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This Monster of Mine #2
This Blade of Ours
Not yet published
Expected 1 Jun 26#1 Sunday Times Bestselling Author
Their love was their salvation. It could be their ruin.
Sarai believed the worst was behind her. However, months after exposing the government’s corruption in what has now been deemed “the Great Unravelling,” she faces scorn from citizens who preferred her and Kadra as the underdogs than victors. Worse, eerie omens rock the country: from a deadly plague outbreak to a sweeping madness that leave the afflicted ranting of an approaching reckoning. Accused of angering the gods, Sarai returns to the only place that can clear her name: Ur Dinyé’s frozen north. But among the secrets buried in its ice are Kadra’s.
Cursed with frightening, new abilities, Kadra struggles to protect Sarai against a land at odds with itself. When historical tensions worsen between the north and the south, a powerful religious order seizes control in the chaos, led by a man whose very voice can kill—Noceo bu Kader. Trapped between love and a crumbling country, Sarai and Kadra must outwit a power with roots as deep in fear as in cruelty. But the gods are always watching, and Sarai and Kadra may not escape a second time.
The heart-pounding conclusion to This Monster of Mine, This Blade of Ours is a sweeping blend of cosmic horror, mystery, and achingly tender romance.
Their love was their salvation. It could be their ruin.
Sarai believed the worst was behind her. However, months after exposing the government’s corruption in what has now been deemed “the Great Unravelling,” she faces scorn from citizens who preferred her and Kadra as the underdogs than victors. Worse, eerie omens rock the country: from a deadly plague outbreak to a sweeping madness that leave the afflicted ranting of an approaching reckoning. Accused of angering the gods, Sarai returns to the only place that can clear her name: Ur Dinyé’s frozen north. But among the secrets buried in its ice are Kadra’s.
Cursed with frightening, new abilities, Kadra struggles to protect Sarai against a land at odds with itself. When historical tensions worsen between the north and the south, a powerful religious order seizes control in the chaos, led by a man whose very voice can kill—Noceo bu Kader. Trapped between love and a crumbling country, Sarai and Kadra must outwit a power with roots as deep in fear as in cruelty. But the gods are always watching, and Sarai and Kadra may not escape a second time.
The heart-pounding conclusion to This Monster of Mine, This Blade of Ours is a sweeping blend of cosmic horror, mystery, and achingly tender romance.
Hardcover
Expected publication June 1, 2026
18 people are currently reading
2314 people want to read
About the author
Shalini Abeysekara
2 books320 followersShalini Abeysekara (she/her/hers) is the #1 Sunday Times bestselling author of This Monster of Mine. A former corporate lawyer, she uses fantasy to explore monstrosity, craft cynical MMCs who respect women, and center neurodivergent women reckoning with their place in a world that tells them they’re too much and not enough. When not writing, she games her life away and tries to make the perfect entremet. Most days, she can’t believe she's an adult, and hope you don’t either.
Her debut dark romantasy duology, This Monster of Mine, is an Ancient Rome-inspired bloodbath of manipulation, deception, and forbidden love. The sequel, This Blade of Ours, releases on June 30th in North America, and July 2nd everywhere else.
Follow her @shalini.writes on IG/ @shaliniwrites on Tiktok to be the first to hear about preorder campaigns, bonus chapters and more!
Her debut dark romantasy duology, This Monster of Mine, is an Ancient Rome-inspired bloodbath of manipulation, deception, and forbidden love. The sequel, This Blade of Ours, releases on June 30th in North America, and July 2nd everywhere else.
Follow her @shalini.writes on IG/ @shaliniwrites on Tiktok to be the first to hear about preorder campaigns, bonus chapters and more!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Want to read
April 25, 2025I thought This Monster of Mine was a standalone but I definitely won’t say no to more Kadra
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was provided to me as an ARC; thank you to Shalini and her ARC team for the opportunity!
5 Stars — ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This Blade of Ours completely consumed me. It is emotional, intense, and somehow even more devastating than This Monster of Mine. From the very first chapter, I was pulled straight back into this world and did not want to leave it. This sequel feels deeper, darker, and more emotionally charged, and I loved every painful second of it.
The characters feel so raw here. Every interaction is layered with tension, longing, and unspoken emotion, and it made the reading experience incredibly immersive. The relationships are messier, heavier, and more complex, which only made me more invested. What stayed with me most was how deeply both Kadra and Sarai carry their guilt. There is no sense of emotional reset here, and I loved that. Sarai, in particular, is constantly grappling with the events of the first book, and that lingering weight becomes such an elemental part of this story. Even after the conclusion of book one, the emotions do not fade. The pain, regret, and intensity still cling to them, making their journey feel raw and achingly real as everything continues to unravel.
I also need to take a moment to praise Shalini Abeysekara because her writing is truly something special. The way she captures emotion is beautiful and devastating all at once. Every feeling feels intentional, every moment feels intimate, and there is so much care woven into the story. She has an incredible ability to make you ache for her characters while still rooting for them with your whole heart. Her storytelling feels confident, atmospheric, and deeply emotional, and it is impossible not to get completely swept up in it.
This Blade of Ours doesn’t just continue the story, it elevates it. The emotional stakes are higher, the tension cuts deeper, and the impact lingers long after you finish the final page. I closed this book feeling overwhelmed in the best way, already missing the world and the characters.
If you loved This Monster of Mine, this sequel is an absolute must read. Emotional, immersive, and heartbreakingly beautiful, this book has firmly cemented this series as one of my favourites
5 Stars — ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This Blade of Ours completely consumed me. It is emotional, intense, and somehow even more devastating than This Monster of Mine. From the very first chapter, I was pulled straight back into this world and did not want to leave it. This sequel feels deeper, darker, and more emotionally charged, and I loved every painful second of it.
The characters feel so raw here. Every interaction is layered with tension, longing, and unspoken emotion, and it made the reading experience incredibly immersive. The relationships are messier, heavier, and more complex, which only made me more invested. What stayed with me most was how deeply both Kadra and Sarai carry their guilt. There is no sense of emotional reset here, and I loved that. Sarai, in particular, is constantly grappling with the events of the first book, and that lingering weight becomes such an elemental part of this story. Even after the conclusion of book one, the emotions do not fade. The pain, regret, and intensity still cling to them, making their journey feel raw and achingly real as everything continues to unravel.
I also need to take a moment to praise Shalini Abeysekara because her writing is truly something special. The way she captures emotion is beautiful and devastating all at once. Every feeling feels intentional, every moment feels intimate, and there is so much care woven into the story. She has an incredible ability to make you ache for her characters while still rooting for them with your whole heart. Her storytelling feels confident, atmospheric, and deeply emotional, and it is impossible not to get completely swept up in it.
This Blade of Ours doesn’t just continue the story, it elevates it. The emotional stakes are higher, the tension cuts deeper, and the impact lingers long after you finish the final page. I closed this book feeling overwhelmed in the best way, already missing the world and the characters.
If you loved This Monster of Mine, this sequel is an absolute must read. Emotional, immersive, and heartbreakingly beautiful, this book has firmly cemented this series as one of my favourites
Want to read
July 22, 2025Gimme this book right freaking now
arc-tbr
January 7, 2026
wish-list
April 29, 2025How are you telling me I have to wait OVER a year for this Shalini? 😭
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
.☘︎ ݁˖ “Don’t be stubborn. We both want what’s best for the country.”
“But I won’t make the country pay for what I want.”
He spoke over his shoulder. “Then, you’ll pay for what the country wants.”
《 6 stars 》oh miss shalini your brain is the best place ever. in fact can i rent a room there? cause i need to live in ur dinyé despite its flaws, cause it would mean i get to see sarai and kadra live 🤭🙂↕️ oh this sequel is everything a tmom reader could've wanted in life. the lush worldbuilding, the incredibly realistic characters and the character arcs!! this is also one emotional hell of a roller coaster (i was ugly crying at a certain chapter, good luck ^^) and this book beautifully debates about morality, justice, religion and what it means to have power. i have soo much to say. just pls go pre-order it everyone!! its a sequel that will blow your mind ⭐️✨️ full rtc
i don't usually rate a book before i read it, but how does one rate a book 1 star before even reading it?? arcs aren't even out 😭
“But I won’t make the country pay for what I want.”
He spoke over his shoulder. “Then, you’ll pay for what the country wants.”
《 6 stars 》oh miss shalini your brain is the best place ever. in fact can i rent a room there? cause i need to live in ur dinyé despite its flaws, cause it would mean i get to see sarai and kadra live 🤭🙂↕️ oh this sequel is everything a tmom reader could've wanted in life. the lush worldbuilding, the incredibly realistic characters and the character arcs!! this is also one emotional hell of a roller coaster (i was ugly crying at a certain chapter, good luck ^^) and this book beautifully debates about morality, justice, religion and what it means to have power. i have soo much to say. just pls go pre-order it everyone!! its a sequel that will blow your mind ⭐️✨️ full rtc
Want to read
May 12, 2025Just finished TMOM, and I am both elated and devasted to learn there's going to be a sequel. How am I supposed to wait an entire YEAR for more of Sarai and Kadra??? They are so delightfully, beautifully vicious and clever and reckless and ruthless and just, and I am utterly obsessed ❤️
Oh well, guess I just need to reread the first book about 50 more times to sate The Need for more while I wait!
Oh well, guess I just need to reread the first book about 50 more times to sate The Need for more while I wait!
to-read-sequels
April 23, 2025I need this right now!!
Want to read
August 29, 2025What do you mean I have to wait until May 2026 😫
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to the author and Union Square for the advanced review copy.
4.5 stars!
This was a great conclusion to the duology and I'll miss Kadra and Sarai dearly. Their relationship has been one of my favourites in the romantic fantasy genre and now that they're together in TBOO they somehow manage to yearn MORE? As separate characters they're so well fleshed-out which makes their relationship all the more compelling. There was an interaction near the end of the book that has really stuck with me, and I wish I had noted down the exact phrasing, but Sarai had admitted that she felt the allure of power and Kadra said she only craved its security. They understand each other, and support each other in a way that's incredibly touching.
In general, I loved the character work in this book, especially around Kadra's backstory. His pov chapters were a real highlight. I felt as if he were a bit of an enigma in This Monster of Mine but getting to know his inner thoughts and motivations made me adore him so much more. The introduction of a few new characters was enough to keep it fresh whilst not drawing away from the development of those from the first book. I loved seeing Anek and Cassandane dealing with their new positions, and even Harion surprised me!
Now the antagonist of this story I won't say too much about but Shalini did an amazing job at making him frustratingly unlikeable (except I enjoy flawed characters so much I actually ended up liking him, go figure). But again, he was written so convincingly that it was difficult not to go through a whole range of emotions whenever he was on page, particularly in his interactions with Sarai.
There were so many twists to keep my on my toes, too. The worldbuilding, the tension, the mystery - all superb. The only criticism I have was feeling as if there was so much going on and until the end it felt as if there were two very distinct storylines. Whilst there's a lot of great lore around the Gods, I think I just felt as if there was a lot of untapped potential there! (Maybe I just want another book, to be honest).
There are some strong themes of justice, corruption and oppression that carry on from book one. I think it was darker in many ways, with some pretty gory scenes which I have to say I loved. Overall, a fantastic end to a fantastic duology.
4.5 stars!
This was a great conclusion to the duology and I'll miss Kadra and Sarai dearly. Their relationship has been one of my favourites in the romantic fantasy genre and now that they're together in TBOO they somehow manage to yearn MORE? As separate characters they're so well fleshed-out which makes their relationship all the more compelling. There was an interaction near the end of the book that has really stuck with me, and I wish I had noted down the exact phrasing, but Sarai had admitted that she felt the allure of power and Kadra said she only craved its security. They understand each other, and support each other in a way that's incredibly touching.
In general, I loved the character work in this book, especially around Kadra's backstory. His pov chapters were a real highlight. I felt as if he were a bit of an enigma in This Monster of Mine but getting to know his inner thoughts and motivations made me adore him so much more. The introduction of a few new characters was enough to keep it fresh whilst not drawing away from the development of those from the first book. I loved seeing Anek and Cassandane dealing with their new positions, and even Harion surprised me!
Now the antagonist of this story I won't say too much about but Shalini did an amazing job at making him frustratingly unlikeable (except I enjoy flawed characters so much I actually ended up liking him, go figure). But again, he was written so convincingly that it was difficult not to go through a whole range of emotions whenever he was on page, particularly in his interactions with Sarai.
There were so many twists to keep my on my toes, too. The worldbuilding, the tension, the mystery - all superb. The only criticism I have was feeling as if there was so much going on and until the end it felt as if there were two very distinct storylines. Whilst there's a lot of great lore around the Gods, I think I just felt as if there was a lot of untapped potential there! (Maybe I just want another book, to be honest).
There are some strong themes of justice, corruption and oppression that carry on from book one. I think it was darker in many ways, with some pretty gory scenes which I have to say I loved. Overall, a fantastic end to a fantastic duology.
January 26, 2026
This was so goooood!!! I loved this continuation of Kadra + Sarai! The mystery aspect was great, some small twists that surprised me, and I really enjoyed getting more into Kadra’s backstory. There were some spots of humor that caught me off guard and made me laugh. The politics were done so well- they felt (sadly) relevant to our current political landscape, but it was done in a natural way where I always got the point, but I never felt preached at or lectured to.
I really enjoy a book that shows the after…the characters accomplished what they wanted in the first book…now what? Such a good exploration of power and freedom and how those can work together, the length people would go to for either, how trauma can impact your view of this…I highlighted a lot.
Kadra and Sarai…love following a full, *mature* couple, what a breath of fresh air. He trusts her and leaves her to her choices, even if they’re bad, and she trusts him and doesn’t jump to conclusions.
This lost me a bit with the Kadra and Wrath storyline…I’m not sure I understood the purpose or resolution that came with it. Also quite a few copy edit errors that I’m sure will be addressed before being published, but had me rereading certain parts to fully get what was going on.
Thank you to NetGalley for ARC
I really enjoy a book that shows the after…the characters accomplished what they wanted in the first book…now what? Such a good exploration of power and freedom and how those can work together, the length people would go to for either, how trauma can impact your view of this…I highlighted a lot.
Kadra and Sarai…love following a full, *mature* couple, what a breath of fresh air. He trusts her and leaves her to her choices, even if they’re bad, and she trusts him and doesn’t jump to conclusions.
This lost me a bit with the Kadra and Wrath storyline…I’m not sure I understood the purpose or resolution that came with it. Also quite a few copy edit errors that I’m sure will be addressed before being published, but had me rereading certain parts to fully get what was going on.
Thank you to NetGalley for ARC
January 17, 2026
I had a really good time reading this book. It was one of my most anticipated releases of the year and I’m so glad it did not disappoint. It was a very solid sequel — and conclusion to the duology. It was a more fantasy heavy type of romantasy and the fantasy plot was very intriguing and engaging. It kept me interested in the story and I really wanted to know how it was going to end. I did like the female main character more than the male, she was resilient yet soft at times. I highly recommend this duology, starting with This monster of mine. Romantasy is not a genre that impresses me easily, but this duology surely did that.
Thank you to Netgalley for an e-ARC in exchange for a honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley for an e-ARC in exchange for a honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
THIS BLADE OF OURS by Shalini Abeysekara shoots up my adrenaline and dives into deeper, underlying themes about patriarchal society, violence and authority, and secrets and betrayal.
Abeysekara paints the world in wider brushstrokes, rich with little to major details that are enjoyable and fascinating. Fantasy elements are new and exciting, and I think of how much Sarai, Kadra, Anek, and the rest of the characters have grown since TMOM.
I enjoy Sarai's "dreams" and although these are words on my screen, the incidents within those scenes feel as though I am experiencing a lucid, bloody journey. The prose is highly atmospheric and immersive and I like the metaphors and similes between body parts and light and setting details.
As for the deeper themes, the commentary about systems of power, capitalism, and greedy guild people is sharp. I appreciate the scenes of Sarai and the others challenging and criticising the guilds.
The major plot lines are mysterious, intriguing, and compelling. I couldn't make any predictions and didn't expect the twists, nor did I expect the messages, subtext, and commentary accompanying the surprises. I appreciate how the new characters are written and how events of and people from their pasts add to the theme of patriarchal systems enabling violence and thriving on it.
I love how the major plot is introduced as if it is a seedling thrown into the soil of the story, and how it grew into an abomination--I appreciate the horror because it reflects the devastating acts of humanity. I see what lurks in Sarai's, Kadra's, and other character's minds, and it is all tied to the abuse of authority, with deep thought put into how each character deals with their trauma. THIS BLADE OF OURS shows how the mind handles and perceives trauma and violence, and takes it up a notch by demonstrating what happens when the gods come out to play with humans' fears and anxieties.
I am going to discuss the new characters, and if you do not wish to know their names, please jump ahead.
The next character that is introduced in this book:
I appreciate his complex relationships with other characters and how the story concludes for him.
My thoughts on Sarai and Kadra:
I enjoy Sarai's development and how she faces her trauma. The scenes focusing on her memories are sorrowful and I appreciate the depth of them. Her character is compelling as always, and I like how realistic her reactions are to trauma. There are several brief lines in the book that reference her past or how she deals with her trauma which I find very thorough and an accomplishment of making her perspective unique and refreshing. I appreciate her experiences dealing with folk who say demeaning things to her and how she stays strong. I am never tired of Sarai!
Kadra's development is very good and I have so much fun reading his interactions with a certain mysterious character. I appreciate the deep exploration of his physical trauma and anxieties. I like that we have his perspective in this book! His experiences from his former family, being with Othus, and being a tetrarch are interesting and I found myself wanting to know more. Ever mysterious, isn't he? The only thing that isn't a mystery is his love for Sarai. I feel as though I earned so much from reading his perspective. When he speaks to other characters, it makes sense why he talks to them in certain speech patterns. I also like his friendship with other characters like Cassandane and Gaius! Finally, the romantic & intimate scenes between him and Sarai are rewarding and I appreciate the emotion in these moments.
Anek, I love you my neutralii. I appreciate every moment they're on the page!
Time for some spoiler-free quotes that I highlighted. These aren't all, just some:
"I perform in public every day, and some asshole with no knowledge of law, economics, or human decency raves that I'm a northern bitch who got the job by spreading my legs."
"You cultivate a new generation of enemies and scapegoats, so that when they fight back and war blooms you can blame history and roar that you have never been at fault."
"Instead, they chose to do as the Clans always have--build walls and shutter the Institute to all but the wealthiest." Hmm, I wonder where I've heard that before! Only the wealthy having access to knowledge in an educational institution? Yep.
"I'm panicking! Let me panic--"
"Some cages aren't so simple."
"I fancy keeping my eyes in their sockets."
Look to the skies... and cry.
Thank you to Shalini Abeysekara and NetGalley for the ARC.
Abeysekara paints the world in wider brushstrokes, rich with little to major details that are enjoyable and fascinating. Fantasy elements are new and exciting, and I think of how much Sarai, Kadra, Anek, and the rest of the characters have grown since TMOM.
I enjoy Sarai's "dreams" and although these are words on my screen, the incidents within those scenes feel as though I am experiencing a lucid, bloody journey. The prose is highly atmospheric and immersive and I like the metaphors and similes between body parts and light and setting details.
As for the deeper themes, the commentary about systems of power, capitalism, and greedy guild people is sharp. I appreciate the scenes of Sarai and the others challenging and criticising the guilds.
The major plot lines are mysterious, intriguing, and compelling. I couldn't make any predictions and didn't expect the twists, nor did I expect the messages, subtext, and commentary accompanying the surprises. I appreciate how the new characters are written and how events of and people from their pasts add to the theme of patriarchal systems enabling violence and thriving on it.
I love how the major plot is introduced as if it is a seedling thrown into the soil of the story, and how it grew into an abomination--I appreciate the horror because it reflects the devastating acts of humanity. I see what lurks in Sarai's, Kadra's, and other character's minds, and it is all tied to the abuse of authority, with deep thought put into how each character deals with their trauma. THIS BLADE OF OURS shows how the mind handles and perceives trauma and violence, and takes it up a notch by demonstrating what happens when the gods come out to play with humans' fears and anxieties.
I am going to discuss the new characters, and if you do not wish to know their names, please jump ahead.
The next character that is introduced in this book:
I appreciate his complex relationships with other characters and how the story concludes for him.
My thoughts on Sarai and Kadra:
I enjoy Sarai's development and how she faces her trauma. The scenes focusing on her memories are sorrowful and I appreciate the depth of them. Her character is compelling as always, and I like how realistic her reactions are to trauma. There are several brief lines in the book that reference her past or how she deals with her trauma which I find very thorough and an accomplishment of making her perspective unique and refreshing. I appreciate her experiences dealing with folk who say demeaning things to her and how she stays strong. I am never tired of Sarai!
Kadra's development is very good and I have so much fun reading his interactions with a certain mysterious character. I appreciate the deep exploration of his physical trauma and anxieties. I like that we have his perspective in this book! His experiences from his former family, being with Othus, and being a tetrarch are interesting and I found myself wanting to know more. Ever mysterious, isn't he? The only thing that isn't a mystery is his love for Sarai. I feel as though I earned so much from reading his perspective. When he speaks to other characters, it makes sense why he talks to them in certain speech patterns. I also like his friendship with other characters like Cassandane and Gaius! Finally, the romantic & intimate scenes between him and Sarai are rewarding and I appreciate the emotion in these moments.
Anek, I love you my neutralii. I appreciate every moment they're on the page!
Time for some spoiler-free quotes that I highlighted. These aren't all, just some:
"I perform in public every day, and some asshole with no knowledge of law, economics, or human decency raves that I'm a northern bitch who got the job by spreading my legs."
"You cultivate a new generation of enemies and scapegoats, so that when they fight back and war blooms you can blame history and roar that you have never been at fault."
"Instead, they chose to do as the Clans always have--build walls and shutter the Institute to all but the wealthiest." Hmm, I wonder where I've heard that before! Only the wealthy having access to knowledge in an educational institution? Yep.
"I'm panicking! Let me panic--"
"Some cages aren't so simple."
"I fancy keeping my eyes in their sockets."
Look to the skies... and cry.
Thank you to Shalini Abeysekara and NetGalley for the ARC.
Read
May 5, 2025I’m so ready to find out more about Kadra!! I have a feeling Sarai and him have similar street rat origins (endearingly)
Want to read
June 18, 2025Absolutely adored TMoM and cannot get my hands on this soon enough
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 stars! This Blade of Ours is the epic sequel to Shalini Abeysekara's debut romance-fantasy-murder mystery novel, This Monster of Mine.
If TMOM is predicated on the question of violence being permissible to bring about equality and justice, TMOM must be prepared to answer, "how does a country recover from the aftershocks of such violence?" Abeysekara deftly answers readers' burning questions on justice, legacies of violence, and what can be forgiven.
Sarai's actions from TMOM have thrown Ur Dinyé into chaos as citizens protest her and question her and Kadra's legitimacy as government officials. Though she is desperate to defend her crew and ensure wellbeing for all her citizens, she must contend with a system hellbent on breaking her—and causing an irreparable fracture between the North and South.
Abeysekara clearly writes from a place of longing for a better world. She grapples with the insecurity, fear, division, and violence sown throughout society and the perpetual injustice that rulers are never held accountable for their crimes. While the conflict in Ur Dinyé and the characters' reflections can sometimes feel a little on-the-nose, there has never been a more apt time for readers to digest a fantasy novel wherein their world is so clearly reflected and brought to heel.
What I loved about this book is how TBOO builds on the magical, political and geographical depth of TMOM, giving readers insight to a unique rune-based magic system and the deep sociopolitical history Abeysekara has imagined underneath every region in the land. I especially loved how she explores the North's clans and their lasting impact over a decade after they'd officially "disappeared". She pays careful attention to the dark themes surely to surface from a fractured society: drug use, domestic violence, mental health, lack of personal freedom, and even the ins and outs of food/material distribution.
Of course, my review could not be complete without discussing the relationship at the book's core. TMOM leaves Kadra and Sarai in a fledgling relationship bonded by trust but missing honest communication and true knowledge of one another. While TMOM explores Sarai's background, TBOO is very focused on Kadra's history—mostly his time as son of the most dangerous Northern clan. **humble brag alert** Shalini told me PERSONALLY that the extra smut in the book was based off of my review, so when you read those salacious pages, know who cooked here. She is an expert at sex that suits the tone of her scenes. It's not gentle and soft, and it shouldn't be.
I was slightly surprised at the ending and felt things came together a little too cleanly (or maybe it felt rushed?). I also wish there was more emotional development between Kadra and Sarai because it frustrated me that he still said "I love you" only once in the book!!!! But these drawbacks are minor, and if I imagined myself trying to write an ending to such an impressive and thoughtful duology, I would never be able to tie all those threads together.
This is your reminder that Abeysekara has done something completely NEW AND FRESH in the fantasy space and I will be sitting on the edge of my seat to read whatever she puts out, for the rest of my life. I love her murder mystery-lawyer-dark romance brain and think she is only at the beginning of a legacy akin to Suzanne Collins or Sabaa Tahir.
Thank you to Shalini Abeysekara, Netgalley, and Union Square & Co. for the e-ARC!
If TMOM is predicated on the question of violence being permissible to bring about equality and justice, TMOM must be prepared to answer, "how does a country recover from the aftershocks of such violence?" Abeysekara deftly answers readers' burning questions on justice, legacies of violence, and what can be forgiven.
Sarai's actions from TMOM have thrown Ur Dinyé into chaos as citizens protest her and question her and Kadra's legitimacy as government officials. Though she is desperate to defend her crew and ensure wellbeing for all her citizens, she must contend with a system hellbent on breaking her—and causing an irreparable fracture between the North and South.
Abeysekara clearly writes from a place of longing for a better world. She grapples with the insecurity, fear, division, and violence sown throughout society and the perpetual injustice that rulers are never held accountable for their crimes. While the conflict in Ur Dinyé and the characters' reflections can sometimes feel a little on-the-nose, there has never been a more apt time for readers to digest a fantasy novel wherein their world is so clearly reflected and brought to heel.
What I loved about this book is how TBOO builds on the magical, political and geographical depth of TMOM, giving readers insight to a unique rune-based magic system and the deep sociopolitical history Abeysekara has imagined underneath every region in the land. I especially loved how she explores the North's clans and their lasting impact over a decade after they'd officially "disappeared". She pays careful attention to the dark themes surely to surface from a fractured society: drug use, domestic violence, mental health, lack of personal freedom, and even the ins and outs of food/material distribution.
Of course, my review could not be complete without discussing the relationship at the book's core. TMOM leaves Kadra and Sarai in a fledgling relationship bonded by trust but missing honest communication and true knowledge of one another. While TMOM explores Sarai's background, TBOO is very focused on Kadra's history—mostly his time as son of the most dangerous Northern clan. **humble brag alert** Shalini told me PERSONALLY that the extra smut in the book was based off of my review, so when you read those salacious pages, know who cooked here. She is an expert at sex that suits the tone of her scenes. It's not gentle and soft, and it shouldn't be.
I was slightly surprised at the ending and felt things came together a little too cleanly (or maybe it felt rushed?). I also wish there was more emotional development between Kadra and Sarai because it frustrated me that he still said "I love you" only once in the book!!!! But these drawbacks are minor, and if I imagined myself trying to write an ending to such an impressive and thoughtful duology, I would never be able to tie all those threads together.
This is your reminder that Abeysekara has done something completely NEW AND FRESH in the fantasy space and I will be sitting on the edge of my seat to read whatever she puts out, for the rest of my life. I love her murder mystery-lawyer-dark romance brain and think she is only at the beginning of a legacy akin to Suzanne Collins or Sabaa Tahir.
Thank you to Shalini Abeysekara, Netgalley, and Union Square & Co. for the e-ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
📖 Short synopsis
After the events of the first book, Sarai and Kadra must face the consequences of the power they claimed and the choices they made. Amid political games, gods that are real and tangible, a spreading disease across North and South, old traumas, hidden pasts and new threats growing in the shadows, their love is tested like never before.
🔍 Opinion
I have to admit I took my time with the first 40%. The worldbuilding is dense, full of politics and intrigue, and I really needed to slow down and absorb everything, even though I was already familiar with the magic system and social structure from the first book. But once the story clicked, that was it. I devoured the rest in a single day and simply couldn’t put it down.
This book leans much more into fantasy, especially with the presence of the gods, who stop feeling distant or mythological and become something real and tangible, and I absolutely loved that. It added such an epic and intense layer to the story. The disease spreading through the beetles also brought a darker, more unsettling tone that kept me constantly on edge.
The plot is incredibly well crafted, with subtle clues, constant mystery and revelations that slowly build up until that plot twist that completely caught me off guard. I just stared at the page in shock.
I also loved finally getting more of Kadra. Diving into his past, his wounds, his anxieties and the weight he carries made everything feel so much more intimate and emotional. I truly felt like I got to know him for real this time.
And the romance, honestly, even better than in the first book. Much more mature, more conscious, built on trust and difficult conversations. Watching them talk openly about their traumas and pain and trying to grow together was so beautiful. The hotter scenes are rougher and more intense, but at the same time deeply romantic, fitting perfectly with two deeply scarred people finding comfort and love in each other.
This was the kind of book that grabbed my heart and never let go.
❤️ Highlights
Rich political worldbuilding, constant mystery, an unexpected plot twist, a darker and more unsettling tone, deeper emotional exploration, more focus on Kadra’s past, a mature couple who communicate and trust each other, intense and vulnerable romance, and an immersive, atmospheric fantasy from beginning to end.
🎯 Recommendation
Perfect for readers who love denser, more adult and emotional romantasy, with strong fantasy elements, power struggles, intrigue, trauma and a well-established relationship that grows in a realistic and beautiful way.
🌟 Tropes
Sequel, established couple, mature romance, gods, politics and intrigue, trauma and healing, multiple POVs, dark fantasy, emotional slow burn
Thank you to Shalini Abeysekara, Netgalley, and Union Square & Co. for the e-ARC!
📖 Short synopsis
After the events of the first book, Sarai and Kadra must face the consequences of the power they claimed and the choices they made. Amid political games, gods that are real and tangible, a spreading disease across North and South, old traumas, hidden pasts and new threats growing in the shadows, their love is tested like never before.
🔍 Opinion
I have to admit I took my time with the first 40%. The worldbuilding is dense, full of politics and intrigue, and I really needed to slow down and absorb everything, even though I was already familiar with the magic system and social structure from the first book. But once the story clicked, that was it. I devoured the rest in a single day and simply couldn’t put it down.
This book leans much more into fantasy, especially with the presence of the gods, who stop feeling distant or mythological and become something real and tangible, and I absolutely loved that. It added such an epic and intense layer to the story. The disease spreading through the beetles also brought a darker, more unsettling tone that kept me constantly on edge.
The plot is incredibly well crafted, with subtle clues, constant mystery and revelations that slowly build up until that plot twist that completely caught me off guard. I just stared at the page in shock.
I also loved finally getting more of Kadra. Diving into his past, his wounds, his anxieties and the weight he carries made everything feel so much more intimate and emotional. I truly felt like I got to know him for real this time.
And the romance, honestly, even better than in the first book. Much more mature, more conscious, built on trust and difficult conversations. Watching them talk openly about their traumas and pain and trying to grow together was so beautiful. The hotter scenes are rougher and more intense, but at the same time deeply romantic, fitting perfectly with two deeply scarred people finding comfort and love in each other.
This was the kind of book that grabbed my heart and never let go.
❤️ Highlights
Rich political worldbuilding, constant mystery, an unexpected plot twist, a darker and more unsettling tone, deeper emotional exploration, more focus on Kadra’s past, a mature couple who communicate and trust each other, intense and vulnerable romance, and an immersive, atmospheric fantasy from beginning to end.
🎯 Recommendation
Perfect for readers who love denser, more adult and emotional romantasy, with strong fantasy elements, power struggles, intrigue, trauma and a well-established relationship that grows in a realistic and beautiful way.
🌟 Tropes
Sequel, established couple, mature romance, gods, politics and intrigue, trauma and healing, multiple POVs, dark fantasy, emotional slow burn
Thank you to Shalini Abeysekara, Netgalley, and Union Square & Co. for the e-ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This Monster of Mine ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
This Blade of Ours ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review of an advance copy received from the publisher.
If you liked TMOM, I believe you’ll love TBOO. I certainly did and I think this sequel is even better than the first book. There are several reasons as to why, but I’ll try not to spoil anything.
Toward the end of this review, I’ve included a one line quote from the book. If you’d rather avoid it, please feel free to skip that part.
First:
The book touches on so much. Power, corruption, love and family. We learn more about the world, the Gods, the characters we loved in book 1 and the ones we hated. All the threads come together to create a unique tapestry that will keep you reading until the end.
Romance:
Sarai and Kadra. Kadra and Sarai. The soft, tender moments between them will absolutely melt your heart. These two absolutely deserve everything. They truly see each other. They choose each other time and time again. We get more Kadra (with and without the robes 😊). He starts to let his barriers down and allows Sarai in. It was wonderful to see their relationship develop alongside their individual journeys.
Sarai…
I have no words to describe how I admire her character. The struggles she faces and the choices she makes to protect people mirror what we see women in power have to deal with in real life.
The best “villains” in books, in my opinion, aren’t purely evil. We get to learn more about their stories, and all I can say is… wow… This one hurt. But in a good way. But also bad. You’ll get it when you read those chapters.
“What if. The worst of questions.”
Spot on.
The last thing I’ll say is that I wish we had gotten more Anek. That’s purely because I’m greedy and I love them. In several scenes, they said exactly what I was thinking. Lol.
I highly recommend you pick up this book. It’s one of my favourite duologies of all time, and I’m so excited to see more stories from this world.
I believe a prequel might exist (YAY!). And could we maybe get just a few chapters from Anek’s POV? (Sorry, I had to try.)
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Union Square & Co., for the advance copy.
This Blade of Ours ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review of an advance copy received from the publisher.
If you liked TMOM, I believe you’ll love TBOO. I certainly did and I think this sequel is even better than the first book. There are several reasons as to why, but I’ll try not to spoil anything.
Toward the end of this review, I’ve included a one line quote from the book. If you’d rather avoid it, please feel free to skip that part.
First:
The book touches on so much. Power, corruption, love and family. We learn more about the world, the Gods, the characters we loved in book 1 and the ones we hated. All the threads come together to create a unique tapestry that will keep you reading until the end.
Romance:
Sarai and Kadra. Kadra and Sarai. The soft, tender moments between them will absolutely melt your heart. These two absolutely deserve everything. They truly see each other. They choose each other time and time again. We get more Kadra (with and without the robes 😊). He starts to let his barriers down and allows Sarai in. It was wonderful to see their relationship develop alongside their individual journeys.
Sarai…
I have no words to describe how I admire her character. The struggles she faces and the choices she makes to protect people mirror what we see women in power have to deal with in real life.
The best “villains” in books, in my opinion, aren’t purely evil. We get to learn more about their stories, and all I can say is… wow… This one hurt. But in a good way. But also bad. You’ll get it when you read those chapters.
“What if. The worst of questions.”
Spot on.
The last thing I’ll say is that I wish we had gotten more Anek. That’s purely because I’m greedy and I love them. In several scenes, they said exactly what I was thinking. Lol.
I highly recommend you pick up this book. It’s one of my favourite duologies of all time, and I’m so excited to see more stories from this world.
I believe a prequel might exist (YAY!). And could we maybe get just a few chapters from Anek’s POV? (Sorry, I had to try.)
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Union Square & Co., for the advance copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I went into the first book with absolutely zero expectations but a little intrigue over the plotline. The story then proceeded to blow me away, and I finished the book in a day and a half stopping to eat and sleep 😅
So when I heard that book two was coming out, despite my contentment over the first book’s ending, I was sooo excited, so you can imagine my joy at getting early access to this in advance to read!!
Honest review - this book dragged me out of the depths of a book slump I was in. Yes, it has been a while since I read the first book, so trying to remember all the lore, key terms, and the nitty-gritty details from book one was a challenge, so thank goodness for the glossary at the end.
But it was so worth it, as the story picks up pretty much from the end of book one and throws us deep into the political aftermath of book one. Our girl Sarai is an absolute girlboss, as she was from the start of book one, but in this book she honestly has so much development, and it’s so fun to witness.
And let’s not even get started on Kaddy, as we get to uncover his brooding persona and mysterious background all in this book, which was so fun to read and see it all unravel.
Shalini’s writing is magically lyrical, and every sentence feels like it could be a quote in itself, but it’s not overdone. The stakes were high, and the story presented many moral dilemmas, which challenged me as a reader to discern who and what was right and wrong. Fantasy is my main genre, and this series has really set itself apart in the fantasy domain with all of the worldbuilding, characters, magic system and politics. Also helps that I LOVE both the devil judge and S&B, so the story was right up my alley.
Would definitely recommend this underrated gem of a series, and I hope we all accomplish a love like Kadra and Sarai in our lives <3
Thank you to Shalini, the publisher, and NetGalley for early access!!!
So when I heard that book two was coming out, despite my contentment over the first book’s ending, I was sooo excited, so you can imagine my joy at getting early access to this in advance to read!!
Honest review - this book dragged me out of the depths of a book slump I was in. Yes, it has been a while since I read the first book, so trying to remember all the lore, key terms, and the nitty-gritty details from book one was a challenge, so thank goodness for the glossary at the end.
But it was so worth it, as the story picks up pretty much from the end of book one and throws us deep into the political aftermath of book one. Our girl Sarai is an absolute girlboss, as she was from the start of book one, but in this book she honestly has so much development, and it’s so fun to witness.
And let’s not even get started on Kaddy, as we get to uncover his brooding persona and mysterious background all in this book, which was so fun to read and see it all unravel.
Shalini’s writing is magically lyrical, and every sentence feels like it could be a quote in itself, but it’s not overdone. The stakes were high, and the story presented many moral dilemmas, which challenged me as a reader to discern who and what was right and wrong. Fantasy is my main genre, and this series has really set itself apart in the fantasy domain with all of the worldbuilding, characters, magic system and politics. Also helps that I LOVE both the devil judge and S&B, so the story was right up my alley.
Would definitely recommend this underrated gem of a series, and I hope we all accomplish a love like Kadra and Sarai in our lives <3
Thank you to Shalini, the publisher, and NetGalley for early access!!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you so much to Union Square & Co. for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This Blade of Ours is an excellent sequel to an excellent debut dark fantasy series! This Monster of Mine was one of my favorite dark fantasy / romantic fantasy books of 2025. The book ended on a pretty solid ending, with no cliffhanger, so standalone novel lovers can easily enjoy the first book without feeling the need to read the sequel. However, this sequel gave me so many more delicious scenes of Sarai and Kadra, and after falling in love with them in book 1, I can't imagine why anyone wouldn't want to get more of them in book 2. It was so much fun to back into this ancient-Rome inspired world with characters with special powers, and get thrown into a new mystery that Sarai and Kadra are trying to solve. Plus, Sarai's journey battling sexism in her workplace and among society made me root for her so hard. And her complex (and HOT!) romance with Kadra was also interesting to follow along. I'm so glad that they didn't break up in this sequel for the sake of breaking up, but instead worked through their problems as mature adults.
Overall, as I was reading This Blade of Ours, I felt the book and plot consuming me with every turn of the page. Each chapter had me so hooked into the mystery, politics, dark fantasy, and dry humor. Shalini Abeysekara is really good at peeling back layer after layer of this mystery. I appreciate that she doesn't assume that her readers are dumb and over-explains the mystery in her writing. It made the reading experience more enjoyable, IMO. Each revelation of the mystery had my jaw dropping further and further, although there was one that I predicted that I was very proud of. The end reveal of the true big bad god could have been fleshed out a bit more in my opinion, but I still loved this book so much. This sequel really had me in a chokehold, and I can't recommend this duology enough for dark fantasy and romantic fantasy readers! I'd rate this book 4.5 stars rounded up!
Follow me on TikTok | Instagram | Twitter for more book reviews & recommendations!
This Blade of Ours is an excellent sequel to an excellent debut dark fantasy series! This Monster of Mine was one of my favorite dark fantasy / romantic fantasy books of 2025. The book ended on a pretty solid ending, with no cliffhanger, so standalone novel lovers can easily enjoy the first book without feeling the need to read the sequel. However, this sequel gave me so many more delicious scenes of Sarai and Kadra, and after falling in love with them in book 1, I can't imagine why anyone wouldn't want to get more of them in book 2. It was so much fun to back into this ancient-Rome inspired world with characters with special powers, and get thrown into a new mystery that Sarai and Kadra are trying to solve. Plus, Sarai's journey battling sexism in her workplace and among society made me root for her so hard. And her complex (and HOT!) romance with Kadra was also interesting to follow along. I'm so glad that they didn't break up in this sequel for the sake of breaking up, but instead worked through their problems as mature adults.
Overall, as I was reading This Blade of Ours, I felt the book and plot consuming me with every turn of the page. Each chapter had me so hooked into the mystery, politics, dark fantasy, and dry humor. Shalini Abeysekara is really good at peeling back layer after layer of this mystery. I appreciate that she doesn't assume that her readers are dumb and over-explains the mystery in her writing. It made the reading experience more enjoyable, IMO. Each revelation of the mystery had my jaw dropping further and further, although there was one that I predicted that I was very proud of. The end reveal of the true big bad god could have been fleshed out a bit more in my opinion, but I still loved this book so much. This sequel really had me in a chokehold, and I can't recommend this duology enough for dark fantasy and romantic fantasy readers! I'd rate this book 4.5 stars rounded up!
Follow me on TikTok | Instagram | Twitter for more book reviews & recommendations!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a stunning conclusion to the duology. This Monster of Mine was one of my favourite books from last year and this instalment is easily going to be one of my favourite reads of this year as well.
The book builds its world, magic and political environment beautifully, adding an impressive amount of complexity to the overall story. The constant debates around justice, corruption, and morality are handled with so much care, especially with the added layers of religion and the ways it can be twisted to serve certain goals.
The new characters are incredibly well developed and the author truly excels at writing morally grey characters. Every character arc feels impactful, and for some, deeply and emotionally crushing. I especially loved learning more about Kadras’ background. Exploring his past added so much depth to such a mysterious character and was done beautifully.
Sarai is an incredible character. Her compassion and strength are stunning, even when she is facing true horrors. The overall story is so intriguing, as the characters grapple with political fallout while everyone tries to seize power and wealth wherever they can. Despite being a fantasy world, it feels painfully realistic. The gods interfering in mortal affairs was another fascinating element that added even more tension and intrigue.
Overall, this is a dark story, but the love story brings much needed light and tenderness. I adored this book, I love this world so much and it was truly a delight to read.
Thank you to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
The book builds its world, magic and political environment beautifully, adding an impressive amount of complexity to the overall story. The constant debates around justice, corruption, and morality are handled with so much care, especially with the added layers of religion and the ways it can be twisted to serve certain goals.
The new characters are incredibly well developed and the author truly excels at writing morally grey characters. Every character arc feels impactful, and for some, deeply and emotionally crushing. I especially loved learning more about Kadras’ background. Exploring his past added so much depth to such a mysterious character and was done beautifully.
Sarai is an incredible character. Her compassion and strength are stunning, even when she is facing true horrors. The overall story is so intriguing, as the characters grapple with political fallout while everyone tries to seize power and wealth wherever they can. Despite being a fantasy world, it feels painfully realistic. The gods interfering in mortal affairs was another fascinating element that added even more tension and intrigue.
Overall, this is a dark story, but the love story brings much needed light and tenderness. I adored this book, I love this world so much and it was truly a delight to read.
Thank you to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙚, 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙙 𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙮 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙖𝙡𝙢 𝙤𝙛 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙙, 𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨”
‘this monster of mine’ was one of my favourite books i’ve read in 2025, so you can only imagine the scream i made when i got my hands on this arc
i loved being back in this world. we start the book a few months after book one ended, and it was packed with tension from the very beginning. this duology is very politics-heavy, but it’s written in a way that’s easy to digest, so the politics never overpower the plot
sarai is being her usual sassy and fearsome self, which is exactly why i love her. she’s not afraid to speak her mind, and the challenges she faces in this book only make her stronger
learning more about kadra and his past was also super fun and added so much to the story, especially as we meet new characters along the way and everything starts to make sense
the plot itself was fun but a little predictable - i think the prologue gave away a lot of hints, so there weren’t any major ‘omg’ moments - which is fine, because the story itself was really enjoyable and i genuinely loved it
special shoutout to anek - he cracks me up so much and i absolutely adored him in both books
overall, this was such a beautiful conclusion to a perfect romantasy, and i’m genuinely sad to say goodbye to these characters
“𝙞 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙬𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙧 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙮𝙤𝙪. 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙠𝙚𝙥𝙩 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙨, 𝙞 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙩 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙞𝙛 𝙞𝙩 𝙘𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪. 𝙞 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙞 𝙨𝙖𝙬 𝙮𝙤𝙪”
‘this monster of mine’ was one of my favourite books i’ve read in 2025, so you can only imagine the scream i made when i got my hands on this arc
i loved being back in this world. we start the book a few months after book one ended, and it was packed with tension from the very beginning. this duology is very politics-heavy, but it’s written in a way that’s easy to digest, so the politics never overpower the plot
sarai is being her usual sassy and fearsome self, which is exactly why i love her. she’s not afraid to speak her mind, and the challenges she faces in this book only make her stronger
learning more about kadra and his past was also super fun and added so much to the story, especially as we meet new characters along the way and everything starts to make sense
the plot itself was fun but a little predictable - i think the prologue gave away a lot of hints, so there weren’t any major ‘omg’ moments - which is fine, because the story itself was really enjoyable and i genuinely loved it
special shoutout to anek - he cracks me up so much and i absolutely adored him in both books
overall, this was such a beautiful conclusion to a perfect romantasy, and i’m genuinely sad to say goodbye to these characters
“𝙞 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙬𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙧 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙮𝙤𝙪. 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙠𝙚𝙥𝙩 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙨, 𝙞 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙩 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙞𝙛 𝙞𝙩 𝙘𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪. 𝙞 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙞 𝙨𝙖𝙬 𝙮𝙤𝙪”
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
5 ⭐️
It's me, back with my girl sarai as she badasses about the place. What I love about sarai though is that despite how tough her life has been and all the things she did (in book 1) she's still that perfect mix of hard and soft. She wants to help and she will do the work to do it.
Kadra is still amazing, we get a new side of him here and I really liked it. Plus full protective mode which I fully support because he still lets her do her. The side characters are in top form too. Gaius, love him. Cato, love him. Anek, love them. Love them all.
My absolute favourite thing Shalini writes in this series are the court/interrogation scenes. The tension, the drama and the way you 100% feel the same level of annoyance our MCs do with the other characters. We also get more depth on the magic system here which is always fun.
To give a one-word summary of the book: Pain. The characters pain. My pain. We go to a dark place here, the tone is well done. And it ends absolutely perfectly for the story that it is and the message that I felt it carried. It was beautiful, I cried because I feel like I get it.
Also I heard rumours of a prequel and we should definitely do that.
I received an advance review copy of this book, and this review represents my honest opinion. Thank you to netgalley, Shalini, and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
It's me, back with my girl sarai as she badasses about the place. What I love about sarai though is that despite how tough her life has been and all the things she did (in book 1) she's still that perfect mix of hard and soft. She wants to help and she will do the work to do it.
Kadra is still amazing, we get a new side of him here and I really liked it. Plus full protective mode which I fully support because he still lets her do her. The side characters are in top form too. Gaius, love him. Cato, love him. Anek, love them. Love them all.
My absolute favourite thing Shalini writes in this series are the court/interrogation scenes. The tension, the drama and the way you 100% feel the same level of annoyance our MCs do with the other characters. We also get more depth on the magic system here which is always fun.
To give a one-word summary of the book: Pain. The characters pain. My pain. We go to a dark place here, the tone is well done. And it ends absolutely perfectly for the story that it is and the message that I felt it carried. It was beautiful, I cried because I feel like I get it.
Also I heard rumours of a prequel and we should definitely do that.
I received an advance review copy of this book, and this review represents my honest opinion. Thank you to netgalley, Shalini, and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A worthy sequel to one of the best Romantasy releases of 2025. Shalini once again delivers a well-crafted, emotionally impactful story that expands upon, and pays tribute to, the world of Ur Dinyé
and our beloved characters, Sarai and Kadra.
This book felt like coming home. Seeing Sarai and Kadra once again work to solve a mystery and save Edessa was the perfect blend of old and new, making me both nostalgic and invested in this new chapter.
While told through a dual POV, this second installment is very much Kadra’s story. We see him come to grips with his new reality after having come back from the dead, and we delve into the childhood that made him the man he is today. Meanwhile, Sarai tries to find her power in a world that is determined to make her feel powerless. She questions her role as a Petitor, wondering if the work she’s doing matters if no one appreciates it. Together, Sarai and Kadra must learn how to open their hearts and become vulnerable with one another in the face of new threats, including a mysterious beetle plague, a nefarious religious order, and the gods.
I’m so grateful to have revisited this world and these characters that mean so much to me! While Sarai and Kadra’s story is wrapped up beautifully, I’d love to come back to this world someday if there’s ever a new story to tell.
Thank you NetGalley and Union Square & Co for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
and our beloved characters, Sarai and Kadra.
This book felt like coming home. Seeing Sarai and Kadra once again work to solve a mystery and save Edessa was the perfect blend of old and new, making me both nostalgic and invested in this new chapter.
While told through a dual POV, this second installment is very much Kadra’s story. We see him come to grips with his new reality after having come back from the dead, and we delve into the childhood that made him the man he is today. Meanwhile, Sarai tries to find her power in a world that is determined to make her feel powerless. She questions her role as a Petitor, wondering if the work she’s doing matters if no one appreciates it. Together, Sarai and Kadra must learn how to open their hearts and become vulnerable with one another in the face of new threats, including a mysterious beetle plague, a nefarious religious order, and the gods.
I’m so grateful to have revisited this world and these characters that mean so much to me! While Sarai and Kadra’s story is wrapped up beautifully, I’d love to come back to this world someday if there’s ever a new story to tell.
Thank you NetGalley and Union Square & Co for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is a proof that a book doesn't need to end on a cliffhanger to make readers read a sequel.
Do I think that This Monster of Mine worked perfectly as a standalone? Yes. Did I rush to read this aswel because I absolutely loved the characters, worldbuilding and writing? ALSO Yes. And what's worse, now I'm craving more and sad to have left these character again.
This Monster of Mine continues to expand the rich worldbuilding on the first one, combining political intrigue, corrupt (but realistic) religion and angry gods battling over power among mortals (or supposedly so). It brings back some old characters, introduces new ones, with a new favorite of mine and a twist that I might have caught a little too soon, but which still wrenched my heart right out of my chest.
Of course, the book isn't without flaws. The additional reveals about Kadra's past felt little convoluted, no, I really don't believe he was doing that and acting like that when he was THIRTEEN - and some of the introduced elements felt underutilized, but overall I enjoyed it very much. It was such a ride. Shalini Abeysekara has become my new auto-buy author.
I`m so so grateful to the author and Netgalley for digital reading copy in exchange for a review.
Do I think that This Monster of Mine worked perfectly as a standalone? Yes. Did I rush to read this aswel because I absolutely loved the characters, worldbuilding and writing? ALSO Yes. And what's worse, now I'm craving more and sad to have left these character again.
This Monster of Mine continues to expand the rich worldbuilding on the first one, combining political intrigue, corrupt (but realistic) religion and angry gods battling over power among mortals (or supposedly so). It brings back some old characters, introduces new ones, with a new favorite of mine and a twist that I might have caught a little too soon, but which still wrenched my heart right out of my chest.
Of course, the book isn't without flaws. The additional reveals about Kadra's past felt little convoluted, no, I really don't believe he was doing that and acting like that when he was THIRTEEN - and some of the introduced elements felt underutilized, but overall I enjoyed it very much. It was such a ride. Shalini Abeysekara has become my new auto-buy author.
I`m so so grateful to the author and Netgalley for digital reading copy in exchange for a review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is absolutely going in my top reads of the year! And it’s only January!
This Blade of Ours is the stunning, illustrious, and absolutely freaking incredible sequel to This Monster of Mine, following Sarai and Kadra’s story months after the previous book’s resolution. After the events of book one, anarchy and revolution have turned the world on its head as Petitor Sarai exposed the corruption and injustice dealt by Tetrarch Aelius.
TBOO tackles the important question of what happens after our morally grey heroes enact justice upon evil by exposing them for their crimes, but society continues to suffer as they struggle with the eternal battle against greed, inequality, and oppression. Our established couple must combat their own anxieties and insecurities, unearth and tackle uncomfortable histories of abuse, and save the world from itself, yet again.
Minor Trope Spoiler!!
Oftentimes I worry in a sequel that a couple will be destined to suffer with a miscommunication trope, or a third-act breakup, and I’m very happy to say that TBOO does not relegate itself to this category. Sarai and Kadra undergo continued character growth, both separately and together as a couple, and are all the stronger for it. This growth is not spurred by these tropes.
Us lucky readers have the privilege to witness tender moments, intense action, a diverse cast, twists and turns, and meaningful society commentary allllll wrapped up in this beautiful fantastically-themed duology. It’s going to be painful to let Ur Dinyé go, but I hope to visit again.
Thank you Netgalley and Union Square and Co for the e-ARC!
This Blade of Ours is the stunning, illustrious, and absolutely freaking incredible sequel to This Monster of Mine, following Sarai and Kadra’s story months after the previous book’s resolution. After the events of book one, anarchy and revolution have turned the world on its head as Petitor Sarai exposed the corruption and injustice dealt by Tetrarch Aelius.
TBOO tackles the important question of what happens after our morally grey heroes enact justice upon evil by exposing them for their crimes, but society continues to suffer as they struggle with the eternal battle against greed, inequality, and oppression. Our established couple must combat their own anxieties and insecurities, unearth and tackle uncomfortable histories of abuse, and save the world from itself, yet again.
Minor Trope Spoiler!!
Oftentimes I worry in a sequel that a couple will be destined to suffer with a miscommunication trope, or a third-act breakup, and I’m very happy to say that TBOO does not relegate itself to this category. Sarai and Kadra undergo continued character growth, both separately and together as a couple, and are all the stronger for it. This growth is not spurred by these tropes.
Us lucky readers have the privilege to witness tender moments, intense action, a diverse cast, twists and turns, and meaningful society commentary allllll wrapped up in this beautiful fantastically-themed duology. It’s going to be painful to let Ur Dinyé go, but I hope to visit again.
Thank you Netgalley and Union Square and Co for the e-ARC!
January 22, 2026
First off thank you so so much for this arc!
I absolutely adored this monster of mine and was so excited to hear we were getting more of their story 🙌🏼
It picks up a few months after the ending of the last book and immediately I felt so at home in the world Shalini has created
The writing style is so lyrical and all in compassing. The world building is very rich and I loved learning more about their gods and the systems at play.
The plot has me hooked. I was so intrigued to see how it was all going to connect and if my suspicions were right ( they were not 😂).
As always I am a romance girlie so that’s what I enjoyed the most! I loved getting to read the little pockets of normality for Kadra and Sarai. They are such a unit and i felt you really saw them as a cemented couple throughout. Communication isn’t their strong suit at times but the build up was so worth it and what stayed true throughout was their absolute trust in one another.
A wonderful conclusion to this duology and I can’t wait to see what comes next
✨ Sequel
✨ Romantasy
✨ Unique world system
✨ Established couple
💕 The trial
💕 The exploration of the north
💕 New characters
💕 The travel
I absolutely adored this monster of mine and was so excited to hear we were getting more of their story 🙌🏼
It picks up a few months after the ending of the last book and immediately I felt so at home in the world Shalini has created
The writing style is so lyrical and all in compassing. The world building is very rich and I loved learning more about their gods and the systems at play.
The plot has me hooked. I was so intrigued to see how it was all going to connect and if my suspicions were right ( they were not 😂).
As always I am a romance girlie so that’s what I enjoyed the most! I loved getting to read the little pockets of normality for Kadra and Sarai. They are such a unit and i felt you really saw them as a cemented couple throughout. Communication isn’t their strong suit at times but the build up was so worth it and what stayed true throughout was their absolute trust in one another.
A wonderful conclusion to this duology and I can’t wait to see what comes next
✨ Sequel
✨ Romantasy
✨ Unique world system
✨ Established couple
💕 The trial
💕 The exploration of the north
💕 New characters
💕 The travel
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
A bittersweet ending to a truly original series
**ARC READ**
4.5⭐️
2/5🌶️
Dual/third person POV
Book 2 in a duology
Format: e-arc
Check the TW/CW
Spoiler free
I am so very grateful to Edelweiss & Union Square/Hachette Books for granting me my very first arc read with Edelweiss. & it’s for my most anticipated sequel of the year. I am so very thankful for this opportunity!
I thought book 1 was great; book 2 is just as great. I was in such a reading slump prior & this pulled me right out. From page 1, everything is cranked up in this book! But also, it’s like no time passed at all because I just dove right back into this world with such an interesting prologue. I was feeling all suspicious but also intrigued about what was (possibly) being played out🤨
We get the 2 MC’s again, acting all gooey eyed for each other uch!!!!🥹 while amidst such tension & political scheming & religious turmoil & a mystery at the forefront that was keeping me literally at the edge of my seat & had me in a chokehold as it was unraveling. I am obsessed how this time around, we are getting a mystery revolving the MMC (as opposed to book 1 where it was revolving around the FMC.)
The plot & pacing is action packed up until the very end. My one & only gripe is the conclusion to the mystery. I found the end to be a bit lackluster & just plain simple & boring for such an amazing ride. IMO, it felt a bit rushed & almost like an afterthought.
But I did love that bittersweet epilogue. These 2 are just so down bad for each other. Mr morally grey continues to be a yearner. Although, I wish we got more yearning from him because it felt like she was yearning a bit more than him overall.
The author continues to write smart & engaging characters with great growth & a meaningful premise within an immersive world that almost perfectly mirrors real life. The style to her writing is sophisticated & intricate. I am forever a fan!
**Releases 6/30/26**
**ARC READ**
4.5⭐️
2/5🌶️
Dual/third person POV
Book 2 in a duology
Format: e-arc
Check the TW/CW
Spoiler free
I am so very grateful to Edelweiss & Union Square/Hachette Books for granting me my very first arc read with Edelweiss. & it’s for my most anticipated sequel of the year. I am so very thankful for this opportunity!
I thought book 1 was great; book 2 is just as great. I was in such a reading slump prior & this pulled me right out. From page 1, everything is cranked up in this book! But also, it’s like no time passed at all because I just dove right back into this world with such an interesting prologue. I was feeling all suspicious but also intrigued about what was (possibly) being played out🤨
We get the 2 MC’s again, acting all gooey eyed for each other uch!!!!🥹 while amidst such tension & political scheming & religious turmoil & a mystery at the forefront that was keeping me literally at the edge of my seat & had me in a chokehold as it was unraveling. I am obsessed how this time around, we are getting a mystery revolving the MMC (as opposed to book 1 where it was revolving around the FMC.)
The plot & pacing is action packed up until the very end. My one & only gripe is the conclusion to the mystery. I found the end to be a bit lackluster & just plain simple & boring for such an amazing ride. IMO, it felt a bit rushed & almost like an afterthought.
But I did love that bittersweet epilogue. These 2 are just so down bad for each other. Mr morally grey continues to be a yearner. Although, I wish we got more yearning from him because it felt like she was yearning a bit more than him overall.
The author continues to write smart & engaging characters with great growth & a meaningful premise within an immersive world that almost perfectly mirrors real life. The style to her writing is sophisticated & intricate. I am forever a fan!
**Releases 6/30/26**
January 30, 2026
I had the chance to receive an ARC of This Blade of Ours, and wow… it absolutely did not disappoint.
The romance between Kadra and Sarai continues to steal my heart. Their connection is emotional, intense, and beautifully woven into the story. Every moment they share adds depth to the tension, the stakes, and yes, my feelings. And let’s talk about the spice for a second because damn… it was very, very yummy. Perfectly placed, deliciously written, and had me smiling like I knew something I shouldn’t 🔥
Beyond the romance, the investigation completely hooked me. The search for truth, uncovering Kadra’s past, and meeting new powerful characters had me fully immersed. I genuinely tried to piece everything together on my own, convinced I was ahead of the story, only to be completely surprised by how it all turned out. I love when a book humbles me like that.
This sequel expands the world in such a strong and exciting way, raising both the emotional and narrative stakes to a whole new level.
Thank you, Shalini, for such a fantastic sequel. I am so excited to read more of your work and will happily keep supporting you (and this series) ❤️
The romance between Kadra and Sarai continues to steal my heart. Their connection is emotional, intense, and beautifully woven into the story. Every moment they share adds depth to the tension, the stakes, and yes, my feelings. And let’s talk about the spice for a second because damn… it was very, very yummy. Perfectly placed, deliciously written, and had me smiling like I knew something I shouldn’t 🔥
Beyond the romance, the investigation completely hooked me. The search for truth, uncovering Kadra’s past, and meeting new powerful characters had me fully immersed. I genuinely tried to piece everything together on my own, convinced I was ahead of the story, only to be completely surprised by how it all turned out. I love when a book humbles me like that.
This sequel expands the world in such a strong and exciting way, raising both the emotional and narrative stakes to a whole new level.
Thank you, Shalini, for such a fantastic sequel. I am so excited to read more of your work and will happily keep supporting you (and this series) ❤️
January 20, 2026
“You can show people the truth, Petitor Sarai. But you can’t make them believe it.”
I find it can be a challenge to create the same momentum in a sequel after an explosive book one, but Shalini has expertly woven a book that matches the intensity, immersion and imagination of This Monster of Mine - but strives to exceed it with more intense action, comprehensive lore and a love that feels timeless.
This Blade of Ours continues from the shocking ending of book one, as Sarai and Kadra navigate the fragile political fallout, and a country divided by belief but decisive in their anger at Sarai, fearing she has angered the gods and brought upon them a deadly plague.
While book one felt like Sarai’s story, This Blade of Ours is definitely Kadra’s, as we learn the consequences of returning from the dead and his backstory, which made for a story ripe with mystery, as past and present collide.
One piece of advice? Trust. No. One.
Thank you so much to Shalini and Union Square & Co for the eARC, and this is my honest review!
I find it can be a challenge to create the same momentum in a sequel after an explosive book one, but Shalini has expertly woven a book that matches the intensity, immersion and imagination of This Monster of Mine - but strives to exceed it with more intense action, comprehensive lore and a love that feels timeless.
This Blade of Ours continues from the shocking ending of book one, as Sarai and Kadra navigate the fragile political fallout, and a country divided by belief but decisive in their anger at Sarai, fearing she has angered the gods and brought upon them a deadly plague.
While book one felt like Sarai’s story, This Blade of Ours is definitely Kadra’s, as we learn the consequences of returning from the dead and his backstory, which made for a story ripe with mystery, as past and present collide.
One piece of advice? Trust. No. One.
Thank you so much to Shalini and Union Square & Co for the eARC, and this is my honest review!
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