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, Teen, Romantasy, Fiction, Fantasy Romance

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.

[Lucia]

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC!

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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!

[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.

[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.

[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.

[Karyn Silverman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved. Seems to be a standalone, great world (although somewhat reminiscent of Graceling, because the Gifts are a similar concept, but honestly SO much better executed here), unexpected story. I love that this is Bria’s story because there are (avoiding spoilers) several candidates for main character in terms of the expected narrative conventions and Bria isn’t an obvious candidate (kind of one of the points), she’s just a girl who ends up in a big story. And she’s great. We should all grow up to be this kind of heroic, the kind that just… gets shit done.
While this seems to clearly close out the narrative for these characters I would be happy to see more set in this complicated and interesting world.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Monster, Monarch, Maiden is a sweet fantasy romance about a boy, Titus, with an epic, secret task to accomplish and a girl, Bria, who joins him; at first because he rescued her, but at last because she rescues him. Told in completely from Bria's point of view, the tale takes the duo all across the continent upon which they live. They have to fight assassins, monsters and other humans as they race to get Titus to the Edge of the World by the appointed time. Along the way, they collect friends who round out the story with their personal histories. While there is a lot of angst, the book ends happily. The book is squeaky clean, kisses only with no strong language. It is appropriate for advanced middle grades on up.

I received a free advance reader copy All opinions are my own.

[kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Something I can't stand about YA fantasy novels is when the FMC is described to be strong and intelligent but you don't actually see any evidence of it. This book does not do that thankfully. Bria is exactly as smart and resourceful and empathetic as described. Absolutely loved that she did not have to be rescued constantly and could hold her own and was actually a main character in her own story.

I got a bit concerned with the slow burn as I didn't see it developing quickly enough, but in the end, it was a very sweet and natural friends to lovers path which I loved.

I will say the authors other series (girl of fire and thorns) is still my favorite, but this was a lovely little standalone.

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC as always!

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC!
It breaks my heart a little bit to see this book being advertised 'for fans of Sarah J Maas', because Rae Carson started and finished an entire incredible trilogy before Throne of Glass was any sort of popular - but I digress. Rae Carson has a talent for writing solid YA books; they're well-paced, have interesting worldbuilding, and the characters are easy to root for. Monster, Monarch, Maiden is no exception. It isn't groundbreaking, but it is good, and the kind of book that would have easily become a comfort read for me if I had read it as a teenager. I do think that both of Carson's previous series are better than this one, but I am excited that she's writing again and hope to see more from her!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is supposed to be a stand-alone, but some of the writing implies we might get a sequel (or perhaps another book set in the same world). The world-building is a little weak, surprising from this author.

Bria is well-drawn, while Titus is less so (sadly). They inhabit a world of Gifts and gods (not particularly well-described) and what starts with Bria (and her sister) in chains, in a slaver's cart, ends with the two at the End of the World as Titus competes in the godsmoot (not described here, hence my suspicion we could get Titus' side of things). There are several good moments, but often there's a gauzy feeling to the action, as though the author hasn't quite thought things out so is just opting to not write about them more than a brief sentence or two.

eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Rae Carson, publishers and Edelweiss for an advance copy of this book.

Rae Carson is one of my favorite YA authors and this is a continuation of this streak. If someone is looking for a YA book with a capable and interesting main character, Carson is my go to recommendation.

This is a standalone YA fantasy novel with a romance plot that is important, but I would not call this a Romantasy so please set your expectations accordingly.

Monster, Monarch, Maiden is an epic adventure story following the quest of two characters that are endearing and competent in a harsh world.
I will say that this was a mature book in terms of violence and overall themes, but it felt YA in pacing and appropriateness for the romance.
I will submit my usual complaint here for standalone novels: I would have read a thousand more pages of this world in a slowed down series version of this plot. This was a fun read that I didn't want to put down but at times the pacing did feel rushed. That is coming from my fantasy soaked brain that wants every book to be as long as possible so I have more time to enjoy it. When I read this I was in the mood for a one off and it hit the mark perfectly.

Light spoilers for animal lovers who want to know what to expect: Rae Carson is an author who clearly loves and respects animals. I can't promise that no animal is harmed in this tale, but I felt so satisfied with the treatment of the animals, and for the readers care of their wellbeing. If an animal is killed they are mourned/respected and we aren't left wondering about the fate of the animals we love at the end, which is important to me.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, especially for the teens or preteens. The book strats fast and the plot keeops going. Bria ia a fierce FMC who does not let things get in her way as she fights her way through and discovers more about her powers and world. Titus, is a sweet and young MMC who is determined to do the right thing and for the world. Together they can do more and grow as people, solve their problems, and fall in love. The story focus on Bria and Ttitus journey and we learn some about his world, I would love to now more details about the mythology, however this did work for the audience and it was a great stand alone romance for young adult readers.

[Lissa Hawley · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, it's been a few years since I've read a book by Rae Carson. Which was obviously long enough to forget how good they are!

I've been in such a slump lately, that only the truly exceptional books are holding my attention. I read this book so quickly, and the only thing that slowed me down was having to go to work.

I loved the characters, the setting, the magic, the horses, just everything.

And the cover art is glorious. I'm going to need a special edition from somewhere.

Highly recommended.

[Tracie · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a world where gods grant magical gifts to humans, Bria Angarsold's magical gift feels pretty useless: she can make things cold. But after Bria loses everything but her life when her village is raided, she pledges herself to a mysterious man who helps her come into her own power while uncovering a political conspiracy that threatens their lives.

Exquisite world-building and lyrical writing balanced with pops of wry humor make fast work of this 480-page tome.

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the way the book started...lots of action, magic...but lots of questions, too. But once they get to the Kingdom where the "battle" is to take place, everything was just too easy. The ending wrapped up too quickly and too sweetly. Maybe I've become too jaded with darker fantasy reads, or maybe I'm used to series instead of stand alones. Whatever the case, I definitely liked the book. I just didn't love it.

[Shannon Marek · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun and compelling read. The magic system felt fresh, the story pulled me in right away, and the characters were incredibly easy to root for. The romance is small but surprisingly impactful just the right amount. Overall, Monster, Monarch, Maiden is a captivating blend of magic, heart, and adventure.

My only complaint is that the ending felt rushed. I wanted more but it was still good!

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ARC

[Jade Mundschau]

Review of Advanced Copy

This book is one of the best YA fantasy books I’ve read in a while. It got straight to action and this pulled me right into the story, but there could have been more explanation on some topics, since there were a few things I felt I was just expected to know. Otherwise, I love the characters, I love the plot and I especially love that this is a true slow-burn romance. Will 100% be recommending it to all of my friends.

[LibraryLaur · Rating 5 out of 5]

In general I'm not a fantasy fan, but I make an exception for Rae Carson and I'm always glad I did. Another excellent first (I hope?) in a series. If not, it was a non-stop adventure with a satisfying ending.

[Tancita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Action-packed adventure!

[Jenifer Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Monster, Monarch, Maiden is a great fantasy that will take readers all around this magical world. Bria, a girl who has what she thinks is an insignificant power, is rescued from slavers by Titus, who is on a quest of his own. Unable to make it home due to her condition, Bria convinces Titus to let her accompany him to the Edge of the World to complete his quest. Along the way they battle monsters, make new friends, and try to survive the journey.

The plot is fast moving and holds the readers interest. The chemistry between Bria and Titus is great. The book is clean with only kisses between romantic interests and no language. A great read for any upper middle schooler and higher.