What do you think?
Rate this book
The Creatures We Crave #3
Monsters Above
The fight for our lives is upon us. Running to a new realm that could hold vital information is our only chance. With that comes closing the distance between me and the godly powers that wish to use me for their own gain. What we need is time to uncover secrets and unlock the powers that reside within me, but that’s a commodity we aren’t granted. When the time comes to make our final stand, will I finally be able to let go of the doubt that’s been festering my entire life? Will hope be able to cast out the shadows lurking around my mind and soul? I have to believe that it will.
***
Monsters Above is book three in The Creatures We Crave series, which is set within the shared universe of Dark Imaginarium Academy. All series can be read independently, but characters have crossovers and it is highly encouraged to read all within the universe to understand the world in its entirety. Monsters Above has graphic violence, mature adult themes, and handles topics of mental health. This is the final book in the series and will not end on a cliffhanger. DARK IMAGINARIUM ACADEMY FEATURES CHARACTERS THAT ARE ALL 18+. THIS IS NOT A HIGH SCHOOL ACADEMY SETTING AND THE CONTENTS ARE INTENDED FOR MATURE AUDIENCES. Monarchs of Hell (Complete Series) by R.L. Caulder and M. Sinclair
***
Monsters Above is book three in The Creatures We Crave series, which is set within the shared universe of Dark Imaginarium Academy. All series can be read independently, but characters have crossovers and it is highly encouraged to read all within the universe to understand the world in its entirety. Monsters Above has graphic violence, mature adult themes, and handles topics of mental health. This is the final book in the series and will not end on a cliffhanger. DARK IMAGINARIUM ACADEMY FEATURES CHARACTERS THAT ARE ALL 18+. THIS IS NOT A HIGH SCHOOL ACADEMY SETTING AND THE CONTENTS ARE INTENDED FOR MATURE AUDIENCES. Monarchs of Hell (Complete Series) by R.L. Caulder and M. Sinclair
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 29, 2023
502 people are currently reading
929 people want to read
About the author
R.L. Caulder
42 books1,704 followersR.L. Caulder is a USA Today bestselling author who lives in her writing cave away from the intense heat of the Florida sun with her husband and furry writing assistants, MeowMeow and Winrey. Life is never boring for R.L., who has hundreds of imaginary friends constantly vying for her attention and begging for their stories to be told.
If you're looking for ways to interact with R.L., you can find her on Facebook, in her group:
The Cauldron: R.L. Caulder Reader Group
If you're looking for ways to interact with R.L., you can find her on Facebook, in her group:
The Cauldron: R.L. Caulder Reader Group
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 236 reviews
August 25, 2023
My favorite book in this series, R.L. does an amazing job wrapping up Alexandra’s story!!!! And I loved all the crossovers from Monarchs of Hell!!
Highly recommend you read Monarchs before finishing this series!
Highly recommend you read Monarchs before finishing this series!
September 8, 2023
Monsters Above is the final book in The Creatures We Crave series. Alexandria is gearing up for the "big showdown" and it's going to take some big steps that she and her monsters must prepare for. Because right now, they are far from being up to snuff.
Book three's beginning is far from seamless. Where book two ends with a big fight, book three begins where a good period of time has passed. Alexandria is laying out a plan for one of her friends, and we really have no idea what it is. Now, it might have been laid out before the fight in book two, but I didn't recall off the top of my head when I started this book.
This book has it's ups and downs in pace. The drama is good, but I wasn't a fan of her apologizing to a couple of the guys because they got in their feelings about her explaining their behavior. You do get a good amount of steamy, but not too much. Unfortunately, the "big showdown" lacked the big aspect. It was flat at best, but the story kept me engaged overall so that ends up winning out.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Book three's beginning is far from seamless. Where book two ends with a big fight, book three begins where a good period of time has passed. Alexandria is laying out a plan for one of her friends, and we really have no idea what it is. Now, it might have been laid out before the fight in book two, but I didn't recall off the top of my head when I started this book.
This book has it's ups and downs in pace. The drama is good, but I wasn't a fan of her apologizing to a couple of the guys because they got in their feelings about her explaining their behavior. You do get a good amount of steamy, but not too much. Unfortunately, the "big showdown" lacked the big aspect. It was flat at best, but the story kept me engaged overall so that ends up winning out.
4.5 out of 5 stars
August 26, 2023
*RH
*Paranormal
*Multi-PoV
*unique FMC
*monsters
*gods
*found family
*established harem
*mid burn
*3/3
Unique trilogy!
This whole book focuses on believing in yourself and having the strength to forge your own fate 😃
Alexandra has to learn how to use her own unique powers and to do this she has to venture into Divinus which might just be walking into the enemy’s lair 😳 thankfully she has a new found family curtesy of Alora who find the right people to help her!
Lucien, Kylo and Elwin also manage to settle their differences, it can’t be easy managing three possessive monsters but they truly adore Alex and work to support her 🥰 although she is very much the focus of this book and her one personal journey 😁
Strengthening her powers allows Alex to discover things about the curses, how it’s all linked, and why the Gods are out for her 😬 just in time aswell as a kidnapping forces her to think fast and really test her inner strength!
An interesting end to an interesting trilogy!
*Paranormal
*Multi-PoV
*unique FMC
*monsters
*gods
*found family
*established harem
*mid burn
*3/3
Unique trilogy!
This whole book focuses on believing in yourself and having the strength to forge your own fate 😃
Alexandra has to learn how to use her own unique powers and to do this she has to venture into Divinus which might just be walking into the enemy’s lair 😳 thankfully she has a new found family curtesy of Alora who find the right people to help her!
Lucien, Kylo and Elwin also manage to settle their differences, it can’t be easy managing three possessive monsters but they truly adore Alex and work to support her 🥰 although she is very much the focus of this book and her one personal journey 😁
Strengthening her powers allows Alex to discover things about the curses, how it’s all linked, and why the Gods are out for her 😬 just in time aswell as a kidnapping forces her to think fast and really test her inner strength!
An interesting end to an interesting trilogy!
September 8, 2023
Monsters Above is the third and final book in the The Creatures We Crave series. This cannot be read as a standalone!
What an epic showdown! I was hooked on this series from the very beginning. Alex, Lucien, Kylo and Elwin have been through so much during this series. Not only that, the character development and worldbuilding was soooo good! Alex's confidence that radiated off the pages was truly inspiring. The guys settled their differences and they all truly became one. As always, this was such a satisfying ending to this series and can't wait for the next series RL Caulder comes up with!!
What an epic showdown! I was hooked on this series from the very beginning. Alex, Lucien, Kylo and Elwin have been through so much during this series. Not only that, the character development and worldbuilding was soooo good! Alex's confidence that radiated off the pages was truly inspiring. The guys settled their differences and they all truly became one. As always, this was such a satisfying ending to this series and can't wait for the next series RL Caulder comes up with!!
September 4, 2023
Monsters Above is the third, and final, incredible book in The Creatures We Crave Series, which is set in the shared universe of Dark Imaginarium Academy. It is a why choose, paranormal romance with multiple POV’s and a HEA.
I have absolutely loved this series and am broken-hearted that is finished, but I was so incredibly happy to see Alex and her guys get their HEA. I loved the abundance of crossover characters from the shared universe. It was awesome to catch up with them and see how they fit in to this story’s finale.
This was a truly fulfilling ending to this series. I honestly could not have asked for more. I definitely recommend this book and series and am very much looking forward to reading more from this incredible author.
I have absolutely loved this series and am broken-hearted that is finished, but I was so incredibly happy to see Alex and her guys get their HEA. I loved the abundance of crossover characters from the shared universe. It was awesome to catch up with them and see how they fit in to this story’s finale.
This was a truly fulfilling ending to this series. I honestly could not have asked for more. I definitely recommend this book and series and am very much looking forward to reading more from this incredible author.
September 5, 2023
A fantastic ending to a great series. We meet up with Alex and her monsters—Lucian, Kylo, and Elwin—again. Alex is finally kicking butt and taking names. With her confidence up and her monsters at her side, she’s ready to defeat her enemies. The men finally get themselves together to resolve their issues, and their relationship kicks into high gear. Overall, just a great ending to a fantastic series.
August 29, 2023
A great ending for this amazing series, Alex finaly lets lose and her guys Pull themselfs together, even if some of they still have some Issues but that just makes them more real. There are a lot of references that I know are from others series and that really makes me want to read them too. The ending was not what I was expecting and that is great. R.L. Caulder really is a Great writter.
August 29, 2023
Monsters Above
I have loved Alex since I read the very first book, and I was so excited when I saw this one coming out. I couldn't wait to see how her and her monsters story would end. It was absolutely amazing. There were twists, turns... moments that had you going oh no...and plenty of heat. I love this series and this entire world
It was perfect.
I have loved Alex since I read the very first book, and I was so excited when I saw this one coming out. I couldn't wait to see how her and her monsters story would end. It was absolutely amazing. There were twists, turns... moments that had you going oh no...and plenty of heat. I love this series and this entire world
It was perfect.
September 18, 2023
Aahhhh this was an amazing trilogy!! I just loved how everything just came together!! Oh my gosh I just couldn’t get enough!! So good!! 💜🖤
February 3, 2024
REVIEW FOR ENTIRE SERIES (The Creatures We Crave)
•Overall rating: 3/5. Ok so I shall start with a disclaimer, this was the second series I read for the DIA chronicles and did so immediately after The Blood Oath series. I wasnt overly in love with this series but also wasnt mad at it either. 🤷♀️
So this continues on with Caulders writing style and the other DIA novels; The worlds within this series are derivative but in a good way - I wasnt craving a new author's spin on the classical monsters ie: vampires, witches, wolves and ghouls, I mean, if it aint broke ya know? That being said R L Caulder did a great job at being traditional with these demons/gods but adding her own tid bits in there too.
The series was easy to read, was quick about world building but detailed enough that I could see everywhere and also scattered easter eggs & references to her other books in here that kept me wondering (pre-emptively getting me hooked on all the series... well played Caulder). The idea is that theres different realms for different monsters and what ties them all together for the sake of this plot is an academy that students (21+ so we keep is saucy not icky) can attend to hone their skills... yet they seem to bone more than hone in my opinion *gasps and clutches pearls* 😲
This series, covered the Demon sector and follows Alexandra and her 3 mates: Lucien ❤, Elwin 💚 and Kylo 💙.
I struggled initially with the beginning of this book and the merging of realities - I kept wondering what was real or not and thought it... needless. The fact that Alex had her mates locked in from the get go and they were all in sync from the start was a new mate plot line which was cool.
Identity crisis and conceptions of reality was the key themes in this book however it was all surface level and didnt dive too deep, which made the plot rather bland. The demon powers were basic and didnt invoke a lot of passion for me as a reader - meh! 🤷♀️
The story line was average but did flow reasonably well and I would say, there was less smut and suspense - I wasnt that invested in the plot but it wasnt poor and therefore I finished it.
• Favourite character: ❤ Lucien! The clingy, needy, possessive, touchy and horny mate with blood red eyes, multiple arms, BDE, dark hair, eats wrath and washboard abs. He was so openly codependent with Alex and not ashamed of how much he needed her despite being a violent demon nut case. 🤪
• Hated character: I didnt hate any of the characters because no one ever really built, had a huge arc or have cheeky bants worth noting. Alex's "monsters" apart from being empathy eaters werent all that impressive and I couldnt picture what they looked like except their 4 arms. I did like the new perspective of her mates not being knowledgeable,super rich or powerful as that helped make Alex more of the lead here - 3 puppies vs daddies. 🐶🐶🐶
• Smut vs Plot: Lacking in both I am afraid. Multiple mates usually offers great opportunities smut wise however nothing really happened there. There was maybe one group session and that was super tame. I am 90% sure that she also only had sex with 2 mates as I cannot recall a penny p sessions with Elwin. Lucien had a great character however the other 2 mates bored me to tears - Caulder tried to assigned personality traits to all 3 but 2 fell very flat smut and vibes wise.
• Spice rating (1-5): 🌶🌶 .5
• Reminds me of: hmmm nothing related to this book apart from the other DIA books which I liked that they linked the other ladies in. A nod to the Slut Squad she was in with Deva and her mates. It was nice finding out the missing links from Alina's story too.
• Re-read: Nah, I'm good but happy that I finished it. 🚫
• Trope: Reverse Harem, Destiny, Creator & Creations, Mated bonds (possessive MMC).
• Pet names:
- Alex (I like that she told people not to nick name her up if they arent close)
- Angel, Love and Darling - cute but generic.
- Babe
• Smut energy: Exhibition kink, Dom & Sub, Voyerisim and good old bondage. 🌮🍆🍆🍆
• Favourite dynamic: shout out to the 3 mates/the bros having a nice dynamic between them and sharing their lady nicely. I also enjoyed how they cared for each other too - knowing how to cormfort one another and be there for Alex as a unit and individually too.
• Favourite quotes/Bants: Ok so I didnt highlight anything but I wanted to call out how this last book made me want to read this other series: Monarchs of Hell - Alora's (now Alex's too) mum and their 8 dads... um how could I not? Well played Caulder ... well played
•Overall rating: 3/5. Ok so I shall start with a disclaimer, this was the second series I read for the DIA chronicles and did so immediately after The Blood Oath series. I wasnt overly in love with this series but also wasnt mad at it either. 🤷♀️
So this continues on with Caulders writing style and the other DIA novels; The worlds within this series are derivative but in a good way - I wasnt craving a new author's spin on the classical monsters ie: vampires, witches, wolves and ghouls, I mean, if it aint broke ya know? That being said R L Caulder did a great job at being traditional with these demons/gods but adding her own tid bits in there too.
The series was easy to read, was quick about world building but detailed enough that I could see everywhere and also scattered easter eggs & references to her other books in here that kept me wondering (pre-emptively getting me hooked on all the series... well played Caulder). The idea is that theres different realms for different monsters and what ties them all together for the sake of this plot is an academy that students (21+ so we keep is saucy not icky) can attend to hone their skills... yet they seem to bone more than hone in my opinion *gasps and clutches pearls* 😲
This series, covered the Demon sector and follows Alexandra and her 3 mates: Lucien ❤, Elwin 💚 and Kylo 💙.
I struggled initially with the beginning of this book and the merging of realities - I kept wondering what was real or not and thought it... needless. The fact that Alex had her mates locked in from the get go and they were all in sync from the start was a new mate plot line which was cool.
Identity crisis and conceptions of reality was the key themes in this book however it was all surface level and didnt dive too deep, which made the plot rather bland. The demon powers were basic and didnt invoke a lot of passion for me as a reader - meh! 🤷♀️
The story line was average but did flow reasonably well and I would say, there was less smut and suspense - I wasnt that invested in the plot but it wasnt poor and therefore I finished it.
• Favourite character: ❤ Lucien! The clingy, needy, possessive, touchy and horny mate with blood red eyes, multiple arms, BDE, dark hair, eats wrath and washboard abs. He was so openly codependent with Alex and not ashamed of how much he needed her despite being a violent demon nut case. 🤪
• Hated character: I didnt hate any of the characters because no one ever really built, had a huge arc or have cheeky bants worth noting. Alex's "monsters" apart from being empathy eaters werent all that impressive and I couldnt picture what they looked like except their 4 arms. I did like the new perspective of her mates not being knowledgeable,super rich or powerful as that helped make Alex more of the lead here - 3 puppies vs daddies. 🐶🐶🐶
• Smut vs Plot: Lacking in both I am afraid. Multiple mates usually offers great opportunities smut wise however nothing really happened there. There was maybe one group session and that was super tame. I am 90% sure that she also only had sex with 2 mates as I cannot recall a penny p sessions with Elwin. Lucien had a great character however the other 2 mates bored me to tears - Caulder tried to assigned personality traits to all 3 but 2 fell very flat smut and vibes wise.
• Spice rating (1-5): 🌶🌶 .5
• Reminds me of: hmmm nothing related to this book apart from the other DIA books which I liked that they linked the other ladies in. A nod to the Slut Squad she was in with Deva and her mates. It was nice finding out the missing links from Alina's story too.
• Re-read: Nah, I'm good but happy that I finished it. 🚫
• Trope: Reverse Harem, Destiny, Creator & Creations, Mated bonds (possessive MMC).
• Pet names:
- Alex (I like that she told people not to nick name her up if they arent close)
- Angel, Love and Darling - cute but generic.
- Babe
• Smut energy: Exhibition kink, Dom & Sub, Voyerisim and good old bondage. 🌮🍆🍆🍆
• Favourite dynamic: shout out to the 3 mates/the bros having a nice dynamic between them and sharing their lady nicely. I also enjoyed how they cared for each other too - knowing how to cormfort one another and be there for Alex as a unit and individually too.
• Favourite quotes/Bants: Ok so I didnt highlight anything but I wanted to call out how this last book made me want to read this other series: Monarchs of Hell - Alora's (now Alex's too) mum and their 8 dads... um how could I not? Well played Caulder ... well played
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 29, 2024
It looks like there are other stories all in this same universe. You don't need to read them in any order it looks like. As aside from not knowing the names of the people she mentioned at the end, nothing else was really brought up. (I still plan on reading them ;) )
So by 55% in and she still hadn't fucked Elwin. I had been waiting for her and him together for so long. But I never got it. I can actually name all the smut scenes through out the 3 books because there was only like 5. She lost her virginity to Kylo in book 2. Got fucked by Lucien 2x. Once in book 2 and then again in this book.
At the end of the story we finally get a group scene with all 4 of them actually together. One for each hole!!!!! lol But still, didn't get one with Elwin. The only real scene with him was him learning to take control when he had her on knees sucking his dick in book 2. But I wanted a sex scene with his large c*ck. Cause you know. She said he was the biggest. ;) but nothing. Sigh.
I thought it would feel rushed or not thought out because of how far behind everything was in book 2 and the end was coming so fast. It felt like so much more needed to be done before they were ready and it didn't look like that would happen. I still feel like there could've been more on that, but the ending didn't really feel like a big jump so it went nicely.
Although not rushed, it still lacked a bit of world building to me. It just felt so easy for Zeus to be taken out and her taking out the curses. I know it's what she was meant to do.... but... it just all felt easy.
So there is one plot hole that I had been trying to wrap my head around since like book 2. She had been using the creation magic all her life. When she learned that she had that power and could create anything she learned that as soon as she let it go, the creation disappeared. So how did she not lose her 3 mates? She 'created' them so essentially, they should've disappeared as well.
Another thing was, why did they only come to life at 21? It happened before she fully turned 21 they were just stuck in the shadows.
And then when she lost the creation magic power when Pandora was released her mates still did not disappear. It was just one thing that didn't track and follow the rules of everything else.
The only thing I can think of was that they had a soul? If she would've made a pet puppy or something, would that have stayed too? Like why are they the only things that did not disappear.
If it is the soul thing, how did they even get souls??? Like I am terribly confused about all this.
This was not explained. If it was my mind must've skipped it cause I don't remember any of this being explained.
Spice 1/5
Humor 0/5
Emotional 0/5
World Building 3/5
Overall 3.5/5
So by 55% in and she still hadn't fucked Elwin. I had been waiting for her and him together for so long. But I never got it. I can actually name all the smut scenes through out the 3 books because there was only like 5. She lost her virginity to Kylo in book 2. Got fucked by Lucien 2x. Once in book 2 and then again in this book.
At the end of the story we finally get a group scene with all 4 of them actually together. One for each hole!!!!! lol But still, didn't get one with Elwin. The only real scene with him was him learning to take control when he had her on knees sucking his dick in book 2. But I wanted a sex scene with his large c*ck. Cause you know. She said he was the biggest. ;) but nothing. Sigh.
I thought it would feel rushed or not thought out because of how far behind everything was in book 2 and the end was coming so fast. It felt like so much more needed to be done before they were ready and it didn't look like that would happen. I still feel like there could've been more on that, but the ending didn't really feel like a big jump so it went nicely.
Although not rushed, it still lacked a bit of world building to me. It just felt so easy for Zeus to be taken out and her taking out the curses. I know it's what she was meant to do.... but... it just all felt easy.
So there is one plot hole that I had been trying to wrap my head around since like book 2. She had been using the creation magic all her life. When she learned that she had that power and could create anything she learned that as soon as she let it go, the creation disappeared. So how did she not lose her 3 mates? She 'created' them so essentially, they should've disappeared as well.
Another thing was, why did they only come to life at 21? It happened before she fully turned 21 they were just stuck in the shadows.
And then when she lost the creation magic power when Pandora was released her mates still did not disappear. It was just one thing that didn't track and follow the rules of everything else.
The only thing I can think of was that they had a soul? If she would've made a pet puppy or something, would that have stayed too? Like why are they the only things that did not disappear.
If it is the soul thing, how did they even get souls??? Like I am terribly confused about all this.
This was not explained. If it was my mind must've skipped it cause I don't remember any of this being explained.
Spice 1/5
Humor 0/5
Emotional 0/5
World Building 3/5
Overall 3.5/5
August 27, 2023
Alex and her guys are back one final time in the third book in the Creatures We Crave series. Monsters Above was a fantastic ending to the series, questions were answered, revelations were made and Alex was kicking butt. I loved it.
Yes! Alex becomes a badass after she gains some confidence and starts to truly believe that she can defeat her enemies with the guys by her side. As for the guys, they are going through some things, well not Elwin, he's still observant, level-headed, and smart as ever, and they could use some of that because now that the guys are real and have some free will things are starting to show like Lucien's insecurities and Kylo's anxiety. There were fights and make-ups, but they pulled together, loved, and supported each other as a family should.
I love that Alex has found a friend in Alora not only that but Alex has found a family with her as well. Side note Alora really needs her own series. Alora's mom Ama (from the Monarchs of Hell series) made an appearance and I also got to learn what happened to Ama's best friend Zurie. It was great seeing both of them again, like a little bonus HEA scene for them.
It's time to leave the DIA behind, Alex and her guys head to Divinus. Caulder did an excellent job with the details she gave about the realm and it'd inhabitants. I love the imagery of the realm, it was beautiful, too bad under that beauty lurks cruel and malicious beings, Zeus being one or them. This plot dives deeper into the Pandora myth, why the box was really created, questions about whether Pandora really did understand what she was doing, and more. Most of all, this connects to Alex. More gods and goddesses are mentioned as well as other versions of the myths we know. I enjoyed Caulder's spin on things.
Monsters Above was fantastic, it was an ending I didn't expect. This book feels like a goodbye and the two epilogues most definitely brought the tears. I know there's at least one more book coming, the Phases of the Moon series hasn't yet been completed, good thing because I'm so not ready for it to end.
Yes! Alex becomes a badass after she gains some confidence and starts to truly believe that she can defeat her enemies with the guys by her side. As for the guys, they are going through some things, well not Elwin, he's still observant, level-headed, and smart as ever, and they could use some of that because now that the guys are real and have some free will things are starting to show like Lucien's insecurities and Kylo's anxiety. There were fights and make-ups, but they pulled together, loved, and supported each other as a family should.
I love that Alex has found a friend in Alora not only that but Alex has found a family with her as well. Side note Alora really needs her own series. Alora's mom Ama (from the Monarchs of Hell series) made an appearance and I also got to learn what happened to Ama's best friend Zurie. It was great seeing both of them again, like a little bonus HEA scene for them.
It's time to leave the DIA behind, Alex and her guys head to Divinus. Caulder did an excellent job with the details she gave about the realm and it'd inhabitants. I love the imagery of the realm, it was beautiful, too bad under that beauty lurks cruel and malicious beings, Zeus being one or them. This plot dives deeper into the Pandora myth, why the box was really created, questions about whether Pandora really did understand what she was doing, and more. Most of all, this connects to Alex. More gods and goddesses are mentioned as well as other versions of the myths we know. I enjoyed Caulder's spin on things.
Monsters Above was fantastic, it was an ending I didn't expect. This book feels like a goodbye and the two epilogues most definitely brought the tears. I know there's at least one more book coming, the Phases of the Moon series hasn't yet been completed, good thing because I'm so not ready for it to end.
September 7, 2023
I have to admit that I discovered that I'm not really made for series that go on this long. Of course, when you look at just this trilogy it's just a trilogy, but I've been reading all the books in the interconnected world and it's starting to get a little complicated to keep everything apart. However, I was still very happy when my arc for this book came in. Mostly because I was really curious how this mess was gonna be solved.
It takes a while for this book to really get going and yet it's never boring. The characters are spending a lot of time exploring hell, meeting characters we've already met in previous books set in this world and of course they're learning to master their powers in this book. But from the moment our heroine met her teacher and really started learning the story became one big rollercoaster filled with reveals, twists and danger.
I really love how the author explains the existence of angels, demons and Greek Gods. I also love how much power the author actually gives humanity in this book, even though they're not really aware of that power. I also really enjoyed the Greek Mythology influences and how this was once more a book where Zeus finally gets what he should have gotten millennia ago already. I will never get bored of Zeus getting what he deserves.
I also realized while reading the epilogues how beautiful the message in this book actually is. Our heroine is literally embodying hope. She's the light in the darkness. She's faith in yourself when everything seems hopeless. She's finding a way when there seems to be none. And she's also the promise that no matter what in the end hope will always be stronger than everything else in this world. And one is only lost, when one has lost hope.
It takes a while for this book to really get going and yet it's never boring. The characters are spending a lot of time exploring hell, meeting characters we've already met in previous books set in this world and of course they're learning to master their powers in this book. But from the moment our heroine met her teacher and really started learning the story became one big rollercoaster filled with reveals, twists and danger.
I really love how the author explains the existence of angels, demons and Greek Gods. I also love how much power the author actually gives humanity in this book, even though they're not really aware of that power. I also really enjoyed the Greek Mythology influences and how this was once more a book where Zeus finally gets what he should have gotten millennia ago already. I will never get bored of Zeus getting what he deserves.
I also realized while reading the epilogues how beautiful the message in this book actually is. Our heroine is literally embodying hope. She's the light in the darkness. She's faith in yourself when everything seems hopeless. She's finding a way when there seems to be none. And she's also the promise that no matter what in the end hope will always be stronger than everything else in this world. And one is only lost, when one has lost hope.
August 29, 2023
This was the absolute perfect ending for Alex and her guys. Alex who was an orphan her whole life with no friends and no ties to the world has the chance to have everything she ever dreams of. She just has to defeat the curses to have it.
I loved watching Alex navigate and grow with the opportunities she has for the family she has always wanted. Especially the part family that she gets that is a character from a previous book. I loved that they ended up in this book and so many of them where ties through the story.
Totally recommend this series and the other DIA books. This is the end of one of the DIA series but there are still 3 more to go!!
Merged review:
Amazing final book of the series!!
This was the absolute perfect ending for Alex and her guys. Alex who was an orphan her whole life with no friends and no ties to the world has the chance to have everything she ever dreams of. She just has to defeat the curses to have it.
I loved watching Alex navigate and grow with the opportunities she has for the family she has always wanted. Especially the part family that she gets that is a character from a previous book. I loved that they ended up in this book and so many of them where ties through the story.
Totally recommend this series and the other DIA books. This is the end of one of the DIA series but there are still 3 more to go!!
I loved watching Alex navigate and grow with the opportunities she has for the family she has always wanted. Especially the part family that she gets that is a character from a previous book. I loved that they ended up in this book and so many of them where ties through the story.
Totally recommend this series and the other DIA books. This is the end of one of the DIA series but there are still 3 more to go!!
Merged review:
Amazing final book of the series!!
This was the absolute perfect ending for Alex and her guys. Alex who was an orphan her whole life with no friends and no ties to the world has the chance to have everything she ever dreams of. She just has to defeat the curses to have it.
I loved watching Alex navigate and grow with the opportunities she has for the family she has always wanted. Especially the part family that she gets that is a character from a previous book. I loved that they ended up in this book and so many of them where ties through the story.
Totally recommend this series and the other DIA books. This is the end of one of the DIA series but there are still 3 more to go!!
December 3, 2023
Hmmmm... I don't know what to say and it's neither in a good nor a bad way. It's just very neutral.
If I had to put a label on this book, and this series for that matter, I would just say "It was ok" (hence the two stars). I was bored and disappointed as much as I was entertained and pleasantly surprised. I had a lot of high hopes for this, because of its academy setting but, much like it happened with the Blood Oath series, the DIA is hardly relevant at all and that takes away much of the fun of this trope.
The romance was lackluster at best. I was never really invested in any of it, and the spicy scenes were more of a nuisance than anything else. I sped through them with a completely straight and bored face and that's never a good sign for a book like this, is it?
The plot was entertaining at least, I did want to know how the conflict would play out and while I have never been that big of a fan of R. L. Caulder's villains I think this time around that was better resolved.
Overall, it's a fun book to read if you are not looking for much excitement and just a more wholesome, romantic adventure to pass the time.
If I had to put a label on this book, and this series for that matter, I would just say "It was ok" (hence the two stars). I was bored and disappointed as much as I was entertained and pleasantly surprised. I had a lot of high hopes for this, because of its academy setting but, much like it happened with the Blood Oath series, the DIA is hardly relevant at all and that takes away much of the fun of this trope.
The romance was lackluster at best. I was never really invested in any of it, and the spicy scenes were more of a nuisance than anything else. I sped through them with a completely straight and bored face and that's never a good sign for a book like this, is it?
The plot was entertaining at least, I did want to know how the conflict would play out and while I have never been that big of a fan of R. L. Caulder's villains I think this time around that was better resolved.
Overall, it's a fun book to read if you are not looking for much excitement and just a more wholesome, romantic adventure to pass the time.
July 14, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
I feel like we finally got into a good part with the series, even though it was the end. We actually got some action scenes, training, and answers. Also, we got a lot of emotional healing for the fmc. found family. But I was annoyed how they sped through meeting Queen Ama and this wild instant connection. We dont even see her meet the dads, and then in the epilogue shes adopted by them? It just felt like we missed out. multiple pov 🌶🌶🌶.5 same as last book, no ⚔️, also, it was dumb that there were multiple scenes of everyone, except poor Elwin didn't ever have sex with her that we saw. It left a weird inequality to me.
tw: murder, kidnapping
Alex is determined to do something. Alora convinces her to go to the god realm to train with her aunt. She also meets Aloras mom and has an instant familial connection. They train with an angel called Ariel. Alexandra finds out Pandoras soul is connected to hers, and she talks to her. Alex is kidnapped by the bad guys. There's a massive battle in which Zeus and Helen are killed by the curses. The curses bond with Alex, and all her friends come to save her. She is able to shove hope into the curses and overcome their evil, which kills the curses and purifies their souls (i guess they are still alive somewhere? but maybe that's just the souls?), and all the good people live.
I feel like we finally got into a good part with the series, even though it was the end. We actually got some action scenes, training, and answers. Also, we got a lot of emotional healing for the fmc. found family. But I was annoyed how they sped through meeting Queen Ama and this wild instant connection. We dont even see her meet the dads, and then in the epilogue shes adopted by them? It just felt like we missed out. multiple pov 🌶🌶🌶.5 same as last book, no ⚔️, also, it was dumb that there were multiple scenes of everyone, except poor Elwin didn't ever have sex with her that we saw. It left a weird inequality to me.
tw: murder, kidnapping
Alex is determined to do something. Alora convinces her to go to the god realm to train with her aunt. She also meets Aloras mom and has an instant familial connection. They train with an angel called Ariel. Alexandra finds out Pandoras soul is connected to hers, and she talks to her. Alex is kidnapped by the bad guys. There's a massive battle in which Zeus and Helen are killed by the curses. The curses bond with Alex, and all her friends come to save her. She is able to shove hope into the curses and overcome their evil, which kills the curses and purifies their souls (i guess they are still alive somewhere? but maybe that's just the souls?), and all the good people live.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2023
OMG!
I absolutely love the story of Alexandra and her 3 monsters!! Alex has to go to heaven with her mates so she can be trained to use her creation powers by someone who can help. Initially, staying with a demon and her 4 archangels was a little daunting, but they thought it was pretty cool. Her trainer, Ariel, works with her to figure out how to use the powers she has from Pandora’s box and she learns that Pandora actually resides within her. She and Alex became friends over the thousands of years they had been stuck in the box and Pandora melded her soul to Alex in order to survive.
There is a HUGE fight not only with the Greek gods but with the other curses from the box and it was seriously cool how it all worked out. I’ll be honest that I wasn’t sure how Alex was going to get out of her sticky situation, but she prevailed! Yay!
This is the last book in this series and I loved how it ended, although I was a little worried about what would happen to Elwin, Kylo, and Lucien when she released Pandora, but I was worried for no reason!
Great ending!
I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I absolutely love the story of Alexandra and her 3 monsters!! Alex has to go to heaven with her mates so she can be trained to use her creation powers by someone who can help. Initially, staying with a demon and her 4 archangels was a little daunting, but they thought it was pretty cool. Her trainer, Ariel, works with her to figure out how to use the powers she has from Pandora’s box and she learns that Pandora actually resides within her. She and Alex became friends over the thousands of years they had been stuck in the box and Pandora melded her soul to Alex in order to survive.
There is a HUGE fight not only with the Greek gods but with the other curses from the box and it was seriously cool how it all worked out. I’ll be honest that I wasn’t sure how Alex was going to get out of her sticky situation, but she prevailed! Yay!
This is the last book in this series and I loved how it ended, although I was a little worried about what would happen to Elwin, Kylo, and Lucien when she released Pandora, but I was worried for no reason!
Great ending!
I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 1, 2024
Ok
I never really connected with the characters in this series. While this book had the plot coming together and more action, I still can't say I was invested in it. The conclusion was kind of anticlimactic. Alexandra has creation powers, but, when kidnapped, was unable to really do anything with those powers. Zeus is taken out easily by the curses, and somehow, the queen of hell is grabbed by a curse and can't defend herself? That made no sense. So Alexandra goes through with a merger of curses? That made no sense. Then, in the epilogue, she supposedly purified them so they can be reborn? What does that mean? That there is no longer hate, greed, envy, etc in the world because "Hope" purified them? Nah. I don't buy it. Finally, Pandora decides it's time for her to go. So when she leaves Alexandra's subconscious, she takes all the powers with her? So Alexandra becomes fully human? What? Why? I didn't like that. It basically ruined everything because then it makes no sense for her to be in that world at all. It definitely means that she wouldn't be living in hell. The series is just ok. It has entertainment value, but no real wow factor to it.
I never really connected with the characters in this series. While this book had the plot coming together and more action, I still can't say I was invested in it. The conclusion was kind of anticlimactic. Alexandra has creation powers, but, when kidnapped, was unable to really do anything with those powers. Zeus is taken out easily by the curses, and somehow, the queen of hell is grabbed by a curse and can't defend herself? That made no sense. So Alexandra goes through with a merger of curses? That made no sense. Then, in the epilogue, she supposedly purified them so they can be reborn? What does that mean? That there is no longer hate, greed, envy, etc in the world because "Hope" purified them? Nah. I don't buy it. Finally, Pandora decides it's time for her to go. So when she leaves Alexandra's subconscious, she takes all the powers with her? So Alexandra becomes fully human? What? Why? I didn't like that. It basically ruined everything because then it makes no sense for her to be in that world at all. It definitely means that she wouldn't be living in hell. The series is just ok. It has entertainment value, but no real wow factor to it.
September 5, 2023
Absolutely love it when authors continue on with the story, making it flow from one book to the next, and that's exactly what R.L Caulder does with her books! No need for lengthy reminders what happened in the last chapter of the previous book!
So we jump straight to Alexandra, her guys and Alora figuring out the next logical step... Then who should make an appearance but the queen herself! Ama! Although it would have been so good if Finn or Colt joined her.... Only cos I called dibs on them!
So it's off to Divinus to learn more for Alexandra, Lucien, Kylo and Elwin! There they stay with Zurie and her family of Archangels, who wrangle up the Archangel Ariel to help train Alex to defeat the curses, Zeus and Helen. Is Alex strong enough? Does she have it in her to defeat a powerful god, cursed beings from Pandora's box and a spiteful scorned woman? Read on to find out cos I don't give out spoilers!!!
Also besides a great storyline with amazing details and fabulous characters, we even get the Caulder spice! So enjoy Monsters Above! I did!!
So we jump straight to Alexandra, her guys and Alora figuring out the next logical step... Then who should make an appearance but the queen herself! Ama! Although it would have been so good if Finn or Colt joined her.... Only cos I called dibs on them!
So it's off to Divinus to learn more for Alexandra, Lucien, Kylo and Elwin! There they stay with Zurie and her family of Archangels, who wrangle up the Archangel Ariel to help train Alex to defeat the curses, Zeus and Helen. Is Alex strong enough? Does she have it in her to defeat a powerful god, cursed beings from Pandora's box and a spiteful scorned woman? Read on to find out cos I don't give out spoilers!!!
Also besides a great storyline with amazing details and fabulous characters, we even get the Caulder spice! So enjoy Monsters Above! I did!!
September 6, 2023
Monsters Above is the third and FINAL book in R.L. Caulder’s The Creatures We Crave series and I am equal parts ecstatic that Alexandra and her guys got the best ending ever and devastated that I now have to say goodbye to them!
Book 3 made me laugh, cry, get angry and yet feel so warm and content inside once I finished. If you haven’t read this series yet I recommend that you do! Especially if you love, mythology, pnr, why choose, spice, and FMC’s who find their inner strength 💜
This book is so much more than the story written, it was also a beautiful reminder to never lose hope, believe in yourself, trust those around you, and to manifest the life you want for yourself.
There are crossover moments from R.L’s other series: Blood Oath and her co-write Monarchs of Hell. You do NOT have to read those first however I highly recommend you read them (especially Monarchs) before this final book to avoid spoilers for both series. Also by doing so their characters will mean so much more!
Spice Level: 2/5 🌶️
Book 3 made me laugh, cry, get angry and yet feel so warm and content inside once I finished. If you haven’t read this series yet I recommend that you do! Especially if you love, mythology, pnr, why choose, spice, and FMC’s who find their inner strength 💜
This book is so much more than the story written, it was also a beautiful reminder to never lose hope, believe in yourself, trust those around you, and to manifest the life you want for yourself.
There are crossover moments from R.L’s other series: Blood Oath and her co-write Monarchs of Hell. You do NOT have to read those first however I highly recommend you read them (especially Monarchs) before this final book to avoid spoilers for both series. Also by doing so their characters will mean so much more!
Spice Level: 2/5 🌶️
September 6, 2023
Monsters Above by R. L. Caulder was an amazing way to end this series. I loved every minute about it and was overly excited to have this book in my hands, could not put it down. Devoured this book and I mean it when I say I devoured it. Hung onto every work and could not turn the page any quicker. I needed to know what was going to happen next and how this fantastic series was going to end.
Okay now into the juicy stuff that we got to see in this book! We got to see our girl, Alexandra face some insecurities and overcome them like the boss lady she is! We get to watch her relationship with her delicious men grow even stronger and closer. To describe their relationship would be summed down to four words; Steamy, Fun, Loving and Fierce.
Loved seeing the little cameos of Ama and her men. I was wondering about them and love that we got that in this book. Love big time when there are crossovers especially when the two books are set in the same universe. Highly recommend this series for you to read! It will be the best decision you make.
Okay now into the juicy stuff that we got to see in this book! We got to see our girl, Alexandra face some insecurities and overcome them like the boss lady she is! We get to watch her relationship with her delicious men grow even stronger and closer. To describe their relationship would be summed down to four words; Steamy, Fun, Loving and Fierce.
Loved seeing the little cameos of Ama and her men. I was wondering about them and love that we got that in this book. Love big time when there are crossovers especially when the two books are set in the same universe. Highly recommend this series for you to read! It will be the best decision you make.
September 6, 2023
I haven't read The Monarchs Of Hell but it is high on my list now as there is a lovely crossover of Characters throughout this book. Resigned to the fact that she will have to return to Ordinarius to draw the Curses and the danger they represent away from the academy when Alexandra reveals her plan to Alora she is made aware there is actually another alternative. To go to Divinus to train. Unfortunately she may just have even more enemies waiting for her there.
I loved this conclusion to the series. There are a few things that just dropped out of nowhere, and at times it looked like there was no hope, but as long as there is that last little spark anything is possible. Loved the ending, we get two epilogues, one is two years after the final battle (i nearly cried) and then 5 years later so we get that glimpse into their future lives where everything is put to rest to give the perfect ending to an amazing series
I loved this conclusion to the series. There are a few things that just dropped out of nowhere, and at times it looked like there was no hope, but as long as there is that last little spark anything is possible. Loved the ending, we get two epilogues, one is two years after the final battle (i nearly cried) and then 5 years later so we get that glimpse into their future lives where everything is put to rest to give the perfect ending to an amazing series
September 7, 2023
I can't tell you how excited I was to read this just so I could get back into this universe and these characters! This series has so much more depth than just good vs evil. I laughed and I cried and then really cried. Alex and her mates continue on their journey to stop the curses from wreaking havoc. This is a story filled with hope and love. This was the pick me up I've been needing for a while.
The trip to divinus is filled with so much detail I felt like I was actually there. I loved the new characters and hope we get more of them in the future. It is awesome seeing a bunch of the old characters and catching up with them. It was bittersweet. The ending was beautiful and wrapped up everything wonderfully.
R.L. is one of my go to authors. You seriously can't go wrong with her! Everything she writes is amazing and has so much depth. I cannot recommend her enough! She's fantastic!
September 9, 2023
Monsters Above, the third book in the Creatures We Crave series by R.L. Caulder was a fabulous ending to Alexandra's story and everything we needed it to be and more! I absolutely love this shared universe and couldn’t wait to dive back into this fabulous series!
Alexandra and her men are fast approaching the final battle as things quickly escalate along with learning and growing as a team, and building on both their own relationship and those with others—which we do get to see some other beloved characters make an appearance so that’s always fun! The heat between Alex and her beloved monsters never disappoints and the growth they all had was utter perfection!
Overall, Caulder delivers yet again another jaw dropping, hot and steamy, twist filled story that will take you on the ultimate of journey and if you love steamy, paranormal RH romances then highly recommend you dive in now!
Alexandra and her men are fast approaching the final battle as things quickly escalate along with learning and growing as a team, and building on both their own relationship and those with others—which we do get to see some other beloved characters make an appearance so that’s always fun! The heat between Alex and her beloved monsters never disappoints and the growth they all had was utter perfection!
Overall, Caulder delivers yet again another jaw dropping, hot and steamy, twist filled story that will take you on the ultimate of journey and if you love steamy, paranormal RH romances then highly recommend you dive in now!
September 11, 2023
With the curses out in the world and Helen tormenting Alexandra at every turn, she and her mates have to design a plan to be able to fight back. With the help of Alora and her mom Ama, the queen of Hell, Alexandra and her monsters end up in Divinus, going through rigorous training... and discovering the missing pieces to understand what is going on. And the situation is definitely more dire than they originally thought.
I love how the tale accentuates the power of hope and one's beliefs. It's like an armor worn at all times, not blinding but strengthening the individual, and Alexandra nicely personifies this perspective. She is willing to face her fear and countless challenges, breaking through the walls of false beliefs and half-hearted efforts, to do what is right and give hope to those who need it. And the power of her light is endless. I also liked the Pandora element and the spin on the Greek mythology. Nice final volume of this series.
I love how the tale accentuates the power of hope and one's beliefs. It's like an armor worn at all times, not blinding but strengthening the individual, and Alexandra nicely personifies this perspective. She is willing to face her fear and countless challenges, breaking through the walls of false beliefs and half-hearted efforts, to do what is right and give hope to those who need it. And the power of her light is endless. I also liked the Pandora element and the spin on the Greek mythology. Nice final volume of this series.
September 12, 2023
Monsters Above by R L Caulder is a phenomenal paranormal romance. This is the 3rd and final book in the series so make sure you read the first two books. Alex along with her men/monsters Lucien, Kylo, and Elwin are on an epic adventure. This series has amazing world-building that pulls readers in and provides an incredible story. The growth and changes we see in the group provide a thrilling story that readers cannot turn away from. This spellbinding series pulls readers in and provides an intriguing story built on a familiar legend that is well known and loved.
I rated Monsters Above 5 out of 5 stars for the wonderful story and amazing writing. The characters are well written and practically jump off the page. From the beginning this story captured my imagination. In addition, it had the perfect amount of spice to make my toes curl. If you enjoy romances with sweet but deadly monsters and familiar legends with new twists and turns you won't be able to put down Monsters Above.
I rated Monsters Above 5 out of 5 stars for the wonderful story and amazing writing. The characters are well written and practically jump off the page. From the beginning this story captured my imagination. In addition, it had the perfect amount of spice to make my toes curl. If you enjoy romances with sweet but deadly monsters and familiar legends with new twists and turns you won't be able to put down Monsters Above.
September 15, 2023
I am always so excited to read anything that this authour treats us with and this book is no different! These character have ben on such a wild adventure from the very first book, I was eager to get into the final showdown! I loved the character growth and development we saw along the way, it was so well done, These characters are really well fleshed out, solid and very distinct, their individual growth and growth within the relationship was fantastic and really added depth to the overall feel of the series. The spice is spicy, the drama and action are engaging and entertaining. I felt that Alex , Kylo Elwin and Lucian’s story had a satisfying conclusion. Overall I really loved this series. Its’s well written, moved are the perfect pace and it was just a really good read. R L Caulder is one of my go to authours, she is a very talented storyteller and I cannot wait to see what we are treated with next!
August 29, 2023
“Monsters Above” is the final book in the “Creatures We Crave” trilogy, where our fmc finally explores the full depth of her powers to deal with the curses once and for all. It leads her to a part of the world where the Gods and archangels live, and I truly love how Alexandra’s found family just keeps on growing. I enjoyed every single book that’s written in this world and how all those fmcs find a valuable friendship with each other. Alexandra just somehow seemed to need that family the most, and I think it’s great she found so many people to care for her.
One of the beautiful things of this series, is how much it focuses on the power of believing in yourself. It’s only when you believe in you, that you can truly achieve something in life. Adriel was the perfect teacher to show this to Alexandra, and it’s a life lesson a lot of us can use in our lives. This was once again a good ending to a lovely series, and one I greatly enjoyed.
One of the beautiful things of this series, is how much it focuses on the power of believing in yourself. It’s only when you believe in you, that you can truly achieve something in life. Adriel was the perfect teacher to show this to Alexandra, and it’s a life lesson a lot of us can use in our lives. This was once again a good ending to a lovely series, and one I greatly enjoyed.
August 29, 2023
"Pandora? Are you there?"
"Pandora? Are you there?"
R.L. gave Alex and her monsters an amazing conclusion. Poor Alex is trying so hard to protect the people she loves, and is brought into a family she never realized would support her. Ama and her amazing men make cameos in this fabulous conclusion. This was a great twist on Greek Mythology. Everyone knows Zeus is a horrible God who has no problem hurting others to get his way, but the telling of Pandora's Box in this story was so good! Was Pandora the naïve and curious girl who opened the box and released the curses upon the world? Or was she trying to save the world by not opening the box until Zeus gave her no other option? Read this series to find out! I laughed, I cried, I raged with Alex. R.L.'s writing is so amazing that she can bring all of the emotions out while you read. You can't help but fall in love with these characters, and then cry that their stories are completed.
"Pandora? Are you there?"
R.L. gave Alex and her monsters an amazing conclusion. Poor Alex is trying so hard to protect the people she loves, and is brought into a family she never realized would support her. Ama and her amazing men make cameos in this fabulous conclusion. This was a great twist on Greek Mythology. Everyone knows Zeus is a horrible God who has no problem hurting others to get his way, but the telling of Pandora's Box in this story was so good! Was Pandora the naïve and curious girl who opened the box and released the curses upon the world? Or was she trying to save the world by not opening the box until Zeus gave her no other option? Read this series to find out! I laughed, I cried, I raged with Alex. R.L.'s writing is so amazing that she can bring all of the emotions out while you read. You can't help but fall in love with these characters, and then cry that their stories are completed.
August 30, 2023
A great conclusion to wrap everything up.
Alexandra and her monsters, Kylo, Elwin and Lucien start off right where we left off from book two. They are besides themselves with the new turn of events but are determined to make it work to be together; even when all hope seems to be lost.
The book continues with the characters "finding themselves." They've come such a long way since we first met them in that shady door room. The character growth is probably one of my favorites because of how Alex was when we first met her.
With twists and turns and an epic show down, finally Alex and her guys end up with everything you wanted for them. This was a great book and I have been enjoying the entire series along with the interconnected series too.
*Overall 4/5
*Heat? 4/5
*Med Burn
*Multiple first person POV
*Bonus epilogues
*Ends on HEA
Alexandra and her monsters, Kylo, Elwin and Lucien start off right where we left off from book two. They are besides themselves with the new turn of events but are determined to make it work to be together; even when all hope seems to be lost.
The book continues with the characters "finding themselves." They've come such a long way since we first met them in that shady door room. The character growth is probably one of my favorites because of how Alex was when we first met her.
With twists and turns and an epic show down, finally Alex and her guys end up with everything you wanted for them. This was a great book and I have been enjoying the entire series along with the interconnected series too.
*Overall 4/5
*Heat? 4/5
*Med Burn
*Multiple first person POV
*Bonus epilogues
*Ends on HEA
Displaying 1 - 30 of 236 reviews