We're All Monsters Here by Amy Marsden 2023 SFINCs Book Review

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This review is part of the Speculative Fiction Indie Novella Championship (SFINCS). SFINCS, pronounced “sphinx”. This is a yearly competition to recognize, honor, and celebrate the talent and creativity present in the indie community. It’s a sister competition to both SPFBO and SPSFC, and it highlights greatness in the novella format in all areas of speculative fiction (fantasy, science fiction, horror, etc.).

To see more information on my team Behind the Musings check out this post!

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We're All Monsters Here by Amy Marsden

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Blurb for We're All Monsters Here

When Anna is invited to a secluded retreat full of selfish, greedy humans, of course she doesn’t say no. Not only did she manipulate the CEO of the world’s largest oil corporation, Peter Beyer, into organising the four-day getaway in the first place, but no self-respecting vampire would ever turn down such easy prey. Her weekend gets even better when she meets Saira, one of Peter Beyer’s employees, and they begin a whirlwind affair. Blood and beautiful women are Anna’s idea of a great time.

She should have known it was too good to be true.

Hunters are dangerous, deadly, and dedicated to eradicating vampires. When a group of them turn up at the retreat, Anna must use her centuries of experience to escape their ever-closing net. Will she get out unscathed, or will they finally catch up to her? Will she give into her intense and unexpected feelings for Saira, or will she leave her to burn as she destroys all evidence she was ever there?

A fresh twist on urban fantasy, with an added splash of sapphic romance.

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Book Review for We're All Monsters Here

We’re All Monsters Here takes time to immerse readers into Anna’s mind. As an older vampire, she’s quite skilled at manipulating crowds of humans into kill zones. As she embarks on a secluded retreat with her latest assortment of food, readers will see various character interactions. As a vampire, Anna knows the humans pose little threat, but the abusive and cruel intentions are not lost on her. Anna has been able to justify feeding off of the majority of those present due to these interactions and her knowledge of their behaviors. Anna’s time at the retreat is horrific, as she makes her way through the humans. She holds a detached view, easily dismembering her kills.

While horror is the predominant feel of the novella, there is a touch of romance as well. When Anna finds a human able to resist her charms, it entices her all the more to woo her. Their spicy interactions up the stakes and begin to move the story in a new direction. Anna is displayed as a powerful and confident vampire, but her attraction shows she still has a human side as well. 

The story truly takes off when hunters enter the scene, forcing Anna into making quick decisions. Instead of taking her time to pick and choose which human to dine on next, she must fight for her life. Though it takes a bit to reach this point, once the action starts it doesn’t stop. Right up until the final moments of the novella, Anna will be fighting for survival. We’re All Monsters Here is for those who enjoy dark urban fantasy and spicy romance.

To Purchase: Amazon | Author's Website

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