Traveling Monsters

by S.A. Lunamir

Scarlet likes the life she shaped. It has its challenges, family stuff, a belligerent boss, and the ability to see the paranormal. But she handles these problems with an unhealthy mixture of neglect and denial. Then on a trip to Europe with her loving boyfriend, Juan, she runs into a troll and everything changes.

Donya is the troll. She is small and mean. Her life also has challenges, but she won’t neglect or deny them. No, she is going to face and overcome them by stealing Juan. Not in a romantic way—no, she wants to eat him.

But what Scarlet and Donya don’t know is those past challenges will soon feel small compared to what lies before them. Both will encounter mythic beasts and ancient kings. But which one will come out on top? And what will happen to poor Juan?

Genres: Amazon

296 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 2, 2023

Reviews

[Sharron Joy Reads]

Scarlet is on a work/vacation trip to Europe with her boyfriend Juan, she has a stubborn boss and a loving partner, she can also see monsters and spirits although this gift she keeps hidden and desperately tries to ignore! They are, unbeknownst to them, being hunted by a troll, Donya and her elf accomplice, Heldrig, one needs to eat Juan to make her strong, one wants Scarlet’s power. As the chase intensifies they are all pulled into something bigger that includes mythological beasts, mystical lands and ancient rulers, who will win?

Oh this is wonderful, a cosy rich fantasy that oozes charm and reads as smooth as silk, it glides through your brain evoking ancient lands, legendary magic and mythical mystery. Scarlet and Juan are perfect for each other, one dreamy and ethereal, the other anxious and desperate to hide what they can see.

I loved Donya and there is such a pull of sides because her goal is to eat Juan and I want her to get her strength back but Juan is so adorable and obsessed with gelato! Heldrig is powerful but greedy and cruel, as is the Fae way, his son is morose but adored, his daughter ephemeral but exploited. Scarlet knows she is different but not what it means or how to use her power, it leaks from her, attracting and repelling equally. The characterisation is excellent, their back stories fully formed and their personalities, flaws and strengths so clear you can picture them.

This is a journey played out in the modern world but with the hidden lands of myth and magic in parallel. The writing is descriptive with peril and humour throughout, it is a fable that is pure escapism. If you love Legends & Lattes or the works of Neil Gaiman or Terry Pratchett you will love this, it is the epitome of accessible high fantasy and was a joy to read!

[Jayda]

There are elements here that I liked like a little of the Kraken and her world and some of Donya's background. However, overall it felt messy and not detailed enough. I wish Scarlet's powers and background could have been explained better and I wish her, as a character, could have been better because she was quite dull and her relationship with Juan just came across as artificial. I do think Donya's chapters were better than Scarlet's. I do wish it read a little more cozy and magical that it was described as. I do think the conclusion of the final battle was a letdown especially considering how much it was built up. I'd read the sequel because why not. I'd like to see the development of the magic in this world.