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Lesser Known Monsters #1
Lesser Known Monsters
Being the chosen one isn’t always a good thing...
Oscar Tundale is not a hero. Anxious, indecisive, and awkward, he can barely get through a normal day. Now he’s about to find out monsters are real. Oscar’s friends: brave, stubborn Zara, and hyperactive, paranoid Marcus, might help discover what hunts him, and unravel the truth about the handsome doctor he pines for. But only heroes can save the world, so maybe the best Oscar can hope for is to not end it by accident.
The LESSER KNOWN MONSTERS series is a dark queer fantasy featuring diverse characters on a found family adventure. Perfect for fans of horror and paranormal romance who seek LGBTQ+ heroes.
Oscar Tundale is not a hero. Anxious, indecisive, and awkward, he can barely get through a normal day. Now he’s about to find out monsters are real. Oscar’s friends: brave, stubborn Zara, and hyperactive, paranoid Marcus, might help discover what hunts him, and unravel the truth about the handsome doctor he pines for. But only heroes can save the world, so maybe the best Oscar can hope for is to not end it by accident.
The LESSER KNOWN MONSTERS series is a dark queer fantasy featuring diverse characters on a found family adventure. Perfect for fans of horror and paranormal romance who seek LGBTQ+ heroes.
Praise for the Lesser Known Monsters series
“Sparkling, innovative, and most importantly, fun. Everything you could want in a vast, twisty feat of characters and dark fantasy.”―Adam Sass, award-winning author of Surrender Your Sons
“Dreamy prose, fully realised characters I couldn’t help but fall in love with, and a storyline that is both thrilling and tender.”―Jonny Garza Villa, author of Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun
“Good twists, good monsters, and all the heart of a true found family.”―David Slayton, author of White Trash Warlock
“A wonderfully queer, riveting, and heartfelt found family adventure that shows even the most average person can save the world...or end it.”―Jayme Bean, author of Untouched
290 pages, ebook
Published October 31, 2020
About the author
Rory Michaelson
5 books107 followersRory Michaelson is always doing too many things, and rarely the ones that they ought to be. The Lesser Known Monsters series includes Rory’s debut novel and short story collection. They were born and raised in the UK, love stories in all forms, and are easily bribed with cookies.
You can follow Rory on Twitter (and other social media platforms) for shenanigans @RoryMichaelson, or subscribe to their newsletter at RoryMichaelson.com.
You can follow Rory on Twitter (and other social media platforms) for shenanigans @RoryMichaelson, or subscribe to their newsletter at RoryMichaelson.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
February 25, 2021
Ok, this feels a bit like kicking a puppy, but here we go...
This was a bit of a roller coaster ride in terms of how I felt about this book.
Prosewise I think Michaelson can write. I saw this cross my feed, clicked look inside and bought it on the strength of two random sentences. The voice was good. Funny. Initially. But I soon began to have second thoughts. To call the main character here spineless is an insult to invertebrates. I mean at least a jellyfish has some self-defense mechanism. Oscar is a complete doormat. And not the kind of doormat who gives up their position or stance at the first sign of opposition. He's the sort of doormat that never forms an opinion in the first place. And while he's not offensive exactly, and kind of likeable in some way, he just really didn't work for me as a protagonist.
I'm not one of those people who insists a character must be "proactive". That's just stupid. You can have a great story with a purely reactive character. But Oscar doesn't even feel reactive. He's just a piece of seaweed drifting about in the current.
Zara, Marcus, virtually everyone else in the book is more interesting than Oscar. But enough dumping on Oscar, let's move on to the plot.
The cover and the sales copy had me thinking Urban Fantasy with lots of LGBTQ rep. But this ended up feeling more M/M romancy or maybe Paranormal Romance than the sort of PI/mystery plot structure I generally like in UF. (I don't read PNR, so I don't know how well that fits.) It was much more Oscar's feeeeeelings than action/investigation oriented.
It also felt a bit Scooby Doo. And I don't think the author will be insulted by that bit as there are multiple Scooby Doo references dropped through the book, including one in the middle of the climactic battle. The villain here is exactly who you first suspect. The plot and "investigation" are very linear and direct. Much more the feel of a Scooby Doo movie than a hardboiled detective novel.
But honestly, I love Scooby Doo, that can totally work for me.
What I don't love is a book that can't decide what it wants to be. Where it feels like the author is just throwing in whatever amuses them. In one of my status updates I said it had gone all "fainting damsel" and the "mysterious foreign gentleman", like some cheesy historical romance. I'm sure Michaelson did that consciously. He clearly had a blast writing this, and good for him. Other bits that stood out like a sore thumb are a couple sections that seem dropped in from a cheap thriller, villain pov sort of stuff, but not the actual villain. Maybe like a future villain? idk. All the mismatched tropes here just didn't work well for me.
I read because I love stories not to pass the fucking time. That's why I care about length, why I'd rather read five 200 pages novels, than one 1,000 page one. That's why I want to spend my time on books where it feels like the author is working to entertain me not just amusing themselves in public.
To be fair, I don't think what Michaelson's done here is to the level of amusing themselves in public with no care for an audience. But a little less playing with tropes and more focus would have gone a long way for me. As for Oscar, there's a lot of room to play between algal bloom and posturing "alpha" shithead. Aim for somewhere between those extremes, I'd say.
Don't let me put you off if you're interested. I didn't struggle to finish it, or seriously consider a DNF. Kudos for not using the cliche vampire and werewolf monsters and getting creative with it. I'm open to more from Michaelson, maybe even a sequel to this now that I have a better idea what to expect, but I'm going to have to give this a 3 star and change. Better than meh, but not quite a 4 star for me.
This was a bit of a roller coaster ride in terms of how I felt about this book.
Prosewise I think Michaelson can write. I saw this cross my feed, clicked look inside and bought it on the strength of two random sentences. The voice was good. Funny. Initially. But I soon began to have second thoughts. To call the main character here spineless is an insult to invertebrates. I mean at least a jellyfish has some self-defense mechanism. Oscar is a complete doormat. And not the kind of doormat who gives up their position or stance at the first sign of opposition. He's the sort of doormat that never forms an opinion in the first place. And while he's not offensive exactly, and kind of likeable in some way, he just really didn't work for me as a protagonist.
I'm not one of those people who insists a character must be "proactive". That's just stupid. You can have a great story with a purely reactive character. But Oscar doesn't even feel reactive. He's just a piece of seaweed drifting about in the current.
Zara, Marcus, virtually everyone else in the book is more interesting than Oscar. But enough dumping on Oscar, let's move on to the plot.
The cover and the sales copy had me thinking Urban Fantasy with lots of LGBTQ rep. But this ended up feeling more M/M romancy or maybe Paranormal Romance than the sort of PI/mystery plot structure I generally like in UF. (I don't read PNR, so I don't know how well that fits.) It was much more Oscar's feeeeeelings than action/investigation oriented.
It also felt a bit Scooby Doo. And I don't think the author will be insulted by that bit as there are multiple Scooby Doo references dropped through the book, including one in the middle of the climactic battle. The villain here is exactly who you first suspect. The plot and "investigation" are very linear and direct. Much more the feel of a Scooby Doo movie than a hardboiled detective novel.
But honestly, I love Scooby Doo, that can totally work for me.
What I don't love is a book that can't decide what it wants to be. Where it feels like the author is just throwing in whatever amuses them. In one of my status updates I said it had gone all "fainting damsel" and the "mysterious foreign gentleman", like some cheesy historical romance. I'm sure Michaelson did that consciously. He clearly had a blast writing this, and good for him. Other bits that stood out like a sore thumb are a couple sections that seem dropped in from a cheap thriller, villain pov sort of stuff, but not the actual villain. Maybe like a future villain? idk. All the mismatched tropes here just didn't work well for me.
I read because I love stories not to pass the fucking time. That's why I care about length, why I'd rather read five 200 pages novels, than one 1,000 page one. That's why I want to spend my time on books where it feels like the author is working to entertain me not just amusing themselves in public.
To be fair, I don't think what Michaelson's done here is to the level of amusing themselves in public with no care for an audience. But a little less playing with tropes and more focus would have gone a long way for me. As for Oscar, there's a lot of room to play between algal bloom and posturing "alpha" shithead. Aim for somewhere between those extremes, I'd say.
Don't let me put you off if you're interested. I didn't struggle to finish it, or seriously consider a DNF. Kudos for not using the cliche vampire and werewolf monsters and getting creative with it. I'm open to more from Michaelson, maybe even a sequel to this now that I have a better idea what to expect, but I'm going to have to give this a 3 star and change. Better than meh, but not quite a 4 star for me.
September 26, 2020
LESSER KNOWN MONSTERS had me at hello. It’s utterly delightful, wickedly intriguing, clever and witty and wonderful. With casual diversity and sumptuous prose, this sadistic fairy tale is both a trick and a treat.
Whovian monsters prowl this dark fantasy where nothing is quite as it seems. The lead, Oscar, is a gem of a human. He guides us along an eerie, haunted adventure awash with unsung heroes, delicious villains, and things that go bump in the night.
Michaelson excels at rich and quirky characters, quick darts of humor, and playful, evocative imagination. There is a distinct Bradburian vibe—think SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES—mixed with flavors of Gaiman and Poe. An indisputable five stars, and thanks for the nightmares.
If you want to ugly cry, here’s a precious quote: “You have flaws, but every one of your cracks just shows the light that you have inside.”
Whovian monsters prowl this dark fantasy where nothing is quite as it seems. The lead, Oscar, is a gem of a human. He guides us along an eerie, haunted adventure awash with unsung heroes, delicious villains, and things that go bump in the night.
Michaelson excels at rich and quirky characters, quick darts of humor, and playful, evocative imagination. There is a distinct Bradburian vibe—think SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES—mixed with flavors of Gaiman and Poe. An indisputable five stars, and thanks for the nightmares.
If you want to ugly cry, here’s a precious quote: “You have flaws, but every one of your cracks just shows the light that you have inside.”
May 15, 2022
Couldn't put it down
A really enjoyable, well written urban fantasy. The characters were fully realized, and brought so much life to the story. The plot was well paced with just enough humor to keep it from being too grim dark or depressing. I like the world building, and I am really looking forward to reading more.
A really enjoyable, well written urban fantasy. The characters were fully realized, and brought so much life to the story. The plot was well paced with just enough humor to keep it from being too grim dark or depressing. I like the world building, and I am really looking forward to reading more.
February 17, 2021
There's a lot to love about this book.
I don't even know where to start, actually, and I'm sure other reviewers have pointed out a lot of the things I would've eventually mentioned in a less eloquent way.
So let's just say this: Lesser Known Monsters is a wonderful book, I think, because it strikes a balance between driving a narrative forward and giving characters room to just be themselves. It's got that kind of casual representation that I really like: of course the world needs stories that are *about* the difficulties and challenges of being of all kinds of identities, but I think we also need stories that include people of all kinds of identities just because, y'know, that's who they are. This story, while it is described as a queer story and I think that's fair because all the main characters are queer (as they joke at one point, the main trio just needs a B and they'd have LGBTQ+ more than covered with oodles of Q), doesn't make things *about* their queerness, as such: they are who they are, and they just sort of get on with their lives informed by that. There's a lot of darkness in the world of Lesser Known Monsters, but at no point in the story does any kind of bigotry confront the characters (beyond a bit of a mention of some not-fully-accepting relatives). It's nice to think that there could be evil beings who want to destroy the world but won't resort to bigotry, y'know?
I might not be explaining this brilliantly, but I just really like seeing stories that portray interesting, nuanced characters who just happen not to be cishet white people. It's nice that, of all the challenges they face, their queerness is something they just get to be comfortable in. Y'know, they've presumably already had to deal with a lot of difficulty associated with it, so let's just let them have that and be happy with it while they're trying to stop the world ending.
So yeah. There's a lot more to say, but I suspect most of it's already been said and I think you should just go read the book.
I don't even know where to start, actually, and I'm sure other reviewers have pointed out a lot of the things I would've eventually mentioned in a less eloquent way.
So let's just say this: Lesser Known Monsters is a wonderful book, I think, because it strikes a balance between driving a narrative forward and giving characters room to just be themselves. It's got that kind of casual representation that I really like: of course the world needs stories that are *about* the difficulties and challenges of being of all kinds of identities, but I think we also need stories that include people of all kinds of identities just because, y'know, that's who they are. This story, while it is described as a queer story and I think that's fair because all the main characters are queer (as they joke at one point, the main trio just needs a B and they'd have LGBTQ+ more than covered with oodles of Q), doesn't make things *about* their queerness, as such: they are who they are, and they just sort of get on with their lives informed by that. There's a lot of darkness in the world of Lesser Known Monsters, but at no point in the story does any kind of bigotry confront the characters (beyond a bit of a mention of some not-fully-accepting relatives). It's nice to think that there could be evil beings who want to destroy the world but won't resort to bigotry, y'know?
I might not be explaining this brilliantly, but I just really like seeing stories that portray interesting, nuanced characters who just happen not to be cishet white people. It's nice that, of all the challenges they face, their queerness is something they just get to be comfortable in. Y'know, they've presumably already had to deal with a lot of difficulty associated with it, so let's just let them have that and be happy with it while they're trying to stop the world ending.
So yeah. There's a lot more to say, but I suspect most of it's already been said and I think you should just go read the book.
February 16, 2021
A thrilling dark fantasy
Nothing is what it seems in the other world which Oscar is in.
The story moves brilliantly with enough mystery, humour and Oscar the hero of the story was perfect in narrating the events. Enjoyed it.
Nothing is what it seems in the other world which Oscar is in.
The story moves brilliantly with enough mystery, humour and Oscar the hero of the story was perfect in narrating the events. Enjoyed it.
January 31, 2021
The tagline says it so well: sometimes being the chosen one isn't a good thing.
I loved how this book took the main character, Oscar, isn't some superpowered hero. His introduction to the supernatural has more in common with Scooby Doo than most urban fantasy or paranormal protagonists. I especially loved how the introduction to the mystery came with a nice twist that I won't spoil. Michaelson does a deft job of assembling a Scooby Squad who are thoroughly out of their depth, another nice surprise in a genre laden with confident bad asses. Good twists. Good monsters, and definitely worth a read!
I loved how this book took the main character, Oscar, isn't some superpowered hero. His introduction to the supernatural has more in common with Scooby Doo than most urban fantasy or paranormal protagonists. I especially loved how the introduction to the mystery came with a nice twist that I won't spoil. Michaelson does a deft job of assembling a Scooby Squad who are thoroughly out of their depth, another nice surprise in a genre laden with confident bad asses. Good twists. Good monsters, and definitely worth a read!
Read
July 5, 2021DNF @80%. Probably one of the better written DNFs I’ve had, but I just wasn’t enjoying the story. Oscar was not sufficiently fleshed out for me to care much about him. He’s kind of a milquetoast and more interested in romance even in the face of some very alarming stuff. Which in turn made what ought to have been alarming feel cartoonishly benign. Like a made-up world rather than something that felt real enough to buy into. I suppose Oscar starts out this way to show growth over the series, but I’ve lost interest. Not rating.
July 15, 2021
The good
+ Ed. He's such a good dog
+ The world
+ Dmitri willing to do and sacrifice everything to keep Oscar safe
The neutral
o I didn't like the interludes with the descriptions of monsters. They really break the story for me, and since I haven't met any of the monsters yet at the moment they're described, I don't really memorize the information anyway. Especially when it's a poem. Those parts were really just useless and interrupting to me
The bad
- I absolutely loathed Zara. She was a terrible friend and I really didn't like her personality.
- I didn't like Marcus either, especially in the beginning of the book. In the end he kind of grew on me, but he was also a terrible friend
- Oscar had no personality. He was kind of a failure (and I still believe that at the end of the book. The dude did nothing at all throughout the whole book), and that's where his description ended. I don't know what Dmitri saw in him
- The romance. It was completely unbelievable. Dmitri ghosted Oscar after their first date, which I didn't understand. Somehow, Oscar looked past this without issue and fell for him anyway, and Dmitri kind of just saw Oscar as the love of his existence, and everything was sunshine and roses? They didn't even know each other!
- Oscar was a dick to Dmitri most of the time
- Paige was also a bad person
- I don't think there was a single likeable character other than Dmitri, honestly
- The whole business with the fate-woman was completely unnecessary and didn't bring the story forward at all
- It was just such a chore to read this for me. I didn't really like it, but I went on anyway because everybody loves it. It did get a little bit better past the halfway mark (which is way too late for a story to pick up), but I never loved it
Unfortunately, I wouldn't recommend this book. I just really didn't like it.
+ Ed. He's such a good dog
+ The world
+ Dmitri willing to do and sacrifice everything to keep Oscar safe
The neutral
o I didn't like the interludes with the descriptions of monsters. They really break the story for me, and since I haven't met any of the monsters yet at the moment they're described, I don't really memorize the information anyway. Especially when it's a poem. Those parts were really just useless and interrupting to me
The bad
- I absolutely loathed Zara. She was a terrible friend and I really didn't like her personality.
- I didn't like Marcus either, especially in the beginning of the book. In the end he kind of grew on me, but he was also a terrible friend
- Oscar had no personality. He was kind of a failure (and I still believe that at the end of the book. The dude did nothing at all throughout the whole book), and that's where his description ended. I don't know what Dmitri saw in him
- The romance. It was completely unbelievable. Dmitri ghosted Oscar after their first date, which I didn't understand. Somehow, Oscar looked past this without issue and fell for him anyway, and Dmitri kind of just saw Oscar as the love of his existence, and everything was sunshine and roses? They didn't even know each other!
- Oscar was a dick to Dmitri most of the time
- Paige was also a bad person
- I don't think there was a single likeable character other than Dmitri, honestly
- The whole business with the fate-woman was completely unnecessary and didn't bring the story forward at all
- It was just such a chore to read this for me. I didn't really like it, but I went on anyway because everybody loves it. It did get a little bit better past the halfway mark (which is way too late for a story to pick up), but I never loved it
Unfortunately, I wouldn't recommend this book. I just really didn't like it.
September 25, 2020
This book is everything you never knew you always wanted. It's monsters and myths and secrets and romance and adventure and comedy all rolled into one unique tale.
Oscar is endearing AF. I absolutely fell in love with him. I tend to stick with romance reads, but this had enough of a spark between characters that I really enjoyed the story, start to finish.
The book itself was a fun page turner. There were characters of all kinds, some scary, some rude, some silly, others obnoxious. You just never saw what was coming next, but enjoyed each one.
I ooooo'd and awwwww'd my way through, laughing aloud more that I ever thought I would.
There is no taking a chance on this book. If you read it, you'll love it. It's that easy.
Oscar is endearing AF. I absolutely fell in love with him. I tend to stick with romance reads, but this had enough of a spark between characters that I really enjoyed the story, start to finish.
The book itself was a fun page turner. There were characters of all kinds, some scary, some rude, some silly, others obnoxious. You just never saw what was coming next, but enjoyed each one.
I ooooo'd and awwwww'd my way through, laughing aloud more that I ever thought I would.
There is no taking a chance on this book. If you read it, you'll love it. It's that easy.
November 7, 2020
This is a well written dark fantasy by queer author Rory Michaelson. It’s a fresh and original take on the battle between good and evil, a romance, and in some ways an allegory of the way our world is veiled by another that we don’t/choose not to see. Michaelson does a god job at building suspense throughout, the story moves at a good pace and culminates in some of the most extravagant and impressive action sequences I’ve ever read. The main trio are diverse, but beyond this they are well realized by the author, and endearing, bouncing off each other with amusing and emotional effect. It’s a brilliant debut, and a thrilling start to a new series.
May 14, 2021
They will suck you into their darkness, make you scream and shake with fear. They will defy the logic of the world you live in. They will make you listen with fear to the echoes of your footsteps in the cemetery or cringe away from a splashing from the river. They are lesser known monsters.
But not all of them are like that. Some of them will protect you. Some of them will watch over you. One of them will make you fall for him. And love him. And romance you to bed with him.
You think I lost my mind? Maybe. But I was there. In their wicked, sinister, dark fantasy world. I lived with them and the scared, brave, and humorous humans who fought them. I saw it all. And would stay with them even longer if the thrilling debut novel by Rory Michaelson didn’t end. But only for a while.
There is a promise of more darkness to come. And you may not even be able to scream when it sneaks up on you.
But not all of them are like that. Some of them will protect you. Some of them will watch over you. One of them will make you fall for him. And love him. And romance you to bed with him.
You think I lost my mind? Maybe. But I was there. In their wicked, sinister, dark fantasy world. I lived with them and the scared, brave, and humorous humans who fought them. I saw it all. And would stay with them even longer if the thrilling debut novel by Rory Michaelson didn’t end. But only for a while.
There is a promise of more darkness to come. And you may not even be able to scream when it sneaks up on you.
September 21, 2021
I made till 17%
Spoilers but not major because nothing happened...
Dmitri is not a Romanian name- It's a slavic name while Romanian is latin. DO YOUR EFFING RESEARCH!!!!!!!!!!!( i am from Romania).
Oz...he near 30 something and can make a step without hitting himself ...on air ! I don't know how he is still alive?!?! Justttt nooo. Remembering a grown man to pay a bill by his sister ... yeah! Badddd.
It was immature, extremely superficial and without no meaning...i don't get how this story gets good reviews ...
Spoilers but not major because nothing happened...
Dmitri is not a Romanian name- It's a slavic name while Romanian is latin. DO YOUR EFFING RESEARCH!!!!!!!!!!!( i am from Romania).
Oz...he near 30 something and can make a step without hitting himself ...on air ! I don't know how he is still alive?!?! Justttt nooo. Remembering a grown man to pay a bill by his sister ... yeah! Badddd.
It was immature, extremely superficial and without no meaning...i don't get how this story gets good reviews ...
June 28, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ RTC
It was a fun read, I’m excited to start the second book.
It was a fun read, I’m excited to start the second book.
February 19, 2023
This took me about 30% of the book to actually get into and, reading the other reviews, I couldn't see what I was missing. I almost DNF'd it because it seemed really boring and I didn't care about Oscar and his woe-is-me attitude, but once he and his friends broke into Dmitri's house and we were shown some actual action, I was a little more invested, if only to see where it was going.
The world Michaelson builds here does remind me a lot of Gaiman or Froud and has a distinct British feel to it. If you liked Neverwhere but wish there was a little more ripping flesh, this should be in your wheelhouse.
Besides its really slow start, I did have a few other issues with the plot. Oscar is a wishy-washy character but he becomes a little more endearing when we see more of him than just being mildly incompetent at his nursing job.
I felt that Zara getting her vague powers was a little out of left field and, while I'm sure we'll learn more about it in future books, it should have been Oscar. If you wanted Zara to be more interesting than Oscar, write the book from her POV instead. It also didn't make sense that her whole family was aware of the supernatural world - even her cop cousin that dated Oscar - but she had no idea, and yet still seems to recover from that bombshell and is able to use her powers way too quickly.
Marcus is pretty much a nothing character. Being black and trans doesn't a character make. He does help save Oscar in the end but otherwise doesn't need to be here.
Dmitri is very much in the "gentle giant" trope in that he's this horrific supernatural assassin and yet, in human form, seems almost like a wet towel - all wet, sad eyes. The insta-attraction between him and Oscar is a little nonsensical, unless we find that Oscar has a little more to him than we saw in this book. Another reason him suddenly inheriting super powers would make more sense than a side-character. The (only) sex scene between Dmitri and Oscar happening while he knows his friends are being held captive in Dmitri's basement with some sandwiches and no bathroom is insane. It's also not shown - we go from some heavy petting and then to him waking up the next morning in a new chapter, and his friends are still in the spider-infested piss basement below and heard everything. It was just very strange.
I mostly enjoyed this book because of the dark supernatural world these characters are in rather than any of them. There needs to be some growth or an important twist for Oscar to keep the story worth reading because, as of now, he's in Bella Swan territory.
The world Michaelson builds here does remind me a lot of Gaiman or Froud and has a distinct British feel to it. If you liked Neverwhere but wish there was a little more ripping flesh, this should be in your wheelhouse.
Besides its really slow start, I did have a few other issues with the plot. Oscar is a wishy-washy character but he becomes a little more endearing when we see more of him than just being mildly incompetent at his nursing job.
I felt that Zara getting her vague powers was a little out of left field and, while I'm sure we'll learn more about it in future books, it should have been Oscar. If you wanted Zara to be more interesting than Oscar, write the book from her POV instead. It also didn't make sense that her whole family was aware of the supernatural world - even her cop cousin that dated Oscar - but she had no idea, and yet still seems to recover from that bombshell and is able to use her powers way too quickly.
Marcus is pretty much a nothing character. Being black and trans doesn't a character make. He does help save Oscar in the end but otherwise doesn't need to be here.
Dmitri is very much in the "gentle giant" trope in that he's this horrific supernatural assassin and yet, in human form, seems almost like a wet towel - all wet, sad eyes. The insta-attraction between him and Oscar is a little nonsensical, unless we find that Oscar has a little more to him than we saw in this book. Another reason him suddenly inheriting super powers would make more sense than a side-character. The (only) sex scene between Dmitri and Oscar happening while he knows his friends are being held captive in Dmitri's basement with some sandwiches and no bathroom is insane. It's also not shown - we go from some heavy petting and then to him waking up the next morning in a new chapter, and his friends are still in the spider-infested piss basement below and heard everything. It was just very strange.
I mostly enjoyed this book because of the dark supernatural world these characters are in rather than any of them. There needs to be some growth or an important twist for Oscar to keep the story worth reading because, as of now, he's in Bella Swan territory.
April 11, 2021
Monsters galore!!
From the first page, it is clear that Michaelson is an excellent writer. The narrative flows easily and an enjoyable array of intriguing characters drive the story to a satisfying end. For me, dark urban fantasy can sometimes go off the rails with superfluous shock and misguided gore, but Michaelson masterfully strikes a keen balance, while retaining a compelling unsettled edginess. This is when the genre is at its best!
Readers will cheer for our seemingly hapless protagonist, Oscar, as he navigates the impending Armageddon, budding love life, and of course, monsters - lot’s of them. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to see what Michaelson crafts next.
From the first page, it is clear that Michaelson is an excellent writer. The narrative flows easily and an enjoyable array of intriguing characters drive the story to a satisfying end. For me, dark urban fantasy can sometimes go off the rails with superfluous shock and misguided gore, but Michaelson masterfully strikes a keen balance, while retaining a compelling unsettled edginess. This is when the genre is at its best!
Readers will cheer for our seemingly hapless protagonist, Oscar, as he navigates the impending Armageddon, budding love life, and of course, monsters - lot’s of them. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to see what Michaelson crafts next.
Read
February 19, 2023DNF at 15%
I’m not really sure why this isn’t working for me but I keep finding myself skimming and not really enjoying myself. Maybe it’s just my mood and I’ll revisit it later but for now, I’m passing *shrugs*
I’m not really sure why this isn’t working for me but I keep finding myself skimming and not really enjoying myself. Maybe it’s just my mood and I’ll revisit it later but for now, I’m passing *shrugs*
January 6, 2021
Love love love it so much!
Lesser known monsters indeed! Michaelson has created a world here that is as endearing as it is unique. He hasn’t created all new monsters as much as taken well... lesser known monsters lol... and massaged them into new things. Subtle foreshadows early in the book all come back to pay off and the cast is diverse, plucky, loveable... but most importantly, relatable.
Wow it really kicks in hard at the halfway mark! Delightful characters come into play and the world gets so rich!
Easy to give 5 stars. Cant wait for the next one!
And don’t worry about big cliff-hangers. There’s nice threads to continue from but this is a complete story. Easily a standalone (but why? Give me more please!!)
Lesser known monsters indeed! Michaelson has created a world here that is as endearing as it is unique. He hasn’t created all new monsters as much as taken well... lesser known monsters lol... and massaged them into new things. Subtle foreshadows early in the book all come back to pay off and the cast is diverse, plucky, loveable... but most importantly, relatable.
Wow it really kicks in hard at the halfway mark! Delightful characters come into play and the world gets so rich!
Easy to give 5 stars. Cant wait for the next one!
And don’t worry about big cliff-hangers. There’s nice threads to continue from but this is a complete story. Easily a standalone (but why? Give me more please!!)
November 1, 2020
I read a lot of good books but every once in a while you pick up something that hits all the right notes for your personal tastes as a reader. This was one of those delightful finds for me. Meant to try out a few pages before bedtime and ended up staying up past midnight to finish it. A wonderful mix of fantasy, horror, mystery, humor, and sweet romance with a diverse and engaging cast of characters. Our hero, Oscar, feels like he is an inept loser with nothing much to offer the world, so imagine his surprise when he turns out to be of the greatest possible interest to an underworld of monsters living alongside humans in London. Super entertaining and by turns laugh out loud funny and spine-chillingly horrifying, the author skillfully maintains the perfect tone throughout. A true page turner and loads of fun. And this is a debut novel from this talented writer! Can't wait to see what they come up with next. (In case you can't tell, I loved this book.)
June 25, 2021
5 Stars for helping me get out of a pandemic-reading slump.
During the pandemic, it's been really hard to focus on reading, even with favorite authors. This debut urban fantasy novel had a good premise and great reviews, so I borrowed it on KU as a "sure, why not," tried it, and couldn't put it down. Very action-packed; great, endearing characters- the majority of whom are queer (and yes, although this is more urban fantasy than romance, there's a gay romance storyline in the front that, for the regular romance reader, ends satisfying with a HFN.)
It was funny, exciting, and very readable. The author's writing was also very comfortably confident- it was easy to get emersed in the story. I'm very looking forward to book 2 that's coming out in August.
During the pandemic, it's been really hard to focus on reading, even with favorite authors. This debut urban fantasy novel had a good premise and great reviews, so I borrowed it on KU as a "sure, why not," tried it, and couldn't put it down. Very action-packed; great, endearing characters- the majority of whom are queer (and yes, although this is more urban fantasy than romance, there's a gay romance storyline in the front that, for the regular romance reader, ends satisfying with a HFN.)
It was funny, exciting, and very readable. The author's writing was also very comfortably confident- it was easy to get emersed in the story. I'm very looking forward to book 2 that's coming out in August.
December 27, 2021
4.5 stars, rounded to 5 because that’s how math works.
I know, I know! I’ve had Rory Michaelson’s "Lesser Known Monsters" on my Kindle since it came out and due to a reading slump and, you know, 2020/2021 🔥🔥🔥, it’s taken me a while.
BUT
But I’ve finally sat down and read this wonderful book, and now I’m going to tell you some thoughts I’ve had on it.
First and foremost, it was an absolutely lovely book. Michaelson has a way with words that transports the reader into the middle of the story with an effortless wave of the prose. Oscar, our protagonist, is thrown into a world so beyond what he could ever expect, and we are right there along for the ride. Michaelson puts him together with his two closest friends: Zara is a no-nonsense nurse who the reader can tell has had to reign in antics in the past, and Marcus, the member of the group absolutely determined on getting them all into trouble. Add to that mix a little girl looking for help, a mysterious (and *cough* sexy *cough*) man, and you have the ingredients of a compelling and fascinating story.
I absolutely adore the world that the author is creating. I’m so fascinated by the take he has on the idea of a veil and other realms. I love his adoption of the legend/story of Theia (it is SUCH an underutilized idea of the origin of the moon/Earth/etc.) and depiction of creatures that often appear in folklore and legend. I LOVED the near grotesque descriptions of “monsters,” bordering on both the unnatural and the frighteningly beautiful.
The ONLY reason I took off the 0.5 stars was that the main relationship in it felt a smidge rushed to me. It may be me, or how I read it, but it felt a bit more sudden than I thought the story warranted. Otherwise, everything about this book was Grade A, spot on, and I cannot wait to read the next book.
I know, I know! I’ve had Rory Michaelson’s "Lesser Known Monsters" on my Kindle since it came out and due to a reading slump and, you know, 2020/2021 🔥🔥🔥, it’s taken me a while.
BUT
But I’ve finally sat down and read this wonderful book, and now I’m going to tell you some thoughts I’ve had on it.
First and foremost, it was an absolutely lovely book. Michaelson has a way with words that transports the reader into the middle of the story with an effortless wave of the prose. Oscar, our protagonist, is thrown into a world so beyond what he could ever expect, and we are right there along for the ride. Michaelson puts him together with his two closest friends: Zara is a no-nonsense nurse who the reader can tell has had to reign in antics in the past, and Marcus, the member of the group absolutely determined on getting them all into trouble. Add to that mix a little girl looking for help, a mysterious (and *cough* sexy *cough*) man, and you have the ingredients of a compelling and fascinating story.
I absolutely adore the world that the author is creating. I’m so fascinated by the take he has on the idea of a veil and other realms. I love his adoption of the legend/story of Theia (it is SUCH an underutilized idea of the origin of the moon/Earth/etc.) and depiction of creatures that often appear in folklore and legend. I LOVED the near grotesque descriptions of “monsters,” bordering on both the unnatural and the frighteningly beautiful.
The ONLY reason I took off the 0.5 stars was that the main relationship in it felt a smidge rushed to me. It may be me, or how I read it, but it felt a bit more sudden than I thought the story warranted. Otherwise, everything about this book was Grade A, spot on, and I cannot wait to read the next book.
July 26, 2024
1st read jun/22
Reread jul/24
Oscar, a pushover with too much heart and zero intent, Zara, a young, no-nonsense nurse and Marcus, a tech wiz and fan of all things supernatural, work in a hospital. One day, a terrified little girl shows up heavily wounded. Why is she saying Dimitri, the lab specialist, is the bad guy?
Flecks. Fate. Failed dates. Mystery murders. Breaking and entering. Leap of faith. Cemeteries. Big and bigger dogs. Sweet caresses and hidden devotions. iubite.
I had so much fun the first time I read this series, that I was scared to start over and be disappointed, but I was so wrong. This has all the great YA elements for me (some spice, so beware). The flawed characters, with Oscar on the forefront, being someone so passive about his life, just going through the waves, and having to find what he really wants in life or love in such an adventurous scenario is a real challenge and a heck of a character development throughout the books. Zara and Marcus as well, but we don’t get to see too much of them of the first one. The involving story, with the monsters, the parallaxis, Gax!, the ever transforming Ed, all the shadows. Reading the Bean-Nighe scene with the story now completed was a whole new experience. The author describes everything quite well and it transports me to a terrifying world every time
welp, on to the next ^^
Reread jul/24
Oscar, a pushover with too much heart and zero intent, Zara, a young, no-nonsense nurse and Marcus, a tech wiz and fan of all things supernatural, work in a hospital. One day, a terrified little girl shows up heavily wounded. Why is she saying Dimitri, the lab specialist, is the bad guy?
Flecks. Fate. Failed dates. Mystery murders. Breaking and entering. Leap of faith. Cemeteries. Big and bigger dogs. Sweet caresses and hidden devotions. iubite.
I had so much fun the first time I read this series, that I was scared to start over and be disappointed, but I was so wrong. This has all the great YA elements for me (some spice, so beware). The flawed characters, with Oscar on the forefront, being someone so passive about his life, just going through the waves, and having to find what he really wants in life or love in such an adventurous scenario is a real challenge and a heck of a character development throughout the books. Zara and Marcus as well, but we don’t get to see too much of them of the first one. The involving story, with the monsters, the parallaxis, Gax!, the ever transforming Ed, all the shadows. Reading the Bean-Nighe scene with the story now completed was a whole new experience. The author describes everything quite well and it transports me to a terrifying world every time
welp, on to the next ^^
November 2, 2023
I was given an e-book copy to judge this for the Indie Ink Awards for Prettiest Book Interior. Because I was judging several in this category, I actually ordered a physical copy as well to best judge then equally. There’s a beautiful/creepy picture right in the front of the book that’s a full page of black ink, it’s followed by a title page in black with trees, fog, and the moon. It’s probably my favorite I judged for the category.
This is an urban fantasy with LGBTQ representation done right. The characters are not there as objects, that’s just who they are, and it read as very authentic to me. And while urban fantasy typically isn’t my main go to, this was very enjoyable. It’s almost like an adult/gay Trials of Apollo, as it features monsters in the natural world. Plus, due to the monster taxonomy features, it gave it a kind of mythology feel that I liked. There’s some romance elements, but it doesn’t go into smut, which I endlessly appreciated.
Good vs evil here, as most stories are, but with love and loss, grief and guilt, friendship and hardship, all mixed in. I was pleasantly surprised by the light tone and voice in the writing. Personally a 4/5* for me. Would gladly continue on with more!
This is an urban fantasy with LGBTQ representation done right. The characters are not there as objects, that’s just who they are, and it read as very authentic to me. And while urban fantasy typically isn’t my main go to, this was very enjoyable. It’s almost like an adult/gay Trials of Apollo, as it features monsters in the natural world. Plus, due to the monster taxonomy features, it gave it a kind of mythology feel that I liked. There’s some romance elements, but it doesn’t go into smut, which I endlessly appreciated.
Good vs evil here, as most stories are, but with love and loss, grief and guilt, friendship and hardship, all mixed in. I was pleasantly surprised by the light tone and voice in the writing. Personally a 4/5* for me. Would gladly continue on with more!
July 28, 2022
Lesser Known Monsters is a debut novel that every author aspires to produce.
Impeccably edited, filled with unique characters and a plot I’ve never read before, Michaelson has created a masterpiece with this story.
Following Oscar who seems to be unlucky in not only love, but life in general, I instantly related to him and thought he made a spectacular main character. His friends were lovable as well. Each person was well-formed and memorable, creating a wonderful cast that I rooted for the entire time.
Filled with romance, intrigue, fantasy elements, and very real struggles, Lesser Known Monsters is a book everyone can enjoy! I am already eagerly awaiting the sequel!
Impeccably edited, filled with unique characters and a plot I’ve never read before, Michaelson has created a masterpiece with this story.
Following Oscar who seems to be unlucky in not only love, but life in general, I instantly related to him and thought he made a spectacular main character. His friends were lovable as well. Each person was well-formed and memorable, creating a wonderful cast that I rooted for the entire time.
Filled with romance, intrigue, fantasy elements, and very real struggles, Lesser Known Monsters is a book everyone can enjoy! I am already eagerly awaiting the sequel!
February 26, 2021
This was a terrific story of monsters in modern London. I was enjoying the book just fine until about half the way through--when it became this intense, thrilling page-turner I couldn't put down.
Read this book.
Read this book.
March 14, 2021
I loved this book & the characters, & some of the jokes & references made me laugh out loud.
It's a unique take on monsters (straying away your more traditional vampires etc.) and a fun and easy read.
It's a unique take on monsters (straying away your more traditional vampires etc.) and a fun and easy read.
November 8, 2023
I was unable to connect to any of the characters. None of them jumped or stood out. I found the book very predictable. The world building was not all the great either. The book just seemed to drag on for me as well. Eh
December 9, 2021
Oscar is an anxious but sweet-natured Health Care Assistant with low self-esteem, working at a hospital in London. One night, he finds himself called in to comfort a little girl who has been viciously attacked. But when she identifies her attacker as Dmitri, the cute doctor who ghosted Oscar - and who Oscar definitely still has feelings for - a whole new world opens up in front of Oscar's eyes.
I really enjoyed how the novel begins. Oscar and Dmitri have brilliant chemistry, and I really liked how Oscar and his friends are introduced as characters. The mystery of who attacked Nina gripped me, and I loved how caring Oscar was towards her. As the novel continues, it becomes an interesting blend of detective fiction/mystery/paranormal romance, and I think for me personally, I wasn't quite invested enough in the characters, and would have wished for a bit more there. With that said, I am very much looking forward to continuing the series.
I really enjoyed how the novel begins. Oscar and Dmitri have brilliant chemistry, and I really liked how Oscar and his friends are introduced as characters. The mystery of who attacked Nina gripped me, and I loved how caring Oscar was towards her. As the novel continues, it becomes an interesting blend of detective fiction/mystery/paranormal romance, and I think for me personally, I wasn't quite invested enough in the characters, and would have wished for a bit more there. With that said, I am very much looking forward to continuing the series.
October 31, 2020
I loved, loved, LOVED this book.
I fell in love with Lesser Known Monsters right out the gates. I was already drawn in by the synopsis, but I had no idea how hard I would fall for the characters and their story. Sweet, average, clumsy, and relatable Oscar had me the moment he was introduced. I knew instantly that I would love him, and I wasn’t disappointed. Every character after that took a piece of my heart as well. Michaelson did such an amazing job at giving every character a strong voice of their own, each lending the perfect mix to their group dynamic. It’s near impossible to not find something to love in Zara, Marcus, Dmitri, and the host of other people and creatures you meet along the way.
I devoured this book in just a few days, and would have devoured it sooner had I the time to read it in a single sitting. The pacing is perfect and the storyline is utterly gripping. The uniqueness of the story and the strong narration made this difficult to put down, and I found myself itching to get to the next opportunity to pick it up. The chapters are succinct, yet each contains a depth that makes you race to the next, and the next after that.
Every single character is relatable and endearing. Oscar is an average guy just trying to do his best to stay afloat in a world that seems to move too quickly around him. His friends, diverse in both background and personality, help lift him up and render their group as absolute friendship goals. The representation in this book is fantastic – I couldn’t imagine this story being even remotely the same without it.
There aren’t enough amazing things to say about how I feel about Lesser Known Monsters. The mix of heart, pop culture references, suspense, and originality made this beyond an enjoyable read. For anyone that is a fan of an underdog, the monsters under the bed (or down the street), or just a bloody good read – this book is for you. I can’t recommend it enough.
I fell in love with Lesser Known Monsters right out the gates. I was already drawn in by the synopsis, but I had no idea how hard I would fall for the characters and their story. Sweet, average, clumsy, and relatable Oscar had me the moment he was introduced. I knew instantly that I would love him, and I wasn’t disappointed. Every character after that took a piece of my heart as well. Michaelson did such an amazing job at giving every character a strong voice of their own, each lending the perfect mix to their group dynamic. It’s near impossible to not find something to love in Zara, Marcus, Dmitri, and the host of other people and creatures you meet along the way.
I devoured this book in just a few days, and would have devoured it sooner had I the time to read it in a single sitting. The pacing is perfect and the storyline is utterly gripping. The uniqueness of the story and the strong narration made this difficult to put down, and I found myself itching to get to the next opportunity to pick it up. The chapters are succinct, yet each contains a depth that makes you race to the next, and the next after that.
Every single character is relatable and endearing. Oscar is an average guy just trying to do his best to stay afloat in a world that seems to move too quickly around him. His friends, diverse in both background and personality, help lift him up and render their group as absolute friendship goals. The representation in this book is fantastic – I couldn’t imagine this story being even remotely the same without it.
There aren’t enough amazing things to say about how I feel about Lesser Known Monsters. The mix of heart, pop culture references, suspense, and originality made this beyond an enjoyable read. For anyone that is a fan of an underdog, the monsters under the bed (or down the street), or just a bloody good read – this book is for you. I can’t recommend it enough.
November 2, 2022
3.5 stars
This often felt like the draft before the final, in that the worldbuilding was often disjointed, too much at once, or not enough information. The big battle sequence felt like it came out of completely nowhere, and was paced in a weird way where characters with relevant powers who the reader would expect to be there didn’t show up until much later, in an effort to pace and prolong the fight. At times it felt like fanficiton, but honestly overall an enjoyable read. I cared about most of the characters and their journey, at times predictable and very similar to other things, but still compelling. I’m curious how the sequel can give us another big fight without being repetitive. The actual monsters characters were interesting and unique which was fun to read.
This often felt like the draft before the final, in that the worldbuilding was often disjointed, too much at once, or not enough information. The big battle sequence felt like it came out of completely nowhere, and was paced in a weird way where characters with relevant powers who the reader would expect to be there didn’t show up until much later, in an effort to pace and prolong the fight. At times it felt like fanficiton, but honestly overall an enjoyable read. I cared about most of the characters and their journey, at times predictable and very similar to other things, but still compelling. I’m curious how the sequel can give us another big fight without being repetitive. The actual monsters characters were interesting and unique which was fun to read.
July 15, 2024
I felt a little conflicted with this one; the beginning swept me away with a strong vibe of the MG horror but for adults - in that it feels so much like the kind of story and tone I'd have devoured in the 90s, but decidedly catered to that audience having grown up. I loved that aesthetic. But somewhere in the latter half, I found myself becoming disengaged with the story a little, but the writing and characters kept it from feeling like a chore.
The audiobook narration was also superb so highly recommend that particular edition, and I'll certainly be curious to check out the sequels in future.
The audiobook narration was also superb so highly recommend that particular edition, and I'll certainly be curious to check out the sequels in future.
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