Monstrous Nights

Reviews

Praise for Monstrous Nights:

“Perfect for fans of Terry Pratchett and Delilah S. Dawson. Readers will gladly rush back to the grimy streets of Chernograd.”—Library Journal, starred review

“A rousing conclusion with a confounding mystery, political conflict, issues of trust and acceptance, appearances by old friends, and more monsters. Fans of Dimova’s debut (Foul Days, 2024) will be enthralled by the sequel.”—Booklist, starred review

“Grislier than the previous installment, but with the same vivid worldbuilding, colorful characters, and moments of humor, Dimova’s fast-paced sequel will keep readers on the edges of their seats. This sends the series out on a high note.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review

Praise for Foul Days (Featured in Book Riot | Apple Books | Screen Rant | Paste Magazine | Parade | Polygon | io9 | Nerd Daily | Yahoo Entertainment | Reactor | and more!)

“Charming, wry, and emotionally resonant. Dimova’s propulsive, assured prose captures a fresh, gritty world bursting with wonderful characters—and monsters galore! Get ready to meet your new favorite supernatural crime-busting duo.”—Allison Saft, New York Times bestselling author of A Far Wilder Magic

“Sharply written, utterly imaginative, by turns terrifying and hopeful—a wonderful read.”—New York Times bestselling author Lilith Saintcrow

“There's no safety when the Foul Days come for you: this book will drag you in and not let you go until dawn.”—Marie Brennan, award-winning author of A Natural History of Dragons

“Foul Days is a fast-paced murder mystery in a Balkan-inspired fantasy world where your ex can be a literal monster. Charming, clever, and compulsively readable, this debut is wholly original and monstrously fun.”—Rebecca Schaeffer, author of the Market of Monsters series

“A sure-footed, swift-paced race against time, Foul Days brings Slavic folklore to terrifying life. This is a brilliant modern fantasy that’s not afraid to show its teeth.”—Ed McDonald, author of The Redwinter Chronicles

“The definition of a summer fantasy must-read.”—Paste Magazine

“An entirely original world”—Parade

“Mixes intriguing world-building, an entertaining team-up with an attractive cop, gripping action sequences, and Kosara’s deeply personal reckoning with her troubled past to keep us turning pages.”—Apple Books Review

“Dimova melds Slavic folklore, murder, and mystery into her fast-paced, magical debut, with detailed world-building and thoughtful consideration of matters related to trauma, the immigrant experience, and trust.”—Booklist, starred review

“This is a lively and accomplished debut, with an engaging voice and a deft touch with characterisation.”—Locus

“Rich with the mythology of [Dimova’s] heritage… [it] felt a bit like the world of the Grishaverse by Leigh Bardugo [and] reminiscent of Sapkowski’s The Witcher… I’m looking forward to finishing off this story with the second installment, Monstrous Nights.”—SFF World

“[An] energetic, witty debut... This twisty, fast-paced fantasy adventure feels like what would happen if Delilah S. Dawson and Naomi Novik teamed up to rewrite The Witcher.”—Library Journal

“Foul Days is a phenomenal blend of danger and delight from an exciting new voice in fantasy. The characters, the world, the magic, and the monsters are all compelling, but the deft way in which Dimova brings them all to life while weaving in heavier themes of classism and abuse will leave you breathlessly awaiting the sequel long before you reach that final page.” —Kamilah Cole, author of So Let Them Burn

“A fast-paced thrill ride with immersive worldbuilding and a snarky but realistic main character who you just can't help but root for.” —Frances White, author of Voyage of the Damned

“An immersive, thrilling read which will stand as a classic of Slavic folklore among the likes of Katherine Arden’s Winternight Trilogy.”—Laura R. Samotin, author of The Sins on Their Bones

“Delightfully witty and utterly charming, Foul Days is part epic fantasy adventure and part romantic buddy comedy through an engaging fantasy world inspired by Slavic folklore. I couldn’t put it down.”—Hana Lee, author of Road to Ruin

“Foul Days is an incredible story filled with monsters and magic which deserves not only to be read, but savored.” —Maelan Holladay, author of The Storm Gathers

“[V]ivid characters and rich themes, Foul Days is entertaining and compelling”—BookBrowse

“This gritty, atmospheric fantasy brings folklore to life.”—Kirkus Reviews