A wonderful start to a series involving commentary of social hierarchies, discrimination, and inequality. This book is addictive as it has high stakes action, great characters, and a slow building forbidden romance. I'm excited to see the direction the series goes and what the next books have in store.

As a Southern Ontarian who got every single Kingston and Queen’s University reference (there are many), I wish I had enjoyed this more.

Honestly, the Legendborn comparison in plot is fair - and unfortunately for this book makes it very challenging not to compare the stories and styles as you are reading it. It does feel like inspiration was definitely drawn, and I’m not sure this plot was taken far enough away in the beginning set up. A few key things, and even characters, felt a little like a cut, paste and swap situation for me personally from the start (to a degree that I felt a bit uncomfortable with the similarities).

Later in the story (about 50% in a 592 page story), it begins to step into its own, with more unique plot points and a solid independent ending. Characters and relationships developed and stood on their own. However, it was difficult for me while reading to put the antenna down and stop looking for the similarities that had felt so prevalent prior.

That said, if you don’t mind the likeness in a foundational way to other stories, and liked the style and structure of the world of Legendborn, but also wondered what it would be like with the horror elements of Immortal Dark, you may very much enjoy A Mastery of Monsters.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada, Margaret K. McElderry Books and NetGalley for an honest review. A Mastery of Monsters comes out on July 29th.

TW: disordered eating (restrictive), body horror, gore.

There are twists and turns that suck you in from the start. Protagonist August is messy, headstrong, and not without her own charms as she navigates a new world and unravels mysteries. An enjoyable read.

Another banger from Liselle Sambury! Sometimes bogged down by secret society politics and a very large cast, A MASTERY OF MONSTERS is still bursting with intrigue, excitement, and (of course) monsters. I adored the complexity of the characters and their relationships, and I'm definitely itching to read the sequel!!

A brilliant start to the series! This book was so interesting and the concept was like none I had read before. As a Canadian, I really enjoyed how it was set in Kingston and on the Queen's campus. August was such a badass main character and I enjoyed seeing her develop as she progressed through the story. I was rooting for Virgil the whole time and am so eager to see what happens to them in the next book. The mysteries in this book were woven so well and the answers revealed in just the right way. Can't wait to see where this goes next!