Monilinia: A Dark MM Horror Romance

by Free Mints

A wolf cannot live among sheep. Eventually, the herd would smell the rotten carcasses of their brethren.


Loukas had always known he was tainted. Since childhood, he had an abhorrent longing-to tear away others' living exteriors to see if they were as putrid as he was. Feast on their flesh and bone to satiate his undying hunger. His only hope for salvation was to quell his sickness, hide his shame, and fulfill his duty as the eldest son of the Asbjorn family. To live as a normal human being, keep his head down, and finally gain their pride.


That was until he met the new university repairman during his shift at the library. Loukas should have found the beast-kin, with his lecherous and crude mouth, detestable. He had been taught to avoid the impure and pray for them from afar. But the carefree attitude and kind words from an older man gave Loukas a bit of decency from another soul, a taste of the impurity he'd fought so hard never to revisit yet longed for.


Time with Hide brings Loukas to the precipice of undoing all his years of devotion and contrition to his family and church. No amount of praying would absolve his growing fascination for the filthy animal whose sweet words fester in a cesspool of his deepest desires.

Leaving Hide alone only worsens the hollowness inside Loukas, fracturing his facade of timidness. All of Loukas' efforts to suppress his perversions will be in vain if the rot within consumes him. The solitude he's always known is his only option to save him and keep his hunger at bay. But it may be too late if Hide is just as rotten.


This is the first book in a dark gay romance series. It dives into several uncomfortable topics and themes, so please read the warnings and take care.

Genres: Horror, M M Romance

192 pages, Paperback

First published March 4, 2024

About the author

A weird little guy who writes weird, gay and unsettling things.

Reviews

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ 4 stars ⭐️

𝚂𝙾𝙽𝙶 𝙼𝙰𝚃𝙲𝙷 → 𝙼𝙰𝚂𝙾𝙲𝙷𝙸𝚂𝚃 𝚋𝚢 𝙴𝙻𝙻𝙸𝚂𝙴
// My baby's a freak, yeah
And I'm a masochist
I'm stuck in his teeth, yeah
There's poison on his lips
'Cause the bad ones love you better //

Good boy. It was hard to focus on much during his shift because of those two words.

What even is this book? Why did I kinda sorta like it?
Extremely weird, fucked-up, deranged, unhinged — and I’m into it.
The world Loukas and Hide live in is a confusing one, with very little explanations or backstory. I have so many questions: What is Loukas, really? What is this half contemporary/ half fantasy setting? I can’t wait to find out more in book two.

Hide would stop talking and invading his thoughts if he wrapped his hands around his skinny neck. Hold on so tightly, watch him struggle. He would make his pleas for forgiveness. If Loukas could get his teeth around that talkative guy’s neck and bite down. How would he taste?

The sexual sadism, the non-con fantasies, the gore was all very extreme and graphic. Please check content warnings before picking this up, because, holy shit, is Loukas a crazy puppy (not that Hide was any better). And I was weirdly digging it.
I do think it needs a round of editing, ‘cause some parts are a little disjointed and out of place, but other than that I’m here for Loukas’ brand of crazy.

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

CW and tropes (spoilers):
- Murder & gore
- Mutilation
- Bullying
- Age gap (10+ years)
- Slow burn
- Sex w/ others on page (MCs not together)
- Non-human characters
- Height difference
- Praise kink
- Virgin MC
- Unhealthy power dynamics
- Depictions of SH
- Dub-con
- Stalking
- Tentacles
- Sexual sadism
- Implied religious trauma & parental abuse
- Non-con fantasies

Pre-review update: I am confused, both on how to rate this and what the fuck actually happened in this book. BRB, gonna stare at a wall for a bit and contemplate my reading choices.

[vrstal · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5. Highlights may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

Content Warnings for book: Gore, blood, cannibalism and flesh-eating, mutilation, unhealthy power dynamics, reference to animal cruelty and animal death, book banning, Christianity, religious trauma, disordered eating and starvation, self-harm, substance abuse, vomit, stalking, misogyny, bullying, eldritch possession (?), ero-guro, implied incestuous desires, sexual assault and rape, necrophilia, flaying

Kink: D/s, bondage, chastity, sex toys, voyeurism, praise kink, sadism, masochism, tentacles, wound-fucking

Monilinia… I have thoughts.

I’ll start with the good stuff!

I AM LOUKAS PILLED. Meaning, omg! I love him. The dichotomy of cute and sweet and woobie he is to the horrors beneath are great. I love being in his mind, the push and pull, and also seeing a man so desperate for blood and gore — mhmm. That is the stuff. I love a man who is beautiful covered in blood, and I’m imagining this scrawny tall ginger looking nightmarishly angelic while in his kitchen. (IYKYK).

I can’t just write about Loukas the whole time so I’ll move on. Hide is whatever to me… I didn’t particularly like him but I understand him as a character foil and where the build up is to lead these two together. I’ll be interested to see how this is handled in the sequel. I am not even sure I want to see Loukas romanced, though I do want him to be happy.

There’s a lot of questions without answers, which I again hope to learn from the next book.

Mints’ writing style is pretty good! Sometimes I felt that Hide’s PoV wasn’t even really necessary but I understand why it was used occasionally. I also liked that it wasn’t obnoxiously long — it felt to be a really good length for me. He also knows how to be descriptive with his horror because I was certainly uncomfortable at some points.

Finally, some small stuff: noticed a couple typos and continuation errors. Not the end of the world.

My one “major” criticism is that this is mislabeled imo. As someone who reads a lot of queer romance, if I handed this to another romance reader (which the title calls itself) they’d be upset. The two MCs aren’t together in any capacity — and yes, slowburn series exist, but those books tend to be romantic subplot — and we actually see Hide have sex with other people rather than Loukas. Funny thing is: I’m not mad about it. I don’t even really like Hide.

Author, I’d suggest sticking to the label “queer horror”, and not tacking on romance unless you really do have an HEA/HFN planned. If so, you may want to communicate the expectations of needing a series finale to reach that.

All of that aside — if you, too, want to become attached to this awkward, adorably sweet blorbo who eats people you should read this book.

This was an ARC review.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review for ( Hounding Prey-1) Monilinia by Free Mints

This book had some great tropes that just sucked me right in. It has,

Gore
Murder/Mutilation
Age gap relationship (10+)
Unhealthy power dynamics
Depictions and ideations of self-harm
Dubcon
Stalking
parental abuse
Sexual sadism/sexual gratification from murder/sexual sadistic fantasies
Jealousy


This story could be dark, but I have found I'm addicted to dark stories when they're written well. This book hit it out of the park. Who doesn't like a wounded character that needs to find out he is worth something, that he isn't full of evil sickness? To live your life feeling such shame made me want to cry for Loukas. He knows he is supposed to fulfill his duty to his family. The wounded soul that Loukas had was so sad; I just wanted to hug him. Hide changes all that for Loukas. I couldn't put this down. I was so happy to see there is more in this great new series. I'm off to read the next one; I'm so excited to see what's next.

Nicole Harvey

[Uriah Collier · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5/5
I didn't like the style of writing here or the characters, Loukas seems incredibly whiny and annoying. I obtained a copy of the ARC of the second in the series and I'm not deterred. I think this plotline has potential but it was unfortunately lacking heavily. The horror is very good though I think but outside of the horror scenes it was easy for me to lose interest or become annoyed with a character. There is not enough context on Loukas' family and why they're important political figures or why Loukas is the way he is and I'm prayingg the second book delves into that.

[A Look Inside: Reviews and Interviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Free Mints’ "Hounding Prey: Monilinia" is a dark and intense dive into the depths of human and supernatural horror, skillfully weaving a tale that is as disturbing as it is compelling. This novel stands out in the horror genre, both for its graphic depiction of terrifying themes and for the author's undeniable talent in character development and storytelling.

The plot centers around Loukas, a young man grappling with internal and external demons, set against the backdrop of a university town rife with dark secrets. Loukas’ life is punctuated by eerie occurrences and unsettling encounters, particularly with a goat beast-kin, adding layers of supernatural intrigue to the story. The narrative seamlessly blends everyday settings with the grotesque, creating a chilling atmosphere that lingers with the reader long after the book is closed.

Free Mints does not shy away from exploring dark themes, including gore, graphic sexual content, and the brutal realities of bullying. These elements are not for the faint of heart and are explicitly detailed, pushing the boundaries of conventional horror fiction. However, they are integral to the narrative, reflecting the harsh, unfiltered realities that the characters inhabit.

One of Mints’ greatest strengths lies in his character development. Loukas is a deeply flawed and complex protagonist, whose struggles with self-worth and identity are poignantly depicted. His interactions, particularly with the antagonistic goat beast-kin, reveal layers of his character and drive much of the story’s tension. Loukas’ inner turmoil and the external horrors he faces are portrayed with a rawness that evokes both sympathy and unease.

The supporting characters are equally well-crafted, adding depth and dimension to the story. The goat beast-kin, in particular, is a fascinating and menacing presence, whose enigmatic nature and unpredictable behavior keep the readers on edge. Mints excels in creating characters that are not just plot devices but living, breathing individuals with their own motivations and backstories.

Free Mints' writing style is both evocative and immersive. His descriptive prowess vividly brings to life the eerie settings and grotesque imagery that define the novel. The narrative is interspersed with moments of introspection that provide a stark contrast to the horror, allowing readers to connect with Loukas on a deeper level. Mints' ability to balance these elements is a testament to his skill as a writer.

What makes "Hounding Prey: Monilinia" particularly effective is Mints' talent for creating a pervasive sense of dread. The horror is not just in the graphic scenes but in the atmosphere he builds and the psychological depth he brings to the characters. The book’s pacing is well-executed, with tension building steadily towards a climax that is both shocking and satisfying.

Despite the dark and graphic content, there are redeeming qualities that shine through. Loukas’ journey, fraught with horror and self-discovery, is ultimately about confronting one’s demons and finding a sense of purpose. The book does not glorify its darker elements but uses them to explore deeper themes of identity, resilience, and redemption.

For fans of the horror genre, "Hounding Prey: Monilinia" offers a fresh and engaging experience. Its complex characters, atmospheric writing, and unflinching portrayal of horror make it a standout addition to the genre. Those curious about the book should be prepared for its intense content but will find it a rewarding read that pushes the boundaries of horror fiction.

"Hounding Prey: Monilinia" by Free Mints is a dark and gripping horror novel that showcases the author's exceptional storytelling abilities. With its well-developed characters, evocative writing, and relentless tension, it is a must-read for horror enthusiasts and anyone seeking a compelling and challenging narrative. Mints has crafted a tale that is as thought-provoking as it is terrifying, making this book a memorable addition to the horror canon.

[Elin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure how I feel after finishing the book.
It's slow building as we learn tidbits about Loukas, giving us fragments about his past and what he may be but it's never truly clear.
There is something wrong and rotten about him, wrapped up in a soft package which attract attention how ever much he wants it otherwise.
Hide is one of those who find him enticing, no matter who much he learn about Loukas that should make him go the other way.

The end of the book left me intrigued enough to want to go on to the next one, to see if we will meet Hide and others again, and hopefully find out more about Loukas and his Uncle.

I would recommend it if you like a bit of mystery, along with dark and bloody encounters.

[Josie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Monilinia is unexpectedly boring for a type of story that is my catnip. It follows two broken, self-loathing souls who are resigned to a life of unhappiness and whose dark desires have to be kept in check. Loukas is the heir to a family legacy he doesn’t want. He and his family know he is tainted, and he spends his days being as docile as possible and trying to hold on to his doctrine of human respectability. Loukas’ self-hatred and disgust drips from him. He longs to be normal—a good son who can fall in love and be happy but knows that won’t happen. When he meets Hide, he’s drawn to the goat beast-kin, and his self-control slowly erodes.

Hide has been abused by life. He has a chip on his shoulder the size of a sequoia and would rather eat glass than admit to soft emotions or that being treated as unworthy gets to him. He hides his hurt under boorish meanness and initially targets Loukas as cheap entertainment. Eventually, he softens toward the awkward but intense boy and likes Loukas’ obsession with him. In his own deleterious way, Hide befriends Loukas, and when he sees some of Loukas’ ugliness, he’s attracted to the danger.

I just couldn’t get into this. The prose and dialogue can be stiff, clunky and repetitive. There’s also some odd phrasing, and it all makes the story feel longer than it is. There’s enough meat on the bones to see the vision but not enough to satisfy. I could piece together some of Loukas’s backstory and would like to know the rest, but neither that mystery nor the ending could compel me to continue the series.

[Cheryl_cajun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC read, I voluntarily give this book an honest review. If your looking for a bloody dark read, well hold on because within these pages you get that torturous thrill with animalistic world of the not so tamed  Beast-kin. This reminds me of that old saying be carful what you ask for, you may just get it.
Routines was the life line that helped Loukas on fighting the pull, the struggle was just gut wrenching. Both Loukas and Hide have a darkness that is seeking release.
Hide was a complete d!ckhead but you kinda start to catch feeling that leads to the bad awaking that takes place.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let's just say that if the cover makes you both curious and queasy at the same time and you find that interesting and intriguing, then this very well may be the read for you because it is definitely dark and disturbing. The word "horror" is in there for a reason. Our two characters Loukas and Hide have a blackness of soul that (can't quite rid my mind of Jekyll/Hyde ideas) are in perfect mutual symbiosis and that makes for an explosive and dangerous combination. The author draws you in and makes you want to understand these two characters and it seems like Nietzsche's warning about staring into the abyss might be appropriate here, lol.

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Monilinia is the first book in the new Hounding Prey series. This is a very dark book so please read the trigger warnings before you start it. This book is about Loukas and Hide. There isn't a lot I can tell you about the book without giving spoilers. Just know that it is well written and very dark. Free Mints does an amazing job with the characters. The guys have flaws and know them because of this it makes them more understandable. I would definitely recommend this book and I'm looking forward to seeing the next book in the series.

[Sheri Corriero · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loukas has been hiding his true self all his life. He was the oldest son of the family and had a role to play and represent the family. He had to manage it. He had no choice. He met a new repairman when he was at the library. His resistance was ebbing away as he was attracted to this man (Hide). Hide had his own darkness to navigate. The book is dark. Check trigger warnings. I don’t have triggers and enjoyed it. I received an ARC copy from the author and this is my honest review.

[Deb Kel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not normally a horror genre lover but received a free arc for Monilinia so thought i would give it a go and I am so glad I did. This is a very dark book with some bloody and disturbing encounters and plenty of mystery. Loukas and Hide have very dark souls making them a dangerous combination. Without giving away spoilers I recommend this book for an intriguing, dark storyline with multi-layered characters. looking forward to the next in series.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a crazy good book. Totally kept my attention throughout the entire story. Characters were multi layered. Storyline was intense, detailed, and so freaking good!!! Don’t waste time, read this now!!!!!

[Fancy]

weird. clumsy language/poor proof. didn't hold back on the horror.

[MM Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love dark stories so I didn't hesitate to pick up Monilinia by Free Mints to read. It was probably darkish. It was more of a psychological thriller.

[Maria Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

.

[Adoraboy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a twisted read indeed!!! I enjoyed it but it definitely isnt for everyone. Please read trigger warnings before proceeding to read!!!

[lex ❄ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a surprise. As someone who is very into horror, it was very enjoyable overall. It cost me a little bit to get into it at the beginning, since the story doesn't give much explanation about the universe, instead it tells most of it through little details. This is a world full of "beast-kins", basically humans with animalistic traits in their body (ears and tails). In my head I compared it to hybrids from fanfiction. Once I got it, I was ready to fully immerse myself into the ride.

The plot is about Loukas. He feels a lot of self-hatred, shame and guilt over his desires, not explicitedly told which ones until much later. He works at a library, where he meets Hide, a fellow beast-kin, a goat. Hide acts like a bully and treats Loukas as someone unworthy at first. Despite this, Loukas feels infactuated by the older guy, while Hide becomes curious and wants to play with him a little. Their dynamic transforms through the story, and soon Loukas is confronted between giving up to his true self or stay behind his mask.

The characters are definitely something I don't see often. Loukas is introverted, inexperienced in his world and anxious. Hide is the total opposite, rude, loud and annoying. Personally, Hide was never a likeable character to me (mostly due to his misogyny), but this isn't something that takes me out from a book. I find fascinating and even daring when an author sticks to making their characters human, and some humans are despicable and/or just not likeable at all. The mystery around Loukas and the reason he feels so ashamed keep the story interesting, and I even found myself rooting for him. Even at the end, which I feel is tied to internalized homophobia and accepting yourself.

About the dynamic, I enjoyed that it developed past the bully-bullied, which I am fine with to begin with, but it's more intriguing to see a dynamic evolve. Loukas isn't solely a victim of bad pranks and rude comments, and Hide isn't solely a crass and rough guy. He has his vulnerable moments, while Loukas manages to go out of his shell. This balances out considering Loukas is bigger, taller and stronger, contrary to Hide who is much older and small. The fun part is when at the end, Hide becomes the prey, and Loukas is now a predator.

I also felt that the writting style was great, and the story had a nice pacing. It tells no more than it needs, and the big reveal feels earned due to the good build up. It's important to mention that this series goes slow in regards the relationship, so it's best not to expect a lot to happen between the main characters, especially because they barely have "romantic" interactions through the plot. As a fan of slow burn, that was perfect considering the type of story it wants to tell. I'm hoping to see more chemistry between both in the next book.

-I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

Tags: (might miss some of them)
-POV: third person
-Content warnings: gore/blood, cannibalism, violence, mutilation, self-harm, starvation, internalized homophobia (mild, nothing too bad), misogyny from a main character, past abuse, stalking between MCs, toxic dynamics, self-destructive tendencies
-Elements: size difference, age gap, horror
-Kinks: voyeurism, breath play (not on page, but one MC wishes this to happen to him, chastity device, gags
-Sexual act(s): none of these are between the MCs, on page sexual acts between one MC and side characters include: double ended dildo, blowjobs, toys
-Dynamic: unbalanced power dynamics, bully/bullied, predator/prey, it's known that Hide exclusively bottoms

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

He feels like a wolf among the sheep as he is rotten inside. He expects others are the same but he tries to pretend to be normal. He is about to meet someone who will make him feel different. What is going to happen? How will he get on? Where will he be taken next? See how he gets on