*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.*

An original dystopian narrative filled with horror elements. I will refrain from delving into the plot specifics, as many other reviewers have already covered them extensively, and the book's synopsis accurately reflects the storyline.

The narrative was chilling and engaging, leaving me eager for more as it hinted at incredible potential. Each chapter appeared to contain a twist or revelation that kept me on my toes. While I appreciated the storyline, I felt the characters could benefit from more depth and originality, steering clear of clichés commonly found in redemption tales.

I am keen on exploring a potential sequel or prequel to further dive into this intriguing world!

3.5 stars rounded up.
This book is so well written and the premise is much deeper than a guy trying to find a cure for the monsters (shivers) that attach to some of the people in the town. It talks a lot about depression and how you just need to take one more step, keep going, don’t let the “monster” consume you.
I really liked the story, it just didn’t keep my attention like I wanted it to. Toward the end I was just trying to read it to get it over with. I got bored of it. Still a good book! Just not for me.

The monsters in our shadows is a bone-chilling addition to the dystopian horror genre that grips the reader from the first page and doesn’t let go. With its dark, gothic atmosphere and a plot brimming with tension, it’s clear why this novel is generating buzz, especially with its impending adaptation into a major motion picture.

Set in a crumbling city where humanity teeters on the brink of extinction, the story introduces us to a world overrun by Shivers—nightmarish creatures that feed on fear and suffering. The city’s last inhabitants cling to a fragile existence, relying on a desperate ritual of exile that is proving increasingly ineffective. The imagery of this decaying metropolis, filled with oppressive darkness and the constant threat of Shivers, creates an unforgettable backdrop for the narrative.

At the heart of the story is Anthem, the Exilist, tasked with capturing and banishing these eldritch horrors. His role is fraught with peril, but his personal struggle adds a layer of psychological depth to the tale. Anthem is haunted not just by the Shivers he battles but by his own growing internal menace. His own Shiver, a manifestation of his deepest fears and desires, is an ever-present threat, complicating his mission and adding an extra dimension of horror.

As the city faces escalating threats and its very survival hangs in the balance, Anthem’s quest takes him beyond the city’s crumbling walls in a desperate search for a cure. What unfolds is a relentless and pensive journey into the heart of darkness, both literal and metaphorical. The novel excels in building suspense and exploring themes of fear, control, and the nature of monstrosity.

The narrative is intense and atmospheric, with a pace that mirrors the relentless hunger of the Shivers themselves. The author's ability to evoke a sense of dread and create moments of shocking revelation makes this a standout read in dystopian horror.

The monsters in our shadows is not just a tale of survival against monstrous odds; it’s a deep dive into the human psyche and the monsters that lurk within. Fans of the genre will find it a gripping, thought-provoking read that challenges perceptions of fear and survival. With its cinematic potential, this novel promises to be a standout in both literature and film, making it a must-read for those seeking their next favorite dystopian horror.

In a future where humans manifest horrible shadow creatures called Shivers, there is little hope for humanity. Shivers follow their host humas around, slowly getting closer as their hunger grows. A Shiver's soul purpose is to consume their human host, and there is no stopping them and their insatiable appetite.

Anthem is an Exilist, tasked with transporting humans and their Shivers outside the city walls so the consumption is done isolated away from the rest of civilization. Only Anthem and the city's mysterious leader known as the Architect know the truth about what happens outside the wall. When the Architect tasks Anthem with a mission to help save the city from the Shivers by traveling outside the walls, he accepts without question. What he finds though, makes him question his existence and his faith in the Architect's ability to keep them all safe.

This is a dark and bleak story. The author does an amazing job building the gloomy atmosphere and the hopelessness the humans feel once they manifest their own Shiver. On the surface this can be read as a monster horror story full of gore and brutality, but on a deeper level the monsters are physical manifestations representing depression and mental health issues. They can either ignore their issues, or face them head on to find a way to live with it. The monsters don't go away and cannot be killed, but people can learn to not demonize them. They create a symbiotic relationship. I thought this was really well done and I enjoyed the multiple layers of the story. Despite the dark nature of the story, we are left with a message of hope at the end.

I went into this not knowing what to expect but was definitely hooked from the beginning. I love horror books and this is no exception.

Rating: 5
Format: ebook

Trigger Warning: This novel deals with themes related to mental health and may be distressing for some readers. Please review the book’s summary/description carefully before reading.

Review:

WOW. OUTSTANDING. BRAVO.

In this gripping dystopian tale, we follow Anthem, an Exilist in a ravaged world plagued by shadow monsters known as Shivers. These entities trail their victims until they are ultimately consumed. Anthem's role is to escort these individuals out of the walled city of Atlas and ensure they are devoured by their Shivers. Driven by desperation, he seeks a cure for his own Shiver and a treatment to save his daughter. The quest for medicine to stave off the monsters becomes a race against time, leading readers through an emotional and thrilling journey to save the world alongside Anthem.

Highlights:
⭐️ THE. PLOT. The story’s world-building is captivating, and the unfolding narrative kept me eagerly turning pages.
⭐️ Emotional Depth & Metaphors: The book’s exploration of mental health through its metaphors is profound. Cembal draws from personal experiences to shape Anthem's character and the novel’s world, creating a deeply resonant narrative.
⭐️ Character Growth: Anthem's evolution throughout the plot is palpable, with Cembal’s evocative writing showcasing significant emotional development.

Pitfalls:
❌ None!

Thank you to NetGalley and Book Whisperer for providing a free copy of this ebook for my honest review and feedback.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of "The Monsters in Our Shadows" by Edward J. Cembal. This story tells the tale of "Anthem," our main character against the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic country where monsters now shadow and destroy certain members of the society. The overarching allegory is that certain individuals suffering from mental health issues (i.e. depression) are followed by a physical manifestation of their illness and ultimately consumed by it. I will be honest - I was floored and extremely impressed with the theme and integration of mental health issues throughout the book. I applaud the author for drawing such an impactful narrative and very much enjoyed the book overall. At times it felt like it went on a bit long but I raced to get through it and think the ending was both realistic and hopeful.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“What’s it like?”
“There are flowers.” 💐

Possible spoilers 💁🏼‍♀️
Honestly, I don’t understand how this book isn’t more popular. A dystopian horror that will stay with me forever. The author did a great job of making me feel every emotion.
The main character, Anthem, is an exilist. He is in charge of palliative care in the end stages of depression. He is a sort of hero when it comes to easing people into their death. The world is overrun by Shivers. Almost every person has their own Shiver & the darkness it carries. After years of trying to avoid it & ignore their shiver it finally consumes its host. There is no hope in getting rid of a Shiver, but medication can prolong your life until it inevitably takes over completely. Until Anthem gets sent into the Deadlands to find more medication. He doesn’t find a cure, there is no cure. But he does find a way to live a fulfilling life despite always being followed around by the dark shadow.

TW: depression & suicide
This book hooked me from the beginning. It’s not mentioned WHAT the Shiver is, but I interpret it as depression. This book was a perfect description of depression & the tolls it takes on you. It showcases the feeling of impending doom. The author talks about there not being a cure just a medication to numb the pain. Bringing up how even when you try to ignore it that it will always be there following you. It is the perfect example of choosing to live every day despite your mental illness. You are more than your mental illness. There is light at the end of the tunnel & the answer doesn’t have to be an end. I highly recommend this book.

Thank you to NetGalley for this copy of The Monsters in our Shadows.

I’m an avid horror reader and this book did not disappoint! I’m amazed that this is a debut novel. It had more depth and emotion than I was expecting which really floored me. I’m not the biggest fan of dystopian fiction but the remarkable descriptions and world building really sealed the deal. Highly recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy of The Monsters in our Shadows.

I really wanted to like this book but it was just not for me.

Very fun, crazy, thrilling of a read! I very much enjoyed reading this! I was at the edge of my seat the whole time. When I thought I knew what was going to happen I was wrong. The characters were amazing and the plot was really good.

The Monsters in Our Shadows is an excellent post-apocalyptic journey of discovery, mayhem, and love. The monsters in this novel are not unlike those of bestselling author Adam Nevill, in that they are relatively nondescriptive. Also similarly to Adam Nevill's work, it is complex and emotionally layered, dealing with topics such as mental health, moral dilemmas, and the brutality of post-apocalyptic living.

I thoroughly enjoyed this adventure, and if you are into tropes such as dystopian society, post-apocalyptic adventure, and/or books that deal with mental health in abstract ways, then this is the book for you!

I would like to say thank you to Netgalley for this ARC.

Anthem is an Exilest. It is his thankless job in Atlas to escort the doomed and their Shivers, the monsters that are set to devour them, from the city walls to protect the citizenry. He takes them to the Deadlands where, aptly, nothing can live, or can it? Anthem wants to give more to the people of Atlas but to begin he needs to know why things are the way they are and information is in short supply. That is until one day when he gets accidentally caught outside the city walls and witnesses things that amaze him.

We follow his journey as he strives to make things better for his people and learns that perhaps an equitable solution is as good as a win.

Monsters In Our Shadows is a well written book with characters that grab you. If you’re not careful you might end up staying awake all night to finish it.

This was fairly good to me. At times I couldn't really get into it, but it was enjoyable enough for me to want to finish it.

I was hooked by this book from start to end. I typically love all horror and sci-fi books, this book was like no other and hit most popular marks. Anthem's character arc was great and the world-building was immersive, and the eerie atmosphere kept me hooked. The suspense made it hard to put down. I highly recommend reading this book blind to fully appreciate its twists and turns—each one more surprising than the last. It was a great book to add to my list for this year.

I’m very conflicted about this book. The plot and premise was there and was very intriguing. However it fell short for me at the end with how it fizzled out. The beginning of the book was fantastic was if I could just take that chunk alone, I would rate that 4/5 stars. I think if Anthem (the main character) wasn’t so 2 dimensional and was more flushed out, it would have helped the book greatly as there are these huge themes of emotional trauma and grief through out the book.

Also scenes that should have been good turning points for Anthem to show growth and determination were rushed and I can’t believe I am saying this, but the book needed to be longer to successfully fulfill what the author was trying to convey.

Chilling. Tick

Horror. Tick

Dystopian. Tick
Totally awesome book. Couldn't put it down

This novel ticked all the right boxes for me. Thank you for the opportunity to review

The Monsters In Our Shadows is a dystopian novel in development as a major motion picture. When the invitation to read the book arrived in my inbox, I decided to give the novel a try. Although horror is not a genre I typically read, I do love bone chilling thrillers and horror movies. And since I know first-hand how difficult it is to get a book published, and how next to impossible it is to land a movie deal, author Edward J Cembal gained my respect in an instant. Of course I'd read his book.

I'm not a psychiatrist, but I'd almost bet the shadowy nightmarish creatures inside the story with an insatiable hunger to consume human hosts, called Shivers, are metaphors for clinical depression. If so, I now understand why depression is such a debilitating illness. The Shivers are horrifying in their ability to slowly but surely suck the life out of a person. Battling and winning against the Shivers is the key to human survival. In The Monsters In Our Shadows we follow protagonist Anthem's journey to defeat the monsters.

Many thanks to Book Whisperer and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of the book to read and review. This review will post to Bayside Book Reviews at https://baysidebookreviews.com and its Instagram page on release day. Follow us! *NetGalley Top Reviewer*

Thank you to the publisher for giving me a copy of The Monsters In Our Shadows in exchange for an honest review.

I overall really enjoyed this book. The main character, Anthem, had some solid characterization that made you want to root for him.

There was always a new twist or turn in the plot that kept me reading as well. I was actually surprised by a couple of moments in the book and really enjoyed the overall plot.

The Shivers are sooo creepy and I hate them. So mission accomplished with that 😅. I thought the entire concept of Shivers was really unique and truly loved the imagery of each individual one. I also liked how the idea of these monsters evolved throughout the book.

My only criticism would be there was a lot of repetitive phrasing throughout. Similar word choice in similar moments, if that makes sense. The author didn’t vary the description a lot in those noments and by the end I was a little bit over it (but really on a little bit)!

Overall this was a really solid, interesting, fast-paced debut novel. Looking forward to more from this author in the future!