This Monster of Mine

By: Shalini Abeysekara

Narrated by: Felixe Forde

AN INSTANT #1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

She knows the taste of death. He’ll stoke her hunger for it.

Sarai doesn’t know why someone tried to kill her four years ago, but she does know that her case was closed without justice. Hellbent on vengeance, she returns to the scene of the crime as a Petitor, a prosecutor who can magically detect lies, and is assigned to work with Tetrarch Kadra. Ice-cold and perennially sadistic, Kadra is the most vicious of the four judges who rule the land—and the prime suspect in a string of deaths identical to Sarai’s attempted murder.

Certain of his guilt, Sarai begins a double life: solving cases with Kadra by day and plotting his ruin by night. But Kadra is charming and there’s something alluring about the wrath he wields against the city’s corruption. So when the evidence she finds embroils her in a deadly political battle, Sarai must also fight against her attraction to Kadra—because despite his growing hold on her heart, his voice matches the only memory she has of her assailant…

A dazzling Ancient Rome-inspired romantasy debut, This Monster of Mine is a bloodbath of manipulation, deception, and forbidden love.

Critic reviews

"BEST NEW SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY BOOKS OF APRIL 2025" LIST—Book Riot

"BEST NEW FANTASY BOOKS OF APRIL 2025" LIST—Paste Magazine

"A relentless and beautifully balanced romantasy/legal thriller, offering blood and hope in equal measures."—Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

"Skillfully interweaving themes of political corruption, injustice, and grey morality... [a] dark fantasy-romance that fans of the genre will enjoy."—Booklist

"This Monster of Mine is a fantastic blend of fantasy, romance, and intrigue...The twists and turns are both shocking and satisfying, leading to a powerful conclusion that leaves an emotional impact."—The Gloss Book Club

"[This Monster of Mine] blends murder investigations, questions of justice, and swoony tension...I fell head over heels into [it]."—Utopia State of Mind

"In a world rife with corruption, This Monster of Mine dares to ask the question: what's the cost of doing what is right? With sizzling romantic tension, intricate world-building, and an irresistible mystery at its core, this book is an absolute feast for the senses. A dazzling and deliciously dark debut"—Keshe Chow, author of The Girl With No Reflection

Immaculate Story

I very much enjoyed this. Wow! I can’t believe this is a debut author. I will be picking up the next one.

Incredible wiring and storytelling. I was hooked in.

This was such an exciting and impressive read for me. I adored the allure of this world and all the dark corners of possibilities to who betrayed whom or who’s the true villain of them all. The narrator did a fanatic job emoting the characters. My ONLY complaint is the magic of each person was a little vague. I would’ve loved to have learned more about the depth and precise capabilities each character in their respective jobs had/did. Maybe the next book will dive further into their powers and strength. The FMC and MMC you get the most of, but why were the ones in power lightening wielders? I think I wanted a little more back story and depth on their magic system, otherwise 0 complaints. Cannot wait to have book two available!

Wow.

What a great conclusion! This books starts off slow and a lot to grasp but slowly the mystery begins to unravel and whoa what a story. I’m intrigued and will definitely reread this book again! I’m gonna try the physical book though while reading! Fantastic!
🕯️Enemies to Lovers and so goooood.
🫣Gritty
🗡️Touch her and ☠️
🔍Unique magice woven with a good mystery
✨Twists
⚖️Dark Academia