Monster, Monarch, Maiden by Rae Carson

 

Monster, Monarch, Maiden

By: Rae Carson

Recommendation: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗 - (Out of 5 🌕)

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Romantasy, Young Adult, Fiction

Length: 480 Pages

Pace: Fast

Moods: Easy to Read, Page Turner, Entertaining, Wonderful Characters 

Release Date: August 25, 2026

    

    Monster, Monarch, and Maiden is an amazing stand alone story that captured my attention from the first page. For me, Rae Carson has never failed to build unique stories with lovable characters that capture and win my heart with their strength of character, mind and body. This story was no different, if anything it exceeds any story I have ever written by her.

Synopsis:

    Bria Angarsold loves her family and the life they have built around their inn. Unfortunately, she and her sister find themselves in a difficult situation when raiders come through their small town and take them captive. It appears she has no way out when a mysterious young man single handedly takes down Bria's captures and rescues her from the cage she has been held prisoner. Finding herself in the middle of no where with no food or gear to weather the cold temperatures and coming snowstorms, Bria offers her services as guide to the man who is her dark and mysterious hero. 

    Titus isn't much of a talker, but that is alright because Bria talks enough for the both of them. He is hesitant to make her his travel companion but before long she proves herself to be more than capable. Titus is on an important but mysterious quest. As he draws closer and closer to his end goal, he begins to realize that Bria has come to mean more to him than he ever meant her to. Where he is headed she cannot go. He has to decide if his mission means more than the relationship and feelings he has developed for Bria.

What I Loved:

• Bria: Bria is what I would consider the perfect character. The empathy that she feels for others makes her an endearing. Throughout the entire book she is eager to do for others. She knows her weaknesses but is also aware of her strengths and what those strengths bring to the mission. 
• Titus' Mission: Without giving away spoilers, Titus' backstory and mission are unique. He can come across and broody and difficult but as the story builds and you learn more about his history, he becomes more relatable and endearing.
• Gods and Monsters: The mythology built within some fantasy stories can make the storyline drag. Carson has developed a simple but complex mythos that wasn't difficult to grasp and is easy to remember throughout the book. 
• Stand Alone Story: Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a good fantasy series but sometimes it can be difficult waiting for the next installment and then trying to recall where the story left off. I did not feel short changed in any way with this stand along fantasy. Carson gave me everything I would want and need in a good fantasy book.

    The courage, intelligence and strength Bria showed throughout the book added to her ability to thrive. From the start of the book she showed a desire to survive whatever life brought her way an continued to build on her strength of character with each new hurdle she encountered. I found the story to be an incredibly satisfying read from start to finish.

 I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.                                            

Available for purchase:

Amazon