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Guardians & Monsters #1
Xantera
In a utopian society ruled by the Twelve Guardians, twenty-three-year-old Saskia has been taught to never question those who protect her city, Xantera, from the Monster who prowls beyond the Wall—even when they demand living sacrifices in exchange for this protection. She eats the food they provide her, works the Healing Center shifts they’ve designated for her, and lives with the partner they’ve assigned her.
But when Saskia finds a strange necklace left behind by a mysterious patient in her Healing unit, she begins to hear a voice in her head that could change everything.
Smooth, deadly, and masculine, the voice teases and tempts her, igniting embers in the emptiest part of her heart and challenging the beliefs that have been instilled there. Before long, she begins to suspect the necklace has connected her mind to the Monster who prowls outside the Wall—a Monster who is nothing like she expected.
And he wants her to let him in.
But when Saskia finds a strange necklace left behind by a mysterious patient in her Healing unit, she begins to hear a voice in her head that could change everything.
Smooth, deadly, and masculine, the voice teases and tempts her, igniting embers in the emptiest part of her heart and challenging the beliefs that have been instilled there. Before long, she begins to suspect the necklace has connected her mind to the Monster who prowls outside the Wall—a Monster who is nothing like she expected.
And he wants her to let him in.
349 pages, Paperback
First published October 13, 2025
260 people are currently reading
12299 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 352 reviews
September 22, 2025
Is anyone even going to be surprised when I say that I absolutely LOVED this? No? Didn’t think so… I’ve loved every single thing of Mariah’s that I’ve read, and this was no exception. I have to admit this was the first of Grace’s works that I read, but it sure won’t be the last. I’m amazed.
Just hearing about the plot all these months has had my expectations up the roof, and yet they were all met and exceeded?? Amazing.
I absolutely loved the concept in this book. It was incredibly interesting reading about such a society and what it does to people. What does it take for a person to wake up? I’m not going to get into a whole rant about this, but it was very interesting to read about how people who grow up in such a way and in such a place still turn out to be their own people. It was well developed and incredibly well written.
It also put on a really fun and engaging twist on the normal vampire/werewolf stories. It was unique and so so fun. Despite being wellknown beings, it felt as though I knew nothing about them. Incredibly well done.
I was also a very big fan of the pace. I was never bored, but I also never had a difficult time catching up. Everything happened at the right time. I absolutely LOVED the way the romance and the way the characters felt about each other developed though the book. It felt natural and just amazing. Their banter and humor fit in perfectly with the story. I love them together and can’t wait to see where it’ll lead.
Not only did I enjoy these characters together, but I absolutely loved them as their own person as well. They were each well developed and had a distinct personality. Saskia was a beautiful character. She had a good heart, sense and intelligence. She is strong and can think for herself and is just amazing and I love her. I don’t know why else to say except she’s amazing.
I loved the addition of the Monster’s POV and thoughts. It added a lot to the story, being able to see into the monster’s head.
Let me just once again point out the WRITING!! I’m in loveee. It feels like I’m a part of the story. I’m not only reading it, I’m THERE. This is the kind of storytelling and writing that feels effortless yet leaves you completely breathless. So beautiful.
So yeah I can easily come to the conclusion that I loved everything about this story and I can’t wait to read the second installment in this duology!!
Thank you so much, Mariah and Grace, for this eARC.
Just hearing about the plot all these months has had my expectations up the roof, and yet they were all met and exceeded?? Amazing.
I absolutely loved the concept in this book. It was incredibly interesting reading about such a society and what it does to people. What does it take for a person to wake up? I’m not going to get into a whole rant about this, but it was very interesting to read about how people who grow up in such a way and in such a place still turn out to be their own people. It was well developed and incredibly well written.
It also put on a really fun and engaging twist on the normal vampire/werewolf stories. It was unique and so so fun. Despite being wellknown beings, it felt as though I knew nothing about them. Incredibly well done.
I was also a very big fan of the pace. I was never bored, but I also never had a difficult time catching up. Everything happened at the right time. I absolutely LOVED the way the romance and the way the characters felt about each other developed though the book. It felt natural and just amazing. Their banter and humor fit in perfectly with the story. I love them together and can’t wait to see where it’ll lead.
Not only did I enjoy these characters together, but I absolutely loved them as their own person as well. They were each well developed and had a distinct personality. Saskia was a beautiful character. She had a good heart, sense and intelligence. She is strong and can think for herself and is just amazing and I love her. I don’t know why else to say except she’s amazing.
I loved the addition of the Monster’s POV and thoughts. It added a lot to the story, being able to see into the monster’s head.
Let me just once again point out the WRITING!! I’m in loveee. It feels like I’m a part of the story. I’m not only reading it, I’m THERE. This is the kind of storytelling and writing that feels effortless yet leaves you completely breathless. So beautiful.
So yeah I can easily come to the conclusion that I loved everything about this story and I can’t wait to read the second installment in this duology!!
Thank you so much, Mariah and Grace, for this eARC.
November 14, 2025
2.5⭐️ why could I invision Jacob from twilight marching around the walls of Jericho for 7 days, howling, waiting for it to fall. Biblical I say, biblical!
Okay, did I fly through this and weirdly enjoyed it at some parts… yes. Was the concept interesting… yeah. Writing was bad. Even worse, this whole romance plot started on him having her risk her life to find a mirror to see if she was hot. Also, if I had an erotic werewolf male voice in my head saying baby I’d probably be in the same boat and risk my life. But again it was solely LUST…. But oddly He is also falling in love with her? and not ONCE did it seem reciprocated on her end other than a lot of shivering down under and them saying “mine” in every exchanged sentence. Side character development…. Minimal and rushed. Also months apparently went by and I thought it was days?
Also, you’re gonna tell me these werewolves just are hanging out in their disheveled houses for YEARS, maybe centuries, and never once went on a little journey to see if there was anyone out there to help them or find a way to kill the vamps? Okay, I might be way too critical of this but like you have one wolf just wandering and howling every night for years and years and like never think of any other tactics?? I don’t think I’d want him as my king with that brain but if he’s hot maybe!! (I also could have missed an integral explanation of this but still)
But did I finish it and was it a fast pace read yeah. I just don’t know.
Okay, did I fly through this and weirdly enjoyed it at some parts… yes. Was the concept interesting… yeah. Writing was bad. Even worse, this whole romance plot started on him having her risk her life to find a mirror to see if she was hot. Also, if I had an erotic werewolf male voice in my head saying baby I’d probably be in the same boat and risk my life. But again it was solely LUST…. But oddly He is also falling in love with her? and not ONCE did it seem reciprocated on her end other than a lot of shivering down under and them saying “mine” in every exchanged sentence. Side character development…. Minimal and rushed. Also months apparently went by and I thought it was days?
Also, you’re gonna tell me these werewolves just are hanging out in their disheveled houses for YEARS, maybe centuries, and never once went on a little journey to see if there was anyone out there to help them or find a way to kill the vamps? Okay, I might be way too critical of this but like you have one wolf just wandering and howling every night for years and years and like never think of any other tactics?? I don’t think I’d want him as my king with that brain but if he’s hot maybe!! (I also could have missed an integral explanation of this but still)
But did I finish it and was it a fast pace read yeah. I just don’t know.
October 13, 2025
Montoya/Pearce is my new favorite writing duo and Xantera officially a new obsession. This book is absolutely one of my favorites of 2025!
The plot:
Mariah and Grace deliver a creepy dystopian paranormal romance that is sure to make your spooky season! Together they create this dark world where the citizens of Xantera must follow the 12 Cardinal Rules. For years for the citizens have lived within the walls of the city protected by their Guardians and their rules. This is the price for protection against the howling monster that roams the woods.
After witnessing some bizarre behavior from one of her patients, Saskia (our FMC), starts to investigate the world she has long accepted as her own. It puts her on a dangerous path between the Guardians, the monster, and her own safety.
Grace and Mariah keep this story moving at a fast pace with some fun and fascinating twists that give a new spin to vampire/wolf books. Once I started reading this one, I could not put it down. It had been hooked from start to finish. I loved the world created, the characters, and absolutely need book 2 (thank goodness for the rapid release plan on this duology).
The characters:
Saskia, a healer, has a bit of a rebellious streak from the beginning and it is so fun to watch that desire to rebel grow throughout the course of the book. Equal parts sassy and endearing, this FMC is on her way to being a badass by the end of the book. Her actions get more and more daring the deeper she gets into the mystery of Xantera and the monster outside the Wall.
As for our Monster, I loved the addition of his POV and getting to witness his interactions with Saskia. These two have a great banter that adds humor to the darker themes of the book. The tension between the two of them as they work together to figure out much larger mysteries of Xantera and its guardians is perfection and I cannot wait for book two to give us even more scenes with the two of them.
I also loved the addition of some fun secondary characters like Malcolm, Clauida, and Eleni and I hope to see them charging back on to the scene in the next books.
I cannot wait to see how this duology ends, but the one thing I know is that I need more from this duo in the future!
The plot:
Mariah and Grace deliver a creepy dystopian paranormal romance that is sure to make your spooky season! Together they create this dark world where the citizens of Xantera must follow the 12 Cardinal Rules. For years for the citizens have lived within the walls of the city protected by their Guardians and their rules. This is the price for protection against the howling monster that roams the woods.
After witnessing some bizarre behavior from one of her patients, Saskia (our FMC), starts to investigate the world she has long accepted as her own. It puts her on a dangerous path between the Guardians, the monster, and her own safety.
Grace and Mariah keep this story moving at a fast pace with some fun and fascinating twists that give a new spin to vampire/wolf books. Once I started reading this one, I could not put it down. It had been hooked from start to finish. I loved the world created, the characters, and absolutely need book 2 (thank goodness for the rapid release plan on this duology).
The characters:
Saskia, a healer, has a bit of a rebellious streak from the beginning and it is so fun to watch that desire to rebel grow throughout the course of the book. Equal parts sassy and endearing, this FMC is on her way to being a badass by the end of the book. Her actions get more and more daring the deeper she gets into the mystery of Xantera and the monster outside the Wall.
As for our Monster, I loved the addition of his POV and getting to witness his interactions with Saskia. These two have a great banter that adds humor to the darker themes of the book. The tension between the two of them as they work together to figure out much larger mysteries of Xantera and its guardians is perfection and I cannot wait for book two to give us even more scenes with the two of them.
I also loved the addition of some fun secondary characters like Malcolm, Clauida, and Eleni and I hope to see them charging back on to the scene in the next books.
I cannot wait to see how this duology ends, but the one thing I know is that I need more from this duo in the future!
October 19, 2025
I had high hopes for this based on how much I liked her other series but this really was not great
October 20, 2025
A NEW ROMANTASY FAVORITE!
-Humans/Werewolves/Vampires
-Dystopian society
-Dual POV
-Duology (book 1)
-Corrupt Government
-Mind to mind communication
-Spice
Oh my- what to even say about this book!? It was fast paced, unique, great writing, spicy, and slow burn- not to mention the dystopian society where vampires rule over the humans with a giant wall separating them from the “monsters!” GOLD!
I seriously ate this one up in about a day, and am DYING for book 2! The cliffhanger was CRIMINAL!!
Highly recommend for any romantasy or paranormal romance lovers!
-Humans/Werewolves/Vampires
-Dystopian society
-Dual POV
-Duology (book 1)
-Corrupt Government
-Mind to mind communication
-Spice
Oh my- what to even say about this book!? It was fast paced, unique, great writing, spicy, and slow burn- not to mention the dystopian society where vampires rule over the humans with a giant wall separating them from the “monsters!” GOLD!
I seriously ate this one up in about a day, and am DYING for book 2! The cliffhanger was CRIMINAL!!
Highly recommend for any romantasy or paranormal romance lovers!
November 6, 2025
This had the potential to be so so good! Maybe I’ve been reading too many enemies to lovers, but why did I want there to be a wee love triangle between Lucan & the Third Guardian 😂 I was hoping Arad might turn out to be less shitty but alas.
The romance felt very insta lust which was odd. They were talking about love, but every time Saskia was in danger Lucan was like “oh no her body! It’s mine it can’t be damaged!” like ok bro you haven’t even seen her irl lets relax. Also cringe at “baby”, but maybe that’s a me thing. I feel like their tension could’ve benefit from more conversations, and Lucan withholding that he was the monster until near the end. And also everyone just being a little less horny lmao
I wanted more of Saskia & Malcolm’s friendship on the pages. I think if the story slowed down a bit it would have been wonderful. The pacing felt a little off, but I really enjoyed this dystopian world! Will definitely read the next one, but I hope the pet names simmer down a bit.
The romance felt very insta lust which was odd. They were talking about love, but every time Saskia was in danger Lucan was like “oh no her body! It’s mine it can’t be damaged!” like ok bro you haven’t even seen her irl lets relax. Also cringe at “baby”, but maybe that’s a me thing. I feel like their tension could’ve benefit from more conversations, and Lucan withholding that he was the monster until near the end. And also everyone just being a little less horny lmao
I wanted more of Saskia & Malcolm’s friendship on the pages. I think if the story slowed down a bit it would have been wonderful. The pacing felt a little off, but I really enjoyed this dystopian world! Will definitely read the next one, but I hope the pet names simmer down a bit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2025
I don‘t know about this. Did I like the FMC? Yes, kind of. Did I like the MMC? Yes, kind of. Did I like their conversation? Kind of. Was the world interesting? Yes, kind of. But not groundbreaking. This book feels like a recycling-collage of a lot of other books that more or less eager fantasy readers have held in their hands over the last years. Nothing new, but also not a 1:1 repetition of the existing. I did enjoy the dystopian touch the world had, but other than that.. I just did not mind it.
December 20, 2025
WOW. THAT is how you write a romantasy! This book was amazing from the very first chapter to the last sentence. Very excited this is coming from an Idaho author as I love here as well! I loved the dynamic between the MMC and FMC so much. Also the way this book just kept throwing curve balls GOOD LORD. I LOVED EVERY WORD.
September 21, 2025
Xantera ARC Review - Spoiler Free!
Book trigger warnings:
- Graphic violence
- Violence against children (off page)
- Forced partnership and birth control
- Threats of sexual assault and rape
*This book contains explicit sexual content*
Xantera is a dual POV utopian paranormal romance. There are 12 Guardians who protect the citizens of Xantera and 12 cardinal rules that all citizens must follow. There is a wall around Xantera to protect the citizens from the Monster beyond the wall. In order to keep the peace, every citizen has a purpose, and their lives are planned out for them by the Guardians.
Saskia (FMC), like every other citizen, did the job she was told to do and lives with a partner she was chosen to live with. She followed her routine set forth by the Guardians without questioning it, until one day, one of her patients made her question everything. Saskia must choose if she wants to live the life she's always known or follow her instincts and discover the truth about Xantera.
Beyond the wall, the Monster, whose howls strike fear in every citizen, might be the only thing that can save them.
Xantera was everything I love in a book. From the beginning to the end, I didn't want to put it down! The plot, characters, chemistry between characters, ALL OF IT!
This was my first time reading a book written by either author. What Montoya and Pearce did with this book was perfect! I cannot wait for Book 2: Veradel!
A bonus! There's a map of Xantera at the beginning of the book.
Book trigger warnings:
- Graphic violence
- Violence against children (off page)
- Forced partnership and birth control
- Threats of sexual assault and rape
*This book contains explicit sexual content*
Xantera is a dual POV utopian paranormal romance. There are 12 Guardians who protect the citizens of Xantera and 12 cardinal rules that all citizens must follow. There is a wall around Xantera to protect the citizens from the Monster beyond the wall. In order to keep the peace, every citizen has a purpose, and their lives are planned out for them by the Guardians.
Saskia (FMC), like every other citizen, did the job she was told to do and lives with a partner she was chosen to live with. She followed her routine set forth by the Guardians without questioning it, until one day, one of her patients made her question everything. Saskia must choose if she wants to live the life she's always known or follow her instincts and discover the truth about Xantera.
Beyond the wall, the Monster, whose howls strike fear in every citizen, might be the only thing that can save them.
Xantera was everything I love in a book. From the beginning to the end, I didn't want to put it down! The plot, characters, chemistry between characters, ALL OF IT!
This was my first time reading a book written by either author. What Montoya and Pearce did with this book was perfect! I cannot wait for Book 2: Veradel!
A bonus! There's a map of Xantera at the beginning of the book.
November 30, 2025
DNF @ 80% - my hopes were, ONCE AGAIN, far too high. Reddit really needs to stop leading me astray. I liked the concept but like the insta love was BAD and it was so cringe.
September 6, 2025
Thank you to both authors for an ARC 🫶🏼
Grace and Mariah!!!! This book was so damn good.
Xantera as a world is so interesting and different from anything that I have read. The concept immediately pulled me in and was consistent throughout the entire book.
Saskia is everything I want an FMC to be. She's brave, assertive, curious, and such a bad ass.
The guardians??? The monster??? All elements were chefs kiss. I'm so excited for the second book to come out!
Grace and Mariah!!!! This book was so damn good.
Xantera as a world is so interesting and different from anything that I have read. The concept immediately pulled me in and was consistent throughout the entire book.
Saskia is everything I want an FMC to be. She's brave, assertive, curious, and such a bad ass.
The guardians??? The monster??? All elements were chefs kiss. I'm so excited for the second book to come out!
September 12, 2025
Love is blind but throw in a load of vampires and werewolves!!
This was such a sweet and emotional book! The world building wasn’t complicated and that was nice because it allowed to you focus on the themes of self-discovery and -acceptance, authoritarian cultures, and friendship.
I can’t wait to see how the authors wrap it up in book 2!
Thank you for the ARC 🩷
This was such a sweet and emotional book! The world building wasn’t complicated and that was nice because it allowed to you focus on the themes of self-discovery and -acceptance, authoritarian cultures, and friendship.
I can’t wait to see how the authors wrap it up in book 2!
Thank you for the ARC 🩷
October 12, 2025
Authors Mariah Montoya and Grace Pearce have created a world that has left me excited and wanting more. From the story's beginning, I was in it, from Saskia finding the necklace to her connecting with the voice in her head. Xantera is the type of book that you won’t want to put down. There are no lags. I loved having Lucan’s POV, too. His connection with Saskia and how we can see their love develop by having them talk to each other is unique and done well. The descriptions were written well. I could clearly see and hear the bl00d dripping. I could get the sense of the water Saskia was walking through. And though this is a slow burn, I loved how the spice scenes were done.
Xantera does leave on a cliffhanger, and I must say I was so focused on the story I didn’t realize I had reached that point. I will definitely be reading the next one.
Thank you to @mariah_author & @gracepearcewrites for the gifted e-copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Xantera does leave on a cliffhanger, and I must say I was so focused on the story I didn’t realize I had reached that point. I will definitely be reading the next one.
Thank you to @mariah_author & @gracepearcewrites for the gifted e-copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 20, 2025
4.5 stars! I loved this book, and that cliffhanger at the end?!? omg I cant wait for the second book in this duology!
October 12, 2025
2.5 that I’ll round to 3. I wanted to like this and the beginning was promising but the story drug on and didn’t really bring anything new or exciting to the table. The mind to mind communication was cool but I felt like more could have been done with it to add depth to their relationship. Overall no harm no foul but also not what I was hoping it would be.
September 6, 2025
Thank you so much for my ARC!! Grace and Mariah, you both knocked it out of the park with this one!!
Let me just start by saying Xantera was such an immersive and entertaining book right from the start. The world feels truly lived in and it's like nothing I've read before. I was invested from the first chapter. As the story continued to unravel, the deeper the rabbit hole truly went for our cast of characters.
Our FMC, Saskia, was dedicated, sassy, funny, courageous, and just an overall a badass. She wasn't afraid to stand-up for what she believes in. Honestly, one of the most well-written, flushed out characters I've read.
The book kept me on my toes and I just couldn't put it down! I can't wait to see how the story will continue in the next book; I'm definitely strapped in for the ride!
Let me just start by saying Xantera was such an immersive and entertaining book right from the start. The world feels truly lived in and it's like nothing I've read before. I was invested from the first chapter. As the story continued to unravel, the deeper the rabbit hole truly went for our cast of characters.
Our FMC, Saskia, was dedicated, sassy, funny, courageous, and just an overall a badass. She wasn't afraid to stand-up for what she believes in. Honestly, one of the most well-written, flushed out characters I've read.
The book kept me on my toes and I just couldn't put it down! I can't wait to see how the story will continue in the next book; I'm definitely strapped in for the ride!
September 12, 2025
I received this book as an ARC and I was so excited to read it! Xantera was such a great and captivating read from the very start. You are thrown into this world where everyone is ruled by the twelve guardians. They use a set of twelve cardinal rules to help everyone stay in line and not question the way they live. The FMC, Saskia, finds a strange necklace left behind and she starts hearing a mysterious voice-the monster who lurks behind the walls. She starts to question everything that she has always lived by. Let’s just say this monster gives you all the vibes needed-“ I'm jealous of the people who get to lay eyes on you.”. Yes please!
I am so excited now to read the next book and can’t wait to see what happens! Definitely recommend!
I am so excited now to read the next book and can’t wait to see what happens! Definitely recommend!
September 15, 2025
I honestly hadn’t read the blurb prior so wasn’t really aware of what I was going to be reading… but this book had me in a chokehold PAGE ONE and I haven’t wanted to put it down! I haven’t been this obsessed with a book in a long time! The world building was perfection! It was paced so well and the tension and connection the authors created between two characters who aren’t able to meet physically but only talk mentally is unreal. Cannot wait for the second book and I’ll be telling EVERYONE to read this book!!
Thank you Grace Pearce, Mariah Montoya and team for the early copy!
Thank you Grace Pearce, Mariah Montoya and team for the early copy!
October 13, 2025
Firstly, I just want to say thank you for the Arc!! 🥰
Secondly, JUST WOW.
I'm chomping at the bit for the second book.
It's been a hot minute since a book was able to hook me right from the first chapter and this book broke that streak.
From the world building, to the characters, and the monsters you are immediately immersed in the book.
Sasika is such a badass FMC that even in the face of fear she just says "fuck you" to it.
All I'm saying is i'd love to have mind communication with the monster 😉
Secondly, JUST WOW.
I'm chomping at the bit for the second book.
It's been a hot minute since a book was able to hook me right from the first chapter and this book broke that streak.
From the world building, to the characters, and the monsters you are immediately immersed in the book.
Sasika is such a badass FMC that even in the face of fear she just says "fuck you" to it.
All I'm saying is i'd love to have mind communication with the monster 😉
November 6, 2025
✨Xantera✨
Author: Mariah & Grace
Release: out now and on KU
Series: Guardians & Monsters duet, book 1
I love love loved this book! Fast-paced, fun, unique, tense, and with an empowering message, I flew through this PNR dystopia in a day!
Xantera follows 2 first person POVs: our healer FMC, Saskia, and the schmexy voice inside her head, Lucan. After a situation with a patient goes wrong and she sees them dragged away, Saskia begins to question everything she has been taught in her structured and never-changing city. Where curiosity (and so much more) is a sin, Saskia secretly begins to investigate the disappearance of her patient and all signs point to the Twelve Guardians and the “Chosen Ones”, who sacrifice themselves for their sustenance and protection from the Monster outside their Wall.
When Saskia finds a necklace that gives her a mental connection to a male outside the Wall, Saskia’s truths and missions deepen. We get so many reveals! The relationship that begins through this mental proximity between Saskia and Lucan is DE-LICIOUS and I felt it was so unique but also incredible how that, even with only being able to speak mentally and not having seen each other in real life yet, our MCs create a relationship that does not fall short when it comes to connection and sensuality. The tension, yearning, and CARE was just so gooood. And the nicknames had me smiling so big.
I’m super invested and excited for what’s to come next- for the MCs to finally meet face to face, to deepen our found family, and to crush those Guardians!!
Tropes you may find in Xantera are “utopia” dystopia, oppressed society, corrupt government, vampires x werewolves, mystery, mental proximity, soft and sassy FMC, banter, low spice, touch her and 💀 (eventually), mind speak, “I’m here”/comfort, found family, and an ending that has me SO EXCITED for book two!!
Author: Mariah & Grace
Release: out now and on KU
Series: Guardians & Monsters duet, book 1
I love love loved this book! Fast-paced, fun, unique, tense, and with an empowering message, I flew through this PNR dystopia in a day!
Xantera follows 2 first person POVs: our healer FMC, Saskia, and the schmexy voice inside her head, Lucan. After a situation with a patient goes wrong and she sees them dragged away, Saskia begins to question everything she has been taught in her structured and never-changing city. Where curiosity (and so much more) is a sin, Saskia secretly begins to investigate the disappearance of her patient and all signs point to the Twelve Guardians and the “Chosen Ones”, who sacrifice themselves for their sustenance and protection from the Monster outside their Wall.
When Saskia finds a necklace that gives her a mental connection to a male outside the Wall, Saskia’s truths and missions deepen. We get so many reveals! The relationship that begins through this mental proximity between Saskia and Lucan is DE-LICIOUS and I felt it was so unique but also incredible how that, even with only being able to speak mentally and not having seen each other in real life yet, our MCs create a relationship that does not fall short when it comes to connection and sensuality. The tension, yearning, and CARE was just so gooood. And the nicknames had me smiling so big.
I’m super invested and excited for what’s to come next- for the MCs to finally meet face to face, to deepen our found family, and to crush those Guardians!!
Tropes you may find in Xantera are “utopia” dystopia, oppressed society, corrupt government, vampires x werewolves, mystery, mental proximity, soft and sassy FMC, banter, low spice, touch her and 💀 (eventually), mind speak, “I’m here”/comfort, found family, and an ending that has me SO EXCITED for book two!!
December 2, 2025
Unfortunately, the intriguing setup was undermined by simplistic writing, plot contrivances, and poorly-developed worldbuilding. I also hated the romance and the FMC, Saskia, who was profoundly idiotic.
That being said, it's on KU and allowed me to check off my "X" category in my 2025 A to Z challenge, so I'm not too mad about it.
That being said, it's on KU and allowed me to check off my "X" category in my 2025 A to Z challenge, so I'm not too mad about it.
October 29, 2025
I’m not normally a fan of cliff hangers but this one left off right where I wanted it to. The world building was so well done, I never felt bored or disappointed, it felt like every detail was necessary for me to truly understand what was going on. I’m so excited for the next one and can’t wait to learn more about this world and characters!
November 22, 2025
I loveeeed this!
So glad it was suggested for our book club.
I can’t wait for book two to find out what’s going to happen next!
So glad it was suggested for our book club.
I can’t wait for book two to find out what’s going to happen next!
October 8, 2025
ARC REVIEW
Mariah Montoya & Grace PearceI, thank you so much for giving me the absolute joy of ARC reading Xantera! It immediately took a top spot among my reads this month! With its mix of mystical and dystopian themes, Xantera makes for a very intriguing read!
A persona of bravery, intelligence, and a cunningly quick wit has Saskia pulling at your heartstrings from the very beginning…and the Monster she meets is oh so dark and deliciously bad 😉
Departing from the norm, Xantera puts an exciting and refreshing twist on the typical vampire/wolf feud. You’ll be entertained, turned on, and at the edge of your seat throughout the entirety of this delectable tale. My sole regret is that I can’t go back in time and experience this first read again! Seriously, it’s that good!
Mariah Montoya & Grace PearceI, thank you so much for giving me the absolute joy of ARC reading Xantera! It immediately took a top spot among my reads this month! With its mix of mystical and dystopian themes, Xantera makes for a very intriguing read!
A persona of bravery, intelligence, and a cunningly quick wit has Saskia pulling at your heartstrings from the very beginning…and the Monster she meets is oh so dark and deliciously bad 😉
Departing from the norm, Xantera puts an exciting and refreshing twist on the typical vampire/wolf feud. You’ll be entertained, turned on, and at the edge of your seat throughout the entirety of this delectable tale. My sole regret is that I can’t go back in time and experience this first read again! Seriously, it’s that good!
November 6, 2025
"There you are. I was beginning to think you'd fallen asleep or something"
"How could I, when she's my dream?"
'Xantera' is a dystopian AND paranormal fantasy romance? i picked it up SO FAST. the plot was profound and the idea was so captivating. the book had a war between vampires and werewolves (two of my favorite things!). am i stuck in my twilight era? maybe. but we don't judge here...
so, the story follows Saskia who lives in the city behind the wall and works in the Healing Center. Xantera is a city that's ruled and protected by vampire community. it has extremely strict laws which nobody questions even when they demand living sacrifices in exchange for this protection. Saskia eats the food they provide her, works the Healing Center shifts they’ve designated for her, and lives with the partner they’ve assigned her (horrible, i know...). However, her life takes an 180-degree turn when one of the patients leaves a vile on the chain that looks like necklace on his session. we humans are very curious creatures, so guess what? she took it home and hid it BUT when she tried to wear it, Saskia heard a male voice...this is an exact point where the adventures began.
i'll say a few words about our mmc. the authors weren't very descriptive about him. he's the proclaimed villain, the monster, the WEREWOLF. his main goal is to get inside the wall and to take his throne. having his POV was the best writing choice. i LOVED reading the way they both think and how they develop feelings for each other and what drives them. living in the society like Saskia's is horrifying experience but the way Monster was encouraging her to persevere her actions toward the righteous goal was exceptional.
i totally recommend to read it and the book 2 (it's a duology) will be out soon!!! <3
"How could I, when she's my dream?"
'Xantera' is a dystopian AND paranormal fantasy romance? i picked it up SO FAST. the plot was profound and the idea was so captivating. the book had a war between vampires and werewolves (two of my favorite things!). am i stuck in my twilight era? maybe. but we don't judge here...
so, the story follows Saskia who lives in the city behind the wall and works in the Healing Center. Xantera is a city that's ruled and protected by vampire community. it has extremely strict laws which nobody questions even when they demand living sacrifices in exchange for this protection. Saskia eats the food they provide her, works the Healing Center shifts they’ve designated for her, and lives with the partner they’ve assigned her (horrible, i know...). However, her life takes an 180-degree turn when one of the patients leaves a vile on the chain that looks like necklace on his session. we humans are very curious creatures, so guess what? she took it home and hid it BUT when she tried to wear it, Saskia heard a male voice...this is an exact point where the adventures began.
i'll say a few words about our mmc. the authors weren't very descriptive about him. he's the proclaimed villain, the monster, the WEREWOLF. his main goal is to get inside the wall and to take his throne. having his POV was the best writing choice. i LOVED reading the way they both think and how they develop feelings for each other and what drives them. living in the society like Saskia's is horrifying experience but the way Monster was encouraging her to persevere her actions toward the righteous goal was exceptional.
i totally recommend to read it and the book 2 (it's a duology) will be out soon!!! <3
November 16, 2025
DNF @ 50% the final straw was the insta-love ughhhh
Here are all my complaints. I’m just copying it straight from my notes app that I kept while reading
-So she has to find a forbidden mirror so she can see herself to tell the monster whether or not she’s hot?? What?? Why doesn’t she just look at her reflection in the screen in her kitchen..
-How did she think Diggory used the key to escape if she found the key hidden in his shower. How did the key get back there?? Teleport??
-How is Lucan able to help navigate her through a city he has never seen
-She was so surprised Chosen people were disappearing and was shocked when other people told her. Then she reveals at 40% her mother also was Chosen and disappeared and that’s why she wanted to get Chosen. This should never have been able to sneak through a First Person POV. When other people told her their story, it was confirming what she had already been thinking. She should not have been acting like it was the first time she heard this information only to reveal later she was thinking it all along. This really really bothered me.
-Is Lucan feeling insta-love because he’s been stuck talking to old dudes for years?
-First interaction and he nicknamed her little nightmare??? 😬 Then calling her baby all before 50%?? 😵💫
-48% We should not be having love thoughts right now ugh.
-Hot take… this would have been better without Lucans POV because it would be a lot more mysterious
-She’s exploring these caverns under the city for months, supposedly there are cameras everyone and NOBODY has noticed?? Why are there cameras in the houses but not in the streets?
-Supposedly months go by and then Gaia wants to circle back to something that happened months before but acted as if it just happened the day prior. That doesn’t make sense.
-Wait she needs release (orgasm) before some important thing….from what?? What sexual tension??? This was so weirdly placed.
Here are all my complaints. I’m just copying it straight from my notes app that I kept while reading
-So she has to find a forbidden mirror so she can see herself to tell the monster whether or not she’s hot?? What?? Why doesn’t she just look at her reflection in the screen in her kitchen..
-How did she think Diggory used the key to escape if she found the key hidden in his shower. How did the key get back there?? Teleport??
-How is Lucan able to help navigate her through a city he has never seen
-She was so surprised Chosen people were disappearing and was shocked when other people told her. Then she reveals at 40% her mother also was Chosen and disappeared and that’s why she wanted to get Chosen. This should never have been able to sneak through a First Person POV. When other people told her their story, it was confirming what she had already been thinking. She should not have been acting like it was the first time she heard this information only to reveal later she was thinking it all along. This really really bothered me.
-Is Lucan feeling insta-love because he’s been stuck talking to old dudes for years?
-First interaction and he nicknamed her little nightmare??? 😬 Then calling her baby all before 50%?? 😵💫
-48% We should not be having love thoughts right now ugh.
-Hot take… this would have been better without Lucans POV because it would be a lot more mysterious
-She’s exploring these caverns under the city for months, supposedly there are cameras everyone and NOBODY has noticed?? Why are there cameras in the houses but not in the streets?
-Supposedly months go by and then Gaia wants to circle back to something that happened months before but acted as if it just happened the day prior. That doesn’t make sense.
-Wait she needs release (orgasm) before some important thing….from what?? What sexual tension??? This was so weirdly placed.
December 31, 2025
But now I know one of the people I was born to protect. I know her name and her voice and the secret desires she’s trying to bury. And I. Can’t. Get. To. Her.
I lost count at how many times I cringed during this. There was the most basic plot of all plots that ran through Xantera and no actual thought much further than that. The plot holes were about a mile long:
1. There's a monster whose sole job it is to protect the citizens and the only thing he has managed to do for the last hundred years is prowl around outside and howl? That's it??? He didn't come up with anything else?
2. Side characters were all underdeveloped— why give us this monster's pov if we are not getting any sort of development from the people he speaks to??
3. What on Earth were the point of the catacombs??
4. Why did Arad not just kill Saskia immediately if he knew what she was trying to do?
Everything felt like something you'd heard before but just executed very very badly. I have not a single care as to where the story is now going to go, there is truly no way book 2 could improve on this nonsense.
I wish all the characters good luck, I am sure it will be a sufficiently underwhelming conclusion.
I lost count at how many times I cringed during this. There was the most basic plot of all plots that ran through Xantera and no actual thought much further than that. The plot holes were about a mile long:
1. There's a monster whose sole job it is to protect the citizens and the only thing he has managed to do for the last hundred years is prowl around outside and howl? That's it??? He didn't come up with anything else?
2. Side characters were all underdeveloped— why give us this monster's pov if we are not getting any sort of development from the people he speaks to??
3. What on Earth were the point of the catacombs??
4. Why did Arad not just kill Saskia immediately if he knew what she was trying to do?
Everything felt like something you'd heard before but just executed very very badly. I have not a single care as to where the story is now going to go, there is truly no way book 2 could improve on this nonsense.
I wish all the characters good luck, I am sure it will be a sufficiently underwhelming conclusion.
September 17, 2025
✨ ARC Review: Xantera ✨- Spoiler free*
I was so excited to receive an ARC of Xantera after falling in love with Mariah’s Esholian Institute series last year—and I easily devoured this one in just a few days!
⭐️ My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶️ Spice: 🌶️/5
This felt like a mix between a dystopian romance and paranormal fantasy (think Maze Runner vibes- probably because of the wall 😂👀) blended with sinister vampire-esque villains.
At under 400 pages, the pacing is quick, which made the romance feel a little rushed and not as fleshed out as I’d hoped. Still, I enjoyed the frequent introduction of fresh characters who I feel will play bigger roles in book two.
I especially loved the dual POV between Saskia & Lucan, along with their unique mind-to-mind bond—it added a really intriguing element to their relationship. The book closes on a cliffhanger that left me both satisfied and intrigued to see what happens next.
Overall, I enjoyed the worldbuilding so far and can’t wait to see it expand further than the city of Xantera in the duology! Definitely worth getting your hands on upon release.
I was so excited to receive an ARC of Xantera after falling in love with Mariah’s Esholian Institute series last year—and I easily devoured this one in just a few days!
⭐️ My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶️ Spice: 🌶️/5
This felt like a mix between a dystopian romance and paranormal fantasy (think Maze Runner vibes- probably because of the wall 😂👀) blended with sinister vampire-esque villains.
At under 400 pages, the pacing is quick, which made the romance feel a little rushed and not as fleshed out as I’d hoped. Still, I enjoyed the frequent introduction of fresh characters who I feel will play bigger roles in book two.
I especially loved the dual POV between Saskia & Lucan, along with their unique mind-to-mind bond—it added a really intriguing element to their relationship. The book closes on a cliffhanger that left me both satisfied and intrigued to see what happens next.
Overall, I enjoyed the worldbuilding so far and can’t wait to see it expand further than the city of Xantera in the duology! Definitely worth getting your hands on upon release.
September 18, 2025
this book is insane. it had me questioning everything, falling for the monster, and rooting for the “enemy” from the very beginning.
the concept of this story was so well executed, i’ve never heard of anything like it before. the citizens in this dystopian society are made to believe they’re being protected, but is that really what’s happening?
saskia, you beautiful, strong woman. i absolutely adore saskia. her character grew so much so quickly and it was so easy to be on her side throughout this story.
lucan, my love. lucan is so damn strong for fighting as long as he has, no matter how many times it felt like he’d lost hope. as soon as saskia was brought into his life, hope was ignited ten fold.
the banter and relationship formed between our two main characters had me giggling and kicking my feet with every interaction they had. 🤭
i’m absolutely enraged by the cliffhanger of course, but that only makes me even more excited for book 2 to come out, so we can finally get answers!!
thank you so much for the arc 🖤
the concept of this story was so well executed, i’ve never heard of anything like it before. the citizens in this dystopian society are made to believe they’re being protected, but is that really what’s happening?
saskia, you beautiful, strong woman. i absolutely adore saskia. her character grew so much so quickly and it was so easy to be on her side throughout this story.
lucan, my love. lucan is so damn strong for fighting as long as he has, no matter how many times it felt like he’d lost hope. as soon as saskia was brought into his life, hope was ignited ten fold.
the banter and relationship formed between our two main characters had me giggling and kicking my feet with every interaction they had. 🤭
i’m absolutely enraged by the cliffhanger of course, but that only makes me even more excited for book 2 to come out, so we can finally get answers!!
thank you so much for the arc 🖤
October 1, 2025
This book was exhilarating! It was engaging from the very first page to the last and I simply could not stop reading. Vampire and werewolf stories aren’t new, but this one felt fresh, unlike anything I’ve read before. The authors painted the scenes so vividly that it often felt like I was watching a movie unfold.
The FMC, Saskia, was brave, resourceful, and fiercely self-reliant. I loved that not once did the monster need to swoop in and rescue her. Instead, he offered her comfort when she was scared and courage when she was alone, but Saskia was never meek or feeble.
I also enjoyed Lucan’s POV and can’t wait to learn more about his side of the wall in the next book.
Their reluctant-allies-to-friends-to-lovers arc felt natural and beautifully done—there were moments when my heart truly ached for them.
Overall, this was such an enjoyable read and an easily a top read of the year for me. I’m already looking forward to book two so I can find out what happens next!
5⭐️
1 🌶️
Thank you so much to the authors for an advanced copy for Xantera!
The FMC, Saskia, was brave, resourceful, and fiercely self-reliant. I loved that not once did the monster need to swoop in and rescue her. Instead, he offered her comfort when she was scared and courage when she was alone, but Saskia was never meek or feeble.
I also enjoyed Lucan’s POV and can’t wait to learn more about his side of the wall in the next book.
Their reluctant-allies-to-friends-to-lovers arc felt natural and beautifully done—there were moments when my heart truly ached for them.
Overall, this was such an enjoyable read and an easily a top read of the year for me. I’m already looking forward to book two so I can find out what happens next!
5⭐️
1 🌶️
Thank you so much to the authors for an advanced copy for Xantera!
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