I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I AM FREAKING OUT BY HOW DELICIOUS AND AWESOME AND AMAZING THIS IS!!!!! I love the sh!!!t out of it, I am obsessed, I am Kadra's wine glass and Sarai's glower, THIS BOOK IS PHENOMENAL AND I HAVE OFFICIALLY LOST ALL BRAIN CELLS AND COHERENCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dark romantasy perfection, people!!! YOU NEEEEEEEEEEED TO READ THIS!!!

Sarai was viciously attacked four years ago, and she doesn't know who did it or why. She vaguely remembers a beautiful voice but not much else. She was born in poverty, without education or a family. All she's ever known is despair and people telling her what she was and what she couldn't do. The world has been awful to her, and yet, she wants to help those who have suffered like her--and there are plenty of those. When given the chance, she goes to Edessa to finally get some power, some status, and some answers about what happened to her. Sarai is angry and determined, persistent and unyielding. She is a force to be reckoned with, and if I didn't hate her enemies, I would pity them because nobody stands a chance against an angry woman who has been wronged time and time again.

Kadra is the brilliant and powerful (in all ways!) Tetrarch "assigned" to Sarai when she becomes a Petitor (a kind of prosecutor whose magical power is to discern lies and truth). He is cruel and brutal, but he is also just and fair. He has a horrible reputation among his enemies and their allies, but he is revered among his people and his personnel. They literally rally around him to protect him even from a naughty Petitor lmao. I loved how they loved him because he deserves it. He puts everything in the line for them. But he has his secrets and he has done things that horrify even himself. I loved him so much! He is the consent king and such an intuitive person. He observes with his keen eyes and evaluates with his sharp mind, and did I say that he is freaking brilliant and CONSENT KING IN EVERY WAY?!?!?!?!

I love every mad and vicious inch of that man. And so will you! Sorry, Sarai, but the man is delicious!

The worldbuilding is Ancient Rome inspired, and there were some things to get used to, but I think it was portrayed very well. My brain cells were all KADRA KADRA KADRA so I had to force myself to focus on some worldbuilding things but that is def my problem lmao. I've been too obsessed with Kadra since the first scene, and well, it's his fault that he fried my brain cells. Anyway, great worldbuilding! Vivid, lush, and absolutely brutal!!!!!! Excellent pacing, as well!! I enjoyed the book's rhythm and I simply went with the flow loving every delicious second of it!

There's some spice but wayyyyy towards the end!

I've been told that this is a duology and whoa how relieved I am because holy sh!!!t I wouldn't be able to handle reality if we only had one book with them!! It's definitely a standalone, though, and it doesn't end at a cliffhanger! You only see the seeds for book 2!

COMPELLING! DELICIOUS! CONSENT KING AND ANGRY GIRL COMBO! DROP EVERYTHING AND READ THIS ASAP!!

I'LL NEVER SHUT UP ABOUT THIS BOOK!!

This Monster of Mine is a standalone Romantic Fantasy and debut book from Shalini Abeysekara and OMG this book is absolutely incredible and interesting, I loved it so much.

This Monster of Mine must be one of the most fascinating and unique books I’ve ever read. Set in a world based on Ancient Rome and with the justice system as one of its main topics, this book kept me on the edge of my seat with so many secrets, hidden agendas and plot twists, I couldn’t put it down. The plot was so interesting, the author really showed her genius with the justice system and based on it magic and I loved how everything that happened was connected and all the little details that later on made so much sense and made all the revelations so much more satisfying, I felt like I was right there in the story with Sarai and Kadra trying to solve the mystery of what’s happening and what exactly happened 4 years before.

Sarai was an amazing FMC, despite everything that happened to her in the past she was really strong and never gave up, I loved how she tried to find the truth of what happened while trying not to lose her morals in the process. Since this book is told from Sarai’s POV, like her, I had so many conflicted feelings when it came to Kadra, but I always love the morally grey MMCs with questionable motives so it was only a matter of time before I fell for him and was rooting for him and Sarai. This book is a bit more focused on the plot than the romance, but I still really loved Sarai and Kadra’s slow burn romance, despite many secrets and their complicated (and hidden) past, they were perfect for each other and I loved seeing them slowly begin to trust and open up to each other, I especially loved all their conversations and how they always kept the other on their toes, they were just perfect together and I loved them.

This Monster of Mine is an incredible romantasy book that I really can’t recommend enough, it has amazing characters, interesting plot and world building, slow burn romance and jaw dropping plot twists. I absolutely loved it and can’t wait to read more books from this author.

Six stars if I could!

This Monster of Mine is a masterclass in fantasy storytelling—combining political intrigue, betrayal, and a rigid class system with a slow-burn romance that keeps you on edge. It’s sharp, dark, and utterly compelling.
The world-building is next level. Set in a scientific, Rome-adjacent fantasy world, it feels familiar yet entirely unique. As a history student who’s studied Latin for years, I was blown away by the care and precision in crafting a world that mirrors real historical structures while being fresh and imaginative. It’s immersive, richly detailed, and so cleverly done that you’ll want to linger in every scene.
The romance? Deliciously tense. It’s the kind of slow burn that makes you ache for every glance and word exchanged. The FMC and MMC share a dynamic that’s equal parts dangerous and vulnerable, with both characters navigating their own doubts and fears. It’s not a romance that overwhelms the plot—it enhances it, adding stakes and depth to an already gripping story.
Thematically, this book doesn’t pull its punches. It examines class struggles, systemic inequality, and societal expectations with a sharpness that cuts deep. But what makes it brilliant is how seamlessly these themes are woven into the narrative—you feel their weight without being lectured.
Representation shines here. Sexuality, gender, and relationships are handled with effortless inclusivity, normalized in a way that feels both refreshing and necessary.
What truly sets this book apart is its characters. They’re flawed, layered, and achingly real. The FMC’s scars play a pivotal role, both physically and emotionally, and the way they’re explored is nothing short of poetic. Strength and vulnerability coexist, making her one of the most relatable and memorable protagonists I’ve encountered in a long time.

This Monster of Mine is raw, impactful, and unforgettable. From the first page to the last, it grabs hold of you and doesn’t let go. Keep the trigger warnings in mind—the author’s ability to evoke emotion is powerful, and some scenes hit hard.

This is a book that stays with you. It’s one I’ll be shouting about for a long time.

I loved the Ancient Rome-esque setting of this book - it immediately set it apart from other stories. The book kicks off in such a dark way which I loved, and I felt plunged into the story very early on.
I've genuinely never felt so unsure of an MMC and his intentions. He seems so mysterious and twisted, and it was thrilling slowly unravelling the story. Every time I thought I had something figured out, another plot twist would change it all up.
I also loved the diverse set of characters.

Some of the more intricate details of the magic and political system were lost on me - it felt like a lot to keep on top of at times. Ultimately, I really enjoyed this story and found it difficult to put the book down!

Thank you so much to Hodderscape for the ARC via NetGalley and for giving me the opportunity to share my honest thoughts on this book.

A twisty tale full of political intrigue and mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed this one but would say it doesn’t read romantasy to me, it’s a political fantasy with a romantic subplot.

Lots of rep in this - disabled, POC FMC, non binary side characters and more.

This Monster of Mine by Shalini Abeysekara is such a good book. I totally recommend everyone to read this book as fast as they can because it's really good and the characters are fantastic.