The Maiden and Her Monster is a breathtaking tale of identity, power, and love, woven with rich Jewish folklore and stunning prose. Maddie Martinez creates a world that feels both timeless and urgent, where history, magic, and politics intertwine seamlessly. Malka’s journey—from duty-bound daughter to a woman discovering her own agency—is deeply moving, while Nimrah, the so-called monster, is a fiercely complex protector weighed down by guilt and purpose. Their relationship is electric, a slow-burning connection that grows with every beautifully crafted page. The novel brims with haunting mythology, tangled alliances, and a sentient forest that feels as alive as the characters themselves. Every element builds toward an unforgettable conclusion that left me breathless, its impact lingering long after the final page

The Maiden and Her Monster is the kind of book that stays with you long after you finish reading. The worldbuilding is intricately crafted, the characters are well-fleshed out and fascinating, and the relationships, which make up the true heart of the story, absolutely shine. Malka is a sister, a daughter, a friend, and a lover—sometimes wearing multiple roles at the same time—and her journey finding herself and her agency beyond her role in other people's life is incredible to watch.

Nimrah is a protector and a monster, a warrior and a servant, and her snarky, stoic, guilt-ridden and purpose-driven personality makes for such a delightful contrast with duty-bound Malka. I love how the author wove history, politics, religion, and magic together to create a world wholly original but still recognizably Jewish. I love the writing on a line-by-line level; it's the kind of gorgeous you want to highlight on kindle or maybe turn into a poster. I love the twisted creatures, human or otherwise, and I love how everything came together in the ending.

Basically, I love this book, and I'm so happy I got to read it early!