Nylos in the Cache

by Jade Kim Monsen, David Monsen (Editor)

Figuring out who to trust is difficult when Ava can't even trust herself.

When Ava’s only form of protection from bastard-eating monsters begins to weaken, she’s forced to leave her home before telling the boy she loves how she feels. Along for the ride is her Nylo, a creature whose sacred bond gives her healing abilities not everyone understands or accepts.

On her journey through the Cache, Ava learns a new way has been created to control Nylos, threatening their ability to choose who can harness their power. With the Nylos’ freedom at stake, Ava knows she needs help to protect their way of life… but who can she trust to help her?

464 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 5, 2025

About the author

Jade Kim Monsen is a Korean American writer who lives in Salt Lake City, Utah and has a strange love for the color green. When she’s not reading or writing or brainstorming, she’s working as a marketer for her day job, talking to anyone who will listen about the ups and downs of motherhood, or spending time with her husband, son, and two dogs at the park. Literally. Like that’s all she does.

Subscribe to her newsletter at www.jadekimwrites.substack.com for personal blog posts, book updates, and more.

Reviews

[Sara Jesus · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like the worldbuilding based in nylos (small animals that are marked to special people) that give powers to the ones that they are connected. The journeys of Ava and the prince were my favorites.

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm happy I took my time settling into reading this one, as there is some wonderfully creative world building to absorb. It was truly unique to any other fantasy books I've read. I also loved the mix of characters and felt pulled into all of their individual stories, though I think Candland's storyline may be my favourite. I'm really impressed with what Monsen did with this book and I truly can't wait to see what future stories await us in the Cache.

[BB · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you both the publisher and NetGalley for an opportunity to read Nylos in the Cache and share my thoughts about the book.

I’m somewhat struggling to know what to say. The book had its strengths and its weaknesses for sure.

I really enjoyed the magic system and the world and I wished there would have been even more information about nylos and their powers, what type of different powers different animals have and so on. I think the book built a good base and I’m intrigued if the potential next book will explain even more. I really enjoyed the axolotl which was such an unexpected yet delightful choice.

I didn’t expect three different MCs and POVs but I’m glad there were that many POVs and all of them showed different sides of the conflicted situation in the Cache. I didn’t necessarily love all the main characters. They were fitting in the story and I have learned to embrace the usually slightly overpowering teenagers in YA fiction but in this case, I have quite many moments when I struggled to feel a connection with some characters because they were almost too strong to be so young.

There was a lot happening. I think the start was a bit slow-ish but as soon as the story found its speed, it kept going and I found myself hoping that we would slow down a little bit and had a bit more time to really experience the current situation before we were already moving forward. But that’s not necessarily that bad of a thing, since YA literature tends to be quicker with the pacing than adult fiction. Some situations felt that they were solved so easily and quickly that it felt a bit unnatural for me. Maybe I would like to wallow in every possible emotion a little bit more.

Overall, I feel like Nylos in the Cache was entertaining and it was building a good base to explore even more the world and the magic system in the next part.

[Madison Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

To start, this book was absolutely amazing!!! I absolutely loved the magic system centered around Nylos, which are the cute animals that bond to specific people and grant powers to those they’re connected to. It was such a fascinating and creative concept, and it reminded me a bit of the spren from The Stormlight Archive series. I also really enjoyed the variety of characters and found myself invested in each of their individual storylines. Every character has noticeable flaws, which makes them feel real in this fantasy world, while also setting up incredible potential for growth throughout the series. While there are quite a few characters introduced early on, the main story follows three interconnected plotlines: Ava, the main character, who shares a bond with a Nylos. Candland, the shining yet introverted prince. And Chinchin, a scientist harboring dangerous secrets.

One of the most unique and delightful parts of this book for me was that Ava has a PET AXOLOTL as her Nylos. I love axolotls, so this instantly won me over. In this world, they possess magical healing abilities, which made the bond even more special. I also appreciated that this book sits comfortably in the YA space, making it accessible while still delivering rich worldbuilding and compelling stakes.

If you enjoy An Ember in the Ashes, The Stormlight Archive, or The Maze Runner, I would definitely recommend checking out this series.

Favorite Quotes:
“What we are meant for and what we become are two different things.”
“Second son in the shadows was a perfectly appropriate place for him.”

Expect:
Blood magic, scientific experimentation, desert travel, animal companions, two princes, romance, secrets, an evil monarchy, a first-in-series setup, sci-fi fantasy elements, rebellion, and a hunted

[Ryan J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nylos in the Cache is the first in what I can only hope will be a long running series of fantasy novels. Told from the perspective of three very different characters, the story weaves these perspectives and experiences together into one of the most satisfying and evocative worlds since the likes of J.R.R. Tolkein and Philip K. Dick. Coming from an author who is new to fantasy/fiction, one would be forgiven for expecting less of this book. But make no mistake, Nylos is nothing short of a declaration that Jade Kim Monsen has arrived, and should be a major player in this space for years to come.

The world building is top notch. Monsen's words paint vivid images that make each realm feel real and lived in. You can almost smell the musty air in The Tunnels, feel the radiant heat in the vast deserts, and shudder at the air of superiority emanating from the royals.

The main characters and their support are all flawed but likeable. This is a group of misfits that are all easy to root for. Experiencing the roller coaster of defeats and victories with each of them is an incredible journey that should not be missed.

Ultimately, the rich and immersive world of Nylos in the Cache is the true star, and deserves to be experienced by as many people as possible. It's not hard to envision a Netflix series, or graphic novels, or an anime adaptation, or scores of plushes and action figures. Do yourselves a favor and jump in head first. You'll be wowed, and you won't be disappointed. I give Nylos in the Cache my highest regards, and eagerly anticipate the sequels.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

“My mother used to say, the first reaction comes from the garden you grew up in. It’s the second reaction that reveals what kind of plant you really are.”

What a RIDE. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey these characters took me on. Something I crave in books is originality and wow did this book deliver. Breath of fresh air. Each character’s POV brought such a unique perspective and even the questionable characters I grew attached to. The feelings of love, sadness, heartbreak and anger were palpable.

I also can be picky when it comes to religion in books, sometimes that can fall flat or be too complex. Nylos in the Cache struck a beautiful balance, specifically with the religion of Questus. It was haunting and had me on the edge of my seat.



Some things on my Cache Bucketlist:

- See the Mud Wall (I’m so intrigued by this)
- Take a walk through the Tunnels
- Have a conversation with Kavi
- And get Matched with a Nylo

[Ninja · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Voracious Readers for my honest review
So here it is

Nylos in the Cache started off a bit slow for me.
There were too many people getting introduce at once without any connection.

The connection did come just a little more bit in the story.
This book was slow for me but still good.
A few different pov. Not sure how I felt about it.
The mmc was not my favorite hopefully he can redeem himself in the next book.
One of the mfc has a lot of growth to do but she has come a long way during this story.
The other I like but don’t like. It’s complicated.
The names in this story were all unique too.
The world was also unique and I love it.
Once again some of my favorite characters were side characters.

Overall good book. Love the world that was made.
Interested in what the next book would be about.

[Lauren Chaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel nothing but the utmost honor and gratitude at receiving an ARC of Nylos. In this book, Monsen creates a world vivid enough to feel intimately real. The rich cultures, conflicting traditions and histories, and beautiful diversity provide the perfect backdrop for her biggest strength, her characters.

Each has their own complex history and motivations as they deal with truly difficult situations, often in wonderfully morally grey ways. I adored how each character wrestled with their own morality and values. The themes of trauma, religion, and control also resonated deeply with me as a person who has left a high demand religion.

To put it plain, I loved every moment in this journey! And I will be purchasing a physical copy ASAP to add to my collection.

I can’t wait to see what Monsen writes next!

[Nev Corey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a super entertaining read!! It definitely surpassed my expectations. A lot of times I go into books with lower expectations, and this one completely blew me away!! I love the unique magic system that was super IN YOUR FACE magic, but there were also subtle things. I absolutely love the concept of the Nylos and the Marks. *chefs kiss*

The ending?
OH MY GOSH
I did not see it coming. And usually I can see the ending coming MILES away!!

My only complaint is that upon finishing the book, I felt like I was missing something as far as the romance goes. I would have like to see some more interactions and romance between Ava and Gannick rather than Chinchin.
And just being completely honest I really didn’t care for Chinchins romance arc because of personal beliefs.


But overall I really enjoyed this book and I CANT WAIT to read more!!!!!

[Zita Flatley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I detest spoilers so I'm just going to focus on the impact of this book. It has been years since I read a book cover to cover. Jade's writing & her characters have changed that. At probably the worst point in my life I volunteered to be an early reader of 'Nylos in the Cache'. I had no idea what to expect but didn't want to let anyone down & wanted to see if my niece would like it. I brought this book with me to waiting rooms, hospital visits & even darker places. The story & writing sucked me in early on & still has it's tendrils wrapped around me now. It was my constant companion & a reminder that the point of life is to be with the people you love. I can't wait to hold the physical copy in my hands to read it all over again and I can't wait to see what comes next from Jade.

[Grace C · Rating 5 out of 5]

*A big thanks to Jade Kim Monsen and Booksirens for providing me with an ARC of this book; this in no way affects my honest review*

Told from the perspectives of three characters, Monsen creates a richly crafted world of what I hope to be a series, so I can experience more of this world and its characters.

The characters feel real, they all have their flaws, but are extremely likable, and you can’t help but root for them.

If you’re a fan of fantasy, this book should be on your radar.

Monsen has firmly established herself as a new voice to watch, and I can’t wait for more books to come.

[Sandra Bruxvoort · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imaginative and original with layered villains and heroes both.

Readers looking for a fantasy and science fiction hybrid with diverse representation will want to listen up: while marketed as a YA fantasy, Nylos in the Cache feels somewhat older with its darker subject matters—suicide, familial conflicts, self identity and belonging—and its exploration of technology and scientific progress against folklore and magic (reminded me of Shadow and Bone in that regard, which I love).

POVs for Ava, Candland, and Chinchin reveal opposing sides and conflicts, and JKM puts each character—even side characters—through satisfying arcs that will leave readers invested in what happens next. I adored Candland most I would say, and my heart went out to him!

There's tragedy and twists, secrets, and fascinating worldbuilding around the humans from earth, Vhykas, nylo bonds, and the uniqueness of the hourglass-like sands as an engine of travel.

I'm so curious to see how the memory science (and magic) will impact the story, and I'm dying to know what happens next with a couple theories I have floating around in my head!

For ebook readers: Nylos in the Cache is available on Kindle Unlimited, so if you're looking for something nuanced and multifaceted that's off to a promising start for a fresh new series, definitely consider this one!

"They were not always monsters."
"...What were they?"
"Mothers."

[Viking Jam · Rating 4 out of 5]

eview: For a novel centered on and around the YA, this was pretty good. The magic is varied, interesting, and grounded. Ava was fun to follow around and the supporting characters were MCs in their own right. I liked the world building as well.

The only downers were the lengthy passages that involved Chinchin. Really boring. There is some gay but the author does not beat you over the head with it. I am also a bit confused about why the publishers have to make not in every instance that the writer is Korean American. What, why and how does that matter? Gotta love race hustling.

Anyhoo, if you think things are resolved, think again as a series beckons.

4.5/5

[Kelsey Moon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me a copy of this. This doesn't impact my review.
It had some flaws and it's fairly predictable but the world has a lot of potential. At first it was hard to get into with remembering each character who was introduced but it didn't take long for everyone's story to become intertwined. The characters are young and definitely act like it sometimes. I'm looking forward to a sequel!

[Misty Frampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing!! It’s fast-paced, with unexpected high stakes. The world is very unique and magical, and the way the characters all come together is so cool. I wish I could have a Nylo of my own!!

[Rena Frampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read!!! The world Monsen created is full of life, wonder, and conflict. The characters all are unique in their own way and I loved following their individual plot lines that all tied together at the right times!!

[BigBookBrat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book refreshing! It didn’t feel like any books I’ve read before. I loved the idea of the human/creature bonds and Ava’s is an AXOLOTL! There are multiple POVs and storylines, and each explores different challenges people may face (being an outcast, morality/immorality, finding your own strength, sacrifice, betrayal, etc). I think it was very well done to represent the power dynamics between certain geographical regions/classes of people. I think it also represented different kinds of love and relationships in a beautiful way as well. There was suspense that kept me wanting to continue well past my bedtime. It doesn't quite end on a cliffhanger but does leave a lot unresolved, so I'll be here patiently waiting for book two!

[Kat Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ this was such an interesting unique read! I loved the world building, the multi pov which allowed us to truly understand the systems in this world! I can’t wait for more!