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War of Monsters
Shadows speak to lost shepherds. Broken bodied Aberrations roam the land.
And Raylen has just been exiled from the Knight’s Temple.
Come with me to the north.
There is no reason to trust a stranger, much less a charismatic mage hungry for more power. But his entreaty brings a new sense of purpose, and guarding him would not only provide coin, but give Raylen the chance to investigate the rumors whispered in alleyways and at fire lit tables. Of shadows stalking the forests and fields, of death on the wind, of things never meant to exist.
A mage, a thief harboring secrets of his own, and a disgraced initiate. They shouldn’t be enough. But in a city where every law of magic is broken in the summoning of nightmarish Aberrations, they may be the last hope.
As the darkness closes in, Raylen knows only one absolute: the shadows have teeth, and they are coming for her.
Enter a high stakes dark fantasy with an impeccable meld of sword and sorcery, horror, and magic. Full of feminine rage, found family, terrifying monsters, and toe-curling slow burn, War of Monsters is perfect for fans of Fourth Wing and T. Kingfisher.
War of Monsters is for mature audiences only. Trigger Warnings include graphic violence, sexual scenes, and SA. Full list of warnings available on the author's website.
And Raylen has just been exiled from the Knight’s Temple.
Come with me to the north.
There is no reason to trust a stranger, much less a charismatic mage hungry for more power. But his entreaty brings a new sense of purpose, and guarding him would not only provide coin, but give Raylen the chance to investigate the rumors whispered in alleyways and at fire lit tables. Of shadows stalking the forests and fields, of death on the wind, of things never meant to exist.
A mage, a thief harboring secrets of his own, and a disgraced initiate. They shouldn’t be enough. But in a city where every law of magic is broken in the summoning of nightmarish Aberrations, they may be the last hope.
As the darkness closes in, Raylen knows only one absolute: the shadows have teeth, and they are coming for her.
Enter a high stakes dark fantasy with an impeccable meld of sword and sorcery, horror, and magic. Full of feminine rage, found family, terrifying monsters, and toe-curling slow burn, War of Monsters is perfect for fans of Fourth Wing and T. Kingfisher.
War of Monsters is for mature audiences only. Trigger Warnings include graphic violence, sexual scenes, and SA. Full list of warnings available on the author's website.
400 pages, ebook
Published January 27, 2026
3 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
“Next time, remember it’s never smart to insult a woman with a weapon."
— Raylen.
💚 A lady knight turned into a guard
💚 A thief/ex mercenary MMC
💚 A third wheel mage
💚 First person single POV
💚 Sisterhood so strong they look gay
💚 Quests and monsters
💚 Forced proximity
Liked it, but the book frustrated me.
Let me start by saying that War of Monsters is not a bad book. It’s actually well written. The worldbuilding is fantastic. You know how fantasy stories are usually great when they start with a map?
The story follows Raylen, a tall (!!) village girl who has always dreamed of becoming a knight. In this world, you have to go to a temple and then undergo long training that ends in a test to determine whether you’re worthy to serve the crown. She goes in with her girlfrie—I mean, best friend—Liseah, but they end up separated because Liseah wants something different.
Fast forward: Raylen fails her test and feels like a complete failure, until she meets a mysterious mage, Lyr, who has a talent for illusion. Lyr offers her a job as his guard while he investigates a rising phenomenon called "Aberration" in a certain city. Raylen agrees, but Lyr already has another companion, a thief named Vaen, whom she met earlier in the book as a playful man who has now turned bitter and seems to hate her.
With all my heart, I really love Raylen. Not only am I a fan of tall girls (even though I’m pixie sized myself) Raylen also feels very real: she’s believably strong without ever feeling cocky, she admits her flaws, and she openly wants to do better. She’s the kind of protagonist you can easily root for. Plusshe’s bi.
- Raylen and Liseah cuddle in the same bed until they fall asleep; the way Raylen thinks about Liseah is ambiguous at best
- Raylen feels more relaxed around women
- Raylen bluntly states that there’s something vastly different about women’s company
This girl is bi. You can’t change my mind.
IMO, Raylen would be better off with a woman, because—and this is my only meh point—I can’t stand the men in this book aaaaasrrrghhh 🙂
Not even ⚠️ one ⚠️
Lyr is openly bi and seems to prefer men, and that’s fine. I didn’t even consider him a love interest before that revelation because he was already a narcissistic, greedy prick who turns his back on Raylen after she considers him a friend! I stupidly thought he might be the typical golden retriever character, but he lost all my respect when he decided to sacrifice Raylen to test his theory. I don’t care about his motives, that was just plain nasty. I honestly believe Lyr was just using her for her skills, though he becomes more tolerable toward the end.
And Vaen ... Oh boy I'm gonna cri 😭 Where do I even begin??? I should’ve asked the author what kind of love interest the FMC had, because I LOATHE nonchalant men. I left that behind in my teen years tysm. Vaen’s first appearance actually intrigued me. Raylen beats him in a game, he’s cool about it, and I remember thinking, ooooh, this is fun 🥰
But at their second meeting, his character completely flips and he’s being mean to her. He constantly mocks her, calls her a burden, shames her lack of knowledge, and is just angry 24/7. Why, you ask? I literally have no idea! And no, it wasn’t answered until the end????
I wish I could tell you it’s because he’s misogynistic, but this world is ruled by a queen regnant, and women being knights is nothing unusual. He’s just an asshole for no reason. Listen here, dear shithead, you can’t treat my girl like that 🙂🙂🙂
As a fan of pathetic yearner can’t-breathe-without-her men, Vaen gets on my nerves fast. Oh look, he has s3cREts and snaps at Raylen for asking innocent questions. Look how he grunts at everything she says. Look how he keeps crushing her confidence until she starts to doubt herself, all while she’s genuinely trying her best.
Honestly, Vaen, you can suck your own dick (if you have one) and shut up.
I’m not kidding, by the time I reached 70%, I hated being around him. Their "banter" was dry. Their one bed scene was boring. He’s not sexy; he’s just miserable to be around and will suck the joy out of your life if he’s too close to you. The author could’ve written him better: grumpy on the outside, secretly caring on the inside. Readers would swoon over an MMC like that. She could’ve made Vaen dutiful in protecting Lyr and quietly worried about Raylen. But same as Lyr, he only gets better toward the ending, which is frankly too late, congrats 👏
After Raylen was wounded TWO times and when Vaen didn’t even notice or offer help I’m sorry, but I didn’t buy their romance. WHAT ROMANCE? The first time she saved Vaen’s ass while he passed out? No "heyya, thanks, you're not so bad!". Just insult. I literally muttered stop talking every time he showed up. Not to mention, they had zero chemistry. Raylen had more sparks with Liseah. Most of the time, Vaen seemed to care more about Lyr than Raylen. Please be gay :)
Raylen gets attacked? Oh, bet she can handle herself 😏
Lyr wants to hunt an Aberration? Vaen’s protective mode: high alert 😰
Honestly, Vaen and Lyr could make a cute gay couple, especially with their height difference. It would make me really happy if they ended up together and left my girl alone. They treat her like an unwanted addition and only look for her when they need something. There’s grumpy, and then there’s rude, and Vaen is just straight up rude to Raylen. I swear, if the reason behind all this turns out to be another case of "too traumatized to love" I will open a portal, enter the book, and strangle him myself.
I can’t stress enough how Vaen was sulking when Raylen went into battle, clearly terrified, covered in blood, bcs of course his feelings are more important than people being slaughtered?? God forbid a woman saves people whose insides are literally bursting like balloons. It’s always about him! What the hell is Raylen seeing in him when, in her own words, he constantly makes her feel small? I’m pulling my hair out at this point 😬
Raylen is such an amazing character, but I wish the author would stop making her take all the blame. Yes, my beautiful big viper, you’re allowed to lash out after being betrayed 😭 There’s nothing wrong with asking questions. You’re not weak. You did your best, and that’s enough 🥺 And yes, my fiery thunderstorm, always choose to help people rather than waiting for your pouty partner. Fuck everyone who makes you feel guilty for doing the right thing. Please, please STOP APOLOGIZING omfg it pains me!!!
For me, Raylen can do no wrong.
Unless she ends up choosing Vaen before he changes (which I doubt) and properly grovels. But honestly, I hope this is another Tamlin/Rhysand situation and that a worthy love interest will appear aka someone who truly deserves Raylen.
It doesn’t have to be a woman, but please, I beg you, give her someone who will treat her like the goddess she is! And maybe don't forget about the trigger warning?? On page SA is a big deal!
I’m sorry for this rant, but it’s been a long time since the men in a book pissed me off this much. It genuinely blew my mind how the author could write such lovable female characters while all the MMCs, to me, just well, suck.
— Raylen.
💚 A lady knight turned into a guard
💚 A thief/ex mercenary MMC
💚 A third wheel mage
💚 First person single POV
💚 Sisterhood so strong they look gay
💚 Quests and monsters
💚 Forced proximity
Liked it, but the book frustrated me.
Let me start by saying that War of Monsters is not a bad book. It’s actually well written. The worldbuilding is fantastic. You know how fantasy stories are usually great when they start with a map?
The story follows Raylen, a tall (!!) village girl who has always dreamed of becoming a knight. In this world, you have to go to a temple and then undergo long training that ends in a test to determine whether you’re worthy to serve the crown. She goes in with her girlfrie—I mean, best friend—Liseah, but they end up separated because Liseah wants something different.
Fast forward: Raylen fails her test and feels like a complete failure, until she meets a mysterious mage, Lyr, who has a talent for illusion. Lyr offers her a job as his guard while he investigates a rising phenomenon called "Aberration" in a certain city. Raylen agrees, but Lyr already has another companion, a thief named Vaen, whom she met earlier in the book as a playful man who has now turned bitter and seems to hate her.
With all my heart, I really love Raylen. Not only am I a fan of tall girls (even though I’m pixie sized myself) Raylen also feels very real: she’s believably strong without ever feeling cocky, she admits her flaws, and she openly wants to do better. She’s the kind of protagonist you can easily root for. Plusshe’s bi.
- Raylen and Liseah cuddle in the same bed until they fall asleep; the way Raylen thinks about Liseah is ambiguous at best
- Raylen feels more relaxed around women
- Raylen bluntly states that there’s something vastly different about women’s company
This girl is bi. You can’t change my mind.
IMO, Raylen would be better off with a woman, because—and this is my only meh point—I can’t stand the men in this book aaaaasrrrghhh 🙂
Not even ⚠️ one ⚠️
Lyr is openly bi and seems to prefer men, and that’s fine. I didn’t even consider him a love interest before that revelation because he was already a narcissistic, greedy prick who turns his back on Raylen after she considers him a friend! I stupidly thought he might be the typical golden retriever character, but he lost all my respect when he decided to sacrifice Raylen to test his theory. I don’t care about his motives, that was just plain nasty. I honestly believe Lyr was just using her for her skills, though he becomes more tolerable toward the end.
And Vaen ... Oh boy I'm gonna cri 😭 Where do I even begin??? I should’ve asked the author what kind of love interest the FMC had, because I LOATHE nonchalant men. I left that behind in my teen years tysm. Vaen’s first appearance actually intrigued me. Raylen beats him in a game, he’s cool about it, and I remember thinking, ooooh, this is fun 🥰
But at their second meeting, his character completely flips and he’s being mean to her. He constantly mocks her, calls her a burden, shames her lack of knowledge, and is just angry 24/7. Why, you ask? I literally have no idea! And no, it wasn’t answered until the end????
I wish I could tell you it’s because he’s misogynistic, but this world is ruled by a queen regnant, and women being knights is nothing unusual. He’s just an asshole for no reason. Listen here, dear shithead, you can’t treat my girl like that 🙂🙂🙂
As a fan of pathetic yearner can’t-breathe-without-her men, Vaen gets on my nerves fast. Oh look, he has s3cREts and snaps at Raylen for asking innocent questions. Look how he grunts at everything she says. Look how he keeps crushing her confidence until she starts to doubt herself, all while she’s genuinely trying her best.
Honestly, Vaen, you can suck your own dick (if you have one) and shut up.
I’m not kidding, by the time I reached 70%, I hated being around him. Their "banter" was dry. Their one bed scene was boring. He’s not sexy; he’s just miserable to be around and will suck the joy out of your life if he’s too close to you. The author could’ve written him better: grumpy on the outside, secretly caring on the inside. Readers would swoon over an MMC like that. She could’ve made Vaen dutiful in protecting Lyr and quietly worried about Raylen. But same as Lyr, he only gets better toward the ending, which is frankly too late, congrats 👏
After Raylen was wounded TWO times and when Vaen didn’t even notice or offer help I’m sorry, but I didn’t buy their romance. WHAT ROMANCE? The first time she saved Vaen’s ass while he passed out? No "heyya, thanks, you're not so bad!". Just insult. I literally muttered stop talking every time he showed up. Not to mention, they had zero chemistry. Raylen had more sparks with Liseah. Most of the time, Vaen seemed to care more about Lyr than Raylen. Please be gay :)
Raylen gets attacked? Oh, bet she can handle herself 😏
Lyr wants to hunt an Aberration? Vaen’s protective mode: high alert 😰
Honestly, Vaen and Lyr could make a cute gay couple, especially with their height difference. It would make me really happy if they ended up together and left my girl alone. They treat her like an unwanted addition and only look for her when they need something. There’s grumpy, and then there’s rude, and Vaen is just straight up rude to Raylen. I swear, if the reason behind all this turns out to be another case of "too traumatized to love" I will open a portal, enter the book, and strangle him myself.
I can’t stress enough how Vaen was sulking when Raylen went into battle, clearly terrified, covered in blood, bcs of course his feelings are more important than people being slaughtered?? God forbid a woman saves people whose insides are literally bursting like balloons. It’s always about him! What the hell is Raylen seeing in him when, in her own words, he constantly makes her feel small? I’m pulling my hair out at this point 😬
Raylen is such an amazing character, but I wish the author would stop making her take all the blame. Yes, my beautiful big viper, you’re allowed to lash out after being betrayed 😭 There’s nothing wrong with asking questions. You’re not weak. You did your best, and that’s enough 🥺 And yes, my fiery thunderstorm, always choose to help people rather than waiting for your pouty partner. Fuck everyone who makes you feel guilty for doing the right thing. Please, please STOP APOLOGIZING omfg it pains me!!!
For me, Raylen can do no wrong.
Unless she ends up choosing Vaen before he changes (which I doubt) and properly grovels. But honestly, I hope this is another Tamlin/Rhysand situation and that a worthy love interest will appear aka someone who truly deserves Raylen.
It doesn’t have to be a woman, but please, I beg you, give her someone who will treat her like the goddess she is! And maybe don't forget about the trigger warning?? On page SA is a big deal!
I’m sorry for this rant, but it’s been a long time since the men in a book pissed me off this much. It genuinely blew my mind how the author could write such lovable female characters while all the MMCs, to me, just well, suck.
February 5, 2026
*Spoilers & Trigger Warning Content*
Overall, this was a good book, and I can absolutely see why others might find it to be a top-tier read.
However, I personally was taken aback by the detailed r@pe scene. I take trigger warnings seriously and read dark romance, so the concept of such a scene isn't new to me. However, with the trigger warning being for assault and other aspects of the book and its marketing, this scene was out of left field and left me reeling.
The entire sub-plot of Raylen, who is an otherwise capable and badass FMC that gives asexual vibes deciding to mess around, was already a weird diversion. Add in her ignoring the barmaid's warning when she otherwise emphasizes connecting with and listening to women, and I am left wondering what purpose this sub-plot and scene served for the book?
Take out that sub-plot, and you are left with an otherwise pretty good book. The world building was well done, and although there were some time hops that were glossed over, it kept my attention. The magic system and secrets of the Kingdom have so much potential to be an amazing story.
I really contemplated posting reviews for this because I recognize that it could just be me, and I want to give grace for debut novels. However, I also think it is important to be mentally prepared for such scenes if you chose to read them.
That concern and rant over if you're looking for a fantasy setting with unique magic, capable characters, LGBTQ representation, and questionable romantic subplots, this is a great book for you!
Overall, this was a good book, and I can absolutely see why others might find it to be a top-tier read.
However, I personally was taken aback by the detailed r@pe scene. I take trigger warnings seriously and read dark romance, so the concept of such a scene isn't new to me. However, with the trigger warning being for assault and other aspects of the book and its marketing, this scene was out of left field and left me reeling.
The entire sub-plot of Raylen, who is an otherwise capable and badass FMC that gives asexual vibes deciding to mess around, was already a weird diversion. Add in her ignoring the barmaid's warning when she otherwise emphasizes connecting with and listening to women, and I am left wondering what purpose this sub-plot and scene served for the book?
Take out that sub-plot, and you are left with an otherwise pretty good book. The world building was well done, and although there were some time hops that were glossed over, it kept my attention. The magic system and secrets of the Kingdom have so much potential to be an amazing story.
I really contemplated posting reviews for this because I recognize that it could just be me, and I want to give grace for debut novels. However, I also think it is important to be mentally prepared for such scenes if you chose to read them.
That concern and rant over if you're looking for a fantasy setting with unique magic, capable characters, LGBTQ representation, and questionable romantic subplots, this is a great book for you!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2026
This is a wonderfully written fantasy novel. It follows Raylen, Lyr, and Vaen. They are on a quest to discover if the rumors of aberrations appearing and killing people are true. Raylen is a likable and relatable MFC. The fight choreography is descriptive and graphic. Something I personally appreciate in my fantasy novels. There is plenty of spice for those readers that want that in their fantasy novels and you are left on a good cliffhanger that’s sets up book 2 nicely. Favorite quote is from Vaen, “ The world is full of empty promises.”
January 25, 2026
✨ARC READ✨
A powerful debut with one of the best heroines I’ve read in ages.
War of Monsters pulled me in right away with how clean and confident the writing is. York’s prose has this classic, polished flow that makes the story incredibly easy to sink into—nothing flashy, just really well-crafted sentences that feel intentional and satisfying.
But the heart of this book is Raylen.
She is easily one of the most nuanced and fully realized female characters I’ve come across in a long time. Raylen feels like a real woman: full of grit, fear, tenderness, longing, pride, violence, loyalty, and everything in between. She’s not boxed into one archetype. She’s allowed the whole emotional spectrum, and that made her feel eerily lifelike. I adored her from page one!
The male leads, Vaen and Lyr, are complicated in ways that can be frustrating, but purposely so. They’re messy, wounded, layered and they often make choices that had me wanting to yell at them. But they’re written with intention, and they feel like actual men with real flaws, which made them believable even when I didn’t love them. In comparison, Raylen is such a standout that it’s easy to side with her every time.
Something York absolutely excels at is writing women. The female characters in this book are warm, vibrant, sharp, and incredibly easy to love. Their connections with Raylen were some of my favorite parts of the entire story. There’s an unspoken theme throughout the book about the different ways women carry the world. And how men can be powerful, dangerous, or emotionally closed-off in ways women are forced to navigate. It’s subtle but impactful.
Around the 60% mark, the plot really tightens. The tension gets heavier, the mystery deepens, and I found myself glued to the book. There’s a creeping sense of dread that builds beautifully.
Raylen’s character arc is fantastic. She grows, she breaks, she rebuilds, and every step feels earned. Her emotional climax near the end absolutely hit me. It’s rare to see a character stay so true to herself even while evolving in believable ways.
The romance is slow-burn, emotional, and tasteful. The spice is handled well—nothing jarring or unnecessary, just enough heat to keep things charged.
If I had one small critique, it’s that I guessed the major twists ahead of time. But honestly, the reveals were still satisfying because the execution was strong, and the emotional payoff mattered more than the surprise.
Overall:
Rich character work
Strong themes
Great tension
Beautifully written women
And a heroine worth rooting for with your whole heart.
War of Monsters is a standout debut, and I’m genuinely excited to see where the series goes next!
A powerful debut with one of the best heroines I’ve read in ages.
War of Monsters pulled me in right away with how clean and confident the writing is. York’s prose has this classic, polished flow that makes the story incredibly easy to sink into—nothing flashy, just really well-crafted sentences that feel intentional and satisfying.
But the heart of this book is Raylen.
She is easily one of the most nuanced and fully realized female characters I’ve come across in a long time. Raylen feels like a real woman: full of grit, fear, tenderness, longing, pride, violence, loyalty, and everything in between. She’s not boxed into one archetype. She’s allowed the whole emotional spectrum, and that made her feel eerily lifelike. I adored her from page one!
The male leads, Vaen and Lyr, are complicated in ways that can be frustrating, but purposely so. They’re messy, wounded, layered and they often make choices that had me wanting to yell at them. But they’re written with intention, and they feel like actual men with real flaws, which made them believable even when I didn’t love them. In comparison, Raylen is such a standout that it’s easy to side with her every time.
Something York absolutely excels at is writing women. The female characters in this book are warm, vibrant, sharp, and incredibly easy to love. Their connections with Raylen were some of my favorite parts of the entire story. There’s an unspoken theme throughout the book about the different ways women carry the world. And how men can be powerful, dangerous, or emotionally closed-off in ways women are forced to navigate. It’s subtle but impactful.
Around the 60% mark, the plot really tightens. The tension gets heavier, the mystery deepens, and I found myself glued to the book. There’s a creeping sense of dread that builds beautifully.
Raylen’s character arc is fantastic. She grows, she breaks, she rebuilds, and every step feels earned. Her emotional climax near the end absolutely hit me. It’s rare to see a character stay so true to herself even while evolving in believable ways.
The romance is slow-burn, emotional, and tasteful. The spice is handled well—nothing jarring or unnecessary, just enough heat to keep things charged.
If I had one small critique, it’s that I guessed the major twists ahead of time. But honestly, the reveals were still satisfying because the execution was strong, and the emotional payoff mattered more than the surprise.
Overall:
Rich character work
Strong themes
Great tension
Beautifully written women
And a heroine worth rooting for with your whole heart.
War of Monsters is a standout debut, and I’m genuinely excited to see where the series goes next!
January 31, 2026
This book popped up on my Goodreads feed and I was intrigued by the summary and the reviews were good, so I decided to get it on Amazon kindle. I am SO glad I did! (I got the physical book also, because everyone needs an e-edition and a physical copy...)
I loved everything about this book. There are three big “musts” a book has to have for me to give it five stars. First, is it well written? Second, does it make sense and do I like/love the main characters? Third, does it take me out of my world and transport me right there into the story itself? War of Monsters meets all these - and in spades.
I found I was more immersed in this fantasy than many of the more popular ones that I have been reading these days. I connected a lot more to the characters. Not without their faults, I fell in love with each of them. Strong-willed, often rash, loyal Raylen, is not your typical hero. She is much, much more and I LOVE that!! Vaen, who obviously has had a traumatic experience sometime in his past, is silent and often grumpy, but this eases up as the book progresses and you find in him an intense desire to protect the innocent, and his companions. Lyr, presents as a jolly, likeable, fun companion, but we find in him an ambition to be more powerful. Still, when push comes to shove, he strives to use his power against the monsters and defend his friends. While these three start their journey as acquaintances, they end up fast friends. Not always an easy alliance, but definitely a loyal one.
The plot, the storyline, the world building - all fantastic. I won't go into the story, so no spoilers, but I will reiterate that it is a fantastic story. As a reader who has just about had enough of fantasy books catering to romance first, War of Monsters is a breath of fresh air. This is a true romantic fantasy, with a plot and well rounded characters to carry the book and the barest hint of slow burn as the cherry on top.
I loved everything about this book. There are three big “musts” a book has to have for me to give it five stars. First, is it well written? Second, does it make sense and do I like/love the main characters? Third, does it take me out of my world and transport me right there into the story itself? War of Monsters meets all these - and in spades.
I found I was more immersed in this fantasy than many of the more popular ones that I have been reading these days. I connected a lot more to the characters. Not without their faults, I fell in love with each of them. Strong-willed, often rash, loyal Raylen, is not your typical hero. She is much, much more and I LOVE that!! Vaen, who obviously has had a traumatic experience sometime in his past, is silent and often grumpy, but this eases up as the book progresses and you find in him an intense desire to protect the innocent, and his companions. Lyr, presents as a jolly, likeable, fun companion, but we find in him an ambition to be more powerful. Still, when push comes to shove, he strives to use his power against the monsters and defend his friends. While these three start their journey as acquaintances, they end up fast friends. Not always an easy alliance, but definitely a loyal one.
The plot, the storyline, the world building - all fantastic. I won't go into the story, so no spoilers, but I will reiterate that it is a fantastic story. As a reader who has just about had enough of fantasy books catering to romance first, War of Monsters is a breath of fresh air. This is a true romantic fantasy, with a plot and well rounded characters to carry the book and the barest hint of slow burn as the cherry on top.
January 27, 2026
Okay so first off thanks to the author for the chance to ARC read this! ❤️
~ 4.5⭐️
So Im gonna try to put my thoughts into words but bare with me!
I really enjoyed this fantasy book, it was quite different from the fantasy books I’ve been reading lately. And at the same time I would even call this book fantasy in its most classical way!
A knight together with other powerful friends go on a ”quest” to help save the people from dangerous monsters in the woods!
Its everything we grew up reading and watching and hearing about when small but now with all the extra intricate details that builds it up and makes the potential for the next coming books so intriguing.
The FMC Raylen was quite a breath of fresh air, she is tall, muscular with short hair and has trained her whole life to become a knight. She if fierce and brave but also scared as she has little experience actually being in battle and all of this adds up to a relatable and realistic character.
As far as romance goes there is splashes here and there but if you are looking for a slow burn look no furthur!! Cause this is the slowest of slow Burns, its not even a burn more of a flicker of a flame but in the way where you cant wait to get to the next small interaction between the FMC and the MMC.
I am so happy I got to read this book and cant wait to read the next book but for right now…..I think Ill stay out of any forests for awhile 😅
~ 4.5⭐️
So Im gonna try to put my thoughts into words but bare with me!
I really enjoyed this fantasy book, it was quite different from the fantasy books I’ve been reading lately. And at the same time I would even call this book fantasy in its most classical way!
A knight together with other powerful friends go on a ”quest” to help save the people from dangerous monsters in the woods!
Its everything we grew up reading and watching and hearing about when small but now with all the extra intricate details that builds it up and makes the potential for the next coming books so intriguing.
The FMC Raylen was quite a breath of fresh air, she is tall, muscular with short hair and has trained her whole life to become a knight. She if fierce and brave but also scared as she has little experience actually being in battle and all of this adds up to a relatable and realistic character.
As far as romance goes there is splashes here and there but if you are looking for a slow burn look no furthur!! Cause this is the slowest of slow Burns, its not even a burn more of a flicker of a flame but in the way where you cant wait to get to the next small interaction between the FMC and the MMC.
I am so happy I got to read this book and cant wait to read the next book but for right now…..I think Ill stay out of any forests for awhile 😅
Review of advance copy received from Author
WOW, WOW, WOW.
I am on a total book hangover after that ending! From the very first chapter, I was completely hooked as we followed Raylen, who was a hopeful knight initiate and has just been exiled from The Knight's Temple, Lyr, a mage who wields magic with a strength in illusions, and Vaen, a thief with a secretive past full of militant training, as they travel to the north in hopes of finding out where the Abarrations and whispering, deceiving shadows are coming from and how they can be stopped before more befall their own demise at the hands of these nightmarish creatures.
If you are a fan of fantasy books similar to the likes of Fourth Wing and ACOTAR, you will absolutely love this series! Although there are no dragons or fae like in those series, this book was written comparably to that of Maas and Yarros in terms of fantasy world building, and I am blown away that this is York's debut novel. She has a lyrical way of weaving her story that leaves the reader on the edge of their seat and staying up late to find out what happens next. I absolutely cannot wait to read the next book in this series! So so good.
TW: sexual assault
I am on a total book hangover after that ending! From the very first chapter, I was completely hooked as we followed Raylen, who was a hopeful knight initiate and has just been exiled from The Knight's Temple, Lyr, a mage who wields magic with a strength in illusions, and Vaen, a thief with a secretive past full of militant training, as they travel to the north in hopes of finding out where the Abarrations and whispering, deceiving shadows are coming from and how they can be stopped before more befall their own demise at the hands of these nightmarish creatures.
If you are a fan of fantasy books similar to the likes of Fourth Wing and ACOTAR, you will absolutely love this series! Although there are no dragons or fae like in those series, this book was written comparably to that of Maas and Yarros in terms of fantasy world building, and I am blown away that this is York's debut novel. She has a lyrical way of weaving her story that leaves the reader on the edge of their seat and staying up late to find out what happens next. I absolutely cannot wait to read the next book in this series! So so good.
TW: sexual assault
January 22, 2026
This is another one of those times where I say "I know I like a lot of books..but I really liked this book" because I REALLY enjoyed this book! It's like The Witcher mixed with Shield of Sparrows if Brienne of Tarth from Game of Thrones was the FMC, but we were privy to Brienne's internal thoughts and insecurities. I love that she is strong and true but not without fault, and I especially love the weight she puts on female friendship despite not being "girly"-it never devolves into any sort of I'm strong/they're weak type thinking.
War of Monsters had action, banter, slow burn, feminine rage, and was honestly a little creepy at times (looking at you, forest). It ends with a *mild* cliffhanger which I appreciate and I am very much looking forward to the next book!
War of Monsters had action, banter, slow burn, feminine rage, and was honestly a little creepy at times (looking at you, forest). It ends with a *mild* cliffhanger which I appreciate and I am very much looking forward to the next book!
February 14, 2026
Fierce + Faithful
Raylen is such a strong, grounded heroine — she’s tough and capable, but still so human in the way she fights, survives, and loves. I really appreciated that the story isn’t centered on romance like most fantasy; it’s about trust, strength, friendship, and sacrifice, with a slow-burn connection that never overshadows the heart of it. I can't wait to read the next book and see what Raylen and her companions do next!
Raylen is such a strong, grounded heroine — she’s tough and capable, but still so human in the way she fights, survives, and loves. I really appreciated that the story isn’t centered on romance like most fantasy; it’s about trust, strength, friendship, and sacrifice, with a slow-burn connection that never overshadows the heart of it. I can't wait to read the next book and see what Raylen and her companions do next!
January 17, 2026
ARC Read ***
I was kept on my toes through this entire book. There were a couple jump cuts in the story that were a little confusing. Raylen is a badass FMC and I hope she gets the partner she deserves. I could personally kinda of call the ending? I had an idea but o did end up being surprised. The magic is unique and I enjoyed the story overall.
I was kept on my toes through this entire book. There were a couple jump cuts in the story that were a little confusing. Raylen is a badass FMC and I hope she gets the partner she deserves. I could personally kinda of call the ending? I had an idea but o did end up being surprised. The magic is unique and I enjoyed the story overall.
January 28, 2026
War of Monsters really made some terrific points about how women struggle to be recognized for the strength and power that they hold. Raynel is a strong yet vulnerable FMC who will not yield on her principles, and does the right thing, even if she does not always go about it the right way. I think her character growth is excellent. Lyr and Vaen learn about being friends and recognizing love. This trio is going to be unstoppable as they seek to solve the crisis facing them with the Aberrations. And who is the incredible magic being who gives Raynel a new name? I can’t wait to find out.
I can’t say much more without major spoilers, but this story has it all-good vs evil, right vs wrong, an intriguing concept of magic, monsters both human and non-human, battles, tears, laughter, and some really good banter. READ THIS BOOK!
I was graced with an early copy to read, and so very glad for it!!!
I can’t say much more without major spoilers, but this story has it all-good vs evil, right vs wrong, an intriguing concept of magic, monsters both human and non-human, battles, tears, laughter, and some really good banter. READ THIS BOOK!
I was graced with an early copy to read, and so very glad for it!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The world building. The monsters. The cliffhanger. This book kept me on the edge of my seat.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow!!! I loved this book! It kept you on your toes the entire time. I loved the world building. I cannot wait for the rest of the series to come out!
January 30, 2026
I think the story was well written and overall enjoyable, but there was just Something about this that didn't keep my attention long enough to stop me from skimming through certain parts of the book.
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