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The Monsters Among Us #4

When Monsters Rise

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When an unexpected betrayal steals our sanctuary, only unity will save us.

I trusted Michael and he betrayed us.

With our sanctuary destroyed, we’re on the run. Again.

Shem and his watchers’ step into the role of protectors once again but keeping a whole colony safe topside won’t be easy.

New threats stalk both day and night.

The rules have changed.

Time is running out.

And for some of us, this journey will be the end of the road.

216 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 26, 2023

270 people are currently reading
246 people want to read

About the author

Debbie Cassidy

134 books2,755 followers
Debbie Cassidy lives in England, Bedfordshire, with her three kids and very supportive husband. Coffee and chocolate biscuits are her writing fuels of choice, and she is still working on getting that perfect tower of solitude built in her back garden. Obsessed with building new worlds and reading about them, she spends her spare time daydreaming and conversing with the characters in her head. She writes Urban Fantasy, Romance, Fantasy and Reverse Harem Fantasy. All her books contain plenty of action, romance and twisty plots.

Connect with Debbie via her website at https://debbiecassidyauthor.com, email her at debbiecassidyauthor@gmail.com or check her out on twitter https://twitter.com/authordcassidy Sign up to her newsletter to grab a free short story, and stay up to date on new releases: http://www.subscribepage.com/f6u2k8 Or join her reader group on Facebook to stay in the know: https://www.facebook.com/groups/17595...

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
Profile Image for ❀ Crystal ✿ -  PEACE ☮ LOVE ♥ BOOKS .
2,532 reviews308 followers
July 13, 2024
Rue is finally nearing the end of her journey and its been a road riddled with death and betrayals. Gone is trust in almost everyone but at least peoples' true colors are being unveiled. With the Dominion ruling the Celestials it's hard to believe an end is in sight, especially one where the humans live and are no longer slaves to the angels. And technically I guess we can consider them fallen angels given they don't want to return home anyways and like being the rulers of the human realm.
Michael's betrayal was rather unexpected for me in the last book only because I thought for once maybe there's some good in him but I should have known better. Course he's the one to drive a sword straight through Shem and thus Rue's heart. I can't help but feel for Rue who has some horrible luck when it comes to love. Literally none (aside from maybe Gabriel) of her relationships have lasted and all end or will end in death. It's no wonder she was so cold in book one, denying her heart any kind of happiness.
I am so lost on how this story will end. There's a lot to happen I imagine with the Dominion alone but also with all her scattered loves, one who doesn't even remember her. I've really been enjoying this crazy series and am afraid who will be martyred next but at the same time I'm ready for Rue's well deserved HEA, one hopefully where the monsters and constant threat of death are removed.... A girl can hope!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Angela Denny.
1,055 reviews6 followers
January 14, 2024
Wow there is soo much going on in this book. I was not expecting all the twists in this book. Rue has dealt with some seriously bad stuff but it is only getting worse. New alliances are formed and new enemies are found. The cliffhanger was rough and I can't wait to find out how it all turns out
Profile Image for alex.
972 reviews178 followers
May 6, 2024
✩‧₊ 2.5 stars ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

・ 。゚☆:When Monsters Rise *.☽ .*:☆゚

☾⋆⁺₊🎧✩°。 0:32 ──♡───── 3:47 ☾⋆⁺₊🎧✩°。

🎶 I walked out, I said, I'm setting you free. But the monsters turned out to be just trees 🎶🎶🎶

Shem (H), and his group of watchers must step up to protect the colony and keep everyone safe, but it won't be easy with new threats lurking around every corner. As the stakes get higher and time begins to run out, the group must band together and rely on each other in order to survive. With danger looming and the rules changing, some may not make it out alive.

─── ・ 。゚☆: THOUGHTS*.☽ .*:☆゚. ───

“We know better than to lie to ourselves. We’re survivors, and we know when the road is coming to an end. It isn’t giving up, it’s accepting fate. I’m at peace with mine, Rue. I need you to be too.”


Rue is joined by Shem, Bastian, Gabriel, and a group of Reapers who form an unlikely alliance to help her in her battle against Kabiel and the devolved Watchers. With their combined strength, they have a better chance at completing their mission, but Rue is struggling to keep it together after yet another heartbreaking loss. As Rue wrestles with her emotions, there's also the added complication of her growing feelings for Gabriel. Despite her best efforts to fight them, it's clear that there's a connection between them that can't be ignored.

So, Rue is back at it again, trying to navigate the dangerous world of the Watchers and the monsters that threaten their existence. She's still grappling with her powers and trying to figure out where she fits in this war between good and evil. But man, does she have a lot on her plate. First off, we have the Watchers, who are trying to protect Rue and help her harness her powers. They're a mysterious group, always one step ahead and with their own hidden agendas. She is starting to trust them more, but there's always that lingering doubt in the back of her mind. Are they really on her side, or are they just using her for their own gain? And then there's her relationships with Shem, Bastian, and Gabriel. Shem is her protector, always there to watch her back and keep her safe. Bastian is her best friend with a heart of gold, the one who challenges her and makes her question everything she thought she knew. And Gabriel... well, let's just say things are complicated between them. Rue is torn between her feelings for these three guys, trying to navigate the murky waters of love and loyalty. But things take a turn for the worse when death strikes, Rue is left reeling, trying to pick up the pieces and figure out who she can really trust.

“I love you, Bastian.”


“I think that I’ve loved you for some time now.”


“I don’t remember a time when I didn’t love you.”


Rue and Bastian are finally admitting their true feelings for each other, and it is a long time coming. The tension between them has been building for three books, and it finally reaches a boiling point in this installment. Their love for each other is undeniable, and their chemistry is off the charts. Bastian’s devotion to Rue is unwavering, and he is willing to do whatever it takes to protect her. Rue, on the other hand, is struggling with her own inner demons and insecurities, but Bastian is always there to support her and lift her up when she needs it most. Their relationship is not without its challenges, though. The forces of darkness are still at work, and they will stop at nothing to tear Rue and Bastian apart. But the power of their love is strong, and together they are able to face whatever comes their way. As they navigate the dangerous world of Rift, Rue and Bastian must rely on each other more than ever. Their bond is tested, but it only serves to make them stronger. In the end, they realize that they are stronger together than they ever could be apart.

“Let’s get one thing straight, Shem. I’m never, ever leaving you, you understand me?”


“Rue. Rue, let it go. Close it. You need to close it.”


“I love you.” Then to Shem, “I love you both so fucking much.”


Rue and Shem facing some serious challenges in their relationship. Despite the chaos and danger surrounding them, Rue makes it clear to Shem that she will never leave him. Their bond is unbreakable, and it's heartwarming to see Rue's unwavering loyalty to Shem. There's a moment where Rue is urged to let go of something, but she refuses, showing her determination and resilience.

“It means nothing because I allow it to mean nothing.” “But make no mistake, I will press the bond if it means saving her life. I will press the bond if it means protecting her from herself.”


Rue and Gabriel's connection is put to the test. Gabriel is hesitant to fully explore their bond, not wanting to push things too far. However, when Rue's safety is threatened, he is willing to do whatever it takes to protect her. Shem, on the other hand, doesn't seem to like Gabriel very much. He believes that Rue belongs to him and that Gabriel's bond with her means nothing in the grand scheme of things. But Gabriel is not intimidated by Shem's threats. He makes it clear that he will do whatever it takes to keep Rue safe, even if it means pushing their bond to its limits.

“Rue, stop!” Bastian said. “You have to fucking stop. He’s gone. He’s fucking gone.”


“Can you stop…Stop talking about him in the past tense.”


“It was why Shem kept himself apart. Why he shielded his heart. He knew that attachments could weaken him at the most inopportune time. That he couldn’t let anything hold him back from achieving his goal. That responsibility now falls to you.”


Rue is faced with the heartbreaking realization that her Shem has sacrificed himself for the greater good. This moment is a pivotal one for Rue, as she struggles to come to terms with the loss of someone she cared deeply for. Bastian's words are harsh, telling Rue that she needs to accept that Shem is gone. But Rue can't bring herself to speak about him in the past tense, clinging to the hope that he may still be alive somehow. As Rue reflects on Shem's actions, she understands why he kept himself distant and guarded. He knew that forming attachments could make him vulnerable, and he couldn't afford to be hindered in his mission. Now, Rue must take on the responsibility that Shem had shouldered, knowing that she must carry on his legacy and continue the fight against evil. The emotional weight of Shem's sacrifice lingers throughout the book, shaping Rue's decisions and actions as she navigates a world filled with monsters and danger. As Rue grapples with her grief and determination to honor Shem's memory, she faces new challenges and alliances that will test her strength and resolve.

─── ・ 。゚☆: OVERALL *.☽ .*:☆゚. ───

With its twists and turns, lovable characters, and high stakes, it's a must-read. I can't wait to see where Rue's journey takes her next in the final book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Naurarwen.
1,023 reviews8 followers
January 3, 2024
I'm not sure why I got in my head that this was the last book of the series, but I did. I suddenly realised partway through that there is another one after it and I'm so happy there is, cause I'm not ready yet to say goodbye to these characters.

For those of you who have read this author's book before you will know that she likes to pull on the heartstrings sometimes, and she definitely did it with this one. There are some moments when I pretty much gasped out loud at stuff that happened.

We get another cliffhanger ending, so please be prepared for that as the 5th book doesn't come out until later next month (Feb) according to Goodreads.

This book is action-packed from start to finish with the celestials still after Shem, the watchers trying to keep all the humans alive, and Rue and Shem needing to find the relics so they can put everything back how it should be. I have to say I absolutely adore Bastian and Bee, after Rue they are both my favourites. I really enjoyed this book and once I opened it I couldn't put it down. Bring on book five.
Profile Image for ROMEOISNOTFUNNY.
814 reviews13 followers
November 4, 2024
The delusional villain twists me up 80% of the time. 20% I get to straight hate them, 80% I dislike them but feel sorry for them because they are just so delusional it's sad Either way, I also hope they get the Karma slap they deserve
This is one of those 85% delusional. Maybe you could have been better, but I still hate ya!

Anyway, enough villain shaming. This book was one of those, yes aww hope!, with a nope stab in the back into my heart. Oh, the betrayal, oh the death, oh wtf happened!
Rue, oh my heart breaks, and also what is happening!
The ending, though...I didn't expect that POV or that revelation....

The only thing I can say without spoiling it is, oh, the smut is short (monsters everywhere no time) but so hot and so good! More smut please! Oh, and it's not really monster smut, the details do not go there much...anyway more please!
4.5 stars
Profile Image for Taylor.Reads.Smut.
164 reviews
February 19, 2024
So much happens in this book. Cheese and rice 😅 I didn’t put this book down once I started it. For a solid ten minutes I was trying so hard not to cry. My throat felt like it was closed because i had to cry so bad!

People are captured and rescued. Battles are had. People are given full power. Others are partially saved. Rue finds out she can do a few tricks. People I thought were the bad guys actually aren’t. We meet new people. I still don’t trust anyone though. The ending? Jeez. Once again in starting the next book right away.
Profile Image for Mona  Brown .
1,798 reviews18 followers
December 27, 2023
Need more please

Once again, Debbie has reached in and pulled out my heart...
This book picks up without missing a beat, and it just keeps going. Just when everything is as calm as it gets, bam. We get hit with braytal that was sorta expecting, but not quite like this. Now, no one is sure who can be trusted and not.
I can't wait for the next one
4,226 reviews
May 10, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When Monsters Rise by Debbie Cassidy had me absolutely spiraling through a whirlwind of emotions! Just when I thought I had a grasp on where this journey was heading, Cassidy pulled the rug right out from under me. Rue’s world is in shambles—betrayal by Michael, their sanctuary destroyed, and now they’re on the run with danger lurking around every corner. The stakes have never been higher, and survival feels like a ticking clock that’s about to run out.
Shem and his watchers step in once again as protectors, but keeping a whole colony safe in the topside world is no easy feat. The threats are relentless—both seen and unseen—and every step Rue takes feels heavier with the weight of her mission. She and Shem need to find the relics to restore balance, but with enemies closing in and the line between friend and foe blurring, trust is a luxury they can barely afford.
The emotional toll in this book hit me hard. Cassidy is a master at tugging on heartstrings, and she had me gasping out loud more than once. There’s heartbreak, betrayal, and unexpected moments that had me clutching my chest. The villain? Ohhh, they made me want to both hate them and somehow feel sorry for them. But honestly? I’m just waiting for that karmic slap to come their way because they’ve earned it.
Rue’s character development continues to blow me away. She’s been broken, rebuilt, and hardened by her journey, yet she still carries so much heart. And Shem… oh, Shem. The tension between them is palpable, and while the smut is brief (monsters everywhere, no time!), it’s hot and leaves me wanting more. I’m also absolutely in love with Bastian and Bee—after Rue, they’re hands down my favorites. Their personalities add so much charm and balance to the intensity of the story.
And that ending? What. Just. Happened. I wasn’t ready for that POV switch or that bombshell revelation. My jaw was on the floor, and I’m still trying to process everything. I’m beyond relieved that this isn’t the end of the series because I am not ready to say goodbye to these characters. Cassidy’s world-building is so vivid that I feel like I’m living in Rue’s world, and the pacing keeps me on the edge of my seat the entire time.
This was such a fantastic addition to the series, and I’m counting down the days until I can get my hands on the next one. Bring on book five—I’m ready for more heartbreak, action, and hopefully, some well-deserved karma!
Profile Image for Azraelitys.
234 reviews22 followers
March 11, 2024
Genre: Dystopian Paranormal Romance
Relationship(s): MFM
Romance: Medium Burn 🔥🔥🔥
POV: Multiple, First Person
Platform: Digital, KU
Length: 213 pages
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Darkness: 🖤
Series/Stand Alone: The Monsters Among Us
Cliffhanger: Yes
Themes/Tropes: Monsters, Angels, Parallel Worlds, Survival, Quest, Save the World, Forced Proximity, Enemies to Lovers, Friends to Lovers
Check Triggers⚠️: Yes

So this is classic penultimate book, non-stop action and storyline from start to cliffhanger ending. Micheal’s betrayal sucks, but not surprising with his inflated ego. I get all the feels when Rue and Bastian are together, and hot under the collar when she’s with Shem, will we ever get both?

Another home lost though, when will they have some safety!? When it’s all over I suppose. They’re on the run again, which seems to be a major theme in this series. I suppose in this type of apocalypse, being on the run becomes normal. It would nice if something went in their favor instead of monsters and death.

Finally we find out who the mystery chick is, although I kind of suspected who it was from the beginning. So far she looks to be helping, but she doesn’t have a great track record or backstory, maybe we’ll find out the reason for that.

Now the rules of the world are changing, yet another obstacle in protecting their rag tag family and setting the world back to rights. My nerves are becoming frazzled with this Game of Thrones bullshit of killing characters!

With Gabriel, the Reapers, Kabiel and the devolved Watchers joined together helping to protect Rue and the humans they might have a better chance at completing the mission. Only if Rue can keep it together after yet another loss, girl needs a break! I hope Rue doesn’t use this to fight her feelings for Gabriel, I like the thought of adding him to her harem. I’m totally going to like Lucy, she’s going to be fun. I feel like we’ve been at this cliffhanger ending before. Dun dun dunnnnnn!

Follow me for more book reviews & recommendations on Instagram & TikTok via the links in my bio.
Profile Image for Vallene Boddington.
811 reviews35 followers
March 4, 2024
Penultimate book...its emotional

Book 4 in the series is filled with an emotional roller-coaster from searing love to shattered heart. Debbie Cassidy made me ugly cry.
Rue, Bee, and Michael escaped the Golden City and made it safely home. However, safety does not last. A betrayal hits hard.
Back on the run, humans and watchers are fighting for survival. Help comes from unsuspecting sources but a tad late. Leaving devastation in the hearts of everyone. Rue and the survivors have to plan, prepare, and stay safe. She is their last hope, and The Dominion is not giving up.
As always the book is action-packed, new monsters with new power, new challenges, and budding love interest. I have enjoyed reading these characters. They are fierce, determined, and obsessed. Monsters are blood curling scary, and the emotions are deep. I am jumping into book 5 ASAP.
Tropes:
Monsters. Betrayal. Dystopia. Survival. Celestial beings. Found family. Forced Proximity. Sharing. Possessive MMC.

Quotes:
“I want to drown in sensation with you, Rue. To milk every moment we have.”

I twist my body away from them and see my heart cradled in a monster’s arms. “Shem!” Rue reaches for me, and Kabiel throws her at me, shouting at us to move. I catch her neatly then fling myself out of the light and into the shadows.
Profile Image for DMCechak.
1,790 reviews24 followers
December 26, 2023
When Monsters Rise - Rue’s World

‘Shem had said he loved me in the mall. I love you too…Said in response to me telling him to fuck himself. It could be construed as sarcasm, but the tone…the tone had been all too real. He’d said it and meant it because he’d believed it was the last chance to do so. He loved me, and that was enough. I wouldn’t push him to hear those words again because we had a world to fix, and that…that had to come first.’

Rue continues to struggle in Debbie Cassidy’s When Monsters Rise, book four in her fantastic The Monsters Among Us series.

We have followed a young women, growing up in an apocalyptic world, where she has lost so very much. She learned to not only survive, but to become a leader for those who have battled and survived with her.

The Watchers, with Shem as their leader, has become so very important to Rue. She has opened her heart to the Monster, and he has proven she is important enough to risk everything to keep her alive.

You’ll want to start at the beginning of this series, as each development in the lives of Rue, Bastian, and Bee are significant. This story weaves heartstrings and betrayal, all with a time limit that could render humanity’s destruction!
Profile Image for Wendy K..
355 reviews1 follower
January 26, 2024
Again….just wow. I raced my way through this book and now I am stunned and I now have to wait for the next one.

Rue and the group of beings and humans she finds herself with are once again on the run from the Celestials and the Monsters and searching for a new safe haven . One of the males that Rue love’s sacrificed himself to the Celestials in order to save everyone and to take the heat away from Rue and now the group is grieving from this loss.

There is so much at play here and it leaves you with a cliffhanger until the next one. Rue is reunited with the Celestial that helped save her in the previous book and who she had to bond with. They feel strong feelings for each other and at the same time, Rue is worried about someone she loves facing death and another who sacrificed himself. I’m going to be honest, it really seems like she just can’t catch a break in the love department in this post-apocalyptic monster riddled world.

She has a lot of responsibility coming up in order to help save everyone with the light she has inside of her and to try and set the world right. It is exciting and I will be impatiently waiting.

Again, this is a good story and the characters work well together. Definitely recommend.
Profile Image for Ines.
1,328 reviews47 followers
December 6, 2023
There is supposed to be one more book after this one to conclude Rue's journey, but I have no clue how the author is going to manage wrapping up all the remaining storyline points and relationships that still need to become clear, in just one single book. Seriously, I still don't know what to think about more than one character in this series, and I have no clue whatsoever how the entire situation can get resolved in a satisfying HEA. This entire series has been a massive rollercoaster ride, in the dark, with no clue if the ride will ever slow down or just careen off a cliff or something.

This may sound like I'm frustrated, but it's actually a nice kind of frustration (if something like that exists?). The kind where a story and characters don't truly let go once you turn over the final page, and where you're still wondering the next days what might come next. The kind where you're happy you've read the book and know more than you did before, but where you're also a little annoyed with all the questions you don't have the answers to yet.

So... "When Monsters Rise" was good, really good. I just wish I didn't have to wait to continue with the rest of the story.
Profile Image for Tara Syrnyk.
808 reviews5 followers
December 31, 2023
I am so invested in this series. I absolutely love the concept. I've fallen in love with these characters, their happiest, their sadness, fears and anxiety , I feel it all too when I'm reading this series! Debbie has done such an amazing job with these characters and world building, when I read her stories, I am so fully immersed in her worlds that getting to the last page always comes as a shock! This series is no different. I love how the story is progressing, even if my emotions are all over the place! The attention to detail is always so appreciated , I can always visualise debbie's story like a movies running through my mind as I read! The drama, suspense and steam is so well done, I am constantly on the edge of my seat. Rue goes through so much, she grows so much and it is just so entertaining to read. I love the diverse personalities we see in this series, Rue Shem and Bas have quickly become some of my favourite characters so far that Debbie as treated us with, I feel this was with every new series she graces us with, I just can’t help it! This was a wonderful addition to the series and I am so looking forward to more!
Profile Image for Tes.
531 reviews21 followers
March 6, 2024
TITLE - When Monsters Rise
AUTHOR - Debbie Cassidy
TYPE - Series; #4 of 5 in 'The Monsters Among Us"
POV - 1st Person - Multiple
GENRE - Dystopian, Romance
READ DATES - 3/5/2024 to 3/5/2024

RATINGS
Overall: 4.5/5⭐️
Characters: 4/5👀
Plot 4/5🧩
Pacing 4/5⌛️
World 4.5/5🌎
Romance 4/5💘
Spice 4/5🌶️

MAIN CHARACTERS - Rue, Shemyaza, Bastian, Gabriel?

INITIAL REACTION - Welp… the cliffhangers continue. Super excited for the conclusion. Sometimes these series just go on for way too long but, even at 5 books, I feel like each has been a significant contribution. It’s time for the conclusion but I’ve enjoyed the ride.

Full review will be posted at When Monsters Fight.
360 reviews
August 29, 2025
Alright, the betrayal worked, but it was so disappointing that it wasn't for any good reasons. I hoped that it was manipulation (mindufck) of the Dominion or something like that, but nope, just fucking pride and delusion of grandeur. I hoped that guy had more depth to him than that, but oh well.
So many things happened in this one and it's hard to write anything without spoiling ;) there were many battles fought, Gabriel and Erelim got to the rest of our people, Kabiel saved Rue (and the day) twice and the search for the relic piece continued.
Bastian and Bee were great (please don't kill them in the last book), Shem in love was a much nicer guy (still a bit of a jerk, but a caring one). I loved that Bee was finding her place with the watchers and starting a relationship with one of them, it was such a heartwarming thing after what happened to her and Ryan.
I'm still a little iffy about it being a true reverse harem, at most Rue had two guys in a relationship with her (Jamie was lost so long ago that I don't count him anymore), yeah, there always was someone else wanting her, but I don't know if we can count a guy like that into the harem.
Profile Image for Erica.
316 reviews4 followers
December 11, 2023
What is happening? WHY? The utter terror, fear inducing, sick to my stomach, heart shattering, really confused state of my head after reading this installment of Rue's story is going to give me a complex. I know I have the "I mourn the death of fictional characters," magnet but Debbie is really giving it a run for its money. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading this one.

The world building is still there and the character development is astounding. Am I concerned about how this story can possibly have an HEA? Yes, absolutely. I am so hurt by this one, how did I not see that it was coming? I have no idea how this wonderful, evil author is going to wrap this story up and I am honestly terrified that my heart won't be able to handle it.

When this series is finally complete, I am buying all the hardback editions. This one gets a special place on my shelves with the complete and utter devastation it has brought me. I cannot wait for the final book, I am going to go insane thinking about it.
Profile Image for Anna McCauslin.
182 reviews3 followers
January 1, 2024
Rise or Defeat

Rue is deep the heart of the Cassidy plot twists which are a both a torment and delight to read. Do I trust in a HEA? Of course. Will I bemoan the journey and bite my nails at seemingly hopeless situations? Absolutely.

Like a previous series, I started this book without a good feel for who is important enough to make the circle of males for Rue. Obviously Shem, I thought. But what happens to the watchers when Morningstar is assembled? Will Bastian live long enough? Is Kabiel a side character or part of Rue's romantic life? And Gabriel's mate bond can't be forgotten. And what about...well, nothing looks certain actually. You'll want to both run through this book to find the next bit of action, and read slowly to savor each page. Rue's relentless drive forward to find the relic pieces and save humanity has more than a few foes, and I found myself engrossed with each page turn. Nearly to the end of this series, and it has hooked my attention and my heart. I can't wait for our conclusion.
Profile Image for Mrs R.
1,419 reviews19 followers
December 17, 2023
This is book 4 in the series and does end on another cliffhanger.

So we left book 3 with the shock of betrayal, so I have been waiting for this book to find out what happens and how Rue will find out, and she finds out the hard way. I was so wanting to shout at her to warn her.

Shem is showing his loving side more and more with Rue, being protective but also sweet, he's come to an understanding with Bastian and they each have their own relationships with Rue.

This book is action-packed like the others and with the Celestials still hunting Shem, they still have to find the relics. I'm really liking Gabriel even more in this book and I can't wait to see what happens with him. I have some suspicions that there may be more betrayal ahead, but you just never know with Debbie's books what might happen. And the cliffhanger to this one just proves it - it will really pull at your heartstrings.

I'm looking forward to the next and final book in this series to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Heather.
1,253 reviews9 followers
December 27, 2023
OMG!!!
This book was sooo amazing but that ending about killed me... in a good way though! Now I'm just going to be dying for the next book to release!

So the book continues with Rue, Shem, Bastian and the others still trying to find out where the other shards are. Waiting on Gabriel, they move forward with other plans.... until one of their ally's turns against them causing them all to flee.

Another unlikely ally comes to assist... but they aren't sure if they can be trusted yet and then things go from bad to worse when it seems that the rules have changed suddenly. Thankfully, Gabriel and friends come to the rescue to help.

But the fight against the Dominion is just getting started... and then the unthinkable happens.

Lol i know my review is super vague but man oh man you need to read this book to understand why i don't want to give anything away!!!

I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Denise.
496 reviews1 follower
December 10, 2023
When Monsters Rise is a fast paced story with lots of action. I loved reading it as it kept me on my toes with a couple twists and surprises that I didn't see coming.
Rue and Shem are looking for pieces in order to save the world and send the monsters away. When tragedy strikes Rue wants to fall to pieces as she is completely devastated but she must stay together and strong for the people that look up to her for guidance.
How can Rue keep it together when all she wants to do is fall apart? With the help of her best friends Bee and another they help to console Rue to keep her strong. Rue must keep her people safe from the monsters that want to eat them and safe from the Arc-Angels that want to use them for energy. So she must stay strong and keep going.
So, if you like lots of Action, Hot Angels and Plot Twists then this book is just right for you.


Profile Image for Seraphia Bunny.
2,110 reviews34 followers
December 31, 2023
Rue is back and the chaos is HERE! Brace yourself for a whirlwind of a story that will keep you page-turning and an ending that will have you losing your mind. Yes, cliffhanger ahead but we just gotta hang in there to find out how it all ends.
Rue has escaped the Golden City but she's nowhere near safe. Sacrifices were made and Gabriel has been betrayed. Now what? Wait and see!!!
The romance is pretty solid right now but questions will arise...is there more to come??? Lol (crosses fingers) This author chooses to drive us crazy because we get more monsters, more twists, and yes! More betrayal. Cue jaw drops.
This book is fast-paced and absolutely gripping. If you have read this series to this point do Not miss out on this latest installment.
Give. Me. Mooooore!!!!
5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Katelyn Livezey.
Author 1 book11 followers
December 31, 2023
When Monsters Rise is book four…

it’s a fast paced story and as usual with Debbie has a couple twists and surprises that I didn't see coming. It definitely keeps it interesting and on your toes!

Rue and Shem are are going to save the world by collecting pieces of the harp to send the monsters back to where they came. Nothing has been easy for Rue and when she’s faced with a traumatic event she wants to fall apart but has to be strong for the people that look up to her for guidance. With the help of her best friends (because where would any girl be without them!) they help to console Rue to keep her strong.

The Angels, that are supposed to be the good guys, are using the humans as pretty much a battery…. So not only are they facing the monsters, but they’re having to face the angels as well. Lots of action and surprises, so I definitely recommend reading!!!
Profile Image for Penny.
3,131 reviews85 followers
October 30, 2023
Ugh, I am so devastated! I just finished this book, and I don’t know how I’m going to wait to read the concluding title (which will be awhile) because I can’t wait. Anyway, Rue, Sebastian, and Shem, after the events of the end of the preceding title, are working through what’s next. I hate to say too much as spoilers are not my style, but there are so many things that happen in this, I want to talk about them all. There is a sort of new character, there is a lot of movement in a lot of areas, and of course there’s non-stop action. I loved this installment, and I’m constantly in awe of this author: how well she writes and how she makes the reader feel so much. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
130 reviews2 followers
December 3, 2023
Absolutely unpredictable 4th installment to the Monters Among Us series. I fell even more in love with all the characters and Shem is by far my favorite. I'm skeptical of Jilyana, I feel there is definitely room for suspicion there. I love this series because it feels like an artful blending of Resident Evil and Legion and I can't get enough. The characters are so beautifully written that when I surface from reading it takes my mind time to adjust. The twists and turns in this book kept me gasping and I did not see the end coming at all. It doesn't just end on a cliffhanger; I have a million questions running through my mind at rapid fire. I'm not sure I'll make the wait for the fifth book.
Profile Image for Patricia Halladay.
Author 4 books11 followers
December 9, 2023
Another heart pounding, tear inducing, want to scream "WHY?!?" at the world masterpiece from a master storyteller!

Debbie has done it again, and in true fashion, leaves you hanging by the edge of your seat waiting for what comes next! This book is another must have in your Debbie Cassidy collect, and a story to be revisited once complete!

Rue is left shattered, by the end of the story, but in true fashion she pushes forward putting the small group of human survivors before herself. Gaining allies and weeding out the traitors she moves forward in her quest to set their world right again.

Can't wait for the final instalment, and would love to see more of this beautiful, post-apocalyptic world she has built through eyes of other characters. Amazing read!!
23 reviews
December 27, 2023
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Poor Rue can't catch a break. My heart is breaking and I NEED the final book. Debbie has a way to literally make you feel that these characters in her books are so real that with this book and other series I feel like I'm mourning or worrying non stop about fictional characters that aren't actually real but they absolutely are in my heart. Normally I don't normally like books like this like apocalyptic type books but after reading the first book this series became my favorite and I've now read every series/books she's ever written. It was extremely hard to say this was the best because she has so many incredible books out there. I would recommend this series to anyone who likes romance, true love, a lot of drama, and a book you can't put down even to sleep lol
Profile Image for Lene Blackthorn .
1,828 reviews7 followers
December 29, 2023
Rue's story continues after her escape from the Golden City.. but Gabriel did not follow. When betrayal and hunger for power show their intentions, everything is set to motion again and the remaining humans have to run and fight for their lives, yet this time it comes with a price that may be too high.
The world building in this series becomes more complex and fascinating with every new detail added. I very much enjoy the high emotional investment and the display of humanity, character development and all the hiccups in relationships. It is also great to see new characters enter the scene or new secrets revealed, and especially this book's cliffhanger is a depiction of evil torture for every reader waiting for more.
Profile Image for Missy Brown.
1,750 reviews30 followers
December 31, 2023
I mean come on, this author is just Amazing!! I love pretty much everything she does.

Also can I just comment about the cover, she always has the best covers as well. As it should be, just as equally stunning as her writing.

Rue is back with her tribe, and once again Debbie pulls no punches. So be prepared to go through the wringer with Rue. But have no fear she is strong and this also brings the gang closer together.

I do not want to give much away, just know that poor Rue gets knocked down each time she tries to get up, but never quits.

Loved this, the ending sucked lol I need the next one to see how everything ends. A great addition to this series and would highly recommend reading the series in order.
925 reviews3 followers
January 1, 2024
Debbie gives us the next to last book in The Monsters Among Us series! The story of Rue, Shem, Bastion and the rest of the crew.. humans, watchers and celestials continues from the last wild cliffhanger and toddles on to an absolutely heartbreaking cliffhanger going into the final book. After Michael betrays the group, causing them to lose their safe place, they must try to get all the survivors to the next place of safety, and they are fighting new problems, monsters and situations. Beautifully written with complex characters and plot twists that keep you glued to the pages throughout, this book will keep you guessing right up to the cliffhanger. I loved reading this story and highly recommend the series! Don't miss out!!
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