Mechanical : A Frankenstein Retelling

by Lorien Ray

Nova doesn't know Jay watches her in the shadows when she walks to work. Or that he never misses one of her dances at the Flesh and Code nightclub. Nor does she have an idea that he follows her home.

When Jay's infatuation takes a dark turn, he devises a plan to turn the woman of his dreams into a mechanical Frankenstein.

Little does he know that his cybernetic fantasy will soon become his robotic nightmare.

"Was I a damsel in distress and everything worked out in his favor, or am I a victim in his twisted science fiction fantasy?"

221 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 31, 2025

Reviews

[Bookaholic__Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't really read much in the cyberpunk genre so I was pretty excited to check this out and it definitely didn't disappoint. Frankenstein is a classic and I loved this take on the story. It was done well and I think it strikes the perfect balance between familiarity and innovation.

I really loved Novas character and was so happy for her by the end of the story. I also really liked Kay, and the ending seemed to flirt with the idea that we might not have seen all from them. I would definitely read more stories from this universe.

I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Rhiannon Cheyenne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Horror is one of my favorite genres to read. I also really enjoyed the cyberpunk mechanical setting. I thought it was well written and interesting and I would love to see more books featuring that. I love Nova and Kay and would definitely love to see another book featuring them. This book has a definite “good for her” vibe, which I absolutely adore and love to see. I vet glad that I was gifted a copy of this book and I highly recommend it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Out of 5 Stars ⭐️

Genre/Tropes ✨ erotic horror, body horror, Frankenstein inspired, stalking, cyberpunk, body modifications, revenge, good for her

[Chrys Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading this incredible cyberpunk retelling of Frankenstein, and I have to say, it absolutely blew me away. Honestly, I’m not usually big on cyberpunk, but I completely devoured this book. Lorien really knows how to create a captivating world and develop characters that stick with you.

Her writing style is so vivid; it felt like I was right there in the middle of the action, almost like I was watching a movie unfold. The twists were both surprising and exciting, keeping me on the edge of my seat the whole time. It’s one of those reads that you can't put down!

I highly recommend adding this to your TBR list when it comes out on July 31st. It’s definitely worth the read! You can find it on the Zon.... Trust me, you don’t want to miss this one!

[argyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is Frankenstein reimagined and set in the future.
It’s an updated horror story with a twist.

Nova is your fmc. She’s a spicy dancer with a stalker who watches her every move. He only has to see her once and becomes obsessed with the thought of possessing her. He knows where she lives, where she works, the roads she walks, the food carts, restaurants and the meals she loves.

Jay is a “tiny” bit crazy but he doesn’t see it. He thinks what he’s doing is helping her, improving her & he’s convinced that she will love and thank him for it.

Read the trigger warnings and they sound like a grocery list you’d shop, I’d definitely recommend this book!!

[Kari Tidwell (karisbookstodevour) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A futuristic cyberpunkish horror that reimagines Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and is legitimately just the biggest mind fuck! It's stalking, murder, mutilation, complete and total obsession, and it just buries itself in your psyche as one hot mess of a man in love with a woman who doesn't even know he exists uses that love to justify flipping her life upside down in brutal fashion. It hooks you, it makes you slightly terrified of the future and the possibility it holds, and it gets your mind going a million miles an hour with all the moral questions one psycho stirs up inside you, in a well thought out, totally intriguing, and unforgettably genius read.

[Linnea Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The world is a scary place."

I am absolutely in love with Lorien Ray's new story, Mechanical : A Frankenstein Retelling . The obsession Jay possesses for Nova is out of this world, much like his little "starnja". He cracked me up during the scenes in his workshop. He is such a quirky MMC and I am here for it.

Cyberpunk, horror, spice and everything nice that you want in a juicy book. Ray's plot twist will catch you off guard as her story constantly keeps you on your toes. You think you know and then you don't.

Please check your triggers and I hope y'all enjoy Mechanical : A Frankenstein Retelling as much as I did.

[Jordan Schutte · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this story! I read it in one sitting it was so good. It drew me in from the beginning. I loved the cyberpunk mechanical aspect of the Frankenstein horror storyline. I enjoyed reading about Nova and Jay's story and how they were connected but also how Nova found out who she was through it all in the end! I can't wait to read what happens in the next one for Kay cause I have a feeling this world has more to give! As always, check your trigger warnings, but I definitely recommend it!

[Shania · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished this book so fast! Lorien Ray is such an incredible author who knows exactly how to hook you from the very beginning. Once I started reading I couldn’t stop. This thrilling modern spin on Frankenstein in my opinion was perfectly executed! The plot twist got me too, I thought I had it pegged and BOOM, like a bomb going off, I was totally bamboozled! This is a dark stalker, thriller revenge, if those are your genres then I highly suggest reading this book!!

[Read, Run and Rescue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read from Lorien Ray! I loved the cyberpunk setting. What an interesting unique reading experience Lorien creates for her readers. The characters were so cleverly crafted and I was drawn to them immediately. I felt Novas pain and frustration and Jay who doesn’t love a dark, brooding, obsessed stalker? The book was fast paced and easy to read. Not your typical cookie cutter stalker book.definitely a good time.

[Shatana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Horror is definitely one of my top genres to dive into. I also found the cyberpunk mechanical setting super enjoyable. It was really well crafted and intriguing, and I’d be thrilled to read more books in that style. Nova and Kay are fantastic characters, and I would totally be on board for another book with them. This book gives off a strong "good for her" vibe, which I absolutely love and appreciate.

[Tiannah J♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this retelling so much!!

Frankenstein meets Cyberpunk in this Sci-fi centered erøtic horror.

Nova is just a girl trying to make it through the days working at a club as a dancer.

Jay is a mechanic who is absolutely fascinated with her.

They live in a cybernetic world where humans and androids coexist and humans can get parts upgraded to tech instead of flesh... what could possibly go wrong?

[Alisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the weirdest book I've ever had the pleasure of reading. The mechanic man rebuilding this woman to have her, to never have to live without her. cyborg or human doesn't matter this man as long as she is his.

Does she trust him, or does she trust her instincts? Can she dance ever again? Will Nova find all the answers she's after?

Does she get away?

[Rebecca Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not imagine going through what Nova had to go through in this book. 🤯

From being killed to cut apart and put back together using a torch, especially after being woken up like that sounds insane...💔

BUT it was a great book and I would definitely recommend anyone to read this book. I love the strength that Nova displays towards Jay in the end and it gives off the true Frankenstein feel.

[Megan Russ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great sci-fi read

When Nova loses everything the knight covered in elbow grease Jay just happens to be around to scrap her up and put her back together.
I haven't read a cyberpunk in a while this was truly well done. I loved the futuristic twist to the classic that Lorien gave us. I look forward to reading more from her soon.

[Heather Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so absolutely unique, it kept me completely consumed from beginning to end. It is so hard to find books these days that aren’t all similar in some way or another but this one was different from anything I’ve ever read. So good.

[Tiffany Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not in my life have I ever enjoyed a book like this so much.
I was so deep into the story I read this in one setting. Lorien ray is sooooo one of my favorite authors. She kept me engaged and I got to read about cyborgs!!! Omg

[Rainbeaux Harvest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mechanical is the version of Frankenstein that I needed. Nova didn't realize someone had been watching her. Stalking her. Her stalker finally got his opportunity, and he jumped on it. Nova wakes up, not herself anymore. If you wanna know more, read this book.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Lorien did it again! I couldn’t read it fast enough! She brought stalker to a new level! Nova does what most can’t and I love her for that!! I can’t wait what comes next!

[jennifer langdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hell yes! I ate this book up.
A unique take on frankenstein that left my jaw on the floor.

Nova and Jay's story is not to be missed.

[Tiffany J McLay · Rating 5 out of 5]

How perfectly horrific and incredible.

This book disturbed me and I loved it!

This was a great Frankenstein retelling and had me on the edge of my seat.

[Stephanie Stradtman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frankenstein retelling with a more modern take on it!

This book was fast paced and kept me sitting on the edge of my seat.

Nova and Jay had a whirlwind relationship!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal!!!!! I’m obsessed with the main female character Nova!!! Frankenstein retelling but cyberpunk! This was so well done! Loriens details were absolutely phenomenal I need more!

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mechanical was a reimagining of Frankenstein, and I was obsessed with this take. I loved the vibrancy mixed with the gritty aspects of the cyberpunk world. Nova has to come to terms with the ways in which she was changed by a man's obsession and perhaps make them regret it.

[Tehmeena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Content Warnings;
Please take note of the trigger warnings.

~Thank you, the author, for the free Arc of this book. I'm leaving this review voluntarily.~

Tropes;
🖤🔩𝓜𝓾𝓵𝓽𝓲𝓹𝓵𝓮 𝓟𝓞𝓥𝓼
🔩🖤𝓒𝔂𝓫𝓮𝓻𝓹𝓾𝓷𝓴/𝓕𝓾𝓽𝓾𝓻𝓲𝓼𝓽𝓲𝓬
🖤🔩𝓞𝓫𝓼𝓮𝓼𝓼𝓮𝓭 𝓜𝓜𝓒
🔩🖤𝓢𝓹𝓲𝓬𝔂 𝓓𝓪𝓷𝓬𝓮𝓻 𝓕𝓜𝓒
🖤🔩𝓑𝓸𝓭𝔂 𝓗𝓸𝓻𝓻𝓸𝓻
🔩🖤𝓔𝓻𝓸𝓽𝓲𝓬 𝓗𝓸𝓻𝓻𝓸𝓻
🖤🔩𝓕𝓻𝓪𝓷𝓴𝓮𝓷𝓼𝓽𝓮𝓲𝓷 𝓘𝓷𝓼𝓹𝓲𝓻𝓮𝓭
🔩🖤𝓖𝓸𝓸𝓭 𝓕𝓸𝓻 𝓗𝓮𝓻
🖤🔩𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮
🔩🖤𝓑𝓸𝓭𝔂 𝓜𝓸𝓭𝓲𝓯𝓲𝓬𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷𝓼
🖤🔩𝓢𝓽𝓪𝓵𝓴𝓲𝓷𝓰
🔩🖤𝓒𝓵𝓲𝓯𝓯-𝓗𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓮𝓻
🖤🔩𝓝𝓸 𝓗𝓔𝓐

█▓▒▒░░░"𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲."░░░▒▒▓█

Nova is a spicy dancer, being closely stalked by Jay, who is obsessed with her. He knows everything about her, where she lives, works and frequents! He doesn't think there's anything wrong with his actions because all he's doing he trying his level best to make her life easy, right? But he is a little crazy. With glowing teal eyes, him being a cyborg that's broody and dark, set on stalking Nova in the shadows, he wants to make her his... no matter what.

Nova, our FMC, was truly a beautiful badass, and Jay was a beautiful monster in his own way. I loved reading both their points of views and as a reader, I got to dive deep into their thoughts and feelings. They relationship dynamic was something special, new, and simply wild. And the plot twist was like me being sparta-kicked...hello? Is there anyone there? I'm still reeling from finishing the book. It was so good.

Such such a dark, horrific story that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to end. This was a brilliantly done Frankenstein retelling with a modern, cyberpunk twist! The way I inhaled this book is no joke. The world building slowly but surely built up layer by layer, the details told without being thrown at the reader, and the plotline was very well done. What a unique, original spin this was? I was so happy I gave this a chance! It was amazing. I've never read anything quite like this.

If you're into retellings, stalker vibes and revenge plots, spice and obsession, erotic horror and a futuristic settings where cyborgs and human coexist, and more, then this one is for you! Releasing on the 31st of this month on Amazon Kindle.

Out of Fives; 🎪🖤
🔩🖤𝑪𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓: ✨✨✨✨✨
🖤🔩𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒄𝒆: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
🔩🖤𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒆: 🥀🥀🥀🥀
🖤🔩𝑯𝒐𝒓𝒓𝒐𝒓: 🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪
🔩🖤𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔: 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
🖤🔩𝑬𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔: 🎲🎲🎲🎲
🔩🖤𝑵𝒐𝒗𝒂 𝑭𝑴𝑪: 🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷
🖤🔩𝑱𝒂𝒚 𝑴𝑴𝑪: 🩶🩶🩶🩶🩶
🔩🖤𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆: 🎬🎬🎬🎬🎬
🖤🔩𝑷𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈: ⏳⏳⏳⏳⏳
🔩🖤𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑫𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕: 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
🖤🔩𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝑩𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈: 🌍🌏🌍🌍🌏
🔩🖤𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅: 𝒆𝑨𝑹𝑪/𝑲𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒆.
🖤🔩𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔: 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒆.
🔩🖤𝑷𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒔: 146.
🖤🔩𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔: 21 (𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒍𝒖𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒖𝒆 & 𝑬𝒑𝒊𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒖𝒆).
🔩🖤𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒓𝒆: 𝑭𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝑺𝒄𝒊-𝑭𝒊, 𝑬𝒓𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒂, 𝑭𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒔𝒚.
🖤🔩𝑷𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒅: 31 𝑱𝒖𝒍𝒚 2025.
🔩🖤𝑾𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝑰 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒅: 𝒀𝒆𝒔.
🖤🔩𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Brittany Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a unique spin on the ultimate obsessive MMC. Like taking staking to a whole new level 😮‍💨

Nova realizing she has to embrace her new “life” has her reeling and confused but she handles it like the bad a$$ b she is!

Jay had no idea what his beautiful monster was truly capable of.

[Rissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lorien wrote another amazing story! I really enjoyed this story as it gave a very big “Cyberpunk” and ““Frankenstein vibes, I could not put it down once I started reading. You get the opening chapter from Novas POV, then Jay. I liked that there were multiple povs throughout this story so you could see what both characters were thinking and feeling.
It was cool to read about a story that seems a bit more futuristic, normalizing mechanical augmentations.. add in love, hate and hurt and your jaw will be on the floor!!
My feelings are all over the place after finishing this and I cannot help but love jay..