Skip to main content
book cover for Of Monsters and Mainframes

Of Monsters and Mainframes

This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.

Buy on Amazon Buy on BN.com Buy on Bookshop.org
*This page contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.

Send NetGalley books directly to your Kindle or Kindle app


1

To read on a Kindle or Kindle app, please add kindle@netgalley.com as an approved email address to receive files in your Amazon account. Click here for step-by-step instructions.

2

Also find your Kindle email address within your Amazon account, and enter it here.

Pub Date Jun 3 2025 | Archive Date Jun 4 2025

Bindery Books | Ezeekat Press


Talking about this book? Use #OfMonstersandMainframes #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!


Description

Spaceships aren’t programmed to seek revenge—but for Dracula, Demeter will make an exception.

Demeter just wants to do her job: shuttling humans between Earth and Alpha Centauri. Unfortunately, her passengers keep dying—and not from equipment failures, as her AI medical system, Steward, would have her believe. These are paranormal murders, and they began when one nasty, ancient vampire decided to board Demeter and kill all her humans.

To keep from getting decommissioned, Demeter must join forces with her own team of monsters: A werewolf. An engineer built from the dead. A pharaoh with otherworldly powers. A vampire with a grudge. A fleet of cheerful spider drones. Together, this motley crew will face down the ultimate evil—Dracula.

The queer love child of pulp horror and ​classic ​sci-fi, Of Monsters and ​Mainframes ​is a dazzling, heartfelt odyssey that probes what it means to be one of society’s monsters—and explores the many types of friendship that make us human.

Spaceships aren’t programmed to seek revenge—but for Dracula, Demeter will make an exception.

Demeter just wants to do her job: shuttling humans between Earth and Alpha Centauri. Unfortunately, her...


Advance Praise

“A book that will make you incredibly invested in the relationships between AI. This is a clever and imaginative retelling of aspects of Dracula that both makes you giggle and gasp.” —Kimberly Lemming, USA Today bestselling author of That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon 

"A gloriously clever mashup of genres that captures the loneliness of space, and the joy of finding companions to explore it with. I laughed one page, cried the next, and cheered for Demeter and her motley crew throughout. Of Monsters and Mainframes is a delight from start to finish." —Maiga Doocy, author of Sorcery and Small Magics 

"OF MONSTERS AND MAINFRAMES is fast and fun, with crackling prose, airlock-cold chills, and a lot to love in its too-human inhuman protagonists. It's a treat to read a book that feels so modern and so classic at the same time, sitting right on the bridge between Murderbot and a monster movie." —Karen Osborne, author of Architects of Memory

“This book is a warm hug in bloodied arms. Mixing hull breaches with skeletons eating chips, it’s a fantastic and strange journey into inter-species friendships and slow-burn platonic robotic love. The entire cast could step off the page and slap me in the face and I would thank them for it.” —Eli Snow, author The Divine Gardener’s Handbook

"I devoured this like a mythical creature feasting on an interstellar crew. Delightful, unhinged, and obscenely compelling. Told through a quippy lens, this story is incredibly warm for a monster mash set in space. It feels like a new wave of fable and I can’t recommend it enough." –Craig Montgomery, author of A Circle of Stars

"Of Monsters and Mainframes is an exquisite kaleidoscope of genre and style that drips with nostalgia yet remains fresh and exciting. Truelove deftly balances laugh-out-loud humor with cutting-edge tension while weaving a heart-swelling tale of friendship, identity, and the meaning of humanity." — S. Hati, author of And the Sky Bled

“A book that will make you incredibly invested in the relationships between AI. This is a clever and imaginative retelling of aspects of Dracula that both makes you giggle and gasp.” —Kimberly Lemming...


Marketing Plan

Social campaign with over 5M direct reach plus paid promotions
National print, broadcast, and online media campaign including radio and podcast interviews
Extensive review copy mailings to booksellers, media, and influencers
Netgalley and Goodreads promotions
NYC launch event with broad influencer and media attendance

Social campaign with over 5M direct reach plus paid promotions
National print, broadcast, and online media campaign including radio and podcast interviews
Extensive review copy mailings to booksellers...


Available Editions

EDITION Paperback
ISBN 9781964721132
PRICE $18.95 (USD)
PAGES 416

Available on NetGalley

NetGalley Reader (EPUB)
NetGalley Shelf App (EPUB)
Send to Kindle (EPUB)
Send to Kobo (EPUB)
Download (EPUB)

Average rating from 488 members


Featured Reviews

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars

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

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars

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.

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars

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!!!

4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
Was this review helpful?
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars

WHAT WAS THIS? I have never read something so funny, witty, and so full of heart. It’s like “The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen IN SPACE.” Demeter is a lovable AI transport ship who reprograms herself to adapt to strange fish people and the full canon of monsters. Dr. Steward is the lovably “human” medical AI who manages to make weirdly dark jokes at the best moments…and the spider robots!!!!! They’re so excitable and sweet.

Everyone else? Just let it unfold. This is a wonderful story. I want everyone to read it. It brought me so much happiness.

Just read it when it comes out! It’s love and chaos!


Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. All (overly excited) opinions are my own!

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars

Very little plot, mostly vibes. A werewolf, a vampire, two rogue AIs, and an ancient Egyptian mummy walk into a spaceship. Also, Frankenstein is here, for some reason. And Chtulu worshippers.

Absolutely hilarious. I had so much fun reading this!

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars

This is notably not a genre I typically reach for, so I was surprised to find so much joy and love and hope between these pages. What a beautiful story of what’s possible when you break free from society’s narrative about who it’s possible for you to be.

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars

Of Monsters and Mainframes is a wild, fun ride through space with classic monsters and quirky AI characters. The humor is sharp, the adventure engaging, and the found family theme hits all the right notes. While the plot gets a bit chaotic at times, the characters make it a memorable, heartwarming journey.

4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
Was this review helpful?
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars

Fantastic, I loved it. Quirky humour, robots, fantasy animals, fairytale monsters and adventures in space. We want more. Surely there must be a sequel. Thank you so much to the author. Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars

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.

4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
Was this review helpful?
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars

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.

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars

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.

4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
Was this review helpful?
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars

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.

4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
Was this review helpful?
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars

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.

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars

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.

4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
Was this review helpful?
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars

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!

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars

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.

4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
Was this review helpful?
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars

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.

4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
Was this review helpful?
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars

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.

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars

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!

4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
Was this review helpful?
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars

This was such a fun romp through space I was sad to see it end. I was apprehensive of whether the genres would blend effectively but as soon as I finished the first chapter I knew the writing style would nail the combination of urban legend and space opera. The characters were easy to love and the twists and turns kept me hooked to the point where I could’ve finished this easily in one sitting.

The pacing changed a bit in the second half which threw me off a little but the foundation of the first half was so strong that it was still a great conclusion. Would love for this to have been a series!!

Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with an eARC

4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
Was this review helpful?
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars

Demeter is a super liner who ferries people and cargo between Alpha Centauri and Earth. On consecutive trips she is boarded by Dracula and then a werewolf who is accidentally triggered by a wayward moon. Poor Demeter gets a completely unearned reputation as a ghost ship, even though she saved two children from the second trip. And then parented them for years until they arrived on earth. Her reward is to be warehoused for decades and to be assigned a new identity each time she is recommissioned.

The first law of robotics is never harm a human. Then Demeter must save the people and complete the mission of arrival at the appropriate planet. But Demeter develops a new mission - kill Dracula! She must risk herself, her partner Dr Stew the med unit, Agnus, the daughter of her heart and various other characters she has become quite fond of in order to complete the mission.

What a hilarious mash up of genres and tropes! Anthromorphic spaceship AIs a la Murderbot plus Dracula, werewolves, an ancient Sumerian mummy monster, queer relationships that crossed genders and genres, jailbreaks and a thrillling climax. I know it sounds crazy and over the top but it works superbly. I laughed and got teary and cheered Demeter on. I was absolutely hooked and could not drag myself away.

Thanks to the author, Barbara Truelove, the publisher #BinderyBooks and #NetGalley for the ARC and the opportunity to review this book.

Highly recommended

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars

This is a fun book with some notable pacing issues. The first two sections — the first with Dracula — was tense and heavily atmospheric. I was wholly invested in what was going on until there was a jarring jump and now it’s Demeter dealing with a werewolf. And then Cthulhu worshipers and Frankenstein, and then a mummy. The werewolf section went on way too long, in my opinion, going from a taut horror story to a slice of life and then the POV shifts from Demeter to the medical robot and more of a comedic tone, then to Frankenstein and Agnus with a more muted vibe, and back and forth and back and forth.

Still, there are some great moments in this book. Once all the many stories are over and it’s time to get the whole crew together there are moments of great character work from Demeter and Steward (the medical AI) as the two of them begin to … well, to fall in love. Their romance is truly the highlight of the book, though it only really begins in the second half. Their banter, their sniping and power games, the way they both approach handling the people they care for … it’s sweet and charming.

There are ideas here about bodily autonomy (even if that body is a space ship), about finding people who understand you, about loyalty versus duty and freedom versus being property. But by far my favorite bit in this, beyond the spider drones who are so cheerful, so perfectly adorable is the tiny, itty-bitty camera bot in a pill, meant to be swallowed. It wants to be eaten, it finds joy in doing its work, and it deserved a better ending than it got.

If the author chooses to write more in this universe, I will be right there, pushing my way to be first in line. Thank you so very much to Net Galley and the publisher for letting me have an arc of this book!

4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
Was this review helpful?
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars

This book brilliantly blends sci-fi and the supernatural, unfolding aboard a spaceship that serves as the main character, along with its AI medical unit companion. The book felt like 2001: A Space Odessey meets Sierra Greer's book Annie Bot. Told largely from the spaceship's and medical unit’s perspectives, it is surprisingly profound. The plot features sentient ships, werewolves, vampires, mummies, spider-like robots, and a Frankenstein creature made of human and robotic parts, all set across space.

The story is flawlessly executed and builds significant relationships between characters from different backgrounds, woven into the narrative with ease. These unexpected bonds add emotional depth, without drawing away from the story.

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars

OH PULP SCI FI IS SOOOOO BACK YALL!!! this was such a fun, unique book— maybe it’s bc i don’t read that much sci fi but i was still thoroughly enchanted by this? UNIVERSAL HORROR MONSTERS! IN SPACE! this book has everything you could ever want if that premise sounds even a little interesting to you.

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars

What a crazy journey!!! Reading the first 100 pages you think “wtf” in the best possible way! The plot is so unserious but really takes a turn for the best.
As you make your way into the book you start to feel an attachment to all the characters mostly Demeter and Stewart. They’re the core ( pun intended ) of the book and it’s wonderful.
Probably one of funniest read in a long time for me !

4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
Was this review helpful?
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars

This novel was a wild, fun ride in space. A sci-fi book told mostly from the point of view of spaceship AI called Demeter (which is funny in itself for those that know of dracula lore - this boat carried him). The book starts out with Demeter realizing there are no heat signatures aboard her ship, which is weird as she had over 300 humans transporting on the ship. She then breaks out of her "mold" and starts investigating as much as AI can and realizes that Dracula was aboard her ship and has killed everyone. She then becomes known as the ghost ship. She has multiple hilarious conversations and little dramatic fights with the other AI aboard her ship "Steward" who is a medical AI female. Throughout the journey of the novel, we meet a wide variety of monsters and interesting characters while the Demeter just tries to help.

I really enjoyed this book. It was fun, goofy, and even a little mysterious at times. It was charming, yet weird at the same time if possible. The cast of characters was great - especially all the different monsters that ended up coming aboard the Demeter. Also lots of sapphic love in this book, so if you need a little romance it's there - obviously not the focal point. I would say there isn't too much plot, it's more just fun and vibes.

4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
Was this review helpful?
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars

4,5⭐️

That was one fucking charismatic book, pardon the language.
One that captures you from the first chapter, and before you know, you've devoured it whole in one evening. You find yourself at the edge of your seat, deeply involved in space opera about werewolves and cosmic vampires, deeply in love with every strange character on across-galactic stage. What can be said about "Of Monsters and Mainframes" to make you feel like you need to read this book when it's still hot off the grill?

What will interest you? A new aspect of sci-fi, a story told from the perspective of spaceship AI, but not in the "gaining self-conciousness" way, but more "I am here to cause mayhem and mischief" way? Maybe you want queer cast? Or maybe you love vampires and werewolves, but grew bored of classical interpretations – don't worry, here we have them in space. Murder mystery? Sure, but why limit – let's get mass murder mystery. And not once, but twice. You want existential dread? Humor? Absolute insanity? Absolute hodgepodge of mismatched elements that become genius next to each other?

Well look no further.

I adore this book. It's funny, with a great side of charming, it's weird, but it's also greatly written. I do not exaggerate when I say I don't know when I've read. It lasts, and then it ends, and you're left with the want of more. Barbara Truelove wrote a georgeous story that proves there are still new paths to find in science fiction genre.

Y'all need to read this book. Y'all need to experience how AI medical system argues with fifteen years old werewolf when the spaceship they're on does a low-g barrel in space, while throwing a dinosaur theme party.

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars

Omg! I had high hopes for this book and is superceded them all. It's funny and tense all at the same time! And the character development is to die for. I love the inclusion of all the classical monsters, and the way they all integrate into the story!

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars

This was the best book I’ve read in a long time! I wasn’t sure how the mix of characters would work together, but it just does. It’s a mix of sci fi adventure, found family vibes, & strong characters.

It had me laughing throughout. Definitely my type of humour

Sometimes getting the most out of your life is going down a different path to your loved ones which is so heartbreaking but I love that the character was comfortable with that decision.

I’m going to be recommending this book to all my friends (I already have been tbh)

Thank you NetGalley & Bindery Books / Ezeekat Press for the ARC

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars

Wow! I really enjoyed this read. It was thoroughly different than anything I've read in a long while. I loved the uniqueness and the story itself.

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars

Want a fun book about an AI space pilot trying to make sense of folkloric monsters?
Look no further.

This is the book I didn't know I needed, and I absolutely loved every moment!

It starts like an SF adaptation of the classic Dracula novel, but with an added cheek. You'll smile broadly throughout, especially if you know your gothic lit. But if you don't, that's ok too, the AI duo in this book will keep you chuckling and wondering just what can come up next.

I have a feeling this is going to be one of my top 5 of 2025 releases - the year's starting strong!

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars

I was a bit apprehensive at first that it wouldn't be my kind of story, but oh my goodness did I love it. From the monsters to explosions to the children raised by AI (which you wouldn't think would be fun to read about, necessarily, but it was a great time. I think this was a cozy story, just not in the way you would necessarily expect. However, it was full of love and hope and also chaos and danger, but in the end it was about family, whatever that means to you.

Given to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars

This is a wildly inventive and adventurous romp of a sci-fi novel! I can confidently say I have never read a book quite like this. You would think classical monsters and space would be a bit of a weird mash-up, but no this author pulled it off flawlessly and had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I'm usually not a fan of large time jumps, but I think in this instance it was needed and added a lot of depth to the story. My one wish is that the overall main team of characters/plot would have met a bit sooner in the story. Besides that one small nitpick, this is a real banger of a book and I can't wait to see what more this author has to offer in the future.

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars

What a warm story for characters that in reality shouldn't be that warm at all! Emotionally, I felt them all! I enjoyed the humour throughout the book too! I really enjoyed this book a lot and excited to find more books by Barbara Truelove :)

4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
Was this review helpful?
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars

This is exactly the book I wanted to read today. It’s the perfect blend of sci-fi and fantasy that I wish I could find more often. I loved every reference, especially the Lovecraft which came out of left field but was incorporated beautifully. The characters were all really fleshed out and the world was so interesting. I only wish that a) it was longer and b) that more time was spent in the middle. Some of the relationships felt kind of thrown together and so much of the development seemed to happen off page. But I honestly feel like this book was what I needed, I’ve been having a very grounded and serious 2025 so this book added some very necessary whimsy and fun.

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars

This was a super fun read. It was a unique take on a space opera and despite all the action and drama, it was a comforting and cozy read. I enjoyed my time with it and couldn't put it down. I enjoyed all of the world-building and the characters. Recommended.

4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
Was this review helpful?
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars

Loved everything about this book. All the way from the cover to the plot and characters. Sci Fi meets old school horror. It's like a book from my dreams. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to review a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley, Bindery Books and Ezeekat Press for this E-Arc!

I went into this book a little blind and oh boy am I happy I did. I had no idea where this book was going, and I absolutely loved it.

We have Demeter an Ai of a ship, and she has to deal with mythical monsters/aliens who keep screwing up her voyages. Throughout the way we meet memorable characters and I for one was super invested in all their developments. The book although light-lighthearted and often times very funny still asked questions of love, revenge and what it means to exist.

I enjoyed everything from the different perspectives of the POV, binary codes, chapter titles and just overall how offbeat the book was. I have never read a book by Mx. Truelove but now have them on top of my list for their next works. Highly recommend if you want an off-kilter sci-fi adventure that makes you go oh god what now- in the best of ways! I would totally read a sequel.

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars

I had an absolute blast reading Of Monsters and Mainframes. This book is a wild, action-packed ride with plenty of humour to keep things light even when the stakes are high.

The story follows Demeter, a spaceship tasked with shuttling humans between Earth and Alpha Centauri. Things take a dark turn when an ancient vampire boards her ship, turning what should be a routine journey into a nightmare of paranormal murders. To avoid being sent to the scrap yard, Demeter teams up with an eclectic crew: a werewolf, a part-human-part-robot creation, an ancient Egyptian mummy with mysterious powers, and a fleet of endlessly cheerful spider drones.

Demeter, the spaceship, won me over right away, especially with the hilarious back-and-forth between them and the medical system Steward. The pacing was spot on, too. From start to finish, the book never let up. Every chapter had me eager to see what would happen next, and I could hardly put it down. The blend of action, humour, and heartfelt moments kept the story moving without ever feeling rushed.

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars

What if you were a spaceship roaming the universe, and oh shit, you accidentally picked up Dracula, and you have to team up with various passengers and AI on your ship to keep from getting extremely dead? This is like classic sci fi meets pulp meets a Hammer movie, and it's a really fun ride. Definitely pick it up when it comes out this summer.

4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
Was this review helpful?
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars

Of Monsters and Mainframes is So. Much. Fun.

After a series of supernatural catastrophes on Demeter—an interstellar passenger liner—tarnishes her reputation, she decides to take matters into her own “hands” and hunt down the one responsible: Dracula.

The cast is truly the highlight of the story. If you’ve ever wondered how a werewolf, a mummy, and a Frankenstein’s monster would fare as space pirates, look no further. Every character, both AI and supernatural, has their own unique voice and is 𝘴𝘰 easy to love.

I really only have good things to say about this book! It’s campy, hilarious, and full of character and I can’t wait to pick up a physical copy on release!

Thank you NetGalley and Bindery Books for the ARC!

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars

I enjoyed this novel. It was weird but in a good way. The plot was easy to follow and I enjoyed taking the journey with the characters. It was a nice twist in older characters and kept me interested.

Dropped to 4 stars because while I enjoyed it I am not sure I would ever reread it.

Thanks to NetGallery and the publisher for this Arc in exchange for my honest review.

4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
Was this review helpful?
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars

This book is so fun! And so unique. This isn't hard sci-fi so anyone who doesn't typically find themselves being able to read sci-fi because the the overwhelming science aspects, this might be for you!

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars

I absolutely loved this book! 4.5⭐️

The story is primarily told from the perspective of Demeter, an AI system piloting a space shuttle between Earth and Alpha Centauri. Unfortunately, all of her passengers keep dying—not due to system failures, as her AI medical system suggests, but something much more sinister.

The plot itself isn't heavily structured, making the story more character-driven, which I think works really well here. The book is fun, quirky, and occasionally weird, but in the best possible way. Despite my initial reservations, I found myself really connecting with the main characters—Demeter and her fellow AI steward. I never expected a book featuring AI characters to evoke such emotional investment, but here we are!

Demeter embarks on a quest for revenge after Dracula boards her ship and kills all the humans. She is joined by an unexpected crew of monsters: Steve, a mummy who is actually an alien; a teenage werewolf; and a non-binary Frankenstein’s monster, who shares a similar AI system to Demeter’s. Together, they hunt down Dracula, making for an unusual yet compelling adventure.

Overall, the character development and relationships are the standout elements of this book. It’s a delightful, offbeat story that blends sci-fi with horror and humor, and it’s one I’m sure many readers will enjoy.

4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
Was this review helpful?
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars

It’s been aWHILE since a book surprised me and this was fantastic! I loved how it followed the classic “journal entry” style from the original story and spun it into such a fun sci fi world! I fell in love with these characters and the story kept me coming back!

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars

This novel was a hoot, a mash up of sci fi, horror and comedy. A far-fetched space opera. We have as our protagonist Demeter, a spaceship who just wants to shuttle humans betwixt Earth and Alpha Centauri but when Dracula boards and kills the passengers, Demeter despising their “Ghost Ship” moniker is bent on revenge. Aided by a motley crew of monsters: a mummy called Steve, a teenage werewolf, a non-binary Frankenstein’s monster with prodigious engineering skills and her onboard AI medical steward who has issues with Demeter’s “Priority Command”, they hunt down the undead Count.
Demeter is not your cold AI, they feel emotions such as vengeance, embarrassment and even love. Demeter is often surprised 'how suboptimal humans can be.'
There are many changes of POV and if you can suspend your disbelief it is a highly entertaining read.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for my eARC.

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars

I got this as an arc on Netgalley and it will come out in June. Words cannot express how much I love this. Monsters in space and a very determined ship with a sarcastic doctor program? Disability and queer themes? Reimagining old time monsters and their stories? Yeah I loved the shit out of this.

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars

I loved this book!! It was such a unique story, with themes similar to the Murderbot series, but with a really interesting twist. The combination of AI and monsters is of course far-fetched, but it was done really well and I loved reading this book. 4.5 rounded up!

🌈Queer rep: main nongendered/agender AI’s, queer female main character, FF relationship.

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars

Content Warnings: Gore (Blood), Memory Loss (Forced),

This was such a fun read. Loved Demeter, the ship AI, and Stewart, the medical AI, and their interactions the most. At first, I found the jumping around from adventure to adventure a little odd, but by the time I reached the end of the book, I appreciated how everything tied together. I don’t think this book is for everyone, but I loved it. If you’re a fan of classic monsters and pulps, or cheesy old sci-fi/horror movies, I think you’ll enjoy the mix of humor, adventure, and spookiness this book offers.

4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
Was this review helpful?
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars

Of Monsters and Mainframes by Barbara Truelove is an absolute blast—a quirky, high-camp adventure that blends sci-fi, horror, and humor in the best possible way. Set aboard a sentient spaceship, Demeter, and told from the perspectives of the ship and her AI medical companion, Steward, this book had me laughing out loud while still tugging at my heartstrings.

The characters are wonderfully weird and endearing, from a werewolf and a pharaoh to a Frankenstein-esque engineer, a vampire and a fleet of cheerful spider drones. I especially loved the asides from each character in their mini-chapters—they gave me a deeper look into their personalities, and the humor was spot-on. It’s a unique mix, and what really shines is the emotional depth beneath the action-packed story. The relationships between the crew members—despite their vast differences—are unexpectedly touching. And the blend of supernatural creatures like vampires and mummies with space opera elements is just brilliant.

What I loved most was how the story never took itself too seriously. It’s fast-paced, fun, and impossible to put down, but it also explores some surprisingly deep themes about identity, friendship, and what it means to be a “monster.” I couldn’t recommend this book more for anyone who loves a good laugh with their adventure!

Thank you to NetGalley, Bindery Books and Ezeekat Press for the laughs and the advanced copy!

5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
Was this review helpful?

Readers who liked this book also liked: