The Monsters Among Us

by Kent Priore

Seth’s life until now has been a product of a diabolical, evil Truman Show, his entire upbringing a façade orchestrated for malevolent purposes. After his beloved dies, he undergoes a demonic metamorphosis, which causes the world’s fictitious walls to crumble.

As he tries to piece a semblance of his life back together and move on, he meets friends who inspire, but even more harsh truths are revealed, perhaps too difficult to cope with.

The very existence of life and reality is exposed as a machination of grotesque gods. And to defeat them, Seth will have to fill his emptiness, for which there’s only two options…
Bring the world to ruin, or learn to transmute his pain into strength.

Fans of "Jerusalem" by Alan Moore, “The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath, or “The Master and Margarita” by Mikhail Bulgakovor will enjoy “The Monsters Among Us.”

Genres: Horror

360 pages, Paperback

Published September 9, 2025

About the author

Kent Priore is the debut author of "The Monsters Among Us." He writes dark literature where romanticism meets modern psychology for a macabre but hopeful depiction of inner struggle, and the human ability to endure. He is a fierce advocate for mental health awareness and for greater acceptance of neurodivergence. For this reason, themes of mental health are pronounced and ever present in his work, both the devastating and the hopeful aspects of it. He graduated with honors from Bard College with a BA in the Written Arts, and is a proud marginalized voice in the neurodivergent community.

Reviews

[Bo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kent Priore’s The Monsters Among Us is a daring, surreal plunge into supernatural horror and apocalyptic fantasy that left me reeling long after I turned the final page. Equal parts grotesque and poetic, this novel blends cosmic horror, religious allegory, and body horror into a narrative that feels both mythic and deeply personal.

At its core is Seth, a man who discovers his entire life has been nothing more than a cruelly orchestrated illusion. After tragedy strikes, his grief triggers a terrifying transformation—one that tears away the veil hiding a universe governed by grotesque gods and their monstrous designs. From there, Priore drags readers into a world where the Seven Deadly Sins are made flesh, demons prowl, and Satan himself manipulates events in a game of devastating consequences.

What impressed me most was how cinematic this story felt. The imagery is vivid and nightmarish—Priore’s depictions of Hell, its denizens, and Seth’s metamorphosis are unforgettable. The shifting POVs add depth and momentum, broadening the scope of the conflict while never losing sight of Seth’s harrowing journey. Beneath the horror, there’s a surprisingly tender undercurrent: Seth’s grief, rage, and yearning for love drive him to confront not only gods and demons, but his own fractured humanity.

Bold, unsettling, and strangely beautiful, The Monsters Among Us is a masterful debut and an absolute must-read.

[Astilbe The Hobbit · Rating 4 out of 5]

“You have died, this place is beyond your world, You may have died, but fret not, child. Yours is a story that begins after death….”

Pitch for the fans of "Jerusalem" by Alan Moore, “The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath, or “The Master and Margarita” by Mikhail Bulgakovor, “The Monsters Among Us.” is a very creative supernatural end of days fantasy/horror.

You follow our main character Seth who right from the start the reader gets to see just how tragic their life has been. Learn that it was orchestrated for malevolent purposes. You get to watch him meet Satan and learn their wicked plans for the human race as well as having what gave me the Percy Jackson-esk vibes of hunting down the Seven Deadly Sins (which I loved how all the personalities were written). It easily played out like I was watching a show while I was reading this.

It had some amazing body horror and descriptions of Hell and the demons our main character comes across. We get multiple POVs giving the story many view points of the situation which allows us to learn more about the supernatural powers at work. Which honestly was SO fascinating!

I enjoyed a lot about this and there were so many good quotes that could be pulled from this story. This for sure was a story I didn’t expect and unlike anything I have read before. Still so happy to have been able to say I have read this!

I for sure do recommend it if this peaks your interest! Just be sure to check for those trigger warnings with this one! I for sure feel I know some readers that would enjoy this one!

Thank you sooooo much to the author for offering and giving me an ARC copy!

[Joni Iraci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of “The Monster’s Among Us.” By Joni Marie Iraci MFA author of “Vatican Daughter,” and “Reinventing Jenna Rose.”

This vivid cinematic novel takes the reader on an imaginative journey through what could be considered end of days. The incredible imagination of this talented author, Kent Priore, is evident as his characters are well-developed and include the transformation of the seven deadly sins into tangible entities and not just concepts. I’m in awe of this brilliant new author’s ability to create a world where Satan’s minions walk among us in search of vulnerable souls, thus unleashing unspeakable horror on the human race. It is supernatural story-telling at its best. Seth, the protagonist, is driven by anger (Satan’s fuel) but also by his love for the woman he lost. I began to wonder if Seth was not a metaphor for every abused child who dreamed of overpowering his or her abuser. “The Monster’s Among Us” is a masterful creation and a must read— even for those who aren’t fans of fantasy/horror. It will transport you on a journey where good battles evil and will give you food for thought especially as you read what I interpreted as Kent Priore’s clever retelling of the Genesis story and it’s enlightening conclusion. Well done.

[Patrick Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE MONSTERS AMONG US is a transgressive tale of supernatural pulp phantasmagoria, written by an author with Biblical-sized storytelling ambitions. Kent Priore provides a Weird Tales, dark fantasy take on Testaments Old and New, crafting a tale as shocking as it is thought-provoking.

[Katarina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most people who know me know that I don’t really gravitate towards specific genres, and that I don’t typically read in the horror/fantasy market because I just don’t typically see all of the world building in a meaningful way - usually. This is not the same case.

While I’m sure that some of it is lost on me, this story moves with the pacing and clarity of a movie. It is easy to see and to read, while being extreme inventive in its plot and structure. Kent takes our world and turns it on its head: everything we think we know about world religions is given a whole new perspective, casting the reader into a world where the thing most think is their salvation is their damnation. This is not a biblical retelling, in the way we have greek myth retelling or modern adaptions, but a speculative revision, destroying our preconceived notions and creating a new theory. We endure the whirlwind with the protagonist, as he must overcome the horrors of the hand he was dealt in life, with the help of maleficent, yet divine intervention. Even with the fantasy elements, the take away has real life application. We must overcome what happens to us, no matter how unjust, and there is a place in the world for destruction, otherwise we would be without creation, and arguably, we would be without purpose.

The Monsters Among Us is a necessary novel for any reader, regardless of preferred genre.

[Mary Lu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was reluctant to give this book a try because horror/fantasy is not my typical reading genre. Still, I’ve been following the author for many months, and ai finally decided to conquer my fear of horror.

Priore’s words and storytelling transported me right into the action. His character development is great. The action scenes are intense and vivid.

Without giving away the ending, there is a big twist st the end that forces Seth to question all he knows and values.

I look forward to the next book in this series. Even if horror/fantasy is not your genre, I encourage you to give this book a try!

[The Page Ladies Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Monsters Among Us by Kent Priore had me questioning everything reality, grief, and what it really means to fight back when the odds are stacked against you.

We follow Seth, who learns his entire life has been nothing more than a twisted, evil Truman Show. When he loses the love of his life, his grief sparks a terrifying transformation that cracks open the fake walls of his world and what lies beneath is even worse.

I loved how raw and intense this story felt. It’s cosmic horror, it’s dark fantasy, it’s deeply psychological all wrapped up in a tale about pain, loss, and whether you can turn suffering into strength. There are parts that feel heavy and unsettling, but also strangely empowering.

If you’re into books that blur the line between nightmare and reality, this one will stick with you long after the last page.

⚡️Thank you Kent Priore for sharing this book with me!

[Nathaniel Seagraves · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh boy…where to begin, first let me say I truly went in this blind I didn’t want to be spoiled by one word. I can’t say I was ignorant, but I wasn’t expecting this…

Alright, so why 1 star? Short and sweet to the point. Not my cup of tea. And I will say just leave at that. If you want more from me I will explain why for (me) why it didn’t do anything for me. However, if you like horror fantasy and poetic symbolism don’t let my opinion stand in your way.






















However, for me, I don’t like horror…so graphic body horror made me almost dnf it right there. So that was one star.

I hated that my heart broke in just the prologue…I could say everything about being a Christian and how the action that was done to Seth in my book is unacceptable both as a church and as a parent…it’s sad to see such amazing people be ruined because it paints others in what they consider “a bad light”. As a Christian it broke my heart and made me angry that not the different religious outlook, but how the parents treated the child…as a wise man once told me…”hurt people hurt people.” So because of that that’s another star for me.


I get that I understood that the universe in this book was based on Seth making this deal with the devil, and helping to both help him and save his girlfriend Lola, but it’s on top of that and the nonchalant attitude towards Seth’s episodes that not just one, but both parents agreed to do this evil towards Seth and obeyed the devil while being claimed as born again folks…it just left my mouth with a horrible taste…so that’s another star.

And then Yahweh as a woman…that was weird, but the whole killing of her was…unbelievable. Imagine taking a shotgun and shooting the sun in the middle of a beautiful sunset…that’s how it felt…I know it’s a story, but regardless of what happened I was not happy about and then both Sasha’s and Seth’s reaction to the aftermath was just this attitude of “oh well, another day at the office.” It shook me to my core…that took another star.

If you gotten through that and ask why did I give it a 1 star, is because I could see the author poured his heart and soul into it. Even if I don’t agree with the beliefs that were mentioned in the book, I do believe as he said in his dedication page…”the spirit of the book’s message: we must keep on and never give up. We must do so with great belief in ourselves and when we do, we shall reach those great heights, eventually.”

I’m happy the author Kent Priore finally published his book after many blood, sweat, tears, and mounds of head bangs I’m sure, but as for me, it just didn’t hit good. However, I wish you success and happiness in your next book!

[John Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent novel. Though its compelling pacing and high-octane action sequences make it an enjoyable pulp horror page turner, there is so much more than that here. Frankly, the fact that the author was able to condense some of humanity's largest questions and reimagine thousands of years worth of spiritual thinking into 350 accessible and exciting pages is nothing short of remarkable. At no point does the prose become bogged down by the weightiness of its concepts--despite those concepts belonging to the highest order of complexity. In short, the novel is ambitious, courageous, and undeniably successful in creating something fresh, provocative, and enjoyable to read.

Rooted in Nietzschean existentialism and a sophisticated secular humanism, Priore manages to turn traditional metaphysics and humankind's tendency towards religiosity on its head. Certainly, a theistic reader will likely find the premise of this book challenging; it pulls no punches and takes particularly sharp aim at Christianity. However, though I don't personally share such strong animosity towards religion (and would consider myself a theist), I found the novel's reasoning and mythos to be airtight and, frankly, ingenious.

This novel is a journey which begs us to relinquish our preconceived notions about ourselves and others--all our triumphant and grotesque aspects--and to be led through both the heavens and hells of our own making. Thus, rather than shield my own beliefs behind the fact that this is a work of fiction, I accepted the novel's challenging invitation and was carried along on an exhilarating ride towards a better understanding of both humanity's and my own inherent strength and potential.

In conclusion, I highly recommend this novel. It functions exceptionally well as simply a gritty, action-packed page turner, but beneath its macabre surface lies a profound depth. In looking into the face of the novel's titular "monster" one sees their own defaced humanity; and in staring into Seth's wrathful, wounded eyes, one stares into the very same abyss which permeates and undergirds our own experience. This is both a cautionary tale about the heinous lengths one may go to avoid acknowledging that abyss, as well as a deeply compassionate invitation to, at last, cast ourselves from its rocky cliffs and find ourselves ascending, winged and beloved, on the back of our own surprising strength.

If this is but the debut novel, I can't wait to read what Kent Priore has in store for us next!

[Jason Garman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Monsters Among Us is one of those stories that sneaks up on you. Not because of its scares (though it has them), but because of its heart. Kent Priore has written a horror novel that isn’t just about creatures in the dark, but about the quiet, invisible ways people fall through the cracks long before a monster ever shows up.
For me, the real power of this book isn’t the supernatural element, it’s the honesty behind it. This story understands loneliness. It understands what it feels like to not be seen, or heard, or believed. It understands the way trauma sits inside you like a second shadow, changing you from the inside out. And it understands how a community can create monsters without even realizing it by looking away from the people who need help and compassion the most.
At its core, this book is about care. Self-care and care for each other. Care for the people who hide their wounds because they never felt safe enough to expose them.
And care for the parts of ourselves we’d rather bury.
Priore takes the idea of inner demons and gives it weight. He shows how darkness grows when pain goes unresolved, when communities ignore suffering, when people feel isolated or forgotten. And he makes it clear, in a way that feels painfully relevant today.
This is a horror story, yes. But more than that, it’s a deeply human one. A reminder that healing hurts, that silence can be dangerous, and that sometimes the bravest thing a person can do is look inward and say, “I deserve better than what happened to me.”
In a world that feels increasingly divided, disconnected, and numb, this message matters now more than ever. This book understands that. And that’s why it stayed with me.

[Nicolette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this book.

While I’m not usually one to enjoy novels with fantastical elements, The Monsters Among Us is utterly compelling throughout.

Priore masterfully explores questions about humanity, religion, and fate through a world of demons, gods, and magic. Fast paced, with compelling characters and nail-biting action, I found the book hard to put down (and judging by other reviews, I’m not the only one who feels this way!)

I was particularly impressed with how well the story made me think that we, as humans, are only in our adolescence as a species, especially in America - a nascent country whose dominant culture and political leadership is hellbent (pun intended) on destroying love, optimism, and equality in favor of orchestrating Evangelically-foretold end times.

The story’s criticism of organized religion is intellectually honest, with lots of breathing room for the inherently contradictory motivations of humans in power. For those who might be squeamish about the inversion of religious ideals in this book, I wouldn’t worry – the story is much more about how humans justify our actions and emotions than it is about the downfalls of (particularly American) Christianity.

Overall, a stunning debut. I’m already counting down the days until Part 2 hits the shelves. Not only am I a fan of this book, I’m now more open to peeking around different genres - maybe I’m not dismissive of fantasy or horror!

Thank you, Kent Priore, for bringing us such an engaging, thoughtful, and vividly created (not-so) fictional world.

[Jourdan. K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Kent I just finished The Monsters Among Us, and I’m honestly blown away. From the first chapter, you pulled me deep into a world where the real monsters weren’t always visible and that’s where the brilliance lies.
Your storytelling is razor-sharp and emotionally charged. The way you blend raw fear with introspection makes each twist land like a gut-punch. I found myself caring for your characters, feeling their dread, their determination, and the silent hope that drives them. It’s rare to read a thriller that keeps you gripping the edge of your seat and reflecting on what it means to survive the monsters within.
What stood out most: you didn’t rely on cheap scares. The tension builds in the quiet moments in glances, in unheard footsteps, in what’s left unsaid. And then when the flood happens, it hits with everything you’ve promised and more. That layered pacing and emotional truth make this book memorable.
Thank you for writing a story that doesn’t just entertain, but haunts in the best possible way. The Monsters Among Us is more than a thriller — it’s a deep dive into fear, strength, and what it takes to face the darkness. I’ll be recommending it without hesitation, and I can’t wait to see what you craft next.

[Arlo Graves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buckle up for a fast-paced novel that straddles action-adventure and existential dread (and
hope!). Deliciously diabolical and at times deranged, Priore’s world is one of darkness, Inferno level
devilry, despair, but also friendship and love. Elements of demon-hunting grit meet splatterpunk
aesthetics for satisfying showdowns and a compelling read. The metamorphosis of Seth, both
internal and external, from prologue to epilogue, choked me up. While my life does not look like his,
I found him relatable, and human, even when he wasn’t. On one hand, this is a book of exciting
magic and incredible stakes. But on the other, and at its heart, it is a story of finding one’s self and
realizing the world, flawed as it is, is worth fighting for.

I will watch Priore’s writing career with interest.

[Kristall Deitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll be honest, I never read horror novels. It’s just not my thing, but this book was the exception. The story pulled me in right away, and even when the body horror got intense, I couldn’t stop reading. The imagery is so detailed that it’s almost cinematic, and you can see it all unfolding, which is both impressive and deeply unsettling (in the best way).

What surprised me most was how emotional it was underneath all the gore. There’s this running theme of grief, guilt, and redemption that keeps you rooting for Seth even when everything around him feels hopeless. The world-building is vivid, the pacing is tight, and the writing has this eerie rhythm that lingers even after you put it down.

Even though I usually steer clear of horror, I’d honestly recommend this one. It’s dark, it’s weirdly beautiful, and it’s going to stick with me for a while.

[Kimberly Renslow · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I saw it was part of a series I was leary on getting it, I just have this weird thing about book series, however I am so glad I took a chance on it. I found myself getting angry because I was getting a break from sitting at the hospital and doing actual stuff and couldn't find time to read. I loved the book, the characters and the ending and will be getting the second book once it comes out in paperback. Thank you Sir for a fine read.

[Jordan Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re tired of the same old cookie-cutter, formulaic horror genre, then you’re in for a treat. Monsters Among Us takes readers on a journey with the monsters (both external and internal) that rule our world. Priore helps readers confront and explore how monsters, mental-health, and the 7-deadly sins shape lives, possibilities, and experiences with the occult and supernatural. 10 out of 10 and will read again! 

[Kurt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mirroring its blend of supernatural horror and psychological drama, The Monsters Among Us infuses widescreen dark fantasy with emotional and philosophical depth. Its memorable cinematic qualities are matched by an aesthetic subtlety that disrupts and delights, and by an ambitious cosmology that freshly dramatizes our perennial wrestling with the gods of our fate--and reminds us that we are, at the very least, one of them.

[Naomie Barnabas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Monsters Among Us is a gripping, mind-bending descent into madness, mythology, and meaning—blending psychological horror and philosophical depth with striking originality and emotional power.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was captivated by this novel and had to purchase it! It is the first novel I have felt intrigued by in years, and got me back into reading. The authors writing is clear, thought-provoking and suitable for readers of all levels. I would recommend this book to anyone!

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Monsters Among Us is such an interesting book recommended