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House of Monsters
It's been ten years since my family was murdered right in front of me by someone we were supposed to trust. I was only eighteen at the time and barely survived myself, and I've spent the last decade running from my past. I still remember every single detail like it all happened yesterday. The screams, the blood, the way my mother's body just… hung there.
The nightmares keep me awake at night, and the whispers taunt me for it.
After the sudden death of my only aunt, I suddenly found myself the owner of that wretched place, and now I have no choice but to go back and face my demons. But what I didn't expect was for those demons to be…literal monsters. Monsters who feed off of pain and human suffering. They’re alluring and seductive…terrifying, utterly inhuman, and slowly but surely, they're drawing me into their dark, twisted world.
I’m torn between wanting to give into my fantasy of burning this place to the ground with me inside of it, ending it once and for all, and wanting to live for these monster men who need me just as much as I might need them. To feed them…to give them what they so desperately crave.
I don't know what's going to happen to me, but I can't deny that I'm strangely drawn to these deadly creatures that seem to have crawled out of the dark depths of my nightmares. Some people say this house is cursed, and maybe they're right, because as much as I try to fight it, I can feel myself being pulled further and further into the dark...and you know what..?
I might just dive right in.
This is a why choose RH standalone. 18+ due to heavy triggers.
The nightmares keep me awake at night, and the whispers taunt me for it.
After the sudden death of my only aunt, I suddenly found myself the owner of that wretched place, and now I have no choice but to go back and face my demons. But what I didn't expect was for those demons to be…literal monsters. Monsters who feed off of pain and human suffering. They’re alluring and seductive…terrifying, utterly inhuman, and slowly but surely, they're drawing me into their dark, twisted world.
I’m torn between wanting to give into my fantasy of burning this place to the ground with me inside of it, ending it once and for all, and wanting to live for these monster men who need me just as much as I might need them. To feed them…to give them what they so desperately crave.
I don't know what's going to happen to me, but I can't deny that I'm strangely drawn to these deadly creatures that seem to have crawled out of the dark depths of my nightmares. Some people say this house is cursed, and maybe they're right, because as much as I try to fight it, I can feel myself being pulled further and further into the dark...and you know what..?
I might just dive right in.
This is a why choose RH standalone. 18+ due to heavy triggers.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 9, 2022
234 people are currently reading
556 people want to read
About the author
Penn Cassidy
47 books485 followersI spend 95% of my life huddled in my little office, at my little desk, vividly hallucinating about characters and scenarios that don't exist. Then I write it all down for you to enjoy!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
December 3, 2022
I forgot I preordered this, but it’s Penn Cassidy, so I don’t mind at all. And I mean have y’all seen that cover? That description? 🤩
There is something about Penn Cassidy’s books that really captures depression. This book especially. It’s dark and gritty. I love it so much because of how much I can relate to it, even though it’s paranormal. Iris had been through so much trauma and tragedy in her life, she’s so beaten down. This doesn’t really do what many books do, preaching the mentality that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, you’ll be fine, just keep grinding. It focuses on companionship, understanding, being true to yourself, and knowing your limits. I just thought this book was beautiful, despite the dark themes.
I do think I woulda liked it to end without the epilogue because it just fit so perfectly. But I can understand why it’s there and I guess I do appreciate Iris growing into who she felt she was.
Please be careful going into this if you don’t think you can mentally handle it, because there is a lot of talk of grief, depression, self-harm, and suicide (plus many other things). I think her TW is perfect:
“This isn’t a regular romance with heroes, villains, and a moral message. This is the story of a broken woman and the darkness that haunts her. This is the story of what happens when grief takes over, and the monsters in the darkness begin to feed off of that pain. If you’re expecting a deep, meaningful romance, then this isn’t for you. These monsters want one thing only, and it’s to feed on whatever they’re given. This book deals with incredibly dark and possibly triggering subject matter, such as self harm, suicide, pain kinks, blood play, gore, graphic sex, group sex, non human sex, violence, dubcon, murder, and more. If those things aren't for you, that's totally okay, but you might want to skip this one.”
There is something about Penn Cassidy’s books that really captures depression. This book especially. It’s dark and gritty. I love it so much because of how much I can relate to it, even though it’s paranormal. Iris had been through so much trauma and tragedy in her life, she’s so beaten down. This doesn’t really do what many books do, preaching the mentality that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, you’ll be fine, just keep grinding. It focuses on companionship, understanding, being true to yourself, and knowing your limits. I just thought this book was beautiful, despite the dark themes.
I do think I woulda liked it to end without the epilogue because it just fit so perfectly. But I can understand why it’s there and I guess I do appreciate Iris growing into who she felt she was.
Please be careful going into this if you don’t think you can mentally handle it, because there is a lot of talk of grief, depression, self-harm, and suicide (plus many other things). I think her TW is perfect:
“This isn’t a regular romance with heroes, villains, and a moral message. This is the story of a broken woman and the darkness that haunts her. This is the story of what happens when grief takes over, and the monsters in the darkness begin to feed off of that pain. If you’re expecting a deep, meaningful romance, then this isn’t for you. These monsters want one thing only, and it’s to feed on whatever they’re given. This book deals with incredibly dark and possibly triggering subject matter, such as self harm, suicide, pain kinks, blood play, gore, graphic sex, group sex, non human sex, violence, dubcon, murder, and more. If those things aren't for you, that's totally okay, but you might want to skip this one.”
December 23, 2022
This book was a whirlwind of crazy. With me going in blind, I was in for a rude awakening with all the crazy that was about to befall me. In some respects House of Monsters follows the spiraling of heroine Iris’s life when she returns to her childhood home, the same place she ran from and that haunts her dreams. The book was pretty full of monster porn at times so if that’s your thing you'll really like this as there are tentacles and a whole lot more. For me it was a bit much as I just wanted more plot and more information on the monsters backgrounds-which sadly we don’t really get.
There’s also an emotional level because the heroine is truly on the edge. She’s lived in agony since the events of that night and every day since she’s done nothing but try to ignore the voices in her head and numb the memories. I think in many respects the heroine has tested fate repeatedly over the years using sex drugs and everything in between to try and take herself out. Somehow through a lot, she’s managed to survive and it’s not until she returns home to face her demons that her future can be determined or erased all together. But as someone with such pain and torment not even monsters can scare her like the ghosts of her past. I hated to see her pain and even more so once readers are let in on the full scope of that long ago night. It’s pretty graphic and not something that should happen outside of movies but unfortunately for the heroine it defines her identity from that night on. I really wasn’t sure how this book was going to end but I find it fitting and probably the only way for Iris to start on a new path.
There’s also an emotional level because the heroine is truly on the edge. She’s lived in agony since the events of that night and every day since she’s done nothing but try to ignore the voices in her head and numb the memories. I think in many respects the heroine has tested fate repeatedly over the years using sex drugs and everything in between to try and take herself out. Somehow through a lot, she’s managed to survive and it’s not until she returns home to face her demons that her future can be determined or erased all together. But as someone with such pain and torment not even monsters can scare her like the ghosts of her past. I hated to see her pain and even more so once readers are let in on the full scope of that long ago night. It’s pretty graphic and not something that should happen outside of movies but unfortunately for the heroine it defines her identity from that night on. I really wasn’t sure how this book was going to end but I find it fitting and probably the only way for Iris to start on a new path.
January 1, 2023
House Of Monsters was an.....unique storyline. I went into this blind without knowing much about the storyline, and I'm so glad I did.
Our FMC is Iris. Iris experienced an extremely traumatic life event when her entire family was killed right before her eyes. Her life was spared in what one can assume was a final act of revenge / pain. She lives the rest of her life seeking out ways to hurt herself until she can eventually end her life. Please read the trigger warnings before starting this book.
There is a LOT of smut, sex with unique types of monsters, and lots of forms of selfharm. But overall ,this was a great, quick read. I love Penn Cassidy's work.
Our FMC is Iris. Iris experienced an extremely traumatic life event when her entire family was killed right before her eyes. Her life was spared in what one can assume was a final act of revenge / pain. She lives the rest of her life seeking out ways to hurt herself until she can eventually end her life. Please read the trigger warnings before starting this book.
There is a LOT of smut, sex with unique types of monsters, and lots of forms of selfharm. But overall ,this was a great, quick read. I love Penn Cassidy's work.
February 4, 2023
this book was… crazy and definitely not for the faint of heart. really well written & made me feel a lot in the span of a novella! also, Kaz is my ride or die 🐙
2.5 out of 5 gasoline cans 🔥🔥🔥
2.5 out of 5 gasoline cans 🔥🔥🔥
November 10, 2022
4.5 stars for this spooky and steamy ass read lol.
I want to start by saying please be aware of trigger warnings and take them seriously. This book is not for the faint of heart and it is not a HEA. Well, not exactly lol. This book is dark, sexy, and spooky. If that is what you are into then definitely give this book a read. If you are looking for spooky but HEA and caring loving MCs, I suggest you skip this book.
This book was heartbreaking but the spice was *chefs kiss* and starts almost immediately. This is a short book so it is action-packed from start to finish with a nice little twist towards the end and during the epilogue. The monsters are just that...monsters. They have one thing on their mind lol devouring Iris (in more ways than one).
If you are looking for
-Why choose
-Morally black characters
-Gore/Murder
-High spice
-Monster Romance
-Scary
This book is for you.
I want to start by saying please be aware of trigger warnings and take them seriously. This book is not for the faint of heart and it is not a HEA. Well, not exactly lol. This book is dark, sexy, and spooky. If that is what you are into then definitely give this book a read. If you are looking for spooky but HEA and caring loving MCs, I suggest you skip this book.
This book was heartbreaking but the spice was *chefs kiss* and starts almost immediately. This is a short book so it is action-packed from start to finish with a nice little twist towards the end and during the epilogue. The monsters are just that...monsters. They have one thing on their mind lol devouring Iris (in more ways than one).
If you are looking for
-Why choose
-Morally black characters
-Gore/Murder
-High spice
-Monster Romance
-Scary
This book is for you.
November 18, 2022
I was intrigued by the cover but I truly have no idea of what to say about the novel.
The writing style is good but the plot and characters not so much.
I'm not even sure of how this novel could be classified. It's certainly not a romance but it does have quite a few steamy/smutty scenes. It also has strong elements of the horror genre. So... I'll let you decide what it is. But whatever that might be, it is not my cup of tea.
The writing style is good but the plot and characters not so much.
I'm not even sure of how this novel could be classified. It's certainly not a romance but it does have quite a few steamy/smutty scenes. It also has strong elements of the horror genre. So... I'll let you decide what it is. But whatever that might be, it is not my cup of tea.
February 10, 2023
Very NSFW....not for the faint of heart. Respect for making the monster love interests actually evil instead of just misunderstood though.
June 18, 2024
I'm not okay
So this book... Don't read it in public. I had a wet face driving around like I just broke up with my bf. It's extremely dark for read the trigger warnings.
So this book... Don't read it in public. I had a wet face driving around like I just broke up with my bf. It's extremely dark for read the trigger warnings.
December 15, 2023
Genre: Erotic Horror
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Multiple
Rating:
For the last ten years, Iris Cooper has been battling her inner demons. Hoping to face them one last time, she went back to her family estate where the nightmare began. But what waited for her was more terrifying than she could ever imagine.
This one was a pleasant surprise. The plot was light, but not less entertaining. I liked the ambiance and appreciated how the author took full advantage of the monstrous elements when it comes to the erotic scenes.
I felt for Iris and her suffering, but she was smart enough to make the most out of the situation. The monsters were also interesting, and I liked Kaz the most. I loved the ending because that was how I envisioned the story.
House of Monsters is a story of letting go. It would appeal to readers who enjoy erotic monster horror.
⛓️✖️⛓️. . . (F)BR with Twinsie CC . . . ⛓️✖️⛓️
For more reviews/interviews/book talk/promo visit:
For graphics, trailers & author services visit Warhawke Design Studio.
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Multiple
Rating:
For the last ten years, Iris Cooper has been battling her inner demons. Hoping to face them one last time, she went back to her family estate where the nightmare began. But what waited for her was more terrifying than she could ever imagine.
This one was a pleasant surprise. The plot was light, but not less entertaining. I liked the ambiance and appreciated how the author took full advantage of the monstrous elements when it comes to the erotic scenes.
So why did my entire body tingle at the thought of being touched by these monsters? Why did I salivate at the image in my head, picturing them ravishing me on every surface in this cursed house?
I felt for Iris and her suffering, but she was smart enough to make the most out of the situation. The monsters were also interesting, and I liked Kaz the most. I loved the ending because that was how I envisioned the story.
House of Monsters is a story of letting go. It would appeal to readers who enjoy erotic monster horror.
⛓️✖️⛓️. . . (F)BR with Twinsie CC . . . ⛓️✖️⛓️
For more reviews/interviews/book talk/promo visit:
For graphics, trailers & author services visit Warhawke Design Studio.
Read
February 13, 2023DNF ~37%
Loss interest 🤷🏻♀️
Loss interest 🤷🏻♀️
January 21, 2023
I loved this book so much even if I had to draw up a map of what positions the characters were in, which made it interesting considering there were monsters of different sorts. LOL
It's dark, gloomy, depressing, eerie, and filthy. All my favorite things. ♥
It's dark, gloomy, depressing, eerie, and filthy. All my favorite things. ♥
November 21, 2022
where do I even begin? awful 😞
Read
October 22, 2024DNF because it was not as scary as I would have preferred - also a very self-destructive lead. The monster aspect was pretty unique. I just wish it was more haunting and less overdominating. Think I should state that I read this three months ago so I don't even know if I have an accurate basis to go off. I remember getting bored and never picking it up again around 60% - I recall a man doing a house inspection and leaving because she wouldn't get freaky with him or was it because the monsters were scaring him off (can't remember). I hope this is the right book but if not ... I do not really care just want to acknowledge that I read this and hope there is an even better version with the same erotic horror elements out somewhere in the depths of sunlight deprived shelves.
Okay now that this is finally out of the way...
BYE!
Okay now that this is finally out of the way...
BYE!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2022
Where do I even begin? Penn has written another book that is now one of my favorites. This book had everything from darkness to monsters and good ole action if you catch my drift. I’ve always loved monster romance and well today it hit a new level.
Iris has honestly been through the worst. She is coping in her way. She is ready for the voices to end. The shadows and monsters are taking her sadness away. Will she get to finish her plan before they finish theirs?
This book was so good and honestly, I wasn’t expecting how dark this story was going to be. I honestly wouldn’t complain if more books by Penn were as dark. I highly recommend giving this book a chance!
Iris has honestly been through the worst. She is coping in her way. She is ready for the voices to end. The shadows and monsters are taking her sadness away. Will she get to finish her plan before they finish theirs?
This book was so good and honestly, I wasn’t expecting how dark this story was going to be. I honestly wouldn’t complain if more books by Penn were as dark. I highly recommend giving this book a chance!
November 10, 2022
My favorite
OK this my take my favorite book of hers! It's darker then most of hers not the scary dark but the main has gone through something’s and she mentally struggles if you can't handle that don't read it! The heat is my favorite yet! Hot dang I need to move to a monster house too. I love the fact it ended! I like series but it's nice to pick up a book and it ends too! This book checked all of my boxes.
OK this my take my favorite book of hers! It's darker then most of hers not the scary dark but the main has gone through something’s and she mentally struggles if you can't handle that don't read it! The heat is my favorite yet! Hot dang I need to move to a monster house too. I love the fact it ended! I like series but it's nice to pick up a book and it ends too! This book checked all of my boxes.
November 9, 2022
Hauntingly beautiful
I. Effing. Loved. This. Book.
I've read hundreds of dark romance novels and I have to say this one was unique. No spoilers in this review, just...wow. Heed the trigger warnings but I didn't find it to be too bad overall, I mean...it's dark, depraved and morbid but that last chapter especially. Whew. Will be looking for this author again. 5/5 amazing.
I. Effing. Loved. This. Book.
I've read hundreds of dark romance novels and I have to say this one was unique. No spoilers in this review, just...wow. Heed the trigger warnings but I didn't find it to be too bad overall, I mean...it's dark, depraved and morbid but that last chapter especially. Whew. Will be looking for this author again. 5/5 amazing.
November 9, 2022
Was 100% not expecting this book to be as dark as it was, but I loved every freaking second of it. Definitely twisted, definitely full of triggers, but definitely worth a read. Oof!
June 5, 2023
This read was dark, depraved, and yet still somehow a fun quick read? Tons of trigger warnings, but I enjoyed the fuckery of it all. The ending was abrupt and left a lot up to the readers’ imagination. But it was filled to the brim with filthy monster smut. 🥵🥵🥵 overall, was definitely a fan. I sort of want to do a word count of how many times the author used undulated though 😂
February 28, 2024
I never read a horror/reverse harem before.
And I enjoyed it haha.
If monster smut, darkness and a little bit crazy is your thing, this is your book.
And I enjoyed it haha.
If monster smut, darkness and a little bit crazy is your thing, this is your book.
January 10, 2023
I liked it! Very gory and very heavy trauma
December 16, 2022
I’m usually not into non humanoid monster romances, but I wanted to give this one a shot. It’s creepy guys and DARK so make sure you read the triggers. It’s unique in that there is no redemption for this MC; there is no light at the end of tunnel, and you just don’t see that; but I love a break from the norm sometimes. She ended it fantastically to me. Def a good read if you guys like monster romance. My only pet peeve was that I saw the word “undulating” far too much.
November 21, 2022
I think I’m greedy because the only thing I wish this had was more 1-on-1 smut. Otherwise, true to this author’s style it was well written, great story, well thought out characters. I even enjoyed the ending and honestly had the ending gone the other way I think it still would have been fine.
Mind the triggers though - heavy on attempted suicide and talks of suicide.
Mind the triggers though - heavy on attempted suicide and talks of suicide.
November 22, 2022
Soo good!
This was a hauntingly beautiful, taboo and dark read. Please check your triggers before reading. Thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend. Beware unless you like your monsters dark, twisted, and from your nightmares!!!❤️❤️❤️
This was a hauntingly beautiful, taboo and dark read. Please check your triggers before reading. Thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend. Beware unless you like your monsters dark, twisted, and from your nightmares!!!❤️❤️❤️
November 20, 2022
mind absolutely blown
This blew my mind. This was so good and captivating. I’m completely obsessed and I really need more because that ending?? I know it wasn’t a cliffhanger but it surely felt like one! I need her POV, I need to know what she plans to live like, I need to know everything!! And more monster seggs *screams*
This blew my mind. This was so good and captivating. I’m completely obsessed and I really need more because that ending?? I know it wasn’t a cliffhanger but it surely felt like one! I need her POV, I need to know what she plans to live like, I need to know everything!! And more monster seggs *screams*
December 25, 2022
Good story
Not that I don’t love a good monster romance, or sort of romantic, but this book was much more than that. The pain the FMC felt was palpable and you could feel the heartache through the pages. Spice aside, this book did focus a lot on her mental health, and the monsters, of course.
While it was tough, I liked being part of the FMC’s journey and while the ending did go one way, I would have been ok with how I thought the ending was going to go. Surprisingly.
Please read the trigger warnings, this book won’t be for everyone. It’s a short book but it’s a powerful story.
Not that I don’t love a good monster romance, or sort of romantic, but this book was much more than that. The pain the FMC felt was palpable and you could feel the heartache through the pages. Spice aside, this book did focus a lot on her mental health, and the monsters, of course.
While it was tough, I liked being part of the FMC’s journey and while the ending did go one way, I would have been ok with how I thought the ending was going to go. Surprisingly.
Please read the trigger warnings, this book won’t be for everyone. It’s a short book but it’s a powerful story.
January 9, 2023
If you are looking for a dark, extremely spicy, short book this is for you! Definitely check the trigger warnings before reading since it won't be for everyone.
I loved this book and not only was it amazing but it is original. I haven't read a book that is like House of Monsters. It takes a haunted house and spins it into a story like no other.
Dark Erotic RH Romance.
I loved this book and not only was it amazing but it is original. I haven't read a book that is like House of Monsters. It takes a haunted house and spins it into a story like no other.
Dark Erotic RH Romance.
November 18, 2022
Wow!
What a wonderful story! I enjoyed this so much! I don't know what that says about me . I've always liked the strangest stories. Great job!
What a wonderful story! I enjoyed this so much! I don't know what that says about me . I've always liked the strangest stories. Great job!
February 20, 2023
Dark and intriguing
This was such a different book from what I typically read. Something about it intrigued me and once I started I couldn't put it down. It is heartbreaking and sad, definitely read the triggers. I am glad I read it. Lots of hot and spicy monster scenes. The ending was a surprise but I feel a happy one in a way.
This was such a different book from what I typically read. Something about it intrigued me and once I started I couldn't put it down. It is heartbreaking and sad, definitely read the triggers. I am glad I read it. Lots of hot and spicy monster scenes. The ending was a surprise but I feel a happy one in a way.
November 10, 2022
Dammmm
Iris is a fabulous character. She's the lone survivor of a tragic story in her childhood. Family is gone. She has no one who cares about her. She goes through life filled with a daze from toxicity. Empty encounters with random men, drinking and whatever drugs she can get. But a mysterious call brings her home. Back to a nightmare she keeps reliving. The huge southern estate is empty except for what hides in the night. Returning home was only meant to be until she burned it down. But from the shadows came something that she was terrified of. At first. The creatures that snuck around the house were enthralled in her misery. They fell in love with her loneliness and anger. She was the sad one. And her response to the creatures that took her sadness was not shocking to her. She knew she was attracted to the darkest depths of her mind. But these things were real. Shadows that were men and a water king of man and tentacles. Things in the forest were all drawn to her. And in the night's she fed them her passion and her pain. She was not meant to survive them. But they recognized the kindred spirit and they made her their queen.
I'm always happy to read everything this author writes. She weaves worlds across the genres. And nothing is ever lacking. If you need some monsters in your life read this great book. It's a scream...
Iris is a fabulous character. She's the lone survivor of a tragic story in her childhood. Family is gone. She has no one who cares about her. She goes through life filled with a daze from toxicity. Empty encounters with random men, drinking and whatever drugs she can get. But a mysterious call brings her home. Back to a nightmare she keeps reliving. The huge southern estate is empty except for what hides in the night. Returning home was only meant to be until she burned it down. But from the shadows came something that she was terrified of. At first. The creatures that snuck around the house were enthralled in her misery. They fell in love with her loneliness and anger. She was the sad one. And her response to the creatures that took her sadness was not shocking to her. She knew she was attracted to the darkest depths of her mind. But these things were real. Shadows that were men and a water king of man and tentacles. Things in the forest were all drawn to her. And in the night's she fed them her passion and her pain. She was not meant to survive them. But they recognized the kindred spirit and they made her their queen.
I'm always happy to read everything this author writes. She weaves worlds across the genres. And nothing is ever lacking. If you need some monsters in your life read this great book. It's a scream...
Read
January 25, 2023Alright - This one is.... a lot. A lot of dark, a lot of sex, a lot of weird, and a lot of nothing. At this point, I don't think I'm even going to be able to give it an honest rating which is a first for me mostly due to the fact that the author was completely honest and upfront in her warnings going in. Despite that, I really didn't realize what I was in for and it wasn't really my cuppa. I like monsters, I like darkness and psychological damage, I like fucked up. This checks off all those boxes and yet I really didn't like this. Maybe it was the lack of caring/affection (unless you count obsession which is touched upon in the epilogue)? I can't really say. The FMC even seems at peace with that so who am I to complain? But even still, lacking that quality really took any ability I had to connect with these characters in any meaningful way. Her traumatic story sucks but, dude, monsters! Like, that trumps whatever shit she's gone through in my mind and she just sees that as the lesser shock.
Overall: ?/5 - If I rate this upon how much I enjoyed it, it would probably be a 2.2/5. That's not fair to the author because she was absolutely clear about what to expect. I also see a lot of the reviews and most readers seem to love it. I'm obviously in the minority on this one and strayed out of my lane. I'd say "lesson learned" but I'm sure I'll fuck up on that again.
Overall: ?/5 - If I rate this upon how much I enjoyed it, it would probably be a 2.2/5. That's not fair to the author because she was absolutely clear about what to expect. I also see a lot of the reviews and most readers seem to love it. I'm obviously in the minority on this one and strayed out of my lane. I'd say "lesson learned" but I'm sure I'll fuck up on that again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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