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Stitched
I devoted my life to Project Oryx. As a geneticist, I told myself it was about discovery, about pushing the boundaries of what life could become. I never expected my greatest creation to change me in return. What began as an obsession blurred into something far more dangerous and profound—an attachment I couldn’t explain away with logic, an unconventional love that rewrote everything I thought I knew.
When militaries set their sights on Oryx as the ultimate weapon and intergalactic coalitions hunted us to steal what I’d created, we became fugitives overnight. Bounties followed us from system to system, and every encounter reminded me that the universe measures worth in power and conquest. Yet in the midst of pursuit and fear, we found something rarer than victory. We found trust. We found family. And as the walls closed in, I realized we weren’t just fighting to survive—we were fighting for our right to remain human, and for a love strong enough to change the course of everything.
A slow-burn sci-fi space opera inspired by Frankenstein and Flowers for Algernon, dusted with a glimmer of The Wizard of Oz—where the Monster isn’t destroyed, loves, and finally finds home.
-------This book is part of the multi-author Blood & Stardust series, which reimagines classic monsters in outer space. Each installment can be enjoyed as a standalone story.
When militaries set their sights on Oryx as the ultimate weapon and intergalactic coalitions hunted us to steal what I’d created, we became fugitives overnight. Bounties followed us from system to system, and every encounter reminded me that the universe measures worth in power and conquest. Yet in the midst of pursuit and fear, we found something rarer than victory. We found trust. We found family. And as the walls closed in, I realized we weren’t just fighting to survive—we were fighting for our right to remain human, and for a love strong enough to change the course of everything.
A slow-burn sci-fi space opera inspired by Frankenstein and Flowers for Algernon, dusted with a glimmer of The Wizard of Oz—where the Monster isn’t destroyed, loves, and finally finds home.
-------This book is part of the multi-author Blood & Stardust series, which reimagines classic monsters in outer space. Each installment can be enjoyed as a standalone story.
814 pages, Paperback
Published February 17, 2026
3 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
Y.D. La Mar
96 books680 followersI'm a reader, first and foremost. Just like everyone else.
I love books that are just out there. From fluffy to pitch-black darkness. Monsters and aliens to the men who haunt your dreams painting the walls in red.
My love for reading and writing reviews has led me down the road of becoming a writer myself, thanks to the encouragement of others!
I'm not sure where this journey will lead me, but I hope I can breathe life into words the way so many others have done for me when I needed an escape.
Stalk me! https://ydlamar.carrd.co
www.ydlamar.com
I love books that are just out there. From fluffy to pitch-black darkness. Monsters and aliens to the men who haunt your dreams painting the walls in red.
My love for reading and writing reviews has led me down the road of becoming a writer myself, thanks to the encouragement of others!
I'm not sure where this journey will lead me, but I hope I can breathe life into words the way so many others have done for me when I needed an escape.
Stalk me! https://ydlamar.carrd.co
www.ydlamar.com
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 18, 2026
I would like to thank the author for sending me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Yume is the lead geneticist on Project Oryx, pushing the boundaries and limits of science and creating a… monster. But Oryx isn’t just a creature – he feels and thinks, learning slowly from Yume as she teaches him to understand the world. But when the military threatens to take Oryx and Yume makes a bargain to keep him, things go from bad to worse in the blink of an eye. Now, on the run, the two of them are determined to stay alive and earn their freedom, but with bounties on their heads no matter where they go they’ll have to fight against everything coming at them if they want to protect what they have found in one another.
Okay so. WOW. This was dark. And messed up. And also kind of hot. I really need artwork of Oryx because I’m picturing a mix of a xenomorph and Godzilla (the one from the Matthew Broderick version, not the actual Godzilla… though if anyone’s got a rec for a giant kaiju I’d greatly appreciate it. For science.), with bio mech armor that comes and goes. So to be honest, I can’t be sure what I’m picturing. But I was still here for it. I don’t know what that says about me because Oryx was hot. Yume was a badass in her own way and a survivor. The two of the didn’t make sense at first because she felt a little too clinical at times, but as the book progressed it became clear why the two of them worked. I loved the plot – I mean, Frankenstein in space? Yes please. I loved the romance – the slow-burn was slowwww, but then when it finally happened it was absolutely worth it. I honestly couldn’t put this down and ended up binging this in about a day (which is bananas), and so I can say that while this is an 800+ page book, it flies. I would definitely check TWs if you’re sensitive to anything because there’s a few scenes that even I was taken aback by, but otherwise this was phenomenal and I will 10000% be reading more by this author in the future because your girl is hooked to the smutty horror.
10/10 would bang the cyborg godzilla/xenomorph.
Yume is the lead geneticist on Project Oryx, pushing the boundaries and limits of science and creating a… monster. But Oryx isn’t just a creature – he feels and thinks, learning slowly from Yume as she teaches him to understand the world. But when the military threatens to take Oryx and Yume makes a bargain to keep him, things go from bad to worse in the blink of an eye. Now, on the run, the two of them are determined to stay alive and earn their freedom, but with bounties on their heads no matter where they go they’ll have to fight against everything coming at them if they want to protect what they have found in one another.
Okay so. WOW. This was dark. And messed up. And also kind of hot. I really need artwork of Oryx because I’m picturing a mix of a xenomorph and Godzilla (the one from the Matthew Broderick version, not the actual Godzilla… though if anyone’s got a rec for a giant kaiju I’d greatly appreciate it. For science.), with bio mech armor that comes and goes. So to be honest, I can’t be sure what I’m picturing. But I was still here for it. I don’t know what that says about me because Oryx was hot. Yume was a badass in her own way and a survivor. The two of the didn’t make sense at first because she felt a little too clinical at times, but as the book progressed it became clear why the two of them worked. I loved the plot – I mean, Frankenstein in space? Yes please. I loved the romance – the slow-burn was slowwww, but then when it finally happened it was absolutely worth it. I honestly couldn’t put this down and ended up binging this in about a day (which is bananas), and so I can say that while this is an 800+ page book, it flies. I would definitely check TWs if you’re sensitive to anything because there’s a few scenes that even I was taken aback by, but otherwise this was phenomenal and I will 10000% be reading more by this author in the future because your girl is hooked to the smutty horror.
10/10 would bang the cyborg godzilla/xenomorph.
Review of advance copy
Stitched by Y.D. La Mar is a masterclass in dark romance and suspense! From the very first page, I was completely drawn into a world that is intense, emotional, and impossible to put down. La Mar’s storytelling is immersive, balancing gripping tension with deep emotional resonance, and the result is a story that stays with you long after the last page.
The characters are exquisitely layered—flawed, compelling, and achingly real. Their struggles, desires, and fears are written with such authenticity that I found myself emotionally invested in every twist, every decision, and every moment of vulnerability. The romance is fierce, passionate, and beautifully intertwined with the suspense, creating a dynamic that keeps you both heart-racing and heart-full.
The pacing is spot-on, with moments of shocking revelation, intense drama, and tender intimacy all flowing seamlessly together. Y.D. La Mar expertly weaves together themes of trust, obsession, and healing, making Stitched as emotionally gripping as it is thrilling.
As an ARC reader, I can confidently say this book is a must-read for fans of dark, character-driven romance that keeps you on edge while tugging at your heartstrings. If you love stories that are bold, raw, and unforgettable, Stitched is one you won’t want to miss.
The characters are exquisitely layered—flawed, compelling, and achingly real. Their struggles, desires, and fears are written with such authenticity that I found myself emotionally invested in every twist, every decision, and every moment of vulnerability. The romance is fierce, passionate, and beautifully intertwined with the suspense, creating a dynamic that keeps you both heart-racing and heart-full.
The pacing is spot-on, with moments of shocking revelation, intense drama, and tender intimacy all flowing seamlessly together. Y.D. La Mar expertly weaves together themes of trust, obsession, and healing, making Stitched as emotionally gripping as it is thrilling.
As an ARC reader, I can confidently say this book is a must-read for fans of dark, character-driven romance that keeps you on edge while tugging at your heartstrings. If you love stories that are bold, raw, and unforgettable, Stitched is one you won’t want to miss.
Review of advance copy
I don’t usually read Sci-Fi, but after watching Frankenstein on Netflix and loving it, I decided to give this one a try and I’m so glad I did, because I absolutely loved it. What really made this book stand out for me was the character work because watching the protagonist go from being treated like a “thing in a lab” to slowly developing a sense of self was emotional. His internal struggle, always caught between what he was programmed to be and the humanity he’s starting to feel, was for me the true heart of the story. I also appreciated loved the way the creator is written, a deeply flawed, relatable woman dealing with the weight of her choices and their consequences, just like in the real world.
“Love wasn’t just about sharing pleasure—it was so much more. It was the highs and the lows, the battles we faced together, the way life forced us to choose, again and again, to adapt if we wanted to stay together. Love was a multitude of things; it encompassed everything, no matter the sacrifices required.”
If you’re like me and don't usually into sci-fi but enjoy emotional, character-driven stories, this one is definitely worth giving a chance. For me it worked and loved it!
Thank you Booksirens for this wonderful journey!
“Love wasn’t just about sharing pleasure—it was so much more. It was the highs and the lows, the battles we faced together, the way life forced us to choose, again and again, to adapt if we wanted to stay together. Love was a multitude of things; it encompassed everything, no matter the sacrifices required.”
If you’re like me and don't usually into sci-fi but enjoy emotional, character-driven stories, this one is definitely worth giving a chance. For me it worked and loved it!
Thank you Booksirens for this wonderful journey!
February 22, 2026
I don’t read a lot of sci-if, so this was newer territory for me and I loved it.
This is a long haul read. A chunky chunky book, 800’ish pages. And very much an emotional character driven one. Fans of deep yearning are going to love this. You a definitely taken on an emotional rollercoaster.
Oryx and Yume’s characters are wonderfully portrayed. Their uniqueness is showcased perfectly by their complex feelings, thoughts and decisions.
Yume struggles with her burgeoning feelings and connection to Oryx. She You a definitely taken on an emotional rollercoaster. She recognizes the she is no longer treating him as a subject. She sees his understanding and desire to learn and evolve.
Oryx is absolutely underestimated by everyone but Yume. He is seen as a means to an end. Oryx wants to be better & learn for her. She is his calm. I loved watching Oryx come into his own and develop his own personality.
I loved the pacing and the tension. It was absolutely incredible. One of my fav reads of this year so far.
It is part of a series, Blood & Stardust. I do have SJ Sanders book Bitten prordered.
This is a long haul read. A chunky chunky book, 800’ish pages. And very much an emotional character driven one. Fans of deep yearning are going to love this. You a definitely taken on an emotional rollercoaster.
Oryx and Yume’s characters are wonderfully portrayed. Their uniqueness is showcased perfectly by their complex feelings, thoughts and decisions.
Yume struggles with her burgeoning feelings and connection to Oryx. She You a definitely taken on an emotional rollercoaster. She recognizes the she is no longer treating him as a subject. She sees his understanding and desire to learn and evolve.
Oryx is absolutely underestimated by everyone but Yume. He is seen as a means to an end. Oryx wants to be better & learn for her. She is his calm. I loved watching Oryx come into his own and develop his own personality.
I loved the pacing and the tension. It was absolutely incredible. One of my fav reads of this year so far.
It is part of a series, Blood & Stardust. I do have SJ Sanders book Bitten prordered.
February 19, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Where Consciousness Meets Connection
Wow... just wow. When I started this book I had only a vague idea what I was getting myself into.
This story feels like a powerful exploration of consciousness and emotion, told with vivid, evocative prose that pulls you fully into the experience which YD La Mar does so well.
The narrative beautifully balances Oryx’s raw, moving process of '𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨' with Yume’s journey as she begins to discover who she is beyond expectation and control. Their connection forms an intense and transformative love story that feels deeply human at its core.
I especially loved Oryx’s perspective, which captures wonder, vulnerability, and longing with striking intimacy, while Yume’s growth adds emotional depth and resonates with the story as a whole.
The atmosphere and emotional focus make this such a compelling and memorable read.
I received an advance reader copy from the author and am sharing my honest review.
Wow... just wow. When I started this book I had only a vague idea what I was getting myself into.
This story feels like a powerful exploration of consciousness and emotion, told with vivid, evocative prose that pulls you fully into the experience which YD La Mar does so well.
The narrative beautifully balances Oryx’s raw, moving process of '𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨' with Yume’s journey as she begins to discover who she is beyond expectation and control. Their connection forms an intense and transformative love story that feels deeply human at its core.
I especially loved Oryx’s perspective, which captures wonder, vulnerability, and longing with striking intimacy, while Yume’s growth adds emotional depth and resonates with the story as a whole.
The atmosphere and emotional focus make this such a compelling and memorable read.
I received an advance reader copy from the author and am sharing my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love a good sci-fi, and this book does not disappoint.
Let's start with the story. I was immediately drawn in to the mentor/mentee relationship between Yume and Oryx - and the intrinsic battle between those who have power, and those who have strength.
It soon developed into a lot more than that, though - the actual relationship that develops between the human and the monster is one that transcends normal boundaries - but in the best way.
What made this story for me, though, is the writing. Both epic poetry and brutal description, I was hanging on every word, every phrase, from the very first sentence to the end.
This will not be my last YD La Mar book, especially not if they are written like this one.
Highly recommend.
Let's start with the story. I was immediately drawn in to the mentor/mentee relationship between Yume and Oryx - and the intrinsic battle between those who have power, and those who have strength.
It soon developed into a lot more than that, though - the actual relationship that develops between the human and the monster is one that transcends normal boundaries - but in the best way.
What made this story for me, though, is the writing. Both epic poetry and brutal description, I was hanging on every word, every phrase, from the very first sentence to the end.
This will not be my last YD La Mar book, especially not if they are written like this one.
Highly recommend.
February 18, 2026
This is not only my first book written by YD La Mar but also the first time I have jumped into this genre & I don’t regret it. Yume, is geneticist who created Oryx, where Yume wanted to teach Oryx to understand the world through nurture. The military saw Oryx for what he could become, the ultimate weapon. What Yume didn’t expect was to fall for her creation. This story was extremely well written & it had me captivated from the beginning. It follows Yume & Oryx & the challenges they both face whilst trying get away & hide from the military. Meeting some great characters throughout their adventure.
February 19, 2026
Okay, so, the premise pulled me in! Monster à la Frankenstein finding love in space! Uh, yeah, I need that now! The vibe to this story is awesome too; a darkish macabre sci-fi-esque type of story, which I’m fully on board for. Yume is the creator of Oryx; Frankenstein-y cyborg-y type of creation, she’s trying to teach Oryx good things, but there are those that want to use Oryx for not so good things. Yume becomes emotionally attached to Oryx and does what she can to support him. Oryx is more aware than expected, and he continues to grow as the story progresses. An intriguing read! Really enjoyed it!
February 19, 2026
This mammoth of a book is slow to take off. There is a lot of telling going on amidst some intense encounters.
Yume is a dedicated scientist, who is the lead on Project Oryx.
Oryx turns out to be so much more than just another project.
I really liked the characters, but felt there should have been a lot more happening when looking at the page count.
The pace is slow to medium, the romance is more medium.
They meet different and weird people on their way. Some you can't really tell if they are for better or for worse.
If you like big Sci-Fi books and quirky sidekicks (yes, she gets a sidekick beastie), then this might just be the book for you.
Yume is a dedicated scientist, who is the lead on Project Oryx.
Oryx turns out to be so much more than just another project.
I really liked the characters, but felt there should have been a lot more happening when looking at the page count.
The pace is slow to medium, the romance is more medium.
They meet different and weird people on their way. Some you can't really tell if they are for better or for worse.
If you like big Sci-Fi books and quirky sidekicks (yes, she gets a sidekick beastie), then this might just be the book for you.
February 23, 2026
Frankenstein meets outer space in a unique story. . Yume is a geneticist. She creates Oryx. He's not your typical Frankenstein cyborg type monster. He feels and can think. She teaches him things he needs to know. Next thing you know the military wants him for the ultimate weapon. The intergalactic coalitions want to take away what she's created. They end up on the run. The things that go on will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. I love the classics and anything outer space. This does not disappoint. Yume and Oryx's story will take you on a roller coaster ride in the best possible way. Thanks for a great story. I can't wait for the next book
February 18, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There are a few key points that changes the trajectory of the story that made me question wanting to finish the book. BUT! The immediately redemption for one specific scene was VERY gratifying. I DID have to backtrack towards the end of the book to figure out if I missed any loose ends because I was confused with how fast it went from chaos to absolute calm.
I loved how hefty this book was in content and overall enjoyed the book.
There are a few key points that changes the trajectory of the story that made me question wanting to finish the book. BUT! The immediately redemption for one specific scene was VERY gratifying. I DID have to backtrack towards the end of the book to figure out if I missed any loose ends because I was confused with how fast it went from chaos to absolute calm.
I loved how hefty this book was in content and overall enjoyed the book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This one was out of my original comfort zone.
I did not realize it at first but as I kept reading I was more and more intrigued in the plot and character buildings.
I really enjoyed how Y.D. built the characters in this story. Oryx is written like poetry.
Something happened when I tried to put my stars in with GR and so I need to adjust them to 4 stars but overall I would highly recommend this to anyone!
I did not realize it at first but as I kept reading I was more and more intrigued in the plot and character buildings.
I really enjoyed how Y.D. built the characters in this story. Oryx is written like poetry.
Something happened when I tried to put my stars in with GR and so I need to adjust them to 4 stars but overall I would highly recommend this to anyone!
February 19, 2026
This was such a creative fusion of beloved classic literature brought together in a genre bending science fiction opera that I would never have thought would work together. Inspiration breeds creativity and Stitched is full of it, manifest. I loved the setting, characters, and pacing. I was unable to put it down once I started. I'm a suckered for a good Space Opera, and this delivered.
February 19, 2026
If you like a Frankenstein love story feel you will get that and so much more in this book. Yume a geneticist has created something so real in Oryx that you can't help but love him. These characters gave you so much with watching him learn and the love that developed while they are on the run for their lives. Couldn’t put down.
Review of advance copy
This is a different type of book that came off as cyborgish. I enjoyed reading about Yuma and Oryx. They seem to overcome lots of things and grow and learn from them. I am glad Oryx took care of Jun. He was a piece of work. If you like darker romance then I recommend reading Stitched.
February 19, 2026
kinda dark, kinda long (like 800+ pages), and super hott … settle in for the long haul because you are not going to want to put this one down … started a bit slow for my taste but once it picked up i was definitely pulled in … excited to see where book 2 takes us
February 19, 2026
Intense story with complex characters who aren’t all perfect but make you care what happens to them. We get to see Oryx become more than just an experiment to do much more and at the same time Yuma learning what she can truly be as well, with both of their journeys blended together wonderfully.
February 21, 2026
The Frankenstein story kinda threw me at first. Not really my thing and it started a bit slow BUT once it got going, I couldn’t stop reading. The writing is detailed and very good world building! Ready for book two!
February 21, 2026
An epic and fabulous read inspired by Frankenstein and set in space. The romance was slow burn but amazing. I fell in love with Oryx and Yume. A dark read with tremendous world building. Utterly captivating and well written.
February 21, 2026
This is a very good book. I love the information education from this book. I highly recommend it.
February 21, 2026
Intense sci-fi dark romance. Includes a genetic creation, action, suspense, situations, fear, escape and pursuit, survival and freedom, struggles, emotions, interactions, found family, and love.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is unlike anything I've ever read before. It was so good, I was immersed in the world this author has created. The characters are very well fleshed out, especially the awakening of Oryx, that was really well written. I'd highly recommend reading this book.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews