What do you think?
Rate this book
Monster of the Deep Forest: A steamy stand-alone romantasy about a man with stolen magic and the woman hunting him
In the Deep Forest, the deadliest monsters steal your heart.Inira is hunting a monster.
To take her place in her village’s inner circle, she must find the man who murdered the old god of her village. But her mission looks like it’s destined to fail when the terrifying White Riders attack her in the Deep Forest. Now, her only chance of success is the mysterious stranger who claims he saved her life. But what does he really know about the Godkiller Inira sacrificed everything to find?
Aveus knows the woman came for him.
She’s wearing a piece of the weapon he used to kill an old god, and he saved her from the White Riders who trained him to use that deadly magic. After years of hiding from the Riders, saving her risks his safety and his freedom. He should drop her on the edge of the Deep Forest and be done with his past forever.
But as the connection between them deepens, Aveus decides to help her instead. Together, perhaps they can undo some of the damage he wrought years ago.
As long as she doesn’t discover he is the killer she’s hunting.
Sexy, snarky, and fast-paced, Monster of the Deep Forest is an epic fantasy romance adventure with dual point-of-view (his and hers) and characters who think, act, and curse like adults. This steamy romantasy about the man who killed a god and the woman sent to hunt him is perfect for readers looking for their next magical romance.
To take her place in her village’s inner circle, she must find the man who murdered the old god of her village. But her mission looks like it’s destined to fail when the terrifying White Riders attack her in the Deep Forest. Now, her only chance of success is the mysterious stranger who claims he saved her life. But what does he really know about the Godkiller Inira sacrificed everything to find?
Aveus knows the woman came for him.
She’s wearing a piece of the weapon he used to kill an old god, and he saved her from the White Riders who trained him to use that deadly magic. After years of hiding from the Riders, saving her risks his safety and his freedom. He should drop her on the edge of the Deep Forest and be done with his past forever.
But as the connection between them deepens, Aveus decides to help her instead. Together, perhaps they can undo some of the damage he wrought years ago.
As long as she doesn’t discover he is the killer she’s hunting.
Sexy, snarky, and fast-paced, Monster of the Deep Forest is an epic fantasy romance adventure with dual point-of-view (his and hers) and characters who think, act, and curse like adults. This steamy romantasy about the man who killed a god and the woman sent to hunt him is perfect for readers looking for their next magical romance.
412 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 17, 2025
7 people want to read
About the author
Meredith Hart
24 books98 followersRaised by wolves in the mountains of Colorado, Meredith Hart traveled the world to seek her fortune, fell in love with a half-elf ranger, and now lives in a cabin deep in the Maine woods where she writes steamy fantasy romance with snarky, reluctant heroes and the warrior women who love them.
She also writes mythology-inspired paranormal romance under the pen name Samantha MacLeod, and she has occasionally been known to pen a poem or two. Sometimes they even make it into her books.
She also writes mythology-inspired paranormal romance under the pen name Samantha MacLeod, and she has occasionally been known to pen a poem or two. Sometimes they even make it into her books.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 19, 2025
This has been such an amazing series and this book was no different. In fact, it might be my favorite.
I was so excited to get to Aveus' story! I just love him so much. And Inira, our FMC who is a little unsure of herself. And Bairgus, the Raven. He stole the show honestly. We all love an animal sidekick!
I loved seeing our other favorite characters show up again too! I have missed them. But this book wrapped everything up perfectly. But also, keep writing cause I still want more lol
I was so excited to get to Aveus' story! I just love him so much. And Inira, our FMC who is a little unsure of herself. And Bairgus, the Raven. He stole the show honestly. We all love an animal sidekick!
I loved seeing our other favorite characters show up again too! I have missed them. But this book wrapped everything up perfectly. But also, keep writing cause I still want more lol
September 15, 2025
Bairgus is everything!
The Killer of the Towers trilogy comes to an end with this installment.
This book is fast-paced like the previous ones in the series. It keeps you entertained and engaged in the story, with adventure, romance and secrets.
In this installment we follow Inira and Aveus through the Deep Forest. Unlike the previous two books, this story is set in another island and the characters are not what you'll expect from the previous books. Inira is completely different from our female leads in book one and two. It was interesting reading about Inira's life and culture and see how it connected with Aveus. I always love reading about previous characters and learning more about their relationship as a little found family.
Oh! And, Bairgus? My gods, I loved him! The perfect companion.
I am not sure if author Meredith Hart will be making any more books from this universe, but the ending left me feeling like there might be? I really hope so.
Thank you Meredith Hart for the opportunity of reading this ARC!
The Killer of the Towers trilogy comes to an end with this installment.
This book is fast-paced like the previous ones in the series. It keeps you entertained and engaged in the story, with adventure, romance and secrets.
In this installment we follow Inira and Aveus through the Deep Forest. Unlike the previous two books, this story is set in another island and the characters are not what you'll expect from the previous books. Inira is completely different from our female leads in book one and two. It was interesting reading about Inira's life and culture and see how it connected with Aveus. I always love reading about previous characters and learning more about their relationship as a little found family.
Oh! And, Bairgus? My gods, I loved him! The perfect companion.
I am not sure if author Meredith Hart will be making any more books from this universe, but the ending left me feeling like there might be? I really hope so.
Thank you Meredith Hart for the opportunity of reading this ARC!
September 29, 2025
Loved reading Aveus and Iniras story
This one was much better paced than the others & overall a great read ! No Spoilers here but I love the way you tied all the books together in this series 💙
I received an arc e book copy all opinions and reviews are my own !
This one was much better paced than the others & overall a great read ! No Spoilers here but I love the way you tied all the books together in this series 💙
I received an arc e book copy all opinions and reviews are my own !
September 9, 2025
A fast-paced romantasy adventure that did not disappoint. This may be my favorite of the series.
September 21, 2025
Two years ago, Inira's village and the surrounding forest were destroyed when the Godkiller killed the old god of the forest. The village lord's eldest son, R'then, is given the broken amulet that the Godkiller wore and is tasked with hunting him down. Inira joins him to help, but also because she has feelings for him.
After the long years of traveling and hunting, R'then is tired of living on the road and decides to go home. He thinks the task is pointless and gives the amulet he has carried to Inira instead. Inira is insistent that they are close to finding the Godkiller, but leaves with R'then when she can't convince him to persevere. R'then had hired some guides to help them home, but when the guides try to rob them after they are the road for little over a day. The guides are stopped by the arrival of White Riders who are looking for the very amulet that Inira now wears and R'then immediately betrays her. Unbeknownst to Inira and her companion, they have been followed from the inn they left by the very Godkiller they hunt and when he sees Inira get attacked by the White Riders, he rescues her.
Another great story in the Killers of the Towers series. I loved exploring this new land with Inira and Aveus. They had an instant chemistry and they were so drawn to each other from the beginning. I thought that their romance was very sweet. I loved how they helped each other grow.
Thank you to Author Meredith Hart for the gifted eARC.
After the long years of traveling and hunting, R'then is tired of living on the road and decides to go home. He thinks the task is pointless and gives the amulet he has carried to Inira instead. Inira is insistent that they are close to finding the Godkiller, but leaves with R'then when she can't convince him to persevere. R'then had hired some guides to help them home, but when the guides try to rob them after they are the road for little over a day. The guides are stopped by the arrival of White Riders who are looking for the very amulet that Inira now wears and R'then immediately betrays her. Unbeknownst to Inira and her companion, they have been followed from the inn they left by the very Godkiller they hunt and when he sees Inira get attacked by the White Riders, he rescues her.
Another great story in the Killers of the Towers series. I loved exploring this new land with Inira and Aveus. They had an instant chemistry and they were so drawn to each other from the beginning. I thought that their romance was very sweet. I loved how they helped each other grow.
Thank you to Author Meredith Hart for the gifted eARC.
September 6, 2025
I think this may be the best one yet.
The book starts and we are no longer in Silver City, we are across the ocean with Inira who is from the Inner Plains, and she is different from the other two FMC from the first two books. She isn't sure of herself and has to find her voice. Aveus, who like the other two from the towers is very conflicted after doing what he had been trained to do and finding he had to live with the blood on his hands and now the magic of the old God. When they find each other it's clear that he needs to help her escape what she believes is absolute and she needs to save him from himself. Together, they fight to find the pieces of his amulet, and take down the new towers but not before he gets caught and she has to come save him after he pushes her away because he didn't want to tell her the truth about who he was.
I may or may not have been excited when Syrus and Reznyk came back into the story. I would love to read more with the three of them maybe a prequel of them together at the Towers in Silver City.
The book starts and we are no longer in Silver City, we are across the ocean with Inira who is from the Inner Plains, and she is different from the other two FMC from the first two books. She isn't sure of herself and has to find her voice. Aveus, who like the other two from the towers is very conflicted after doing what he had been trained to do and finding he had to live with the blood on his hands and now the magic of the old God. When they find each other it's clear that he needs to help her escape what she believes is absolute and she needs to save him from himself. Together, they fight to find the pieces of his amulet, and take down the new towers but not before he gets caught and she has to come save him after he pushes her away because he didn't want to tell her the truth about who he was.
I may or may not have been excited when Syrus and Reznyk came back into the story. I would love to read more with the three of them maybe a prequel of them together at the Towers in Silver City.
September 12, 2025
Out of the Silver City and across the sea, we find Inira searching for the killer of the God of her mountain. Inira comes across as determined yet unsure of her role in society and desperate for attention from her travelling companion.
Aveus, hiding in plain sight, seems lonely and unsure what to do while on the run.
When Inira is saved by Aveus, they team up to continue her journey.
If you enjoyed Monster of the Dagger Mountains, or Monster of the Silver City, you will continue to love the final book of the series! The characters continue to grow, the banter is steamy, and the spice is on point. Also, who doesn't love a familiar? Bairgus may not be an actual familiar, but he is my favorite character with his perfect moments of banter.
Thank you Meredith for the eARC!
Favorite Quote:
"Does he have anything good?" "I didn't stop to check. Funny thing, I don't feel like getting hit over the head with a broom today."
Tropes:
- On the Run
- Forced Proximity
- Teaching Moments
- Banter
- Secrets
Aveus, hiding in plain sight, seems lonely and unsure what to do while on the run.
When Inira is saved by Aveus, they team up to continue her journey.
If you enjoyed Monster of the Dagger Mountains, or Monster of the Silver City, you will continue to love the final book of the series! The characters continue to grow, the banter is steamy, and the spice is on point. Also, who doesn't love a familiar? Bairgus may not be an actual familiar, but he is my favorite character with his perfect moments of banter.
Thank you Meredith for the eARC!
Favorite Quote:
"Does he have anything good?" "I didn't stop to check. Funny thing, I don't feel like getting hit over the head with a broom today."
Tropes:
- On the Run
- Forced Proximity
- Teaching Moments
- Banter
- Secrets
September 24, 2025
I was given a free copy of this book and I decided to give it an honest review.
I have long been an admirer of Meredith Hart's work and she has yet to disappoint me. Her latest fantasy romance is a beautifully written story that combines adventure, passion, and magic in a way that is both sweeping and intimate. From the very first page, I was pulled into the story, captivated not only by the world she created but by the characters who inhabit it. What I love most is her ability to make her characters feel astonishingly real. They are flawed, layered, and achingly human. Inira is strong-willed, intelligent, and deeply relatable, carrying burdens from her past that make her triumphs even more satisfying. Aveus is equally compelling with his own struggles and vulnerabilities. This novel is another work of art for an author whose work I already cherish. It is a story that captivates on several levels: characters who breathe life from the page, dialogue that sparkles with wit and meaning, and a world that lingers in the imagination long after the final chapter.
I have long been an admirer of Meredith Hart's work and she has yet to disappoint me. Her latest fantasy romance is a beautifully written story that combines adventure, passion, and magic in a way that is both sweeping and intimate. From the very first page, I was pulled into the story, captivated not only by the world she created but by the characters who inhabit it. What I love most is her ability to make her characters feel astonishingly real. They are flawed, layered, and achingly human. Inira is strong-willed, intelligent, and deeply relatable, carrying burdens from her past that make her triumphs even more satisfying. Aveus is equally compelling with his own struggles and vulnerabilities. This novel is another work of art for an author whose work I already cherish. It is a story that captivates on several levels: characters who breathe life from the page, dialogue that sparkles with wit and meaning, and a world that lingers in the imagination long after the final chapter.
September 16, 2025
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. (via the author)
4.25 stars
This was a fun installment. Fast paced and filled with action and adventure for Aveus and Inira. I love that he taught her how to swim. Also loved getting reunited with everyone from the previous two books. The ending made me wonder if there is more to come from this world. 👀
But if I'm being honest, Bairgus stole the show for me. I just loved how grumpy and full of advice he was lol.
“He’s a fucking idiot,” he caws. “He carries the weight of the entire Towers on his shoulders. As if it was all his fault. Birds are much more practical.”
“You couldn’t find your way through an open door without me, and you know it,” Bairgus snaps.
Favorite quote
An entire world grew from those ashes. It’s not like the world that came before, but that doesn’t make it any less beautiful.
4.25 stars
This was a fun installment. Fast paced and filled with action and adventure for Aveus and Inira. I love that he taught her how to swim. Also loved getting reunited with everyone from the previous two books. The ending made me wonder if there is more to come from this world. 👀
But if I'm being honest, Bairgus stole the show for me. I just loved how grumpy and full of advice he was lol.
“He’s a fucking idiot,” he caws. “He carries the weight of the entire Towers on his shoulders. As if it was all his fault. Birds are much more practical.”
“You couldn’t find your way through an open door without me, and you know it,” Bairgus snaps.
Favorite quote
An entire world grew from those ashes. It’s not like the world that came before, but that doesn’t make it any less beautiful.
September 4, 2025
Ahh once again Meredith outdid herself. This book was amazing as was the other two in the series and man was it also satisfying to see a certain persons end. Chefs kiss. 😘 this book gave all of the feels. We have aveus and Inira another lovely couple and our missing man of our trio and he is just as yummy as our other two men and lemme just say was so happy to see another reunion it warmed my soul and the last chapter!! Ahhh. It tied everything up in a fantastic bow and I loved it all. Can’t forget our side kick raven ahh I loved him he was great. I want him. 😂 overall this book was amazing and tied everything up nicely for all characters on their path and if you haven’t read it or the other books in the series I implore you to go read them because who doesn’t like brooding men with deep trauma finding their baddie other half and righting their wrongs! I sure do. 😊
September 17, 2025
I really enjoyed this final book in Meredith Hart’s god-killers series. Indra and Aveus are a great new couple, each bringing strengths that complement and wounds that are healed by the other. But what fascinated me the most is the intricately imagined and wrought world Meredith has created. Each book takes place in a different environment, and the Deep Woods, with its branches and root pathways, wellsprings of magic, and islands of land, was utterly captivating and mysterious.
I also loved seeing the other two couples coming to aid them at the end (hope that’s not a spoiler). As another reviewer proposed, it would be great if Meredith wrote a prequel depicting life in the white towers when the gang was young and in training together. I read an ARC and am happy to offer this honest review.
I also loved seeing the other two couples coming to aid them at the end (hope that’s not a spoiler). As another reviewer proposed, it would be great if Meredith wrote a prequel depicting life in the white towers when the gang was young and in training together. I read an ARC and am happy to offer this honest review.
October 26, 2025
I received an ARC from the author and this review is my own. I have read all Meredith's books and this one is just as good as all those that came before.
I love the world building of the Deep Forest. So incredibly imaginative! I want to live on Aveus' island. This story has so much adventure. Good vs Evil. Magic users, white riders that are attempting to steal magic, a wise talking raven, traveling keys, on and on.
I love how MH can write such a thorough story that I can get completely immersed in, and include steamy spicy scenes and romance. There's always just enough push/pull.
I definitely recommend the entire series.
I love the world building of the Deep Forest. So incredibly imaginative! I want to live on Aveus' island. This story has so much adventure. Good vs Evil. Magic users, white riders that are attempting to steal magic, a wise talking raven, traveling keys, on and on.
I love how MH can write such a thorough story that I can get completely immersed in, and include steamy spicy scenes and romance. There's always just enough push/pull.
I definitely recommend the entire series.
September 4, 2025
Perfectly Magical!
I love the way the magic dances around and the way it hums beneath the characters skins. That, to me, is the perfect description of what magic should be like!
I also loved the way this author conjured up characters with whom I could find an affinity and a thorough enjoyment of their very existence and exploration of their very complex lives, which of course needed unravelling.
This was a story, well told and highly entertaining and one which I was fortunate to read an early copy of and I am more than happy to leave my voluntary review of it.
I love the way the magic dances around and the way it hums beneath the characters skins. That, to me, is the perfect description of what magic should be like!
I also loved the way this author conjured up characters with whom I could find an affinity and a thorough enjoyment of their very existence and exploration of their very complex lives, which of course needed unravelling.
This was a story, well told and highly entertaining and one which I was fortunate to read an early copy of and I am more than happy to leave my voluntary review of it.
September 5, 2025
Meredith you are so good!!
I loved this book just like the others SO MUCH!
I really enjoyed following this story and getting to the gooey ooey center of the drama, love and spice.
In my opinion it's really hard to do a captivating romantasy book and Meredith constantly is pulling that off for us. When you are in search of your perfect match and you finally find it and it changes your whole world.... reading about that is just so fun. Thank you for the opportunity to read this I can't wait to keep reading more from you!! I highly recommend this one!!
I loved this book just like the others SO MUCH!
I really enjoyed following this story and getting to the gooey ooey center of the drama, love and spice.
In my opinion it's really hard to do a captivating romantasy book and Meredith constantly is pulling that off for us. When you are in search of your perfect match and you finally find it and it changes your whole world.... reading about that is just so fun. Thank you for the opportunity to read this I can't wait to keep reading more from you!! I highly recommend this one!!
September 4, 2025
This book draws you in right aways. Following Inira as she hunts for the man who murdered the old god of her village. She’s saved from the white riders in the deep forest by Aveus. He knows that Inira has come for him but he wants to rectify his grave mistake. Their connection is instant and as it deepens he decides he wants to help her. This is an incredible fantasy romance, with fun banter, plenty of secrets, high stakes and a whole lot of love!
September 17, 2025
This was such a great way to end the trilogy. I loved all the characters and how the story line came full circle. I am sad for it to end! I personally recommend reading all 3 books in order instead of standalones to get the whole picture. It makes the ending way more emotional and it gives so much context especially since it comes full circle.
Thank you Meredith Hart for this ARC!
I hope there is a spin off in the future as it did leave off with several possibilities.
Thank you Meredith Hart for this ARC!
I hope there is a spin off in the future as it did leave off with several possibilities.
September 18, 2025
Loved it!
Another great story! Immersive, magical and emotional. Both Inira and Aveus learn to let go of the past and lean into the here and now while also embracing their bravery and goodness. I loved the descriptive vision of the Deep below and how it was its own magical world thriving far away from humanity. This is standalone but if you’ve read the other two books you’ll be happy to run into some familiar characters.
Another great story! Immersive, magical and emotional. Both Inira and Aveus learn to let go of the past and lean into the here and now while also embracing their bravery and goodness. I loved the descriptive vision of the Deep below and how it was its own magical world thriving far away from humanity. This is standalone but if you’ve read the other two books you’ll be happy to run into some familiar characters.
September 10, 2025
Loved the final in this series and the foreshadowing of a new series in this universe to come! The adventure was Hart’s classic exciting and sometime tense love saga. This one was also set in an incredibly beautiful and interesting different part of the universe that drew me in. I found learning and exploring the deep forest and the broader natural world as compelling as the story itself!
August 30, 2025
This is a truly beautiful story. I just finished reading it and I can tell that I’ll be thinking about it and feeling the emotions for a long, time. Meredith Hart has such an amazing talent for conveying her characters emotions. Love and redemption that pulls you in. Just beautiful
September 22, 2025
This series takes us to a new world within a world.
I love how each book in this series has been so unique, has a different main couple, a different part of the same world and an overall plot throughout the series.
This story was wonderful in describing the new world within the current world. It felt almost like fern gully or even Avatar. The Deep Forest was so unique in how whole worlds existed in the levels of the world trees.
Plus seeing how the Towers still exist in this world across the ocean…very interesting. I can’t wait to see more. Zayne and a certain elf are still out there and in need of their own story too. 😏
Definitely need to read this series in order to get the full effect of the guys bond and the evolution of the Towers.
Plus can I just say that Bairgus was the best character! I loved that sassy grumpy Raven so much.
A m/f fantasy romance with magic, redemption, learning to live for what you want, a sassy animal sidekick and learning what love can truly be if allowed to flourish.
Dual POVs told in first person
Main couple -
Inira - woman from the Inner Plains
Aveus - exemplar from the Towers on the run and disguised as a bard
Bairgus - Tower raven who needs to show these hatchlings how it’s done
Steam - a couple 🔥 scenes
I love how each book in this series has been so unique, has a different main couple, a different part of the same world and an overall plot throughout the series.
This story was wonderful in describing the new world within the current world. It felt almost like fern gully or even Avatar. The Deep Forest was so unique in how whole worlds existed in the levels of the world trees.
Plus seeing how the Towers still exist in this world across the ocean…very interesting. I can’t wait to see more. Zayne and a certain elf are still out there and in need of their own story too. 😏
Definitely need to read this series in order to get the full effect of the guys bond and the evolution of the Towers.
Plus can I just say that Bairgus was the best character! I loved that sassy grumpy Raven so much.
A m/f fantasy romance with magic, redemption, learning to live for what you want, a sassy animal sidekick and learning what love can truly be if allowed to flourish.
Dual POVs told in first person
Main couple -
Inira - woman from the Inner Plains
Aveus - exemplar from the Towers on the run and disguised as a bard
Bairgus - Tower raven who needs to show these hatchlings how it’s done
Steam - a couple 🔥 scenes
October 20, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Monster of the Deep Forest is a steamy, fast-paced romantasy full of danger, desire, and heart. Meredith Hart weaves magic, monsters, and emotion into a story that keeps you hooked from start to finish. Perfect for fans of dark romance and fantasy adventure.
Monster of the Deep Forest is a steamy, fast-paced romantasy full of danger, desire, and heart. Meredith Hart weaves magic, monsters, and emotion into a story that keeps you hooked from start to finish. Perfect for fans of dark romance and fantasy adventure.
October 23, 2025
Magic, Romance. Hiding in the Deep forest from his pursuers. Aveus and his sarcastic raven Bairgus evade the White Riders. But he can't hide from Inera who has her own reasons to find him. Good story as always from Meredith Hart. HEA. I should note I got an ARC from the author
August 30, 2025
Excellent romantic fantasy! So easy to get lost in.. Action, adventure, and passionate love..
September 17, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyable! I had read the two previous books in the series and enjoyed the snarky banter. If you're looking for fantasy romance with banter, Hart always delivers.
September 30, 2025
Last book in The Monsters Of The Deep series.
A meeting under subpar circumstances. Aveus the godk1ller and Inira the woman sent to k1ll him. Aveus suffering from flashbacks and severe guilt and Inira chasing an illusion, acknowledgment, respect, love.
Incredibly lush worldbuilding with The Deep with its World Trees, luminescent creatures and the magical wellsprings.
A lot of action, magic, deception, sinister plans, selfish cowards and love!
Highly recommended (plus the two books prior)
A meeting under subpar circumstances. Aveus the godk1ller and Inira the woman sent to k1ll him. Aveus suffering from flashbacks and severe guilt and Inira chasing an illusion, acknowledgment, respect, love.
Incredibly lush worldbuilding with The Deep with its World Trees, luminescent creatures and the magical wellsprings.
A lot of action, magic, deception, sinister plans, selfish cowards and love!
Highly recommended (plus the two books prior)
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews