Gimbals

by Erik Fox, Michaela Fosdick (Editor)

This book is for everyone who loved Monarch and wanted to know more.

Gimbals in a supplemental prequel to the events that happened in Monarch. Serving as an interlude before Flutter to provide more backstory and character depth to those who are interested.

Don’t get it twisted though, this book is just as crazy as the first one and we’ll learn more about Ms. Goodwill, Harken, Albert and Adrian Montgomery. Whether these details will be important or not is something only time will tell, but I’ll say this—it’s probably a good idea to pay attention.

207 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 14, 2025

Reviews

[myreadingescapism · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well well well… listen Harken is one of my favorite characters. I enjoyed this prequel. It’s been a hot minute (and quite a few books 🥴) since I’ve been in the world of Harken. But just like in Monarch, I was captivated and couldn’t put it down.

My only complaint is… I want more Joseph and Lauren. 😬

[Nicole W. Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Prequel!

I enjoyed this quick read by Erik Fox. The Monarch Series has caught my attention and I hope to read more by this author.

[Abbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good prequel! This was a short/quick read and gave me just the right amount of info I wanted to know about the characters without giving me too much (although I still wish I got a backstory on Gary, I should call him).

I think the Flutter will be GOOD knowing what we do now about Harken, Adrian, and friends. Not looking forward to WAITING for book #3.. but I’ll pass the time with a ham and cheese croissant.

[MG Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Look. I don’t know what Erik Fox is putting in these books but I am ADDICTED. this series is quite literally the page turner I’ve been waiting for. Is it mildly dark in crimey content? Yes. Do you still somehow fall in love with these characters and need to know everything about them? Also yes.
This is a prequel to the first book in the series, Monarch and while it answered many of our questions as readers, it also makes you absolutely CRAVE more.
I cannot WAIT for Flutter and I recommend this series to anyone who needs some quirky, psychological type thriller.
*I will say as someone who likes to get backstory before the real story as long as the books are out, this is not one to read before Monarch. Read Monarch first*
Thank you Erik Fox for this series!!!!!!!
Check TW as the gore in the series is not for everyone but it’s DEFINITELY FOR ME!!!!

[Chancellor Carter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really excited to see there was a second book in this series because I really enjoyed Monarch. When I started reading this book though, I had a hard time figuring out who the characters at the beginning were, even though I had read Monarch a few months ago. After about 50 pages into the book, I had to search up a synopsis because I couldn't figure out how this left off from the 1st book. That's when I learned it was a prequel which helped a little bit. I still don't know how the opening sequence of what happened at Gimbals was at all related to the 2nd half of the book. The 2nd half of the book was enjoyable and I'm looking forward to the next book. I'm hoping it picks up where Monarch left off.

[Kara Fairchild · Rating 3 out of 5]

My rating system:
5 stars - Absolutely loved it! I would definitely read again anytime!
4 stars - Really liked it! Will most likely read again sometime.
3 stars - Liked it. Glad I read it but probably won't read again.
2 stars - Didn't like it. Glad I'm done with the book and I'll never read it again.
1 star - Very rare rating. Absolutely hated the book. Will never read again and I'll probably burn any copies I come across.


3.5 stars. I read Monarch and it was actually really intriguing with a good twist. This book is to be read after Monarch but takes place before Monarch in the timeline. It gives background to a few characters and was a good read.

[maps_to_nowhere · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check TW; this one is more graphic and darker than the first book. I really liked the writing style in the first book, so I knew I had to pick up this second one to see what would happen next. In this book, you are introduced to some new characters and unique perspectives from some characters you met in book one. This is a short, quick read, and I look forward to seeing how the author ties everything together in the next book!

[casey cays · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is from the Monarch series. I was surprised to see it was an origin story. I found some of the writing in the first book not to my liking, but that changed with this book. I enjoyed the stories from different perspectives. I would however have liked the story to be a little more cohesive and tie together in the end. The end felt much like the first books ending…empty. Overall still a good read!

[Xenia Valenzuela · Rating 4 out of 5]

heartbroken and scared

This prequel was amazing, It ended all too quickly. It put me on edge, I loved the characters and the end just made me cry and really think a lot about the whole book. A book that stays on my mind is worth writing a review for.
The author is very kind and has lots of TW. If suspense, gore, demons, SA, or mental health is too much for you this book isn’t for you but if you’re okay with that this is a must read.

[Yolanda Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book by Erik Fox, although this is considered a prequel I think that you do need to read Monarch first as this just builds on the characters. I can’t wait for Flutter and found this a quick and easy read to get through. I did like learning more about how Harken got his start and learning more about him and his motives

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another page turner! Could not put it down and overall enjoyed it. I got a little lost at the beginning with the characters at gimbals and am unsure if I'm on the right track in terms of who is who - but regardless, really great read! Excited to see what comes next for Harken - if I had to guess, more ham and cheese croissants.

[David Woodley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick but enjoyable read. However, and I mean this is the most positive way… I want more, I need more ! Looking forward to whatever comes next !!!!

Only recommendation would be to read them back to back as I had to refresh my memory from Monarch because I kept switching two characters in my brain, and I had just read Monarch !

[Kaity Irace · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the first book in this series and thought this prequel was such a good concept. I very much like the dark themes in this book, but as far as the storyline I liked The Monarch more. Looking forward to the next one!

[Sammie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this author puts drugs in his books because I’m addicted. I loved getting the backstory on our characters from Monarch. Harken is the kind of fucked up that I could read about forever. I can’t wait for the next one!

[Sabrina Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was nervous with how short this book was compared to Monarch but I was quickly surprised with how jam packed this book was. It was fast paced and to the point. I really hope this author keeps writing because I'm sat.

[Jess Wrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a lot of background that you were dying for after reading Monarch but is also a huge tease and has me wishing there was more!! Shorter book and not as slow of a read as Monarch was. Could be finished in a day with no distractions but I suggest savoring it!

[Mia_muffin_music · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this entire book the day it came out. I think I prefer the first book in this series, but I still enjoyed this one! It’s definitely darker than Monarch, but makes me so excited for the last book to come out!!

[Toothfairy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was fun and I can't wait for more!

[Kamryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good follow up to Monarch. Enjoyed seeing how all the story lines from the first book connect.

[Karla Alford · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 ⭐️

Quick read, I enjoyed this prequel to Monarch. It gave you some more backstory on Connor, Harken and Adrian and how it all started.

[Miranda Privat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Monarch was a wild ride but Gimbals was intense and dark and I loved all the background stories!! cannot wait for Flutter

[Mackenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved being back in the world of Monarch and learning about the characters. I wanted to know so much more and have so many more questions now.

[Paige Perkey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imma need a third book pls Erik

[Kendal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know I shouldn’t love Harken but he’s like the golden retriever of serial killers, how could I not??!

[Felicia Gandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good book. finished it within a day.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

It really gives insights on how things came to be in Monarch.

[Brandan · Rating 4 out of 5]

wow. Great prequel to Monarch. the story of Albert was so good. makes you really mourn his loss in book 1 even more due to his history. The back story on Adrian and Harkin was great as well. very good books!!

[Dawn's Fogbound Archive · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was excellent. Like a mini thriller series in my head! I like how the author thought to give the characters their own back stories to get even more in depth with the understanding of why they all are how they are. Very entertaining for a reader interested in exploring the different kinds of psychoses. I read it all in one sitting. I can't wait to read more of this story and be taken away by "the flutter"!

[Tera Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some authors create characters so compelling, you’re left craving more. You want more backstory, more nuance, more insight into what makes them who they are. Often, that curiosity goes unsatisfied, but Gimbals is a rare exception. This book rewards readers with rich glimpses into its characters’ pasts that reveal just enough of their sordid histories to make you stop and think, Ah, now that makes sense.

The pacing is brisk, the writing energetic, and the stories practically leap off the page. Gimbals doesn’t just entertain; it immerses you, making you feel like you’re peeling back the layers of real, complicated lives. This is the perfect, character-driven accompaniment to Monarch.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok… listen. It’s a short and sweet prequel. With that being said……..rude. This made me want book two even more! I read this while walking my dog and I can say it literally stoped me in my tracks and made me say “what the f&$@“ many times. I loved monarch and the way he dropped us in mid storyline. So the prequel was a fun brain Candy but now my diabetic brain wants the flutter. And I support the flutter.