What Makes a Monster

by Emily Cooper

Heavenly Bodies meets Divine Rivals in this star-lit romantasy about a girl who tried to end the world―and now has to save it.

In Velandor, where magic is ruled by the constellations, Celestine Savareau rots in prison after a failed attempt to end the world. In exchange for her freedom, she begrudgingly joins the Nightguard who protect Velandor, even though it means fighting her ex-lover and accomplice, Aire. But within the Nightguard, Celestine plots to reunite with Aire and destroy the world once and for all. She's just not sure if Aire wants to destroy her, too.

Nightguard Kivessin would rather die than work with Celestine, who he blames for his mother’s death. But when he learns that helping Celestine means taking her down if she goes rogue, he gladly agrees.

As they train together, Celestine must exploit her past connection with Aire to stay one step ahead of everyone who wants to see her fall. If she fails, the world will end—and she’d hate to die without exploring the undeniable tension that lingers between her and Kivessin.

Together, Celestine and Kivessin discover: Celestine might not be the monster they thought . . .

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, High Fantasy, Romance, Romantasy, Young Adult Fantasy, Fiction

400 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication February 16, 2027

Reviews

[Sarah]

Not only does this sound so good, but the cover! The cover is so pretty!! 😍😭 I like looking at it lol 😂🤭

[jenny reads a lot]

I need this immediately. I’m not even done with this authors debut yet and I’m already searching for more books by her.

| TikTok | IG |

[⋆｡°✩ Lulu ꩜ ⋆｡°✩ · Rating 3 out of 5]

What makes a monster ★★★☆☆


No thoughts, i need book two



—I loved the book cover, i immeadietly went for the arc (especially when i read that it is inspired by heavenly bodies)

—i absoultely LOVED the magic system
it's a magic sysem where your magical ability depends on what constillation occurs the day your born, for example if your born May 22nd—june 10th your ability would be a manipulator (Delve into minds and memories. Able to utilize mind control for breif stints.

—I didn't enjoy the idea of dragons in the book though. In my opinion i don't think it matches the celestial theme.

—Some parts were boring but otherwise it kept me entertained till the end
—Ending was okay

—MCs AND side characters i likes as well


And the next book releases in 2028 ☹️
(i will probably forget the plot by then)

[Ellie | macherstudio · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the concept of this book: She tries to end the world, but fails. "Why? I can't wait to dive into a villainous female lead!"

Unfortunately, though, the book didn’t quite deliver for me.

To sum it up, it was a bit of a struggle for me to get through 70% of it. While there were definitely moments I enjoyed, I kept trucking along, I found myself feeling lost over and over again. The pacing felt off, and I struggled to connect with the characters and fully understand their motivations.

That said, once I got over that hump, I became highly invested. Looking back, I think this was when we finally started getting deeper into the characters’ internal struggles. I began to understand why they were making certain choices, how their pasts had hurt them, and how those experiences shaped the people they had become. I was hooked!

But alas, just as I was settling in, we reached the final battle - and I found myself confused again. Did that character always have that magical ability? Did these characters actually evolve and grow throughout their journeys? I’m honestly still asking myself: Yes… maybe?

I hope this story finds its readers and if you found yourself loving it, I think book 2 is set up very nicely for more tension, yearning, and fighting the dark.

[Dakota]

I had high hopes for this book, but unfortunately, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. I made it to 50% before ultimately deciding to DNF it.

The magic system was really cool, and I loved how the world was built! However, there were times when the story felt slow and a little boring. I also really wish there had been more interactions between the two main characters. I didn’t feel like their connection was as developed as it needed to be, and I felt like the story focused more on her and her ex than on the two main characters.

The writing was really good, and I enjoyed the banter when it was there. Unfortunately, the story just wasn’t engaging enough to keep me invested. That being said, I could definitely see this being a book that someone else would enjoy, even if it wasn’t for me!

[Maria · Rating 1.5 out of 5]

This was so cool in concept, but didn’t follow through in execution. The magic system is rad! A persons power is decided by when they are born, for example, someone born between January 21st and February 10th has the power to turn invisible and muffle their footsteps. There are 16 different abilities someone can end up with, and they fuel their power by using stardust. A person only has a limited amount to use, so they have to learn to use it efficiently or fall ill.

The execution really lacks in the characters and their motivations. The FMC falls into all the typical stereotypes of romantasy books nowadays and I just couldn’t care for her. Naz and Veda are great though. They’re the characters that kept me reading.

Thank you Emily Cooper and St. Martin’s Press for the arc! I will be donating this to a friend that will hopefully have more love for it than I did.

[Lilly - Fantasyandfern]

EMILY MY LOVE I’LL READ ANYTHING YOU WRITE

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won an ARC of What Makes a Monster through a Goodreads Giveaway and I enjoyed every minute reading it!
Celestine was such a great protagonist. Her banter was fantastic and I loved watching her character arc unfold. The romance with Kivessin felt really natural and never overshadowed her story, which I appreciated. The world and magic felt unique and somehow managed to be heartbreaking and beautiful while still being genuinely fun to read.
And after that ending… there better be a book two!
Thank you to the publisher and Goodreads for the ARC!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harley Quinn and Batman team up with steamy, enemies-to-lovers chemistry to hunt down the Joker before he ends the world, all wrapped up in a dark fantasy realm with dragon riding and elite academy politics.

Celestine is no helpless victim, she knew what she was doing was wrong, but she wanted the power. After being betrayed and left to rot in a dark prison for two years by her starbound, vengeance is the only thing keeping her going. Well, that and her budding attraction to one of her guards. To track her ex down, she must join the elite Nightguard Academy, learning to navigate dragons, school politics, and an arch-nemeses with unresolved sexual tension.

This is immersive world-building catching your attention right away with beautiful constellation information at the start, establishing a system where your birth sign dictates your magical abilities. The military structure is cleanly divided into four distinct branches: Nightguard, Dayguard, Dawnguard, and Duskguard. And the best part is the fabulous in-Universe slang. The book features fantastic fantasy vocabulary like starforsaken and dragonshit.

Celestine brings a chaotic, razor-sharp humor that makes you laugh with an edge, giving off major Harley Quinn energy. The character rivalries tap into classic comic archetype tensions, with Kiv bringing brooding Batman energy and Aire acting as the unhinged Joker. Packed with dragons, an academy setting, and arch-enemies who can barely hide their underlying attraction.

This is an incredibly rich fantasy world populated by a stellar cast of side characters and a heroine who never apologizes for taking control of her own destiny. And while the story doesn't wrap up with a sunshine-and-rainbows happy ending, the dramatic resolution sets up the upcoming sequel brilliantly. Highly recommended for fans of fantasy academies, dragon riders, celestial magic, morally grey heroines, and high-tension enemies-to-lovers stories.

[Lex.ᐟ · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐️ | Firstly, thank you NetGalley for the ARC!!

Before you continue, please keep in mind this is a review based on an ARC, meaning the book is not yet published.

I would like to say that this was a very interesting and entertaining story. The magic system?! Really cool. The pacing was good too, it was very easy to keep up and move on from page to page. I really liked the FMC, she is quite something. I’m not used to reading a character that is initially thought out to be the villain (but like genuinely the villain, she was in prison lol).
Love the idea of recruiting the prisoner trope to serve in the Nightguard (in this case), the quite literal enemies to allies and the slow burn that is building up! I’m excited to read more of them.

The story seemed to move pretty quickly as I explained before. And although I was fully invested in the story and the epilogue left me intrigued for what is to come, it still didn’t quite feel like a five star read. Maybe it’s just me. Anyway the book was great, and I hope you all either get an advanced copy or a copy once this book comes out.

Also I was not expecting this, but there were some instances where the book/scenes got very disturbing and it caught me off guard, in a good way I think? Because I’m not used to being disturbed in a book so it was well executed. It was not severe, but rather intense.

🗡️ Ex prisoner & Guard as allies
🌌 Magic system influenced by constellations
👥 Forced Proximity
🃏 High Stakes
⚠️ TW at the beginning please read them
✌️ Dual POV


Review date: October 2026
Release date: February 2027

[paola · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

I’m going to admit that as I was reading the first few chapters I thought this book wasn’t for me. I wasn’t really following along well the world building and all these new terms and different magical elements being introduced. Despite this, i continued on, and i’m so glad i did!

The characters grew on me and i became so invested in knowing how they were going to evolve, especially Celestine. I was frustrated with her character at first, but as I kept reading I understood where she was coming from, and I ended up rooting so hard for her. I also enjoyed the development between her and Kivessin. There’s so many things I loved about this book but I fear that if I keep going I’ll just spiral. I can’t wait for the sequel and revisit this world and characters!

[she.readseverything · Rating 5 out of 5]

Help, I loved this so so much & the last thing I need another book obsession but here we are. Thank you to St Martin’s Press for the early copy to review.

This book was phenomenal & I can’t delve into any further details or it will just give away all the goodness. Please read this one, especially if you enjoyed Heavenly Bodies because it truly captures those ethereal vibes so well.

[lola · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

3.5 stars

this was a pretty good book! great characters, lots of lore behind the world, good plot and such great banter between Celestine and Kivessin!

I loved how Celestine was unashamedly rude (as odd as that might sound) and it painted her as a villainous FMC which we definitely don’t get enough of! Although I had hoped that she’d stay bad throughout the book, I did understand the character development and it was honestly so well done.

Kivessin was a decent MMC. The story mainly circles around Celestine so we don’t get TOO MUCH about him but I think that this could be explored further in book 2. The tension between him and Celestine was nothing short of delicious and I probably have hundreds of highlights of the back and forth barbs thrown between them. It was such a refreshing dynamic and although they become softies for each other by the end of this, I do hope it does continue in book 2.

That being said, I am personally someone that hates the ‘I hate this person. They’re my enemy. But why do I want to kiss them?’ vibe so with all the tense yet entertaining moments between C and K, seeing that happen was so disappointing. It was giving such great enemies to lovers up until that point!!!!

The plot was also fun and I found myself hooked on it for almost the whole book. I just think that I had some issues with how everything unravelled after the 80% mark. Honestly? I think Emily hates love (I don’t mean this as an insult but a funny statement) because the deaths that happened? Yeahhh, EVIL I SAY.

As much as I want to be petty about the deaths, they don’t influence my rating but I wanted to get that off my chest. My main problem was 1) with the pacing and 2) how random some of the reveals were. Everything felt very rushed and I was left confused more than a few times with what we were learning. The reveals…weren’t really done in the best way? I think an extra couple of chapters could have really helped it all close together because we went from learning one thing to another and another all at once.

Overall, although the last part was disappointing, I do think I’ll be reading book 2 :)

[bells · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

As a Heavenly Bodies truther, I need everyone to understand that this book is SO Heavenly Bodies coded. I was so seated and this book is so serious to me.

The way this book served me with women’s wrongs right from page one was kind of insane, please do it again. What I love most is how the story explores the thin, blurry line between good and evil, fate and free will, and whether people are actually born evil or simply shaped into something the world can no longer understand. Seeing everything unfold through the perspective of this so-called “villain” made the story ten times more fascinating.

The world-building was EVERYTHING. We got celestial magic, spellbinding lore, political intrigue between the Seraphim and the Nihilim, and also dragons! It was a five-course meal to me. The magic system basically works like star signs, where your birth date determines the magic you possess. It’s enchanting with just the right amount of dark.

I absolutely adore Celestine! She’s driven, witty, infuriatingly complex, and beautifully flawed. There’s so much more to her than the villainous label she’s been given. Beneath all that sharpness, she carries so much grief, loneliness, and the devastating ache of stolen potential. Watching her navigate all those wounds was heartbreaking because you can see the person she could have been and the life she could have had. She’s not perfect, nor is she particularly interested in being good. But she’s human, and that’s what makes her so compelling. As Vision once said, “What is grief, if not love persevering?” Yup, that right there.

Her dynamic with Kivessin was GOLDDD. I just love whatever’s wrong with them. They’re giving brat x brat tamer, and I am having the time of my life. Celestine is constantly teasing him, provoking him, and testing every last nerve he possesses, while poor Kiv is fighting for his life because she’s supposedly evil and falling for her would apparently violate his entire moral compass. The slow burn and witty banter were a total chef’s kiss!!! Also, Kiv, the yearner you are.

What makes this story even more beautiful is how it explores loneliness. That desperate, soul-crushing feeling of being so invisible your whole life that you will tolerate an unhealthy obsession just to feel like you exist to someone, however toxic they are to you. The way the story handles that ache makes Celestine’s character even more heartbreaking. And seeing people believe there’s still something good in her, even when she struggles to believe it herself? Seeing them choose to stay, to help, to give her a chance? MY GODDDDD. Sometimes, being loved means finally having people who see you as more than the worst thing you’ve ever done.

Now about the plot twists. I gotta say that a few were predictable, but that final twist was a total GAGGERY. I did not see that coming, and now I have to wait until the sequel comes out god knows when. Yay. Fun.


════════════════════════

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

[lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

okay, first of all, thank you so much for the earc because i genuinely devoured this book in a day. i could not stop reading. the very first page had me hooked, and my obsession honestly started before the book even began. i mean, hello, the seraphic constellations. how was i supposed to resist?

we slowly unravel celestine’s past alongside kivessin, and at first, she seems almost impossible to understand. cold. careless. a villain with no real reason to be one. she justwanted to end the world, and for what?
and to kiv, she is exactly that. he blames her for his mother’s death and is more than willing to keep her in line while they try to save the world.

but the truth is never black and white, is it?

it’s made up of so many shades of grey that, little by little, they blur everything you thought you knew. every layer we peeled back made me question what i believed about celestine, and i loved every second of it.

and then there’s celestine and kiv.
their banter is absolutely loathful flirting. the way they constantly push and provoke each other while being completely incapable of severing that connection had me screaming. but underneath all of it is something so much softer: the quiet, unwavering belief that maybe there is still something good in her came somewhere along the way. even when everyone else doubted her, kiv and their friends choose to believe in her.

because at its heart, this story is about abandonment. loneliness. about what happens when you spend so long feeling unseen that the first person who truly looks at you becomes impossible to let go of. because sometimes, being seen by the wrong person still feels better than being invisible to everyone, doesn’t it?

celestine was such a beautiful character to unravel. she’s funny, complicated, frustrating and painfully human. i loved peeling back every layer and finding the wounds underneath, learning about her ambitions, the person she could have been, and everything she lost along the way. she hates being called a victim, but after everything she endured, maybe that word doesn’t make her weak. maybe it simply acknowledges that what happened to her mattered.

im not above admitting that i cried like a baby during a few parts and that epilogue shattered my heart into approximately two million pieces, thank you very much. the writing was magical, the world completely enchanted me, and i already need more. celestine & kivessin forever.

as his ma liked to say, destiny is a series of doorways, and you only need to pull the right one open to make it your reality. and maybe that’s what this story is, too. a story about all the doorways we are given, all the ones we’re afraid to open, and the lives waiting on the other side. so really, what I loved the most was the idea that that destiny isn’t simply something that happens to you. sometimes, you have to choose the door. sometimes, you have to be brave enough to open it.

i cannot wait to see which one i open next.

[Diana Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the electronic advanced reader's copy. I am choosing to leave a fair and honest review.

What Makes a Monster is perhaps the freshest, most original Romantasy since Fourth Wing. A combination of Kushiel's Dart (with its Angelic folk lore) and ACOTAR, the story that blooms from that pairing is stunningly beautiful and complex.

While there is a bit of front loading of the world-magic system in the beginning, the rest of the world-building is so perfect throughout the actual text, you could easily skip the whole constellation thing. Well done, Ms. Cooper, well-written and well done! I can easily compare it to 1990s and 2000s classics like The Black Jewels series and, again, ACOTAR, the Kushiel's series, and so many other amazing Romantasy classics. This is a book even a newby to the genre will enjoy.

The world-building is woven in the story, so we never have to swallow a huge chunk. It's clear that Nevyn, the planet, has several communities that resembles those here on simple planet Earth, with hints of a Celtic, Arabic, and Asian language groups and peoples. I enjoyed the academy and military explanations. The world was very real, and 3D. There are also hints of Angelic lore, with the Seraphim being named and the Nephilim showing up as the Nihilim.

Our FMC, Celestine, is delightfully, deliciously, wonderfully morally grey, and she has some of the best lines in all of Romantasy. For instance, when referring to one of her instructors in the dragonally academy, “Not willing to argue with perhaps the most formidable five-foot woman on the planet, I relegate myself to prowling the shelves...” This is so on the head of the nail for the character of Veda, it draws her in one line better than many authors can't describe their characters in pages of descriptions. Wow. I loved it. It also acts to show us how Celestine sees the world, how she reacts to the people around her, and how her past shapes her. Well done, Ms. Cooper, well done.

The MMC is equally well-crafted. He has courage and compassion, he moves from enemy to friend. He edges toward lover, but we don't quite get there.


Celestine enters the story in prison for attempting to bring the Darkbringer, one of the Nihilim, back to Nevyn. She is freed because her accomplice is trying to bring him back.

A tale of family – both found and birth – and the things we do to protect not only ourselves but the people we love, this is a book I highly recommend.

5 stars out of 5

[Stacy Riles · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

What Makes a Monster by Emily Cooper was definitely a slow-burn read for me. Not necessarily in the romance sense, but in the way the story took a little while to pull me in.

In the beginning, I struggled to keep all the characters and their names straight. There are quite a few names that aren't your typical fantasy names, and with all the different characters, powers, and world-building being introduced, I found myself having to really concentrate. At one point, I honestly wasn't sure if I was going to finish the book because I just wasn't completely hooked.

But then…it happened. Something clicked, the story picked up, and suddenly I couldn't put the book down.

The story follows Celestine, who is being held prisoner and forced to help track down someone she has no intention of betraying. Along the way, she's thrown into a world of secrets, powerful magic, complicated relationships, and a very interesting enemies-to-lovers dynamic.

And speaking of that romance…Celestine and Kivessin! These two absolutely bring the enemy part of enemies-to-lovers. The constant attitude, arguing, and talking shit to each other made their dynamic so much fun to read. There is definitely tension between them, but this is not a spicy romance. The relationship is much more focused on the tension, emotions, and developing connection.

The mythology and magic also became much more interesting as the story progressed. What initially felt a little confusing eventually started coming together, and I really enjoyed how the bigger picture unfolded. There are some twists that I definitely didn't see coming, and once everything started connecting, I was completely invested.

I also really enjoyed the themes surrounding what actually makes someone a "monster." There is a lot of questioning who is truly good, who is truly evil, and whether the things people believe about themselves are actually true.

Overall, this was a book that almost lost me in the beginning but absolutely won me back. Once the story picked up, I was hooked and needed to know how everything was going to unfold.

If you enjoy fantasy, enemies-to-lovers, complicated characters, magic, dark mythology, and a romance that isn't spice-heavy, this is definitely one to check out.

And that ending?! Let's just say…I need the next book

[Nina · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to have early access to this book💕 Fantasy lovers, especially ones who appreciate a FULL ON emotional journey👀 put reminders on your calender for 2/16/27 because you're gonna NEED this book! I know this hasn't been released yet, but I may need book 2 as soon as possible 😬 Our FMC, Celestine's introduction, right from the first page, confirmed my initial suspicions after reading the description. I KNEW I would be fully enraptured by this story! I love a morally grey character, especially when they are the FMC. Her journey of realizing the love she thought she was recieving was never love at all, was so beautifully written. A struggle so many people face in their real day to day lives was somehow seamlessly placed into a fantasy without ever feeling forced. I think this portrayal of trauma will actually have many readers feeling able to relate and spread awareness to experiences they may have never considered to be abuse before. Every single character in this book was very well thought out and the plot had me gripping onto the edge of my seat! The magic system was so unique and immersive without being overly confusing and I particularly liked how each student in the academy was magically unique despite all training to be Nightguards. The relationships between Celestine, Kivesin, Veda and Nazar were my absolute favorite and made me tear up multiple times. Their ability to see past everyone else's preconceived negative notions of Celestine, specifically Nazar, and build her up to the point where SHE was able to see past them herself was so heartwarming. Though I do wish Kiv was a bit more forward 👀 with his desires, but I know he has his reasons to hesitate. Watching her learn what love really is from those around her had me so emotional😭 Nazar is definitely my favorite 🥹 If you are a fantasy lover who also happens to love dragons, true enemies-to-lovers, emotional journeys in every sense, found family, and Nesta-like characters; then this will definitely be the book for you! You go through such a journey with the FMC and cant help but yearn for more once its over! I mean the ending alone had my jaw on the floor🫠

[Nicole Williams · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

I need book two ASAP and book one isn’t even technically out yet.

There is so much that makes this book great but before I write a whole essay on why I loved this novel, I will simply put my notes in point form for everyone’s sake.

-The magic system was truly unique and unlike any other magic system I have come across in a fantasy novel.
-The ensemble of characters were great and I did not find myself disliking any of them aside from the obvious villain. However, I wish we got to see more of Nazar and Veda.
-The romance was nice, but I wish it was a bit more of a slow burn and once the slow burn is accomplished, I wish we saw more of them as a couple.
-I truly didn’t see the ending coming and I literally gasped out loud when certain things were revealed.
-The one and only big-ish criticism I have of this novel is I do wish we started the story with when Celestine and Aire tried to end the world the first time, simply because it felt we were placed in the middle of the story rather than the beginning. I think it would have helped the reader gain a better understanding as to what was happening because there were quite a few times throughout the novel where I was either confused or wished I had seen more of hers and Aire’s first attempt to grasp the magnitude of the situation at hand. However, once the pacing picked up, it was less jarring, but I still feel like gaps needed to be filled. Especially with Celestine’s family background as I’m not fully understanding if she is apart of a royal family of some sort? It seems that she is, and perhaps I missed it during my initial read through, but I’m not understanding her family’s history.

Overall, I read this book in only two sittings and I truly enjoyed reading it. I look forward to the official release and future books in this series (I’m assuming based on the epilogue that it will be a series, a girl can hope)!

[Stevie · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

I have been in a fantasy rut as of late, and this ARC pulled me straight out of it, and the reason is Celestine.

Celestine is 19, beautiful and dangerous, and she knows it. She pulls no punches (sometimes literally) and happily accepts that everyone in Velandor, where magic and life are ruled by constellations, hates her for the role she played in trying to end the world with her ex-lover and soulmate.

She’s mean. She’s angry, at a family who failed her, a soulmate who abandoned her, a world that sees only what they want to see and assumes she’s a victim rather than the architect of her own misery.

But when she’s given a chance to save the world instead, she takes it, planning on betraying the warriors she’ll partner with. But as she trains—and begins to see the initiates assigned to guard her as people, willing to look beyond the surface and treat her as a person too—she starts to question if the angry, vicious person she believes herself to be is a matter of nurture, not nature.

There’s a romantic subplot that’s complex and sexy, but it’s Celestine’s journey, reconciling her self awareness and scar tissue against the cruelties and manipulation she was too young to identify or understand, that makes this book heartbreaking and gorgeous. The book also took a few turns I didn’t expect —it’s been awhile since I felt surprised by plotting, and we fantasy readers need more of that.

I did find the mythology a bit complex and hard to follow, but no matter. Celestine stole my heart.

Fantasy is at its best when it confronts our reality. This book is absolutely about the expectations we put on women, the things we allow men to get away with, and the way everyone rationalizes consent and manipulation.

I got this ARC from Netgalley. Thanks Netgalley!!

[Victoria Gavin · Rating 3.25 out of 5]

3.25. I'm going to start with what I liked!
The lore and the magic system are incredibly creative. It felt ancient and also vast.... I have a feeling we just scratched the surface (I need to know all that I can about the Darkbringer, history/origin, etc.). Another ingenious small feature were the epigraphs (like the constellations card deck advertisement from a catalog from a least reputable rumor rag). I loved how in hindsight they contained MANY Easter eggs, that takes a lot of plotting and it was impressive how the author accomplished that.

Now the second part of this review. It took me a bit writing this to make sure I articulate it properly because I didn't really know how to put the feeling into words. I didn't feel connected to one single character. I'm a very empathetic person and it's very easy for me to care about the characters + their journey, but I just didn't. We are dropped into her two year prison sentence, the MMC lightly flirts but holds a hefty grudge for a justifiable reason (no spoilers). But then in his POV he is all of a sudden smitten? Out of nowhere can't control this pull? Why? He didn't mention ever having those feelings for her and it all came out of left field. The exact same for the FMC. No buildup, no tension, just sudden.

There were no distinctive personalities, everyone just fell very flat and bland. The sense of "urgency" felt very muted. I loved the concept dearly, it just didn't hit the mark particularly.

That being said, it is no easy task to write a book and establish this world and magic, so I commend the author VERY MUCH. And thank you to St.Martin's Press/Wednesday Books & NetGalley! I am always thankful.

[Sonia Koss · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ (solid 4 stars for the first half, and 2.75 for the final 20%) this book follows Celestine, a girl who once tried to end the world as everyone knows it alongside her soulbound partner, Aire, and release a creature of death and ruin from his prison in the sky. Except, two years ago, she hesitated, Aire escaped, and she’s been in prison ever since. Now, as it becomes clear that Aire is still planning to carry out his plans to unleash the apocalypse on their world, Celestine might be everyone’s only hope of stopping him.

Overall, for the first 75% of this book, I was absolutely hooked. The magic system is unique and celestial based, which I absolutely loved, and both the main and side characters had substantial depth to them. I especially loved watching Celestine slowly let down her walls and come to terms with the truth about what was done to her. This book really tackles the concept of nature vs. nurture, and I think it does so well, as the author isn’t afraid to delve into the darker aspects of the story.

However… that last 20%? THAT ENDING??? Major revelations happen that are just never discussed again and are immediately glossed over? Everything suddenly felt so rushed, and then THAT EPILOGUE that came completely out of nowhere??? 😭 This book had me SO invested, and I was genuinely loving it right up until the end, but unfortunately, the last part of the story really let it down for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Cara Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What makes a monster, that is truly the question in this book that is full of complex characters.
Where do I start with this book?! I loved it!
I went in completely blind, never read anything by this author before just saw it on NetGalley as a read now but saw it said heavenly bodies meets divine rivals. I would lean more towards it being like heavenly bodies.
This book is fast paced and gripping from page one and our FMC is definitely feisty for good reason at the beginning but she does develop and have character growth.
There is a lot of world building at first and I’ll be the first to admit I still am confused on some of it.
I think some ideas in this book could have been explored or expanded more from the authors head to us to make us understand better but that would be my only minor feedback.
I really loved as far as fantasy and “enemies to lovers” how unique this book felt it wasn’t like every other fantasy.
Loved the found family and excited for the next book I will definitely be looking forward to it and preordering it.
The direction she took us with the villian in this book was amazing I loved how she actually showed us Celestine love for him and it slowly unravels just like in real life of those who have experienced DV, gaslighting or a narcissist partner.

Night guard school
He helps train her
Dragons
Unique world
Uncovered secrets
Found family
Sisterly love


Thank you NetGalley

[Rebeka · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recieved and Adanced Readers Edition copy of this book from the publisher as a Goodreads Giveaway.


What Makes a Monster is rated 3.75⭐️ based on what makes a good book. Those components include plot, character development, writing style, and themes.

This piece follows a young woman, Celestine, deemed corrupt for attempting to end the world. But, her abilities are rallied in hopes to flip the script and save the world. You might think "ending the world and saving it are two vastly different outcomes." And, quite frankly, I agree. So how does a story less than 400 pages accomplish this?
You'll have to read to find out, BUT I can express my opinions on the whole picture, spoiler free 🤭
There's immense character redemption, found family, a moving plot, and intriguing themes such as enemies-to-lovers and second chances.

While I found the storyline interesting, I did see some plot holes. The plot twists fell a little short for me, as they seemed far fetched. I wanted more easter eggs or character traits further explained and developed.

Emily's tone is exceptional throughout the piece. Her style is fluent and easy to follow, but holds a level of a veteran writer.

Overall, I would recommend reading this piece as it follows a compelling story and is enjoyable! Based on the ending, a second book is definitely a possibility as well.

[Danica B · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to the publishers, Emily Cooper, and NetGalley for providing a free advance copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I may never recover emotionally from this book. I don't typically cry from books - this wrecked me. I don't even know where to start with this book - first off, it's really well written. I forgot I was reading an ARC. The banter - one of my favourite things about the characters - SO GOOD. A true fantasy (at this point, I wouldn't call it a romantasy), plot twists, world building, cliff hanger - I literally thought it was going to be a standalone until the very end - WOW.

The fact that people's powers are determined by their birth date and the constellation - it's so different from what I've read before. I also really like that you don't really know what our FMC is actually going to do, she keeps us on our toes a lot. There were some parts I thought were about to get a little slow, but then it would pick right up, so I found the pace of the book was pretty well-rounded.

This book gets pretty dark and gory - so please check the trigger warnings. I'm actually kind of surprised it's labeled as YA.

I may not be able to forgive the author however for some of my emotional damage LOL - you got me cryinnnngggg.

⭐⭐⭐⭐.5

[Jody · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

I was a bit hesitant at first based on the premise but once you get hooked.. Oh my goodness this was so good! The beginning reminded me somewhat of Throne of Glass, but then we got some Fourth Wing and Harry Potter mixed in. At first I was endeared to the main character's spunk and attitude, but then when I found out that was just the walls she's built up and once you learn why those walls are there... Hoo boy. All of the characters (The Nightguard trio, the teachers, the family members) were all written brilliantly and each one is made memorable by how they intertwine into the story. Of course I can't leave out the villain, who left a bad taste in my mouth with their behavior. The concept of being born under a constellation lending to your lifeforce and the magic abilities you have was fascinating. There were so many twists and turns throughout that it was incredibly suspenseful once you start the freefall towards the climax of the story. This one was also pretty emotional, from the psychological damages to the actual heartbreak parts. Is this going to get a sequel? If so I will definitely be checking it out.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and to St. Martin's Press/Wednesday for the advance digital galley!!

[Louween · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

Let's start with the good points. The magic system and the two main characters really stand out. If you love stars, the sky, and complex yet engaging main characters, you'll love this book. I honestly disliked the protagonist in the beginning, but I grew to enjoy her as the story progressed. This for me is a good 3.75 Stars.

Now for the things that didn't work as well for me. I personally dislike dual POV, and this book switches quite often between the MMC and FMC. The beginning was also a little rough for me to get into, but once you hit around the 120-page mark, you're good for the rest of the adventure.

One more note on the language: if English isn't your first language (like me), I wouldn't recommend this book, as it felt like an intermediate level. That said, if you've been reading in English for a few years, you'll be fine.
Lastly, the cover is gorgeous OMG. I'm buying this book when it releases in stores. (Very grateful for the early digital copy !)

Verdict: A slow start that rewards your patience—perfect for readers who love starry magic, deep character growth, and a beautiful book on their shelf.

[Jeremy Reppy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story focuses on the nature of evil. Celestine tried to assist Aire in releasing the Darkbringer and end the world but hesitated at the last moment and was captured. Celestine is convinced she is evil, a monster, because that is what she has been taught to believe and what has been reinforced over the years. However, circumstances will force her to team up with the people whose duty it is to stop people like her, the Fallen. And several of those individuals will see goodness in her that she cannot believe exists. But their belief in her will prove critical.

The story is full of surprising twists. One thing that bothered me for much of the story was that Aire was too powerful (can turn invisible, kill people with ease, etc.) but yet not powerful enough. However, late in the story the author will provide information about Aire that will explain/resolve the apparent contradiction.

The story ends with a cliffhanger that foreshadows a sequel pitting the resurgent Nihilim against the Seraphim.

[Ashleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

What you get: a unique celestial magic system that is determined by the day of your birth, political intrigue, academy setting, slow-burn enemies to lovers, dragons, and spellbinding.

You’re dropped into this one 2 years after Celestine attempts to end the world. The world building is heavy at the front because of this, but then blended into the story nicely. Our FMC is the morally grey one this time around, and has been through a lot. It takes her a long time to come to terms with everything she has been through. Emotional trauma and turmoil woven throughout the story.

The side characters are fun and add a lot to the story. The ending was a bit rushed, and I thought the entire time I was reading it was a stand-alone, but the epilogue sets up for a second book (I hope anyway!). I’m always a little disappointed that I read the arc early because that means I have to wait longer for the sequel 😅

- YA
- No Spice
- Check triggers: some dark themes mentioned
Thank you St Martins Press/ Wednesdays books and NetGalley for the eARC!

[Amanda Wallace · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this before being published!

First off the premise of this book is awesome. The magic system is extremely cool and who doesn’t love a villainous female lead? Everything about the book seemed right up my alley. Unfortunately I ended up not caring for it much. The story was hard to follow, I was constantly forgetting characters or getting them confused because they left no lasting impressions on me. I love reading because I enjoy being immersed in the story and I just couldn’t get there; I felt like I was trudging along just for the sake of trying to finish it. I, however; did enjoy the banter between Celestine and Kivessin. It was entertaining and mainly the reason why I did continue to read.

Overall I think What Makes a Monster had such great potential with an interesting story concept and magical elements but the execution of it fell short to me. Theres definitely potential here but I wish the story had been easier to follow and the characters more compelling.