Extraction

Innocent Monsters #5

by Stella Rainbow

An old kraken who has lost his mate once. A human with missing memories.

Ebenezer

After watching my mate die before my eyes, I’d given up hope of finding him in this lifetime…until I saved an injured human from drowning in my sea.

Hobie didn’t remember the past six months of his life, but his nightmares painted a dark picture of what he’d gone through. He was safe now, though, and I vowed to make sure he stayed that way.

Hobie

Despite my missing memories, I was happy. I felt safe when Eben wrapped his tentacles around me, and his island, cut off from the rest of the world, felt like the home I’d been searching for my whole life.

Burying the memories that rose up, I tried my best to enjoy my newfound happiness, not knowing I hadn’t completely escaped my past yet.

Extraction is an MM monster x human romance featuring a 2000+ years old kraken, a human with missing memories, two loyal sirens, a private island, and lots of sweet, tentaclicious moments.

Genres: M M Romance, Fantasy, Romance, Monsters, Magic, Shapeshifters, Paranormal

205 pages, ebook

First published May 16, 2024

About the author

Stella Rainbow is the pen name of a twenty something woman from India. Her heart is too full of rainbow colored stories to be limited by the lack of awareness in her home country.

Stella spends her days cuddling up with her cat, typing out new stories, daydreaming and reading all the books she can get her hands on.

She loves talking to her readers and other book lovers, so don't hesitate in contacting her on any of her socials or emailing her at authorstellarainbow@gmail.com

Reviews

[...]

DNF @48% ... I think I really, really need to remember that this author just isn't doing it for me and stop picking up her books just because I want more monster/cryptid romance. 🤣 There's nothing "wrong" with the book IMHO, I just find her style incredibly boring. So much day-to-day interaction on page vs anything dynamic happening to actually progress the plot, and I never really feel any chemistry between her MCs. I know she's got tons of fans and I wish her all the professional success in the world, but this is officially #NotForMe

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this book up until about 85% complete. Then got a complete wtf and it ruined it for me. THAT is not what i consider an HEA.

If you want a REAL HEA, stop after chapter 20 and consider the book over there.


The first 85% of the book was brilliant, and the epilogue tried to make up for the wtf, but, it was still bad enough it gets rounded to 3 stars (they, sadly, don't allow half stars)

[Colleen (colleenreads40) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extraction is a part of author Stella Rainbow's Innocent Monsters series. It's a MM shifter romance told from a third person dual point of view with a guaranteed happily ever after. Although it's a part of the Innocent Monsters series, it can be read as a complete standalone. This book features a monster (kraken shifter) and a human, fated mates, loyal sirens, a private island, and lots of tentacle-related fun.

I blinked at him, surprised yet again. Hobie was such a strange human. Instead of being surprised, or disconcerted by my tentacles...he actually wanted them.

I first read some of Stella's work in a Valentine's Day anthology and the combination of magic and cozy vibes was on point. I started following her on Instagram, and when I saw this book about a kraken shifter finding love? Sold. This book was a relatively easy read and I just enjoyed watching them together. When they meet, Hobie is injured and has no recollection of the past six months. Eben's a little grumpy on the outside, but he recognized Hobie as his fated mate and we get to watch him become a softie. Although Eben's supposed to be this big, scary kraken shifter, I thought it was such a nice touch that Hobie found Eben's tentacles so safe and comforting. The addition of the sirens (and let me tell you, I was so thrilled that the sirens had a platonic bond) as their found family was so fun, and I loved their characters and how they protected Hobie. This would be another great book to introduce you to shifter romances, or even a great introduction to Stella's work (I definitely want to check out her backlog now).

"Sleep, sweet human. I won't let anyone harm you," Eben murmured in a low, soothing voice, and I let myself drift off, secure in the knowledge that the monster would never be able to touch me again, let alone hurt me.”

[TJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

His life mattered more than whatever trouble I'd have to deal with to keep him safe. - Eben

Warnings: Mentions of Sex for Money, Kidnapping, and Assault both Sexual and Physical, Violence, Death, and Suicide, Trauma/PTSD, Panic Attacks

The Basics

Overall:
1st Person, Dual POV
3rd Act Break Up: No
Slow-burn: Yes
HEA: Yes
MC Sex w/o Other MC(s): No
Spice: 1.5/5
Angst/Stress: 2.5/5
Fluff: 2/5
Structure/Format/Flow: 5/5
Overall: 10/5

After living for so long, months and years started to matter less and less, though I had a feeling that would change now. I'd need to remember Hobie's birthday, after all. And maybe someday soon our anniversary? - Eben

Intimate Moments Include:
Tentacle play, strict roles, restraints, anal sex, handjobs

How did I help Hobie? How did I protect him from his own mind? - Eben

Main Character Information:
Eben: “Ebenezer”, >2500 years, Kraken/Fae hybrid, Kraken form is purple with warm gold eyes, Human form has red hair and the same gold eyes
Hobie: 26/27, Human, 5’8”, dark blonde and brown eyes, touch deprived

I loved Hobie. It was as simple as that. I was in love with this human, and I wanted to experience everything with him. - Eben

Notable Tropes/Tags/Themes/etc.:
Kraken x Human Romance
Paranormal/Supernatural
Fated Mates
Second Chances
Trauma/PTSD

"Hobie, scars are not ugly, yours or mine. They're just proof that we survived, that we're still standing. While I wish you'd never gotten them, that you'd never been hurt, I don't hate them. They're a reflection of your strength, and I adore every single one of them." - Eben

My Opinions on:
So, I was NOT prepared for the waterworks and sobbing that commenced at the end. It’s been a while since I’ve cried so hard with a book. Maybe it was just the timing, but I even gave myself a headache. Stella just ripped my heart from my chest so fast and then did a slam dunk to put it back in. Hands down my favorite of the series.

Favorite Part: I love how they talked about Hobie seeing a therapist and not going the “oh well they’re mates now so everything is perfect and smell like roses” route. This felt way more respectful to people who faced that trauma and not just brushing it off. This is a common theme I’m seeing with Stella’s work.

Favorite Side Character(s): Nala, the blueberry cake? What a beautiful soul. :)

Hardest/Most Difficult Part: THE END OBVI. I had to torture myself and read it twice.

Thoughts On World Building: N/A

But Eben was different. He made me feel like I was something precious, something to be shielded and protected. Something to be loved. - Hobie

Milestone Moments:
MCs Meet: 5%
Mate?: 8%
1st Date: 28%
Kraken Romance: 42%
1st Kiss: 52%
Nox & Harlan: 73%
Me Sobbing My Eyes Out at Work: 89%
Reunited and it feels so goooood: 95%
Intimate Scenes: 65%, 82%

"My name's on the list, isn't it?" I asked, and Nox nodded. - Eben

Side Characters:
Nox: Mated to Harlan, Soul Collector/Retired Keeper of the Chasm, Nox (Lords of Otherworld, #3)
Harlan: Nox’s mate, Soul Collector/Warlock, black hair and blue eyesNox (Lords of Otherworld, #3)
Tharion: King of the Afterworld, Celeste’s sibling, Lionel (Lords of Otherworld #4)
Celeste: Fate, Tharion’s sibling, My Fae Mate (Mistvale Spin-Off #4)
Tarika: Siren, Platonically mated to Nala, Mother of Jules/Julian
Nala: Siren, Platonically mated to Tarika

Turning to Hobie, I wrapped my tentacles around him the way I did every night, pulling him into my chest and holding him close. - Eben

[Midi Lein · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first book from the author. After reading some dark books, I searched for a more light read. Normally I'm not into this kind of stories but as I said it was exactly what I looked for this time. The story was as anticlimactic as I expected it to be. A hurt/comfort book with a lot of sweet interactions between the mainchars...until the ending. I didn't like the ending at all. It was devastating that Hobies tormenter in the end got through with her attempt in killing him and the circumstances that led to that event where ridiculous. Ebenezer the kraken got her to the island to get revenge for his mate but she managed to escape and killed Hobie instead. All that happened after some kind of reaper/ soul collector told him that Hobie would have died if he didn't change course of fate and that it would take some time for him to be completely save because fate intended to fix its mistakes (sounded a little bit like "Final Destination" to me). So all they had to do was hanging around on that beautiful island while keeping their feet still for some time to be out of danger. I really wondered how a being with a lifetime above 2000 years could act this stupid...
They had a kind of happy ending in the afterlife. Because Ebenzer decided to join his mate in death instead of waiting for his rebirth again. But to me it felt kind of dull. Hobie had just started to live again and he wished to see all kind of places in the world only to get brutally murdered in the end. After such a hard life I would have wished for another kind of HEA for him. And also Ebenzer who had waited for his mate for his long, long existence should have deserved a better ending. If I understood right they can stay in the afterlife as long as they want until they decide, they want to move on. But if they decide to get reborn they have to find each other again without even remembering (but that's only my guess after what I've read, the author doesn't elaborate on this). Still it sounds pretty sad to me. Especially after the given prospect that as his mate Hobies life force would have been joined with Ebenezers and they could have lived happily together on earth for thousands of years :(. So I don't feel content with the ending even if they in the end were happy to be reconnected in afterlife and probably will stay there for a long time. Maybe it's also because I miss some background infos because I don't know the other books in the series but to me it just didn't feel like the wholesome ending I wanted.

[Elizabeth D · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 Although this book has some serious underlying themes, it is mostly sweet and low-angst, with Eben finally finding his mate after waiting for him for centuries. Hobie is injured, traumatised, and missing memories, but the trust and connection between the two of them is established from the beginning. It’s lovely to see the two of them grow to know one another, enjoy one another’s presence, and settle into a life together as Hobie heals. I enjoyed all the sweet moments, the exploration of the sea, and all the tentacles. Tarika and Nala are good friends (and I liked the connection back to the early Mistvale books).

This is a slow burn, which I thought was very appropriate given what Hobie has been through. We get lots of time for a connection to form and for Hobie to work through some of his trauma. We get action in the final act of the book, with a few twists I didn’t see coming! Eben has been waiting long enough, and Hobie has been through so much, it’s so rewarding to see them get their HEA. It was so lovely to see all the “monsters” find their mates and get their HEA after they were introduced in the Lords of Otherworld series.

I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.

[VersaiVex_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

We've finally reached the end of the Innocent Monsters series, but Stella isn't done yet!

After hearing about the extremely old Kraken throughout the series, we finally get to met our tentacled friend and his mate.
Eben is the sweetest and most patient mate in the entire series and even across the others as well, of course that is my opinion. He has already had his heart shattered previously and he is determined to protect his mate until the end.
He just didn't realize how mentally, emotionally and physically broken his mate actually was when he saved his life.
Hobie is such a sweet mate. He tries his hardest every day to try to overcome the terrible memories he has from being kidnapped, losing amount of time in memories & never having a stable and loving family life.

This book is a big journey of blooming love, patience, protective mates + friends & learning that needing help with mental health doesn't make you weak.
This book has a great mental health rep and Hobie being a sweetie just makes you want to snuggle him constantly.

With loads of tight tentacle cuddles, food adventures and under sea exploration it really brought the entire series to a good close.

[Ariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another sweet addition to the series

In this edition, we have Eben, a Kraken, a Hobie, a human. They met when Eben saved Hobie from certain death. It was an instant connection since Eben realized Hobie was his mate. The connection also helped Hobie to trust Eben when it's hard for him to because he'd lived such a hard life. This was a sweet, slow burn romance because Hobie needed to heal from both physical and emotional trauma. It was a true delight watching them fall in love. My only drawback was how their hea came about. Yes, I know and love Stella Rainbow's interconnected universe, but I wish she could have given them a different hea. I am glad Eben is no longer alone after centuries, and I'm happy Hobie finally knows how it feels to be loved.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

**********Contains Spoilers**********

I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was a good conclusion to the Innocent Monsters Series, and I’m glad that all the Innocent Monsters got their own chance at finding their fated mates. I thought that Ebenezer (Eben) and Hobie were great together. Eben finally gets a chance with his mate when he finds him again during this lifetime, as he never got a chance last time as his mate was happy with a family. Eben scents human blood in his sea and rescues a severely injured human. He couldn’t hear a boat or ship so he knows that someone was trying to get rid of evidence. He realises that the injured human is his mate so he takes him home to his private island and gets a human doctor to come and look at him.

Eben is such a sweetheart but his little grumpy moments are cute. Hobie has been through something terrible but he can’t remember anything from the last 6 months. He’s happy to stay with his Kraken on his private island along with Eben’s siren friends Tarika and Nala, as he’s never felt so safe. Tarika and Nala become Hobie’s friends as well. He’s having flashbacks and nightmares, and certain things trigger him but each day he’s getting better. Even though the ending wasn’t what I expected I think it was the perfect conclusion to Eben and Hobie’s story. I’m looking forward to reading more books from Stella Rainbow in the future. I’d definitely recommend this book, series, universe and author to everyone.

******I received an early copy of this book because I’m a member of Stella’s Patreon. I happily reviewed this book and I would do so even if I purchased it. My thoughts and feelings about this book are completely unbiased******

[Marruby Callaway · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emotional finale

Of all the “monsters”, Eben always seemed the most mysterious and powerful. While some of his mystery was revealed, there’s a lot that never gets properly explained. Hobie’s life was filled with tragedy and pain (again not entirely explained) until his path intersected with Eben. Together, they became the balm the other’s soul needed. I enjoyed meeting Eben’s siren friends Tanika and Nala and appreciated the tie in back to the Mistvale clan. There’s a couple of unexpected twists at the end that don’t wrap things up with the happiest of endings, but it’s still a good story with Nox getting one last chance to meddle.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily read and ARC of this book. Eben is so sweet and strong at the same time, while you just want to hug Hobie and hide him from the rest of the world. I really love how the book focuses on Eben and Hobie's relationship and how it grows without throwing everything but the kitchen sink at them. The simplicity of the story allows readers to connect with the characters and get to understand them as individuals and as a couple. The ending is not like I'd expect and it was a good surprise. I can't wait to see the next series that Stella comes out with.

[Imani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book in sequel

Ebenezer and Hobie have this instant connection. Hobie just knows he can trust him. We learn Eben's story and how it connects to more other world characters. Hobie finally gets a break from his rough life. We of course see Nox and Harlan, but also some new people. Tarika and Nala were great support for Eben and then for Hobie once he arrived. You have your villain but always defeated in the end. A sweet tentacle romance.

[Wayne Blood · Rating 5 out of 5]

There must be something wrong with me, because I spent half of my time reading a book about a tortured, literally broken boy left to die, and a centuries old Kraken who saves him (and is his fated mate) with my eyes filled with tears. Stella captures the emotional bond of these, ahem, unusual pairings and makes them totally natural and comforting. I’m convinced she knows more than we do about the Otherworld and is letting us in on these little secrets of universal love. Wow.

[Tracey Johns · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The story seems all fluff at first glance, but then she turns up the heat after edging you for a good while, and in the last few chapters, there's a twist I sure didn't see coming, & what happened afterward had me tearing up and reassessing my "fluff" classification. Nothing bad, it just caught me off guard and was rather emotional. I very much loved the characters, the relationships between them, the conflict, and resolution (way to pull the heart strings!) and of course, the romance was lovely. Good job

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars
🌶🌶 peppers - tentacles
⚠️ trigger warnings - kidnapping and death

Same as the rest of the series. Sweet, hurt/comfort, fated mates. After reading all of the books, it was getting boring. The ending of this one was crazy different. While yes, it's a HEA, the ending is a twist to get there. Wasn't expecting that.

Favorite to least -
Salvation
Liberation
Redemption
Extraction / Convention tied

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my FAVORITE book so far in the monster stories! They are all great, but this one was amazing. I was not prepared for the ending, it came as shock to me. It was a perfect ending though! I laughed in this book and I cried. Poor Hobie had such a hard life, and Eben was so lonely! They were perfect for each other! Another great book!

[Amanda Murch · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it

Oh I loved this book so much, it was so beautiful and Eben was just an absolute loving character and so cute but still all alpha. Hobbie was the perfect mate for Eben. I’ll admit I cried at one part of this book it was just so heartwarming and beautifully sad at the same time. I love Stella’s writing and can’t wait for all her future books.

[Lee Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

innocent monsters

Even and Hobie were adorable together! I love how each book is its own story, but many of the previous characters have a small part in them. We get to hear more about them after their books are done. This was a wonderful story full of love, fun and excitement. I highly recommend reading it!

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story. Please mind the trigger warnings. This was such a wonderfully emotional story. Eben and Hobie were so sweet together and I just wanted to hug them both. The world building is so amazing and the characters are wonderful. I am enjoying this series so much.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stella has done it again. It’s always a pleasure to return to Otherworld, Afterworld, and the Human world. I found this book to be intriguing with the emotions of Hobie and Eben’s story. I recommend sitting back with your feet up and enjoy reading this book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Monica (Lady M)

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ebenezer and Hobie's story is so sweet. I really loved this book. Watching as a truly beautiful love and trust grew between the characters and the wonderful hea was full of all the feels. I can not recommend this book enough. You should go read it now.

[Li Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent

As always this is an excellent book and I’ve loved the series. Couldn’t put this down. It’s my first taste of kraken storylines and it was so good. Highly recommended series

[Demonia Shadow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, I didn't cry my eyes out as i was prepared but... Why? It doesn't make sense, the same as Lionel's death in his book. I don't see death as happy ending. Hobie had plans and desires, now they just stuck in the "happy loop"

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so sweet, even if it took me a little longer to read than normal. It was a surprise at the end, I can’t particularly say it was my favourite ending but it was still cute in a sense. Overall it was worth it and I’d definitely read it again!

[Abi · Rating 5 out of 5]

unexpected

I loved the book but that ending! I didn’t expect it and even though it was a good ending it still broke my heart a bit!

[Kirstine Hansen]

DNF. As fun as tentacles can be, I wasn't even a little invested by chapter nine.

Another case of "it's not you it's me."

[Kaye · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is slow and quite disappointing given the ending. In my opinion, having enjoyed the rest of the series, it should have ended with book 4!

[MyDoRyS · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn't the sirens have mental powers and the kraken magic? Ridiculous!

[P Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adored Eben: he was an absolute sweetheart. The way he cared for Hobie and the unique dates he took Hobie on, made my heart melt.

This book is definitely one of my favourites.

*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*

[NightOwlz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the rest of this series, but this book did not have the HEA I expected from this author’s work. The ending was completely unexpected and surprisingly dark (compared to other books by this author). I honestly can’t recommend this book to anyone looking for a traditional HEA. It’s just such a bummer that this is the final book in this series, and it ended like that. 😭