What do you think?
Rate this book
The Heirs of Driftmoor #1
The Monsters They Made Us
NINTH HOUSE meets TEEN WOLF with the social bite of GOSSIP GIRL in this supernatural dark academia tale set in the coastal town of Driftmoor, where old money families guard darker secrets than anyone realizes.
Dorothy arrives at Driftmoor Academy desperate to leave her past behind and become someone new. But when a car crash leaves her suspended between life and death, something ancient inside her awakens. Whispers stalk her through the night. Nightmares claw at her sleep. And death follows wherever she goes.
As she becomes entangled in the gilded world of Driftmoor’s elite, Dorothy uncovers the truth: the founding bloodlines made a bargain long ago, binding their descendants to a curse that's beginning to unravel.
There’s the boy touched by the sea, who’s drawn to a song no one else can hear. The socialite carved from gold and expectation, clinging to perfection before it shatters. And the son born in shadows, raised by a family that never intended to keep him.
Linked by the bargains of their ancestors, the heirs of Driftmoor must decide whether to break the curses that shaped them or become the monsters their ancestors bargained for.
Because in Driftmoor, tradition is suffering. And every curse demands a price.
The Monsters They Made Us is a haunting debut that blends the supernatural, dark academia, and magic on the rocky coast of Massachusetts.
Dorothy arrives at Driftmoor Academy desperate to leave her past behind and become someone new. But when a car crash leaves her suspended between life and death, something ancient inside her awakens. Whispers stalk her through the night. Nightmares claw at her sleep. And death follows wherever she goes.
As she becomes entangled in the gilded world of Driftmoor’s elite, Dorothy uncovers the truth: the founding bloodlines made a bargain long ago, binding their descendants to a curse that's beginning to unravel.
There’s the boy touched by the sea, who’s drawn to a song no one else can hear. The socialite carved from gold and expectation, clinging to perfection before it shatters. And the son born in shadows, raised by a family that never intended to keep him.
Linked by the bargains of their ancestors, the heirs of Driftmoor must decide whether to break the curses that shaped them or become the monsters their ancestors bargained for.
Because in Driftmoor, tradition is suffering. And every curse demands a price.
The Monsters They Made Us is a haunting debut that blends the supernatural, dark academia, and magic on the rocky coast of Massachusetts.
386 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2025
24 people are currently reading
8769 people want to read
About the author
Frank J. Camacho
2 books58 followersFrank J. Camacho was born and raised in New Jersey. He grew up immersed in CW shows and fantasy books, which sparked his love for emotionally tangled characters, small-town secrets, and supernatural drama. When he's not writing, he's making overly specific Spotify playlists or redecorating a room he swore he was done with. The Monsters They Made Us is his first novel and the first book in The Heirs of Driftmoor series.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
August 13, 2025
I have a lot to say... so buckle up besties!!
The Monsters They Made Us follow four main POV’s being Dorothy, Declan, Lola, and Aiden. Although the main protagonist is supposed to be Dorothy, there is so much character arc and emotional depth given to all the secondary characters. It honestly felt like there was no one main protagonist because of how detailed all storylines were. All hose separate plots seamlessly connected in the conclusion of this book inciting more questions and mysterious for the next books in the series. Some other secondary characters that we met include Ophilia, Heather, Camille, Jack, Noah, and Irene. And even with them, we spent enough time to get to know the mystery surrounding their characters. This story was compared to the emotional entanglement of CW shows such as teen Wolf and the Vampire diaries, and I can confirm that that is an accurate description as someone who grew up watching CW shows (religiously I might add). I absolutely love the concept that all of these students, parents and ancestors were linked to the founding families of Driftmoor and each family line bargained for power out of greed or selfish desires, and sacrificed personal choices and elements to magical entities without considering how their future generations will be affected by their decisions. And it’s interesting to see how each character is learning about their families, the history and understanding the magic in their blood and seeing how those can be curses or blessings.
Also, can I just say that these powers and different abilities are so incredible! Like not to give too much away, but we’ve got elemental power and prophecies and references to the greek mythology like the ouroboros snake, compulsion, and possibly the glawackus…
I loved how this book was set in three parts with the first part, setting up the world, the multiple characters and the mysteries behind each character. The second part dived into the characters relationships and their past, and the situations that caused them to distance from each other. There is so much foreshadowing about the characters personality through the glimpses into their past friendships and interactions, and I love how cleverly that was done by using photo frames or different locations as instruments to drive that narrative. As a reader I felt the nostalgia. The third and final part was full of action, all he storylines coming together, so much mystery unfolding but so many more questions appearing. Each character’s journey felt like the end of the beginning and I have absolutely no predictions for the next book.
I also really loved that Frank has so perfectly given life to certain locations. Two example spring to mine and that is (1) the Silver shoals lighthouse, which is a constant reminder of what these characters have lost as well as for other characters, what they have gained. The lighthouse represented something different to each character and also feel s like the starting point because we see it in the background of the group photo I mentioned earlier. And (2) Declan’s and Aiden’s manor. On many occasions, these houses were described as almost living beings, and you could feel the eeriness, their sadness, the loss and the grief these houses felt, and it gave so much meaning to the emotions that the characters were going through.
I also love that Frank has taken inspiration from some beautiful European architecture as well as the Rothschild surrealist ball in bringing an elegant and old school, eerie gothic atmosphere to this book.
The use of different kinds of mythological creatures was so well done!! We meet banshees, sirens, hellhound, we witness magic and possibly see the dead through the veil (a working theory of mine) and all while very appropriately balancing some very heavy, dark, mental health themes that some of the characters grapple with. The balance was perfection! Also, we have mysterious magical objects that are tied to the history of Driftmoor as well as the founding families.
I think for first book (also a debut book which is crazy!!), this was incredibly well done, and I am so eager to see where the story goes in the next book, and I believe this will be trilogy. I would classify this book as a dark paranormal supernatural fantasy, and I will also say that for a book that doesn’t really have any romance and only touches onto one particular romantic relationship, which is very much a sub plot and not relied, I was giggling and eating up those characters banter so hard!! They were honestly so cute, and I am absolutely here for it!! Like how cute was that!!! I loved how easy it felt, how well balanced the two were with one fighting for his life and cheating death while the other was laid-back and chill af.
There was one twist at the end, which made me actually quite emotional to find out, and I’m so intrigued to see where this goes. In general, the way Frank has balanced all these heavy themes was so well done because I actually felt for the characters. As much as I love this book, I do not want to be part of that friend circle because these people are truly going through it!
And lastly, I have to give a massive shout out to Frank for having the most beautiful writing style ever ! I am in love with how well described and cinematic his writing feels! There were so many metaphors and symbolism, but still kept the story so easy to read and follow. And it is such a huge testament to his skills to be able to balance four different POV yet I was desperate and excited to read each POV. I never once got bored by any characters and I was looking forward to seeing what happens next with each of their storylines. Usually, when there is multiple POV, we are kind of just looking forward to one or two of them and sort of skim through the rest, but for each and every character I was hooked! Also, this entire book is written from a third person perspective, even though it follows multiple POV’s, I totally felt like I was reading this as a first person POV and felt so sucked into the story because it was so brilliantly written, I loved witnessing the characters, personal growth and journey. I also love that each chapter was quite short, but linked the POV so seamlessly from the previous one and something I noticed was that each chapters ended with a beautiful poetic sentence. I will quote a few below:
~ Driftmoor was a place where names mattered more than people. And his name was etched into this Academy.
~ Stay in your room. Stay quiet. Stay unseen. Those have always been the rules.
~ A subtle thread through the tapestry of his self-image, tightening whenever he caught his reflection, or a suit fit him wrong.
~ The painting showed a forest cloaked in mist and at the center a woman in white, her face eclipsed by shadow while one hand extended toward the viewer.
~ But I suppose such gossip fills the void when one doesn't have a life of their own.
~ I'd tell you that the world ending wouldn't change the fact that I see you. Even when you try to disappear.
~ Asking for help is a strength-not a weakness. You are not a burden. You are not alone. Your story is not over yet.
Thank you for this incredible ARC!!
The Monsters They Made Us follow four main POV’s being Dorothy, Declan, Lola, and Aiden. Although the main protagonist is supposed to be Dorothy, there is so much character arc and emotional depth given to all the secondary characters. It honestly felt like there was no one main protagonist because of how detailed all storylines were. All hose separate plots seamlessly connected in the conclusion of this book inciting more questions and mysterious for the next books in the series. Some other secondary characters that we met include Ophilia, Heather, Camille, Jack, Noah, and Irene. And even with them, we spent enough time to get to know the mystery surrounding their characters. This story was compared to the emotional entanglement of CW shows such as teen Wolf and the Vampire diaries, and I can confirm that that is an accurate description as someone who grew up watching CW shows (religiously I might add). I absolutely love the concept that all of these students, parents and ancestors were linked to the founding families of Driftmoor and each family line bargained for power out of greed or selfish desires, and sacrificed personal choices and elements to magical entities without considering how their future generations will be affected by their decisions. And it’s interesting to see how each character is learning about their families, the history and understanding the magic in their blood and seeing how those can be curses or blessings.
Also, can I just say that these powers and different abilities are so incredible! Like not to give too much away, but we’ve got elemental power and prophecies and references to the greek mythology like the ouroboros snake, compulsion, and possibly the glawackus…
I loved how this book was set in three parts with the first part, setting up the world, the multiple characters and the mysteries behind each character. The second part dived into the characters relationships and their past, and the situations that caused them to distance from each other. There is so much foreshadowing about the characters personality through the glimpses into their past friendships and interactions, and I love how cleverly that was done by using photo frames or different locations as instruments to drive that narrative. As a reader I felt the nostalgia. The third and final part was full of action, all he storylines coming together, so much mystery unfolding but so many more questions appearing. Each character’s journey felt like the end of the beginning and I have absolutely no predictions for the next book.
I also really loved that Frank has so perfectly given life to certain locations. Two example spring to mine and that is (1) the Silver shoals lighthouse, which is a constant reminder of what these characters have lost as well as for other characters, what they have gained. The lighthouse represented something different to each character and also feel s like the starting point because we see it in the background of the group photo I mentioned earlier. And (2) Declan’s and Aiden’s manor. On many occasions, these houses were described as almost living beings, and you could feel the eeriness, their sadness, the loss and the grief these houses felt, and it gave so much meaning to the emotions that the characters were going through.
I also love that Frank has taken inspiration from some beautiful European architecture as well as the Rothschild surrealist ball in bringing an elegant and old school, eerie gothic atmosphere to this book.
The use of different kinds of mythological creatures was so well done!! We meet banshees, sirens, hellhound, we witness magic and possibly see the dead through the veil (a working theory of mine) and all while very appropriately balancing some very heavy, dark, mental health themes that some of the characters grapple with. The balance was perfection! Also, we have mysterious magical objects that are tied to the history of Driftmoor as well as the founding families.
I think for first book (also a debut book which is crazy!!), this was incredibly well done, and I am so eager to see where the story goes in the next book, and I believe this will be trilogy. I would classify this book as a dark paranormal supernatural fantasy, and I will also say that for a book that doesn’t really have any romance and only touches onto one particular romantic relationship, which is very much a sub plot and not relied, I was giggling and eating up those characters banter so hard!! They were honestly so cute, and I am absolutely here for it!! Like how cute was that!!! I loved how easy it felt, how well balanced the two were with one fighting for his life and cheating death while the other was laid-back and chill af.
There was one twist at the end, which made me actually quite emotional to find out, and I’m so intrigued to see where this goes. In general, the way Frank has balanced all these heavy themes was so well done because I actually felt for the characters. As much as I love this book, I do not want to be part of that friend circle because these people are truly going through it!
And lastly, I have to give a massive shout out to Frank for having the most beautiful writing style ever ! I am in love with how well described and cinematic his writing feels! There were so many metaphors and symbolism, but still kept the story so easy to read and follow. And it is such a huge testament to his skills to be able to balance four different POV yet I was desperate and excited to read each POV. I never once got bored by any characters and I was looking forward to seeing what happens next with each of their storylines. Usually, when there is multiple POV, we are kind of just looking forward to one or two of them and sort of skim through the rest, but for each and every character I was hooked! Also, this entire book is written from a third person perspective, even though it follows multiple POV’s, I totally felt like I was reading this as a first person POV and felt so sucked into the story because it was so brilliantly written, I loved witnessing the characters, personal growth and journey. I also love that each chapter was quite short, but linked the POV so seamlessly from the previous one and something I noticed was that each chapters ended with a beautiful poetic sentence. I will quote a few below:
~ Driftmoor was a place where names mattered more than people. And his name was etched into this Academy.
~ Stay in your room. Stay quiet. Stay unseen. Those have always been the rules.
~ A subtle thread through the tapestry of his self-image, tightening whenever he caught his reflection, or a suit fit him wrong.
~ The painting showed a forest cloaked in mist and at the center a woman in white, her face eclipsed by shadow while one hand extended toward the viewer.
~ But I suppose such gossip fills the void when one doesn't have a life of their own.
~ I'd tell you that the world ending wouldn't change the fact that I see you. Even when you try to disappear.
~ Asking for help is a strength-not a weakness. You are not a burden. You are not alone. Your story is not over yet.
Thank you for this incredible ARC!!
October 14, 2025
It’s truly remarkable when an author is capable of bringing you into the world they’ve created and having you tag along for all of the twists and turns and many, MANY traumas.
We have a town shrouded in mystery and supernatural lore, families buried in curses and deceit, and teens trying to find their own identities in a world that’s already got their strings of fate decided or possibly cut short. Will the need to be perfect be what causes you to crack? Will keeping your head down and toes in line save you from being unwanted? Will running from the past allow you to escape what is inevitable? Will secrets save you or bury you deeper? I am definitely team: let these kids catch a break. But alas where would the fun be in that?
Consider giving this debut author a read if you are a fan of: dark academia, supernatural entities, teen drama, action scenes, and rich imagery within every detail and prose (he could probably make a can of tuna fish sound beautiful).
Side note: I am so proud of my friend for creating this amazing story and finally sharing it with the world. He has undoubtedly put so much of himself into his characters and details, and it is wonderful to see them be loved by his readers. I genuinely am so excited to see his career as an author take off and flourish. I look forward to being the creepiest fan at his events even though he invited me to be there.
We have a town shrouded in mystery and supernatural lore, families buried in curses and deceit, and teens trying to find their own identities in a world that’s already got their strings of fate decided or possibly cut short. Will the need to be perfect be what causes you to crack? Will keeping your head down and toes in line save you from being unwanted? Will running from the past allow you to escape what is inevitable? Will secrets save you or bury you deeper? I am definitely team: let these kids catch a break. But alas where would the fun be in that?
Consider giving this debut author a read if you are a fan of: dark academia, supernatural entities, teen drama, action scenes, and rich imagery within every detail and prose (he could probably make a can of tuna fish sound beautiful).
Side note: I am so proud of my friend for creating this amazing story and finally sharing it with the world. He has undoubtedly put so much of himself into his characters and details, and it is wonderful to see them be loved by his readers. I genuinely am so excited to see his career as an author take off and flourish. I look forward to being the creepiest fan at his events even though he invited me to be there.
Read
October 3, 2025A message to readers:
This story, its world, and its characters have lived in my head and on hundreds of sheets of paper like the one on the second slide for more than half of my life. While there have been dozens of rewrites, the concept has always remained the same: a group of young adults in a coastal town facing some supernatural occurrences.
There are now monsters, lore and magic, and horror and opulence, all wrapped up in a pretty bow called Driftmoor, Massachusetts.
But it wasn’t until I went through my own life experiences that I was wanted to dive into a deeper outlook such as generational trauma, mental health, and the cycles of darkness that we either try to break free from or fall victim to.
Thank you to my (my honestly feels weird to say. As it seems possessive…but you get the point) beta readers, ARC readers, friends, mutuals and strangers for all your support, feedback, and encouragement.
Inside these pages you’ll meet four heirs and their complicated families who live in these homes full of excess and decay, but you’ll also encounter some of my greatest fears and insecurities. Dreams and nightmares. Along with bits and pieces of my own experiences with mental health.
The Monsters They Made Us is out of my hands now and out for the world to read.
Driftmoor awaits 🌊
This story, its world, and its characters have lived in my head and on hundreds of sheets of paper like the one on the second slide for more than half of my life. While there have been dozens of rewrites, the concept has always remained the same: a group of young adults in a coastal town facing some supernatural occurrences.
There are now monsters, lore and magic, and horror and opulence, all wrapped up in a pretty bow called Driftmoor, Massachusetts.
But it wasn’t until I went through my own life experiences that I was wanted to dive into a deeper outlook such as generational trauma, mental health, and the cycles of darkness that we either try to break free from or fall victim to.
Thank you to my (my honestly feels weird to say. As it seems possessive…but you get the point) beta readers, ARC readers, friends, mutuals and strangers for all your support, feedback, and encouragement.
Inside these pages you’ll meet four heirs and their complicated families who live in these homes full of excess and decay, but you’ll also encounter some of my greatest fears and insecurities. Dreams and nightmares. Along with bits and pieces of my own experiences with mental health.
The Monsters They Made Us is out of my hands now and out for the world to read.
Driftmoor awaits 🌊
August 10, 2025
ARC Review:
The Monsters They Made Us isn’t the kind of book I usually pick up, but I’m so glad I did. It’s a dark academia tale that blends creeping dread with razor-sharp character work. The setting is immersive and atmospheric, every hallway and shadow charged with tension. The characters are layered and flawed in ways that make them feel alive, and the slow-burn mystery kept me hooked from start to finish.
Camacho delivers horror that is as much about human ambition and secrets as it is about the monsters lurking in the dark. Smart, unsettling, and surprisingly emotional, I couldn’t put it down. One line is still haunting me: “But because love, once felt, didn’t vanish just because it hurt.”
The Monsters They Made Us isn’t the kind of book I usually pick up, but I’m so glad I did. It’s a dark academia tale that blends creeping dread with razor-sharp character work. The setting is immersive and atmospheric, every hallway and shadow charged with tension. The characters are layered and flawed in ways that make them feel alive, and the slow-burn mystery kept me hooked from start to finish.
Camacho delivers horror that is as much about human ambition and secrets as it is about the monsters lurking in the dark. Smart, unsettling, and surprisingly emotional, I couldn’t put it down. One line is still haunting me: “But because love, once felt, didn’t vanish just because it hurt.”
July 30, 2025
Five stars – I hope the CW picks this one up!
The Monsters Who Made Us by Frank J. Camacho has major Vampire Diaries vibes (minus the vampires) with a moody, dark academia feel that totally hooked me. The writing is pure poetry. Every line pulled me deeper into the story. The pacing, the atmosphere, the internal monologues, the dialogue —it’s all beautifully done.
With four POVs, you’d expect to feel distant, but Camacho brings each one to life. I personally connected with Lola the most (think Caroline Forbes meets upper-class seaside prom queen.) She made me laugh, but her insecurities also hit bone-deep. Declan’s story? Heartbreaking. Dorothy? Terrifying in the best way. Aidan? Honestly, I didn’t personally connect with him as much, but that only added to the intrigue.
This one does include *light* romance subplots, but thankfully they never overshadow the other genres or the main plot. In fact, they’re handled well, adding depth without distracting from the story.
With this one—there’s a good bit of teen drinking. But honestly, with the whole old-money, corset-wearing, pre-cellphone vibe of the world, it totally fits the tone and setting.
As for everything else? The worldbuilding is vivid. Driftmore, the grand estates, the haunting atmosphere—Frank J. Camacho absolutely nailed it.
I absolutely think there’s a second book coming based on how it ended, and I’ll be first in line when it does. Beautifully written, emotionally layered, and a total standout.
The Monsters Who Made Us by Frank J. Camacho has major Vampire Diaries vibes (minus the vampires) with a moody, dark academia feel that totally hooked me. The writing is pure poetry. Every line pulled me deeper into the story. The pacing, the atmosphere, the internal monologues, the dialogue —it’s all beautifully done.
With four POVs, you’d expect to feel distant, but Camacho brings each one to life. I personally connected with Lola the most (think Caroline Forbes meets upper-class seaside prom queen.) She made me laugh, but her insecurities also hit bone-deep. Declan’s story? Heartbreaking. Dorothy? Terrifying in the best way. Aidan? Honestly, I didn’t personally connect with him as much, but that only added to the intrigue.
This one does include *light* romance subplots, but thankfully they never overshadow the other genres or the main plot. In fact, they’re handled well, adding depth without distracting from the story.
With this one—there’s a good bit of teen drinking. But honestly, with the whole old-money, corset-wearing, pre-cellphone vibe of the world, it totally fits the tone and setting.
As for everything else? The worldbuilding is vivid. Driftmore, the grand estates, the haunting atmosphere—Frank J. Camacho absolutely nailed it.
I absolutely think there’s a second book coming based on how it ended, and I’ll be first in line when it does. Beautifully written, emotionally layered, and a total standout.
July 31, 2025
Super impressed with Frank J. Camacho’s debut novel! Picking up this book felt like I was actually stepping into the world of Driftmoor, thanks to Camacho’s vivid, beautifully descriptive imagery. The story was dark, moody, and full of mystery and magic! The characters were believable and nuanced and I enjoyed following the story through each of their POV chapters. Camacho really knows how to spin a story that makes you not want to put this book down until it’s finished. The only downside is that I now have to wait impatiently for the next installment. I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of dark academia and fantasy. I can’t wait to see what’s next for this extremely talented debut author!
September 30, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.75)
“I’d tell you that the world ending wouldn’t change the fact that I see you. Even when you try to disappear.”
The Monsters They Made Us is a supernatural dark academia page-turner with a compelling mix of darkness, monsters, and tangled family ties.
The story follows four characters—Dorothy, Declan, Lola, and Aiden—three heirs from Driftmoor’s founding families and Dorothy, a scholarship student at Driftmoor Academy. Beneath their polished exteriors, cracks begin to form as long-buried secrets surface and impossible discoveries force them to question everything: their families, their friends, and even themselves.
What really stood out to me was the worldbuilding and magic system. Without spoiling too much, it was refreshing to see supernatural creatures that aren’t typically spotlighted. Don’t get me wrong—I absolutely love stories with dragons, fae, and other familiar elements—but I appreciated how this book explored something a little different. The writing itself was beautifully lyrical, pulling me into the chilling atmosphere of Driftmoor. I felt the despair, the loneliness, and also the flickers of hope through friendship and family bonds. The darker themes and monstrous elements were some of my favorite aspects.
That said, a few things fell a bit flat. With four POVs, I appreciated getting insight into each character’s struggles, but it sometimes made it harder to fully connect with them. The overlapping plotlines, while intriguing, could be confusing at times and occasionally pulled me out of the story. Still, each character’s arc ended on a small cliffhanger, leaving me curious to see what comes next.
Recommended for readers who love monsters, dark academia, and stories steeped in family secrets with a supernatural twist.
Thank you to the author Frank J. Camacho and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
“I’d tell you that the world ending wouldn’t change the fact that I see you. Even when you try to disappear.”
The Monsters They Made Us is a supernatural dark academia page-turner with a compelling mix of darkness, monsters, and tangled family ties.
The story follows four characters—Dorothy, Declan, Lola, and Aiden—three heirs from Driftmoor’s founding families and Dorothy, a scholarship student at Driftmoor Academy. Beneath their polished exteriors, cracks begin to form as long-buried secrets surface and impossible discoveries force them to question everything: their families, their friends, and even themselves.
What really stood out to me was the worldbuilding and magic system. Without spoiling too much, it was refreshing to see supernatural creatures that aren’t typically spotlighted. Don’t get me wrong—I absolutely love stories with dragons, fae, and other familiar elements—but I appreciated how this book explored something a little different. The writing itself was beautifully lyrical, pulling me into the chilling atmosphere of Driftmoor. I felt the despair, the loneliness, and also the flickers of hope through friendship and family bonds. The darker themes and monstrous elements were some of my favorite aspects.
That said, a few things fell a bit flat. With four POVs, I appreciated getting insight into each character’s struggles, but it sometimes made it harder to fully connect with them. The overlapping plotlines, while intriguing, could be confusing at times and occasionally pulled me out of the story. Still, each character’s arc ended on a small cliffhanger, leaving me curious to see what comes next.
Recommended for readers who love monsters, dark academia, and stories steeped in family secrets with a supernatural twist.
Thank you to the author Frank J. Camacho and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 20, 2025
So so good! Blends horror, dark academia and fantasy, and the supernatural into a gorgeous, haunting, and devastating experience and I could not put it down! You won’t be able to either.
We follow Dorothy, Declan, Aiden, and Lola. Dorothy is new to Driftmoor, and is isolated after a terrible crash. Declan, Aiden, and Lola are Driftmoor royalty with their own problems. As the story unfolds, we see just how badly they are each cursed and what they do to find their way.
The writing is so poetic and immersive. It creates a dark, eerie atmosphere filled with dread and excess. The imagery throughout helps to set the scenes of these grand places with just enough rot and decay to make you think twice. Every chapter ending had me turning the page for more!
This book also has everything from witches, cursed objects, ghosts, sirens, and more. The wholly supernatural town comes alive with much more than meets the eye.
And these characters! These rich kids have legacies to uphold and curses to contend with. And Dorothy, as the new scholarship student, is thrown off the deep end. But where we would see pride and judgement, we see 4 kids who are just trying to make it through. There are fates working beyond their sphere, and we see how vulnerable they are, despite their privilege.
There are heavy themes in this book and I truly appreciate the author’s note after a particularly heavy situation in the book. The care given by Camacho in the note and the writing is so appreciated.
Thank you so much for trusting me to read this amazing story early!
We follow Dorothy, Declan, Aiden, and Lola. Dorothy is new to Driftmoor, and is isolated after a terrible crash. Declan, Aiden, and Lola are Driftmoor royalty with their own problems. As the story unfolds, we see just how badly they are each cursed and what they do to find their way.
The writing is so poetic and immersive. It creates a dark, eerie atmosphere filled with dread and excess. The imagery throughout helps to set the scenes of these grand places with just enough rot and decay to make you think twice. Every chapter ending had me turning the page for more!
This book also has everything from witches, cursed objects, ghosts, sirens, and more. The wholly supernatural town comes alive with much more than meets the eye.
And these characters! These rich kids have legacies to uphold and curses to contend with. And Dorothy, as the new scholarship student, is thrown off the deep end. But where we would see pride and judgement, we see 4 kids who are just trying to make it through. There are fates working beyond their sphere, and we see how vulnerable they are, despite their privilege.
There are heavy themes in this book and I truly appreciate the author’s note after a particularly heavy situation in the book. The care given by Camacho in the note and the writing is so appreciated.
Thank you so much for trusting me to read this amazing story early!
August 25, 2025
~~A perfect read for slow-burning spooky vibes~~
-Beautiful imagery of the rich, upper-class mansions in a small coastal town. The setting is just picturesque.
-Loved the variety of supernatural things, everyone is haunted af
-The DRAMA—flawed characters not nice to each other sometimes
The atmosphere is suuuuuper alluring. Like the whole book is a siren call. Each chapter is a little poetic vignette of spookems. And every MC has their own supernatural thing they struggle with and try to keep secret (and not die from), but they come together so satisfyingly for the double-climax. And even the secondary characters have supernatural secrets and family history that are sprinkled in.
Loved the LGBTQIA+ rep. The romance is there but doesn’t detract from the rest of the supernatural things.
WE NEED BOOK TWO. LOVE LOVE LOVE!!
-Beautiful imagery of the rich, upper-class mansions in a small coastal town. The setting is just picturesque.
-Loved the variety of supernatural things, everyone is haunted af
-The DRAMA—flawed characters not nice to each other sometimes
The atmosphere is suuuuuper alluring. Like the whole book is a siren call. Each chapter is a little poetic vignette of spookems. And every MC has their own supernatural thing they struggle with and try to keep secret (and not die from), but they come together so satisfyingly for the double-climax. And even the secondary characters have supernatural secrets and family history that are sprinkled in.
Loved the LGBTQIA+ rep. The romance is there but doesn’t detract from the rest of the supernatural things.
WE NEED BOOK TWO. LOVE LOVE LOVE!!
October 3, 2025
3 Star Read from me.
I thought the pacing of the story was great. There was always something happening & I enjoyed that the chapters were shorter, this makes me want to keep reading to find out what happens. I also enjoyed the multiple POV’s and how staggered they were, this also increased my intrigued into what was going to happen next.
I thought the paranormal/magical side of the story was good & enjoyed how they were brought together.
I sadly never quite connected with the characters and didn’t really feel their connection to eachother, especially as they were meant to be childhood friends.
However it was a great easy story to follow.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Author Frank J Camacho for letting me read an ARC.
I thought the pacing of the story was great. There was always something happening & I enjoyed that the chapters were shorter, this makes me want to keep reading to find out what happens. I also enjoyed the multiple POV’s and how staggered they were, this also increased my intrigued into what was going to happen next.
I thought the paranormal/magical side of the story was good & enjoyed how they were brought together.
I sadly never quite connected with the characters and didn’t really feel their connection to eachother, especially as they were meant to be childhood friends.
However it was a great easy story to follow.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Author Frank J Camacho for letting me read an ARC.
October 28, 2025
Exactly as promoted! Teen Wolf, Gossip Girl, classic CW with a fun spooky edge.
I really enjoyed the writing style of this story. There were moments where I wanted more information so I could guess the ending ( who doesn't love a fan theory) but the story is written in a way that all will be revealed and unfold just as it is supposed to!
The characters are interesting and the fantasy element is great for the time of year it was released. There's a spooky creepy element that isn't over the top but important to the story.
The balance between teen drama and fantasy/thriller is perfect imo. Just what I'm looking for in a book without insane world building for chapters upon chapters.
I really enjoyed the writing style of this story. There were moments where I wanted more information so I could guess the ending ( who doesn't love a fan theory) but the story is written in a way that all will be revealed and unfold just as it is supposed to!
The characters are interesting and the fantasy element is great for the time of year it was released. There's a spooky creepy element that isn't over the top but important to the story.
The balance between teen drama and fantasy/thriller is perfect imo. Just what I'm looking for in a book without insane world building for chapters upon chapters.
September 3, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐.25 | 4.25 stars rounded down
I ate this story up! It's got everything I love in a book: atmospheric writing, beautiful prose, incredible character work, and imaginative world-building. Camacho does a fantastic job of blending dark academia, light supernatural horror, and fantasy.
I really enjoyed getting to know each character and how the town of Driftmoor becomes a character unto itself. The plot is surprising and compelling, and I couldn't put it down.
Thanks so much to the author for an eARC in exchange for my honest review!
I ate this story up! It's got everything I love in a book: atmospheric writing, beautiful prose, incredible character work, and imaginative world-building. Camacho does a fantastic job of blending dark academia, light supernatural horror, and fantasy.
I really enjoyed getting to know each character and how the town of Driftmoor becomes a character unto itself. The plot is surprising and compelling, and I couldn't put it down.
Thanks so much to the author for an eARC in exchange for my honest review!
September 28, 2025
Lucky enough to get an ARC of this through Net Galley.
I would definitely say to check trigger warnings, I think it deals with some quite heavy subjects
Really well written and well paced, I wanted to keep reading. I like the way that the fantasy elements of this help address real issues that teenagers may face such as depression and coming to terms with sexuality.
I would have liked a bit more explanation as to what had happened in the past, what the families agreed to and how it led to the present day.
I would definitely say to check trigger warnings, I think it deals with some quite heavy subjects
Really well written and well paced, I wanted to keep reading. I like the way that the fantasy elements of this help address real issues that teenagers may face such as depression and coming to terms with sexuality.
I would have liked a bit more explanation as to what had happened in the past, what the families agreed to and how it led to the present day.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2025
This book is written so well! I loved the dark academia vibes that this story gives. I was captivated by the cover alone and the book did not disappoint. Great spooky season read.
July 30, 2025
I enjoyed this book, Vampire Diaries meets Gossip Girl. There are twists and turns, mystery and thrills. I can not wait for the rest of the series to come out!
November 4, 2025
This one drops us into Driftmoor, a gloomy wee town that’s dripping with atmosphere (the descriptions had me picturing the place so clearly it felt like I’d accidentally moved in). We follow four POVs: three rich kids from Driftmoor’s elite families, plus one scholarship student at Driftmoor Academy who’s very much not part of the inner circle.
At first, I struggled to settle in. Four POVs swapping every few pages made it hard to latch on. But once I got my bearings, I loved uncovering all the little secrets the characters (and their families) were hiding.
The vibe is peak dark academia meets supernatural fantasy. Old money families, creepy town, mysterious creatures slowly creeping out of the shadows. The world building is complex, vivid and the town itself basically becomes a character. And the pacing is lightning fast. Short, snappy chapters kept me flipping those pages.
My main gripe (and why this sits at 3 stars) is that I just didn’t connect with the characters. They were interesting enough, but for some reason I just never felt emotionally invested in them. Maybe I’m getting too old for YA now (rude), but I cared more about the setting and monsters than the actual teens.
Overall this is a moody, fast paced, atmospheric read with killer vibes. I just wish the characters had grabbed me as much as the world did.
Thanks to NetGalley & the author for the free advance copy of this book. All thoughts are my own & review is fully voluntary.
At first, I struggled to settle in. Four POVs swapping every few pages made it hard to latch on. But once I got my bearings, I loved uncovering all the little secrets the characters (and their families) were hiding.
The vibe is peak dark academia meets supernatural fantasy. Old money families, creepy town, mysterious creatures slowly creeping out of the shadows. The world building is complex, vivid and the town itself basically becomes a character. And the pacing is lightning fast. Short, snappy chapters kept me flipping those pages.
My main gripe (and why this sits at 3 stars) is that I just didn’t connect with the characters. They were interesting enough, but for some reason I just never felt emotionally invested in them. Maybe I’m getting too old for YA now (rude), but I cared more about the setting and monsters than the actual teens.
Overall this is a moody, fast paced, atmospheric read with killer vibes. I just wish the characters had grabbed me as much as the world did.
Thanks to NetGalley & the author for the free advance copy of this book. All thoughts are my own & review is fully voluntary.
October 8, 2025
There’s a line early on — “Driftmoor was a place where names mattered more than people.”
It’s the kind of sentence that quietly ruins you. Because it’s true, isn’t it? The weight of family, of reputation, of the ghosts we inherit — they all can become a kind of curse.
The Monsters They Made Us follows four souls bound to Driftmoor: Dorothy, Declan, Lola and Aiden. Four stories bleeding into each other, each one heavy with inherited sin. They are descendants, heirs, survivors, but first of all children of promises made long ago to things that should never have been trusted.
Dorothy, with her quiet strength and haunted curiosity.
Declan, who carries grief like a second skin.
Lola, equal parts fire and ruin.
Aiden, distant and cold, hiding something almost tender beneath it all.
And that’s the beauty of this book: it doesn’t just give you characters. It gives you people who are broken in ways that feel devastatingly human, Each one aching to rewrite the story written in their blood.
This isn’t the kind of fantasy that dazzles you with spectacle.:
It lingers, It drips, It sinks under your skin like salt water.
Every chapter feels like a confession and every secret like a wound being reopened.
The magic system feels ancient and symbolic — elemental power, prophecies and myths that whisper of banshees and sirens, of the ouroboros snake devouring its own tail. The line between divine and monstrous blurs constantly. Every act of power feels like both creation and destruction. And through it all, the world itself hums with memory the old manor that mourns its lost sons, the Silver Shoals Lighthouse standing like a ghost on the edge of the sea.
I think what I loved most is how alive the places felt. Frank J. Camacho doesn’t just describe a setting, he gives it emotion. The manor sighs in its loneliness. The lighthouse flickers like guilt trying to find redemption. Driftmoor breathes.
There’s a quiet sadness that runs through the prose, like a low note in the background. It reminded me of the way Donna Tartt writes silence — how something unspoken can feel louder than dialogue. The writing is precise, cinematic and poetic without ever losing sincerity. Every line feels crafted with care.
Some sentences I keep thinking about:
“Stay in your room. Stay quiet. Stay unseen.”
“A subtle thread through the tapestry of his self-image, tightening whenever he caught his reflection.”
“I’d tell you that the world ending wouldn’t change the fact that I see you. Even when you try to disappear.”
Those words linger, they don’t leave when you close the book.
There’s not much romance here, but when it does appear, it feels raw and real: two people reaching for light in the middle of all the darkness. It’s not about falling in love; it’s about being seen. About survival, about the rare kindness that still exists in a ruined world.
Camacho’s greatest strength, though, lies in how he balances beauty and sorrow. Every scene is soaked in atmosphere — candlelight, fog, guilt, bloodlines along with the hum of something sacred and cursed. It’s a dark academia story, but it’s also a tragedy about inheritance and identity. About how sometimes, the monsters we fear most are the ones our families made us become.
If I had to describe how it felt to read it, I’d say: like walking through an abandoned chapel at dusk. The air heavy with silence, the floor cold beneath your feet and the faint echo of prayers that were never answered.
It’s lonely and beautiful and a little terrifying.
For a debut, it’s astonishing. Four POVs, each equally compelling. Seamless transitions. Short, sharp chapters that feel like breaths between confessions. I never once wanted to skip ahead — I wanted to listen. To every one of them.
And when it ended, I didn’t feel finished. I felt haunted (the good kind, the kind that makes you stare at the ceiling for a while after).
Because this story isn’t really about monsters.
It’s about what we inherit. What we carry. What we can’t put down, even when it hurts to hold.
I really, really loved this book. More than I expected to. It’s dark and sad and kind of beautiful in the worst way.
And maybe that’s why it stayed.
It’s the kind of sentence that quietly ruins you. Because it’s true, isn’t it? The weight of family, of reputation, of the ghosts we inherit — they all can become a kind of curse.
The Monsters They Made Us follows four souls bound to Driftmoor: Dorothy, Declan, Lola and Aiden. Four stories bleeding into each other, each one heavy with inherited sin. They are descendants, heirs, survivors, but first of all children of promises made long ago to things that should never have been trusted.
Dorothy, with her quiet strength and haunted curiosity.
Declan, who carries grief like a second skin.
Lola, equal parts fire and ruin.
Aiden, distant and cold, hiding something almost tender beneath it all.
And that’s the beauty of this book: it doesn’t just give you characters. It gives you people who are broken in ways that feel devastatingly human, Each one aching to rewrite the story written in their blood.
This isn’t the kind of fantasy that dazzles you with spectacle.:
It lingers, It drips, It sinks under your skin like salt water.
Every chapter feels like a confession and every secret like a wound being reopened.
The magic system feels ancient and symbolic — elemental power, prophecies and myths that whisper of banshees and sirens, of the ouroboros snake devouring its own tail. The line between divine and monstrous blurs constantly. Every act of power feels like both creation and destruction. And through it all, the world itself hums with memory the old manor that mourns its lost sons, the Silver Shoals Lighthouse standing like a ghost on the edge of the sea.
I think what I loved most is how alive the places felt. Frank J. Camacho doesn’t just describe a setting, he gives it emotion. The manor sighs in its loneliness. The lighthouse flickers like guilt trying to find redemption. Driftmoor breathes.
There’s a quiet sadness that runs through the prose, like a low note in the background. It reminded me of the way Donna Tartt writes silence — how something unspoken can feel louder than dialogue. The writing is precise, cinematic and poetic without ever losing sincerity. Every line feels crafted with care.
Some sentences I keep thinking about:
“Stay in your room. Stay quiet. Stay unseen.”
“A subtle thread through the tapestry of his self-image, tightening whenever he caught his reflection.”
“I’d tell you that the world ending wouldn’t change the fact that I see you. Even when you try to disappear.”
Those words linger, they don’t leave when you close the book.
There’s not much romance here, but when it does appear, it feels raw and real: two people reaching for light in the middle of all the darkness. It’s not about falling in love; it’s about being seen. About survival, about the rare kindness that still exists in a ruined world.
Camacho’s greatest strength, though, lies in how he balances beauty and sorrow. Every scene is soaked in atmosphere — candlelight, fog, guilt, bloodlines along with the hum of something sacred and cursed. It’s a dark academia story, but it’s also a tragedy about inheritance and identity. About how sometimes, the monsters we fear most are the ones our families made us become.
If I had to describe how it felt to read it, I’d say: like walking through an abandoned chapel at dusk. The air heavy with silence, the floor cold beneath your feet and the faint echo of prayers that were never answered.
It’s lonely and beautiful and a little terrifying.
For a debut, it’s astonishing. Four POVs, each equally compelling. Seamless transitions. Short, sharp chapters that feel like breaths between confessions. I never once wanted to skip ahead — I wanted to listen. To every one of them.
And when it ended, I didn’t feel finished. I felt haunted (the good kind, the kind that makes you stare at the ceiling for a while after).
Because this story isn’t really about monsters.
It’s about what we inherit. What we carry. What we can’t put down, even when it hurts to hold.
I really, really loved this book. More than I expected to. It’s dark and sad and kind of beautiful in the worst way.
And maybe that’s why it stayed.
September 19, 2025
Teen Maggie, meet adult Maggie. Now both of you meet "The monsters they made us", your new YA CW binge-- I mean Frank J. Camacho's debut novel!
The book felt reminiscent of shows I loved watching as a teen - Pretty little liars, gossip girl, teen wolf, etc. It's got intrigue like PLL, supernatural beings and constant events/gatherings like Teen Wolf, interconnected relationships and social dynamics like Gossip Girl, multiple POVs, mystery, and the moody backdrop that is Driftmoor. The author's own experience with the CW's filmography is what actually led me to pick this ARC up and I'm so glad I did.
Besides beautifully descriptive sentences and metaphors that I couldn't stop highlighting, the author also created great pacing and has a knack for drawing the reader in. The worldbuilding is complex and down to the last detail. The opening scene alone is like a slow-mo shot that makes you hold your breath and hooks you in. The chapters themselves are short but pack a punch and the more you read, the more you want to know what's already happened in the past and what WILL happen with our current cast. The characters all have depth and that was honestly unexpected for such a short read. All of them broke my heart in different ways once I got to know them, but I'd have to say my favorite for now remains Aiden - a boy who, despite everything, didn't let the world harden his heart.
Without being spoilery, I'm excited to come back to this world and see how the sequel will play out. I've already started taking notes to keep track of all of the characters, their relationships and the events in the story, but to also use as a refresher in the future when we get to continue the plot.
The only things that distracted me a bit were some grammar/spelling mistakes every now and then that I presume happened while editing drafts, but all in all, I would've never guessed that this is a debut - it's so well-developed.
Thank you to BookSirens and Frank J. Camacho for this ARC. I've never applied for an ARC via Sirens before, but I felt called out to check TMTMU for some reason (maybe a siren song whispered in my ear 👀) and I'm glad I read the blurb, the author bio & hit that request button.
P.s. I hope a network picks this story up for an adaptation someday 🫣
The book felt reminiscent of shows I loved watching as a teen - Pretty little liars, gossip girl, teen wolf, etc. It's got intrigue like PLL, supernatural beings and constant events/gatherings like Teen Wolf, interconnected relationships and social dynamics like Gossip Girl, multiple POVs, mystery, and the moody backdrop that is Driftmoor. The author's own experience with the CW's filmography is what actually led me to pick this ARC up and I'm so glad I did.
Besides beautifully descriptive sentences and metaphors that I couldn't stop highlighting, the author also created great pacing and has a knack for drawing the reader in. The worldbuilding is complex and down to the last detail. The opening scene alone is like a slow-mo shot that makes you hold your breath and hooks you in. The chapters themselves are short but pack a punch and the more you read, the more you want to know what's already happened in the past and what WILL happen with our current cast. The characters all have depth and that was honestly unexpected for such a short read. All of them broke my heart in different ways once I got to know them, but I'd have to say my favorite for now remains Aiden - a boy who, despite everything, didn't let the world harden his heart.
Without being spoilery, I'm excited to come back to this world and see how the sequel will play out. I've already started taking notes to keep track of all of the characters, their relationships and the events in the story, but to also use as a refresher in the future when we get to continue the plot.
The only things that distracted me a bit were some grammar/spelling mistakes every now and then that I presume happened while editing drafts, but all in all, I would've never guessed that this is a debut - it's so well-developed.
Thank you to BookSirens and Frank J. Camacho for this ARC. I've never applied for an ARC via Sirens before, but I felt called out to check TMTMU for some reason (maybe a siren song whispered in my ear 👀) and I'm glad I read the blurb, the author bio & hit that request button.
P.s. I hope a network picks this story up for an adaptation someday 🫣
January 14, 2026
INSTAGRAM (for further thoughts): https://www.instagram.com/p/DR2buxuj8...
Thank you so much to Frank J. Camacho for the eARC and having such a wonderful debut indie novel!
In concept, dark academia is one of my favorite tropes in any book genre. Serving to be a critique against the harsh truths of the academic world, it can be difficult to find books that doesn’t use the trope as an aesthetic over its intended meaning. Fortunately, The Monsters That Made Us is the first book in an upper YA indie book series that utilizes dark academia as commentary toward the social hierarchy of elite academies, reminiscent of 2000s paranormal TV shows.
The story follows four teenagers that attend the prestigious Driftmoor Academy. After a house party that ends in disaster, Dorothy is an outcast who struggles to avoid the danger that seemingly continues to come after her. Meanwhile, Lola, Adrian, and Declan are three childhood friends with their own secrets tied to the town's ancient tales and supernatural forces. As all of the characters' stories converge, they find that their secrets may be more connected than at first glance.
This book excels at its character-driven plot. Each character has a distinctive personality that makes their dedicated chapters fascinating to read through. There is so much showing than telling in their actions and interactions with other supporting characters, especially once those little details begin to clarify what the overarching narrative for the rest of the stories will be. As a bonus, I enjoyed the inclusion of underrepresented supernatural/fantasy creatures that I normally don't see in modern series.
I am hoping to see more of Driftmoor Academy itself explored throughout the series since there were times when I wished I knew more about the academy's history. And, while certainly not an issue for me, the slower-paced plot is something to keep in mind for readers looking for books with more action.
Highly recommend reading this book for an authentic dark academia reading experience!
Thank you so much to Frank J. Camacho for the eARC and having such a wonderful debut indie novel!
In concept, dark academia is one of my favorite tropes in any book genre. Serving to be a critique against the harsh truths of the academic world, it can be difficult to find books that doesn’t use the trope as an aesthetic over its intended meaning. Fortunately, The Monsters That Made Us is the first book in an upper YA indie book series that utilizes dark academia as commentary toward the social hierarchy of elite academies, reminiscent of 2000s paranormal TV shows.
The story follows four teenagers that attend the prestigious Driftmoor Academy. After a house party that ends in disaster, Dorothy is an outcast who struggles to avoid the danger that seemingly continues to come after her. Meanwhile, Lola, Adrian, and Declan are three childhood friends with their own secrets tied to the town's ancient tales and supernatural forces. As all of the characters' stories converge, they find that their secrets may be more connected than at first glance.
This book excels at its character-driven plot. Each character has a distinctive personality that makes their dedicated chapters fascinating to read through. There is so much showing than telling in their actions and interactions with other supporting characters, especially once those little details begin to clarify what the overarching narrative for the rest of the stories will be. As a bonus, I enjoyed the inclusion of underrepresented supernatural/fantasy creatures that I normally don't see in modern series.
I am hoping to see more of Driftmoor Academy itself explored throughout the series since there were times when I wished I knew more about the academy's history. And, while certainly not an issue for me, the slower-paced plot is something to keep in mind for readers looking for books with more action.
Highly recommend reading this book for an authentic dark academia reading experience!
August 28, 2025
Thank you to Frank J. Camacho, FJC Books and BookSirens for the opportunity to read and review The Monsters They Made Us!
Frank J. Camacho’s The Monsters They Made Us is a debut that leans heavily into atmosphere, legacy, and the complicated nature of identity. Set against the haunting backdrop of Driftmoor Academy and the eerie New England coast, the story layers gothic ambiance with supernatural tension as Dorothy and a cast of equally fractured characters grapple with the consequences of ancient bargains struck by their ancestors.
The strength of this story lies in its characters and themes. Dorothy, scarred by tragedy and newly aware of her unsettling abilities, is joined by a boy who hears the ocean’s song in his bones, a socialite whose polished perfection teeters on the brink of collapse, and a shadow-born young man desperate for belonging. Through them, Camacho explores the fragile line between choice and inevitability.
The “monsters” here aren’t just external threats but manifestations of grief, shame, and generational trauma, making the supernatural resonate on a deeply human level. Driftmoor Academy itself acts as a character: storm-soaked, shadow-drenched, and isolating, it amplifies the dark academia atmosphere that fans of the genre will savor.
Where the novel falters is in its pacing. While I appreciate the layered world-building, many descriptions and settings are revisited so often that they risk slowing the narrative’s momentum rather than sharpening its tension.
Still, The Monsters They Made Us is a promising start to the Heirs of Driftmoor series. With layered characters, thematic depth, and a haunting world that lingers after the final page, it will appeal to readers who enjoy dark fantasy with emotional complexity and a touch of gothic dread.
Frank J. Camacho’s The Monsters They Made Us is a debut that leans heavily into atmosphere, legacy, and the complicated nature of identity. Set against the haunting backdrop of Driftmoor Academy and the eerie New England coast, the story layers gothic ambiance with supernatural tension as Dorothy and a cast of equally fractured characters grapple with the consequences of ancient bargains struck by their ancestors.
The strength of this story lies in its characters and themes. Dorothy, scarred by tragedy and newly aware of her unsettling abilities, is joined by a boy who hears the ocean’s song in his bones, a socialite whose polished perfection teeters on the brink of collapse, and a shadow-born young man desperate for belonging. Through them, Camacho explores the fragile line between choice and inevitability.
The “monsters” here aren’t just external threats but manifestations of grief, shame, and generational trauma, making the supernatural resonate on a deeply human level. Driftmoor Academy itself acts as a character: storm-soaked, shadow-drenched, and isolating, it amplifies the dark academia atmosphere that fans of the genre will savor.
Where the novel falters is in its pacing. While I appreciate the layered world-building, many descriptions and settings are revisited so often that they risk slowing the narrative’s momentum rather than sharpening its tension.
Still, The Monsters They Made Us is a promising start to the Heirs of Driftmoor series. With layered characters, thematic depth, and a haunting world that lingers after the final page, it will appeal to readers who enjoy dark fantasy with emotional complexity and a touch of gothic dread.
September 2, 2025
My jaw dropped. THIS is PHENOMENAL.
First of all, words are not enough to describe how beautiful and atmospheric Frank J. Camacho built this setting. It almost felt like the place is a character, too, helping the plot move forward fluidly as the story goes. Like, this is the kind of setting I've been looking for, small-town dark lores, yknow what I mean?
The characters and their arcs... WOW. I can't even begin to describe how wonderful their POVs were beautifully connected with each other. Each of them, a powerful character with an equally unforgettable story. I was rooting for all of them. But my favorite character is Aiden. I just read him, and I'm like: Yeah, nope. This is my character. He's my bias. 😅🤣 Nothing he will say or do is ever gonna make me think of him in a negative light. I can understand why Lola is a fan-favourite. Yo, get a girl to jump off a cliff, no questions asked, for you. Like THAT is a badass bish.
All their cliffhangers are soooo good, though.
Speaking of cliffhangers, you mean to say, I have to wait for the next book? Because amen to that. Let's go, I'm ready for the next book, FJC.
The lores are absolutely loring. There's a whole lot more that's gonna happen for sure, and damn, I know I'm not ready, but I need to see my gang get together and fix whatever the hell's wrong with them and their families. I'm in, let's freaking go!
I have NEVER felt this much excitement in a long time for a novel and an author. Gaddamn. The vibes of this novel, the stitching of the arcs, the twists, and the cliffhangers...UGHHHHH!!! I'm rereading this because I already found my new obsession, and it's this novel and characters.
Goodness me. This is how you write a good, tension-filled, high stakes, fantasy novel. I'm excited for this book to finally release. Damn.
Yes. Yes to this. 5-stars. No questions.
First of all, words are not enough to describe how beautiful and atmospheric Frank J. Camacho built this setting. It almost felt like the place is a character, too, helping the plot move forward fluidly as the story goes. Like, this is the kind of setting I've been looking for, small-town dark lores, yknow what I mean?
The characters and their arcs... WOW. I can't even begin to describe how wonderful their POVs were beautifully connected with each other. Each of them, a powerful character with an equally unforgettable story. I was rooting for all of them. But my favorite character is Aiden. I just read him, and I'm like: Yeah, nope. This is my character. He's my bias. 😅🤣 Nothing he will say or do is ever gonna make me think of him in a negative light. I can understand why Lola is a fan-favourite. Yo, get a girl to jump off a cliff, no questions asked, for you. Like THAT is a badass bish.
All their cliffhangers are soooo good, though.
Speaking of cliffhangers, you mean to say, I have to wait for the next book? Because amen to that. Let's go, I'm ready for the next book, FJC.
The lores are absolutely loring. There's a whole lot more that's gonna happen for sure, and damn, I know I'm not ready, but I need to see my gang get together and fix whatever the hell's wrong with them and their families. I'm in, let's freaking go!
I have NEVER felt this much excitement in a long time for a novel and an author. Gaddamn. The vibes of this novel, the stitching of the arcs, the twists, and the cliffhangers...UGHHHHH!!! I'm rereading this because I already found my new obsession, and it's this novel and characters.
Goodness me. This is how you write a good, tension-filled, high stakes, fantasy novel. I'm excited for this book to finally release. Damn.
Yes. Yes to this. 5-stars. No questions.
October 2, 2025
･ﾟ 𝙰𝚁𝙲 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 ·˚˖‧
𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒌 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒐 𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒌 𝑱. 𝑪𝒂𝒎𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒐 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒆𝑨𝑹𝑪!
❝ Asking for help is a strength-not a weakness. You are not a burden. You are not alone. Your story is not over yet.❞
╰𝚂𝚙𝚘𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚛 𝙵𝚛𝚎𝚎╮
✦ Pub Date: October 1, 2025
✦ Rating: 4,25/5
✦ Genre: Horror fantasy
✦ POV: 4
✦ Spice: 0/5
✦ Age: 16+
✦ CW: a car crash, the theme of su*cide, grief, blo*d, de*th
✦ Reps: mental health, LGBTQIA+
࣪ ִֶָ 𝙸𝚗𝚝𝚛𝚘 ·˚˖
They are hunted by hellhounds, the water hides lurking creatures, some are on the brink of death, others are cheating it. Secrets of the past, dangerous gifts and the question: who are the real monsters, the legends, or the heirs themselves?
·˚˖ 𝙼𝚢 𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜 ˖˚·
The cover and the blurb intrigued me so much that I instantly knew I needed this book. At first, I was a little lost, but the atmosphere pulled me in, it was dark, mysterious, and compelling. Soon it became easier to follow, and there were moments that gave me chills from realization or sudden twists. Even a few mini shocks along the way.
I love when a book feels a bit like a TV show or a movie, but still keeps its own identity. If you enjoy dark academia and supernatural, this one’s for you! Overall, it gave me the vibe of those old eerie shows that stick with you.
From the very beginning, I loved the writing,it just felt right. So impressive for a debut! The imagery in my head was vivid, or rather, hauntingly dark.
The atmosphere is absolutely stunning. Personally, it reminded me more of Nancy Drew (2019), there were plenty of secrets to keep me hooked. The ending even brought me to tears.
I’ll definitely be reading the sequel!
·˚˖ 𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚜 ˖˚·
The characters, wow, there are so many, and they’re all so different. No one annoyed me ( well, except Heather). Now I’m really curious to see how they’ll develop further. There are four main characters, plus a bunch of secondary ones.
I should mention, I love when a story is told from multiple perspectives.
But I haven’t grown attached to them enough yet, I need sequel.
𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒌 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒐 𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒌 𝑱. 𝑪𝒂𝒎𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒐 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒆𝑨𝑹𝑪!
❝ Asking for help is a strength-not a weakness. You are not a burden. You are not alone. Your story is not over yet.❞
╰𝚂𝚙𝚘𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚛 𝙵𝚛𝚎𝚎╮
✦ Pub Date: October 1, 2025
✦ Rating: 4,25/5
✦ Genre: Horror fantasy
✦ POV: 4
✦ Spice: 0/5
✦ Age: 16+
✦ CW: a car crash, the theme of su*cide, grief, blo*d, de*th
✦ Reps: mental health, LGBTQIA+
࣪ ִֶָ 𝙸𝚗𝚝𝚛𝚘 ·˚˖
They are hunted by hellhounds, the water hides lurking creatures, some are on the brink of death, others are cheating it. Secrets of the past, dangerous gifts and the question: who are the real monsters, the legends, or the heirs themselves?
·˚˖ 𝙼𝚢 𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜 ˖˚·
The cover and the blurb intrigued me so much that I instantly knew I needed this book. At first, I was a little lost, but the atmosphere pulled me in, it was dark, mysterious, and compelling. Soon it became easier to follow, and there were moments that gave me chills from realization or sudden twists. Even a few mini shocks along the way.
I love when a book feels a bit like a TV show or a movie, but still keeps its own identity. If you enjoy dark academia and supernatural, this one’s for you! Overall, it gave me the vibe of those old eerie shows that stick with you.
From the very beginning, I loved the writing,it just felt right. So impressive for a debut! The imagery in my head was vivid, or rather, hauntingly dark.
The atmosphere is absolutely stunning. Personally, it reminded me more of Nancy Drew (2019), there were plenty of secrets to keep me hooked. The ending even brought me to tears.
I’ll definitely be reading the sequel!
·˚˖ 𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚜 ˖˚·
The characters, wow, there are so many, and they’re all so different. No one annoyed me ( well, except Heather). Now I’m really curious to see how they’ll develop further. There are four main characters, plus a bunch of secondary ones.
I should mention, I love when a story is told from multiple perspectives.
But I haven’t grown attached to them enough yet, I need sequel.
October 1, 2025
My fragile heart can’t handle much dark academia and I rarely opt for YA, but maybe I should question my choices. I loved this story! The characters, the mystery, the atmosphere!!! The perfect book for fall. So eerie, creeping up on you through the setting, the history, the secrets, the eyes you feel in the dark, watching.
The fog is over-consuming. Every house feels alive, observing. Every fracture in these “perfect lives” is a bloodline-long secret.
For me, this was the Gossip Girl of dark academia. Just with exquisite interiors, unforgettable art (even picturing it haunts your memory), magic and myths interwoven from all sides, and far sharper vocabulary.
Normally, I get annoyed with how privileged, rich families are portrayed since the line toward cliché is thin. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how exceptionally well the dysfunction of these families was portrayed. How through all the riches, the lack of love made them poor, broken.
The mothers and women overall, who drive this story, lead their families and society, play a crucial role. The secrets and silences feel like betrayals, shaping each of the kids with a different kind of armor that they’ve carved to protect themselves, much like their parents.
Each teen navigating difficult emotions and situations opens the door to a portrayal of depression that felt too real. Even as a bystander, I should have seen the signs, but so much isn’t noticeable until it’s too late. Too many of us hide so no one sees.
All in all, The Monsters They Made Us surprised me in the best possible way. I’m intrigued to see how your story (and your stories) will continue, Frank J. Camacho, and I can’t wait to experience them all through your words.
The fog is over-consuming. Every house feels alive, observing. Every fracture in these “perfect lives” is a bloodline-long secret.
For me, this was the Gossip Girl of dark academia. Just with exquisite interiors, unforgettable art (even picturing it haunts your memory), magic and myths interwoven from all sides, and far sharper vocabulary.
Normally, I get annoyed with how privileged, rich families are portrayed since the line toward cliché is thin. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how exceptionally well the dysfunction of these families was portrayed. How through all the riches, the lack of love made them poor, broken.
The mothers and women overall, who drive this story, lead their families and society, play a crucial role. The secrets and silences feel like betrayals, shaping each of the kids with a different kind of armor that they’ve carved to protect themselves, much like their parents.
Each teen navigating difficult emotions and situations opens the door to a portrayal of depression that felt too real. Even as a bystander, I should have seen the signs, but so much isn’t noticeable until it’s too late. Too many of us hide so no one sees.
All in all, The Monsters They Made Us surprised me in the best possible way. I’m intrigued to see how your story (and your stories) will continue, Frank J. Camacho, and I can’t wait to experience them all through your words.
October 2, 2025
❛𝙎𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙗𝙤𝙧𝙣. 𝙊𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙚. 𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙙.❜
꩜ ‧.°. 𖦹.°.‧ ꩜‧.°.𖦹 .°.‧ ꩜ ‧.°. 𖦹.°.‧ ꩜‧.°.𖦹 .°.‧ ꩜ ‧.°. 𖦹.°.‧ ꩜‧.°.𖦹 .°.‧
⛏️ ᵐⁱⁿᵒʳ ˢᵖᵒⁱˡᵉʳˢ ⁱⁿ ᵗʰⁱˢ ʳᵉᵛⁱᵉʷ ⛏️
꩜ ‧.°. 𖦹.°.‧ ꩜‧.°.𖦹 .°.‧ ꩜ ‧.°. 𖦹.°.‧ ꩜‧.°.𖦹 .°.‧ ꩜ ‧.°. 𖦹.°.‧ ꩜‧.°.𖦹 .°.‧
What can I say about this book other than the fact that it was *chef's kiss*
The writing was phenomenal, the characters had different personalities yet meshed well with each other, the drama was 😳, the slow discoveries of each characters' secrets was heart pounding...
Everything was amazing, but it wasn't until around the 80% mark where things started getting intense, and everyone was beginning to realize something big is going on in their town, as well as between them.
I also kept thinking to myself: “Something is off about Camille...” and I was just like side eyeing her in my head because in certain scenes it's like she 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘸 something about the main characters. I do wonder if we'll get more on her in the next book, because I'm curious about that brooch she wears and what her role is in all of this.
And don't get me started on Ophelia. I'm so damn curious about what she is! And that bracelet she gave to Declan?? And that scene with her and Lola in the waiting room. I need answers (╥ᴗ╥)
That one death scene was heartbreaking! A mother's love is the greatest sacrifice (੭꒦ິ ^꒦ິ)੭
♡ 𝔽𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕔𝕙𝕒𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕤: Aiden and Dorothy
I am beyond grateful that I was chosen to ARC read this indie book, AS WELL being one of the lucky ones to receive a physical copy <3
Please, go check this book out! It's finally out today and available to purchase.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐔𝐬 is a haunting debut that blends dark fantasy, supernatural horror, and dark academia on the rocky coast of Massachusetts.
꩜ ‧.°. 𖦹.°.‧ ꩜‧.°.𖦹 .°.‧ ꩜ ‧.°. 𖦹.°.‧ ꩜‧.°.𖦹 .°.‧ ꩜ ‧.°. 𖦹.°.‧ ꩜‧.°.𖦹 .°.‧
⛏️ ᵐⁱⁿᵒʳ ˢᵖᵒⁱˡᵉʳˢ ⁱⁿ ᵗʰⁱˢ ʳᵉᵛⁱᵉʷ ⛏️
꩜ ‧.°. 𖦹.°.‧ ꩜‧.°.𖦹 .°.‧ ꩜ ‧.°. 𖦹.°.‧ ꩜‧.°.𖦹 .°.‧ ꩜ ‧.°. 𖦹.°.‧ ꩜‧.°.𖦹 .°.‧
What can I say about this book other than the fact that it was *chef's kiss*
The writing was phenomenal, the characters had different personalities yet meshed well with each other, the drama was 😳, the slow discoveries of each characters' secrets was heart pounding...
Everything was amazing, but it wasn't until around the 80% mark where things started getting intense, and everyone was beginning to realize something big is going on in their town, as well as between them.
I also kept thinking to myself: “Something is off about Camille...” and I was just like side eyeing her in my head because in certain scenes it's like she 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘸 something about the main characters. I do wonder if we'll get more on her in the next book, because I'm curious about that brooch she wears and what her role is in all of this.
And don't get me started on Ophelia. I'm so damn curious about what she is! And that bracelet she gave to Declan?? And that scene with her and Lola in the waiting room. I need answers (╥ᴗ╥)
That one death scene was heartbreaking! A mother's love is the greatest sacrifice (੭꒦ິ ^꒦ິ)੭
♡ 𝔽𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕔𝕙𝕒𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕤: Aiden and Dorothy
I am beyond grateful that I was chosen to ARC read this indie book, AS WELL being one of the lucky ones to receive a physical copy <3
Please, go check this book out! It's finally out today and available to purchase.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐔𝐬 is a haunting debut that blends dark fantasy, supernatural horror, and dark academia on the rocky coast of Massachusetts.
October 15, 2025
The premise/book summary checked off all the boxes that I love to read as someone who is deep into the contemporary paranormal-fantasy genre. The execution, however, was deeply lacking. And disappointing. And I felt like the Synopsis was misleading.
There was no overarching plot running through the story. While I am a fan of character-driven stories, seeing them ineract with their families, friends, and each other, I wished we actually had a through plotline running through.
We have a main Core Four (Dorothy, Declan, Aiden, and Lola) who don't really interact as a group should (like Riverdale 4, Team Free Will from Supernatural, The Golden Trio, etc etc.). They're mostly spilt into small teams, Dorothy being off by herself while Aiden/Lola/Declan are with each other, or they're all interacting with minor characters. With Dorothy some stuff we get with her is never explained, is told/not shown, and is more-than-like gonna be addressed in the sequel! 🙄
The setting was fine but the world building left little to be desired. In chapter 5 there's this whole paragraph I thought would be what we were going to be focused on in this novel (aka the backstory of the four founders, who they are, why they seemingly erase themselves from history) but nope! That is never explored but (again) will more-than-likey be addressed in the sequel. 😑
I just wish authors (indie or trad-pub) wouldn't leave a lot of loose strings hanging---especially in the very first novel of a series---as way to intice readers to continue onwards. Every book should stand on its own, including the first novel. While I will still continue supporting this author, I don't think I'll be continuing on with the Hiers of Driftmoor.
There was no overarching plot running through the story. While I am a fan of character-driven stories, seeing them ineract with their families, friends, and each other, I wished we actually had a through plotline running through.
We have a main Core Four (Dorothy, Declan, Aiden, and Lola) who don't really interact as a group should (like Riverdale 4, Team Free Will from Supernatural, The Golden Trio, etc etc.). They're mostly spilt into small teams, Dorothy being off by herself while Aiden/Lola/Declan are with each other, or they're all interacting with minor characters. With Dorothy some stuff we get with her is never explained, is told/not shown, and is more-than-like gonna be addressed in the sequel! 🙄
The setting was fine but the world building left little to be desired. In chapter 5 there's this whole paragraph I thought would be what we were going to be focused on in this novel (aka the backstory of the four founders, who they are, why they seemingly erase themselves from history) but nope! That is never explored but (again) will more-than-likey be addressed in the sequel. 😑
I just wish authors (indie or trad-pub) wouldn't leave a lot of loose strings hanging---especially in the very first novel of a series---as way to intice readers to continue onwards. Every book should stand on its own, including the first novel. While I will still continue supporting this author, I don't think I'll be continuing on with the Hiers of Driftmoor.
October 6, 2025
This is the perfect YA book for the spooky season. 👻
We've got 4 POVs: Dorothy, Lola, Declan, and Aiden, all from legacy families with supernatural history. Each of them is trying to uncover their family's past while keeping their own secrets, not realizing how interconnected their histories really are.
These are complex characters who hide behind masks, trying to be who people expect them to be. There is a great deal of tension and mystery between them that anything they do seems suspicious. I loved getting to know each one better through their individual chapters. There is a heavy situation that happens to one of the characters, and I really appreciated the author including a note right after the chapter. I would usually see this posted before the first chapter or at the end of the book, but it feels more impactful having it after that particular chapter.
My favorite character was Aiden. He's such a sweetheart who is always there for others, but it feels like no one is there for him besides Declan. I loved seeing his interactions with Noah and hope to see their relationship develop more in the next book.
This is one of those books where we unravel what is happening as we read along. We don't know what's happening at the moment, but everything slowly starts to be revealed, and you start making the connections. I was worried multiple POVs might make things confusing, but it actually flowed really smoothly. The writing builds a moody, atmospheric vibe and characters with real depth.
This felt more like a setup book where everyone is being introduced and how they fit into this supernatural setting. And with how it ended, I have more questions that need to be answered. I seriously can't wait for the next one!
Thank you NetGalley and FJC Books for the ARC.
We've got 4 POVs: Dorothy, Lola, Declan, and Aiden, all from legacy families with supernatural history. Each of them is trying to uncover their family's past while keeping their own secrets, not realizing how interconnected their histories really are.
These are complex characters who hide behind masks, trying to be who people expect them to be. There is a great deal of tension and mystery between them that anything they do seems suspicious. I loved getting to know each one better through their individual chapters. There is a heavy situation that happens to one of the characters, and I really appreciated the author including a note right after the chapter. I would usually see this posted before the first chapter or at the end of the book, but it feels more impactful having it after that particular chapter.
My favorite character was Aiden. He's such a sweetheart who is always there for others, but it feels like no one is there for him besides Declan. I loved seeing his interactions with Noah and hope to see their relationship develop more in the next book.
This is one of those books where we unravel what is happening as we read along. We don't know what's happening at the moment, but everything slowly starts to be revealed, and you start making the connections. I was worried multiple POVs might make things confusing, but it actually flowed really smoothly. The writing builds a moody, atmospheric vibe and characters with real depth.
This felt more like a setup book where everyone is being introduced and how they fit into this supernatural setting. And with how it ended, I have more questions that need to be answered. I seriously can't wait for the next one!
Thank you NetGalley and FJC Books for the ARC.
August 9, 2025
Thank you Frank Camacho for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I found this to be absolutely thrilling and consumed it! Dorothy, Lola, Aiden, and Declan are all discovering strange things happening, some of them having no clue what’s going on. Especially Dorothy who just arrived in Driftmoor to attend Driftmoor Academy. After a tragic accident that left a fellow student dead she begins to see shadows and have strange dreams. Lola, Declan, and Aiden are all part of the Driftmoor elite and grew up hearing the rumors of the strangeness in Driftmoor and that each of their families were founding families. But each have their secrets. Each have heard of their family curses. And as they embark on their senior year, Dorothy’s arrival as well as the return of someone from their past will kick off a series of strange events that may just set each of them on the path to destruction. Will keeping their secrets be their undoing? With curses set to unravel each of them can they save themselves from what their ancestors cursed them to be? Secrets, lies, ancient curses, supernatural elements, and complicated friendship dynamics all made this a read I couldn’t put down! I enjoyed all of the POV’s each suffering in their own way and my heart ached for poor Aiden (yes he’s my favorite)! I definitely need more Aiden and Noah!! Can’t wait to see what’s next for the 4 as the book does leave things unanswered! Not a complete cliffhanger but lots of questions still! Definitely a must read debut for supernatural/mystery/YA readers!
August 31, 2025
The Monsters They Made Us is everything I want in dark academia: atmospheric, haunting, and impossible to put down. Camacho crafts a world where ancient curses bleed into the present, and every character feels vividly alive in their flaws and secrets. Dorothy, Aiden, Lola, and Declan each carry the weight of their families’ bargains, and watching their stories unravel was both heartbreaking and addictive.
At the center is Dorothy, a girl who only wants to reinvent herself but instead finds her past colliding with Driftmoor’s own. After a devastating accident, she begins to unravel, haunted by whispers, hunted by shadows, and entangled with three heirs whose lives are equally cursed: Declan, the boy who hears the sea’s song; Lola, golden and brittle beneath the weight of perfection; and Aiden, born in darkness, never meant to belong. Their stories weave together in a slow, magnetic spiral, where every revelation feels both inevitable and shocking.
Each POV is compelling, but Aiden, fragile and heartbreaking, stood out most to me. His chapters ache with quiet longing, and I can already see readers rallying around him. Still, what impressed me most is how every character feels deeply lived-in, flawed, layered, painfully human.
If you’re looking for dark academia laced with supernatural horror, this is it. The Monsters They Made Us is atmospheric, unsettling, and surprisingly emotional, a book that makes you linger in its shadows even after you’ve turned the last page. It’s a debut that doesn’t just promise a series worth following; it demands it.
At the center is Dorothy, a girl who only wants to reinvent herself but instead finds her past colliding with Driftmoor’s own. After a devastating accident, she begins to unravel, haunted by whispers, hunted by shadows, and entangled with three heirs whose lives are equally cursed: Declan, the boy who hears the sea’s song; Lola, golden and brittle beneath the weight of perfection; and Aiden, born in darkness, never meant to belong. Their stories weave together in a slow, magnetic spiral, where every revelation feels both inevitable and shocking.
Each POV is compelling, but Aiden, fragile and heartbreaking, stood out most to me. His chapters ache with quiet longing, and I can already see readers rallying around him. Still, what impressed me most is how every character feels deeply lived-in, flawed, layered, painfully human.
If you’re looking for dark academia laced with supernatural horror, this is it. The Monsters They Made Us is atmospheric, unsettling, and surprisingly emotional, a book that makes you linger in its shadows even after you’ve turned the last page. It’s a debut that doesn’t just promise a series worth following; it demands it.
October 30, 2025
Okay, so I totally devoured this!
When I finally got around to reading this book I couldn’t remember what I had signed up for anymore, but I was pleasantly surprised and ended up loving this.
This had everything from suspense, magic, curses and deadly secrets to difficult family situations, trauma, self-discovery and so much more. The story deals with some very heavy themes and topics, which were handled expertly.
The story alternates between four different POVs, with each character having their own demons, secrets and agendas. The characters, all major and minor, were very well fleshed out and felt original. I was so invested in their fate that it made me feel physically ill at times lol
I was totally here for the gothy dark academia vibes, and the worldbuilding as well as the magic system were interesting and worked really well.
The pacing did feel a bit slow at times, but the story never lost me and I was hooked right from beginning to end. There were also some twists that I did not see coming!
Only thing that irked me, was that there were quite a few errors (small grammatical issues, words in the wrong order or misspelled, etc.), which might have been a problem particular to the eARC that I received though and hopefully got edited out for the final release.
That being said, I can’t wait for the next book in the series after that ending! How is there not even any info on the second book yet??
Thanks to Frank J. Camacho and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
When I finally got around to reading this book I couldn’t remember what I had signed up for anymore, but I was pleasantly surprised and ended up loving this.
This had everything from suspense, magic, curses and deadly secrets to difficult family situations, trauma, self-discovery and so much more. The story deals with some very heavy themes and topics, which were handled expertly.
The story alternates between four different POVs, with each character having their own demons, secrets and agendas. The characters, all major and minor, were very well fleshed out and felt original. I was so invested in their fate that it made me feel physically ill at times lol
I was totally here for the gothy dark academia vibes, and the worldbuilding as well as the magic system were interesting and worked really well.
The pacing did feel a bit slow at times, but the story never lost me and I was hooked right from beginning to end. There were also some twists that I did not see coming!
Only thing that irked me, was that there were quite a few errors (small grammatical issues, words in the wrong order or misspelled, etc.), which might have been a problem particular to the eARC that I received though and hopefully got edited out for the final release.
That being said, I can’t wait for the next book in the series after that ending! How is there not even any info on the second book yet??
Thanks to Frank J. Camacho and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
November 24, 2025
For a debut novel, I was completely blown away! Hands down, this is one of my favorite and most unexpected reads of the year.
As much as I want to dive deep into the plot, this is truly something you need to experience for yourself. The reading journey is so unique that I’m honestly amazed it isn’t getting more attention. Our FMC is ready to start a new life at Driftmore Academy, but before she even arrives, a life or death encounter leaves her suspended between worlds caught in the space between life and death itself.
The setup of this story and the writing style were pure perfection. It’s told through four POVs, and what makes it so immersive is how they overlap: you begin a scene in one character’s perspective, and the next POV picks up that exact scene from someone else’s viewpoint. It pulls you in completely, making you feel like you're right there with each character.
The story unfolds almost like it’s in three acts. The first introduces the characters, their connections, and the foundation of the world. The middle peels back the secrets and the emerging magic. And the third well, everything collides, and I’m leaving that discovery to you.
Everything about this book feels cinematic. The language, the atmosphere, the worldbuilding absolutely stunning. It’s rich with symbolism, metaphors, and a poetic quality that elevates every scene. There’s sharp banter, clever foreshadowing, and an edge of your seat intensity woven throughout.
This is a true dark academia thriller you don’t want to miss.
As much as I want to dive deep into the plot, this is truly something you need to experience for yourself. The reading journey is so unique that I’m honestly amazed it isn’t getting more attention. Our FMC is ready to start a new life at Driftmore Academy, but before she even arrives, a life or death encounter leaves her suspended between worlds caught in the space between life and death itself.
The setup of this story and the writing style were pure perfection. It’s told through four POVs, and what makes it so immersive is how they overlap: you begin a scene in one character’s perspective, and the next POV picks up that exact scene from someone else’s viewpoint. It pulls you in completely, making you feel like you're right there with each character.
The story unfolds almost like it’s in three acts. The first introduces the characters, their connections, and the foundation of the world. The middle peels back the secrets and the emerging magic. And the third well, everything collides, and I’m leaving that discovery to you.
Everything about this book feels cinematic. The language, the atmosphere, the worldbuilding absolutely stunning. It’s rich with symbolism, metaphors, and a poetic quality that elevates every scene. There’s sharp banter, clever foreshadowing, and an edge of your seat intensity woven throughout.
This is a true dark academia thriller you don’t want to miss.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews