Gods & Monsters

Written by Shelby Mahurin

Narrated by Holter Graham and Saskia Maarleveld

Evil always seeks a foothold. We must not give it one.

The electrifying conclusion to the New York Times and Indiebound bestselling Serpent & Dove trilogy is perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Kendare Blake.

Lou has spent her whole life running. Now, after a crushing blow from Morgane, the time has come to go home—and claim what is rightfully hers.

But this is no longer the Lou her friends knew. No longer the Lou who captured a chasseur’s heart. A darkness has settled over her, and this time it will take more than love to drive it out.

From Serpent & Dove to Blood & Honey and concluding with Gods & Monsters, Shelby Mahurin's stunning fantasy trilogy delivers thrills and romance.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: Jul 27, 2021
• ISBN: 9780063038967

Shelby Mahurin

Shelby Mahurin is the New York Times bestselling author of the Serpent & Dove trilogy. She grew up on a small farm in rural Indiana, where sticks became wands and cows became dragons. Her rampant imagination didn’t fade with age, so she continues to play make-believe every day—with words now instead of cows. When not writing, Shelby watches The Office and reads voraciously. She still lives near that childhood farm with her very tall husband and semiferal children. Visit her online at www.shelbymahurin.com.

Reviews for Gods & Monsters

[Samantha Jones · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It was okay, I wasn't too keen on this story going into it. The first book was amazing and the second book was average, but this felt like a huge unnecessary filler up until the end of the book. Things happened that I just felt like they didn't need to. The epilogue was the best part, and the reason it for 3 stars instead of 2.

[julz · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Because of how B&H ended, I was extremely scared coming into this one because I didn't know what was going to happen ? I felt so many different emotions throughout this book, I honestly don't even know how I feel as of right now LOL.
Oh my heart! This book stepped up from the second and kept pulling my emotions all over the place.I'd be happy for a minute, then something would happen and I'm back to sad, just wanting everyone to be safe and together. It was a fine mix between action, heartbreak and fun. I’ve truly loved following Lou and Reid through this series. Why did Lou and Reid have to go through so many things and constantly be pulled apart? I guess it wouldn't be as fun if there wasn't strife, but still. I love them.
All the characters were amazing and Shelby always managed to get the laughs in even when the situation was extremely dire. I've really grown to care about the side characters in this, especially Coco and Beau. Coco is such a great friend, fierce and loyal. Beau is a big brother to Reid and Lou and I liked how he protected and also teased and played around with them with his remarks and banter it makes the book never feel too heavy. Then there's my sweet Ansel, my heart is a little bit broken but the resolution for him was perfect.I also really enjoyed seeing how Célie made a name for herself in this book. How she took her trauma and made herself stronger instead of letting it tear her down.This book did everything a finale should do. It tied up loose ends, it gave all the characters an ending they deserved and gave a sense of fulfillment. I'm so bittersweet this is the end of my journey with these characters, but they'll be in my heart forever.
I was laughing and crying during the epilogue, I wasn't expecting THAT. I'll miss Lou & Reid so much, they're definitely one of my favorite book couples and I'll always remember their story. Also my final question is who was narrating the last chapter of the book? I thought that it was Ansel but then…

[Donna Brown · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

4.5* That ending was a great finish to the series

[Fort · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I don’t know, I just don’t know. I had to finish the series because the plot just keeps extending itself sometimes aimlessly other times for actual significance. Wildly long and I bore at the melodramatics. I also never truly felt comfortable about Reed and Lou’s relationship… the Stockholm syndrome just isn’t cute. I could do without the sex scenes too. Lots of characters introduced in this book! Anyways, A+ for imagination and world-building, C+ for plot threads, D for drama and inner monologues. Wasn’t a huge fan of the voice acting…
Perhaps this reads better on paper! Go for it?

[Michelle · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great ending to the series and it does a good job of tying things up from the previous books.

[seschend · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Loved the GODS AND MONSTERS movie and since a copy of this came across my desk in 1st edition hardcover, I couldn't pass it up at used book prices. We'll see how it holds up to the movie (and vice-versa). The author's repertoire looks interesting and based on this book, I may follow up with more.

SES

[bostonseanachie · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Originally titled "Father of Frankenstein" and subsequently changed to "Gods and Monsters" to match the movie version, this novel is a subtly charming rendition of the last two weeks of the life of James Whale, director of horror flicks Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein (as well as many others). At this point in his life, Whale has just recovered (somewhat) from a stroke and is living alone in his mansion. After making the acquaintance of his young, butch, former Marine yardman Clayton, Whale sets in motion a hare-brained scheme to end his own life.

What gives the novel texture are the nuanced portraits of the unsophisticated but ultimately soft-hearted Clayton (who is encountering a professed homosexual for the first time in his life -- that he knows of) and Whale, who is haunted by his working class origins in England as well as by his haunting experiences in the Great War. In particular, Whale's mix of the maudlin, queeny repartee, and a drole and dismal gallows humor drive the narration.

Bram's prose is workmanlike and simple, but the portraits are nuanced and there is a sprinkle of Hollywood glitz over the whole. Bram's amusingly self-deprecating Afterword (written after the film version's release) is a humorous counterpoint to the novel's inevitable end.

[hotwolfie · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Each of the lead characters in this book had distinctive voices, and interesting personalities and backstories. I liked the developing friendship between two unlikely characters. This was a novel about depression, sexual identity, and prejudice. The narrative was well written, the dialog was excellent, and I thought the premise was intriguing. Worth reading.

[joeltallman · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a surprisingly sweet and gentle novel.

[mattrutherford_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Moving, gripping, very well-written. Loved it.