Book Review: Love in a Time of Monsters by Teresa Yea

Love in a Time of Monsters is the first book in the Golden Age of Monsters series by Teresa Yea. This new adult novel has romance, adventure, and a is darker than most new adult novels that I have seen since the genre was labeled. It takes place in 1867, one that is different than any you will read about in the history books.

When Rob Stevenson’s brother is killed,and eaten, his world is shattered by a monster infestation. Determined to keep his village safe, Rob's first duty as laird involves hiring a professional hunter. As the sole survivor of a massacre in the Congo, Catriona Mornay is rumored to have lost her mind in the jungle. In Edinburgh’s gas-lit streets, Cat’s skill as a hunter is unmatched. Her reputation as a killer of unnatural creatures, legendary. Faced with a rising body count, Rob takes a chance on Cat, hoping that somewhere inside this tortured yet charismatic girl is the hero he’s been searching for. But in this shadow realm of secrets, lies, and underworld crime, their lives overlap in more ways than one. And in an age where harpies flock the sky and serpents rule the sea, it’s even possible for a boy and his hunter to fall in love. But can their love survive in a time of monsters?

Love in a Time of Monsters was nothing I expected. I picked it up because I loved the cover, it is simply gorgeous. The story is multilayered and darker than I expected from the cover and description, but it was well thought out and executed. Rob has always been sickly, and the loss of his brother puts him in a position he never expected to hold- Lord of the manor. With his young sister and supportive and loving staff he struggles to maintain order and protect his people, which ultimately requires the help of a hunter. Cat has monsters to battle, both in the real world and in her head. she struggles to quiet them all, and ends up causing more damage to herself and those closest to her than she might expect. The story is full of twists, surprises, some gore, and coincidences. I loved some of the secondary characters and literary references that thread there way through the story. even when I struggled with the story, mainly because i was in the mood for lighter fare when I picked up the book, those threads kept me going.

I would recommend Love in a Time of Monsters to readers that like something different, do not mind some gore, and can handle emotionally distant characters. While it did not fit my expectations or desire for the moment- it is still an exciting and unique book that many will enjoy.