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Wind and Shadow #1
The One Who Eats Monsters
Long ago, before history broke in half, elder gods exiled the vengeful deity Erynis to a far corner of Earth. When Ryn is found weakened after saving the life of an innocent villager, the U.S. military mistakes the battered immortal for a feral teenager and places her in New Petersburg, a decaying city full of monsters.
In her clash with the city’s demons, Ryn is confused by her intense emotional connection with Naomi Bradford, a senator’s daughter she has sworn to protect. But while her claws can kill anything that dies (and a few things that cannot), she must also contend with the human race. They lie, they speak in riddles, and to protect her friend, the immortal must navigate the senseless rules of their flawed civilization. Worse, they are fragile—and giving her heart to one makes Ryn afraid for the first time in her eternal life.
In her clash with the city’s demons, Ryn is confused by her intense emotional connection with Naomi Bradford, a senator’s daughter she has sworn to protect. But while her claws can kill anything that dies (and a few things that cannot), she must also contend with the human race. They lie, they speak in riddles, and to protect her friend, the immortal must navigate the senseless rules of their flawed civilization. Worse, they are fragile—and giving her heart to one makes Ryn afraid for the first time in her eternal life.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 25, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 308 reviews
November 1, 2017
This was a gritty, YA urban fantasy/paranormal book, and I loved it. This is actually one of my favorite YA books I have read this year. And while I consider this YA, I think this is more of a book for adults. This book does deal with some tough subjects that might be hard for younger readers. I actually got this book as my free Kindle Unlimited book of the month, which I get from my Prime membership. The fact this book is free with Kindle Unlimited, makes this read seem like an absolute steal.
Ryn is a monster/goddess/deva (I have to look up this deva term and see if it has any mythology to it, I never heard of the name before) and her job is to eat other monsters (the human or paranormal kind). Ryn has existed since before humans came up with the concept of time. When she is found by the US Army, her small statue and young appearance gets her mistaken for a teenager. They put her in a group home and make her go to school when all she wants to do is eat the hearts of monsters. She soon finds herself connecting with Naomi; the daughter of a Senator whose life is in danger. Can Ryn protect Naomi while still passing for a human?
As I mentioned before, this is a darker, grittier book. Not too dark, but there are tough subjects like rape, sexual assault, violence. This is a YA book, so besides the violence, the rest is just talked about or off camera, so it’s easier to deal with. I do want to make clear this isn’t all dark, there are some lighthearted moments, even a little humor, and a bit of a YA style romance.
I just loved Ryn as a character. This book is on the longer side, so you feel like you really understand and connect with the characters. While Ryn has been around for eons, she has always been alone, so she was very much a teenager when it comes to acting human and doing anything besides killing. It made the romance really sweet and it just fit. The romance is very PG, but it totally hooked me in anyway.
I always find it harder to write a review when I love a book, like I can’t do it justice. I’m a huge fantasy/paranormal fan so this book just absolutely worked for me. I’m really not the biggest YA fan, but I loved the innocence it brought to Ryn who is a badass killing machine. I just think this book was well written, with great characters, even the secondary adult characters were good.
If you are a YA fan, and or an urban fantasy fan, don’t hesitate to get this. It really is excellent. The book does not end on a cliffhanger, I was happy with the ending, but there are a few loose ends. Casey has stated a book 2 is coming. I hope the wait is not long. I will be reading it a soon as it releases.
Ryn is a monster/goddess/deva (I have to look up this deva term and see if it has any mythology to it, I never heard of the name before) and her job is to eat other monsters (the human or paranormal kind). Ryn has existed since before humans came up with the concept of time. When she is found by the US Army, her small statue and young appearance gets her mistaken for a teenager. They put her in a group home and make her go to school when all she wants to do is eat the hearts of monsters. She soon finds herself connecting with Naomi; the daughter of a Senator whose life is in danger. Can Ryn protect Naomi while still passing for a human?
As I mentioned before, this is a darker, grittier book. Not too dark, but there are tough subjects like rape, sexual assault, violence. This is a YA book, so besides the violence, the rest is just talked about or off camera, so it’s easier to deal with. I do want to make clear this isn’t all dark, there are some lighthearted moments, even a little humor, and a bit of a YA style romance.
I just loved Ryn as a character. This book is on the longer side, so you feel like you really understand and connect with the characters. While Ryn has been around for eons, she has always been alone, so she was very much a teenager when it comes to acting human and doing anything besides killing. It made the romance really sweet and it just fit. The romance is very PG, but it totally hooked me in anyway.
I always find it harder to write a review when I love a book, like I can’t do it justice. I’m a huge fantasy/paranormal fan so this book just absolutely worked for me. I’m really not the biggest YA fan, but I loved the innocence it brought to Ryn who is a badass killing machine. I just think this book was well written, with great characters, even the secondary adult characters were good.
If you are a YA fan, and or an urban fantasy fan, don’t hesitate to get this. It really is excellent. The book does not end on a cliffhanger, I was happy with the ending, but there are a few loose ends. Casey has stated a book 2 is coming. I hope the wait is not long. I will be reading it a soon as it releases.
December 1, 2018
Serious trigger warnings at the end of this review.
I need a 100% fluffy read after this!
I'm honestly stunned having finished this book. After the sheer amount of violence that happened just in chapter 1 to an innocent little girl I really wondered if I would be able to finish reading this. Imagine my surprise when it's 1AM and i'm seriously thinking about pulling an all-nighter because I didn't want to put it down.
Exceptionally well written, this is part 1 of the story of a how an Old Testament monster falls in love with a New Testament saint (according to the authors website). Overflowing with moments of violence and action it also has a lot of surprisingly sweet moments between Ryn and Naomi. The first time for instance when Ryn tried hot chocolate reminds me lot of when 'death' tried peanut butter in 'Meet Joe Black'.
Even some of the secondary characters made me fall for them. The book however ends with a 4,5* rating and not the full five stars because of the sheer amount of sexual violence written throughout. From what I understand from the authors facebook page they are aiming to be finished by August with book 2 and I for one can hardly wait!
Trigger warnings: (gang)rape, pedophilia, torture, stalking, drugs, murder etc etc this by no means is a lighthearted read!
I need a 100% fluffy read after this!
I'm honestly stunned having finished this book. After the sheer amount of violence that happened just in chapter 1 to an innocent little girl I really wondered if I would be able to finish reading this. Imagine my surprise when it's 1AM and i'm seriously thinking about pulling an all-nighter because I didn't want to put it down.
Exceptionally well written, this is part 1 of the story of a how an Old Testament monster falls in love with a New Testament saint (according to the authors website). Overflowing with moments of violence and action it also has a lot of surprisingly sweet moments between Ryn and Naomi. The first time for instance when Ryn tried hot chocolate reminds me lot of when 'death' tried peanut butter in 'Meet Joe Black'.
Even some of the secondary characters made me fall for them. The book however ends with a 4,5* rating and not the full five stars because of the sheer amount of sexual violence written throughout. From what I understand from the authors facebook page they are aiming to be finished by August with book 2 and I for one can hardly wait!
Trigger warnings: (gang)rape, pedophilia, torture, stalking, drugs, murder etc etc this by no means is a lighthearted read!
September 23, 2019
Reading this book recaptures that ‘firsts’ feeling: The one where you’re reading a story and it’s completely fresh content, never been explored topic and you’re both giddy and anxious to see where it goes because you truly have no idea what could happen. There are no points of references, there are no other books you can compare it to because it is one of a kind
I remember when I first heard about this book I read the blurb and went ‘oh shit,’ thinking that this book may just be the dark read I've been looking for (thanks to Paradise Lost) This is a turbulent book filled with graphic violence and raw savagery, I’m pretty sure it overloaded my senses, made me feel bloodthirsty and being the weirdo reader who craves this kind of stuff, I love every dark part of this book.
The author’s writing is simply brilliant, so gripping and making me feel eleven different emotions at once. The fast-paced, action-packed story had my heart racing and stomach in knots. Plus you know the feeling where you’re on the verge of tears but not crying just yet and your throat feels like it’s burning from holding back? That happened to me while I was reading a couple of scenes.
I know I didn’t talk about plot or characters, and while I don't really enjoy playing the ‘you have to experience the book for yourself’ card, it’s exactly what every reader has to do with this book. However, throughout the book, I feel like I was cheating on Requiem from Requiem For Immortals as Ryn was truly a phenomenal kickass/badass lead. She can really give Requiem a run for her killings.
The perfect blend of thrilling suspense, yucky gore, extremely disturbing elements and a unique romance bred in the darkest of times. If you're trying to become a vegetarian and lack the motivation, read this book. If you're hesitating, do check out the book's GR page and see the powerhouse names that have already sink their teeth into The One Who Eats Monsters + if you call yourself a lover of strong/awesome/one of a kind woman, then you should definitely get to know Ryn - I'm not calling dibs on her, she has more than enough hearts to love her current/future fans.
Level of recommendation - at the peak of Burj Khalifa
I remember when I first heard about this book I read the blurb and went ‘oh shit,’ thinking that this book may just be the dark read I've been looking for (thanks to Paradise Lost) This is a turbulent book filled with graphic violence and raw savagery, I’m pretty sure it overloaded my senses, made me feel bloodthirsty and being the weirdo reader who craves this kind of stuff, I love every dark part of this book.
The author’s writing is simply brilliant, so gripping and making me feel eleven different emotions at once. The fast-paced, action-packed story had my heart racing and stomach in knots. Plus you know the feeling where you’re on the verge of tears but not crying just yet and your throat feels like it’s burning from holding back? That happened to me while I was reading a couple of scenes.
I know I didn’t talk about plot or characters, and while I don't really enjoy playing the ‘you have to experience the book for yourself’ card, it’s exactly what every reader has to do with this book. However, throughout the book, I feel like I was cheating on Requiem from Requiem For Immortals as Ryn was truly a phenomenal kickass/badass lead. She can really give Requiem a run for her killings.
The perfect blend of thrilling suspense, yucky gore, extremely disturbing elements and a unique romance bred in the darkest of times. If you're trying to become a vegetarian and lack the motivation, read this book. If you're hesitating, do check out the book's GR page and see the powerhouse names that have already sink their teeth into The One Who Eats Monsters + if you call yourself a lover of strong/awesome/one of a kind woman, then you should definitely get to know Ryn - I'm not calling dibs on her, she has more than enough hearts to love her current/future fans.
Level of recommendation - at the peak of Burj Khalifa
October 31, 2017
As a paranormal f/f book, this is really unique and I'd definitely recommend it.
The story is an odd mix, really, so it's harder to classify. It's lead characters are teenagers, which in a way automatically gets a YA label, but some pretty dark themes are brought in; rape, gang rape, stalking, murder, kidnapping, pedophilia, sadistic torture, gore, zealotry. There's a heavier feel to the book that doesn't really lift, though we do get breathers through some lighter moments sprinkled throughout the read.
Because of the mature themes and other adult characters, the target audience isn't exactly younger readers and I think adults would enjoy it just as much.
The darker elements are easier to read than they otherwise would be, though, because Ryn consumes those that do evil, especially evil that is violence against women or children. Naomi, Ryn's love interest, is also depicted in an empowering yet realistic way when she's attacked and in stress so there's not a helpless victim fetish.
All of the characters are depicted really well, whether they're the lead, secondaries, or walk ons. Ryn is older than time itself but has arrested development in ways that make her a juvenile and mimics a person on the Autism Spectrum. Naomi is believably good from the start as is Kessler, a soldier Ryn meets. Even Ryn's case worker, the ugly detective, and Naomi's best friend are given depth and they're all fun to read.
I particularly liked the slow and subtle development of friendship and attraction between Ryn and Naomi's characters. And, the interactions between Ryn and Denise, Naomi's best friend, are pretty priceless.
Dialogue is excellent, scenes and settings are vivid, too. And, there's also some good diversity representation.
The story is complex and nuanced with some good twists. Very little is predictable and, as this is book one in a series, even as developed as the book is, we're just scratching the surface of the full storyline.
For the paranormal aspect, it more has to do with spiritual realms, gods, goddesses, and the like, not vampires and werewolves which gives it distinction in this genre.
As genres go, this is a mix of paranormal, mystery, thriller, and romance which is all pretty balanced.
At times, the pacing or setting of the story felt odd but, overall, it has a smooth and natural rhythm. . Some references to real life people threw me and I assume it's a nod to us that we're in the real world but a parallel universe? And, there seems to be a hint of alien involvement, though it's super subtle...or maybe I missed the point completely. Sometimes I had to reread a passage to figure out who was speaking but any gripes I have of the read are really minor.
Overall, the quality of the book is high and I'm happy to follow the series through to the end.
4.4 stars
If you like this story, I'd also recommend "Monster Stalker" by Elizabeth Watasin. It too is a gorey action thriller with dark themes. And like Ryn, Nico, the lead in that story, is a paranormal that hunts those that do evil and she's an odd mix of darkness, maturity, innocence, and arrested development which makes her more juvenile despite her years.
It's always fun for me to read about empowered ladies kicking evil's ass, especially when those leads end up in f/f relationships.
The story is an odd mix, really, so it's harder to classify. It's lead characters are teenagers, which in a way automatically gets a YA label, but some pretty dark themes are brought in; rape, gang rape, stalking, murder, kidnapping, pedophilia, sadistic torture, gore, zealotry. There's a heavier feel to the book that doesn't really lift, though we do get breathers through some lighter moments sprinkled throughout the read.
Because of the mature themes and other adult characters, the target audience isn't exactly younger readers and I think adults would enjoy it just as much.
The darker elements are easier to read than they otherwise would be, though, because Ryn consumes those that do evil, especially evil that is violence against women or children. Naomi, Ryn's love interest, is also depicted in an empowering yet realistic way when she's attacked and in stress so there's not a helpless victim fetish.
All of the characters are depicted really well, whether they're the lead, secondaries, or walk ons. Ryn is older than time itself but has arrested development in ways that make her a juvenile and mimics a person on the Autism Spectrum. Naomi is believably good from the start as is Kessler, a soldier Ryn meets. Even Ryn's case worker, the ugly detective, and Naomi's best friend are given depth and they're all fun to read.
I particularly liked the slow and subtle development of friendship and attraction between Ryn and Naomi's characters. And, the interactions between Ryn and Denise, Naomi's best friend, are pretty priceless.
Dialogue is excellent, scenes and settings are vivid, too. And, there's also some good diversity representation.
The story is complex and nuanced with some good twists. Very little is predictable and, as this is book one in a series, even as developed as the book is, we're just scratching the surface of the full storyline.
For the paranormal aspect, it more has to do with spiritual realms, gods, goddesses, and the like, not vampires and werewolves which gives it distinction in this genre.
As genres go, this is a mix of paranormal, mystery, thriller, and romance which is all pretty balanced.
At times, the pacing or setting of the story felt odd but, overall, it has a smooth and natural rhythm. . Some references to real life people threw me and I assume it's a nod to us that we're in the real world but a parallel universe? And, there seems to be a hint of alien involvement, though it's super subtle...or maybe I missed the point completely. Sometimes I had to reread a passage to figure out who was speaking but any gripes I have of the read are really minor.
Overall, the quality of the book is high and I'm happy to follow the series through to the end.
4.4 stars
If you like this story, I'd also recommend "Monster Stalker" by Elizabeth Watasin. It too is a gorey action thriller with dark themes. And like Ryn, Nico, the lead in that story, is a paranormal that hunts those that do evil and she's an odd mix of darkness, maturity, innocence, and arrested development which makes her more juvenile despite her years.
It's always fun for me to read about empowered ladies kicking evil's ass, especially when those leads end up in f/f relationships.
August 19, 2023
5 stars
Kinda dark, but awesome.
And I really liked the main character.
There are not many authors who can make an Eldrich Horror MC both believable and relatable.
Can definitely recommend.
Kinda dark, but awesome.
And I really liked the main character.
There are not many authors who can make an Eldrich Horror MC both believable and relatable.
Can definitely recommend.
November 10, 2024
I loved this book. Who am I kidding, I’m obsessed now. I also want to say that this book is a perfect example of how sometimes you just have to jump in and start reading even if you’re not sure if the story is for you.
Ryn Miller is an ancient goddess or a monster of infinite power depending on who you ask. To Kessler, an American soldier in a war torn faraway country, Ryn looks like an expat teen girl who needs a fast track home after nearly being killed. After arriving in the USA, she settles in at a group foster home, goes to high school, and hunts evil on her downtime. Then to Ryn’s surprise, she is befriended and enchanted by a teenage girl, Naomi, at the mall. Life gets complicated for everyone after that meeting.
I put off reading this book for years because I thought it might be too dark. But my impression now after actually reading the book is that it is a multi-layered story told in beautiful language that gives even the horror some poetry. The pace is dynamite, god battles and action take turns with the human drama between friends and family. The YA romance is equal parts awkward and squeal worthy endearing. Ryn is about as memorable a main character as I’ve ever read. Magnificent as an all knowing deity bent on ridding the world of vile beings but also hilarious as a kicking-rocks teen. Naomi is her perfect love interest, sweet and smart, ready to fight as well. Naomi’s best friend, Denise, adds snark and perspective. The world is built up well and the book has a satisfying ending. There are dark subjects mentioned, rape, abuse, torture, but it’s mostly off the page and the on page violence is generally directed at the bad guys. I would rank moderate on the dark scale.
Read if you might like dark fantasy with gods/goddesses acting like warring crime families with human goons, monster/human sapphic romance, twists and suspense, and some humor as well. Here’s hoping the author publishes the sequel in 2025.
Ryn Miller is an ancient goddess or a monster of infinite power depending on who you ask. To Kessler, an American soldier in a war torn faraway country, Ryn looks like an expat teen girl who needs a fast track home after nearly being killed. After arriving in the USA, she settles in at a group foster home, goes to high school, and hunts evil on her downtime. Then to Ryn’s surprise, she is befriended and enchanted by a teenage girl, Naomi, at the mall. Life gets complicated for everyone after that meeting.
I put off reading this book for years because I thought it might be too dark. But my impression now after actually reading the book is that it is a multi-layered story told in beautiful language that gives even the horror some poetry. The pace is dynamite, god battles and action take turns with the human drama between friends and family. The YA romance is equal parts awkward and squeal worthy endearing. Ryn is about as memorable a main character as I’ve ever read. Magnificent as an all knowing deity bent on ridding the world of vile beings but also hilarious as a kicking-rocks teen. Naomi is her perfect love interest, sweet and smart, ready to fight as well. Naomi’s best friend, Denise, adds snark and perspective. The world is built up well and the book has a satisfying ending. There are dark subjects mentioned, rape, abuse, torture, but it’s mostly off the page and the on page violence is generally directed at the bad guys. I would rank moderate on the dark scale.
Read if you might like dark fantasy with gods/goddesses acting like warring crime families with human goons, monster/human sapphic romance, twists and suspense, and some humor as well. Here’s hoping the author publishes the sequel in 2025.
April 15, 2018
Why oh why did I leave this book on my to read list for so long?!? Especially with so many Goodreads friends recommending it. Really this is one of the best books I've read all year. I'm not even going to give it a long review because it's late and my eyes are raw from reading it in one sitting. Also, I would not do it as good a justice as my fellow Goodreads friends. All I can say is READ THIS BOOK because its fanfuckingtastic...PERIOD!!
January 23, 2019
It's a cruel world
I got this through Kindle Unlimited, but I will make sure to purchase. Books this good deserve that type of support.
From the opening scene, you are thrown into an intriguing and mysterious modern day world where God's and Monsters exist.
I grew to love Ryn and couldn't help but root for her as she gradually acclimated to mortal ways.
The love story is sweet and dangerous but felt inexplicably meant to be.
Action/fight scenes were rightfully exciting and gory.
I cried because it was all so emotional.
This is going right to my favorites.
And I see it is first of a potential series! I will read about Ryn until the end of days.
I got this through Kindle Unlimited, but I will make sure to purchase. Books this good deserve that type of support.
From the opening scene, you are thrown into an intriguing and mysterious modern day world where God's and Monsters exist.
I grew to love Ryn and couldn't help but root for her as she gradually acclimated to mortal ways.
The love story is sweet and dangerous but felt inexplicably meant to be.
Action/fight scenes were rightfully exciting and gory.
I cried because it was all so emotional.
This is going right to my favorites.
And I see it is first of a potential series! I will read about Ryn until the end of days.
February 15, 2018
When is the next book coming out???????
This is such a gem! I had to get used to it at first but once I got hooked I had a hard time putting this down. It’s been a while since I stayed till almost 5am because of a book.
Warning: lots of violence and sensitive topics.
Ryn - She’s a powerful monster. I had to google some names that describes her.
She’s territorial with the people she likes. You just have to read this book to ger to know her better.
An Earper part of me is imagining her to be Waverly from Wynonna Earp. Because there’s a episode where she kind of look like the girl from the cover.
Naomi is a sweetest soul you’ll met. She got charisma and very friendly. Although why it that a lot of people wants to hurt her? Well again to have to read the book in order for you to appreciate her more.
And btw Naomi I can also imagine her as Nicole, Waverly’s girlfriend. :pp
A lot of good secondary characters but my favorite will be Kessler and Denise. :))
YA/Paranormal/Action/Mystery
What a nice combo. Highly recommended if you like those plots.
This is such a gem! I had to get used to it at first but once I got hooked I had a hard time putting this down. It’s been a while since I stayed till almost 5am because of a book.
Warning: lots of violence and sensitive topics.
Ryn - She’s a powerful monster. I had to google some names that describes her.
She’s territorial with the people she likes. You just have to read this book to ger to know her better.
An Earper part of me is imagining her to be Waverly from Wynonna Earp. Because there’s a episode where she kind of look like the girl from the cover.
Naomi is a sweetest soul you’ll met. She got charisma and very friendly. Although why it that a lot of people wants to hurt her? Well again to have to read the book in order for you to appreciate her more.
And btw Naomi I can also imagine her as Nicole, Waverly’s girlfriend. :pp
A lot of good secondary characters but my favorite will be Kessler and Denise. :))
YA/Paranormal/Action/Mystery
What a nice combo. Highly recommended if you like those plots.
November 17, 2017
Neat book. Much more convincing, than I've some times seen, example of someone super old being super naïve about certain aspects of human life (Ryn lives, as much as possible, or had, in the 'wilderness' places that had smaller number of humans running around; though has spent longer than history could record (there's reasons I word it that way) watching humans being . . . humans.
One aspect that I didn't expect, though is hinted at in the book, was the part where Ryn ....um, hmm, probably not a spoiler since it doesn't really have an impact on this book. Even so - . I look forward to the next book in the series.
--
Of note: There are a million and one point of views in this book, including various military/police investigators, demons, monsters, young teenagers, etc. This book is in no way just from the point of view of Erynis.
--
Boiled down: this story is about a elite military person who stumbles across a young girl who, it appeared, had been brutally attacked by the people his unit was attacking. That individual, whose own story continues throughout the book, pulls Ryn, the young girl, from this wild untamed area and brings her back to his own country, the USA, to try to 'rescue' her. Unknown to him, Ryn - while she might have needed a little help down from where she was found, didn't really need to be rescued because she isn't actually a young girl, but an ancient creature that eats monsters (hence the book title).
Ryn is placed in an 'institution', not seen in this story, then into a group home - which is where her specific story restarted (after the wilderness part). The group home is run by a super creepy man and woman who give off massive pervy vibes. Ryn's powerful and stuff so . . ..
While out and about wandering as she liked to do, Ryn runs across a young human teenager named Naomi Bradford. 'A Senator's daughter' - pulled from book description. Something pulls them together, though it's Naomi who first approached Ryn - because Naomi is the type of rich young woman who looks for causes to support and is always on the verge of despising herself for having money. And Ryn was leaning very close to a mall railing - and one of Naomi's charges had recently committed suicide so . . . Naomi was hyper-alert for people near edges.
Naomi basically forces Ryn to eat a meal with her and her, Naomi's, two friends. Naomi was there to be with her friends and . . . I forget now what, shop? Ryn had been there to find monsters to eat. Ryn, though, has issues with large crowds (she, if you recall, has spent the majority of her time in less crowded wilderness areas), and had been having a kind of panic attack while against the railing. From all the people and noise. Though, and getting back to the point of this paragraph, Ryn was there tracking a specific monster. One who, in turn, had been tracking Naomi.
That monster attacks Naomi in a parking garage, Naomi shows she's more than just a helpless little girl, gets away, and Ryn plays with the monster.
Whereupon the other points of view come up - a fat slovenly police dude and that same military guy from the beginning of the book, now a police dude (rereading - two different people being described here), investigate the 'incident' in the parking garage - and later a bunch of other incidents that are directly linked both to monsters and Ryn.
Meanwhile - Senator daddy is super hyper and alarmed by his daughter's near rape/death and has basically put Naomi on house-arrest. Ryn shows how poor humans are at security, even when there are elite guards and stuff, by easily sneaking into Naomi's room and convincing her to go out (and keep the previously arranged 'date'). Whereupon Naomi, and group, again get into another 'incident' of grave danger.
And so the story unfolds. Ryn bouncing around chasing/eating monsters. Naomi falling into danger nonstop in the city, then on a camping trip. Ryn and Naomi becoming friends, then falling apart, etc. etc. Life happening, and stuff. Including the part wherein Naomi has a long-term plan involving romance/relationships/her life, and it definitely involves a boy/man - though she hasn't found that man yet (and definitely doesn't involve a girl, like, say, Ryn).
As noted - quite interesting fun read. Look forward to next in series.
Rating: 4.33
November 15 2017
One aspect that I didn't expect, though is hinted at in the book, was the part where Ryn ....um, hmm, probably not a spoiler since it doesn't really have an impact on this book. Even so - . I look forward to the next book in the series.
--
Of note: There are a million and one point of views in this book, including various military/police investigators, demons, monsters, young teenagers, etc. This book is in no way just from the point of view of Erynis.
--
Boiled down: this story is about a elite military person who stumbles across a young girl who, it appeared, had been brutally attacked by the people his unit was attacking. That individual, whose own story continues throughout the book, pulls Ryn, the young girl, from this wild untamed area and brings her back to his own country, the USA, to try to 'rescue' her. Unknown to him, Ryn - while she might have needed a little help down from where she was found, didn't really need to be rescued because she isn't actually a young girl, but an ancient creature that eats monsters (hence the book title).
Ryn is placed in an 'institution', not seen in this story, then into a group home - which is where her specific story restarted (after the wilderness part). The group home is run by a super creepy man and woman who give off massive pervy vibes. Ryn's powerful and stuff so . . ..
While out and about wandering as she liked to do, Ryn runs across a young human teenager named Naomi Bradford. 'A Senator's daughter' - pulled from book description. Something pulls them together, though it's Naomi who first approached Ryn - because Naomi is the type of rich young woman who looks for causes to support and is always on the verge of despising herself for having money. And Ryn was leaning very close to a mall railing - and one of Naomi's charges had recently committed suicide so . . . Naomi was hyper-alert for people near edges.
Naomi basically forces Ryn to eat a meal with her and her, Naomi's, two friends. Naomi was there to be with her friends and . . . I forget now what, shop? Ryn had been there to find monsters to eat. Ryn, though, has issues with large crowds (she, if you recall, has spent the majority of her time in less crowded wilderness areas), and had been having a kind of panic attack while against the railing. From all the people and noise. Though, and getting back to the point of this paragraph, Ryn was there tracking a specific monster. One who, in turn, had been tracking Naomi.
That monster attacks Naomi in a parking garage, Naomi shows she's more than just a helpless little girl, gets away, and Ryn plays with the monster.
Whereupon the other points of view come up - a fat slovenly police dude and that same military guy from the beginning of the book, now a police dude (rereading - two different people being described here), investigate the 'incident' in the parking garage - and later a bunch of other incidents that are directly linked both to monsters and Ryn.
Meanwhile - Senator daddy is super hyper and alarmed by his daughter's near rape/death and has basically put Naomi on house-arrest. Ryn shows how poor humans are at security, even when there are elite guards and stuff, by easily sneaking into Naomi's room and convincing her to go out (and keep the previously arranged 'date'). Whereupon Naomi, and group, again get into another 'incident' of grave danger.
And so the story unfolds. Ryn bouncing around chasing/eating monsters. Naomi falling into danger nonstop in the city, then on a camping trip. Ryn and Naomi becoming friends, then falling apart, etc. etc. Life happening, and stuff. Including the part wherein Naomi has a long-term plan involving romance/relationships/her life, and it definitely involves a boy/man - though she hasn't found that man yet (and definitely doesn't involve a girl, like, say, Ryn).
As noted - quite interesting fun read. Look forward to next in series.
Rating: 4.33
November 15 2017
December 1, 2022
This was a great read - one of my favourites this year - with a really interesting narrative style, great characters, entertaining banter, and a perfect balance between dark and funny/heartwarming. It’s dark, it’s sapphic, and it’s got nail-biting excitement - 100% recommend giving this a read!
First, the writing style…I LOVED it. It took some getting used to initially, but once I figured out what the author was trying to do with it, I really enjoyed it. The language used for much of the book (though each perspective is written a little bit differently to stay true to each character’s grasp of language) is like a mix of broken and archaic English that really gives the reader a feel for how removed Ryn is from human society. The writing is beautiful, with really clever and unique ways to describe things and communicate that really added a lot to the characters, the atmosphere, and also the development of relationships.
The characters were great, diverse, well-rounded, deep, and really interesting. I loved the banter and relationship development. Ryn is such a badass, obviously, but so endearing as well, and the dynamic between her and Naomi was really sweet. Initially, I had a hard time with the idea of an ageless goddess with a 17-year-old girl, but the way Ryn’s character is written and her extreme lack of knowledge of humanity and society made it feel not icky at all – it also really fit as a YA which is odd because this honestly feels like more of an adult read. Most of the story is told from Ryn and Naomi’s perspectives but there is the occasional POV of a villain or certain side characters – often times I find these unnecessary, but these really added value and tension to the story.
The plot was very engrossing with lots of action, a lot of dark and brutal scenes, danger and tension galore, but also a lot of humour and sweet/heartwarming moments that made it feel so well balanced. World-building was great, the author said just enough to give you a sense of the dark and chaotic version of the modern-day world that these characters inhabit, but didn’t inundate you with things you didn’t need to know just to expound on that world. It was twisted, it was sick, it was balanced, and it was believable (the magic system was explained enough and given limits that didn’t make it seem like a convenient plot device with no basis).
Overall, I would absolutely recommend this (with the caveat that it is definitely a DARK YA urban fantasy; there are mentions of rape and murder – implied, not on page – and some rather gruesome scenes). I’ll absolutely be reading the second book….if it ever comes out. (Don’t worry, you’re not left with a cliffhanger, just a promise of more to come!)
First, the writing style…I LOVED it. It took some getting used to initially, but once I figured out what the author was trying to do with it, I really enjoyed it. The language used for much of the book (though each perspective is written a little bit differently to stay true to each character’s grasp of language) is like a mix of broken and archaic English that really gives the reader a feel for how removed Ryn is from human society. The writing is beautiful, with really clever and unique ways to describe things and communicate that really added a lot to the characters, the atmosphere, and also the development of relationships.
The characters were great, diverse, well-rounded, deep, and really interesting. I loved the banter and relationship development. Ryn is such a badass, obviously, but so endearing as well, and the dynamic between her and Naomi was really sweet. Initially, I had a hard time with the idea of an ageless goddess with a 17-year-old girl, but the way Ryn’s character is written and her extreme lack of knowledge of humanity and society made it feel not icky at all – it also really fit as a YA which is odd because this honestly feels like more of an adult read. Most of the story is told from Ryn and Naomi’s perspectives but there is the occasional POV of a villain or certain side characters – often times I find these unnecessary, but these really added value and tension to the story.
The plot was very engrossing with lots of action, a lot of dark and brutal scenes, danger and tension galore, but also a lot of humour and sweet/heartwarming moments that made it feel so well balanced. World-building was great, the author said just enough to give you a sense of the dark and chaotic version of the modern-day world that these characters inhabit, but didn’t inundate you with things you didn’t need to know just to expound on that world. It was twisted, it was sick, it was balanced, and it was believable (the magic system was explained enough and given limits that didn’t make it seem like a convenient plot device with no basis).
Overall, I would absolutely recommend this (with the caveat that it is definitely a DARK YA urban fantasy; there are mentions of rape and murder – implied, not on page – and some rather gruesome scenes). I’ll absolutely be reading the second book….if it ever comes out. (Don’t worry, you’re not left with a cliffhanger, just a promise of more to come!)
April 10, 2018
Wow...just wow!
I was really skeptical to read this as paranormal type books aren't really my favortie and I have to be in the mood to read them but wow...just wow. From the beginning the books grabs you and you just cannot stop reading. Occasionally it loosens it grip to let you breath a bit just then grips you just as tight. Ryn (who for a while I thought was pronounced Ryan until I realized tue group home spelled it Rin...but I think I like Ryan better lol) is just a great flushed out character. She's lost when it comes to humans (interactions, idioms, actions) but her thought process has always been black and white until she meets Naomi...then almost everything changes. Naomi is pretty much the opposite of Ryn and they balance each other out really well. Also, Denise was a great secondary character. I actually thought she might have a crush on Naomi and didn't like her at all at first but I really did toward the middle/end of the book.
Read this. It was really great and I look forward to the next one in the series.
I was really skeptical to read this as paranormal type books aren't really my favortie and I have to be in the mood to read them but wow...just wow. From the beginning the books grabs you and you just cannot stop reading. Occasionally it loosens it grip to let you breath a bit just then grips you just as tight. Ryn (who for a while I thought was pronounced Ryan until I realized tue group home spelled it Rin...but I think I like Ryan better lol) is just a great flushed out character. She's lost when it comes to humans (interactions, idioms, actions) but her thought process has always been black and white until she meets Naomi...then almost everything changes. Naomi is pretty much the opposite of Ryn and they balance each other out really well. Also, Denise was a great secondary character. I actually thought she might have a crush on Naomi and didn't like her at all at first but I really did toward the middle/end of the book.
Read this. It was really great and I look forward to the next one in the series.
February 17, 2019
Where have I been and why did I leave this book for so long?! 😱
This book is so good, I mean, really really good.
Though this book is really dark, violences, rapes, murders, pedophile, stalking, tortures, political etc. but all of these which make this story really intense, thrilling and always set me edge, And also toughingly adorable as well.
I like this kind of book, where the story made me looking and waiting for what is going to happen next, when they are doing to strike and how. It made me can feel the danger, set me on edge with characters. The story just hook you in and you just couldn’t put it down at all.
I can’t justified enough how good this book be. Because when it comes the book as good as this one, i’m just not good at clarify how good this one could be like my other goodreads’ friends. You just have to read others’ reviews for more information.
This book is so good, I mean, really really good.
Though this book is really dark, violences, rapes, murders, pedophile, stalking, tortures, political etc. but all of these which make this story really intense, thrilling and always set me edge, And also toughingly adorable as well.
I like this kind of book, where the story made me looking and waiting for what is going to happen next, when they are doing to strike and how. It made me can feel the danger, set me on edge with characters. The story just hook you in and you just couldn’t put it down at all.
I can’t justified enough how good this book be. Because when it comes the book as good as this one, i’m just not good at clarify how good this one could be like my other goodreads’ friends. You just have to read others’ reviews for more information.
October 19, 2021
An intense and brutal paranormal fantasy thriller. Kindle Unlimited.
It's a shame that when I read this, it is late 2021 and this was released back in 2017 and it would appear no sequel has come through. However this is still a very solid story, with good length and action and drama, that I would recommend to others.
It's a shame that when I read this, it is late 2021 and this was released back in 2017 and it would appear no sequel has come through. However this is still a very solid story, with good length and action and drama, that I would recommend to others.
October 27, 2017
A pleasant surprise. So far the best urban fantasy lesfic book I've ever read. The plot is original, the characters interesting and I just love long books that delve deeper than surface level.
November 9, 2017
I love it! This book is exciting and wonderful, and Ryn, the main character, is fascinating and intriguing. I love how she is characterized, and how she interacts with the rest of the characters, especially Naomi. They create a amazing relationship full of fear, insecurity and dependency. The book has a lot of action, mystery and love -- an innocent and pure love. One of the things that I love most was the main character, Ryn. She is an antihero but for me one of the most perfect antiheroes: she is goddess but also a monster; she is sweet but at the same time cruel; she is distant but also protective...she is perfect.
March 25, 2020
I really like Kindle Unlimited because I find gems like this that I probably wouldn't otherwise have read. The One Who Eats Monsters is a well-written, urban fantasy with an angsty anti-hero hunting monsters in a near-future New Petersburg. Mix in some YA lesbian romance, lots of action, interesting minor characters and you have the formula for a great book. I look forward to seeing where the author takes Ryn and Naomi next.
November 9, 2017
I love it! so much that I am buying it despite having kindle unlimited Excellent 3rd person writing and world building. Naturalistic dialogue and vivid action scenes. Did I mention great characters?
Ryn - the ancient yet young 5 ft tall monster/goddess - and pretty much every secondary character, including the detective who secretly collects Batman batarangs, are intriguing and likable. No character is unnecessary and I appreciate that. It's also nice that the relationship between Ryn and Naomi isn't rushed. Pacing can be a little slow for the first few pages, but the story really kicks off. Can't wait for the next book :)
Ryn - the ancient yet young 5 ft tall monster/goddess - and pretty much every secondary character, including the detective who secretly collects Batman batarangs, are intriguing and likable. No character is unnecessary and I appreciate that. It's also nice that the relationship between Ryn and Naomi isn't rushed. Pacing can be a little slow for the first few pages, but the story really kicks off. Can't wait for the next book :)
November 8, 2017
So good! The only issue I thought I'd have with this is that the MCs are teenagers, which I don't typically love. But it's really well done and I think it could be classified as YA or adult fiction.
September 30, 2019
I've been pushing back this book for a while now, until Farah suggested it. Great story , well written and dark enough for me. Even in darkness there is some light. Just fantastic. Must read.
May 4, 2018
The One Who Eats Monsters begins The Wind and Shadow series.
Ryn Miller is a fascinating, multifaceted character. She comes from Long Ago and leads a solitary existence as the Great Spirit who inhibits the Fortress of Needles. As old as star dust, Ryn is a deva, immortal, powerful, cursed, banished and wild. She eats monsters. Caught up in a web of human activity, her actions put her at the mercy of the American military. A squad of soldiers, sent to retrieve a package from a gang of traffickers, discovers what they mistake for a young white woman. Small, tortured, disfigured, bound by wire and nailed to a pole, she is taken by helicopter to a hospital because of the severity of her injuries.
Sergeant Kessler takes a special interest in her case and offers her American asylum. Once stateside, she tolerates confinement in a mental hospital until funding cuts force its closure and her caseworker places her in a group home. Victoria Cross counsels Ryn on the finer points of modern living, but it's her own ancient curse and banishment from civilized lands that makes Ryn subject to mortal laws. Before reclaiming her expanded freedom, Ryn's caseworker explains the laundry list of tasks facing her. They include obeying the rules of her group home, regular school attendance, weekly counseling appointments, behaving toward others with respect, talking out conflicts and most importantly "no hospitalizations".
The One Who Eats Monsters drops Ryn into the middle of a vast conspiracy. A cabal of asura have targeted Senator Bradford and his daughter Naomi for their own evil purposes. Ryn and Naomi develop a complicated personal relationship. Ryn has already claimed the city of New Petersburg, USA as her territory and then she vows to protect Naomi against harm. Their love story is both awkward and charming. Naomi forces her way through all of Ryn's defenses and works her magic like a basilisk. Ryn craves Naomi in ways that she never imagined needing a human, but she fears the hidden truth of her monstrous nature will destroy Naomi. Sweetness and light meets shadowy monster isn't the typical lesfic romance.
Matthews has crafted a nearly perfect novel. The ending acts as a kind of prologue for the next book. The fundamental conflict, at the core of the plot, remains unresolved. Ryn and Naomi have a tenuous relationship filled with big challenges, small kisses and an uncertain future. As a rule, cliffhanger endings drive me crazy, but I plan to devour any future installments in The Wind and Shadow series.
Ryn Miller is a fascinating, multifaceted character. She comes from Long Ago and leads a solitary existence as the Great Spirit who inhibits the Fortress of Needles. As old as star dust, Ryn is a deva, immortal, powerful, cursed, banished and wild. She eats monsters. Caught up in a web of human activity, her actions put her at the mercy of the American military. A squad of soldiers, sent to retrieve a package from a gang of traffickers, discovers what they mistake for a young white woman. Small, tortured, disfigured, bound by wire and nailed to a pole, she is taken by helicopter to a hospital because of the severity of her injuries.
Sergeant Kessler takes a special interest in her case and offers her American asylum. Once stateside, she tolerates confinement in a mental hospital until funding cuts force its closure and her caseworker places her in a group home. Victoria Cross counsels Ryn on the finer points of modern living, but it's her own ancient curse and banishment from civilized lands that makes Ryn subject to mortal laws. Before reclaiming her expanded freedom, Ryn's caseworker explains the laundry list of tasks facing her. They include obeying the rules of her group home, regular school attendance, weekly counseling appointments, behaving toward others with respect, talking out conflicts and most importantly "no hospitalizations".
The One Who Eats Monsters drops Ryn into the middle of a vast conspiracy. A cabal of asura have targeted Senator Bradford and his daughter Naomi for their own evil purposes. Ryn and Naomi develop a complicated personal relationship. Ryn has already claimed the city of New Petersburg, USA as her territory and then she vows to protect Naomi against harm. Their love story is both awkward and charming. Naomi forces her way through all of Ryn's defenses and works her magic like a basilisk. Ryn craves Naomi in ways that she never imagined needing a human, but she fears the hidden truth of her monstrous nature will destroy Naomi. Sweetness and light meets shadowy monster isn't the typical lesfic romance.
Matthews has crafted a nearly perfect novel. The ending acts as a kind of prologue for the next book. The fundamental conflict, at the core of the plot, remains unresolved. Ryn and Naomi have a tenuous relationship filled with big challenges, small kisses and an uncertain future. As a rule, cliffhanger endings drive me crazy, but I plan to devour any future installments in The Wind and Shadow series.
February 3, 2019
I couldn't put this down and didn't want it to end. This book was clever and written so well. It required so much of my focus, often times having to reread parts to make sure I was fully understanding them. Also, it had me laughing at parts, which is rare considering I almost never laugh out loud when reading. I found Ryn to be the most brilliant antihero I've ever read. I loved discovering every bit of her. The other characters were just as addicting, believable, and amazing to get to know. This book will definitely be on my favorites shelf.
December 15, 2023
I am obsessed with the entirety of this book. I don’t know how and why. Ryn is the perfect anti-hero! Emo, female, murders vile men, blunt in her words and just… everything I love in a woman! From the first chapter I knew I’d be hooked.
This story so far is the best “YA” I’ve ever read. It’s gripping in its action-packed scenes and angsty when it comes to interpersonal relationships between characters.
November 7, 2017
I really liked this book! Unfortunately, the tone the romance took near the end spoiled a bit of the experience for me despite my determination to be a fan of as many sapphic books as I can find, but overall it was a super enjoyable read and I finished all in a one day binge read.
I'm an absolute fan of reading books about monsters or other non-human entities such as artificial intelligence from the perspective of those non-human entities, and that is one of the primary reasons I picked up this book, and it absolutely delivers! Most of it is from the point of view of Ryn, a divine monster that has existed since essentially the dawn of time, and her experiences assimilating to a human society that she has been allowed into for the first time, as well as fighting other monstrous beings and dealing with the fact that she's interacting with people and falling in love with a girl.
It was very interesting to read from her perspective, as someone that doesn't read human emotions or even feel things precisely the way humans do. It was even more interesting because we get the occasional POV change to a side-character and see their perspective of her - and I personally feel like Matthews did a fantastic job with using the POV changes to highlight certain events more meaningfully while keeping them interesting, giving every character a unique and natural voice, and not switching from the primary perspective for so long that it feels distracting from the main character's narrative, gratuitous, or irrelevant.
Additionally, the horror aspects of the writing were very well done from the perspective of Ryn, and viscerally horrifying in their implications. There were times I felt like certain topics got over-represented in terms of the atrocities of humanity, but then I realized that the reason for that is not a focus of the narrative but rather a focus of the main character. The slow realization of Ryn's own personal traumas and emotions that she herself doesn't acknowledge with her narrative was very well-written, as it's something we slowly see come to light through her actions, the particularities of what she pays attention to, and the observations of other characters. It's very fun to watch her grow and come to deal with this messy thing called socialization and emotions.
On the other hand one of my main issues with this book was the romance. I was personally very into it for about the first two-thirds of the book, but after a certain point... it felt like the couple in question got together primarily because circumstances willed them to be rather than because it was a genuinely good idea. There's a conflict between them at some point in the book during which several very good points are made about why their romance would be a bad idea (their comparative ages, Ryn's obsessive tendencies and lack of socialization, the fact that Ryn is a violent and sociopathic murderer even though she only kills those who deserve it), and it felt like a lot of these points were left unaddressed and in the end there was a decent amount of a very Twilight-reminiscent creep-factor.
I have some minor issues and nitpicks aside from that, and some issues I'm entirely on the fence about, but overall I found reading this book enjoyable and deeply cathartic for a variety of reasons, and would absolutely recommend it to fans of monsters and horror-thrillers. I will definitely be reading the sequel when it is released!
I'm an absolute fan of reading books about monsters or other non-human entities such as artificial intelligence from the perspective of those non-human entities, and that is one of the primary reasons I picked up this book, and it absolutely delivers! Most of it is from the point of view of Ryn, a divine monster that has existed since essentially the dawn of time, and her experiences assimilating to a human society that she has been allowed into for the first time, as well as fighting other monstrous beings and dealing with the fact that she's interacting with people and falling in love with a girl.
It was very interesting to read from her perspective, as someone that doesn't read human emotions or even feel things precisely the way humans do. It was even more interesting because we get the occasional POV change to a side-character and see their perspective of her - and I personally feel like Matthews did a fantastic job with using the POV changes to highlight certain events more meaningfully while keeping them interesting, giving every character a unique and natural voice, and not switching from the primary perspective for so long that it feels distracting from the main character's narrative, gratuitous, or irrelevant.
Additionally, the horror aspects of the writing were very well done from the perspective of Ryn, and viscerally horrifying in their implications. There were times I felt like certain topics got over-represented in terms of the atrocities of humanity, but then I realized that the reason for that is not a focus of the narrative but rather a focus of the main character. The slow realization of Ryn's own personal traumas and emotions that she herself doesn't acknowledge with her narrative was very well-written, as it's something we slowly see come to light through her actions, the particularities of what she pays attention to, and the observations of other characters. It's very fun to watch her grow and come to deal with this messy thing called socialization and emotions.
On the other hand one of my main issues with this book was the romance. I was personally very into it for about the first two-thirds of the book, but after a certain point... it felt like the couple in question got together primarily because circumstances willed them to be rather than because it was a genuinely good idea. There's a conflict between them at some point in the book during which several very good points are made about why their romance would be a bad idea (their comparative ages, Ryn's obsessive tendencies and lack of socialization, the fact that Ryn is a violent and sociopathic murderer even though she only kills those who deserve it), and it felt like a lot of these points were left unaddressed and in the end there was a decent amount of a very Twilight-reminiscent creep-factor.
I have some minor issues and nitpicks aside from that, and some issues I'm entirely on the fence about, but overall I found reading this book enjoyable and deeply cathartic for a variety of reasons, and would absolutely recommend it to fans of monsters and horror-thrillers. I will definitely be reading the sequel when it is released!
November 17, 2017
I found this book very interesting. It's a great premise with good characters and interesting sub plots.
LOVED that I read it for free on Kindle Unlimited!
LOVED that I read it for free on Kindle Unlimited!
November 2, 2017
Hooked from the first pages. I love how Matthews writes; it certainly set a dark and intriguing tone and has me convinced of Ryn’s otherness if that makes sense.
I’ve tagged this as ya/na given the teenage element, but don’t be fooled into thinking this a high school drama. Some aspects are thoroughly disturbing and certainly this book comes with trigger warnings for physical and sexual violence.
While Ryn is the stand out character for me, the entire cast are fully formed and individually interesting.
Looking forward to the sequel! Highly recommended 5 stars
I’ve tagged this as ya/na given the teenage element, but don’t be fooled into thinking this a high school drama. Some aspects are thoroughly disturbing and certainly this book comes with trigger warnings for physical and sexual violence.
While Ryn is the stand out character for me, the entire cast are fully formed and individually interesting.
Looking forward to the sequel! Highly recommended 5 stars
December 8, 2019
A wonderful read, stayed up almost two solid days to read it in one go. I love this adorable little monster, her love, her friends, her world.
I need more!
I need more!
December 15, 2018
One of my favourite fiction books this year! There was nothing I didn't like about it.
The story of Ryn - an ancient deific monster of vengeance (the one who eats monsters) - and goody-two shoes Senator's daughter Naomi is set in a world and time very similar to our own, but with some slight alternatives to history. Ryn is ancient but also an adolescent girl. And what a marvellous embodiment of adolescence she is. Possessed of a vengeful fury, and without the social skills and graces to fit in. What makes her what every adolescent might wish to be is her immense strength and power. She rights wrongs in the world. She takes down people who are monsters from school bullies, to (would-be) rapists, to demons possessing human bodies and so on. She has some amazing skills and powers. With cute looks but eyes of such black sclera and startling, pulsing blue that she has to hide them from mortals who feels nothing but terror when they look upon her.
Naomi is the teenage daughter of a Republican senator. She is a thoroughly good, warm and caring person. With a plan for life. And very straight. Her and Ryn become friends. And more.
This is a YA novel that has a richly interwoven story lines. There are so many story lines and at different levels, that the whole novel feels like a world of discovery. Fights between gods and demons, played out by making pawns of humans, Ryn's growth and development, Naomi's journey, and of course the growing love between Ryn and Naomi. This novel does deal with some quite tough things, including rape, child abuse, torture. They are all fade-to-black and not happening on the page, but they are pretty horrible nonetheless. And if you are not keen on parking garages at night at the moment, you're not helluva likely to be keen on them after this.... But this is a just world because of Ryn. Bad things happen to bad people. And when bad things happen to bad people it feels good!
I love Ryn. And I am so thrilled that there is more to come! Sign me up for all the sequels!
February 9, 2018
Didn't actually realize it was a lesbian fiction when i bought, just though the premise sounded awesome. It was a nice surprise, to bad the rest was kinda bad in some really weird ways.
Like, is this what conservative lesbian fiction looks like? The book takes place in a world like ours, except some thing turned out drastically different in the last 30-ish years. Apparently, Bill Clinton lost the democratic nomination in 1992 and became vice-president instead. Then he got assassinated by the soviets (who were still around). Then Hillary Clinton somehow started a bunch of wars to avenge her death husband. None of this plays any role at all in the book, which makes it so fucking weird. I have no clue why this story have a parallel timeline, it servers no purpose and is just so incredibly out of place .
And the book keeps being low-key political and it bugs the fuck outta me. Like the tough but fair father is explicitly a republican senator (who somehow is against the patriot act v2?). And the hitman who reluctantly works with is of course a democrat. Then there is the love interest who is multiple times described as not having an evil bone in her body. We are shown this is true because she doesn't do drugs, drink and saves herself for marriage. And there are tons more of these examples and other weird unnecessary political digs.
And my god, there is so much rape and sexual assault in this book. I think literally every villain and bad guys in this book is some kinda of rapist, child rapist, stalker, wannabe rapist or just a sexual creep.
There's tons of other stuff, but you don't care about that kinda thing and just want some f/f romance, you'll probably enjoy this book. I did not.
Like, is this what conservative lesbian fiction looks like? The book takes place in a world like ours, except some thing turned out drastically different in the last 30-ish years. Apparently, Bill Clinton lost the democratic nomination in 1992 and became vice-president instead. Then he got assassinated by the soviets (who were still around). Then Hillary Clinton somehow started a bunch of wars to avenge her death husband. None of this plays any role at all in the book, which makes it so fucking weird. I have no clue why this story have a parallel timeline, it servers no purpose and is just so incredibly out of place .
And the book keeps being low-key political and it bugs the fuck outta me. Like the tough but fair father is explicitly a republican senator (who somehow is against the patriot act v2?). And the hitman who reluctantly works with is of course a democrat. Then there is the love interest who is multiple times described as not having an evil bone in her body. We are shown this is true because she doesn't do drugs, drink and saves herself for marriage. And there are tons more of these examples and other weird unnecessary political digs.
And my god, there is so much rape and sexual assault in this book. I think literally every villain and bad guys in this book is some kinda of rapist, child rapist, stalker, wannabe rapist or just a sexual creep.
There's tons of other stuff, but you don't care about that kinda thing and just want some f/f romance, you'll probably enjoy this book. I did not.
June 15, 2020
I am afraid whatever I write will not do this book justice.
I loved it and I am also not quite done digesting it yet.
It's a little dark and twisted and some parts are hard to read. But I also found myself laughing out loud at a few dialogue scenes between Ryn and other characters due to her very different and unique perspective.
Ryn is a girl that isn't a girl at all, she's both a monster and a god. Older than time can describe but at the same time not integrated with modern society.
It's set in a world not very different from our own, where humans are not aware of monsters and things living amongst them.
She devours the rotten of this world and that part was more than satisfying for me to read.
I ended up highlighting whole passages of this book because a lot of things really resonated with me. The ugly truth put into words and explained in a way I could never do myself.
Can't wait for the next book of this series!
I loved it and I am also not quite done digesting it yet.
It's a little dark and twisted and some parts are hard to read. But I also found myself laughing out loud at a few dialogue scenes between Ryn and other characters due to her very different and unique perspective.
Ryn is a girl that isn't a girl at all, she's both a monster and a god. Older than time can describe but at the same time not integrated with modern society.
It's set in a world not very different from our own, where humans are not aware of monsters and things living amongst them.
She devours the rotten of this world and that part was more than satisfying for me to read.
I ended up highlighting whole passages of this book because a lot of things really resonated with me. The ugly truth put into words and explained in a way I could never do myself.
Can't wait for the next book of this series!
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