There's No Such Thing as Monsters

Gaslamp Faeries Series, Book 1

By: Ren Ryder

Narrated by: Greg Patmore

Length: 5 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's Summary

Monsters come in all shapes and sizes, and not all of them have sharp teeth and beady red eyes.

New London. A thriving metropolis at the forefront of technological advancement and a shining gem of civilization.

Faeries. Whether they come off cute and cuddly or downright predatory, they all bring misfortune or are heralds of it.

Experience is a harsh taskmistress, but her lessons sink the deepest. Having been taught the lesson at a great cost, Kal’s rules for dealing with faeries are simple: Don’t talk to them, don’t look at them, don’t give them the time of the day. 

So, when the Other Side comes knocking one fateful, stormy day, Kal, at first, pretends not to notice. Was forgetting this rule his folly? 

His way of life is in great danger. His little sister, Sammie, a natural mage, is taken by Ouroboros, a criminal organization made up of raving lunatics that profit off the misery and suffering of others, and have everything to do with all the crimes of magic in New London. 

Kal will go to any lengths to save his sister, even to his death. Accompanied by his sylph companion, a mischievous pest, Kal dives deep into the dark underbelly of the city. But, are his hands enough to dig his sister out from the muck?

©2019 Derek Edgington (P)2019 Derek Edgington

An Action packed Dark Fantasy

This was a dark and gritty urban fantasy. Ouroboros, a magical mafia vs. Faerie with Kal and his sister Sammie caught in the middle. Kal is aided by a blood-thirsty fairy named Bell. Their interactions and banter provide some much needed humor. The story is quite action packed and full of interesting people and places. All very well described and imagined. The only problem I had with the story was that you had no idea why Ouroboros suddenly wanted Sammie or why Faerie was taking a personal interest in Kal. I even went back a re-listened to the first couple chapters thinking I had missed a key point. All is finally revealed in a plot twisting final chapter that sets up the next book,
The narrator Greg Patmore’s performance was amazing. He gave each character a completely different voice. His pacing and tone set the atmosphere and truly enhanced the story.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Be Prepared to Move On to Book Two

Right off, this book doesn't end in a cliffhanger per se, but it does make you want to move on to the next book in the series.

There's No Such Thing as Monsters takes place in New London with a brother and sister struggling to make a life. The mundane and Otherworld overlap a bit, with some people gifted to see fairy beings, but most not.

The adventure begins when a curious fairy explores the mundane world. And, this is a grand adventure! The world building is huge and colorful, mean and petty. It's glorious!

Narrator Greg Patmore is extremely talented, and the story lives the author's words through his rendition. It is like he is an ancient bard, telling the tale, and not reading from a manuscript. *bravo*

An Enchanting Adventure!

Great story and narration!

Kal and his sister Sammie are orphans struggling to survive in a world where magic is real. Kal can see the unseen creatures that everyone else is oblivious to. A fairy, a criminal organization, a kindly priest, all play a part in this incredible tale of discovery, a brother's love, and the truth of the world in which they live.

Fantastic - I really enjoyed this one!

I can't wait to find out what happens next!!!

the lies of faerie

This book was a little Tam-lin, a touch Carvival Row, with a bit of illuminati thrown in for good measure. I loved the way that your expectations are being subverted and the faerie myths are blended into this Dickenson story. I cant wait for the next one! I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I loved it

This is a new author for me & I just loved this story. The little trouble maker fairy Bell & Cal were a dynamic duo. The humor alone between the 2 was great. I also thought this audio book had the perfect narrator. A fun story that makes you laugh & also full of magic.

Exciting and different - steam punk dark fantasy

There's No Such Thing as Monsters. This is what Kal says to his little sister, Sammie, when there's knocking on the window one dark and stormy night as they huddle on the bed. But of course, there is another dimension, and Kal as a spirit mage is very well aware of the sprites and other magical beings that dwell amongst them. Sprites and faerie are drawn to Kal, including one very mischievous and pesky sylph, Bell. The monsters exist in the criminal organisation Ouroboros that captures and trades in magical beings.

This is a dark fantasy, with light relief provided by Bell and her blood thirsty ways. Great dialogue, non-stop action and a very twisty tale. A surprise ending, not a cliff hanger but definitely lures you into the next book.

Greg Patmore is a one click narrator for me. I love his character interpretations and his vocal range is amazing. Greg's narration brings this story to life. Audio is that extra dimension that draws you in and keeps you riveted. I was delighted to be gifted an ARC of the audio book. This is my honest and unsolicited opinion.

First of the series

Greg Patmore does a masterful job narrating this story. The writer is quite talented in his wordsmithing in painting certain visuals especially the battles. The story is solid enough, however, I wish it would have given more background and backstory. While I liked the main character, I still don't know much about him. Why did the relationship with the Silthe cement so quickly? Did she seek him out? Would like to know more about the "big bad" as well. who are they? Why are they so powerful?
Overall, the book was enjoyable but vague. I'm hoping the second book answers my questions.

AMAZING

Ren Ryder is a wonderful new author & the narrator is perfect for this book!
The world building is dynamic, the characters are fantastic & the story is top notch.
There are many surprises along the way as well. Some awesome & some truly heartbreaking. It's a story worth listening to or reading, without a doubt.
I can't wait to listen to book 2 & then book 3!!! 5 stars just is not enough.

Awesome

Really great story and characters. The narrator is perfect for the part as well. Recommended.

Not All Faeries Are Cute & Cuddly

This is an excellent first in series. Ren Ryder's world building is superb and her characters are will developed and interesting. Kai has found that the father (priest) that was housing them ha been murdered and his sister Sammie abducted. Since meeting Bell (a faerie), Kai has been trying to get rid of her but now finds he must enlist her help in finding Sammie even though he does not trust her. Will he and Bell be able to find Sammie? I found this story to be an enjoyable read/listen with a brilliant story line that has some twists I did not see coming. Ren Ryder's prose was phenomenal as it drew you into the story and held you until the end and left you wanting more. I am looking forward to the next book to se what Ren has in store for these characters. The narrator Greg Patmore's performance was superb. He brought the characters to life. His pacing and tone was spot on and enhanced your listening enjoyment to the fullest. I received an ARC and this is my voluntary review.

Amazing

Amazing audiobook can’t wait for the nested book in the series
Experience is a harsh taskmistress, but her lessons sink the deepest. Having been taught the lesson at a great cost

Magical

Firstly, I was so impressed by Greg’s narration , love all the different accents he really brought this story to life.
The story was good and I was interested until the end. Shame about the odd swear word which was unnecessary in a children’s book.

Fabulously entertaining

Set in alternate London, this book is engaging and has lots of action. Fairies are not as you expect. The narrator is excellent at different voices. Well worth a listen

Brilliant

Magic, fights, underground rebellion... and a funny little fairy!
Fantastically narrated, Greg really manages to pull off great voices and adapts to the circumstances in the book.
Was disappointed when it ended, but hope another’s on it’s way soon!
This is my honest opinion of a free review copy.

Monsters Are All Around Us

A wonderfully atmospheric tale set in an alternate London. Voice work on the characters is excellent.
I received a free review copy of this audio book and am voluntarily leaving a review,
The story building is well done and you learn to love the protagonists. But never trust a fairy.
Definitely worth a listen

Fab dark fantasy

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Kal goes in search of his little Sister Sammie who is a Mage and has been kidnapped by a criminal organisation called Ouroboros. He has the help of a fairy called Belle who isn’t the sweet fairy we all presume.
Greg Patmore is brilliant at narrating all the characters .

There are such things as monsters!

There are such things as monsters and they are brilliant!
I received a free review copy of this audio book and am voluntarily leaving a review, BUT I would have happily spent a credit to get this book. The world building in every detail is amazing and we l thought out, I felt like I was in that world, and in my opinion that is the true test that a book is something special. I am definitely going to spend a credit to get see where the story goes next. The narrator does a excellent job, every person (or fairy) is distinct. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and can't recommend it enough.

Interesting

Interesting book though a bit more worldbuilding is nedded. the narator does an excellent at all the different voices. Deffinitly one I'll be following.

not to shabby

I was given a free copy of this book and I'm leaving an honest and voluntary review on audible once I'm done.

I quite enjoyed this book, it's nicely done and well thought out.
The narration is superb giving each character individualailty.

Entertaining

There’s No Such Thing As Monsters is a teen/ YA fantasy book involving a young man who tries to protect his younger sister. The story has plenty of action and creatures. The characters are interesting and entertaining. The plot has twists. There were a few areas in the story that I wanted to goose the hero so that he’d make a decision. The narrator did a great job! I received a free copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.