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Darquepunk #1
Monster Stalker
Horror follows vampire Nico to a new world, and an old horror within her responds; kill it before it kills her. Nico jeopardises everything on a lone, redemptive path rescuing victims of the underworld and hunting the nightmare that created her—a monster only Nico knows is there.
A paranormal sci-fi noir. Darquepunk science fiction for the gothic, different, and queer. Gen X, gender fluidity. Polyaphroditic. Cyberpunk.
Some sexual content; Mild language; Violence; sexual violence.
“Kill first.”
Vampire Nico popped from the year 1998 into an Again NewYork airfield, a sudden chrono-immigrant with Mr Bear strapped to her, her switchblade in hand, and no idea how or why she got there. She’s on Darqueworld: an intragalactic society 400 light years from Old Earth, where Other-beings and humans co-exist and vampires are no big deal. Nico can have a normal student life at last and even date a diner waitress she likes. But there’s a darkened spot in her mind, one blanking out her immediate past, and the spectre of Nico's maker haunts her. Only in Again NewYork’s underworld can Nico find what pursues her—and kill it again.
“Way to go, Super Nico!”
“I am not super,” Nico snapped.
“Got it. Stupid nickname. You are Lone Nico and Bear.”
Meet Nico Alexikova and Bear:
Eighteen years old at death and fifteen years unliving, Nico worked hotel front desk, nightshift, attended universities, and led a quiet life on Old Earth. But unknown circumstances sent her to Darqueworld, and with no memory of her immediate past, she can only rely on herself, Bear, and her knife in a futuristic, spacefaring society with creatures like her—and with women she could care for.
Heloise Allen:
Tall, dark, and sharply beautiful, she's a vampire chrono-refugee with affluence, connections, and the possible answers to Nico's past—if Nico can trust her.
Shayla O'Fey:
As seemingly light as Heloise is dark, she's a Lucy's Diner waitress and witch Nico can't help falling for. But Shayla is also a coven's ex-Pistol, their former peacekeeper, and her history with vampires is not kind.
Enjoy the Darquepunk Universe:
Preternaturals take to the stars, but the gods and goddesses had long gone first, in sentient sky boats, chariots, and Valkyrian ships, to found a planet of quakes, dreams, and monsters. Darqueworld: where spacefarers and chrono-travellers seek answers and riches amid celestial corporations and refugee Other-beings. Weird-matter wielders, shifters, vampires, intragalactic species, bio-mechanical beings, artificial constructs—and mere humans; every adventurer and outcast with a dream or desire, come to Darqueworld for haven or hell.
More from Elizabeth Watasin’s Darquepunk series:
Bloody Nike: A Darquepunk Novel Vol 2 (Coming Soon)
Gunslinger: A Darquepunk Novel Vol 3 (Coming Soon)
Also by Elizabeth Watasin:
The Dark Victorian: Risen Vol 1
The Dark Victorian: Bones Vol 2
Ice Demon, A Dark Victorian Penny Dread Vol 1
Medusa, A Dark Victorian Penny Dread Vol 2
Sundark: An Elle Black Penny Dread Vol 1
Poison Garden: An Elle Black Penny Dread Vol 2 (Coming Soon)
Charm School: The Wrecking Faerie Vol 1 (Coming Soon)
And enjoy Elizabeth Watasin’s comic book series:
Charm School Digital, No 1-9
To Stay Up To Date: Be sure to visit the Author Page and hit 'Follow'. Thanks for being a reader!
A paranormal sci-fi noir. Darquepunk science fiction for the gothic, different, and queer. Gen X, gender fluidity. Polyaphroditic. Cyberpunk.
Some sexual content; Mild language; Violence; sexual violence.
“Kill first.”
Vampire Nico popped from the year 1998 into an Again NewYork airfield, a sudden chrono-immigrant with Mr Bear strapped to her, her switchblade in hand, and no idea how or why she got there. She’s on Darqueworld: an intragalactic society 400 light years from Old Earth, where Other-beings and humans co-exist and vampires are no big deal. Nico can have a normal student life at last and even date a diner waitress she likes. But there’s a darkened spot in her mind, one blanking out her immediate past, and the spectre of Nico's maker haunts her. Only in Again NewYork’s underworld can Nico find what pursues her—and kill it again.
“Way to go, Super Nico!”
“I am not super,” Nico snapped.
“Got it. Stupid nickname. You are Lone Nico and Bear.”
Meet Nico Alexikova and Bear:
Eighteen years old at death and fifteen years unliving, Nico worked hotel front desk, nightshift, attended universities, and led a quiet life on Old Earth. But unknown circumstances sent her to Darqueworld, and with no memory of her immediate past, she can only rely on herself, Bear, and her knife in a futuristic, spacefaring society with creatures like her—and with women she could care for.
Heloise Allen:
Tall, dark, and sharply beautiful, she's a vampire chrono-refugee with affluence, connections, and the possible answers to Nico's past—if Nico can trust her.
Shayla O'Fey:
As seemingly light as Heloise is dark, she's a Lucy's Diner waitress and witch Nico can't help falling for. But Shayla is also a coven's ex-Pistol, their former peacekeeper, and her history with vampires is not kind.
Enjoy the Darquepunk Universe:
Preternaturals take to the stars, but the gods and goddesses had long gone first, in sentient sky boats, chariots, and Valkyrian ships, to found a planet of quakes, dreams, and monsters. Darqueworld: where spacefarers and chrono-travellers seek answers and riches amid celestial corporations and refugee Other-beings. Weird-matter wielders, shifters, vampires, intragalactic species, bio-mechanical beings, artificial constructs—and mere humans; every adventurer and outcast with a dream or desire, come to Darqueworld for haven or hell.
More from Elizabeth Watasin’s Darquepunk series:
Bloody Nike: A Darquepunk Novel Vol 2 (Coming Soon)
Gunslinger: A Darquepunk Novel Vol 3 (Coming Soon)
Also by Elizabeth Watasin:
The Dark Victorian: Risen Vol 1
The Dark Victorian: Bones Vol 2
Ice Demon, A Dark Victorian Penny Dread Vol 1
Medusa, A Dark Victorian Penny Dread Vol 2
Sundark: An Elle Black Penny Dread Vol 1
Poison Garden: An Elle Black Penny Dread Vol 2 (Coming Soon)
Charm School: The Wrecking Faerie Vol 1 (Coming Soon)
And enjoy Elizabeth Watasin’s comic book series:
Charm School Digital, No 1-9
To Stay Up To Date: Be sure to visit the Author Page and hit 'Follow'. Thanks for being a reader!
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 21, 2015
3 people are currently reading
257 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Watasin
54 books115 followersElizabeth Watasin is the author of the Gothic steampunk series The Dark Victorian, The Elle Black Penny Dreads, the cyberpunk Darquepunk series, and the creator/artist of the indie comics series Charm School, which was nominated for a Gaylactic Spectrum Award. Winner of a Rainbow Award 2015, Best Lesbian Fantasy and Fantasy Romance, for Medusa: A Dark Victorian Penny Dread. A twenty year veteran of animation and comics, she lives in Los Angeles with her black cat named Draw, busy bringing readers uncanny heroines in shilling shockers, science fiction, and diesel fantasy tales.
Follow the news of her latest projects at A-Girl Studio.
Follow the news of her latest projects at A-Girl Studio.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 23, 2018
4.5 Stars. I have wanted to read this book for a long time; no clue why I kept putting it off. I have not been having the best luck lately with books so I thought it was finally time to read one that came so highly recommended (thanks Lov2).
This is a very interesting mix of sci-fi and paranormal. Two categories I just love but don’t happen to cross all that often. Nico, the woman who this book stars, is a vampire stuck on a new planet with aliens, humans and other preternatural creatures. She has amnesia and can’t remember why she left Earth. She just wants to enjoy her new life now being able to live as a vampire out and proud. But Nico is a badass vampire and she just can’t help dishing out some vigilante justice on this new planet.
Watasin has an amazing imagination. This new world she has imagined is just unlike any I have ever read about before. She is actually pretty brilliant. I must admit some of the tech and magic I didn’t quite understand, it went a little over my head. However, it did not diminish my enjoyment of the book.
I do have to warn that this book is violent, gritty and dark. I don’t mind violence but it was almost too dark for me. Luckily, most of the really tough subjects were talked about or off-screen so to say, so it was a bit easier to take. This is not a fluffy vampire book. The people Nico fights against are really evil.
There is a bit of a romance in this book. There are two women that Nico finds herself attracted to. Don’t read this book for a romance, but it is enjoyable what it added to the story.
All the characters are really excellent. I loved Nico and especially Mr. Bear! I would not hesitate to pick up any other books in this series. If you are a paranormal action fan or a sci-fi fan, and don’t mind dark books, absolutely give this a shot.
This is a very interesting mix of sci-fi and paranormal. Two categories I just love but don’t happen to cross all that often. Nico, the woman who this book stars, is a vampire stuck on a new planet with aliens, humans and other preternatural creatures. She has amnesia and can’t remember why she left Earth. She just wants to enjoy her new life now being able to live as a vampire out and proud. But Nico is a badass vampire and she just can’t help dishing out some vigilante justice on this new planet.
Watasin has an amazing imagination. This new world she has imagined is just unlike any I have ever read about before. She is actually pretty brilliant. I must admit some of the tech and magic I didn’t quite understand, it went a little over my head. However, it did not diminish my enjoyment of the book.
I do have to warn that this book is violent, gritty and dark. I don’t mind violence but it was almost too dark for me. Luckily, most of the really tough subjects were talked about or off-screen so to say, so it was a bit easier to take. This is not a fluffy vampire book. The people Nico fights against are really evil.
There is a bit of a romance in this book. There are two women that Nico finds herself attracted to. Don’t read this book for a romance, but it is enjoyable what it added to the story.
All the characters are really excellent. I loved Nico and especially Mr. Bear! I would not hesitate to pick up any other books in this series. If you are a paranormal action fan or a sci-fi fan, and don’t mind dark books, absolutely give this a shot.
November 2, 2017
Yep. Still love it. I got verklempt at the end. I so love Nico. What a great character.
*****************
Once again I’m amazed by Watasin’s world-building, creativity, and overall writing ability. If you haven’t checked her out yet, do.
The paranormal is a popular genre these days but Watasin manages to bring a unique blend of sci-fi, fantasy, and the paranormal seamlessly into one narrative that is wholey believable. In this instance, this isn’t just another vampire story.
Monster Stalker went darker than the author’s other turns, dipping into a bloodier horror with disturbing themes but she still retained her usual elements of whimsy and occasional bouts of unexpected humor.
The writing is vibrant and the book is a page turner. There are numerous unexpected twists, plenty of action, and a good amount of heart.
Most importantly, Nico is a kick-ass character with flaws, vulnerabilities, and oddities that make her most endearing. I’d love to spend more time with her.
And, like most of Watasin’s other writings, the main character is surrounded by other strong female characters and a cast of quirky “others” who are so wonderfully refreshing and makes the reading extra fun.
Yes, read this book.
*****************
Once again I’m amazed by Watasin’s world-building, creativity, and overall writing ability. If you haven’t checked her out yet, do.
The paranormal is a popular genre these days but Watasin manages to bring a unique blend of sci-fi, fantasy, and the paranormal seamlessly into one narrative that is wholey believable. In this instance, this isn’t just another vampire story.
Monster Stalker went darker than the author’s other turns, dipping into a bloodier horror with disturbing themes but she still retained her usual elements of whimsy and occasional bouts of unexpected humor.
The writing is vibrant and the book is a page turner. There are numerous unexpected twists, plenty of action, and a good amount of heart.
Most importantly, Nico is a kick-ass character with flaws, vulnerabilities, and oddities that make her most endearing. I’d love to spend more time with her.
And, like most of Watasin’s other writings, the main character is surrounded by other strong female characters and a cast of quirky “others” who are so wonderfully refreshing and makes the reading extra fun.
Yes, read this book.
April 13, 2018
Nothing I can possibly write will do justice to ‘Monster Stalker.’ The imagination in this book is beyond anything I’ve read and it’s definitely a lot more intelligent than I am. I almost feel stupid even trying . . . but…
The first part of this book is a great deal of world building and getting to know the main character, Nico. Watasin does an amazing job constructing a world that I could see in my head and could actually believe exists. Even though ‘Monster Stalker’ mostly takes place in a city called Again NewYork, the city itself is built from so many different time periods in old New York, as well as having futuristic elements, that it’s entirely unique to the NYC we know.
‘Monster Stalker’ doesn’t start out dark exactly, but there is certainly a sense of something sinister in the air. And boy, was that foretelling.
Nico is a 33 year old vampire (murdered/turned at human age 18, living 15 years as a vampire) from 1998 who arrives on a new planet, Darqueworld, and doesn’t remember why or how she got there. She seems a bit whimsical and childish at first, but that’s certainly part of her charm. Nico is a vampire that carries around a teddy bear (Mr. Bear, who is known as her conjoined twin on this new planet) and apparently likes to color diner place mats (so, this actually only happens once early on in the book, but it stood out to me for some reason and was utterly charming *shrug*).
The whole journey of this book is Nico’s attempt to find answers and resolve some issues from her former life on Old Earth, all with the help of a wonderful cast of side characters, each one unique and well defined in the role they play in Nico’s journey. It’s exciting, and creepy, and fun all at the same time.
A lot of subjects are touched on in this book, not all of them pleasant: rape, trafficking, and murder being the violent ones that may call for a trigger warning. Most of the violence is resolve fairly quickly, though, with nothing that I personally thought was too graphic.
This is a very rich conglomeration of fantasy, sci-fi, and a bit of horror. No matter what it’s actual genre, it is fantastic and Watasin has a new fan.
At the end, the author provides some information on her research for this book, and I’m sure this little post-script just scratches the surface of what she put into writing ‘Monster Stalker.’ The level of detail and her writing is phenomenal. I was sucked into Nico and Mr. Bear’s lives and loved every second of it.
The first part of this book is a great deal of world building and getting to know the main character, Nico. Watasin does an amazing job constructing a world that I could see in my head and could actually believe exists. Even though ‘Monster Stalker’ mostly takes place in a city called Again NewYork, the city itself is built from so many different time periods in old New York, as well as having futuristic elements, that it’s entirely unique to the NYC we know.
‘Monster Stalker’ doesn’t start out dark exactly, but there is certainly a sense of something sinister in the air. And boy, was that foretelling.
Nico is a 33 year old vampire (murdered/turned at human age 18, living 15 years as a vampire) from 1998 who arrives on a new planet, Darqueworld, and doesn’t remember why or how she got there. She seems a bit whimsical and childish at first, but that’s certainly part of her charm. Nico is a vampire that carries around a teddy bear (Mr. Bear, who is known as her conjoined twin on this new planet) and apparently likes to color diner place mats (so, this actually only happens once early on in the book, but it stood out to me for some reason and was utterly charming *shrug*).
The whole journey of this book is Nico’s attempt to find answers and resolve some issues from her former life on Old Earth, all with the help of a wonderful cast of side characters, each one unique and well defined in the role they play in Nico’s journey. It’s exciting, and creepy, and fun all at the same time.
A lot of subjects are touched on in this book, not all of them pleasant: rape, trafficking, and murder being the violent ones that may call for a trigger warning. Most of the violence is resolve fairly quickly, though, with nothing that I personally thought was too graphic.
This is a very rich conglomeration of fantasy, sci-fi, and a bit of horror. No matter what it’s actual genre, it is fantastic and Watasin has a new fan.
At the end, the author provides some information on her research for this book, and I’m sure this little post-script just scratches the surface of what she put into writing ‘Monster Stalker.’ The level of detail and her writing is phenomenal. I was sucked into Nico and Mr. Bear’s lives and loved every second of it.
September 20, 2023
Absolutely bloody marvelous! Elizabeth Watasin has blown my mind yet again. This was my first foray into her cyberpunk series and man oh man I want to read more!
---------
9 months later my mind is blown again by this re-read, this time with Book Club Buddy D. (it didn't take us a month to read it but we had a three week hiatus as D. was off taking the waters).
Watasin's books can be read over and over because she always leaves us something new to discover. Exceptional world-building, fantastic action, unforgetable characters (why do I always fall in love with Watasin's women?). And also here we see the building of a lovely polyamorous triad, she can make that work like no other. Mad props!
f/f warning for graphic violence, sex is mentioned but happens off camera
Themes: Nico is one of a kind, superb world building, Watasin's brain is a weird and wonderful place, there is a lot of blood... either to spill, the suck, to make into kilbasa or for a bit of kink.
5 stars
-------
3rd re-read 6 years later.
I needed to dip my toes in the Darqueworld universe again. Watasin's books are one of a select few I re-read from time to time. There is much you forget after 6 years and it's almost as if you read them for the first time.
Elizabeth Watasin is a brilliant author. She introduced me to polyamorous characters that I didn't know I needed until then :-)
still 5 stars
---------
9 months later my mind is blown again by this re-read, this time with Book Club Buddy D. (it didn't take us a month to read it but we had a three week hiatus as D. was off taking the waters).
Watasin's books can be read over and over because she always leaves us something new to discover. Exceptional world-building, fantastic action, unforgetable characters (why do I always fall in love with Watasin's women?). And also here we see the building of a lovely polyamorous triad, she can make that work like no other. Mad props!
f/f warning for graphic violence, sex is mentioned but happens off camera
Themes: Nico is one of a kind, superb world building, Watasin's brain is a weird and wonderful place, there is a lot of blood... either to spill, the suck, to make into kilbasa or for a bit of kink.
5 stars
-------
3rd re-read 6 years later.
I needed to dip my toes in the Darqueworld universe again. Watasin's books are one of a select few I re-read from time to time. There is much you forget after 6 years and it's almost as if you read them for the first time.
Elizabeth Watasin is a brilliant author. She introduced me to polyamorous characters that I didn't know I needed until then :-)
still 5 stars
April 2, 2018
Fantastic book! Thanks again to my Goodreads friends for another stellar pick. With a title like Monster Stalker, you would think this book was chock full of action. It wasn't. And that is not a knock on the book at all. It's completely addictive from start to finish.
The author spends much of the first and middle half of the book building this dreamy yet pretty scary sci-fi world of vampires, humans, witches, were-people, and every other kind of being a mind can conjure up. Along the way, she drops puzzle pieces, which you pick up and think "This means something, i'm sure, so i'll tuck it away in my head for later." And then in the last 100 pages of the book, all the puzzle pieces (like a thousand of them) slam together in a dizzingly, heart-thumping 100 pages of ordered but bloody chaos.
The author gives each of the three main characters kick ass physicality but she also does a fabulous job infusing undercurrents of sorrow and kindness into their personalities which just makes you yearn to know them more. I can't wait to read the follow up books!
The author spends much of the first and middle half of the book building this dreamy yet pretty scary sci-fi world of vampires, humans, witches, were-people, and every other kind of being a mind can conjure up. Along the way, she drops puzzle pieces, which you pick up and think "This means something, i'm sure, so i'll tuck it away in my head for later." And then in the last 100 pages of the book, all the puzzle pieces (like a thousand of them) slam together in a dizzingly, heart-thumping 100 pages of ordered but bloody chaos.
The author gives each of the three main characters kick ass physicality but she also does a fabulous job infusing undercurrents of sorrow and kindness into their personalities which just makes you yearn to know them more. I can't wait to read the follow up books!
March 19, 2017
This is an Intelligent, complex book. Not a light quick read. At all. It took me a long time to read, as i overworked my kindle lookup feature. Watasin either has an encyclopedia for a brain, or puts a lot of time into gathering amazing eclectic facts. (her authors notes in the back explain many of her references)
So i spent the first half slowly going through and learning things, like why Niko call some women Bathory (did you know that a Victorian woman was the greatest, bloodiest , most disturbing serial killer of all time? ), or what Russian or Irish terms referred to. She also included many modern and pulp references. i never knew if i looked something up, if I'd be learning about a real person or fact, or if it was a star trek or ultraman reference. I enjoyed that. The learning. But i enjoyed the last 40% more when the characters were in place and the action picked up.
Overall, this book was an amazing piece of creativity and skillful writing. I would definitely recommend it to anyone in the mood for a dark paranormal mystery. Heavy on the dark.
So i spent the first half slowly going through and learning things, like why Niko call some women Bathory (did you know that a Victorian woman was the greatest, bloodiest , most disturbing serial killer of all time? ), or what Russian or Irish terms referred to. She also included many modern and pulp references. i never knew if i looked something up, if I'd be learning about a real person or fact, or if it was a star trek or ultraman reference. I enjoyed that. The learning. But i enjoyed the last 40% more when the characters were in place and the action picked up.
Overall, this book was an amazing piece of creativity and skillful writing. I would definitely recommend it to anyone in the mood for a dark paranormal mystery. Heavy on the dark.
November 15, 2017
I love this book. I'm looking forward to reading more about Nico and Bear!
The main character, Nico, is a vampire with a bit of amnesia - straight from 1998 - she finds herself somehow on a strange planet in the Pleiades where all sorts of humans and monsters and fey and aliens coexist (though this is no utopia). Vampires don't burn to death in the sun on this planet and they are well served with packs of synthetic blood.
Nico is haunted by her "maker" (her murderer) who she stalked for years on 1980's Earth before finally getting her revenge. That was years ago, but somehow he, or his spirit is back and she is afraid that her existence and all those around her are in serious danger, because he is just so, so evil.
Nico is small and waifish, and she walks around with a teddy bear strapped to her chest that she interacts with as though he is part of her. So, she has this ultra-innocent, off-kilter, wacky demeanor, but she's driven by something that neither she nor we are immediately privy to which makes her get all vampire on some really bad guys. She has got some skillz!! And more than that, her plans as to how to use them, as they unfold, are brilliant.
This is a very smart novel. Don't read while drunk! There are so many little nuances that make the characters and world-building so awesome. There are a multitude of pop culture references too, so it's good to keep the internet nearby if you live under a shell like, you know, me. (Yes! I had to search for what a Vorlon is...)
It's a mystery, thriller, sci-fi, fantasy adventure with a lesbian vampire heroine! Hooray! And, best of all, it's brilliantly written!
The main character, Nico, is a vampire with a bit of amnesia - straight from 1998 - she finds herself somehow on a strange planet in the Pleiades where all sorts of humans and monsters and fey and aliens coexist (though this is no utopia). Vampires don't burn to death in the sun on this planet and they are well served with packs of synthetic blood.
Nico is haunted by her "maker" (her murderer) who she stalked for years on 1980's Earth before finally getting her revenge. That was years ago, but somehow he, or his spirit is back and she is afraid that her existence and all those around her are in serious danger, because he is just so, so evil.
Nico is small and waifish, and she walks around with a teddy bear strapped to her chest that she interacts with as though he is part of her. So, she has this ultra-innocent, off-kilter, wacky demeanor, but she's driven by something that neither she nor we are immediately privy to which makes her get all vampire on some really bad guys. She has got some skillz!! And more than that, her plans as to how to use them, as they unfold, are brilliant.
This is a very smart novel. Don't read while drunk! There are so many little nuances that make the characters and world-building so awesome. There are a multitude of pop culture references too, so it's good to keep the internet nearby if you live under a shell like, you know, me. (Yes! I had to search for what a Vorlon is...)
It's a mystery, thriller, sci-fi, fantasy adventure with a lesbian vampire heroine! Hooray! And, best of all, it's brilliantly written!
November 7, 2017
Ahhh... Another Watasin :) I liked it. I was confused for a lot of the book so that was a bit frustrating. Darquepunk was significantly different than her Dark Victorian series but still has a lot of the quirks. Mr. Bear for example. I think being human puts you in the minority on this world full of 'Other'. I think what Watasin really strives in is world building. In fact I'd put her on par with Fletcher DeLancey. So if you can get past the blood and gore (as there is a ton of it) this is a pretty great story. Will be interested to see what she comes up with next.
March 5, 2017
My favorite books contain two things: awesome worldbuilding and an even more awesome main character. I'm so glad this book was recommended to me by lov2laf, because Monster Stalker: A Darkquepunk Novel has one of the most exciting worlds I have ever encountered in a book, and the main character, Nicolette Alixikova (Nico) is, well, awesome.
Nico, an 18/15 year old vampire, finds herself on a strange, new world, literally dropping from the sky, and she has no idea how she got there. After going through immigration procedures, she's welcomed to Darqueworld, a planet residing in the Pleiades, orbiting the star Merope.
Again New York seems to be her hometown now, a strange and beautiful city faintly resembling Earth's New York. Darqueworld is a planet where all kinds of paranormal creatures, species, and humans can live together in harmony. But Nico soon finds out it has a very dark underbelly as well, and for some reason she can not grasp entirely, she has a knack for spotting some very ugly dealings going on.
She meets a lovely Scottish waitress, Shayla, and her accent triggers the blank spot that lurks in her mind. Throughout the book, Nico's origin story is revealed ( and it's a dark story).
Nico is such a great character. Smart, witty, uncertain when it comes to relationships, but utterly fearless in destroying the evil that hides not too far beneath the almost Utopian surface of Again New York. Nico's character is supplemented by Mr. Bear, a stuffed bear fitted to her harness. Her interactions with Mr. Bear are funny, and sometimes she uses him to show emotions she can not express herself. The reactions of others toward Mr.Bear are sometimes very funy as well.
It's been a long time since I gave a 5-star review and added a book to my Alltime Favorites shelf. This book earned it, and I can't wait for the next one.
Nico, an 18/15 year old vampire, finds herself on a strange, new world, literally dropping from the sky, and she has no idea how she got there. After going through immigration procedures, she's welcomed to Darqueworld, a planet residing in the Pleiades, orbiting the star Merope.
Again New York seems to be her hometown now, a strange and beautiful city faintly resembling Earth's New York. Darqueworld is a planet where all kinds of paranormal creatures, species, and humans can live together in harmony. But Nico soon finds out it has a very dark underbelly as well, and for some reason she can not grasp entirely, she has a knack for spotting some very ugly dealings going on.
She meets a lovely Scottish waitress, Shayla, and her accent triggers the blank spot that lurks in her mind. Throughout the book, Nico's origin story is revealed ( and it's a dark story).
Nico is such a great character. Smart, witty, uncertain when it comes to relationships, but utterly fearless in destroying the evil that hides not too far beneath the almost Utopian surface of Again New York. Nico's character is supplemented by Mr. Bear, a stuffed bear fitted to her harness. Her interactions with Mr. Bear are funny, and sometimes she uses him to show emotions she can not express herself. The reactions of others toward Mr.Bear are sometimes very funy as well.
It's been a long time since I gave a 5-star review and added a book to my Alltime Favorites shelf. This book earned it, and I can't wait for the next one.
September 22, 2015
Weird, dark, twisty book. I still enjoyed it!
December 16, 2019
5 shining stars
This book is unlike anything I have ever read. It can be put into so many shelves: thriller, paranormal, sci-fi, fantasy. The level of complexity makes it all the best; I'm sure I'll reread multiple times to discover more mysteries. How I just love Nico as the main character. Nico is whimsical, Nico is cute, Nico is brave, Nico is beautiful. Though her body was forced to change, her humanity still remains intact and true. Romance is an added flavor, but when romance is there it's so sweet and soft and bubbly, with a few heart-squeezing moments. Shayla is such a knight in shining armor, too good to be true. I officially declare myself a Shayla-Nico shipper now!
The only problem for me is the triad thing at the end; totally took me by surprise. I like Heloise character as a seductive wealthy lawyer vampire trying to act all high mighty but somehow failing at it (lol). I like their friendship, they seem more like sisters, best friends, maybe fwb at most but I never felt any chemistry romantically. Perhaps it's a last-minute idea for story development, fan service, or something deep like a hidden message about Nico accepting her vampire side? My monogamous ideal is Shayla-biased, but I am open to what makes people happy, and though this is just not a balanced three-way relationship in my book I'm looking forward to how Watasin makes it work.
This book is unlike anything I have ever read. It can be put into so many shelves: thriller, paranormal, sci-fi, fantasy. The level of complexity makes it all the best; I'm sure I'll reread multiple times to discover more mysteries. How I just love Nico as the main character. Nico is whimsical, Nico is cute, Nico is brave, Nico is beautiful. Though her body was forced to change, her humanity still remains intact and true. Romance is an added flavor, but when romance is there it's so sweet and soft and bubbly, with a few heart-squeezing moments. Shayla is such a knight in shining armor, too good to be true. I officially declare myself a Shayla-Nico shipper now!
The only problem for me is the triad thing at the end; totally took me by surprise. I like Heloise character as a seductive wealthy lawyer vampire trying to act all high mighty but somehow failing at it (lol). I like their friendship, they seem more like sisters, best friends, maybe fwb at most but I never felt any chemistry romantically. Perhaps it's a last-minute idea for story development, fan service, or something deep like a hidden message about Nico accepting her vampire side? My monogamous ideal is Shayla-biased, but I am open to what makes people happy, and though this is just not a balanced three-way relationship in my book I'm looking forward to how Watasin makes it work.
February 10, 2017
By the time you realize that MONSTER STALKER has its fangs sunk in your neck, it’s too late: you want to stay in Again New York.
Nico burst out of the sky and into darqueworld/Again New York/Jifk Spaceport, switchblade at the ready. She is just one of many chrono-immigrants arriving on that day. Is Darqueworld a brave new world where every one and every what –including vampires– can live in full day light? Upon arrival Nicolette Alexikova (with her teddy bear –Mr Bear– safely tucked in its safety harness) is welcomed, processed, given a chrono-immigrant welcome pack complete with blood packs, assigned a social worker, and allowed in to start a brand new life.
Nico is a chrono-immigrant from 1998 Leningrad (one of many alternate timelines), but has no recollection of the circumstances that brought her to Again New York. On her first day in Darqueworld, she meets Shayla O’Fey, a witch with a delicious Scottish brogue who works at Lucy’s Diner; Heloise Allen, a vampire with nice legs who deals in information; and Esche, a resident at the Again Friends Youth Hostel for vampires. She watches people and things with an intrigued, analytical and open mind. The story unfolding from her point of view makes it easy to feel close to Nico, while this young vampire (made at 18, a vampire for 15 years) remains enigmatic, complex and haunted by the maker she destroyed.
“You are Lone Nico and Bear,” says her social worker the first time they speak together, after Nico dismantled a human trafficking ring. This is one of many literary references imparted by knowledgeable writer Elizabeth Watasin.
Within the few days between her arrival and her citizenship exam, potential citizen Nico spends her daytime discovering Again New York, studying for her exam, getting to know Shayla O’Fey, getting information from Heloise Allen, and her nighttime playing vigilante, looking for the missing Esche, under the impartial eyes of the Makepeace robots.
MONSTER STALKER is a science-fiction novel with touches of fantasy and horror. It is a soul-searching tale and a study in gender dialectic. Some say it is for an audience of mature young adults, others will grumble it is for 18+. Elizabeth Watasin says she wrote it “for the kids in the dark places.” I love it now, and I would have loved it in my teen years.
MONSTER STALKER is one of these books the readers will have a hard time to let go off, one they’d like to see last forever. It’s okay, Readers, there is a sequel in the writing. Lone Nico and Bear will be back, and we’ll wander the mysterious and sometimes dark, amazing Darqueworld again.
Nico burst out of the sky and into darqueworld/Again New York/Jifk Spaceport, switchblade at the ready. She is just one of many chrono-immigrants arriving on that day. Is Darqueworld a brave new world where every one and every what –including vampires– can live in full day light? Upon arrival Nicolette Alexikova (with her teddy bear –Mr Bear– safely tucked in its safety harness) is welcomed, processed, given a chrono-immigrant welcome pack complete with blood packs, assigned a social worker, and allowed in to start a brand new life.
Nico is a chrono-immigrant from 1998 Leningrad (one of many alternate timelines), but has no recollection of the circumstances that brought her to Again New York. On her first day in Darqueworld, she meets Shayla O’Fey, a witch with a delicious Scottish brogue who works at Lucy’s Diner; Heloise Allen, a vampire with nice legs who deals in information; and Esche, a resident at the Again Friends Youth Hostel for vampires. She watches people and things with an intrigued, analytical and open mind. The story unfolding from her point of view makes it easy to feel close to Nico, while this young vampire (made at 18, a vampire for 15 years) remains enigmatic, complex and haunted by the maker she destroyed.
“You are Lone Nico and Bear,” says her social worker the first time they speak together, after Nico dismantled a human trafficking ring. This is one of many literary references imparted by knowledgeable writer Elizabeth Watasin.
Within the few days between her arrival and her citizenship exam, potential citizen Nico spends her daytime discovering Again New York, studying for her exam, getting to know Shayla O’Fey, getting information from Heloise Allen, and her nighttime playing vigilante, looking for the missing Esche, under the impartial eyes of the Makepeace robots.
MONSTER STALKER is a science-fiction novel with touches of fantasy and horror. It is a soul-searching tale and a study in gender dialectic. Some say it is for an audience of mature young adults, others will grumble it is for 18+. Elizabeth Watasin says she wrote it “for the kids in the dark places.” I love it now, and I would have loved it in my teen years.
MONSTER STALKER is one of these books the readers will have a hard time to let go off, one they’d like to see last forever. It’s okay, Readers, there is a sequel in the writing. Lone Nico and Bear will be back, and we’ll wander the mysterious and sometimes dark, amazing Darqueworld again.
November 9, 2020
Loved it!
Man did I love this! A warning, this book is dark. To me, that took nothing away from it, but added to its complexity! So, to start, the world building is just amazing! The concept felt so original, Nico ( and Bear ) is fierce, funny, and just plain likable! The story pulls you in from the start! It's awesome to come across books like this on my scouring mission for great f/f based fantasy novels. What a gem!
Man did I love this! A warning, this book is dark. To me, that took nothing away from it, but added to its complexity! So, to start, the world building is just amazing! The concept felt so original, Nico ( and Bear ) is fierce, funny, and just plain likable! The story pulls you in from the start! It's awesome to come across books like this on my scouring mission for great f/f based fantasy novels. What a gem!
July 24, 2018
quite the imagination!
August 15, 2024
So many books to read so little time. This one is hard to get into. I tried 20 percent but couldn't!
February 22, 2017
Unique and captivating - read the description of the book well. NOT something I probably would have read if I had read the description thoroughly, which would have been a shame as it's delightful and warped at the same time. Some sex, mild violence, and twisted. I did enjoy it!
November 10, 2015
Watasin's Darqueworld is imaginative and she filled it with quirky and interesting characters--not only plain ole humans, but with all kinds of Other-beings like vampires, shifters, witches, and all types of bio-mechanical beings. If I weren't such a wussy, I'd look into a ship transporting me there to take in these charming characters first-hand.
It's not a safe-haven, though. To survive, you have to be brave and gritty. It isn't for the faint-of-heart. And Nico and Bear are quite the opposite. Nico is a fantastic character, full of spunk and bravado, though sometimes reckless.
Like the characters living on Darqueworld, even the readers must have a certain toughness because Watasin tackles the all-too-real horror that is human trafficking, and suffuses it into the plot.
I found some places difficult to stay with simply because of the unconventional way of speaking; however, if you are a fan of sci-fi and cyberpunk, this marriage of the two genres is most interesting.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
It's not a safe-haven, though. To survive, you have to be brave and gritty. It isn't for the faint-of-heart. And Nico and Bear are quite the opposite. Nico is a fantastic character, full of spunk and bravado, though sometimes reckless.
Like the characters living on Darqueworld, even the readers must have a certain toughness because Watasin tackles the all-too-real horror that is human trafficking, and suffuses it into the plot.
I found some places difficult to stay with simply because of the unconventional way of speaking; however, if you are a fan of sci-fi and cyberpunk, this marriage of the two genres is most interesting.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
September 27, 2024
4 stars. The reviews of this book definitely are correct in that this is such a fun read. It’s odd and unique. I loved the way it was written and the main character, Nico and her Bear. She was badass but with this weird innocence to her. I thought she was great. The world building was so good and this grabbed my attention from page one. It gets pretty dark in the second half but the quirky writing really helps with balancing that. It ends well and I already know this is a book that I plan on re-reading because it was so entertaining and I would highly recommend it.
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