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A lover’s betrayal. A flight through an evil forest. A deadly promise.  

When Citrine is chased out of her village for her unusual skills, she travels through a dark forest searching for a place to call home.

Along the way she runs into monsters and makes a deadly promise in exchange for freedom.

Citrine's Monsters is a 9,000 word short story and prequel to the epic fantasy series: Legend of the Nameless One. 

Read the first book in the series: Realm of Beasts

39 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 26, 2018

10 people are currently reading
97 people want to read

About the author

Angela J. Ford

53 books1,071 followers
Angela J. Ford is a bestselling fantasy romance author who writes mortal × immortal forbidden romance featuring Black heroines in worlds where gothic cinema meets fantasy.

Angela's standalone novels deliver steamy yearning, atmospheric world-building, and complete emotional satisfaction in one book. No cliffhangers. No waiting years for sequels. No series commitment required.

Perfect for readers who love the ache of mortal/immortal romance, want meaningful Black representation in fantasy, and prefer complete standalone stories over multi-book series commitments.

When she's not crafting fantasy romance worlds, Angela can be found with her nose in a book, curating romantasy book boxes for readers, or exploring new ways to bring her stories to life through signed editions and immersive book experiences.

Visit her website (angelajford.com) for signed hardcovers, exclusive book boxes and luxe bookish candles.

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5 stars
17 (44%)
4 stars
11 (28%)
3 stars
5 (13%)
2 stars
4 (10%)
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1 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Toni Cox.
Author 31 books527 followers
June 24, 2019
An enchanting short story, and an enjoyable quick read. Citrine is a wonderfully likeable character.
Profile Image for Lyle Kroeker .
41 reviews5 followers
February 27, 2019
Great starter to a series and has me hooked on reading the next book.

The only complaint I have is that there were too many mentions of the characters physical body. I understand that the author want you to know she is beautiful. I am no writer but I am sure it can be done in a way without having to describe each body part.

It was well written and am looking forward to reading the next installment of Citrine's story.
Profile Image for Donna.
225 reviews7 followers
June 25, 2019
This story hooked me from the get go as I was trying to figure out what exactly Citrine is as well as what are her pets and why is Hansel freaking out so much. Definately looking forward to continuing Citrine's story in Realm of Beast
Profile Image for A Hippie's Bookshelf.
52 reviews2 followers
February 2, 2021
In the opening as Hansel insults Citrine, the build up is magical without giving too many details. I began to think, was he tricked with sorcery of a sort? Even so his description of her only interested me more and enticed me for what might be revealed.

This is a short story but full of interesting content, characters and an intense journey.

At the end is Citrine's true beginning, I imagine. And I am completely hooked to know how this incredible female character carries on.

In most cases the lead is clearly marked to save the world or fight against evil in some way. I'm not real sure at this point how Citrine's journey will go. It just feels like vengeance. Or possibly, her love for Hansel will have a part after all.

Maybe her anger, which would be rightly so, will be a driving force in what comes next. Perhaps Citrine is a villain and here we are told how her wrath was born.

Beautifully written and wonderfully detailed. This is a great introduction and shows the talents of the author. I'm absolutely ready for more!
Profile Image for Lana.
2,807 reviews60 followers
May 14, 2018
This short novel was so magical, I do believe that Angela Ford uses a magic wand to write her stories and not a pen! This is a story about fear of difference and the evil this could lead to. Citrine is an amazing character, so beautiful and at one with nature and so different to those around her that she is seen as a monster herself! During her escape from persecution all she could think about was whether her monsters were safe, these were her friends who she looked out for. I particularly loved the part where the monster from the lake rises to befriend Citrine and of course her encounter with Novor Tur-Woodberry is full of wonder too! I would have really loved to go on reading this wondrous tale but unfortunately it was just a short novel to whet our appetites and have us readers clamour out for more of the same magical writing which Angela J. Ford so excels in. Another big well done!
364 reviews8 followers
October 18, 2020
CITRINE’S MONSTERS: Ms. Ford has artfully crammed this short tale full of information about Citrine and her close, caring relationship with her pets. When mere mortals discover them, they are viewed as monsters. In their minds, that makes her a monster, so she is greatly feared, abandoned by her lover and forced to flee her village when they burn down her house. Her encounters with the creatures she meets during her adventurous trip through the forest set the stage for a very interesting new series.
250 reviews1 follower
November 16, 2018
Introducing Citrine – the owner of the monsters. Angela’s monsters, beasts and characters are always a standout. The story is short, but Citrine has an adventure that tells her story. She’s faced with betrayal and fear. The villagers fear her because of her different ways. If only they would only try to understand, they wouldn’t have to fear the unknown. But as it is, Citrine must flee for her life and this begins her new life. A great introduction to the new series, The Nameless One.
Profile Image for Vicki DeVico.
165 reviews2 followers
July 26, 2019
3.5 stars...Enjoyable tale that makes the reader work to figure out what's really happening with Citrine. She's an interesting character and I'll definitely read more about her adventures. As magical as this book was, I did struggle with the 1st person perspective. I think it would have been much better in the 3rd person...one does not usually describe oneself as having a heart-shaped face or describe their own body as much as is done here.
Profile Image for Krishnasree V.
39 reviews1 follower
September 26, 2020
This book is the short prequel to the bestselling "The Legend of the Nameless One series".

Citrine is betrayed by her lover, Hansel and is chased out of her village for her unusual skills. She searches for her 'pets' and travels through a dark forest.
Along the way, she encounters monsters and makes a deadly promise in exchange for freedom.

An enchanting short story and an enjoyable quick read. It is a great starter for the series and am looking forward to read Citrine's next adventure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Amber Niebaum.
232 reviews41 followers
February 17, 2019
This prequel did its job because I am hooked! For such a short time frame we went through a lot with Citrine and what I experienced made me into one of her monsters because I don't want to leave her side. Citrine is a character we can root for and be proud of. The narrator did an amazing job putting us right beside her through it all. Impatiently waiting to start book 1!!!
Profile Image for Sandra Stiles.
Author 1 book81 followers
August 19, 2025
This prequel set the series up in away that made me want to dive right into it. Citrine is a unique character. When you see how she was betrayed by the one she loved and used by others you can't help but feel sorry for her and root her on.This is the beginning of a world filled with fantastic characters and what I believe will be a great adventure.
Profile Image for Sabetha.
Author 20 books131 followers
June 25, 2019
Um, more of this please! This quick read teased all the right elements in what looks to be an engulfing world of mythical creatures. Citrine's strength draws you in, can't wait to read more of her story.
Profile Image for Zara Quentin.
Author 16 books171 followers
June 27, 2019
I enjoyed this short story which is a introduction/prequel to Realm of Beasts which I plan to read next. I liked the author's style, the amount of description and world-buildung, and the development of a character who I assume will be a significant character in this series. Well worth the read.
Profile Image for Stephanie BwaBwa.
Author 16 books103 followers
May 15, 2018
I loved Citrine's character! She's got spunk and she's a woman that's not afraid of her monsters! LOVE IT.
776 reviews2 followers
September 10, 2018
This is a very good start to what promises to be another great series. This I believe will start with a Realm of Beasts. This author certainly can pen a good epic fantasy. Highly recommended.
214 reviews9 followers
October 29, 2018
This is a short story. I enjoyed the read. I am curious to read the upcoming book. I do wonder why the author focuses so much on Citrine’s body?
98 reviews3 followers
June 30, 2019
Enjoyed the imagery of the environment Citrine traveled in. Hope to learn more about her beasts and find out what other types of creatures join her group.
Profile Image for David.
118 reviews25 followers
August 19, 2019
interesting-she leaves me guessing/of course she'll do anything for her pets, but on the way, she'll have to betray someone, n does she really just forget what happened when they were discovered?
Profile Image for Pia Wismar.
37 reviews
September 13, 2019
This prequel definitely got me hooked, can't wait to get started with the first novel Realm of Beasts
268 reviews
January 27, 2021
I didn't get this

Interesting story, but it didn't really explain a lot. Things were not developed very well and I have no desire to continue with this series.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews

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