Beyond a measure of doubt, Barbara Truelove is the fresh, new voice that the sci-fi genre has sorely needed. Historically, I haven't been the biggest fan of sci-fi, I feel like a lot of the genre is mired in overly complex and inaccessible jargon as well as highly dominated by the literary musings of overly egotistical male main characters. Yet, "Of Monsters and Mainframes" feels like a completely new take on the genre, providing a story that feels so completely brand new and compelling, and one that left me wanting for more from this author.
Despite the book containing a vast array of characters, Truelove balances each of their personalities and perspectives with ease. With each character introduction slowly building on top of pre-existing storylines, it's easy to sink into each character's story and instantly fall in love with every single character. From Demeter's blunt remarks to Dr. Steward's sassy comebacks to Agnus's unbridled rage and everywhere in between, it's clear that the author has full mastery of her cast of characters. To that end, the characterization throughout the book was laid out so well, the trajectory of each of their arcs was done well, and I especially loved the bonds that Demeter grew between herself and her monsters.

That being said, my one and only critique of this story would be in the overall building of the story. The story is so intensely plot-focused that there are moments when characters make decisions that feel far outside the realm of possibility. I don't mind the various jumps in time itself, I think that decision makes sense in the grand scheme of an AI main character, but the romance at the end felt entirely contrived and a detraction from the overall message of found family. I also was expecting a far more catastrophic ending for the Varna company, but alas it felt like the implosion of their enterprises was briskly shoved under the rug.

But all in all, I think the story is solid, the characters (particularly Demeter and Steward) are insanely loveable and the wholesome nature of the ending is sure to warm any reader's heart.

If you're looking for a weird little romp through space, this book is for you! The author takes classic stories we love, like Frankenstein and Dracula, and makes them her own, but in space! It was such a fun story with a delightful ending. It's cozy, but also excited and keeps you on your toes. I was sucked in from beginning to end.

The genre of this book is complicated. It's a space opera/supernatural/alien/mystery book. There are epic spaceship things happening along with some very emotional things. Plus AIs becoming human like and learning to love along with all k8nds of supernatural myths and legends just out in space. Was very quick and fun to read and really caught me off gaurd.

Demeter is trying her best and I love her with my whole heart.

If this going to be a series I am very excited to read what comes next. I absolutely loved Demeter as our main POV, and the dynamic between her and Steward was great.

I did struggle with the pacing a bit; I feel like so much happened to get us to the ‘Let’s kill Dracula” point, and I had jumped to some conclusions about how the story would go based off the blurb/first chapter, so I felt kind of adrift for the middle section of the book, but it hooked me again by the end.

Overall, this was a fun, fast paced romp, perfect for those that like a little absurdity mixed in their scifi, and the type of people who will packbond with a roomba.

Of Monsters and Mainframes tells the story of Demeter, a spaceship shuttling humans between Earth and Alpha Centauri. When Dracula - yes, that Dracula- decides to make a feast out of her passengers, Demeter makes it her new mission to get revenge, with the help of the most dysfunctional motley crew space has ever seen.

I truly loved every second of this book. Truelove's writing is incredibly fun and made me want to get to the next chapter to see what was in store for our little band of space misfits. The story itself is a wild ride, complete with vampires, werewolves, aliens, AI, and spaceships galore. And the characters -- simply put, I love everyone on this vengeful and endearing spaceship and I would follow them through whatever adventure might come next (and boy, do I hope there is more coming).

Finishing this book on Christmas Eve is truly like a little holiday gift to myself. Thank you to Bindery Books/Ezeekat Press and NetGalley for an ARC. This is truly one I will cherish and come back to for lightyears to come.

This was delightful! A found family AI journey across the stars. It was hilarious—never have chapter titles made me laugh so hard. Love this.

This book was a whirlwind of activity—a little overwhelming at times with its rapid shifts between characters, unraveling Demeter/Steward’s backstory, and the sheer variety of monsters. Despite this, it was highly entertaining, and I’m glad I stuck it out. The relationship between Agnus and Demeter was a sweet and grounding aspect amidst the chaos. I’m pleased to see hints that the author will continue the series, particularly exploring the planet the fish people sought, as that thread felt unresolved. Steve’s connection was an unexpected and amusing twist. Overall, it was an enjoyable and satisfying read.

Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this ARC!

What an excellent high-concept story, full of queer love, sweet (at times murdery) robots, and mythical beings with attitudes. I loved the found family and how the story progressed. It took me a second to get settled in the POV changes but omg was it worth it, I LOVED all the new characters as they pop up throughout the story. The chapter titles made me chuckle. Really fun, can't wait for it to come out so I can make my friends read it!

This was such a good book. I loved the story and the writing so much. The characters were great and the story flowed smoothly. Will definitely read more books by this author in the future.

What a wild, fun, dark rollercoaster of a unique science fiction book. I had no idea what to expect from the cover and blurb, as this book looked so unique. It delivered. What you see is what you get.

This book is trippy, sad, funny, and I could not put it down. I could not stop thinking about this one and had to try to not inhale it, and ended up inhaling it anyways.

I heavily recommend this to science fiction and fantasy lovers. There isn't a heavy focus on science in this one, it's just a ton of fun with some darkness mixed in. If you are a tech nerd though, you will get double the enjoyment.

I'll be cherishing this story for a while and am excited to see it in stores. Thank you so much for allowing me an advanced reader copy of this art! I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Thank you, Netgalley and the author for this book in exchange for an honest review!

I didn't know what to expect from this at first, truthfully. That being said, I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this!
This gave me kind of Hitchhikers' Guide to the Galaxy vibes. It was funny, serious, heartbreaking, heartwarming. Really, it was quite enjoyable.
I did find it hard to follow at times, and I feel like it was just a little too long. By the end, it kind of dragged. It was q good ending, though!

I thought this was so much fun! Space opera sci-fi with really personable AI's, AND classic monsters?! I ate it up. Can't wait until it's released so I can buy a pretty copy to keep on my shelf. 100% I'm definitely recommending this to customers.

I loved this book! It was so different and unique and it just was so good to read. It was enjoyable and interesting. I loved the mix in of AI and how the author had their stance on it. I loved it!! I do ot wanna give a lot away but it was written well, had lots of unexpected things occur, and it was great!!

Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complimentary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!

This book was so fun and unique.
I couldn’t put ot done.
Can't wait for it to come out.
Highly recommend.