Lesser Known Monsters

By: Rory Michaelson

Narrated by: Rhys Jennings

Length: 8 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

Being the chosen one isn’t always a good thing.

Oscar Tundale is not a hero. Anxious, indecisive, and awkward, he can barely get through a normal day. Now he’s about to find out monsters are real. Oscar’s friends—brave, stubborn Zara and hyperactive, paranoid Marcus—might help discover what hunts him and unravel the truth about the handsome doctor he pines for. But only heroes can save the world, so maybe the best Oscar can hope for is to not end it by accident.

The Lesser Known Monsters series is a dark queer fantasy featuring diverse characters on a found-family adventure. Perfect for fans of horror and paranormal romance who seek LGBTQ+ heroes.

Written by Rory Michaelson, narrated by Rhys Jennings.

Introduction music by ikoliks.

End Credits music by musicinmind3 via Pond5.com.

©2020 Rory Michaelson (P)2022 Rory Michaelson

interesting concept

I really like this story it was different from what I normally read, I enjoyed the characters and the monster Element to it. but it wasn't your typical movie monsters there were no vampires of werewolves. I am ready for part 2.

A great LGBTQ urban fantasy with mythology feels

**this narrator did a great job with the characters. Their voice did a great job bringing it to life and gave the lighter tone and voice of the author a good performance.

I was given an e-book copy to judge this for the Indie Ink Awards for Prettiest Book Interior. Because I was judging several in this category, I actually ordered a physical copy as well to best judge then equally. There’s a beautiful/creepy picture right in the front of the book that’s a full page of black ink, it’s followed by a title page in black with trees, fog, and the moon. It’s probably my favorite I judged for the category.

This is an urban fantasy with LGBTQ representation done right. The characters are not there as objects, that’s just who they are, and it read as very authentic to me. And while urban fantasy typically isn’t my main go to, this was very enjoyable. It’s almost like an adult/gay Trials of Apollo, as it features monsters in the natural world. Plus, due to the monster taxonomy features, it gave it a kind of mythology feel that I liked. There’s some romance elements, but it doesn’t go into smut, which I endlessly appreciated.

Good vs evil here, as most stories are, but with love and loss, grief and guilt, friendship and hardship, all mixed in. I was pleasantly surprised by the light tone and voice in the writing. Personally a 4/5* for me. Would gladly continue on with more!

Fun story!

This book has been on my radar since it was released. Based on the blurb, the cover, and the author’s online personality, I knew it would be a slam dunk! I bought the ebook…and it sat unread for a few months. As you know, if it’s not an audiobook, I rarely make time to read. Then it happened… the author offered a free audiobook for a review! I counted down the days until it hit my library!

The narrator can make or break a book. This is one of those times where the narrator added to the story. Fantastic job of narration. Because of the narrator I was submerged into the world of Lesser Known Monsters!

Based on the many >3 star reviews I read, I would HIGHLY recommend the audiobook version over the print.

I enjoyed this story immensely. It almost felt like a new genre was created as the story read like a YA book (another favorite of mine), but featured adults as the main characters.

There were a few things that I didn’t like (but these are just personal preferences). Interludes. I hate them… in any book, not just this one.

The lessons on some lesser known monsters were interesting, but we never met any of the described monsters (maybe in sequels?).

Overall I’d say check this one out! I will be anxiously awaiting the sequels to become audiobooks and I really hope the same narrator continues the story.

not sure how I feel

I liked the story. The characters were engaging, the monsters cool, and the writing was good, but I had a hard time focusing in some places. I'm not sure if it was just me having squirrel moments or if I just lost interest in those bits. The narrator also did a good job.

Absolutely phenomenal!

This audiobook is not only a fantastic story, but it is also brilliantly narrated. The characters were distinct, enjoyable, and full of life. The story? SPECTACULAR.

I cannot wait for the second book in the series to be released on audiobook. Lesser Known Monsters isn’t only a fun ride, but an emotional journey of an average protagonist trying to find his purpose and agency in a world that feels too big around him (plus now there’s monsters!).

This is definitely a must listen and I will be waiting on pins and needles to find out what happens next.

A must-read for queer monster-lovers everywhere!!!

I've had the unique opportunity to read LKM before the audiobook came out. There's so much to love about this story (I won't post spoilers), but Jennings brings Michaelson's settings and characters to life in a way that words alone cannot.
A lot of aspects in this work are emotionally-charged and Jennings does an excellent job of communicating that through his narration.
Michaelson's world is as rich and vibrant as it is dark and mysterious. The sensory details in the book as well as the ambrosial prose make me feel like I'm really there alongside their relatable characters.
I cannot wait to see more from this author and narrator!!!

Hooked by the opening sentences of the story...

As the review title states, I was HOOKED by the very opening lines of the book, and it only got better from there. The characters were wonderfully written, and I loved the humor between the main trio of friends. It felt as if I was going on an adventure with the friends i grew up with. I loved the exclusion in the novel and made everything far more relatable.


I'm currently listening to the book a 2nd time before the next in the series. I'm so glad there is a follow up to the first one.