Showing results for "The Monstrous" in Literature & Fiction

Ravenna never asked for her gifts, and certainly not for her parents to sacrifice themselves protecting her. As a half-fae with foresight, she has more power than most realize, even her well-meaning but doomed parents. She isn't some damsel in distress—and she isn't prey for the evil Fae Queen Amaranthe. No matter how long it takes, no matter what it demands of her, she will avenge her parents. With only her innate gift, a seething rage, and her father's begrudging unicorn, Ravenna means to burn the faelands to the ground.

“Wickedly satirical . . . nothing short of brilliant.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review) New York Times bestselling author Sir Terry Pratchett explores the inanity of war, sexual politics, and why the best man for the job is often a woman in this acerbically funny and poignant Discworld...

It’s really hard to pretend like life is normal when you’re staring a monster in the eyes, though he’s both tempting and irritating in his human form. I put my days as a hunter behind me, unable to cope with the death and pain anymore, to become an upstanding citizen and for what? To assist Lake, a man who claims he’s not a monster but keeps talking about me like I’m edible and–even worse–wants to woo me?

It would be an understatement to call Trevon Beaumont an accomplished monster slayer. He's traversed the European countryside upholding the legacy of his clan one completed mission at a time for the whole of his adult life. Now he's on his most perilous quest yet: slay the cruel but beautiful Countess Dracula.

From the beaches of Orkney to the Welsh mountains, and the Derbyshire peaks to the Cornish moors, Britain is home to many strange creatures of folklore. Some are ancient, as enduring as the forests and mountains they inhabit. Others live among us, in our cities, creating new legends as they scuttle through the shadows. And none of them are to be trusted.

Monstrous Regiment is the 31st novel in Terry Pratchett's Discworld series. It takes its name from the 16th century tract by Protestant John Knox against the Catholic female sovereigns of the day, the full title of which is The First Blast of the Trumpet Against the Monstrous Regiment of Women. In it he argued that the Bible supported the position of men over women (Adam was born first) in governing the affairs of state. Knox believed that these Catholic female monarchs, in particular Queen Mary I of England and the Scottish dowager Queen Mary of Guise who was regent to her daughter Mary Queen...

"A gothic, darkly alluring tale that will leave readers spellbound"—Dua Lipa, Grammy award-winning singer/songwriter A compelling take on folk horror and macabre rituals, this debut novel uncovers dark secrets about how far people will go to keep their dreams alive. A Goodreads Most...

Hauntingly read by Justin Avoth. 'Robert Dinsdale mixes history and mythology with great panache . . . Richly textured and with an appropriately labyrinthine plot, this is a book that explores the monster inside man — and vice versa. Book of the Month' Sunday Times Man or monster? Hero or...

""Wickedly satirical . . . nothing short of brilliant.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review) The 31st entry in Sir Terry Pratchett’s internationally bestselling Discworld series about the art of war and the brave women who wage it. This new audiobook recording is narrated by Katherine...

A sensational debut novel: gothic, romantic gaslamp fantasy at it’s very best. A magical tale of intrigue on dangerous waters and a love story for the ages. Perfect for fans of V.E. Schwab and China Mieville Arden Beacon arrives in the salt-swept port of Vigil with a job to do. Tasked with...

In this full-cast queer eldritch mystery, a fake medium grapples with unexpected powers and a crush on a disheveled historian.When Violeta unwittingly channels the ghost of a murder victim, she finds herself at the center of an increasingly supernatural conspiracy. While caught between occult artifacts, unwanted visions, and an awkward romance, Violeta will have to answer the question that has been bothering her: What is that blue shadow haunting the sky?Directed by Ádám Császi

Amicae, City of Sweepers, survived the Falling Infestation which nearly destroyed it thanks to the efforts of Laura and Okane. While the ancient monsters have been beaten back for the moment, new and more monstrous dangers face them in the form of belligerent bureaucracy, dangerous gangs, grasping Sweepers bent on personal glory...and Rex, the City of Kings, who breed their own kind of monstrosity. Laura and Okane must go to Rex to reclaim the secret weaponry that keeps Amicae safe and come face to face with a horrifying truth about the Rex and their designs on all of Orien's cities.

Los Angeles brims with opportunity in 1959—though not for aspiring fashion designer Cordelia Mai Yin, the first-generation child of Vietnamese immigrants, who finds the city unkind to outsiders and as dispirited as her own family. When Cordi rents a cheap loft in an old apartment building, she quickly warms to kindred souls Tessa, Audrey, and Silly. They also want better things and have pasts they’d rather forget. That they all share the same middle name makes their friendship seem like destiny.

Thirty years ago, the world as we know it was lost. Now humans live like rats, desperate for food and safety, the wall towering before us as a mocking reminder of what happened… A wall I find myself running to for refuge. I've spent my whole life uncovering the truth, telling the world the reality behind the stories that they watch. I'm the one on their screens, the adrenaline junkie, the mayor's perfect daughter. Until one day, I pick up the wrong story. With no other choice, I run and hide in the one place I will be safe from those hunting me—the wall.

Held at a remote gothic estate, the three-day ball is rife with monstrous nobles all determined to claim a mate. They'll do whatever it takes to seduce her into hidden corners, to tempt her into signing a marriage contract. Escaping with her spinsterhood intact seems impossible, until she spots her childhood crush: the now monstrous Duke of Roth.

A masterpiece of the sexual gothic, this is the story of Andrew Halfnight, whose life, part dream, part nightmare, begins with a mother's tragic choice and ends with a lover's embrace. In between he experiences tempests at sea, on land and in the mind; and relatives who kill for love and lovers who sacrifice their bodies; as all the while he moves ever closer to the central mystery of his and all existence.

From werewolves in the doghouse to new ghouls at work, there's no problem too strange for this weekly advice segment, from the UK's only dedicated radio service for the creature community. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aislinn Darrow was never meant to be her father's heir, but that was before her selfish brother condemned himself. Now, she must give up her old life to take his place. She should be presiding in her father's council chamber and serving the people of the Darrowlands—yet time and again, she finds herself straying to the castle smithy to visit the handsome new blacksmith manning the forge.

Royal alchemist Kaethe knows two things. One: Drinking tea made from steeped riverhearts will cure almost anything. Two: Never, ever trust an orc. When a rumor that she believes pertains to her missing brother has her leaving the safety and warmth of King Arkain and Queen Elvie's court, she finds herself in the heart of the orc's territory. Brokenbone Mountain is rumored to be filled with unspeakable danger. If you can survive the harsh elements, those foul creatures that call the mountain home will enjoy feasting on your bones. Delightful.

Travelling Light is a queer and cosy science fantasy about exploring the galaxy and celebrating difference. Follow the Traveller on their journey through the stars as they collect stories for their community archive, and help shape their world through audience submissions and choose-your-own-adventure decision making. From the creator of Monstrous Agonies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.