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The Monsters Among Us #1
When Monsters Lie
The world went to shit the day I was born.
They say fire rained from the sky for seven days signalling the arrival of the monsters.
They say humanity fought hard to beat them.
They say the celestials saved us.
They say a lot of things.
Me? I deal in the present. In scouting for useful things and keeping my team alive outside the protective walls of our base. I might not have a fancy monster-killing blade like the Sweepers do, but I’ve avoided getting my face eaten off so far, so I call that a win.
But when my base is taken by monsters, my scout skills are the only thing standing between imminent demise and survival.
Sanctuary lies across the deadlands—monster infested territory, unmapped and uncharted even by the celestials. It’s the only route, and I have no choice but to navigate my people through it.
I’m a scout, a survivor. I got this.
Until I haven’t.
The last thing I expect is to be relying on three monsters for protection. But fate obviously has a sense of humor. Shemyaza and his scouts are intelligent, deathly, and lethal, and turns out they’re the only ones who can lead us to safety.
Only problem is, their aid comes with a hefty price.
Me.
Action, sizzle and multiple love interests for our lucky heroine in this paranormal fantasy romance.
They say fire rained from the sky for seven days signalling the arrival of the monsters.
They say humanity fought hard to beat them.
They say the celestials saved us.
They say a lot of things.
Me? I deal in the present. In scouting for useful things and keeping my team alive outside the protective walls of our base. I might not have a fancy monster-killing blade like the Sweepers do, but I’ve avoided getting my face eaten off so far, so I call that a win.
But when my base is taken by monsters, my scout skills are the only thing standing between imminent demise and survival.
Sanctuary lies across the deadlands—monster infested territory, unmapped and uncharted even by the celestials. It’s the only route, and I have no choice but to navigate my people through it.
I’m a scout, a survivor. I got this.
Until I haven’t.
The last thing I expect is to be relying on three monsters for protection. But fate obviously has a sense of humor. Shemyaza and his scouts are intelligent, deathly, and lethal, and turns out they’re the only ones who can lead us to safety.
Only problem is, their aid comes with a hefty price.
Me.
Action, sizzle and multiple love interests for our lucky heroine in this paranormal fantasy romance.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 18, 2022
910 people are currently reading
2,034 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Cassidy
125books2,515followersDebbie Cassidy lives in England, Bedfordshire, with her three kids and very supportive husband. Coffee and chocolate biscuits are her writing fuels of choice, and she is still working on getting that perfect tower of solitude built in her back garden. Obsessed with building new worlds and reading about them, she spends her spare time daydreaming and conversing with the characters in her head. She writes Urban Fantasy, Romance, Fantasy and Reverse Harem Fantasy. All her books contain plenty of action, romance and twisty plots.
Connect with Debbie via her website at , email her at [email protected] or check her out on twitter Sign up to her newsletter to grab a free short story, and stay up to date on new releases: Or join her reader group on Facebook to stay in the know:
Connect with Debbie via her website at , email her at [email protected] or check her out on twitter Sign up to her newsletter to grab a free short story, and stay up to date on new releases: Or join her reader group on Facebook to stay in the know:
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 245 reviews
August 10, 2024
Audio - 5 stars
story - 4 Stars
story - 4 Stars
July 24, 2022
There was lots to like about this, in the usual Debbie fashion.
I really likes the darkness of the Dystopian world. This really is humanity on the brink of extinction here and they live very brutal, and often short, lives. Rue is brave and mostly likeable, but has a few tstl moments.
There is plenty of action going on and the plot lives at a good pace. I also really liked Shem and the other creatures she meets. They were by far the most interesting part for me.
I did have a few issues. I don't like relationships that have happened off page. I was not interested or invested in her or Jamie as a result of this and can take or leave Bastian. I think I would prefer it was just non RH with Shem.
I also feel like the book would have benefitted with a bit more length. At 180 ish pages, I feel like had it been 50+ pages longer there might have been time for some more character development.
However, if you like the author's previous books you'll really like this one. Debbie can always be counted on to deliver!
I really likes the darkness of the Dystopian world. This really is humanity on the brink of extinction here and they live very brutal, and often short, lives. Rue is brave and mostly likeable, but has a few tstl moments.
There is plenty of action going on and the plot lives at a good pace. I also really liked Shem and the other creatures she meets. They were by far the most interesting part for me.
I did have a few issues. I don't like relationships that have happened off page. I was not interested or invested in her or Jamie as a result of this and can take or leave Bastian. I think I would prefer it was just non RH with Shem.
I also feel like the book would have benefitted with a bit more length. At 180 ish pages, I feel like had it been 50+ pages longer there might have been time for some more character development.
However, if you like the author's previous books you'll really like this one. Debbie can always be counted on to deliver!
September 7, 2022
Not sure how I feel about this book. The idea of monsters and celestials on a very messed up Earth is an interesting concept. The intrigue of who they are and what they are all about kept me reading this book all in one sitting. I think what I struggled most with was the constant violence and death. You can’t go more than a few pages without someone being killed. It would be nice if there was more world building than killing, even if it is a brutal world in need of saving. Also kinda bugged me that Rue, the FMC, had just about every man in love with her or desperately needing to protect her. She is the magical unicorn of women who all men must flock to. But why? Yes, she can fight, and has a strong personality, but she is flawed just like everyone else.
August 20, 2022
I have a few genres that aren’t my favorite, but I’ll read them, and this is one such genre. To top that off, I hate “trends� in books. I get why they happen, but still. LOL! I eagerly started this book, and like a vast majority of this author’s books, I was immediately drawn in. About halfway into the book, it just exploded, and I was almost frantically flipping pages to see what was going to happen. This is a great series starter, and I’m anticipating the next book in the series with bated breath. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
July 10, 2024
This book was freakin wild and the end explosive. I don’t even know how to feel with everything that happened honestly. Usually with these monster reads you have some semblance of hope for the characters. However it’s amazing there’s even any humans alive when the book begins given how many creatures there are. Think giant flying bugs of every sort but merge some together to make them even more scarier and that’s this world in a nutshell. Essentially the beings are from another celestial plane, which for me equals another dimension. For some, this combination of monsters and actual angels may be weird but I mean it’s a monster world, what’s throwing in some angels-evil ones at that gonna do aside from spice things up. Heroine Rue loses everything and everyone over the course of the book leveling her entire world and everything she thinks she knows. This book is so damn bleak and a little heartbreaking but there just has to be light at the end of this wild tunnel, there just has to be. I mean what would even be the point of Rue being the only human left alive? Read via audio which was quick and easy to listen to. This one was fairly quick so I’m off to see what’s next for Rue and her newfound allies.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2023
DNF 47% 2.5⭐️ TW dub-cons
Was interested in the plot and the world building, but it was all too predictable, and not in the best way.
Was willing to keep going and grit through the bits that didn’t work for me, right up until the ‘shame� moment.
Our FMC is arguing with the ‘bad� guy, about coercion and sexual assault.
He claims there was no coercion since she agreed to the upcoming deal. This of course ignores the part where all her companions lives (and hers), were threatened� her life-freedom-body, in exchange for their lives. Yeah, nah, what coercion, right?
Then when one of the other ‘bad� guys makes a comment about how they are monsters based primarily on their physical attributes…nothing to do with their complicit behaviour, willingness to assist in the emotional abuse, threats and indifference…totally only about their appearance 🙄
Her response…does she call them on their cowardly treatment…on how rape and sexual assault is about power (their exact behaviour towards the humans)…that the greatest coercion doesn’t involve physical force� noooo, she has a moment of shame 😖
You know later it will be revealed they had ‘reasons�, didn’t intent to ‘really� force her, and will justify their choices and behaviour. Worst of all, in all probability, she will end being the one to apologise to them..
Nowhere will the author state that this is a work of fiction, and that this kind of behaviour, attitude, and mentality, should not in reality ever be tolerated.
Nope, it will all be swept under the guise that terrifying someone with the threat of rape, and sexual assault is somehow smexy 😳😤 so long as there is a really good reason to do so� 🫣🥸
There’s probably a good story within this, despite its predictable course, but it’s not for me.
It needs to come with a TW of dub-cons, so it doesn’t end up with these kind of reviews.
I’ve given it a higher rating simply because the lines it crosses are within genre and story concept.
If only it had been properly classified.
Was interested in the plot and the world building, but it was all too predictable, and not in the best way.
Was willing to keep going and grit through the bits that didn’t work for me, right up until the ‘shame� moment.
Our FMC is arguing with the ‘bad� guy, about coercion and sexual assault.
He claims there was no coercion since she agreed to the upcoming deal. This of course ignores the part where all her companions lives (and hers), were threatened� her life-freedom-body, in exchange for their lives. Yeah, nah, what coercion, right?
Then when one of the other ‘bad� guys makes a comment about how they are monsters based primarily on their physical attributes…nothing to do with their complicit behaviour, willingness to assist in the emotional abuse, threats and indifference…totally only about their appearance 🙄
Her response…does she call them on their cowardly treatment…on how rape and sexual assault is about power (their exact behaviour towards the humans)…that the greatest coercion doesn’t involve physical force� noooo, she has a moment of shame 😖
You know later it will be revealed they had ‘reasons�, didn’t intent to ‘really� force her, and will justify their choices and behaviour. Worst of all, in all probability, she will end being the one to apologise to them..
Nowhere will the author state that this is a work of fiction, and that this kind of behaviour, attitude, and mentality, should not in reality ever be tolerated.
Nope, it will all be swept under the guise that terrifying someone with the threat of rape, and sexual assault is somehow smexy 😳😤 so long as there is a really good reason to do so� 🫣🥸
There’s probably a good story within this, despite its predictable course, but it’s not for me.
It needs to come with a TW of dub-cons, so it doesn’t end up with these kind of reviews.
I’ve given it a higher rating simply because the lines it crosses are within genre and story concept.
If only it had been properly classified.
February 19, 2024
I Am OBSESSED
Disclaimer: I felt that this book was a 5 star read but had no list or TW or any information on how to get TW for this book when it really does need them.
I started this in the evening thinking that I was just going to read a couple of chapters and then be done for the night. That didn't happen. By page 50 I knew that this story was going to take over my entire life and now I'm sat here at midnight writing this review and planning to start the next one. Sleep can wait.
It started with the best Hunger Games and Mortal Instruments vibes and just developed into everything I've ever wanted from a story. The characters are amazing, they feel so real and I was immediately so in love I could cry. As evidenced by the fact that I did, in fact, cry twice while reading.
The world, while not one that I'd be happy to live in, is phenomenal. I've not read anything by this author before and I was absolutely blown away. Safe to say that once I make my way through this series (probably tomorrow if I don't control myself) I will be checking out their other work.
Disclaimer: I felt that this book was a 5 star read but had no list or TW or any information on how to get TW for this book when it really does need them.
I started this in the evening thinking that I was just going to read a couple of chapters and then be done for the night. That didn't happen. By page 50 I knew that this story was going to take over my entire life and now I'm sat here at midnight writing this review and planning to start the next one. Sleep can wait.
It started with the best Hunger Games and Mortal Instruments vibes and just developed into everything I've ever wanted from a story. The characters are amazing, they feel so real and I was immediately so in love I could cry. As evidenced by the fact that I did, in fact, cry twice while reading.
The world, while not one that I'd be happy to live in, is phenomenal. I've not read anything by this author before and I was absolutely blown away. Safe to say that once I make my way through this series (probably tomorrow if I don't control myself) I will be checking out their other work.
August 22, 2022
absolutely love this new world that Debbie has made. It makes you wonder exactly what is going on in this new world, who can you trust and who is telling the truth.
I can't wait for more
I can't wait for more
July 26, 2023
Rating: 3 �
This was technically well written, and it definitely kept me reading with how tense it was, but like� this was a seriously depressing, bleak story.
The main characters failed at everything they tried to do. Everything.
The amount of death and lack of any real hope for humanity and the characters in the book was a real downer, and made the whole story feel pointless when I made it to the last page.
I mean, what was the point of anything the characters did when ultimately it always ended in failure and death, including because hell, the story hadn’t been depressing enough up until that point I guess?
The world is enough of a depressing place in reality. I’m not looking for bleak hopelessness in my escapist paranormal fantasy books. I don’t think this is a series I’ll be continuing.
October 15, 2022
I've been a fan of Debbie Cassidy for awhile now. I find her books to be entertaining and a quick read. However by far, "When Monsters Lie" is definitely my favorite book of Ms. Cassidy. This read is one of the most creative dystopian books that I've read in quite some time. Usually, these stories are usually about mankind messing up the world until the people are hopelessly divided into factions. In the case of "When Monsters Lie" it is not mankind who messes up the world it is the Celestials or heavenly bodies we pray to.
Rue and her crew have been out in the field looking for medicinal supplies for her homebase. They are viciously attacked by night creatures who cannot stand bright light. After fighting to get to an emergency vehicle they realize that it is gone and so is their hope to survive until another scouting party find them and saves them.
As they return to homebase, Rue pleads with her father to let her join a branch of service known as the sweepers. He refuses and then when asked why he makes Rue sign a NDA ( non-disclosure agreement) and then tells her that the serum the sweepers must take is toxic over time and will kill them. Rue has been sleeping with one of the sweepers who happens to be a younger friend of her father, the General. However, before she even has a chance to digest the information she has just learned an earthquake dislodges the signal that protects the base and everyone is now under attack.
As Rue and a few other manage to escape they find themselves fighting creatures they have never seen before. She finds a large celestial blade in the badlands and she find she is able to wield it. This should be impossible but Rue knows that something now is in the works for her. Just as the situation is getting dire by the moment, Rue and her crew are beset by large humanoid creatures with wings. Their leader Shem seems to recognize something in Rue and makes a deal with her that he will safely lead her people to the Celestial City if she surrenders herself to him. Despite the outcry of her friends she does that and they are off on a journey to the city.
Before they can arrive at the city, they are under attack again, Rue is contacted in her sleep by Michael, one of the Celestials and Rue begins to question the sincerity of Celestials. Shem has proven time and time again that he honors his word and protects her people.
This read was bursting at the scene with incredible action scenes, conumbrums, intense emotional battles and oddly enough, hope. I was mezmerize and didn't want it to end. I will admit that the first 20 pages or so were slow but once it gets going you will love the characters and the world Ms. Cassidy has created. I cannot wait for book two which will be released in February of 2023.
Rue and her crew have been out in the field looking for medicinal supplies for her homebase. They are viciously attacked by night creatures who cannot stand bright light. After fighting to get to an emergency vehicle they realize that it is gone and so is their hope to survive until another scouting party find them and saves them.
As they return to homebase, Rue pleads with her father to let her join a branch of service known as the sweepers. He refuses and then when asked why he makes Rue sign a NDA ( non-disclosure agreement) and then tells her that the serum the sweepers must take is toxic over time and will kill them. Rue has been sleeping with one of the sweepers who happens to be a younger friend of her father, the General. However, before she even has a chance to digest the information she has just learned an earthquake dislodges the signal that protects the base and everyone is now under attack.
As Rue and a few other manage to escape they find themselves fighting creatures they have never seen before. She finds a large celestial blade in the badlands and she find she is able to wield it. This should be impossible but Rue knows that something now is in the works for her. Just as the situation is getting dire by the moment, Rue and her crew are beset by large humanoid creatures with wings. Their leader Shem seems to recognize something in Rue and makes a deal with her that he will safely lead her people to the Celestial City if she surrenders herself to him. Despite the outcry of her friends she does that and they are off on a journey to the city.
Before they can arrive at the city, they are under attack again, Rue is contacted in her sleep by Michael, one of the Celestials and Rue begins to question the sincerity of Celestials. Shem has proven time and time again that he honors his word and protects her people.
This read was bursting at the scene with incredible action scenes, conumbrums, intense emotional battles and oddly enough, hope. I was mezmerize and didn't want it to end. I will admit that the first 20 pages or so were slow but once it gets going you will love the characters and the world Ms. Cassidy has created. I cannot wait for book two which will be released in February of 2023.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2022
When the monsters came, the celestials weren't far behind to save humanity. But are the celestials the best thing for humanity?
This book is based in a dystopian world where monsters have taken over and there are only a few safe places to hide. Rue is the FMC in the story and she works with a team to keep humanity safe from monsters that are slowly wreaking havoc on the world.
Debbie Cassidy has put out another amazing story that will take you on a ride! The world- building is classic Cassidy. She always manages to paint a picture so realistic that you can see unfolding as you read. The characters are fantastic as well, I mean the guys you root for aren't the guys you should root for, or are they?!
The twists and turns in this book will have you on the edge of your seat the whole time. A fantastic story for those who love an action-packed PNR story that has a slow burn to it with a thought of 3- possibly 4 males as mates ( at least that is my guess from this book currently!)
This book is based in a dystopian world where monsters have taken over and there are only a few safe places to hide. Rue is the FMC in the story and she works with a team to keep humanity safe from monsters that are slowly wreaking havoc on the world.
Debbie Cassidy has put out another amazing story that will take you on a ride! The world- building is classic Cassidy. She always manages to paint a picture so realistic that you can see unfolding as you read. The characters are fantastic as well, I mean the guys you root for aren't the guys you should root for, or are they?!
The twists and turns in this book will have you on the edge of your seat the whole time. A fantastic story for those who love an action-packed PNR story that has a slow burn to it with a thought of 3- possibly 4 males as mates ( at least that is my guess from this book currently!)
February 14, 2024
This is a dystopian world where humans are on the brink of extinction. They fight off monsters and live in small bases. They’ve no idea where the monsters came from, they just showed up one day and it took a week for them to almost wipe out all the humans. Angels came to their rescue though.
I’m liking this world so far. We learn more about it throughout the book. There’s a lot of mystery though. Lots of questions I have as well as the characters. We are learning together! This is my third series of Debbie’s and I think the mystery is her style. She likes to keep her readers on their toes and edge of their seat. The ending?! What the actual eff?! But at the same time, I don’t know if I can even trust that what happened is final. Debbie is sneaky like that. I’m excited to dive into book two and learn more about the monsters and Celestials.
I’m liking this world so far. We learn more about it throughout the book. There’s a lot of mystery though. Lots of questions I have as well as the characters. We are learning together! This is my third series of Debbie’s and I think the mystery is her style. She likes to keep her readers on their toes and edge of their seat. The ending?! What the actual eff?! But at the same time, I don’t know if I can even trust that what happened is final. Debbie is sneaky like that. I’m excited to dive into book two and learn more about the monsters and Celestials.
August 20, 2022
Wow this was one heck of a book.
The world building was incredible. You don’t only get a feel for the world they’re in but also for how they live not just the humans but the monsters as well.
I don’t usually connect with the heroines in most books, but I loved this one. I don’t know if it’s just because Debbie Caissody spent the time to really let me get to know her along with the human men by her side.
This book is jam packed with action and you really get a taste for the craziness that the world they live in is.
Through all the action and chaos they never give up, they just continue to push through. I really liked that no matter how ruthless they needed to be to stay alive they didn’t let it consume them. All of the monsters aren’t all bad, even though it seems that way.
I can’t wait for the next book!
The world building was incredible. You don’t only get a feel for the world they’re in but also for how they live not just the humans but the monsters as well.
I don’t usually connect with the heroines in most books, but I loved this one. I don’t know if it’s just because Debbie Caissody spent the time to really let me get to know her along with the human men by her side.
This book is jam packed with action and you really get a taste for the craziness that the world they live in is.
Through all the action and chaos they never give up, they just continue to push through. I really liked that no matter how ruthless they needed to be to stay alive they didn’t let it consume them. All of the monsters aren’t all bad, even though it seems that way.
I can’t wait for the next book!
January 26, 2025
Now I thought that this book was going to be a little cringy because of the cover (yes ik don't judge a book by it's cover but I couldn't help it) but when I tell you this book is anything but that it was so great first of all our FMC has everyone wrapped around her finger and of course as soon as she figured out that she loved Jamie he died and she had to watch him die😭 overall I have no complaints of this book I'm already reading the second one this book is so great I found another monster series that I love!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2022
Another amazing book from the author, Debbie Cassidy. She is one of my ultimate one-click authors because her stories never fail to amaze me. When the monster came, the celestials weren't far behind to save humanity. The action is none stop from the first page all the way through to the last and the pace is spot on.
The FMC is Rue and she bunks with her bestie Bee. They live in a dystopian world where monsters have taken over and there are only a few safe places to hide. We are dropped straight into the action as they are on a scouting mission for medicine for their colony but nothing is going right for them. When their safety literally implodes, Rue finds herself looking toward an unlikely ally, one she didn't know excited.
There is an epic cliffhanger that left me wanting more, and I can't wait for book two to come out so I can devour it just like I did this one.
The FMC is Rue and she bunks with her bestie Bee. They live in a dystopian world where monsters have taken over and there are only a few safe places to hide. We are dropped straight into the action as they are on a scouting mission for medicine for their colony but nothing is going right for them. When their safety literally implodes, Rue finds herself looking toward an unlikely ally, one she didn't know excited.
There is an epic cliffhanger that left me wanting more, and I can't wait for book two to come out so I can devour it just like I did this one.
August 23, 2022
So I am a huge Debbie fan, have been from the beginning pretty much. I can say that over time she just gets better and better. Which I don’t know how she does because I loved her from the start.
If you are looking for an author that creates pretty bad a@@ female leads, where the story focuses on the story not the romance. This author is for you.
I would definitely recommend this book, it is an awesome start to a new series. But honestly I would recommend anything that she writes. She is just that good.
I would recommend putting aside some time to read this, you are not going to want to be interrupted.
If you are looking for an author that creates pretty bad a@@ female leads, where the story focuses on the story not the romance. This author is for you.
I would definitely recommend this book, it is an awesome start to a new series. But honestly I would recommend anything that she writes. She is just that good.
I would recommend putting aside some time to read this, you are not going to want to be interrupted.
December 4, 2024
Secondo tentativo con questa scrittrice, e anche questa volta è un nulla di fatto.
Più che libro mi sembra di leggere la sceneggiatura di una serie tv o di un film, dinamico e avventuroso, ma incredibilmente superficiale.
Penso proprio di aver chiuso con questa scrittrice, non è di mio gusto, capita.
Più che libro mi sembra di leggere la sceneggiatura di una serie tv o di un film, dinamico e avventuroso, ma incredibilmente superficiale.
Penso proprio di aver chiuso con questa scrittrice, non è di mio gusto, capita.
September 16, 2022
5 stars
Really good apocalyptic read. Badass characters, lots of death and destruction, monsters, angels,gore. I had only one dislike, and that was when they came upon a wounded woman who was taken to the golden city, no one asked her why she was in the road, and why the angel lost his sword.
Really good apocalyptic read. Badass characters, lots of death and destruction, monsters, angels,gore. I had only one dislike, and that was when they came upon a wounded woman who was taken to the golden city, no one asked her why she was in the road, and why the angel lost his sword.
July 29, 2024
3.5-3.8
Was a little slow but picked up. FMC was a little annoying in some spots like demand them to use meds on a lost cause. She already said she learned her lesson by waiting for her dad and she was being selfish. Well she does it again. WTH!
A few Changing pov, not much but it was there.
Was a little slow but picked up. FMC was a little annoying in some spots like demand them to use meds on a lost cause. She already said she learned her lesson by waiting for her dad and she was being selfish. Well she does it again. WTH!
A few Changing pov, not much but it was there.
August 23, 2022
Debbie has created a new world for us and woowee is it amazing Rue, Shemyaza and his Scouts. But that ending was wow. I'm in shock I can't wait for more
February 16, 2024
4.5 Stars
March 6, 2024
3.75⭐️
January 31, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed this! Action packed.
February 14, 2025
Very well written. Lots of action (maybe too much?) and almost no romance. Like at all.
August 16, 2022
just because the Celestials are pretty, doesn’t mean they should be trusted, right? � Rue has lost nearly everything, but the place she finds purpose is not where she ever thought to find it � so an old adage comes to mind of “better the devil you know� however where will that trust lead?
November 1, 2023
It was okay - but a lot of things that were cheesy and didn't make sense to build suspense and frustration. Debbie Cassidy can write well but didn't enjoy enough to continue the series.
January 12, 2025
I’ve been wanting to try a full novel by Debbie Cassidy ever since I read a novelette by her in the Midsummer Nights Anthology. This series caught my attention first because of the dystopian/post apocalyptic setting.
I loved it! Haven’t read something like this in a while. So fun, but also tense and dark.
Side note: I tandem read the ebook with the audio, and the audiobook narrator’s voice is so hot. This woman should do more. I looked her up and she’s hardly done anything.
I loved it! Haven’t read something like this in a while. So fun, but also tense and dark.
Side note: I tandem read the ebook with the audio, and the audiobook narrator’s voice is so hot. This woman should do more. I looked her up and she’s hardly done anything.
January 18, 2025
*this is going to be a review for all five books in the series
I devoured the first 4.5 books in a single day! I would have finished the entire series but sleep won out and I had to stop. The Monsters Among Us series was exactly what I was looking for. It starts off with a bang, has a lot of action, world building, and story development. The characters were decently fleshed out and didn't get on my nerves, AND there's a reverse harem situation happening (although I would have liked a little more from that).
My only other complaint would be the length of the books. They're pretty short and I think the story could have benefitted from more character development (particularly with some of the secondary characters) and more time spent on exploring the world and relationships. I think Cassidy wrote something amazing, but I also think it could have been more than it was. Rue's love life is happening alongside the world ending, so a few aspects felt rushed, but it was still enjoyable to read about.
As for the reverse harem situation... I feel like calling it that is a stretch. It's almost like she rotates between several different males as things happen to others. 😅 Rue's love life definitely isn't boring, lol. I was also a little frustrated that one of my favorites didn't really get any attention until the last book, and even then it was short and sweet. I would have preferred for the MC to have established relationships and dynamics throughout the books and not just have them tossed in seemingly on a whim. A budding bromance between some of them would have been nice also. They're all very different and don't really like to share.
I also liked the last book, When Monsters Fight, less than the others. It didn't have the same feel to it and the story felt rushed to its inevitable conclusion. There's all this build up and then... semi-cliffhanger. I was left feeling unsatisfied with it overall, despite having an absolute blast reading the books up until then. The dystopian aspect, the world ending, monsters, demons, celestials, other worlds - there's A LOT going on in this series.
Rue is a likable MC that fights for her friends and the people she cares about. She also feels responsible for the other humans that are out there just trying to survive for another day. Despite failures and setbacks, she keeps pushing forward. She jumps from one thing to the next (and from one male to another) until the story's conclusion, so you're constantly left wondering what (or who) is coming next. 😉
Definitely not a deep or profound series, but one I enjoyed immensely and had a lot of fun with. What was it you said, Sam? Brain candy? That's exactly what The Monsters Among Us series was for me. 🧠🍭
I devoured the first 4.5 books in a single day! I would have finished the entire series but sleep won out and I had to stop. The Monsters Among Us series was exactly what I was looking for. It starts off with a bang, has a lot of action, world building, and story development. The characters were decently fleshed out and didn't get on my nerves, AND there's a reverse harem situation happening (although I would have liked a little more from that).
My only other complaint would be the length of the books. They're pretty short and I think the story could have benefitted from more character development (particularly with some of the secondary characters) and more time spent on exploring the world and relationships. I think Cassidy wrote something amazing, but I also think it could have been more than it was. Rue's love life is happening alongside the world ending, so a few aspects felt rushed, but it was still enjoyable to read about.
As for the reverse harem situation... I feel like calling it that is a stretch. It's almost like she rotates between several different males as things happen to others. 😅 Rue's love life definitely isn't boring, lol. I was also a little frustrated that one of my favorites didn't really get any attention until the last book, and even then it was short and sweet. I would have preferred for the MC to have established relationships and dynamics throughout the books and not just have them tossed in seemingly on a whim. A budding bromance between some of them would have been nice also. They're all very different and don't really like to share.
I also liked the last book, When Monsters Fight, less than the others. It didn't have the same feel to it and the story felt rushed to its inevitable conclusion. There's all this build up and then... semi-cliffhanger. I was left feeling unsatisfied with it overall, despite having an absolute blast reading the books up until then. The dystopian aspect, the world ending, monsters, demons, celestials, other worlds - there's A LOT going on in this series.
Rue is a likable MC that fights for her friends and the people she cares about. She also feels responsible for the other humans that are out there just trying to survive for another day. Despite failures and setbacks, she keeps pushing forward. She jumps from one thing to the next (and from one male to another) until the story's conclusion, so you're constantly left wondering what (or who) is coming next. 😉
Definitely not a deep or profound series, but one I enjoyed immensely and had a lot of fun with. What was it you said, Sam? Brain candy? That's exactly what The Monsters Among Us series was for me. 🧠🍭
August 14, 2022
I’m obsessed with Debbie Cassidy. Her ability to tell a story..to weave in such detail and keep you hanging on to every word. It is a true gift. Rue is yet another badass FMC, from the very first page she was absolutely captivating. The world had no reprieve, it was one chaotic event after the other and I was here for it. I can’t wait to find out what happens next. Another brilliant piece of writing from the Mistress of Plot!!
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