Monster, Monarch, Maiden

New
244428275
Author(s)
Age Range
13+
Release Date
August 25, 2026
ISBN
9780063244207
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A sweeping stand-alone fantasy from award-winning and bestselling master of the genre, Rae Carson. After she loses everything, Bria will do whatever it takes to survive—even pledge herself to a secretive young man on a perilous quest. Breathtaking adventure and swoon-worthy romance for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Ava Reid, and Rebecca Ross.

Bria Angarsold isn’t supposed to be a hero. She’s just a mountain girl. A mountain girl with a near useless Gift, living an idyllic life with her sister and her parents, running the family’s thriving inn. But then the raiders come, and Bria’s family is destroyed.

One of the last survivors of the raid, Bria isn’t sure she’ll live to see where the captors are taking her. Until the caravan crosses paths with a mysterious traveler and Bria’s luck changes again.

With no family or home to return to, Bria swears her life to this moody, secretive young man. Titus has been chosen to complete a perilous quest—one that will make Bria question everything she’s ever believed, from the magic that weaves through their world to the very gods themselves. As the journey unfolds, Bria realizes she has something—someone—new to believe in. She’d follow Titus to the Edge of the World, sworn oath or not, even if neither of them stands a chance at returning from it.

But Bria Angarsold is a survivor. She isn’t useless, and neither is her Gift. And this is her story.

Shadow and Bone meets Divine Rivals for an exhilarating journey and a slow-burn romance from the author of the acclaimed The Girl of Fire and Thorns.

Editor review

1 review
Rugged Quest, Wonderful and Bittersweet
(Updated: July 26, 2026)
Overall rating
 
5.0
Plot
 
5.0
Characters
 
5.0
Writing Style
 
5.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
N/A
Ooh yes, this is the quest I’ve been craving. Not sure if the cover design is an intentional throwback to YA fantasy of the 2000s, but the story is right at home with hidden gems of the time, with an unlikely traveling duo who face magical beasts, battle against the elements, grow little gifts into big power, and slowly reveal secrets along the way. Bria is delightfully observant and forthright, not always sure of herself yet unafraid to probe the tight-lipped Titus who has more secrets and stubbornness than common sense, and it’s endearing, tragic, fun to see her learn about the world and her place in it. I enjoyed the mountain wilds, the casual introduction of magical abilities, the illustrations of how one can mess up with the best intentions, and the slow-building romance.

While all content is appropriate for teen readers, be advised that Bria, Titus, and many others they meet have not had an easy life, which this book confronts head on. In the opening chapter Bria is held captive in torturous conditions, and death is a not infrequent companion.

Recommend for fans of Brightly Woven, Graceling, and Even the Darkest Stars.
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