thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for providing me with an E-Arc of this book!

CW: Death, Blood, Violence

4.5 / 5 Stars

People keep comparing this to Murder Drones, and I get it—I’ve seen the show. But as someone who grew up on Star Trek, the space opera of all space operas, I couldn’t help but draw comparisons there instead. So, just imagine Star Trek, but the Enterprise was part of the crew. Now add way more death and monsters. Boom—you get this book. Which basically translates to: I absolutely loved it and devoured it in a single day.

Our main character is Demeter, the ship’s navigation AI, and it was incredible to watch her evolve throughout the story. The more time she spends with Angus—a child she saved from a werewolf attack—the more she develops a sense of identity that feels almost human. This book really leans into the question of what it means to be "alive," and Demeter’s growth is at the heart of that exploration.

It probably won’t come as a surprise that, while the book has a solid plot, it’s very character-driven. Yes, Demeter is at the center of it, but so is Angus.

That doesn’t mean the rest of the crew is any less great. Every member of this unlikely team brings something unique to the table, and their relationships make for an emotional, sometimes hilarious, and deeply rewarding reading experience. It’s found family at its best, and I couldn’t get enough of them.

There are also two (question mark?) romances in this one. I have mixed feelings about one of them because the spark and buildup were there, but since romance wasn’t the book’s main focus, we only really get the beginning and the end of it. The other ship? I’m not saying anything—you’ll have to see for yourself. But we spend the most time on that one, and honestly? It’s pretty cute.

The one aspect I felt was slightly lacking? Dracula himself. His name alone carries a weight that makes him a menace—both in sheer presence and in the devastation he leaves behind. His actions haunt almost every member of our found family. But after the opening, he’s mostly sidelined. The few chapters where he does appear? Phenomenal. He absolutely commands the page, stealing the spotlight with his chilling presence. I just wish we had gotten more of him.

For example, there's a subplot in the middle of the book where we shift focus to an alien fish-like species that worships Cthulhu and tries to take over the ship. While this section gave us more time with Steward (who I adored), it ultimately didn’t feel essential to the larger narrative. No hate to Steward—she’s fantastic—but I almost wish we had used some of that time for more Dracula instead. Especially since, by the end, he’s... well, still just there, almost as if he’s been waiting for our misfit crew to stumble upon him. And for someone as powerful as Dracula, that felt just a little too convenient.


That being said, this book was absolutely amazing. I had a fantastic time reading it, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who asks.

Thank you NetGalley and Bindery Books for the ARC.

It’s all functions and gigabytes until Dracula shows up. And y’all thought saying fantasy names was hard just wait until you read some of these. It was heartwarming to see how each character sought freedom despite their processing restrictions.

This book will change your perception of technology from the very first chapter. Following the story through multiple perspectives, the story begins with: Demeter, a passenger ship’s AI system, Of Monsters and Mainframes humanizes technology in a unique and interesting way.

After having some core memory from her system deleted, Demeter tries to find answers for why all 312 of their passengers died before arriving to their destination. After being labeled a “ghost ship”, she gets a “revamp”, a new serial number and continues going on flights with not so happy endings. The flights are constantly being bombarded with “monsters” ranging from Werewolves to a Cthulhu like entity.

Every single thing you read matters, something mentioned in chapter one makes an appearance of great importance later down the road and so on. The pacing is absolutely magnificent, keeping you clutched in its grasp desperate for more answers.

Okay and the found family??? The description of comprehending “human” emotion and learning how to deal with it??? All of the love present… from learning what it is to seeing who everyone loves, the inclusion and representation?? Absolutely amazing. It’s just truly a beautiful story!!!

Pub Date June 3 2025

ARC provided by Bindery Books, Ezeekat Press and NetGalley. Thank you.

review posted to NetGalley & Goodreads

Received an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

To be extremely honest, this would've been an instant purchase anyway because it looks and sounds like the most campy, fun space opera. It also has elements from Dracula and Frankenstein? Dracula + Frankenstein + Artificial Intelligence? How and what do you mean? This could either be absolutely genius or crash and burn spectacularly.

I am happy to announce that I LOVE THIS SO MUCH😍
This is probably the only time I'd be caught crying over a found family that consists of not just misfits and monsters, but AI. The most hilarious, wonderful AI that I wish is what we are going towards in the future instead of whatever we are currently misusing the technology for.

The story is well-paced, the character endearing, the world typical of a space opera but I adore the additions of monsters from classic gothic literature (truly the key to my heart), and this is just the perfect campy read when the mood catches.

this book was so fun! it's giving murder bot diaries with a splash of supernatural pop culture for every horror/sci-fi fan out there who loves to see their literary faves transported into a space AU. i thought it was imaginative, witty, funny, endearing and a genuinely engaging read! it doesn't take itself too seriously, which makes for a nice easy to read story, and one that is incredibly memorable. i would love to see a series of these characters and what they get up to!

I literally almost cried when I finished this book because I didn't want it to end. Almost everything about this book was perfect, and the little imperfections weren't enough to drop my rating from a 5 star.

Truelove expertly mixed sci-fi and fantasy elements! Classic monsters in space? Phenomenal. She took old-school monsters and revamped them to fit the spacey setting. I think that pitching certain monsters as aliens was a great idea. All of the loose ends tied together really nicely in the end.

I love stories about sentient AIs discovering what it is to love. This book checked that box not once, but twice. Demeter and Steward were by far my favourite characters, and I enjoyed every word in their chapters. Something about AIs going from stiff, logical beings to squishy little beans makes my heart happy. The other characters were also great, though some of their flaws did annoy me. But that's what character flaws are meant to do, so well done Truelove!

There were some parts of the book that were a little repetitive, and it felt like certain memory loss explanations were shortcuts.

Otherwise, I'm in love! This book reminded me of why I love sci-fi so much. I will definitely be picking up more books by this author!

What a breath of fresh air in the Sci-Fi genre.

Of Monsters and Mainframes is told from the POV of the spaceship's AI, Demeter. As her name indicates, she will be dealing with Dracula, and a few other monsters too.

The first half of the book reads like interconnected short stories that are then weaved together in the second half to bring everything into a tight ending.

I don't have much to say honestly because I just had a lot of fun reading this book. Both AIs are quirky and fun, I loved the way they retold some classic monster tales, it manages a good balance between serious topics and levity. It was a great read honestly and if you're looking for something easy to read (I read this while on vacation), I think it's perfect.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book

Find my Reviews on Goodreads, The StoryGraph, and Fable

This book was such a fun journey to read. I made frequent stops in the first half of the book to wonder how I was only so far in and where this story could take me. There's humor and heart and utter chaos to reel you in.

A ship's AI has a string of terrible luck in monsters on board and that leads to chaos in numerous ways. It takes a while to see how the story all comes together, but it does in the end.

I don't think this was the best written book I've ever read and the pacing was a little off in spots, but the overall story kept me moving and I sped through it.

I cannot express how much I loved this book. I am not sure what I was expecting but it blew my expectations out of the water. I loved everything about this book. I was hooked from the first paragraph and did not want it to end. The cast of characters was unique, heartfelt, and they were so well developed.

Honestly, this was space exploration at its finest. We meet our ship Demeter (who is also an AI) and her medical AI Steward and there is immediately a tension to the story that keeps you intrigued. Their interactions are priceless and their crew is fascinating. The storytelling was on point and was such a great time.

The mix of sci-fi, fantasy, and horror was so well weaved together. If you love any of those genres this is the book to pick up. I can't wait to recommend it to all my friends. This is easily a 5 Star read for me. Thank you to the publisher for providing an advanced readers copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley, Bindery Books and Ezeekat Press for gifting me an early copy of Of Monsters and Mainframes!

We are following Demeter, an AI that is also a ship! She transports humans from one planet to another. The issue is that she starts having problems during some of her trips.

I had an AMAZING time reading this book. The concept was genius and you can only get attached to the characters as they are funny, caring, and also quite unique.

Demeter’s relationship with Steward was hilarious!

I enjoyed reading about a lot of literary/mythological references and see them in another setting!

I would highly highly recommend this book

This book is like nothing I’ve ever read before! Of Monsters and Mainframes is a lighthearted, mysterious jaunt through space with a spaceship and the monsters that come along for the ride. I loved meeting Demeter, the ship’s AI, and felt real worry and care for her during and after every adventure.

The book is a lovely mix of soft sci-fi, mystery, and horror that brings characters, like Dracula, from the late 19th century into the space travel days of the 25th century. I really found the adventure engaging and was fully absorbed in the journey.

I also really love the themes around found family, finding your place in the world, breaking or rewriting your programming/purpose in life, and embracing the unknown that permeate the story. I had a great time reading this novel and I think it’s a great story for anyone interested in a bit of whimsy, space, and rewriting (our own) narratives!

This review is my honest opinion of the book. Thank you to NetGalley, Bindery Books, and Ezeekat Press for providing a digital copy for me to read in advance of the publication date.

Of Monsters and Mainframes is a paranormal story about Demeter, An AI supercomputer transport ship making the multi-year journey between Earth and Alpha Centauri. The book opens with Demeter trying to figure out why she has no memory of the past journey and what happened to all the people she's transporting. Many paranormal events occur on Demeter over the years that all come back to one thing: Dracula must die.

The story is gripping right from the very beginning and while it doesn't take itself too seriously, there is a lot of emotion in the storytelling and it feels high stakes for the characters.

There are 2 AIs protagonists in this story and I loved their interactions and evolving relationship. Fans of Murderbot will appreciate the AI story perspective, but it's unique and different.

The beginning of the story feels a bit like a series of short stories, since the major events happen years apart on different journeys between Earth and Alpha Centauri. I spent most of the book waiting for connections between these stories so they didn't feel as disparate. While the story does give connection to most of the events happening, there's one event that feels disconnected even after finishing the book. I feel like it was one too many coincidences to have all of these paranormal events happen on the same ship. I wish that one event could have been traced back to Dracula as well so it would feel part of the story more, rather than just a thing that happened. That's what keeps this book from being a 5 star read.

Overall, this was a very enjoyable read.

or fans of Gideon the Ninth, Murderbot, Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, and Becky Chambers.
Yes, I know that’s is a weird combo, but it works so well!!!

This is best to go into knowing nothing except that it centres an AI and it a monster mash set in space. To give you a sampling of the tone which is what sold me on the book even if the plot was bizarre and all over the place (but also in a good way?)

<b>I check for heat signatures.
Nothing. Oh.
They’re all dead. Well.
That’s awkward.
</b>
We have a semi-Dracula retelling, Frankenstein, werewolves, a treasure hunting mummy….
Oh, and a robot ship doctor who is very done with everyone. And I mean fair.

I am very impressed by this author’s writing style. It is utterly unique and entirely engaging. The type of writing that makes you laugh with funny chapter titles.

I didn’t know someone could voice an anxious AI in writing so well, but here’s the proof.

<b>“Error. I am not your fam⁠—”
“Shut up, bitch. You’re family.”</b>

This is a four🌟, but I cannot stop thinking about how fun it was so this is 5🌟 for vibes.

Arc gifted by Bindery Books.

This is like a hybrid love child of the action, snark, and hope of Murderbot, the expansiveness of an AI ship like Leckie, and the cozyness of Becky Chambers's Wayfarers Series. I love it. On the surface level, there is bombastic action and star players like Dracula, Frankenstein, and more who make appearances and the book works 100% on that level. However, for me, this is more about what it means to accept one's self; what it means to sacrifice for love; what it means to be human. This novel works 100% on that level, too. I have never loved a spiderbot more (or, indeed, ever).

What a wild ride Of Monsters and Mainframes turned out to be! From the moment I opened the book, I was pulled into a whirlwind of humor, chaos, and captivating storytelling that kept me on the edge of my seat. This isn’t just another sci-fi adventure; it’s an inventive space opera that blends the fantastical elements of horror with sharp wit and engaging characters.
The narrative is uniquely told from the perspective of Demeter, the ship's AI, whose mission to shuttle passengers between Earth and Alpha Centauri B quickly morphs into a gripping quest for vengeance against Dracula, who decimates its crew. With a crew that includes a teenage werewolf, a quirky mummy named Steve, and a non-binary Frankenstein's monster, the author has crafted a delightful ensemble that brings depth and personality to the story, all while injecting humor into the mix.
Barbara Truelove's writing shines, allowing readers to experience a range of emotions—from laughter to genuine heartache—as we follow the characters on their journey. The dynamic between Demeter and the crew is particularly endearing; it's not often that readers feel such attachment to a spaceship, but Truelove achieves this by giving Demeter a genuine personality filled with quirks and desires. The interactions are witty and often hilarious, creating memorable moments that stay with you long after you’ve put the book down.
One of the standout aspects of the story is its representation. A diverse cast of characters, including queer representation and age diversity, adds richness to the narrative that is often lacking in science fiction. It's refreshing to see a love story that includes older protagonists navigating their complex lives and relationships, showcasing the beauty of love at any age.
While the pacing is generally captivating, I did find the middle section of the book slightly drag, especially with the multiple POV shifts toward the conclusion. It felt like I was experiencing the finale from the sidelines rather than directly or through first-hand perspectives, which somewhat diluted the impact of the conclusion.
Despite this, I devoured the book in no time, engrossed in the fantastical world that Truelove expertly built. The combination of comedy, horror, and science fiction creates a unique blend that results in a highly enjoyable read. Whether you’re drawn to the innovative concept of a spaceship with feelings or the humorous antics of its eclectic crew, Of Monsters and Mainframes is a must-read that proves there's still much to explore within the sci-fi genre.
In summary, this book is a fabulous mash-up of genres, filled with charm and humor, and is definitely worth picking up. I’m excited to see what else Barbara Truelove has in store for us!

Of Monsters and Mainframes by Barbara Truelove is such a good story. I rated it 5 stars because I couldn't put it down for a second. I totally recommend everyone to read this book as fast as they can.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC to review!
Rating (on a scale of 1 to 5, 5 being excellent)
Quality of writing: 5
Pace: 4
Plot development: 5
Characters: 4
Enjoyability: 4
Ease of Reading: 4

Overall rating: 4 out of 5

This novel takes science fiction, fantasy, and pulp horror, and combines them into a fun romp through space to get revenge on Dracula. Our primary main character is Demeter, the navigational AI on a space transit ship that goes between Earth and Alpha Centauri. After two back-to-back journeys where her entire crew dies both times, save for two kids, Demeter is facing serious consequences and a bit of a personal breakdown. Demeter teams up with Steward, her medical AI, and a ragtag group of not-quite-humans in order to clear her name - and stop Dracula - once and for all.

This was such a fun little book that got me out of a significant reading/life slump. The story was so unique, and I loved the rotating POVs and what that added to the narrative. Each character was distinct in their voice and how they experienced what was happening around them, which was extra impressive given the primary POVs for this book. I had so much fun with this world and these characters - it was just the right combination of pulpy horror and sci-fi - and I can't wait to revisit it when it comes out!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion!

First off, I love how unique the concept of this novel is. I feel like I have never read anything similar, I was blown away by the idea of the supernatural blending the way it did with space sci-fi. The fact that are Queer themes throughout the whole book? Cherry on top! This is truly just a fun adventure that is somehow cozy through all of the horrors, if that's your cup of tea then read on!

I wanted to love this one more, and I can see people loving it! I found that it took on a very one-note feel for me, and didn't have as much as I hoped– mostly because, by the time the book starts, everybody's already dead. I had high hopes for this, and though the actual writing style was fun and entertaining, it was not an overall fantastic experience.