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Monsters we Crave
Betrayal is the only truth, and tyrants are gods and martyrs.
In a world of prestige and darkness, dictated by the Triad—a formidable alliance of crime families wielding power through cruelty and bloodshed—adapting is not a choice; it’s my only means of survival.
But the most formidable challenge is the man who reigns above us all.
His reputation precedes him. He is said to be ruthless and sadistic, an entity of darkness. A beautiful monster masterfully playing human.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
He’s far more terrifying.
And in the cruelest twist of fate, I’ve become his.
Disclaimer: This is the prequel to the upcoming Maelstrom Duology, a dark romance with romantasy elements. Some content may be upsetting or triggering. A TW has been included in each book and entails what can be expected throughout the duet. Reader Discretion is highly advised
In a world of prestige and darkness, dictated by the Triad—a formidable alliance of crime families wielding power through cruelty and bloodshed—adapting is not a choice; it’s my only means of survival.
But the most formidable challenge is the man who reigns above us all.
His reputation precedes him. He is said to be ruthless and sadistic, an entity of darkness. A beautiful monster masterfully playing human.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
He’s far more terrifying.
And in the cruelest twist of fate, I’ve become his.
Disclaimer: This is the prequel to the upcoming Maelstrom Duology, a dark romance with romantasy elements. Some content may be upsetting or triggering. A TW has been included in each book and entails what can be expected throughout the duet. Reader Discretion is highly advised
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 26, 2024
Intense - Twisted - Practically Perfect
This is how it all began
A terrorizing taste of what is to come for our sweet Korina
The moment he marked her
The moment he came to collect what was his due
This has pages of twisted thought followed up by action
Dark undertones
Hints of defiance
Teasers of the terror that is yet to unfold
(yes I was having fun with the descriptors but it was the only way to truly express what a mess I was after I read this)
We get to meet some of the players
We get hints as to who holds what and why
I am beyond excited for the release of this series
Oh yeah if you have any, and I mean any triggers I suggest skipping this one, it is a Bennet and Royal work after all.
If the series continues with the same dark mysterious tone it might be my favorite series yet
Badlands still holds the rank but we will see
This is how it all began
A terrorizing taste of what is to come for our sweet Korina
The moment he marked her
The moment he came to collect what was his due
This has pages of twisted thought followed up by action
Dark undertones
Hints of defiance
Teasers of the terror that is yet to unfold
(yes I was having fun with the descriptors but it was the only way to truly express what a mess I was after I read this)
We get to meet some of the players
We get hints as to who holds what and why
I am beyond excited for the release of this series
Oh yeah if you have any, and I mean any triggers I suggest skipping this one, it is a Bennet and Royal work after all.
If the series continues with the same dark mysterious tone it might be my favorite series yet
Badlands still holds the rank but we will see
July 28, 2024
***4 "I vow!!!" stars***
"You've always been mine..."
I adore the crazy, dark stories that Natalie Bennett is giving us every time and this time wasn't the exception...
A futuristic, dystopian, dark tale with fantasy touches is the prequel of the Maelstrom duet and it was an intense and very intriguing beginning for Korinna and Aidoneus....
"The Maelstroms and anyone associated with them were a web of intrigue and power plays. had no intention of allowing me or my sister to be caught in their snares."
A chance encounter into the woods brought these two together years ago where Aidoneus saved Korinna from a brutal fate...
Years later, everything are starting to change for Korinna when she is starting to see everywhere around her members of the Triad, the rulers of their world...
But she could've never imagine that Aidoneus would be back to claim her as his and that he wouldn't hesistate in anything to get her!!!
"In blood, they unite,
in purpose, they bind.
Two souls, two legacies,
now interwined."
I am really wondering how the future will be for these two...
Will Korinna accept this fate or will she fight Aidoneus in every turn???
Is he the right man for her, or he will brutally shatter her heart, mind and spirit???
Who is really Aidoneus Maelstrom??? And who is Korinna after all???
I really can not wait to find more about them and their world!!!
"I was now irrevocably entwined with Aidoneus Maelstrom, and nothing would ever be the same."
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
"You've always been mine..."
I adore the crazy, dark stories that Natalie Bennett is giving us every time and this time wasn't the exception...
A futuristic, dystopian, dark tale with fantasy touches is the prequel of the Maelstrom duet and it was an intense and very intriguing beginning for Korinna and Aidoneus....
"The Maelstroms and anyone associated with them were a web of intrigue and power plays. had no intention of allowing me or my sister to be caught in their snares."
A chance encounter into the woods brought these two together years ago where Aidoneus saved Korinna from a brutal fate...
Years later, everything are starting to change for Korinna when she is starting to see everywhere around her members of the Triad, the rulers of their world...
But she could've never imagine that Aidoneus would be back to claim her as his and that he wouldn't hesistate in anything to get her!!!
"In blood, they unite,
in purpose, they bind.
Two souls, two legacies,
now interwined."
I am really wondering how the future will be for these two...
Will Korinna accept this fate or will she fight Aidoneus in every turn???
Is he the right man for her, or he will brutally shatter her heart, mind and spirit???
Who is really Aidoneus Maelstrom??? And who is Korinna after all???
I really can not wait to find more about them and their world!!!
"I was now irrevocably entwined with Aidoneus Maelstrom, and nothing would ever be the same."
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
July 24, 2024
Monsters We Crave by Natalie Bennett
Please check your trigger warnings and content warnings before reading this
I'm going to start off by saying that I have loved everything that I have read by Natalie! It is always so dark and twisted and will have you questioning WTF did I just read in all the best ways possible.
This is a prequel for the Maelstrom Duology
I don't want to say too much about this prequel because I don't want to give any spoilers away. This starts with Korina in the house with her grandma and her sister Ophelia and she is going out because something is happening. She is walking and incomes someone who is trying to hurt her when someone comes to her rescue and gets "rid of him". She wonders where he came from and she recognizes the emblem that he has on.
Time has passed and things have just been feeling off and she feels that something is going to happen. She keeps seeing people from the triad and she doesn't know why they keep coming around. Aidoneus has his sights set on Korina and he will get her when the time is right.
Please check your trigger warnings and content warnings before reading this
I'm going to start off by saying that I have loved everything that I have read by Natalie! It is always so dark and twisted and will have you questioning WTF did I just read in all the best ways possible.
This is a prequel for the Maelstrom Duology
I don't want to say too much about this prequel because I don't want to give any spoilers away. This starts with Korina in the house with her grandma and her sister Ophelia and she is going out because something is happening. She is walking and incomes someone who is trying to hurt her when someone comes to her rescue and gets "rid of him". She wonders where he came from and she recognizes the emblem that he has on.
Time has passed and things have just been feeling off and she feels that something is going to happen. She keeps seeing people from the triad and she doesn't know why they keep coming around. Aidoneus has his sights set on Korina and he will get her when the time is right.
June 17, 2024
Leave it to Natalie Bennett to tease us with another amazing prequel to a new series!
🖤Mafia and Romantasy!
🖤Dysropian/Utopian Setting
“This was a man crafted from the dark tales she whispered on cold nights, a figure from myths.”
Searching for her grandmother, Kore ends up getting saved by Aidoneus from a roque man trying to hurt her.
The enigmatic kingpin. He’s not known for saving people. Ever. He gives her a necklace said to protect her from all harm.
That was then.
This is now. He’s come back to claim her.
He’s RUTHLESS. A cold hearted and calculating killer.
If you’ve read anything from Natalie Bennett, you’re in for complete power control. Unwavering domination and domestic discipline.
I’m so eager to continue this storyline! Just who is Aidoneus?!
🖤Mafia and Romantasy!
🖤Dysropian/Utopian Setting
“This was a man crafted from the dark tales she whispered on cold nights, a figure from myths.”
Searching for her grandmother, Kore ends up getting saved by Aidoneus from a roque man trying to hurt her.
The enigmatic kingpin. He’s not known for saving people. Ever. He gives her a necklace said to protect her from all harm.
That was then.
This is now. He’s come back to claim her.
He’s RUTHLESS. A cold hearted and calculating killer.
If you’ve read anything from Natalie Bennett, you’re in for complete power control. Unwavering domination and domestic discipline.
I’m so eager to continue this storyline! Just who is Aidoneus?!
July 27, 2024
I loved the whole setting of this book. The futuristic fantasy dystopian/utopian vibe was somewhere new for me and I loved it.
Was not expecting that ending and can’t wait for the rest of the series!
Was not expecting that ending and can’t wait for the rest of the series!
July 25, 2024
Wow!!! Natalie Bennett has done it again and given us a prequel to a new duet called The Maelstrom Duology. Prepare to be thrown right in at the deep end and this is just the beginning so buckle up because you're in for a ride!!!
As always please check your trigger warnings before reading this as we know Natalie loves to push the boundaries and write dark and twisted stories and I bloody love it!!! This story follows Kore who ends up being saved by Aidoneus when she's out trying to search for her grandmother. Ah what can I say about Aidoneus!! He's part of a crime family ( there are four ) each family with their own legacy and power of what they can do, and he's not known for saving people but when he sees Kore all that changes!! He gives her a necklace to help keep her from further harm.......that was then.....what happens now!! Well you can guess he comes back to claim her and he doesn't care who gets in his way of claiming what's his!!
Honestly if like me and you love anything written by Natalie then you know exactly what you're getting here!!! I'm honestly eager to read the duet now because I wanna know who exactly is Aidoneus? I really can't wait to see what's gonna happen next!!! If you like dystopian stories then you'll love this.
As always please check your trigger warnings before reading this as we know Natalie loves to push the boundaries and write dark and twisted stories and I bloody love it!!! This story follows Kore who ends up being saved by Aidoneus when she's out trying to search for her grandmother. Ah what can I say about Aidoneus!! He's part of a crime family ( there are four ) each family with their own legacy and power of what they can do, and he's not known for saving people but when he sees Kore all that changes!! He gives her a necklace to help keep her from further harm.......that was then.....what happens now!! Well you can guess he comes back to claim her and he doesn't care who gets in his way of claiming what's his!!
Honestly if like me and you love anything written by Natalie then you know exactly what you're getting here!!! I'm honestly eager to read the duet now because I wanna know who exactly is Aidoneus? I really can't wait to see what's gonna happen next!!! If you like dystopian stories then you'll love this.
July 25, 2024
This was so good right from the start I was sucked into this world. Please check the trigger warnings as Natalie likes to test the boundaries in her books and this one wasn't any different. This is the prequel to the upcoming Maelstrom Duology, and I know this girl is ready as Natalie will be bringing us the dark and twisted goodness she always brings to her stories.
I don't want to say too much about the prequel and give thing's away, but this is about Korinna who had left her family's cabin to go looking for her grandmother as something was happening outside and she was worried, but instead found trouble of her own and a protector or is he. He goes by the name Aideous who happens to save Korinna one night when everything is chaos. He gives her a necklace to protect her and tells her one day he'll come to collect. She later finds out he's part of a crime family called the Triad, and he wants her.
I know I am so ready to get into the 1st book in this duet it'll definitely be a wild ride judging from this prequel.
I don't want to say too much about the prequel and give thing's away, but this is about Korinna who had left her family's cabin to go looking for her grandmother as something was happening outside and she was worried, but instead found trouble of her own and a protector or is he. He goes by the name Aideous who happens to save Korinna one night when everything is chaos. He gives her a necklace to protect her and tells her one day he'll come to collect. She later finds out he's part of a crime family called the Triad, and he wants her.
I know I am so ready to get into the 1st book in this duet it'll definitely be a wild ride judging from this prequel.
July 25, 2024
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
Welcome to the prequel to the Maelstrom Duology. I will go ahead and tell you that you are going to devour this little gem. I can't wait for the first book in this series. In this story you are going to meet Korina. She lives in a world different from the one we know now. There are two sides fighting and they are kind of hidden from the world. However, her grandmother is missing. When she goes out or search for her she ends up in a bit of trouble but is suddenly saved by someone that she isn't even sure who he is. She sure never expected to be given a necklace from this guy to protect her. After some times has passed we find her and her sister again living in the city this time and keeping to themselves as best they can. When she runs into the gave who saved her all that time again, all bets are off. I have to stop there or I will tell you everything that goes on. I loved reading this prequel and like I said I can't wait for the first book.
Welcome to the prequel to the Maelstrom Duology. I will go ahead and tell you that you are going to devour this little gem. I can't wait for the first book in this series. In this story you are going to meet Korina. She lives in a world different from the one we know now. There are two sides fighting and they are kind of hidden from the world. However, her grandmother is missing. When she goes out or search for her she ends up in a bit of trouble but is suddenly saved by someone that she isn't even sure who he is. She sure never expected to be given a necklace from this guy to protect her. After some times has passed we find her and her sister again living in the city this time and keeping to themselves as best they can. When she runs into the gave who saved her all that time again, all bets are off. I have to stop there or I will tell you everything that goes on. I loved reading this prequel and like I said I can't wait for the first book.
June 30, 2024
Wow, leave it to Natalie Bennett to write another prequel that you will totally devour and at the end leaving you wanting to jump right into the next book, like right NOW!
This dystopian mystical mafia triad which is composed of four dominant crime families, each with their own legacy, skills and power and as you begin to read, you can already tell it is going to be a deliciously dark, sexy, and edge of your seat page turning duet. Take for example Aidoneus’s character who is not only powerful, possessive, but is the supreme alpha ruler. Then there is Korinna who is intelligent, beautiful and a survivor. However, she is somehow swept into Aidoneus’s world and when she becomes bound to him, she only then begins to realize that she will do anything to keep her family safe and at any cost.
This prequel is a must read, and I’m hoping we won’t have to wait too long to jump right into the next book!
This dystopian mystical mafia triad which is composed of four dominant crime families, each with their own legacy, skills and power and as you begin to read, you can already tell it is going to be a deliciously dark, sexy, and edge of your seat page turning duet. Take for example Aidoneus’s character who is not only powerful, possessive, but is the supreme alpha ruler. Then there is Korinna who is intelligent, beautiful and a survivor. However, she is somehow swept into Aidoneus’s world and when she becomes bound to him, she only then begins to realize that she will do anything to keep her family safe and at any cost.
This prequel is a must read, and I’m hoping we won’t have to wait too long to jump right into the next book!
July 25, 2024
Dark, macabre, twisted, and always a complete mindf*ck. This is no different.
This is a prequel to her upcoming Maelstrom Duology and it’ll leave you with questions upon questions, giving you major WTF/ HUH moments, and needing book one ASAP.
This story centers on Korinna/Kore who goes searching for her grandmother… in the dead of night, of course, lol. In her search, she was put in danger, thus being saved by an unlikely protector. Aideous. Years pass and she later finds out that he is part of the Triad, the cities notorious crime families.
They meet again and he’s come to collect what so rightfully belongs to him… her.
Anywho, you get the gist. But if you want to know more, you know what to dooooo! ✨*patiently waiting for book one to drop*
*ARC for honest review.
This is a prequel to her upcoming Maelstrom Duology and it’ll leave you with questions upon questions, giving you major WTF/ HUH moments, and needing book one ASAP.
This story centers on Korinna/Kore who goes searching for her grandmother… in the dead of night, of course, lol. In her search, she was put in danger, thus being saved by an unlikely protector. Aideous. Years pass and she later finds out that he is part of the Triad, the cities notorious crime families.
They meet again and he’s come to collect what so rightfully belongs to him… her.
Anywho, you get the gist. But if you want to know more, you know what to dooooo! ✨*patiently waiting for book one to drop*
*ARC for honest review.
July 25, 2024
Holy amazeballs if this is just the prequel then I can’t imagine what the duology is going to be like!
The story is very unique and unpredictable. It is very gripping and utterly captivating.
I was fascinated with everything from start to finish.
I really like Korinna. She is brave and strong. Courageous and has interesting.
She doesn’t back down. Even when she’s scared or unsure.
Aidoneus had my interest piqued the moment he is introduced.
His power, confidence and the sureness in himself is palpable.
The tension with him and Kore is freaking intense!
The energy between them is insane and electrifying.
I’m so excited and looking forward to reading the Maelstrom Duet!
The story is very unique and unpredictable. It is very gripping and utterly captivating.
I was fascinated with everything from start to finish.
I really like Korinna. She is brave and strong. Courageous and has interesting.
She doesn’t back down. Even when she’s scared or unsure.
Aidoneus had my interest piqued the moment he is introduced.
His power, confidence and the sureness in himself is palpable.
The tension with him and Kore is freaking intense!
The energy between them is insane and electrifying.
I’m so excited and looking forward to reading the Maelstrom Duet!
July 26, 2024
Terrific world building with tons of mystery and air of danger has me hooked on this new series from one of my favorite authors. She always brings something different and deliciously dark with exciting characters. Korinna is wonderful but seemed a little meek in this first story but I know there’s more to her and can’t wait to see how her character unfolds. The powerful men are a little scary and one is obsessed with Kore. Their relationship was a surprise. But will it be a love match? I don’t think so. At this point I’m jonesing for more info on the rebels. I look forward to the next installment. This was a quick read and a page turner. Loved it!
July 25, 2024
Amazing world-building!
I was instantly pulled in and entranced with what Ms. Bennett is building for us!
What "really" is Kore's/Korinna's background that she is something to one of the Heirs of The Triad?
What's the pull to Him/Aidoneus?
This is dark, so definitely check the warnings.
Definite intensity you expect from Ms. Bennett!
I cannot wait for MORE!
I was instantly pulled in and entranced with what Ms. Bennett is building for us!
What "really" is Kore's/Korinna's background that she is something to one of the Heirs of The Triad?
What's the pull to Him/Aidoneus?
This is dark, so definitely check the warnings.
Definite intensity you expect from Ms. Bennett!
I cannot wait for MORE!
July 25, 2024
Monsters We Crave is the prequel to the upcoming Maelstrom series. Kore is searching for her grandmother when she is rescued by a stranger from a dangerous situation. He gives her a necklace that is said to protect her from harm. Now he is back to claim her as his. Aidoneus is a dangerous and mysterious man. Looking forward to reading more about Kore and Aidoneus.
July 19, 2024
This book gripped me from the very beginning and kept me on edge throughout. Aidoneus Maelstrom took my breath & left me wanting more. "This is the first and last time you cry over another man" Ahhh yes. He takes MINE to a whole new level
July 25, 2024
This story had me hooked from page one. It’s a good little prequel that will have you craving more. I am definitely looking forward to this series and in true Natalie fashion this is going to be dark and delicious and something not to be. Im dying to know more about Kore and Aidoneus.
July 2, 2024
Awesome beginning to a new series. A teaser to keep us wanting more. Absolutely love everything this author puts out so I'm sure this series will be amazing.
July 15, 2024
This prequel left me with more questions than answers in the best way. I have not been this excited for a Natalie Bennett series since the Devil’s Playground series. Can’t wait for the next book!
July 16, 2024
An interesting prequel to Natalie’s new world. I’m excited to see where the characters and world takes us.
Review by Raychel
Review by Raychel
July 31, 2024
4⭐️ 3🌶️
August 7, 2024
I loved the whole setting of this book. The fantasy vibe.
Was not expecting that ending and can’t wait for the rest of the series!
Was not expecting that ending and can’t wait for the rest of the series!
July 27, 2025
Monsters We Crave is everything I missed from Natalie Bennett.
This short introduction into the Maelstrom Duet has me excited to see whats to come next.
This short introduction into the Maelstrom Duet has me excited to see whats to come next.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews