pulse-pounding & epic, THIS is more of what i want to see in romantasy. it manages to use tropes effectively while feeling original instead of a retread of a thousand other stories. the plot is twisty and i couldn’t keep my eyes off the page for longer than a few minutes. this is a story about justice and the author really digs deep into those themes. at the beginning, this might be too brutal for some— but stick with it. i PROMISE this one is something special once you give it time to slowly lay out its plot and themes. also i need kadra BAD.

this story is about injustice, and about how far you’re willing to go to put an end to it. to make things right.

I felt so many emotions while reading this. frustration because of every unfairness that took place. anger because the law was protecting the wrong people. sadness because, so often, there seemed no hope for Sarai and Kadra.

I loved the characters and the plot so much, but if I had to choose, I would say I’m partial to the characters. they truly embody some of humans’ best and worst qualities, at the same time. especially Cisuré, Sarai’s childhood friend, who I couldn’t help but despise throughout the story, only to have my heart break for her towards the end. she is a difficult character to read about, but it’s one of the things that makes this book so great.

on the other hand, I had no trouble admiring and sympathising with Sarai. she is strong, determined and always willing to do what’s right - even when it might seem like the wrong, immoral thing. she made it very easy to root for her.

now, Kadra. I didn’t know what to make of him at first. he truly is the embodiment of violence and viciousness, and it was difficult to come to terms with that in the beginning. however, once you truly understand his motives and what he’s fighting for, you can’t help but fall in love with him.

the plot is incredibly engaging and doesn’t lack for a complex setting and an intriguing magic system. the ability to tell whether someone is lying will always make for a captivating plot device. it was also really fun to notice in how many ways characters in this book lied without actually telling a lie.

this book is without a doubt one of the best one’s I’ve read this year, and I’m so happy I got the chance to read it early.

This book was absolutely phenomenal and exactly what I've been craving. It is based on Ancient Rome and I loved the political intrigue, romance, and the plot kept me on my toes. Not to mention, the justice system is so fascinating and expertly done in the story.

The book follows Sarai, who has magical abilities that, among other things, make her able to detect lies. She went to the Southern city 4 years ago and was nearly killed in circumstances that she has little memory of - mutilated and then thrown off of a tower that left her permanently scarred. Seeking justice and explanations for what happened to her, she goes back to the city as a Petitor, who work as prosecutors for the Tetrarchs (judges).

Coincidentally also starting 4 years ago, Petitor candidates began committing suicide in skyrocketing numbers. Some years, the entire graduating classes have ended their lives or fled. Perilous few remain alive, and no one knows why. Sarai is determined that she will live... but are the suicides really suicides?

Sarai is assigned to Tetrarch Kadra, who has a reputation for brutality. His voice is familiar, all of the dead petitors were seen in his quarter before they died-- all signs point to him being the one who tried to kill her. Sarai moves into Kadra's tower as they work together, and I instantly fell in love with those two. Sarai is convinced he was her attacker, but can't resist his allure. Their dynamic is beyond electric and tension sizzles in every scene. Kadra is everything I love in a male character, especially a love interest. The romance in this book is top notch.

I cannot recommend this book enough - it has that perfect balance of a captivating, twisty plot and impeccable romance. Sarai is such a compelling and complex character. I already want to reread this!! Thank you so much to Union Square and NetGalley for this ARC! 📚

Such a mesmerizing tale that swept up my evenings! I loved everything, the settings, the characters, the romance, the injustice side that deals with the society we currently live in. Really good characterization and plotting. 4 stars.

"To the quiet but dangerous girls who seethe at injustice: may they never see us coming".

From the author note at the start to the dedication line. This book swept me away. More relevant now than ever, it's shock and awe will draw you into worldly themes. If the violence in this book unsettles you, quite frankly grow up and take a look at world issues. Shalini provides a content warning list so I don't wanna see any reviews with anyone saying they were blindsided.

For me, the genre of fantasy is a space where authors can challenge, provoke, and comment in a space that can impart lessons to readers. This book is a cautionary tale, showcasing that maybe justice isn't blind. How can we be better citizens in our daily life? Yes it's an escapism, and I hope we get some light to conquer all the darkness in book two.

This book is absolutely fire. My thanks to Shalini, Union Square & Co., and NetGalley.

Review on my bookstagram @lochislibrary will be up closer to the publication date.

This Monster of Mine by Shalini Abeysekara is such a good story. The characters are fantastic and the storyline is immaculate. I totally recommend everyone to read this story.