The Shape of Monsters: A gothic descent into a world of darkness, magic and twisted loyalties.

The Crossfades

by C L Hellisen

A gripping tale of a descent into darkness, as two siblings enter a world of magic, secrets and twisted loyalties – for those who loved Starling House by Alix E. Harrow, Gallant by V. E. Schwab and A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid.

A lost heir inherits her House's wild magic. Her feckless brother inherits nothing.
Power is their birthright. But will magic bind them, save them or set them free?

In a world where power is everything, Aleks and Vaira Kercheval ran from their heritage. A magical fire destroyed their family as children and they escaped to safety, but the siblings hadn’t seen each other for years.

Then Vaira inherits Aubrey House, their ancestral home. Forming a reluctant truce, brother and sister travel to the abandoned mansion. But crossing the threshold plunges them into a world of ancient feuds, magic and monsters.

The siblings are drawn deep into a war between rival mages – one Vaira is determined to win. Yet the powerless Aleks accidentally summons and binds a monstrous prince from the Void – a creature of immense power. As the lines between human and monster blur, the siblings must decide how far they’ll go to survive.

Magic shattered their family. Now power demands their souls.

From acclaimed author C L Hellisen, The Shape of Monsters is a treasure trove of dark magic and family secrets, where betrayals linger and power corrupts.

* * *

Readers are loving The Shape of Monsters

'A dark, Gothic, twisty delight'

'Loved being absorbed into The Shape of Monsters world, lusciously dark, deadly, defiant and magical'

'Haunting, heartfelt, and utterly unforgettable'

'Sensational world-building, characters and a plot which thrusts you into an extraordinary world of dark magic'

Genres: Fantasy, Audiobook, Urban Fantasy

358 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 24, 2026

Reviews

[Amber Chatwin]

Became boring and didn't feel any strong connection to the characters.

[Cat Treadwell]

There's so much going on in this book - an unravelling magical family in a gothic manor amidst spooky, snowy grounds - which makes for one of the most atmospheric tales I've read in a while.

Siblings Vaira and Aleks both ran from their burning childhood home, losing their parents and forced to hide from those who killed them. Then as adults, they're forced to face their heritage of magic and inter-House politics with those who want to steal their power no matter the cost.

It's never quite clear where this story is heading. At first, it seems to be a certain type of tale involving magical children rediscovering their powers; then it twists into a tale of bargains and threats, finally coalescing into a battle of wits to see who survives.

I'm trying not to give anything away because it really is best to go into this knowing as little as possible, even if your expectations will likely be wrong. This is its own beast of a book, with that atmosphere of pervasive power threading through the background, and what little love can be managed something to hold on to despite all. The ending did leave me a little disappointed, but I suspect there may be more to come in this world, and I'll be interested to see what the author reveals next.

Sometimes dark, often messed-up, never straightforward, this is a dark adventure that kept me awake into the small hours.

I was kindly sent an early copy of this book by the publisher, but the above opinions are entirely my own.

[Martha van Zyl]

The Shape of Monsters is a spellbinding dive into a darkly magical world where bloodlines hold power, and ancient feuds simmer beneath the surface of carefully constructed lives. CL Hellisen’s writing is rich and atmospheric, pulling you in with lush detail, emotional depth, and a narrative that expertly balances tension, heartbreak, and wonder.

At its heart, this is a story about family, identity, and the cost of power. Aleks and Vaira Kercheval, siblings who have tried to escape their magical legacy, are thrown back into the treacherous world of the Mage Houses after inheriting Aubrey House. What follows is a beautifully tragic unravelling as each sibling takes a different path: Vaira embracing her heritage with steely ambition, and Aleks stumbling into a dangerous bond with Ilea, a chillingly seductive prince from the Void.

Hellisen’s worldbuilding is intricate without being overwhelming, filled with layered politics, eerie lore, and morally complex characters. The dynamic between the siblings is particularly compelling, portraying both love and conflict in equal measure. As the story progresses and the divide between Aleks and Vaira grows, the emotional stakes rise, and so does the sense of impending doom.

Omari Douglas’s narration adds another level of brilliance to this Audible Original. His performance is nuanced and expressive, perfectly capturing the haunting beauty of Hellisen’s prose and the emotional turmoil of the characters. He brings each scene to life with subtle intensity, immersing the listener completely in this dark fantasy world.

The pacing is perfect and Hellisen has a way with words that adds depth to an intricately woven story. Even as someone who doesn’t often reach for dark fantasy, I found myself completely enthralled. The Shape of Monsters is a standout listen; an intoxicating blend of family drama, dark enchantment, and emotional complexity.

I’m already eagerly awaiting the next installment. This is a must-listen for anyone who loves beautifully written fantasy with teeth.

5/5 stars – Haunting, heartfelt, and utterly unforgettable.

[Melissa Crowe]

Superb performance that kept me engaged . The story was slow and ended poorly.

[Camilla_Reads]

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was a weird one because so many elements of it were very cool and I totally bought into the urban fantasy setting, magical system and vaguely modern-gothic vibes. However, despite thinking I would eventually, I never quite warmed to the characters enough to really care what was happening. And believe me, I've no problem with a good old morally-grey, unlikeable character, but both Aleks and Vai were unbearable at times, plus just at each other's throats constantly. I get it, complicated sibling relationships, feelings of inadequacy on both sides... But it just felt like too much sometimes. I ended up feeling like there was nothing to root for.

[Marianne Pritchard]

Enjoyed this more than I was expecting. Dark fantasy with gritty tale of romance woven through. Really good to see non-typical genders moving out with the tokenistic role and being represented in more mainstream fantasy.
Youll enjoy this if you like off beat dark fantasies.

[Belle]

🕯️ 'Whatever you do, make sure you understand the ramifications. Magic gives us what we didn't know we wanted, and that might be the worst thing about it.' 🕯️

I would rate this book 4.5 ⭐️

The Shape of Monsters was such an intriguing and twisty read! 💙
There were so many moments in the book my jaw dropped because I wasn't expecting a lot of things that happened. And just when I thought I'd been shocked enough times, the book would take yet another surprising turn! This book also had its fair share of wtf moments too, where I couldn't quite comprehend what on earth I was reading. But in the best way possible because I was loving every moment 😂

This book was not what I was expecting- I thought it was going to be a more lighthearted magical gothic book, it wasn't like this at all. The Shape of Monsters is a story of two siblings and their very complicated relationship, caused by the loss of their parents as children and only one sibling having magic. And it is a story of loss and grief, and the things that can drive you to do. Of love and finding love in unexpected places (in this case with a monster 🙂‍↕️)
This story does get pretty dark and tragic, and kinda gruesome at parts, but also has its fair share of lighthearted moments and humour too. I enjoyed how much depth it has- I don't think I've read any book that explores complicated sibling relationships in the way that this book does! 🩵

🕯️ 'It was a game of dice, and he'd always been lucky with a roll. Maybe that's all luck was- taking desperate chances with the knowledge that something had to work, and if it didn't, he'd be too dead to give a shit.' 🕯️

I enjoyed both the characters in this book! The most interesting thing to me is how my perception of both Aleks and Vaira changed throughout the book! I was initially drawn to Vaira because of how she describes her past and her experiences- I felt like I automatically sided with her because of both her POV and how Aleks is described initially. Aleks comes across as pretty careless, drinking, taking drugs and gambling to escape his life. He abandoned his sister and only returned because of a house she inherits from a distant relative that passed- he wants to see how he can benefit from that.

Although you sympathise with Aleks because of his experiences on the day of his parent's death in chapter 1, you side mostly with Vaira. But as the book goes on and Vaira becomes more and more hungry for things she shouldn't try to get, and will do anything for the power regardless of the cost, this starts to switch. Also getting to see the true nature of Aleks, especially through his relationship with Ilea (the monster), shows us who he truly is. The way Vaira treats Ilea from the start is enough to make you start to dislike her. It's very clever! ✨

🕯️ 'Wear it, it holds no power in this world. Like my name, it is a shadow of things long taken from me.' 🕯️

Ilea was my favourite character! I thoroughly enjoyed his extreme bluntness, especially about the typical human things he doesn't understand because he's a monster. And how he uses that same tone to tease Aleks. The attraction and banter and tension between him and Aleks is amazing, I was kicking my feet giggling reading a lot of their interactions 🤭 if you want monster romance, but a monster that's a shape shifter, that gives off a Jack Frost vibe in appearance but mixed with the supernatural, is bound to the MMC but will do anything that he asks of them without being ordered, just because he wants to... but with no real spice... then this is the book for you! I loved that there was no true spice- the tension and the details that were mentioned were so much more entertaining and fitting for the story! 🩵

Side note- there was a lot of consuming of one another that happened. And I mean literally, like eating of each other's flesh and blood... it was slightly gruesome, slightly hot, very unexpected. I didn't hate it 😂

🕯️ 'Ilea? They don't have to be anywhere. Maybe they just like it here.'
"I do not. All of you revolt me." 🕯️

The ending of the book was very unexpected- I was reading more and more pages and saw how little I had left, but only more questions were coming up. It certainly wasn't a happy ending. I need another book immediately 😭
I think the pretty tragic ending definitely leaves an opening for a very interesting book 2 with a lot of depth!

Tropes:
✨ family secrets
✨ complicated brother sister relationship
✨ inherited legacy
✨ morally grey characters
✨ monster romance (MMC & monster)
✨ unconventional love
✨ ancient feuds between mage families
✨ necromancy
✨ old gothic mansion
✨ grief and loss
✨ the price of power

Overall, I really enjoyed this book!! The twists had me absolutely hooked, stunned and at points speechless. It's rare I read a book that truly does that! It gave me all the dark gothic magical vibes I wanted, a monster romance with a lot of tension that I wasn't aware I was getting and a complicated exploration of sibling relationships and personal identity! I'm glad it was different from my expectations- I think it's honestly a book you can't predict! 🩵

Thank you to Tor/ Pan Macmillan for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review! I loved it! 💙

[Pudsey Recommends]

Strange, eerie and gloriously chaotic, The Shape of Monsters drew me into a world of decaying Houses, sacred cards, inherited magic and the terrifying possibilities of the Void.

At its heart are estranged siblings Vaira and Aleks, each grappling with a power they cannot fully understand or control. Vaira inherits Aubrey House and its magic, while Aleks, long believed to have none of his own, accidentally binds a monstrous prince from the Void. I loved how their stories run alongside each other. Both have been shaped by their family’s expectations, and both must decide what to do with the parts of themselves they have been taught to fear.

Hellisen’s magic feels wonderfully physical. It burns, vibrates, tastes and changes the body. I was especially intrigued by the way magic determines status: who has it, who is thought to lack it, and who gets to decide what that means. It is a political hierarchy. The world is intricate, with the uneasy sense that something has gone wrong with its bloodlines.

Then there is Aleks and Ilea. The slow burn and sexual tension between them had me hooked. At one point, desire feels like “a thousand fantasies all woven into each other”. But Aleks cannot forget that Ilea is “a cannibalistic monster from another world, and one bound to him against their will.” That tension makes their intimacy as unsettling as it is seductive. This was my first novel with dark monster romance elements, and I was fascinated by how the book brings desire, danger and consent into the same space.

Aleks’s sharp, irreverent humour also gives him a way to push back when so much feels beyond his control. It sits brilliantly against the novel’s gothic atmosphere, where tenderness and grotesque violence are never far apart.

Hellisen leaves you questioning what makes someone a monster, especially in a world already built on coercion and inherited power. Chaotic, complex and simply compelling. I’m reaching for book two next.

Thank you to BookBreak UK, Pan Macmillan and Tor Books for my beautiful physical copy.

#pudseyrecommends

[hol.reads5]

If you want a fantasy x horror read for autumn, this should be your go to! Super creepy/unsettling with just the right hint of magic. Contemporary yet gothic, I loved the magic in this, very unique

[John-Ross Chambers]

Interesting story and world. Quite light to get into and interesting themes.

Would have been interesting to build the world and lore out more.

[Jen]

I read an eARC of this book on NetGalley so thank you to the author and the publisher.

This is a dark fantasy about two siblings, thrown into a world of warring magical factions due to an inheritance.

I really liked all the lore and background that this book includes. The rival families and the history between them was really interesting. There’s some fascinating magic in here, particularly where it relates to other worlds. There was a really effective atmosphere created in the book, with the inherited house, the artefacts that are uncovered, and the dangerous visitors.

I liked the focus on estranged siblings. That they’re having to learn to tolerate each other and that they must deal with the trauma of their shared past. The family backstory and history was fascinating and I enjoyed how this was revealed to the characters. I also liked some of the peripheral characters, and there was a pretty monstrous villain.

However this book was quite slow and it frequently got repetitive. I thought there was a lot of great stuff in it, but it would have benefitted from being edited down more to keep the pace up.

[Naomi]

Loved the world building and the feuding mages, it was such a great dynamic. It is quite slow paced for a lot of the book, but the ending really picks up and becomes so gripping.

Aleks’s character growth was really nice to read, and Vaira’s villain arc was so intense, it’ll be interesting to see how they both develop in book 2!

Overall a gritty dark fantasy with strong character arcs, would definitely recommend for anyone who enjoys darker urban fantasy!

[Cee]

I received an ARC copy of this book through NetGalley, these are my honest opinions.

I ate this book up.

It’s hard to go into too much detail without spoilers (and I hate posting spoilers for ARCs) so, I’ll just say what I can about this one.

At its heart, I’d say this is a book about siblings and one child being treated as special over the other can really have an impact. That’s Aleks and Vaira Kercheval, both children of the magic Kercheval family, who tragically died. Vaira possesses great power, Aleks does not. Vaira inherits Aubrey House, a magical place that belonged to her mother’s family, and the Kercheval children realise that there was more to their parents' deaths, and that powerful forces want to use or destroy Vaira. Vaira has to make up for a lifetime of trying to hide her magic and actually learn to use in in order to keep the family line alive.

I think what sets this apart is the relationship between the siblings, and it’s what I loved the most about the book. Neither are the forgive and forget type, and they’re both incredibly selfish, and a little morally grey. Theirs is a dynamic of trial, error and vitriol, neither able to entirely understand what the other suffers through since they’ve lived very different lives. And, I’d say there’s something of a modern gothic vibe to it all.

I will say, the start of the book felt a little slow and like the book would *just* be about the siblings and their strained relationship, but once it got going and more intrigue about the Kercheval and Aubrey families started to build, I found myself needing to read ‘just one more chapter’ before I could put the book down. There’s conflict with other magical Houses, death, and trips into the afterlife, all served with a healthy side of sarcasm from Aleks, whose pain and suffering permeates the page every time the narrative follows him.

That said, I don’t think this will be for everyone. If you want a feel good story where characters have a lot of emotional growth, you might not enjoy the Kercheval siblings constantly arguing and verbally wounding each other. (They're not the most *likeable* of people, but I think that made them great characters.)

The only other thing I can say is that I hope there’s a second book -- while this doesn’t exactly end on a huge cliffhanger, and could be considered one and done, there are still plot threads I’d love resolved in a sequel.

[Maisie]

Overall, I enjoyed the story. It had some cool ideas, some compelling parts, mystery, intrigue, cool magic. But I felt it had two major flaws.
Firstly, it just never quite… delivered. At the start, some interesting plot points were introduced and I kept waiting and waiting for some cool twist, but after about halfway, it felt like the same ideas rehashed over and over and nothing really happened or changed. More and more descriptions of the monster, or how Vaira couldn’t wait to be rid of Alex. We get it. I wonder if a good editor would have condensed this - I listened to the second half mostly on 1.5x speed as a lot of the descriptions could be skipped over without missing the plot, and as the pacing slowed.
Secondly, both main characters I never really rooted for as I found them both dislikable, so I can’t say I was too invested when they were in danger, I sort of thought… ‘oh well!’
This should come with a warning that there is one short part of the book with some very adult language - even though the rest of the story reads like a YA or even teen drama/fiction, don’t be fooled.
Also, Cannes Ton? Canesten? The thrush cream for a character name? Seriously?

[Chris Limb]

This is a dark urban fantasy shot through with humour and horror in equal measure so that you're kept on the edge of your seat until the end. The narrative plays with and subverts expectations; the characters never conforming to your initial expectations based on how they're coded.

The urban fantasy world itself is fascinating as it feels far more like a fully realised magical world upon which a version of mundane modernity has been overlaid rather than the other way around (as can so often the case with this genre).

Definitely one that leaves you missing the characters and situations at the end – and eager to see what's next in store for them.

The sound design and narration is perfect.

[Chrystal]

The audio production and narration was well done. However, this story wasn't for me. Sadly, I didn't really like or connect with either main character. I also felt like this book was quite a bit longer than it needed to be. The ending was disappointing. I was confused the whole time not really sure what was going on, other than a war was coming. A war that was over in less than 5 minutes. I feel like with the length of this one, so much more could have happened. I didn't end this one with the urge to read any more of the series. Others seem to really like it and I hope you do as well.

[Katie]

This was so good! It's creepy and tense and heart-breaking and full to the brim with monsters of every definition! It shines a light on the monstrosity present in humanity, the way people can be 'othered' and shunned for simply being who they are. It's bold and cruel and sinks its claws deep into your skin. Delicious!
Absolutely loved the narration too, more people with proper accents doing audiobooks please! It added a real depth to an already fantastic story!

[Steve]

What a fascinating and unique adventure and a highly underrated storyin a world of similar tales.
I could not put this book down once it got going.
I particularly enjoy following a "side" character while the FMC does her own thing, and develops off the page. The love interest is like nothing I've encountered and it was a breathe of fresh (although lightly necrotic) air.

[Lyndsey Croal]

With a great set up and richly imagined world, The Shape of Monsters throws you right into a story of family secrets, strange magic, intrigue, dangerous bargains, treachery, and dark desires. This was a hugely enjoyable read - beautifully dark, atmospheric and oozing with tension and heart.

[Carriann]

kind of boring. some parts were good and interesting.

[Shanda]

The world building and lore would be more enjoyable where it further flushed out, but all in all this is still a fantastic story!

If there’s not a sequel, I will riot

[David Fox]

The story has multiple monsters but it may not be who or what you think, and their reasons for being so may actually win you to their side.

[JAYNE MARRIOTT]

I found myself quite conflicted about this audiobook. On one hand, I was completely drawn into the world of the magical houses, their shifting allegiances, betrayals, and the way power was constantly manipulated for personal gain. The story kept me listening because the world-building was fascinating, even when the plot became emotionally heavy.
Via’s growth throughout the story was compelling. Watching her become a mage and discover the extent of her power contrasted sharply with her brother Alex, who grew up powerless and reckless, eventually ending up in prison. Their separation after the death of their parents, the instability of foster homes, and the very different people they became before reuniting added a lot of emotional depth. The inheritance of the family home completely changed both of their lives, although their reunion felt complicated rather than comforting.
I found Via’s desperation to reunite with her boyfriend frustrating at times, especially alongside the resentment she seemed to hold toward Alex. Yet that tension also made the characters feel flawed and believable. What interested me most was the very different relationships both siblings had with the monster. Via’s connection to the Void felt unclear and manipulative, almost as though she was being pulled toward something she never fully understood. Alex, meanwhile, seemed to have a more grounded or instinctive relationship with the creature, which raised questions about who its true master really was.
What stayed with me most after finishing the audiobook was how bleak the portrayal of magic felt. Rather than being something wondrous, magic was shown as corruptive, manipulative, and deeply tied to identity and self-perception. That sadness lingered throughout the story. I enjoyed the audiobook overall, but parts of it genuinely saddened me because of how the characters were shaped — and damaged — by the power around them.
It’s the kind of story that keeps you thinking afterwards, even if you are not entirely sure how you feel about it.

[Linnéa Lange]

The Kercheval siblings, Aleks and Vaira, come from a magical family but grow up among non-magical humans. Vaira has a terrifying fire power that she struggles to contain in the absence of magical tutors, while Aleks is just... normal, to everyone's huge disappointment. They grow up in foster families, and while Vaira just wants to shed every and any association with the magical world, Aleks takes to drugs and alcohol to cope.

One day, Vaira receives a letter from their great Aunt, saying that she's the last living viable heir to the Aubrey estate. Aleks and Vaira move in, even though they have been estranged for years, and Vaira, in particular, despises her brother.

They're both introduced to the magical world, finally getting access to literature and tutors that are sorely needed. But the magical world isn't light -- it's dark, and that takes a toll on them. Aleks accidentally summons a demon prince, whom he strikes up a relationship with, while Vaira tries to find her own place in the world.

Some of the more interesting themes explored is what happens when who you think is a monster isn't, and when those who you expect to excel turn dark?

I thought Hellisen dealt really well with the nuances of characters. There is no right or wrong, or morally upstanding in this book. It's all just a bunch of people steeped in strong traditions and expectations, and with access to dark magic.

However, while Aleks's character was really interesting and nuanced, Vaira came across as a spoiled and entitled brat at times. This struck me as odd, since she hasn't really engaged with this world in a sense, and all of a sudden thinks she's the bee's knees when it comes to dark magic. The power definitely went to her head, but in the worst way possible. Given this, I found it hard to connect with her specific viewpoint, and found her tedious in her continued hatred for Aleks.

There are romance elements, but they are very weird. I enjoyed that. Some might not. It's not a romance in any sense.

I received an ARC from Tor. Thanks for letting me review the book!

[Robin Duncan]

This is a delightfully spiky, delicately spiced tale of nascent wizardry and unlooked-for inheritance in a darkly modern world where the shadows are not what they seem. Magical forces coalesce around Vaira and her brother Aleks when Vai's inheritance of a family mansion turns out to come with strings attached. Ties, in fact, that bind them both to a past they did not understand, and a future that turns out to be ugly, brutish and - potentially - short.

There isn't a nice character in the whole story; everyone has an agenda, Vai and Aleks included. The warring siblings can hardly break off sparring with each other long enough to defend themselves, their home and those that they love from the malevolent families clustering around them, looking for some weakness to exploit, a defensive gap at which to strike.

Even when trying to protect each other, or do what they think is right, Vaira and Aleks come to blows. Not a good idea when they should be contending with demons, spirits and rivals both in the human plane, and beyond the veil of reality.

Ripping stuff, in which darkly gothic drama abounds, and raw emotions sting like the burns from magical fire.

[Fiona]

Interesting concept, but ultimately not for me

The Shape of Monsters begins with a wonderfully eerie setup, a crumbling ancestral home, long-buried magic, and a sibling dynamic filled with promise and tension. I was intrigued by the idea of two siblings pulled in opposite directions by the legacy of their bloodline. The writing is atmospheric, and there's a strong sense of place, which I appreciated.

However, as the story progressed, I found myself losing interest. Much of the plot unfolds in the confines of a bedroom with Aleks and the entity he summons, and the repetitive, insular nature of their interactions became tedious for me. I also found the darker, necromantic elements to be not my cup of tea. There was a feeling of emotional stagnation that made it difficult to stay engaged.

That said, I can see how others might be drawn to the psychological depth and the tragic, twisted bond between Aleks and his Monster. It simply wasn’t to my taste, but I do appreciate the originality of the premise and the author’s imaginative world-building.

[Donna]

Review of an ARC from NetGalley and Tor Books UK

I DNFed 'The Shape of Monsters' after around 4 chapters. The opening initially read quite YA for me, before jumping forward to an adult Aleks: recently released from prison, homeless, rootless, and generally a 21st-century mess. Unfortunately, I struggled to get invested. It felt very trope-heavy, the foreshadowing was anything but subtle, and at times it read a little like Harry Potter fanfiction.

My biggest issue was the worldbuilding. The combination of cars, drugs, swearing and very contemporary characters with godkings, the Long Dark, mages and elaborate fantasy terminology did not cohere for me - the setting felt confused and overloaded with decoration.

I always dislike DNFing a book. Sadly, this one just didn't have enough to grip me. It felt wholly unoriginal.

[Shell]

A brother and sister inherit Aubrey House, which belonged to their family and where they have not been since childhood. On returning to the gothic property, old magic fueds are awakened, pitting the siblings against each other in a battle to save themselves and their partners.
I suffered through this book club pick to the end. It reminded me of a poorly written young adult fantasy with swearing, drugs and sex thrown in to make it an adult read. Non of it worked and the cringy erotic scenes between Aleks and the corpse-like monster he conjured from the abis were some of the most amateur passages I've ever had to sit through. Imagine my dismay when I found out that every other member of the book club gave up at around 2 hours in? I can't imagine who this book was aimed at.

[_linnslibrary_]

The Shape of Monsters is a dark and gothic fantasy book. It was very atmospheric with lush descriptions. I liked the worldbuilding it felt mysterious and magical. We follow two siblings and I did like these characters and their sibling dynamics. I especially loved Aleks. He is an amazing and very funny character who made me smile and laugh multiple times.

I really liked the first 50% of the book. After that I started to lose a little interest. The book was starting to drag a bit and it got boring. There are some romances in here that I did not really care so much about. There is LGBTQ+ rep in the book!

[A.K. Adler]

A propulsive story, with morally ambiguous choices, fascinating monsters, and plenty of tension. The plot was undermined, though, by muddy motivations, with it feeling like the characters made decisions based on what the plot needed rather than on an authentic emotional basis. And since the relationship between the brother and sister was so central, it lacked the depth needed to feel multi-dimensional.

Overall, a largely enjoyable read, but could have been more with some extra character development.