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A review by xan_van_rooyen
Empty Monsters by Cat Hellisen
5.0
I loved this book and didn't want it to end! I was getting really angsty watching the percentage meter creep towards 100% on my Kindle because I wanted - NEEDED - more of this world and these characters!
Empty Monsters isn't your typical swashbuckling, sword-and-sorcery style fantasy. It's quiet and introspective, more character study than adventure, and that's what made it so refreshing. It also has a unique setting which smacks of South Africa lending the story additional flavours.
As for the characters, they are all complex and complicated, real and flawed, often acting on their own selfish desires rather than with any sense of heroic altruism. I actually really appreciated that this story didn't have a traditional or typical 'hero' figure at its helm. The characters are all very relatable and I can't wait to spend more time with them (dear author, hope you're reading this and already writing the next book!).
The story is also delightfully queer while exploring the concept of family, the one we're born into and the one we choose for ourselves. This was another refreshing aspect of the story and one I've rarely (if ever) seen explored in fantasy in this way.
Overall, I think this book was an excellent read with lush prose, rich world-building and superb character development. I would happily reread this and read everything set in this universe. I can only hope there will be more books in this series, and soon!
Empty Monsters isn't your typical swashbuckling, sword-and-sorcery style fantasy. It's quiet and introspective, more character study than adventure, and that's what made it so refreshing. It also has a unique setting which smacks of South Africa lending the story additional flavours.
As for the characters, they are all complex and complicated, real and flawed, often acting on their own selfish desires rather than with any sense of heroic altruism. I actually really appreciated that this story didn't have a traditional or typical 'hero' figure at its helm. The characters are all very relatable and I can't wait to spend more time with them (dear author, hope you're reading this and already writing the next book!).
The story is also delightfully queer while exploring the concept of family, the one we're born into and the one we choose for ourselves. This was another refreshing aspect of the story and one I've rarely (if ever) seen explored in fantasy in this way.
Overall, I think this book was an excellent read with lush prose, rich world-building and superb character development. I would happily reread this and read everything set in this universe. I can only hope there will be more books in this series, and soon!