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Where Monsters Hide
When the moon rises, so do the children.
Danica has walked beside death for as long as she could remember, holding hands with destruction and carnage, she turned to the darkness like an old friend. But with the life of a young girl depending on her, she escapes the trenches and starts looking west to her home hidden in Asada’s Shadow.
Hunter has enjoyed the luxuries Roseguard has had on offer for the last nine years. Embracing the pleasures and paying no mind to death, he would move his soldiers around like toys on a map. That is, until his convoy is attacked by rebels.
When their fates intertwine, they must decide where their loyalties lie. Hunter and Danica are mere pawns compared to those who seek revenge.
The Queen in the Shadow, the King to the East and the Prince in the Moonstone Castle... are all coming for Roseguard.
Danica has walked beside death for as long as she could remember, holding hands with destruction and carnage, she turned to the darkness like an old friend. But with the life of a young girl depending on her, she escapes the trenches and starts looking west to her home hidden in Asada’s Shadow.
Hunter has enjoyed the luxuries Roseguard has had on offer for the last nine years. Embracing the pleasures and paying no mind to death, he would move his soldiers around like toys on a map. That is, until his convoy is attacked by rebels.
When their fates intertwine, they must decide where their loyalties lie. Hunter and Danica are mere pawns compared to those who seek revenge.
The Queen in the Shadow, the King to the East and the Prince in the Moonstone Castle... are all coming for Roseguard.
371 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2025
3 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Emily Agnew
1 book16 followersEmily Agnew is an author based in rural Western Australia. Born in 2001 and growing up on a farm in the Wheatbelt region; one’s imagination must be vivid to keep themselves entertained. As a horsey girl, Emily found her passion of reading through horse books and having read every book in the library that mentioned horses, Emily picked up a fantasy novel for the first time, and the rest is history.
During senior school, Emily decided to test her abilities and see if she could write a novel. She discovered that not only could she write a novel, but she absolutely loved it and decided that becoming an author would be her career goal. And so, after thinking, plotting and structuring an entire storyline, “Where Monsters Hide” was born.
Now living in a coastal town with her fiancé and dog, Arlo, she worked tirelessly on drafting, editing, formatting and designing her stories between working fulltime and all other life commitments.
During senior school, Emily decided to test her abilities and see if she could write a novel. She discovered that not only could she write a novel, but she absolutely loved it and decided that becoming an author would be her career goal. And so, after thinking, plotting and structuring an entire storyline, “Where Monsters Hide” was born.
Now living in a coastal town with her fiancé and dog, Arlo, she worked tirelessly on drafting, editing, formatting and designing her stories between working fulltime and all other life commitments.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 14, 2025
"The night air is a sweet kiss of escape. An escape from my life, from the good and bad memories. That sweet kiss is the moment where I can be no one else except who I am now, a young woman on her horse in the moonlight."
Wow, what a book. I thought I had it all figured out who the love interest was going to be four times, but the author kept me guessing again and again! In fact, I am still unsure, and I loved that. It is refreshing! Let's talk about Danica, what an FMC! She is an absolute bad-ass who could kick any of the male characters' asses. She is a survivor. The lore and world-building are rich, featuring species created by the author that are intertwined with those we already know. As an indie debut, this book is technically phenomenal; the pacing is perfection.
I was a horsey girl growing up, and if you were one also, you are going to love this book! It's clear the author has a deep love for horses. Their presence in the novel is beautifully drawn throughout.
Thank you, Emily, for this book. I need Book Two ASAP. I have so many questions... Will Hunter receive a redemption ARC, or will he turn into a raging villain like his mother?
October 9, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
This is a story with potential and I'll be keen to see what happens next.
In terms of characters, Danica is a strong FMC but we see her depth too, Vixy as Danica's surrogate sister is heartwarming. Danica's family are great when she is eventually reunited with them. Hunter was a bit two dimensional, his POV was very black and white and he is just awful in my opinion. I would find it hard to root for a redemption arc for him after reading all his thoughts about how superior he thinks he is to everyone!
The world is interesting, I liked the way it was described and I could picture it. Politically with the war, it was a bit tenuous in terms of whether the war truly made sense for both sides, not so much the mechanics but the motivation, the villains just felt quite two dimensional in their motivations.
The writing was a little stilted - the dialogue feels a little clunky at times, the characters inner thoughts / monologues can be a little too transparent / plainly written and would benefit from a bit more nuance. I do think this will probably improve as the author continues writing and develops their craft and the story was interesting enough that I will probably pick up the next book when it releases.
This is a story with potential and I'll be keen to see what happens next.
In terms of characters, Danica is a strong FMC but we see her depth too, Vixy as Danica's surrogate sister is heartwarming. Danica's family are great when she is eventually reunited with them. Hunter was a bit two dimensional, his POV was very black and white and he is just awful in my opinion. I would find it hard to root for a redemption arc for him after reading all his thoughts about how superior he thinks he is to everyone!
The world is interesting, I liked the way it was described and I could picture it. Politically with the war, it was a bit tenuous in terms of whether the war truly made sense for both sides, not so much the mechanics but the motivation, the villains just felt quite two dimensional in their motivations.
The writing was a little stilted - the dialogue feels a little clunky at times, the characters inner thoughts / monologues can be a little too transparent / plainly written and would benefit from a bit more nuance. I do think this will probably improve as the author continues writing and develops their craft and the story was interesting enough that I will probably pick up the next book when it releases.
September 7, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I was incredibly fortunate to receive an e-ARC copy of this book!
The story begins in a divided kingdom ravaged by war for over a decade. Two unlikely suspects, Danica and Vixy, escape the front lines, only to be pursued by the general’s son, Hunter.
Hunter gradually uncovers the truth behind Danica’s past, revealing her origins and the circumstances that shaped her. As they navigate the kingdom, both Hunter and Danica face tough decisions, trying to evade the Roseguard and the general, Melissa, while keeping Hunter captive.
Danica grapples with regrets and heartbreaks as she learns to embrace her true self after a decade of service on the front lines.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and couldn’t wait to finish it. The character development is exceptional, and you’ll find yourself rooting for them. The book features all your favourite mythical creatures, including chimeras, banshees, and a few other creatures we secretly adore!
I particularly liked the way monsters are referenced when discussing humans, even though the “typical” monsters are right around them. The internal conflict Danica experiences deeply resonated with me. Although I didn’t face the same challenges, I understand how choices we make can leave us with lasting emotional scars, even more profound than physical ones.
The only personal preference I have is that the book doesn’t end on a cliffhanger. While there’s undoubtedly much to explore in the second book, I prefer books that leave me feeling as if the story has paused in the middle of a sentence. I’m eagerly anticipating the next instalment and have numerous questions about what’s to come!
I was incredibly fortunate to receive an e-ARC copy of this book!
The story begins in a divided kingdom ravaged by war for over a decade. Two unlikely suspects, Danica and Vixy, escape the front lines, only to be pursued by the general’s son, Hunter.
Hunter gradually uncovers the truth behind Danica’s past, revealing her origins and the circumstances that shaped her. As they navigate the kingdom, both Hunter and Danica face tough decisions, trying to evade the Roseguard and the general, Melissa, while keeping Hunter captive.
Danica grapples with regrets and heartbreaks as she learns to embrace her true self after a decade of service on the front lines.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and couldn’t wait to finish it. The character development is exceptional, and you’ll find yourself rooting for them. The book features all your favourite mythical creatures, including chimeras, banshees, and a few other creatures we secretly adore!
I particularly liked the way monsters are referenced when discussing humans, even though the “typical” monsters are right around them. The internal conflict Danica experiences deeply resonated with me. Although I didn’t face the same challenges, I understand how choices we make can leave us with lasting emotional scars, even more profound than physical ones.
The only personal preference I have is that the book doesn’t end on a cliffhanger. While there’s undoubtedly much to explore in the second book, I prefer books that leave me feeling as if the story has paused in the middle of a sentence. I’m eagerly anticipating the next instalment and have numerous questions about what’s to come!
November 27, 2025
The review of this book is going to be a little interesting! I loved the world building and the characters. The story was so fresh because it did not have the usual magic but a lot of political commentary which was super intriguing. And the best part was the different types of monsters that the story involved. I loved learning about them! The FMC Danica is so unique, I immediately liked her. Her strength, her fighting style and her character was just amazing. And equally I hated Hunter, you’ll know why once you read the book. Kai was only present for a short time but that short time was beautifully written and I loved him!
Danica was stolen and banished to the front line to fight the war when she was little. All she knows is to defend herself and fight against ruthless monsters. But not all monsters are monsters, because humans can be one too. When she finds another little girl like her, she decides to run away and end her torment. However running away just brought her closer to her fate.
Hunter has grown up spoilt in the riches. He is blinded by luxury and his mother. He doesn’t know the truth to anything but ends up becoming caption of the Red Army. When his entourage is captured he manages to flee and ends up getting saved by Danica. But will he ever be able to lift himself out of the lies his mother him?
The entire book was something I couldn’t put down! It was high adrenaline filled scenes with the anticipation of what’s going to happen. However, the ending did not satisfy me. Whatever happened seemed too easy! I don’t know if it was a deliberate attempt by the author to make things interesting in the second book because if so, then well played! All in all, an awesome debut novel!
Danica was stolen and banished to the front line to fight the war when she was little. All she knows is to defend herself and fight against ruthless monsters. But not all monsters are monsters, because humans can be one too. When she finds another little girl like her, she decides to run away and end her torment. However running away just brought her closer to her fate.
Hunter has grown up spoilt in the riches. He is blinded by luxury and his mother. He doesn’t know the truth to anything but ends up becoming caption of the Red Army. When his entourage is captured he manages to flee and ends up getting saved by Danica. But will he ever be able to lift himself out of the lies his mother him?
The entire book was something I couldn’t put down! It was high adrenaline filled scenes with the anticipation of what’s going to happen. However, the ending did not satisfy me. Whatever happened seemed too easy! I don’t know if it was a deliberate attempt by the author to make things interesting in the second book because if so, then well played! All in all, an awesome debut novel!
October 30, 2025
I was lucky enough to get a physical ARC of this book and I absolutely loved diving into this story. It gave me that fantasy vibe that you would get from series like TOG and I feel like I was desperately looking for a book like that again! If you’ve read The Assassin Thief and theThrone of Glass series, I felt like Where Monsters Hide was a combination of both, with its own unique world and spin on fantasy/mythical creatures that was so well done. The Narakuya were so interesting to read about and I loved that we still got other mythical creatures that I know and love like Fae and Werewolves but that they weren’t the star of the show. Danica as an FMC was strong, confident, brave and a little scary (at the start), but I loved that we saw multiple sides to her as the book progressed, as well as the hardship she’d endured and how it shaped her but also how other characters continued to influence her nature and growth. The political storyline and slowly unfolding romantic subplot kept me on my toes and I wasn’t able to predict where we were going which was so refreshing. I can’t wait for the next books to be out and to dive into this series and all the backgrounds of the characters even more!!
October 30, 2025
Completely drew me into another world. The characters were engaging and believable whilst still being full of mystique and magic. Can’t wait for the next installment!!
September 25, 2025
This is one of the best (if not THE best), indie debut book I have ever read. The plot? Amazing! The writing style? Loved it! The characters? Adored them! (Well some of them, some deserve what karma has in store for them)
Danica’s back story! The trauma! This girl is giving major Aelin vibes - I’m talking, fear is scared of her. She is badass, vicious and unafraid to fight for what she holds dear to her. She is also not too shabby with a blade😉
I also loved that this didn’t follow the typical enemies-to-lovers path that you always read in fantasy. The enemy that I thought was a potential love interest may or may not be the love interest (I won’t say anything more in case I spoil it). This changed my perspective on the enemies-to-lovers trope and gave it a bit of a twist.
There was a heavy theme of war and royal politics, and it was written so well!!! I do enjoy war discussions and royal politics in my fantasy books and this was done so seamlessly, a really enjoyable part of the book!
The writing style was brilliant! Emily’s writing is so beautiful and expressive, everything is well explained so I was able to sit back and unwind with this epic tale. I also love that the multi POV, it gives so much dimension to the characters and it worked really well in this book.
I’m looking forward to delving more into the magic of the fantasy world and of course I live for the politics! I am absolutely hanging out to read book two!
Thank you so much to Emily for sending me a physical copy to read and review!
Danica’s back story! The trauma! This girl is giving major Aelin vibes - I’m talking, fear is scared of her. She is badass, vicious and unafraid to fight for what she holds dear to her. She is also not too shabby with a blade😉
I also loved that this didn’t follow the typical enemies-to-lovers path that you always read in fantasy. The enemy that I thought was a potential love interest may or may not be the love interest (I won’t say anything more in case I spoil it). This changed my perspective on the enemies-to-lovers trope and gave it a bit of a twist.
There was a heavy theme of war and royal politics, and it was written so well!!! I do enjoy war discussions and royal politics in my fantasy books and this was done so seamlessly, a really enjoyable part of the book!
The writing style was brilliant! Emily’s writing is so beautiful and expressive, everything is well explained so I was able to sit back and unwind with this epic tale. I also love that the multi POV, it gives so much dimension to the characters and it worked really well in this book.
I’m looking forward to delving more into the magic of the fantasy world and of course I live for the politics! I am absolutely hanging out to read book two!
Thank you so much to Emily for sending me a physical copy to read and review!
September 28, 2025
The concept of this one was really interesting and different with the fae, centaurs, humans and other creatures. You’ve got a dual POV and a broken kingdom that’s been at war for a decade. The first part of the book was a slower start but all good things take time and I think it was important to lay the foundation. Once you get to a particular point (I won’t say exactly where!), it really picks up and it’s full steam ahead.
Emily’s done a great job with the character development - I genuinely found each to be unique to the next. Danica as an FMC is super strong and independent but definitely shows a caring side and vulnerability from the trauma she’s been through. And oh my god Hunter, best way to describe him is naive and a bit of a sheep😂. I very much think this is intentional and I wouldn’t be surprised if we see some growth from him as the books go on. Then we have Kai, who shows up later, and naturally has me very interested. He has that whole mysterious vibe about him that makes you want to know more. I’m getting potential morally grey vibes so keen to unravel that more.
I personally can’t wait for book 2 to see what happens next. Whilst it doesn’t necessarily finish on a cliffhanger, I feel like we are definitely going to be seeing some plot twists and secrets come undone.
Emily’s done a great job with the character development - I genuinely found each to be unique to the next. Danica as an FMC is super strong and independent but definitely shows a caring side and vulnerability from the trauma she’s been through. And oh my god Hunter, best way to describe him is naive and a bit of a sheep😂. I very much think this is intentional and I wouldn’t be surprised if we see some growth from him as the books go on. Then we have Kai, who shows up later, and naturally has me very interested. He has that whole mysterious vibe about him that makes you want to know more. I’m getting potential morally grey vibes so keen to unravel that more.
I personally can’t wait for book 2 to see what happens next. Whilst it doesn’t necessarily finish on a cliffhanger, I feel like we are definitely going to be seeing some plot twists and secrets come undone.
September 12, 2025
3.75 ⭐
First off, a huge thank you to the author for trusting me with a physical ARC of her debut novel—it was such a privilege to dive into this world early! ☺️
Where Monsters Hide takes readers into a war-torn land full of betrayals, unlikely alliances, and one seriously badass FMC 💅🏻.
I really enjoyed my time with this book overall. The FMC absolutely stole the spotlight for me—she’s fierce, complex, and easy to root for. I also adored little Vixy (such a sweet touch to the story!). On the other hand, I struggled a bit with the MMC and didn’t particularly enjoy his POV. While his perspective was definitely important to the story’s progression, I personally found him frustrating at times.
The pacing starts off on the slower side, but once things get moving the twists and turns really kept me hooked. And thankfully, the book doesn’t end on a frustrating cliffhanger—it’s more of a happy-for-now that still leaves the door wide open for what promises to be an exciting Book 2.
⭐ Overall: A strong debut with engaging twists, a compelling FMC, and a solid foundation for what’s shaping up to be a fantastic series.
First off, a huge thank you to the author for trusting me with a physical ARC of her debut novel—it was such a privilege to dive into this world early! ☺️
Where Monsters Hide takes readers into a war-torn land full of betrayals, unlikely alliances, and one seriously badass FMC 💅🏻.
I really enjoyed my time with this book overall. The FMC absolutely stole the spotlight for me—she’s fierce, complex, and easy to root for. I also adored little Vixy (such a sweet touch to the story!). On the other hand, I struggled a bit with the MMC and didn’t particularly enjoy his POV. While his perspective was definitely important to the story’s progression, I personally found him frustrating at times.
The pacing starts off on the slower side, but once things get moving the twists and turns really kept me hooked. And thankfully, the book doesn’t end on a frustrating cliffhanger—it’s more of a happy-for-now that still leaves the door wide open for what promises to be an exciting Book 2.
⭐ Overall: A strong debut with engaging twists, a compelling FMC, and a solid foundation for what’s shaping up to be a fantastic series.
September 9, 2025
I genuinely don’t know where to begin because there are so many things I absolutely loved about it.
Alright, let’s start with Danica.
"I check all my blades are in their sheaths – two on my hips, two strapped to my thigh, two on my calves, and one in each boot, plus a few hidden in my long, black leather jacket."
DO YOU SEE WHAT I MEAN!?
Danica has faced way more than most from a very young age, and the lengths she goes to in order to survive? Unreal. This isn’t your typical MFC who’s powerful but still unsure and waiting to be trained up. Danica knows her strength. She owns it, fears it, questions it, and constantly weighs up the morality of what she does with it. That level of awareness in a character is rare. She’s a full-blown badass – the type who slips into what’s called the “killing calm” – and if you’re into stabby, vengeful, morally complex heroines who don't shy away from the dark side, this book is absolutely for you.
The pacing was fast, but not rushed – and there’s clearly a massive world waiting to be explored. I loved that it let the world-building unfold naturally rather than front-loading everything. You get the sense there’s so much more to come, mysterious people to meet/remember and I can’t wait to dive deeper.
Emily Agnew’s writing style is perfection. The multiple POVs are handled beautifully – no rehashing the same events from different angles. Each shift adds new layers and emotional weight. This story also doesn't sugar-coat the cost of war. There are no clean hands here. It explores that morally grey space where survival and revenge often blur together, and you're left asking: what would you do?
There’s blood, gore, humans, monsters, Fae, action – all the good stuff. But it’s so well balanced with quieter, emotional moments that hit just as hard.Just when you think you can relax, Emily breaks your heart. I felt so connected to the characters – their pain, their choices, their bonds. The side characters bring real depth too, and I’m already hanging out to learn more about them in future books. The banter, the loyalty, the found-family dynamics? Loved it.
Now, spice-wise – this one isn’t spicy, and that completely fits the story. There are connections, you feel the chemistry and the longing, but given the world and what the characters are going through, it makes perfect sense that romance isn’t the focus. That said… it doesn’t stop you from wanting something to happen, haha!
I still can’t believe this is a debut novel. Some twists I saw coming (which I reckon was intentional), but others absolutely floored me. This book had me up until ridiculous hours – emotionally wrecked, crying, and still turning pages. Not one single regret.
If you’re into intense, emotionally layered fantasy with a fierce heroine, complex themes, killer action, and a world you’ll want to get lost in.
Alright, let’s start with Danica.
"I check all my blades are in their sheaths – two on my hips, two strapped to my thigh, two on my calves, and one in each boot, plus a few hidden in my long, black leather jacket."
DO YOU SEE WHAT I MEAN!?
Danica has faced way more than most from a very young age, and the lengths she goes to in order to survive? Unreal. This isn’t your typical MFC who’s powerful but still unsure and waiting to be trained up. Danica knows her strength. She owns it, fears it, questions it, and constantly weighs up the morality of what she does with it. That level of awareness in a character is rare. She’s a full-blown badass – the type who slips into what’s called the “killing calm” – and if you’re into stabby, vengeful, morally complex heroines who don't shy away from the dark side, this book is absolutely for you.
The pacing was fast, but not rushed – and there’s clearly a massive world waiting to be explored. I loved that it let the world-building unfold naturally rather than front-loading everything. You get the sense there’s so much more to come, mysterious people to meet/remember and I can’t wait to dive deeper.
Emily Agnew’s writing style is perfection. The multiple POVs are handled beautifully – no rehashing the same events from different angles. Each shift adds new layers and emotional weight. This story also doesn't sugar-coat the cost of war. There are no clean hands here. It explores that morally grey space where survival and revenge often blur together, and you're left asking: what would you do?
There’s blood, gore, humans, monsters, Fae, action – all the good stuff. But it’s so well balanced with quieter, emotional moments that hit just as hard.Just when you think you can relax, Emily breaks your heart. I felt so connected to the characters – their pain, their choices, their bonds. The side characters bring real depth too, and I’m already hanging out to learn more about them in future books. The banter, the loyalty, the found-family dynamics? Loved it.
Now, spice-wise – this one isn’t spicy, and that completely fits the story. There are connections, you feel the chemistry and the longing, but given the world and what the characters are going through, it makes perfect sense that romance isn’t the focus. That said… it doesn’t stop you from wanting something to happen, haha!
I still can’t believe this is a debut novel. Some twists I saw coming (which I reckon was intentional), but others absolutely floored me. This book had me up until ridiculous hours – emotionally wrecked, crying, and still turning pages. Not one single regret.
If you’re into intense, emotionally layered fantasy with a fierce heroine, complex themes, killer action, and a world you’ll want to get lost in.
September 26, 2025
🌲 Where Monsters Hide 🌲
4 1/2 stars !
This was an incredible debut YA fantasy. One of my favourite reads of the year! These two characters, Hunter and Danica are just so unapologetically themselves that the story seems to almost write itself just by their personalities.
The multiple POVS were one of my favourite parts of the story because who doesn’t love reading from the MMC’s point of view?! Anyways, the FMC is probably one of my favourite FMC’s I’ve ever read. She’s powerful but doesn’t just dive straight into the power, she waits to be trained and to get it right. She is stabby, morally grey in her own way and so vengeful and it’s so beautiful.
The book was fast paced but not so fast that it misses multiple key plots. The world is so big, there’s just so much to explore! There’s gore, blood, monsters, humans and fae (who doesn’t love fae?!). It’s not always fast paced, it’s got emotional, slower moments where we can really feel how hard it feels.
Hunter slowly unveils the truth about Danica and her past and how everything that happened to her has shaped her to be who she is today. They both face massively tough decisions that would rewrite the outcome and they overcame it.
Thank you so much to Emily for allowing me the opportunity to read a physical ARC of this book. How this is a debut novel I don’t understand. I love that this didn’t end in a cliff hanger because I’m impatient and don’t like waiting between books but you can definitely tell that there’s more to be explored and I cannot wait for more in this story/series!
4 1/2 stars !
This was an incredible debut YA fantasy. One of my favourite reads of the year! These two characters, Hunter and Danica are just so unapologetically themselves that the story seems to almost write itself just by their personalities.
The multiple POVS were one of my favourite parts of the story because who doesn’t love reading from the MMC’s point of view?! Anyways, the FMC is probably one of my favourite FMC’s I’ve ever read. She’s powerful but doesn’t just dive straight into the power, she waits to be trained and to get it right. She is stabby, morally grey in her own way and so vengeful and it’s so beautiful.
The book was fast paced but not so fast that it misses multiple key plots. The world is so big, there’s just so much to explore! There’s gore, blood, monsters, humans and fae (who doesn’t love fae?!). It’s not always fast paced, it’s got emotional, slower moments where we can really feel how hard it feels.
Hunter slowly unveils the truth about Danica and her past and how everything that happened to her has shaped her to be who she is today. They both face massively tough decisions that would rewrite the outcome and they overcame it.
Thank you so much to Emily for allowing me the opportunity to read a physical ARC of this book. How this is a debut novel I don’t understand. I love that this didn’t end in a cliff hanger because I’m impatient and don’t like waiting between books but you can definitely tell that there’s more to be explored and I cannot wait for more in this story/series!
September 29, 2025
10 years ago, Danica was kidnapped, tortured and made to fight on the front lines against her own kind, for revenge. This book really gripped me from the start!
Danica is a deadly, smart & badass FMC. She’s fiercely loyal to her race and fights for justice every day.
Hunter, I’m just not sure! He is SOOO freaking arrogant 🤭 I really love that Kai didn’t baby Danica. He pushed her, taunted her but always supported her. All to help strengthen her. Vixy is one of the most beautiful side characters.
Walking alongside the shadows, Danica can enter her ‘killing calm’. This makes her more lethal. I am SO looking forward to learning more about what this is to get a fuller sense of the magic system in this story.
The world building was great. The tension, lots of it. The political intrigue is really good!
When I say this book broke my heart, I mean it. I ugly sobbed like I did Sword of Kaigen. It was something that I didn’t see coming and I am so glad the Emily had the guts to do this because it really adds a whole extra level of emotional impact. I really need that in a book.
I really enjoyed this book as a whole! I can’t wait to see what happens next! Thank you so much Emily for sending me copy of your book to read early 🖤
Danica is a deadly, smart & badass FMC. She’s fiercely loyal to her race and fights for justice every day.
Hunter, I’m just not sure! He is SOOO freaking arrogant 🤭 I really love that Kai didn’t baby Danica. He pushed her, taunted her but always supported her. All to help strengthen her. Vixy is one of the most beautiful side characters.
Walking alongside the shadows, Danica can enter her ‘killing calm’. This makes her more lethal. I am SO looking forward to learning more about what this is to get a fuller sense of the magic system in this story.
The world building was great. The tension, lots of it. The political intrigue is really good!
When I say this book broke my heart, I mean it. I ugly sobbed like I did Sword of Kaigen. It was something that I didn’t see coming and I am so glad the Emily had the guts to do this because it really adds a whole extra level of emotional impact. I really need that in a book.
I really enjoyed this book as a whole! I can’t wait to see what happens next! Thank you so much Emily for sending me copy of your book to read early 🖤
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September 28, 2025"When Hunter and Danica's fates intertwine, they must decide where their loyalties lie. They are mere pawns compared to those who seek revenge."
Where Monsters Hide is a fantastic fantasy debut from Emily! It hooked me right away, with characters who are unwavering in their conviction and are always true to their beliefs. Following both of their POVs, we can see the influences in their world and why they are this way.
Hunter and Danica's world is also rich with fantasy creatures who are active in the story, in such a creative and vast world. There's blood and gore, and tender, emotional moments, even with the royal politics and war that is at the heart of this book.
Overall, I really enjoyed it and I am looking forward to book two!
Thank you to Emily for an ARC, all opinions are my own!
Where Monsters Hide is a fantastic fantasy debut from Emily! It hooked me right away, with characters who are unwavering in their conviction and are always true to their beliefs. Following both of their POVs, we can see the influences in their world and why they are this way.
Hunter and Danica's world is also rich with fantasy creatures who are active in the story, in such a creative and vast world. There's blood and gore, and tender, emotional moments, even with the royal politics and war that is at the heart of this book.
Overall, I really enjoyed it and I am looking forward to book two!
Thank you to Emily for an ARC, all opinions are my own!
September 14, 2025
For a debut novel, the creativity and thoughtful planning of WMH is insane!
This world felt so easy to delve into with so many unique creatures, some rarely written and some completely new. If you're like me and feeling as though a lot of fantasy books are starting to feel kind of the same, then this book is definitely for you. It felt fresh and new. I loved getting to know the world in this book and all those who live in it.
The story arc is set amidst a war and perfectly jumps straight in, paced exceptionally; there was never a dull moment in the plot. I was truly unable to predict where it was going and felt as though so much was setting up for the rest of the series. I already can't wait for the second book and am excited to find out what happens next!
This world felt so easy to delve into with so many unique creatures, some rarely written and some completely new. If you're like me and feeling as though a lot of fantasy books are starting to feel kind of the same, then this book is definitely for you. It felt fresh and new. I loved getting to know the world in this book and all those who live in it.
The story arc is set amidst a war and perfectly jumps straight in, paced exceptionally; there was never a dull moment in the plot. I was truly unable to predict where it was going and felt as though so much was setting up for the rest of the series. I already can't wait for the second book and am excited to find out what happens next!
October 14, 2025
Emily Agnew’s Where Monsters Hide is a fantastic YA fantasy debut that hooked me in with its dual POV between Danica and Hunter. What I loved most was how stark and unapologetically black-and-white these two characters are. We’re so used to peeling back layers in morally grey characters, but here, both Danica and Hunter are unwavering in their convictions. It gave the story a sharp edge and a refreshing kind of straightforwardness that I don’t often see.
Starting with Danica, she’s such a strong FMC, but what makes her compelling isn’t just her strength, it’s how it’s born from trauma. She doesn’t process her pain inwardly; she channels it outward into revenge, protection, and attack. I found that deeply relatable in its own raw way. Her nature really is zero to one hundred, no hesitation, no middle ground, and it made her actions both unpredictable and thrilling to follow.
The book is divided into three parts, and while Part One (with the adventure setup and the forced-bonding between Danica and Hunter) was a slower start for me, it laid the groundwork. Parts Two and Three, though, were where the story really came alive. Hunter’s character in particular became more intriguing as his stubbornness and loyalty to what he’s been taught (especially by his mother) unfolded. He’s not the type of character you can sway with reason or emotion, he clings to his worldview with both hands. That made me constantly wonder if he’s capable of change, or if he’s fated to stay the “villain” in Danica’s journey.
One of my favorite elements was the rich fantasy world; centaurs, fae, and all sorts of magical creatures who are unified in against the oppression of humans. That hostility added a layer of tension to every encounter and kept me on edge. And then there’s Vixy, who Emily used brilliantly to tie Danica and Hunter’s storylines together. I won’t spoil what happens, but I definitely felt what the author wanted me to feel, and I get why she made the choices she did.
By Part Three, the cast expands, and we meet Kai, a mysterious knight in shining armor type. But honestly? I don’t trust him one bit! There’s something too polished about him, too convenient. At least with Hunter, I know what I’m getting: he’s dangerous, uncompromising, and easy to peg as the “bad guy.” Kai, though, sets off all my internal alarms, and I’m curious (and nervous) to see where Emily takes that thread in the sequel.
Overall, Where Monsters Hide is a strong, fast-paced, and exciting debut. It delivers a clear, sharp dynamic between its leads, a dangerous and diverse fantasy world, and plenty of surprises that kept me invested right until the end. I’ll definitely be picking up the next book to see where Danica, Hunter, and the rest of this tangled cast go from here.
Starting with Danica, she’s such a strong FMC, but what makes her compelling isn’t just her strength, it’s how it’s born from trauma. She doesn’t process her pain inwardly; she channels it outward into revenge, protection, and attack. I found that deeply relatable in its own raw way. Her nature really is zero to one hundred, no hesitation, no middle ground, and it made her actions both unpredictable and thrilling to follow.
The book is divided into three parts, and while Part One (with the adventure setup and the forced-bonding between Danica and Hunter) was a slower start for me, it laid the groundwork. Parts Two and Three, though, were where the story really came alive. Hunter’s character in particular became more intriguing as his stubbornness and loyalty to what he’s been taught (especially by his mother) unfolded. He’s not the type of character you can sway with reason or emotion, he clings to his worldview with both hands. That made me constantly wonder if he’s capable of change, or if he’s fated to stay the “villain” in Danica’s journey.
One of my favorite elements was the rich fantasy world; centaurs, fae, and all sorts of magical creatures who are unified in against the oppression of humans. That hostility added a layer of tension to every encounter and kept me on edge. And then there’s Vixy, who Emily used brilliantly to tie Danica and Hunter’s storylines together. I won’t spoil what happens, but I definitely felt what the author wanted me to feel, and I get why she made the choices she did.
By Part Three, the cast expands, and we meet Kai, a mysterious knight in shining armor type. But honestly? I don’t trust him one bit! There’s something too polished about him, too convenient. At least with Hunter, I know what I’m getting: he’s dangerous, uncompromising, and easy to peg as the “bad guy.” Kai, though, sets off all my internal alarms, and I’m curious (and nervous) to see where Emily takes that thread in the sequel.
Overall, Where Monsters Hide is a strong, fast-paced, and exciting debut. It delivers a clear, sharp dynamic between its leads, a dangerous and diverse fantasy world, and plenty of surprises that kept me invested right until the end. I’ll definitely be picking up the next book to see where Danica, Hunter, and the rest of this tangled cast go from here.
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