Monster, Monarch, Maiden

by Rae Carson

A sweeping stand-alone fantasy from award-winning and bestselling master of the genre, Rae Carson. After she loses everything, Bria will do whatever it takes to survive—even pledge herself to a secretive young man on a perilous quest. Breathtaking adventure and swoon-worthy romance for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Ava Reid, and Rebecca Ross.

Bria Angarsold isn’t supposed to be a hero. She’s just a mountain girl. A mountain girl with a near useless Gift, living an idyllic life with her sister and her parents, running the family’s thriving inn. But then the raiders come, and Bria’s family is destroyed.

One of the last survivors of the raid, Bria isn’t sure she’ll live to see where the captors are taking her. Until the caravan crosses paths with a mysterious traveler and Bria’s luck changes again.

With no family or home to return to, Bria swears her life to this moody, secretive young man. Titus has been chosen to complete a perilous quest—one that will make Bria question everything she’s ever believed, from the magic that weaves through their world to the very gods themselves. As the journey unfolds, Bria realizes she has something—someone—new to believe in. She’d follow Titus to the Edge of the World, sworn oath or not, even if neither of them stands a chance at returning from it.

But Bria Angarsold is a survivor. She isn’t useless, and neither is her Gift. And this is her story.

Shadow and Bone meets Divine Rivals for an exhilarating journey and a slow-burn romance from the author of the acclaimed The Girl of Fire and Thorns.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Fiction, Romantasy, Teen, Audiobook

480 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication August 25, 2026

About the author

Rae Carson was born in 1973 in California and now lives in Arizona. She developed an enthusiasm for storytelling in her earliest childhood. She studied social sciences and worked in various industries after graduating from university before she realized her dream and became a writer. The Girl of Fire and Thorns was her debut novel.

In her own words, she "write[s] books about teens who must do brave things. [Her] books tend to contain lots of adventure, a little magic and romance, and smart girls who make (mostly) smart choices. [She] especially love[s] to write about questions [she doesn't] know the answers to."

Has also published as Rae Carson Finlay.

Reviews

[Selene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the author publisher and narrator’s for my alc and arc. I thoroughly enjoy immersion reading and think this will always be my preferred method.

This ya stand alone is phenomenal. It has strong Skyrim vibes , relatable characters and an mmc who is an excellent conversationalist. It’s dark gritty, deals with grief trauma and death but in a way that highlights how that makes life even more worth living. Really enjoyed the angsty slow burn between the leads. The magic system is really unique and I enjoyed the idea of fatiguing from it.

The narrator did an excellent job and really added to the story, she does a really good male voice.

[Chel (chel.chapters) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Monster Monarch Maiden is the definition of a slow-burn romantasy. There’s no spice, the pacing is gentle, and the story takes its time, but the payoff is absolutely worth it.

I fell in love with the world-building, the characters, and every adventure along the way. If you enjoy character-driven fantasy and don’t mind taking the scenic route to the romance, this one deserves a spot on your list.

[Lucia]

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC!

[Robin (Bridge Four) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart

Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

4.5 Hearts

Rae Carson is one of those authors I have loved over the years, that not nearly enough readers have experienced yet. She does young adult so well, with strong smart heroines, great interesting and original plots, and romances that feel real instead of insta love or lust mistaken for love. Monster Monarch Maiden is a standalone YA fantasy that may have a chosen one trope but the main character is not the chosen one for a change.

Bria Angarsold, the single PoV for the story, came from a small village where she ran an inn with her parents and sister. When we first meet Bria, she is locked in a cage after being stolen from her small village by raiders. Stuck with almost no hope, she has to stare at her sister's corpse as they travel to the mine where she will be imprisoned. That is until a stranger sees the slaver caravan and ends up changing the coarse of Bria's life forever.

Titus is grumpy, barely uses any words and doesn't seem to want any company on whatever the quest is he is on. But Bria is a girl from the highlands and knows what it is going to take to survive and potentially get home. She'll need someone to help protect her while she heals; she needs him. Bria is smart, resourceful and seemed to understand people. For so long, she believed her gift was useless. Titus is able to see the true potential of it and of Bria. As they travel together, watching each others' backs something akin to friendship and then to love starts to blossom.

I think one of the best things about this story was that even though they were traveling for much of the journey, I was never board as there was a new discovery or danger around every corner. Titus takes a little time to warm up to, but I understood why he was so standoffish in the beginning of the story. Bria was so easy to like. She was just a simple country girl whose life was ripped apart trying to get back to see if she could salvage anything from her home. She had just lost so much, but she was determined to move forward and help the stranger she just met in any way she could.

Monster Monarch Maiden is a story full of lore, gods, monsters and a very cool premise. There were so many moments in this book I enjoyed. The smart plot for why so many raiding parties were coming through and why all the tension between cities. Along with the greater quest that Titus was in a hurry to complete. All of it wove together well. My one and only complaint is that having a single PoV limited how much the reader could experience towards the end of the story as some key things happened off page when Bria wasn't there. It is a small complaint and I remain extremely happy with the conclusion to the story.

If you haven't read Rae Carson before, this is a great intro since it is stand alone and you can see if you enjoy her style. She is one of the few YA authors I continue to read.

Narration:
Performance: ★★★★
Character Separation: ★★★★
Diction: ★★★★★
Pacing/Flow: ★★★★
Sound Effects: None

Bailey Carr has a lot of books under her belt, however I have only listened to one other short story narrated by her. She has a strong voice and carries the single PoV narration well, capturing the age and heart of the Bria. She had good character separation as I always knew who was talking. She did the male voices well but didn't seem to have a deep register to draw on to capture Titus as I imagined him. I liked how well she did with some of the words that made this seem a little nordic or reminiscent of vikings. There were some fun words to play around with. Overall a solid and enjoyable performance from Carr.

Listen to a clip: HERE 

[Heather M Jones-Lancto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommendation: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗 - (Out of 5 🌕)

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Romantasy, Young Adult, Fiction
Length: 480 Pages
Pace: Fast
Moods: Easy to Read, Page Turner, Entertaining, Wonderful Characters
Release Date: August 25, 2026

Monster, Monarch, and Maiden is an amazing stand alone story that captured my attention from the first page. For me, Rae Carson has never failed to build unique stories with lovable characters that capture and win my heart with their strength of character, mind and body. This story was no different, if anything it exceeds any story I have ever written by her.

Synopsis:

Bria Angarsold loves her family and the life they have built around their inn. Unfortunately, she and her sister find themselves in a difficult situation when raiders come through their small town and take them captive. It appears she has no way out when a mysterious young man single handedly takes down Bria's captures and rescues her from the cage she has been held prisoner. Finding herself in the middle of no where with no food or gear to weather the cold temperatures and coming snowstorms, Bria offers her services as guide to the man who is her dark and mysterious hero.

Titus isn't much of a talker, but that is alright because Bria talks enough for the both of them. He is hesitant to make her his travel companion but before long she proves herself to be more than capable. Titus is on an important but mysterious quest. As he draws closer and closer to his end goal, he begins to realize that Bria has come to mean more to him than he ever meant her to. Where he is headed she cannot go. He has to decide if his mission means more than the relationship and feelings he has developed for Bria.

What I Loved:
Bria: Bria is what I would consider the perfect character. The empathy that she feels for others makes her an endearing. Throughout the entire book she is eager to do for others. She knows her weaknesses but is also aware of her strengths and what those strengths bring to the mission.

Titus' Mission: Without giving away spoilers, Titus' backstory and mission are unique. He can come across and broody and difficult but as the story builds and you learn more about his history, he becomes more relatable and endearing.

Gods and Monsters: The mythology built within some fantasy stories can make the storyline drag. Carson has developed a simple but complex mythos that wasn't difficult to grasp and is easy to remember throughout the book.

Stand Alone Story: Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a good fantasy series but sometimes it can be difficult waiting for the next installment and then trying to recall where the story left off. I did not feel short changed in any way with this stand along fantasy. Carson gave me everything I would want and need in a good fantasy book.

The courage, intelligence and strength Bria showed throughout the book added to her ability to thrive. From the start of the book she showed a desire to survive whatever life brought her way an continued to build on her strength of character with each new hurdle she encountered. I found the story to be an incredibly satisfying read from start to finish.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to @NetGalley, Rae Carson, Greenwillow Books, and @HarperCollins for the advanced listening copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I listened to the audiobook edition of Monster, Monarch, Maiden, narrated by Bailey Carr, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

One of my favorite things about this story was Bria. She's curious, persistent, and asks question after question after question. What could have easily become annoying instead became one of her most endearing qualities. Bria wants to understand the world around her, and she isn't willing to simply accept what she's told. Her curiosity drives both the plot and her personal growth.

The dynamic between Bria and Titus was easily my favorite part of the book. Titus acts like every question is a burden, yet somehow he keeps answering them anyway. He may be grumpy, guarded, and secretive, but he continually indulges Bria's curiosity. Their banter felt natural, and watching their relationship grow from reluctant traveling companions into something built on trust, loyalty, and affection made the slow-burn romance incredibly satisfying.

I also appreciated how Rae Carson flips the traditional chosen one narrative. While Titus is the one chosen for the quest, this is ultimately Bria's story. Watching her discover her own strength and the true potential of her Gift was one of the most rewarding parts of the book.

One thing that really stood out to me was Bria's mother and the lessons she left behind. In a world where revealing your Gift can reveal too much about who you are, she believes that some things shouldn't be freely given away. She never talks about her own Gift, and she never rushes to explain Bria's. Instead, she allows Bria to discover those truths for herself. Looking back, that felt less like withholding information and more like teaching Bria that identity, power, and self-knowledge have value.

And honestly, by the end of the story, I started to think Bria has a second Gift: survival. Again and again, she's faced with unimaginable loss, danger, and impossible odds, yet she refuses to quit. She adapts, endures, and keeps moving forward. Her resilience became just as powerful to me as her magic.

The story combines an epic journey, political intrigue, divine influence, and questions about faith, destiny, and power. The adventure takes Bria and Titus across icy mountains, deserts, mines, and ancient cities, creating a world that felt vast and immersive.

Bailey Carr's narration was fantastic. She perfectly captured Bria's determination, humor, vulnerability, and endless curiosity. Her performance elevated the audiobook and made the interactions between Bria and Titus even more enjoyable.

Overall, Monster, Monarch, Maiden is a compelling YA fantasy with a resilient heroine, a grumpy hero with a soft heart, an engaging slow-burn romance, and a refreshing twist on the chosen one trope.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Electronic ARC provided by Edelweiss.

Monster, Monarch, Maiden is a fantastic standalone fantasy from Rae Carson, featuring an entire new--and intriguing--magical world. Bria is an innkeeper's daughter who has spent her entire life in the mountains with her loving family. This is all abruptly ended when her inn is raided and Bria and her sister, along with multiple other locals, are captured by the mysterious invaders. As the book opens Bria has been manacled in a cage for days as the raiders travel to their next location. The prisoners haven't been fed, their injuries are untreated, and many of them are dead or close to it. As far as Bria knows her parents are dead, her inn is burned, her sister has just died, and she is likely next. Of course that's just when we meet our second main character, the mysterious Titus. Titus is quiet, moody, and obviously on a secret quest of some sort, but he is also Bria's only chance of survival in the mountains. She swears herself to his service, and follows him on a quest that will expand her views of the world in new and terrifying ways.

In Bria's world every person has at least one magical "gift" supposedly given to them by the gods. There are a variety of gifts that can range from barely useful to so powerful that they can control nations. As an innkeeper's daughter Bria knows quite a bit about the surrounding nations and their politics, but now things are becoming increasingly tense and Bria knows that it somehow relates to Titus' quest.

Bria is a great main character. She is intelligent and quick to learn, but she is not a superhero. All of her strengths make total sense given her background. She is a good conversationalist and listener because of growing up in an inn. She is protective and loyal because of her loving family. She is not a once in a lifetime magical talent or a warrior maiden or a hidden princess, but just a teenage girl who is thrown into events well beyond her experience and rises to the challenges. She makes an interesting viewpoint character since from most perspectives she is not the main character of this adventure, which ends up being part of the point.

There is of course also a well done romance between Bria and Titus (not a spoiler really since it's clear very early on that that's where the narrative will go), but the romance never overshadows the plot and is always handled well and in a way that plays to the strengths of both characters. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys strong YA fantasy, especially those who are fans of Kristin Cashore's Graceling books.

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and HarperAudio Children’s | Greenwillow Books for access to this audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I’m really grateful to find these awesome stand-alone fantasy books through NetGalley because I had not heard about this one - and Monster, Monarch, Maiden deserves to be talked about! This is an excellent YA fantasy complete with quests, monsters, gods, and magic. This is so good - I wish it were a series!
Monster, Monarch, Maiden follows Bria, an Innkeeper’s daughter who is abducted, enslaved, and nearly murdered. She is rescued by a roaming mystery; Titus is a man who speaks little, ignores questions, and has no intention of traveling further with Bria. He has his own quest and only happened upon her captors by chance. But Bria needs him so she can get home and is eventually able to prove her usefulness. She pledges to accompany Titus on his journey. Together they face monsters, assassins, zealots, as their quest becomes more dangerous and more crucial for them to complete.
Narration: Excellent narration. Bailey Carr is able to successfully embody numerous characters, emotions, and clearly convey the differences in the voices. It was always clear who was speaking, the cadence is smooth, and pacing is great.
Story: I love that this story follow Bria. No spoilers from me - but I’ll just say that there is a lot of ‘off-the-page’ story that readers don’t get because Bria isn’t present. But I like that; I like that she is our focus and this story stays true to her journey and perspective. I also appreciate all of the other women characters. It feels more authentic - that there would be characters who pass in and out of the story with various levels of depth to the relationships. This story is as much about community and collaboration as it is a questing story. There is also a character who reminds me a great deal of Cinna from The Hunger Games (IYKYK) and that’s high praise. Great characters, creative story-telling, fun magic system, serious consequences for failure. It all kept me invested.
Audiobook Flow: This was a really enjoyable listen. It flows really well and doesn’t have any distracting background noises or pauses.
Recommendation: 5 stars. I love a stand-alone book because sometimes keeping track of a series is tedious. But I loved this story so much I wish we got a bit more. Maybe there could be a book 2?
TW: mention of sexual assault, enslavement, death, family member loss, murder plots, conspiracy, generational trauma

[Karolina Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to HarperCollins Children’s Books, Greenwillow Books & NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Monster, Monarch, Maiden by Rae Carson will be released on August 25, 2026.

I closed this book with a full heart and immediately wanted to tell everyone to put it on their TBR. Rae Carson created a fantasy world that felt magical, dangerous and impossible to leave. Between the monsters, the Gifts and all the political tension, there was always something happening that kept me turning the pages.

Bria completely stole the show for me. She isn’t the loudest or strongest person in the room, but she’s incredibly brave, clever and refuses to give up even when everything is working against her. I loved watching her grow throughout the story. And Titus? Let’s just say I understood why Bria kept asking him a million questions. The poor guy tried so hard to be mysterious… and I was over here like, “Sir, I think you’re fooling exactly zero people.” Their conversations were some of my favorite moments and I really enjoyed seeing strangers slowly become trusted companions.

The romance is definitely a slow burn, but it’s the kind that makes every little moment feel meaningful. It never rushed and the relationship grew naturally through trust, shared challenges and quiet moments together. I found myself smiling way more than I expected.

The magic system was one of my favorite parts. Learning about the different Gifts and how they shaped the world was fascinating and the monsters were genuinely unique instead of feeling like creatures I’ve already seen in every fantasy book. The world building was detailed without becoming overwhelming, which made it easy to stay immersed.

If I had one tiny complaint, it would be that I wished we had at least a few chapters from Titus’s point of view. I would have loved to know what was going on inside his head during some of those moments. Also, I figured out one of the bigger reveals earlier than I expected, but honestly, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment because the journey itself was so entertaining.

This was a heartfelt fantasy filled with adventure, wonderful characters, rich world building and a romance that made me cheer for every small step forward. If you enjoy quests, mythology, political intrigue, monsters and sweet slow burn romance, I think you’ll have a great time with this one, add it to your TBR.

[Ashley Wendt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to sit with this one for a little while and parse through some of my feelings before I could really decide what I thought about it. Monster, Monarch, Maiden is very much a journey…literally, since a large portion of the book follows Bria and Titus as they travel, but also in a very “trust the process” kind of way.

I really enjoyed Rae Carson’s writing. It made it incredibly easy to keep turning the pages. I loved the slow burn romance and appreciated how age appropriate the romance felt for the characters. Bria and Titus were both extremely likable, and watching their partnership, trust, and feelings for one another slowly grow was actually one of my favorite parts of the book.

I thought the worldbuilding and magic system were interesting and easy to follow. Normally, I think I would have wanted a little more depth from each, but given that this is a standalone, what we got still felt like enough.

There is a point toward the end, though, where I definitely went, “Huh…that’s it?!” There had been quite a bit of buildup surrounding a certain event, and I expected us to see more of it…or at least get a glimpse of what happened.

And then I finished the book and had to sit with that feeling for a bit.

Would seeing that event have actually made the book better? Did I really need to know exactly what happened? Would it have changed how I felt about the story?

After thinking about it, I realized the answer was no. Because that really wasn’t what this book was about. It wasn’t the journey Carson was taking us on, nor was it ever truly the goal of the story.

At its heart, this is a character driven story about grief, self discovery, and learning to recognize and honor what is actually important in life. It’s also very much about the everyday person…the “little guy”…being seen, understanding their own worth, and realizing the potential they may not have recognized in themselves.

There were still a few eye roll moments for me, and one twist that I found pretty obvious. But after sitting with the book as a whole, those were easy enough for me to overlook. The ending was actually really wonderful and gave the story a satisfying, thoughtful wrap-up that worked perfectly for a standalone YA romantasy.

Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins Children’s Books, and Greenwillow Books for providing the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this story with tears in my eyes and an ache in my heart. It was that good.

Bria is a force to be reckoned with. She is strong, kind, resilient, resourceful, and very talkative. She is an innkeeper's daughter, after all. Bria becomes the hero's sidekick through chance, but this was Bria's story, not the hero's, and it was everything.

The story opened with Bria in peril and I was struck by how much I was immediately invested in the story and these characters. The pacing was excellent and kept me on my toes, excited to see what happened next. The world building was stellar; I found the mythology easy to understand and fascinating. I also really appreciated that Bria's menstrual cycle was mentioned during the long journey because I like my fantasy with a side of realism.

Titus and Bria's journey was treacherous but Bria was never a damsel in distress. She helped Titus just as much as he helped her and their partnership was largely equal.

The romance was perfect. It was a true slow burn filled with longing and swoon worthy moments. I loved watching Bria and Titus get to know each other and go from strangers to reluctant allies to friends to two people in love who can't be together while the world needs them apart. The attraction between them was gradual and was based on an emotional bond rather than lust. I believed in their love story. It was beautiful.

The only thing I was missing was Titus's POV. I would have loved to see what he was thinking as he was falling in love with Bria. But this was Bria's story, not Titus's, and I understand that his POV would have absolutely taken away from that.

I honestly loved this story so much. It was exactly what I needed to read right now, and I'm so glad I found it. Will definitely read more from this author in the future.

Spice Level: 0/5 🌶️ - a few kisses

I received a free ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.25-3.5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ✨ ( rounded to 4)
NetGalley / audiobook 🎧
Thank you to NetGalley for the arc via audiobook.
Overall I enjoyed this story, I find it very refreshing to read a standalone fantasy. I do love a series but sometimes it is nice to have a standalone. This was a slow -burn romance, no spice , the story takes it time but worth it in the end. The world building and characters were well written and I enjoyed the adventure we followed along the way. If you liked more character driven stories this one could be for you. This is a compelling YA fantasy with a resilient heroine, a grumpy hero with a soft heart, an engaging slow-burn romance, and a refreshing twist on the chosen one trope.
I did like how Tristan the MMC is the “chosen one” but it’s felt more of Mia’s the FMC story to me. I liked Mia’s curiosity , and even though Tristan comes off as grumpy, broody - as he acts as even ONE question is a burden to him he keeps answering her questions. I enjoyed their banter.
The story combines an epic journey, political intrigue, divine influence, and questions about : faith, destiny, and power. Their adventure takes Titus and Bria across icy mountains, deserts, mines, and ancient cities, creating a world that felt vast and immersive.
I enjoyed the narrator, I felt she captured Bria’s character perfectly, as well as the other characters. I highly recommend the audiobook. I did feel like Tristan felt like he was 200 years older than Bria. If I was younger I might have enjoyed this more, as I know I am not the “targeted” demographic. It brought me back to early 2000s feeling I had when reading. But as I do have years of experience in fantasy now I did have a feeling of “ I have read this before..” and maybe has been done better . This wasn’t trying to re-invent the wheel , but I still think it was a solid read. I do think a series would be fun as well.

Rating 3.25-3.5 ⭐️ ( rounded to 4)

[MadaLin Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

MONSTERS, MONARCHS AND MAIDENS OH MY!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Monster, Monarch, Maiden by Rae Carson
YA- no spice

This was such a fun fantasy read, and I’m giving it a solid 4 stars! ✨

First of all, I absolutely loved Bria. She has such a big heart and a wonderful “well, we’ll figure it out” attitude that made her so easy to root for. She’s brave, compassionate, and determined!

And then there’s Titus. 👀 I loved how mysterious he was, but what really won me over was his compassion. He has that mysterious fantasy-boy thing going on, but there’s so much heart underneath it. Basically… I was invested. 😂

The romance was probably my biggest almost. I liked Bria and Titus together, but I wanted MORE. The slow burn was a little too slow for me. I needed more yearning, more tension, more pining, more “JUST KISS ALREADY!” moments. 😂 I spent a truly unreasonable amount of this book screaming internally at these two.

I also really enjoyed the worldbuilding. It reminded me a lot of Rae Carson’s The Girl of Fire and Thorns world, (which I loved because that triology is still one of my FAVES). The Gifts were especially interesting, and I would have loved to see the mythology explored a little more deeply. There was so much potential there that I wanted to dig into!

One thing I really appreciated, though, was the ending. It felt thoughtful and lingering rather than rushed, and I loved getting to sit with where everything ultimately landed. It gave the story a satisfying sense of closure.

Overall, Monster, Monarch, Maiden gave me a world I enjoyed, characters I cared about, a mysterious and compassionate love interest, and a romance that had me practically yelling at the pages. 😂 I just wish the romance had been a little more yearny and that we had gotten a bit more exploration of the mythology.

Also I had a Audio Arc of this provided by Netgalley and I LOVED the audio, but its narrated by Bailey Carr so of course it's good!!!

A solid 4-star fantasy read for me! ✨📚

[Maya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this story extremely biased. I read Carson's Fire and Thorns series in middle school, and it really fostered my love of reading, so I had high expectations for this story. Needless to say, it was amazing.

The book starts off a bit rough, with our FMC Bria, as well as her sister and others who had been captured, being carted away by slavers. People have already died or been killed, so everything appears to be bleak and hopeless, until Titus comes along. He's meant to be mysterious, but I think it's pretty easy to pick up on his true identity. Bria knows there's something off about him, but her observational skills are pretty on point, and she makes it a habit to talk to Titus as much as she can. It was just a matter of time for her to piece everything together, and it didn't take long at all. There were just so many hints (if you could call them that) just screaming right at you. So, despite his attempts at being secretive, he absolutely failed.

One of the main aspects of this story is that people have been given Gifts by the gods. It's a conversation that generally doesn’t take place and isn’t openly discussed, and if you ask, you're met with shock because it's meant to be private. I really enjoyed this because, as the book progressed, you learn more about Gifts and how many there are, to the point that it's hard to keep track. Titus has very rare, unique Gifts (obviously), and Bria has one that I wouldn’t have imagined for her, and yet it works to her advantage. The magic and monsters were extremely interesting, and I was thankful when Bria and Titus would talk about them more in depth, because depending on the monster, they only reveal themselves in specific conditions.

I genuinely think if you like unique magic, monarch political intrigue, quests, and a budding romance, then you should definitely give this book a try!

[ᴄᴀᴛ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5☆ | this is a standalone..💔 I want more, like so bad. This book was really well written and the ending tied everything up well so there isn't really anything that could be added to this world without it feeling unnecessary and ruining it, but I truly do wish this was a series or something, I loved the world, writing and the characters so much.

I really loved Bria and Titus, even when the two of them first met, I liked how they interacted with each other and how their relationship grew throughout the book.
Bria is such a likeable character, and I immediately loved her. And Titus took a little longer to like but I quickly understood and loved him too.
The romance in this book is also very clearly a slow burn, you can see them growing closer but I'd say that the romance starts at a perfect point in the book, and if anything I was wanting a little more of it near the end.

Another thing I enjoyed was the magic, there are some people who's gifts are practically useless and some people who have incredibly useful gifts. I loved seeing Bria's gift being used throughout the book and Titus's gift was so interesting to me and I loved seeing them.
And the concept of fatiguing from using too much of your own magic was nice because I feel like we don't see that all too often in books?

I also really love Bailey Carr's narrating, I've listened to multiple audiobooks that she's narrated and just love her performance every time. And she's one of those narrators who can do a guys voice really well too.

This book is a bit lengthy, but I liked the pacing of the story and the slow-burn was nice too.
All the different scenery and side characters we saw also just made the story more likeable.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for giving me an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably terrible of me, but I have a really hard time writing positive reviews. It’s not that I don’t have anything nice to say (I do! I promise!), it’s more about the fact that I have a harder time properly articulating my enjoyment versus my critiques.

I have no critiques for Monster, Monarch, Maiden, so if this review is shorter than my usual, there ya go. This book was so good. I had no idea I wanted to read a book about the side character, but wow, I now need more immediately. I loved every moment of this story. The world-building was complex in its simplicity. The characters were wonderfully done. The romance was honestly adorable. The quest plot line was great and held all of my interest. The pace, while a bit meandering, never felt too fast or too slow. AND! It’s a standalone, so there was a very satisfying conclusion and no waiting for the next book. Tears of joy. This has now become one of my YA gold standards. All the stars. Heapings (spellcheck is telling me that’s not a word, and it’s probably right that I’m not using it correctly, but let me live my life).

When I say that this is a book about the side character, I mean just that. In most any other story, Titus would have been the main character. He’s the one on a magic quest. He’s the one with connections. He’s the one who’s driving their journey. However, this book is in Bria’s POV, a random person Titus saves from slavers. Bria just ends up along for the ride, and it was so. Much. Fun. It was not at all what I expected, but perfect in its unexpectedness. I honestly didn’t think it was going to work, but by the end, I adored Bria (and Titus), and I don’t know if I would have liked the book as much had it been told from anyone else’s POV.

That’s it. That’s all I’ve got. Did I explain a single thing? Nope, probably not. Monster, Monarch, Maiden was so good I’m speechless.

I received an advanced copy of Monster, Monarch, Maiden from NetGalley and the publisher and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dazzling and Devastatingly Good

Monsters, Monarchs, and Maiden is an absolute triumph, the kind of book that makes you cancel your plans, neglect your responsibilities, and lose entire nights to its pages without a single regret. I went in with high expectations and somehow still came away completely blown away.

The title alone promises something epic, and the story delivers on every word of it. Layered with mythology that feels both fresh and ancient at once. The monarchs are cunning, cruel, and occasionally heartbreaking; rulers shaped by power in ways that feel uncomfortably real. And the maiden at the center of it all? She is everything. Fierce without being reckless, vulnerable without ever being weak, and so beautifully written that I felt every choice she made in my bones.

What sets this book apart is how masterfully the three elements of the title are woven together. This isn't a story where the monsters are just obstacles or the royals are just villains; every piece of this world is deeply interconnected, and the thematic threads running through the narrative reward careful readers in the most satisfying ways.

The storytelling is lush and atmospheric, dripping with tension and beauty in equal measure. The romance is slow-burn agony in the best possible way, and never described. This makes this story suitable for fantasy-loving teens.

The ending hit me like a wave: unexpected, emotionally gutting, and somehow perfect. I finished it with my heart full and my mind racing. Clear your schedule, pour yourself something warm, and surrender to Rae Carson's worldmaking.

An effortless five stars.

Thank you to Netgalley. HarperCollins and Greenwillow Books for this ARC copy. This is my review.

[Angi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun novel, and I don't think I've ever read something that centers the *sidekick* so completely, in such a way that her story is truly the most important one while the hero goes off , doing . It's summarized brilliantly within the novel itself, when the protagonist states "I'm not a complication in his story; he's a complication in mine." It absolutely reads as a full, complete, and compelling novel in its own right, and all the emotional weight is centered around the main (sidekick) character, who in older novels would be given a strictly supporting role.

It has a kick-ass female protagonist, a slow-burn, compelling romance (spice level = kissing). It also has an immersive world, fun magical system, and a compelling villain. I love the layers of complication, such as when attempts to help one person actually harm them, and some recipients of generosity are foundational-helpful, while others turn out to be toxic. I also really enjoyed the occasional insights into life and society in general, such as the title-adjacent quote "The three of us sat there, pondering monsters, monarchs, and men" that make you pause the book for a moment to muse. I was almost disappointed when I realized it's a standalone novel; I'd love to spend more time with this character and this world.

-----
NOTE: I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for a review expressing my personal opinions.

[Kayla Christian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to HarperAudio Children’s and NetGalley for providing an advanced copy.

I absolutely loved this book! From the very first chapter, I was completely drawn into the story and found myself looking for every opportunity to keep listening. Rae Carson has crafted a wonderfully immersive YA fantasy that is full of adventure, heart, and magic. There was always a new discovery, challenge, or twist that kept me engaged and eager to find out what would happen next.

One of my favorite aspects of the book was how beautifully written it was. Carson’s storytelling made the world feel vivid and alive, and I genuinely felt like I was traveling alongside the characters on their quest.

Bria and Titus completely stole my heart. They were complex, relatable, and incredibly easy to root for. The romance was such a sweet, slow burn that developed naturally over the course of the story. Rather than overshadowing the adventure, it complemented it perfectly.

By the end of the book, I was holding back tears and I wasn’t ready for the story to end. It’s one of those books that leaves you wishing you could spend just a little more time with the characters. I would absolutely love to read more of their story. A POV from Titus would be great!

[Rachel Feeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ooh yes, this is the quest I’ve been craving. Not sure if the cover design is an intentional throwback to YA fantasy of the 2000s, but the story is right at home with hidden gems of the time, with an unlikely traveling duo who face magical beasts, battle against the elements, grow little gifts into big power, and slowly reveal secrets along the way. Bria is delightfully observant and forthright, not always sure of herself yet unafraid to probe the tight-lipped Titus who has more secrets and stubbornness than common sense, and it’s endearing, tragic, fun to see her learn about the world and her place in it. I enjoyed the mountain wilds, the casual introduction of magical abilities, the illustrations of how one can mess up with the best intentions, and the slow-building romance.

While all content is appropriate for teen readers, be advised that Bria, Titus, and many others they meet have not had an easy life, which this book confronts head on. In the opening chapter Bria is held captive in torturous conditions, and death is a not infrequent companion.

Recommend for fans of Brightly Woven, Graceling, and Even the Darkest Stars.

**Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC**

[ChronicallyYou · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you HarperAudio and Greenwillow Books for the gifted ALC :)

This was a good fantasy, but I don't know that it'll stick with me long term.

There really wasn't anything wrong with it. Bria was an easy FMC to root for, and I liked that she wasn't some overpowered chosen one, but an innkeeper's daughter who could talk to anyone (as is stated MULTIPLE times throughout). Instead of relying solely on her gift, she mostly relied on her resourcefulness...AS AN INNKEEPER'S DAUGHTER. I enjoyed the slow-burn romance with Titus, but his narration made him sound at least 800 years older than Bria. Ignoring the voice acting, their romance was sweet and it developed naturally alongside the adventure.

That said, I spent most of the book feeling like I'd read this story before. The mysterious, broody MMC who doesn't like to talk with a world changing quest, and his trusty companions travel across kingdoms...it worked, but it didn't feel particularly unique. I kept waiting for something that would make this stand out, and that never really came.

I listened to the audiobook, and Bailey Carr did a great job bringing Bria to life.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bria’s family has been ambushed, with her sister and herself caged up. She is finally rescued by a stranger, Titus, only her sister perishes. The stranger heals Bria, who, realizing that she doesn’t have any money, food, or home to return to, attaches herself to him as he continues his quest.
This fantasy was a breath of fresh air for my reading mind, which is no surprise since I have loved Carson’s other works. The world building is just right–enough that you get a sense of where you are but not boring the readers by overdoing it. The characterization is spot on as well. Bria is the main character, yet Titus is the one who is the hero and journeyman. She goes through some tough trials and transformations throughout the story and ends up showing us what a strong FMC should look like. The romance is very slow and abrupt, and if I had one criticism for this plot, it would be that. The two don’t seem to have much romantic interest in each other until all of a sudden they do. We hear from Bria on this occasionally, but for me, the romance seemed to almost come out of nowhere. Still, this book will be recommended for all of my middle and high school fantasy lovers.

[Erinfey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book because I was excited to see a new title from this author. Thanks to Rae Carson for ending a bit of a reading slump for me!

First off, the pacing of this novel felt really strong. There weren't any spots where I wasn't interested to see what would happen on the next page.

FMC was capable and non nonsense which I liked. She also wasn't a whiny woe-is-me and she didn't act petty or cruel which I feel like has been popular. We are getting the story from the perspective of the FMC but I wanted more backstory/motivation from MMC because his choice at the end I feel like needed a little more backup. I also wanted some more lead in for the big bad just because when they finally appeared I wasn't as scared as I think I should have been. (Companion novel perhaps?)

Also, it was pretty refreshing to finish a novel without a massive cliffhanger. I feel like one-offs are so hard to find in the current fantasy literary world. There could be a sequel, certainly, but you won't have to spend two years in agony waiting.

[Chelsea Drumm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Monster, Monarch, Maiden felt like a breath of fresh air. The pacing is gentle, the writing is gripping, the characters had me obsessed. Seeing this very mundane girl getting roped into a quest that she knows literally nothing about (at the reluctance of both MCs) was hilarious and exciting to follow. Titus is so infuriating in the beginning with his evasiveness, but he really grew on me as the story went on. Bria isn't set to be the hero in this tale, and yet her brain, quick wit, attention to detail, and passion for those she cares about makes her a formidable ally and a really relatable and admirable FMC to read about. Their relationship felt so natural, as the story progressed, from being reluctant allies to friends to something more. I think I would have liked a little more romantic chemistry between the two of them to really sell me on them moving past being just friends, but overall, this was such an incredible story which a really sweet, satisfying ending. Thanks Netgalley for the e-ARC!

[heyshelbyhi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these type of books, where the main characters set out on a quest together and end up falling in love. I liked discovering the different types of magic that people had, and I loved that Bria was so clever and thought quickly on her feet. I think she and Titus complemented each other nicely and made a good pair.

I thought the pacing was good, up until the end where it felt rushed and somewhat abrupt to me. This was a clean read, but there were a few gory parts.

I think I was expecting this to go in a different direction than it did, and I felt a little sad that we were excluded from Titus’s adventure with the gods. I think this could easily be book one in a series, and if it were, I would look forward to reading more!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read a free ARC from NetGalley.
Bria is rescued from slavers by mysterious stranger Titus. She's the daughter of an innkeeper with the gift of making things frozen. She becomes Titus' shield maiden as she is feels that she owes him a debt and that it would be safer to travel with him than to travel alone. Titus is twice gifted, as he has the gift of healing and another gift that I won't spoil since this book is not released yet. He is on a secret quest and he needs a few magical objects in order to be successful. He and Bria travel throughout the kingdom to complete this quest, forming a friendship that leads to a love that neither wants to act on because of the difference in their classes and the importance of this mission to the future of their kingdoms.
This seems to be a standalone novel, which I appreciate. I really liked the characters of Bria and Titus, they had great banter and the development of their relationship was sweet and believable.

[TiffanyMarieTicer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved loved this book! This has all the things I love in a fantasy book. She’s a captive who is rescued by the mysterious MMC and she basically bonds herself to him in order to survive. They journey together to a destination they may separate them forever. Of course both are in denial of their feelings and burn is slow, but the longing is so goood! The touches and lingering eyes give me all the romance I need! Rae Carson is an autobuy author for me and her books have never disappointed!

The best magic ever. I love his the most! Believe me you definitely want to find out! And her magic is one that I don’t think I’ve ever read before or at least I can’t remember! They make the perfect duo!

Wow! Bailey Carr is going to be my autobuy narrator now! Her male voice is perfection. I didn’t even realize this was solo. She brought all the emotions! This is a must listen!!!

Thank you to Rae, NetGalley and Greenwillow Bools for the gifted ALC. This is my honest review.

[Mrs. Kenyon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bria has been living a quiet life at her family’s inn when they are attacked, and she is taken captive. She doesn’t know how she is going to get away when she is rescued by a stranger. Bria doesn’t have anything to return for, so she swears herself to Titus as a shield maiden. As their journey continues, she is given the choice to abandon her oath or follow a new path. Who is this mysterious man? Will their quest be successful?

Monster, Monarch, Maiden is a stand-alone fantasy novel with just a little bit of world-building at the beginning of this story. I enjoyed following Bria along as she discovered new truths about herself and the world she loved. Carson has crafted a one-and-done story that almost made me wonder if it was going to continue. I good fantasy read for those who don’t want to delve into a series.

[h o l l i s · Rating 2 out of 5]

This ended on a good note, it was lovely. But overall? I don't really know what to do with this experience.

Having said all that, I think this will definitely find its reader base (though the cover might scare people away.. what even is happening there, like, it's relevant but.. it's giving nineties PNR), I already see this rating is very much at odds with others, so it might just be a case of not for me. Because Carson's The Girl of Fire and Thorns series is still, all these years later, one of my favourites and sure fine twist my arm I'll do another reread soon just to prove it still holds up. So, yes, despite this not really grabbing me, I'll continue to pick up this author's releases. Though I wouldn't be mad if she decided to ditch YA and switch to adult..

Full review to come.

** I received an ARC from the publisher (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Rae Carson so I jumped at the opportunity to read this. I was excited that it was a standalone. The story was good, but it wasn't quite as exciting as I hoped it would be. The beginning was very slow, and I almost DNF'd at about 60%. I'm glad I stuck it out because the end was good-well paced and with a lot of action. The world building was very good and I liked the characters. I did think I would toss my phone if the fmc reminded us that she was an innkeeper's daughter one more time, though.

I listened to this as an audiobook, and the narrator did a great job with the fmc's character. My only negative with her performance is that when she spoke in the mmc's voice he sounded like a middle-aged man. It made the interaction a bit awkward to listen to since it came across like a 17 yo girl and a 35 yo man.