I jumped into this book not knowing much about the plot and came away hugely surprised. The world building was outstanding and the underlying themes that were expanded upon were valuable. If you’re looking for a gruesome yet heartening book than look no further!

I rated this book a 4.25 star.
“Maybe the meaning to life is to give life meaning.”

A tense, dark, and propulsive dystopian in the vein of The Last of Us and The Book of Koli, this novel surprised me!

The world-building is revealed through progression of the plot and, while some of the plot points are predictable in the general sense, there’s a lot of mystery to compel readers onward. I liked the lore around the Shivers and the progression of that thread in particular. While our characters weren’t as fleshed out as I’d hoped (I found Anthem’s downtrodden, hopeless stance a bit at odds with his Superman complex), I was rooting them nonetheless!

One of the things that has recently started annoying me in dystopian media is how everyone just accepts the threat. The pandemic has shown us that no matter what threat humanity stares down, there will be a subset of humans that just refuse to accept what’s staring them in the face. This book does address this and it’s just as infuriating in fiction as it is in real life. I hate that we need this theme for authenticity but here we are. 🙃

I’ve finished the book with a lot of questions… which feels intentional. While I’m not a huge fan of authors who drag out a story for the sake of a series, I enjoyed the time I spent with this book and would read a follow-up or another of Cembal’s novels! If you like dystopian games like The Last of Us or Horizon or enjoy M.R. Carey’s books, you may really enjoy this, check it out!

I’m deeply appreciative of Book Whisperer for making this title available on NetGalley - thank you!

As an avid reader of dystopian fiction, my expectations were high and sadly not quite met BUT I absolutely loved this book by Cembal. Seeing that it's now going to be a movie?! Stop it right now, I need that immediately. I'll be keeping a watch on this author, can't wait to read more!

Not as much horror as I thought there would be going in but the storyline and characters were great. It was a tad slow at time but overall I still liked it. The ending brought it all together for me!

This gives off the vibes of early 2000s paranormal action movies a lá Constantine. It's a pretty bleak read, more that than scary, unfortunately for my personal preference.

I cannot recommend this book enough. This is up there with top reads of the year for me.

Anthem lives as an Exilist in Atlas, a small walled off city surrounded by the Deadlands where nothing lives and nothing can survive. Everyone goes about their business with an approach of Ignorance is Bliss, ignoring the Monsters that seem to lurk in every shadow. The monsters who are out to eat the inhabitants of Atlas. He’s job is to show a final bit of mercy to people afflicted with a Monster and he is usually the last person to speak to a human before their death. Anthem wants to find out what the Monsters are up to and if they can be kept at bay.

Absolutely fantastic story. I was hooked from the first page and the book was so immersive. One of those you don’t want to put down cos you need to find out what happens next. Great storytelling, really atmospheric and dark. Cannot recommend enough. Read.This.Book!

I didn’t really know what to expect going into this book but I enjoyed it quite a bit. It does get a little slow at times but the descriptions are amazing. Pure nightmare fuel at times. I definitely recommend it!

Cembal introduces us to Anthem, the Exilist, a character defined by both desperation and purpose. His task of capturing the sinister Shivers — nightmarish beings that prey on the essence of life — is as grim as it is crucial. Yet, in a masterful twist of irony, Anthem carries his own Shiver, a constant reminder that the line between hunter and hunted is perilously thin. This duality adds a rich layer of complexity to Anthem, as he grapples with the growing hunger of his own inner monster while trying to save what little remains of the human race. The narrative is infused with a palpable sense of dread, where every shadow could conceal a lurking Shiver, and each character is painted with shades of vulnerability and fear. Cembal's prose is crafted with an atmospheric elegance that evokes the eerie beauty of his Gothic setting. The city itself becomes a character, a decaying labyrinth filled with echoes of a once-thriving civilization, now reduced to a desperate enclave of survivors clinging to rituals that increasingly seem futile. As Anthem embarks on a treacherous journey beyond the city walls in search of a remedy, readers are taken on a whirlwind of tension and discovery. Cembal brilliantly balances horror with introspection, prompting reflections on the nature of fear and the monsters that inhabit our psyche. The stakes are high, and as new threats emerge, the tension escalates.
What sets The Monsters in our Shadows apart is its exploration of inner demons and the humanity that lingers amidst despair. Cembal poses profound questions about what it means to confront one's darkness. In Anthem’s relentless struggle to conquer both the external monsters and his internal Shiver lies a poignant commentary on the fight for identity, humanity, and hope against insurmountable odds.
Overall, this story is a captivating read that expertly stitches together elements of horror, fantasy, and psychological depth. Cembal’s ability to evoke fear while simultaneously drawing out empathy for his characters creates a gripping narrative that resonates long after the final page is turned. For those who appreciate dark tales rich in introspection, this novel is not to be missed. Prepare to confront the monsters lurking in the shadows of your own heart as you embark on this unforgettable journey.

I have such a love hate relationship with dystopian novels. Done right, they are believable and terrifying, linking dystopia to the present society. Done horribly, it’s non believable and I lose interest fast. It took me a while to get into this, but once I did, I loved it. I also enjoyed the over arching themes of mental illness and how it’s dealt with. That is a cause that’s near and dear to me and I was glad to see it explored here.

In the distant future (or possibly on another planet far away) Anthem is an Exilist, tasked with escorting those inflicted with a Shiver to the Deadlands outside the Wall that protects their city, Atlas. The premise alone made me want to delve into this dystopian horror/fantasy.

For the most part, this is a well written discourse on the consequences of human nature/climate change/or possibly something else totally different. The story moved along steadily, the characters were interesting and quickly earned our empathy. There were parts toward the middle that dragged just a bit, some repetition of acts and phrases that became a little annoying; 'thunder, no lightening, no rain' must have been repeated a couple hundred times. And although all is explained at the end, that didn't help make it bearable for the first three fourths of the book. Then there is the adorable, plucky Zoey, who favors chewing bubble gum. How do we know? Because 'Pop' is written what felt like every other sentence as soon as her character is introduced, until the very end. But these were minor grievances (to me) compared to the overall enjoyment of this tale. If you love horror/sci fi/dystopian fantasy or any combination thereof, you will enjoy this book.

I don't often go rogue on my NetGalley requests anymore and try to stick to authors I know. But when I saw this gorgeous cover and the promise of a dystopian horror, I was intrigued. Throw in that is now in development as a major motion picture, I couldn't resist!

I really enjoy dystopian fiction from time to time, but I'm very picky with them as I need to find the concept believable and the context fully detailed. This book did lack some of that at the start for me, as I had many questions that were left unanswered.

By the end, however, I feel like everything came together well and I really liked the overall idea and how the author explored depression, anxiety, and grief. There were also a few standout quotes throughout which I found very striking.

The story is described as "bone-chilling" but I wouldn't quite go that far. There is certainly some chilling imagery at times and some gory descriptions at the start, but I would have liked more horror, although the atmosphere did build up effectively.

Still, I found this a very impressive read overall. Definitely different to my usual reads, but one I'm sure to remember.

I definitely recommend going into this one blind, but just knows that the worst monsters in our world are humans. This book kept me on the edge of my seat and constantly trying to figure out what would happen next.

The Monsters in our Shadows has such a unique premise, mixing horror and post-apocalyptic world. Unfortunately, the execution didn’t fully convince me. It takes a while for the main adventure to begin, and a few parts felt unnecessarily drawn out and repetitive. The intrigue was very good though, full of twists and turns every other chapter. The main character was endearing but a bit forgettable and lacked development.

I found the world description to be rather disappointing. I may have missed something, but it’s never explained how the Shivers appear and why only with certain people. Also why they don’t climb the wall when they can walk on walls and ceilings? They were really interesting creatures, but there were way too many holes in their construction. Overall, a fun read with a very cool premise but lacklustre execution.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

This book was so fast paced and fun! I enjoyed it so much and will be recommending it to everyone! This was the perfect dystopian horror novel and thank you so much for the ARC

“Remember. No one else can write your song. When it’s done, make sure it’s a tune to remember”

I’ve been wanting to jump into the horror genre for a while & I’m glad I picked this up as one of my firsts

The world is fascinating. It takes place a century after “the great consumption” and it’s daunting how the author suggests that if humanity continues the way it is right now, this is what the world will end up like. 

It’s creepy, dark & suspenseful. Your own, personal monster? Yikes!

The whole time I was reading this, I was thinking it would make a great movie. I was pleased to see in the author’s bio that a film adaptation is in the works! 🙌🏻

The story is as creepy as the cover! I loved this book and can not wait for more from this author. Thank you for the early opportunity to read this book!

If you enjoyed “Logan's Run,” but wished it were a bit darker, then you will probably love “The Monsters in our Shadows” by Edward J. Cembal.

In a sort of alternate future, humankind has been devastated by Shivers, a ghostlike being that attaches itself to a person and eventually devours them. There is no knowing when the beast will decide to feed. You could live with your shiver for years. Once the Shiver consumes its host, it will eat any person it comes across. Anthem is the Exilist for Atlas, a small settlement of survivors. His job is to remove those who are about to be consumed by their Shiver and leave them on the other side of the city wall so the Shivers won’t run amuck in the town. But then, the town’s leader sends him on a mission beyond the wall to save the small population, and Anthem learns that all is not as he has been taught.

This was a fun read. Don’t you love it when, as a reader, you come up with a solution to a problem, and you think, “Boy, I hope the author solves it this way,” and the author does? So satisfying! This was a really novel take on near-future sci fi and horror. While some questions are left unanswered, the adventure along the way is full of twists and turns and emotion and tension. I can't wait to see the movie that comes from this material.

Cembal’s “The Monsters in our Shadows” is the first book I’ve read of his, but I’m definitely interested in more. I recommend this read to fans of dystopian horror. I received this book from NetGalley.

This book was near perfection for me. It was such a good story of this post apocolyptic world that kept you guessing for a very long time. I loved the pain and agony the story sold. I felt every lost soul, every trip, every knee pain, every hopeless moment. For me the ending was way too rush and felt wrapped up far too quickly which led to some angles not being addressed at the end. I cant wait to see what else this author brings.. fantastic read into this type of story.

What a stunning debut!
“The Monsters in our Shadows” uses a classic, dystopian adventure as a frame to portray a mental journey of acceptance.

“It’s not your fault. Never is.
Could you fault a candles flame for being hushed out in a hurricane? Or the poor soul treading in the darkest ocean, sinking from exhaustion? Could you blame the hyenas hunger, or its captured prey’s submission to the feast? No, it wasn’t her fault.”

Filled with disturbing lovecraftian monsters (shivers, as they’re called in the book), a decaying world, and human adversaries this book is great if you’re looking for a surface level dystopian tale. As someone who hasn’t read anything from this genre recently this was a nice foray back into it BECAUSE it’s also full of tender, incredibly human moments. The very first scene in fact is two characters sharing a cup of tea. Even our main character isn’t the typical adventure hero either, he’s just a guy doing his best to survive under the circumstances.

I was not surprised at all when I read that this was being developed for a film. This book was full of cinematic moments and the brutal, often times disturbing, imagery made it really come to life. My critique would be that I wished the human characters were described as thoroughly as the monsters. I can picture Anthems’ Shiver better than I can picture Anthem.

Highly recommend.
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the free ARC. This is my honest review.

*spoilers*

Plot ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Humanity is on the brink of extinction, forced to live amongst grotesque monsters known as ‘Shivers’ that are born in shadows due to negative emotions, sadness, grief and trauma. Once connected to a Shiver, this begets a vicious cycle where its presence only breeds more negativity, shame, guilt, and embarrassment. The Shiver grows in strength and hunger until it becomes insatiable, devouring its host in the process and becoming untethered to threaten everyone.

The afflicted are pariahs within the community and, in order to manage this risk, those on the cusp of consumption are exiled from the safety of the walled city under the guise of a better life. Yet, not all is as it seems and as life becomes harder, exiles grow in number and resources dwindle to nothing, prompting drastic action in order to safeguard the future and not loose humanity in the process.

A fascinating concept but I would have liked to see alternative solutions presented in the mid to late plot.

Characters ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Anthem is a troubled soul and haunted by past mistakes yet, despite this, he endeavours to treat others with compassion and fairness. In part, to redeem himself as a husband and father, in part to offset his unfortunate line of work as an Exiler. I found Anthem to be a very relatable protagonist with strong morals but was disappointed that he didn’t exhibit much progression over the events unfolding in the story.

Whilst many of the supporting characters were either unnecessary or stereotypically portrayed, a late addition, Zoey, really shone. Her attitude and demeanour contrasted nicely with that of Anthem and I was curious to see how their relationship developed over the coming chapters. Unfortunately, only being introduced in the last quarter of the book meant there was limited opportunity for this to be explored.

Setting ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

I really enjoyed the world building in this story and, whilst the dystopian, post-apocalyptic environment was never the main focus, I do feel as if there was adequate description to satisfy my imagination.

Writing ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

The storytelling started off very strong, descriptions were evocative and suspenseful with the gory horror elements masterfully handled so as not to be unpalatable to a novice horror reader. However, I felt this writing style wasn’t maintained and by the midbook I was rapidly loosing interest in the outcome of the story.

The introduction of other mysterious characters to influence the plot, one of whom met an untimely end almost instantly, or the inclusion of an unnecessary detour into dangerous territory was deus-ex machina like and came across rather forced. Such decisions diluted the intensity of the experience and left several questions disappointingly unanswered by the end.

Readability ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

I really enjoyed the first third of this book; getting to meet the main characters, understand the world, and explore the threat of the Shivers was intense and psychologically thrilling. However, once the main character meets the Architect and the main adventure begins, some elements become repetitive and the pacing begins to suffer.

At times, the naivety and optimisim exhibited by the protagonist was frustrating and unrealistic considering the context and setting he found himself in. Whilst I appreciate the ‘can do attitude’ and ‘mind over matter thinking’, this felt disingenuous within the imagined reality of a horror storry centred on mental health. I would have preferred if this positive mentally had impacted on the story elements to reduce the monster threat but, ultimately, it was a physical resolution that achieved this instead. An apt reflection of modern mental health treatment, maybe, but certainly not the most holistic or effective method to explore. I can draw many parallels between the story elements and ‘shadow’ as described in Jungian psychology but I just wish integration had been explored more deeply on a psychological level as this would have led to a more satisfying conclusion.

Overall Enjoyment = ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

I wish I could have scored this book higher as it was such an interesting premise. However, lack of depth and consitency in the execution really hindered its potential. I’d still recommend reading if you’re curious, it’s a decent book, just not what I’d hoped.

Favourite Quote:

- Anthem took a deep breath. “I found out that humanity is something we can lose. And if we don’t take a stand to keep it, we’ll devour ourselves.”

*Many thanks to Edward J. Cembal, the publisher, and NetGalley for the electronic review copy they kindly provided. In response, the above review is my critical reflection and honest opinion.*