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The Fullington Road Monster
Daphne Ware knows monsters are real.
During the summer of 1985, the return of a legendary creature to the family farm lights the fuse of an already volatile environment. Then Daphne meets Sean, who is gorgeous, but surrounded by rumors and treachery.
Despite her efforts to protect the people she loves, tragedy strikes.
Daphne discovers that fighting her family’s battles and taking flak from her alcoholic father isn’t what scares her the most. Grief and betrayal are far worse.
Daphne must face the monsters that haunt her or lose what is left of her family.
A psychological thriller that will cause you to rethink everything you know about the monster inside...
During the summer of 1985, the return of a legendary creature to the family farm lights the fuse of an already volatile environment. Then Daphne meets Sean, who is gorgeous, but surrounded by rumors and treachery.
Despite her efforts to protect the people she loves, tragedy strikes.
Daphne discovers that fighting her family’s battles and taking flak from her alcoholic father isn’t what scares her the most. Grief and betrayal are far worse.
Daphne must face the monsters that haunt her or lose what is left of her family.
A psychological thriller that will cause you to rethink everything you know about the monster inside...
- GenresYoung Adult
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 22, 2025
5 people are currently reading
3483 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 29, 2025
Beautifully written story about the monsters we believe we see, and also the monsters within us and our lives. Thanks for sharing the Fullington story with the world, Emily! ❤️
July 31, 2025
I went into this book expecting one thing and came out feeling completely shell-shocked -- in a good way! This book gave off the perfect amount of spooky vibes and tension and family drama. It felt so real.
I didn't expect to be so sucked into it, either, but there I was, pouring over each page with bated breath waiting to see what would unfold next. I had to force myself to read it slowly so I didn't rush through it and get to the end too quickly.
Also, I cried gator tears. No spoilers, but … the end gets you. It gets you hard. The whole freaking thing. Have tissues handy.
I wish we could give half stars because this book was a 4.5 for me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I didn't expect to be so sucked into it, either, but there I was, pouring over each page with bated breath waiting to see what would unfold next. I had to force myself to read it slowly so I didn't rush through it and get to the end too quickly.
Also, I cried gator tears. No spoilers, but … the end gets you. It gets you hard. The whole freaking thing. Have tissues handy.
I wish we could give half stars because this book was a 4.5 for me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 20, 2025
While the main characters are teens and the book is marketed as YA, it’s a great “guilty pleasure” read for women born in the 70s. The author masterfully weaves in so many 80s pop culture references that you’ll quickly be transported back in time to your teenage years. But this is no Sweet Valley High—there’s something sinister going on in Seward County! The mix of small-town lore and family trauma will have readers hooked.
Trigger warning: the book deals honestly with alcoholism. That author provides info on recommended resources for those affected by it.
Trigger warning: the book deals honestly with alcoholism. That author provides info on recommended resources for those affected by it.
July 18, 2025
It is a very good debut novel. Interesting characters and a good storyline.
Easy to perceive the farm and local area. I look forward to this authors next book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Easy to perceive the farm and local area. I look forward to this authors next book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 25, 2025
Do you wanna be instantly transported to the 1980’s? Speeding down a country road with the windows down? Just open a copy of The Fullington Road Monster. But don't forget to listen, seek safety, move with caution, and always avoid eye contact.
-Emily Rozmus writes in a way that makes you feel like your right there with Daphne, Char-O and Wilkie. The scenes are vivid, the bonds are strong, and the tension is a livewire that stretches from cover to cover.
This horror novel invites you in, offers you sweet tea, then nonchalantly ads your name to the Seward County population register. You’re home now, folded into the maze of corn and alfalfa rows that line Fullington Road. Your presence will be a requirement at every church event, and your business will be on the tip of every wagging tongue down at The Pepper Pig. There’s nothing to be done for it. You’re more than just another Seward County Citizen. You are a Fullington and as such you have certain… responsibilities.
Every generation of Fullington’s has picked up the heavy mantle when asked. Every ancestor for generations have lived, ate, and slept in the eye of the shadow The Fullington House casts over the town. Every last Fullington that came before managed to uphold the family name, regardless of the decade or crisis at hand. And they did it all while managing to convince every last citizen of Seward County that they were safe in the sunlight provided by our the warmth of a confident Fullington smile.
But there is just something about this summer that is making it exceedingly difficult to carry on as usual. It’s more than just something…it’s someone, possibly someone’s, or somethings? -Maybe all three?
-Emily Rozmus writes in a way that makes you feel like your right there with Daphne, Char-O and Wilkie. The scenes are vivid, the bonds are strong, and the tension is a livewire that stretches from cover to cover.
This horror novel invites you in, offers you sweet tea, then nonchalantly ads your name to the Seward County population register. You’re home now, folded into the maze of corn and alfalfa rows that line Fullington Road. Your presence will be a requirement at every church event, and your business will be on the tip of every wagging tongue down at The Pepper Pig. There’s nothing to be done for it. You’re more than just another Seward County Citizen. You are a Fullington and as such you have certain… responsibilities.
Every generation of Fullington’s has picked up the heavy mantle when asked. Every ancestor for generations have lived, ate, and slept in the eye of the shadow The Fullington House casts over the town. Every last Fullington that came before managed to uphold the family name, regardless of the decade or crisis at hand. And they did it all while managing to convince every last citizen of Seward County that they were safe in the sunlight provided by our the warmth of a confident Fullington smile.
But there is just something about this summer that is making it exceedingly difficult to carry on as usual. It’s more than just something…it’s someone, possibly someone’s, or somethings? -Maybe all three?
August 24, 2025
tbh i REALLY enjoyed this book but i do need to rant about something…
i don’t think sean character was executed well…like he’s supposed to be super charming to the point where daphne and char-o is risking themselves and their family for him, meanwhile he was just insufferable the whole book. even in the beginning, before we found out he was an abusive asshole, he didn’t have any appealing qualities. it was just “he’s so cool and mysterious” “he’s not like the other boys” “daphne has never felt this way about anyone” blah blah blah.
daphne is young and is having a hard time coping with living in an abusive household. even though being with sean put herself and her family at risk, it makes sense that she would crave that bit of normalcy and secretly date the only guy that peaked her interest. and ofc she came to her senses eventually.
char-o and sean’s relationship on the other hand…it literally does not make sense to me. char-o didn’t even gaf about sean until he “listened” to her…so you’re telling me that char-o was willing to betray her sister and also put herself and her family at risk because he paid attention to her??? really??? and if it was just that i could understand bc again, she’s young and she’s coping with living in an abusive household. but he fucking killed her brother and convinced her to take the blame for it. like??? how do you stay with someone after that??? and how does daphne stand to be around him and char-o after that???
but yeah if sean was more likable (at least at the beginning) i think everything would’ve made more sense.
anyways rant over.
i don’t think sean character was executed well…like he’s supposed to be super charming to the point where daphne and char-o is risking themselves and their family for him, meanwhile he was just insufferable the whole book. even in the beginning, before we found out he was an abusive asshole, he didn’t have any appealing qualities. it was just “he’s so cool and mysterious” “he’s not like the other boys” “daphne has never felt this way about anyone” blah blah blah.
daphne is young and is having a hard time coping with living in an abusive household. even though being with sean put herself and her family at risk, it makes sense that she would crave that bit of normalcy and secretly date the only guy that peaked her interest. and ofc she came to her senses eventually.
char-o and sean’s relationship on the other hand…it literally does not make sense to me. char-o didn’t even gaf about sean until he “listened” to her…so you’re telling me that char-o was willing to betray her sister and also put herself and her family at risk because he paid attention to her??? really??? and if it was just that i could understand bc again, she’s young and she’s coping with living in an abusive household. but he fucking killed her brother and convinced her to take the blame for it. like??? how do you stay with someone after that??? and how does daphne stand to be around him and char-o after that???
but yeah if sean was more likable (at least at the beginning) i think everything would’ve made more sense.
anyways rant over.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2025
I was an ARC reader for this book.
Living by several specific rules to keep her siblings safe and out of trouble, Daphne meets a boy who could possibly sweep her away from her family's torments or leave her in the same generational cycle as her mother. With small town vibes and generational trauma this read is definitely a real slow burn but worth the overall message at the end. It does feel a little all over the place at times with lots of references to other books and movies.
Stuck between years of hard-fought family chaos, peer pressure and a spooky town legend, Daphne needs to decide where her future lies and what decisions to make to help herself and her family. Begging the question, will the Fullington Road Monster catch up to her next?
Living by several specific rules to keep her siblings safe and out of trouble, Daphne meets a boy who could possibly sweep her away from her family's torments or leave her in the same generational cycle as her mother. With small town vibes and generational trauma this read is definitely a real slow burn but worth the overall message at the end. It does feel a little all over the place at times with lots of references to other books and movies.
Stuck between years of hard-fought family chaos, peer pressure and a spooky town legend, Daphne needs to decide where her future lies and what decisions to make to help herself and her family. Begging the question, will the Fullington Road Monster catch up to her next?
June 15, 2025
This was such an unusual story, it gripped me from the beginning. I can see this being a great mini series. So many levels to it, don't miss this one!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
August 13, 2025
My sister wrote a book about sisters and family and history and love…highly recommended!
July 24, 2025
Fantastic story about family and love and honor
October 5, 2025
Changed from 3 to 4 stars because I can’t quit thinking about little Wilkie and the corn fairies.
July 23, 2025
I had been anticipating this one for awhile, and it was everything I wanted it to be. I was mesmerized—by the legend of the monster, by what the monster could be, by what the monster turned out to be, by the family dynamics, by the danger of this forbidden first love, by the truth—all of it.
Thanks to the author and Conquest Publishing for the ARC.
Thanks to the author and Conquest Publishing for the ARC.
June 9, 2025
Wow. It’s been a while since I’ve read a YA novel with as much emotional punch as THE FULLINGTON ROAD MONSTER.
For most of us, our teenage years are difficult times in which we have to learn painful lessons about who we are, who we want to be, and what role the people we love will play in those journeys. But 16-year-old Daphne Ware has learned so many of those tough lessons at a young age. Sure, she’s from one of her town’s most prominent families. But her father is an abusive alcoholic who terrorizes the family. Her mom does the best she can, but the burden often falls on Daphne to protect her sister, Charlotte, and little brother Wilkie. That’s a lot for any kid to handle.
Her life gets more complicated when she meets Sean, the new guy in town. He’s gorgeous, charming, and seems sweet. But troubling rumors follow him around. More worrisome to Daphne, her dad will hit the roof if he finds out she’s dating a guy. So what should be an enjoyable teen summer romance becomes another source of stress.
And then there’s the Fullington Road Monster. Legend has it a shadowy, seven-foot-tall creature stalks Fullington Road. Is it real or just stories? No spoilers here. But the lesson of this book is that people are the real monsters.
Author Emily Rozmus hits all the right notes in her debut novel. The Fullington Road Monster is a beautifully told story that’s uplifting at times, heartbreaking at others. And fellow Gen X’ers take note! The book is set in 1985, and Rozmus peppers it with pop culture references to classic movies and songs of that era. Some great bonus touches for an unforgettable book!
For most of us, our teenage years are difficult times in which we have to learn painful lessons about who we are, who we want to be, and what role the people we love will play in those journeys. But 16-year-old Daphne Ware has learned so many of those tough lessons at a young age. Sure, she’s from one of her town’s most prominent families. But her father is an abusive alcoholic who terrorizes the family. Her mom does the best she can, but the burden often falls on Daphne to protect her sister, Charlotte, and little brother Wilkie. That’s a lot for any kid to handle.
Her life gets more complicated when she meets Sean, the new guy in town. He’s gorgeous, charming, and seems sweet. But troubling rumors follow him around. More worrisome to Daphne, her dad will hit the roof if he finds out she’s dating a guy. So what should be an enjoyable teen summer romance becomes another source of stress.
And then there’s the Fullington Road Monster. Legend has it a shadowy, seven-foot-tall creature stalks Fullington Road. Is it real or just stories? No spoilers here. But the lesson of this book is that people are the real monsters.
Author Emily Rozmus hits all the right notes in her debut novel. The Fullington Road Monster is a beautifully told story that’s uplifting at times, heartbreaking at others. And fellow Gen X’ers take note! The book is set in 1985, and Rozmus peppers it with pop culture references to classic movies and songs of that era. Some great bonus touches for an unforgettable book!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews