I received a copy of this audiobook through Netgalley. This is my honest review.

I went into this book not realizing that it was the second book in a duology. This means that there was a lot of background information that readers are expected to have that I didn't. For instance, I have no idea why Asfandyar was in the arena facing the challenge in the first place. I can make some assumptions based on what happens in The Man or the Monster, but I don't know for sure. Which also means there are aspects of the court intrigue that I just don't have a full understanding of. But while I was listening to this audiobook, it didn't actually occur to me that it might be a sequel. I honestly kind of assumed I'd get some flashbacks to see where things went wrong between Durkhanai and Asfandyar. In spite of the missing background information, I felt like I understood the way this world worked as much as I was supposed to at the time, now I'm not so sure that's true.

This story was told from a few different perspectives, which allowed me to see a broad range of the events as they were happening, but also led to frustration as certain characters were clearly unnecessarily at odds with each other, they just didn't know that. I do feel like this approach helped me to feel less lost by coming into the tale halfway through.

The narration was a little rough for me at first, trying to listen through the accent, but once I got used to that, it sounded perfect. It helped to transport me across the world to another land and pulled me into the story.

Overall I give The Man or the Monster 4.2875 out of 5 stars.

Amazing audiobook for an amazing book. The Lady and the Lion was one of the best books I read in 2021 and I could not wait for the next installment in the duology. I can not wait to pull out my physical copy that I won in Aamna Qureshi's giveaway last year.

This book definitely lives up to the first one. The romance, the politics and family legacy urgh so good.

Well written book although it is not my Typical book that I read, it is a good book. If these are the type of books you read it is a must read.

Thank you, Net Galley and CamCat Books for a copy of The Man or the Monster

The Man or the Moster is a sequel to another book and this is not my typical read. I am glad that I went outside my comfort zone. I had a wonderful experience.

The Narrator: I adore her voice and how soothing and lovely it is. The narrator makes the audience feel connected with the characters. You feel the emotions that are within this book. I was consumed by this book.

I stayed up way past my bedtime reading The Man or the Monster. It's full of betrayal, drama, forbidden romance, twists and turns. It was such a good book that I felt as though I was there. I felt heartbreak and fell in love with every aspect of the book. This is a book that is not forgettable. It is one that will stay with the reader for a very long time.

Now, I need to go read the first book in this series and this author is now on my auto-buy list.

WHAT AN AMAZING BOOK! This book is just as good as the first when and makes you feel like you are visiting an old friend and catching up right where you left off! My heart broke within the first five minutes of this book. The author does an amazing job making you fall in love all over again and breaking your heart 1000 times throughout this book. So many plot twists; at one point I thought the story was over and next thing I knew something else happened to make me gasp! DON'T EVEN GET ME STARTED ABOUT THE ENDING! The narrator does an amazing job making you feel all the emotions in the book and the Urdu language makes you feel so connected to the books and the characters. I didn't want the story to end and would love to be consumed by this world over and over again. This series will definitely hold a special place in my heart forever!

Name of Book: The Man or the Monster
Author: Aamna Qureshi
Series: The Marghazar Trials #2
Narrator: Deepti Gupta
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publisher: CamCat Books ~ Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members'
Audiobooks
Pub Date: August 30, 2023
My Rating: 3 Stars!
Pages: 320

This story is the sequel to "he Lady or the Lion" and although I did not read the first in this series ~ this blurb got my attention:
Durkhanai Miangul sealed her lover’s fate when she sent him through a door where either a lady or a lion
awaited him. But her decision was only the beginning of her troubles. Durkhanai worries that she might not
be the queen her people need or deserve when conflict threatens her kingdom. She must decide whether
to follow the traditions of her forefathers or forge a new path on her own.

About the Author: Aamna Qureshi is a Pakistani, Muslim American who is the award-winning author of YA fantasy novel, The Lady or the Lion. She grew up on Long Island, New York, in a very loud household, surrounded by English (for school), Urdu (for conversation), and Punjabi (for emotion). Much of her childhood was spent being grounded for reading past her bed-time, writing stories in the backs of her notebooks, and being scolded by teachers for passing chapters under the tables. Through her writing, she wishes to inspire a love for the beautiful country and rich culture that informed much of her identity.

Story is not my typical read. I am trying to read outside of my normal 'comfort zone'. Sometime it is a good experience sometimes not so much.
As for this ending ~ I have to admit there are times when I would love to change the end however, in this story we are given an options and I am not sure if I liked having that options.

Want to thank NetGalley and CamCat Books for this early audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for August 30, 2023.

I was up late into the night reading this book! It's full of betrayal, drama, forbidden romance, surprising twists and so much more! The Man or the Monster picks up right after the ending of The Lady or the Lion and Durhanai must live with the consequences. She is going through a lot but her character went through a lot of changes. It's definitely a series that once you start you can't stop! I can't wait to see what happens next! Thank you Rockstar Book Tours, Aamna Qureshi, and CamCat Books for sharing this wonderful story with me!

Many thanks to Net Galley and CamCat Books for a copy of The Man or the Monster for an honest review.

This is a young adult fantasy. Through many twists and turns, Durkhanai Miangul becomes Queen and learns how to be a leader.