Author CL Hellisen sent me a link for an early listen of their Audible Original, The Shape of Monsters. I’ve set myself the task of reading 365 books this year. Yes, you read that right. Because with audio I get to read so much more while I’m multitasking. To date, I’ve read 201 books, and there were three that stood out, but only one I gave five stars.
Not my usual fare
I enjoy thrillers and mysteries, so dark fantasy isn’t my usual go-to, but I’m always excited to try something different. That said, I’m a fan of Scarlett St. Clair. I suppose because I follow them on Bluesky, I’ve created a kind of parasocial thing with CL Hellisen. They are originally from South Africa, and I was aware of their publishing roots from other South African authors when I was still active on Twitter. When they called for people interested in reviewing their book, I jumped at the opportunity.
I had zero expectations, because I hadn’t read any of their books (there are several, simply search CL Hellisen or Cat Hellisen) and I hadn’t listened to anything by the narrator, Omari Douglas. With a subtle soundscape as its backdrop, the story draws you into a world of magic, family, and treachery.
The Shape of Monsters is a spellbinding dive into a darkly magical world where bloodlines hold power, and ancient feuds simmer beneath the surface of carefully constructed lives. CL Hellisen’s writing is rich and atmospheric, pulling you in with lush detail, emotional depth, and a narrative that expertly balances tension, heartbreak, and wonder.
At its heart, this is a story about family, identity, and the cost of power. Aleks and Vaira Kercheval, siblings who have tried to escape their magical legacy, are thrown back into the treacherous world of the Mage Houses after inheriting Aubrey House. What follows is a beautifully tragic unravelling as each sibling takes a different path: Vaira embracing her heritage with steely ambition, and Aleks stumbling into a dangerous bond with Ilea, a chillingly seductive prince from the Void.
Hellisen’s worldbuilding is intricate without being overwhelming, filled with layered politics, eerie lore, and morally complex characters. The dynamic between the siblings is particularly compelling, portraying both love and conflict in equal measure. As the story progresses and the divide between Aleks and Vaira grows, the emotional stakes rise, and so does the sense of impending doom.
Omari Douglas’s narration adds another level of brilliance to this Audible Original. His performance is nuanced and expressive, perfectly capturing the haunting beauty of Hellisen’s prose and the emotional turmoil of the characters. He brings each scene to life with subtle intensity, immersing the listener completely in this dark fantasy world.
The pacing is perfect and Hellisen has a way with words that adds depth to an intricately woven story. Even as someone who doesn’t often reach for dark fantasy, I found myself completely enthralled. The Shape of Monsters is a standout listen; an intoxicating blend of family drama, dark enchantment, and emotional complexity.
Other notable mentions
The Shape of Monsters is the most recent book that I find myself remembering at odd moments, but at the start of the year, I listened to two other books that caught me off guard with how memorable they are, despite not being my usual genres. I rated both four out of five stars.
The Rhino Keeper written by Jillian Forsberg and Narrated by Caroline Hewitt
I didn’t expect to enjoy The Rhino Keeper as much as I did, but Jillian Forsberg’s masterful storytelling completely pulled me in. This beautifully woven dual-timeline novel brings together history, mystery, and adventure in a way that feels both immersive and emotionally resonant.
The true story of Captain Douwemout van der Meer and his incredible journey across 18th-century Europe with Clara, the rhinoceros, is absolutely captivating. Forsberg vividly evokes the awe and wonder Clara inspired, while also exploring deeper themes of curiosity, devotion, and the complexities of human-animal relationships. The historical sections are richly detailed, transporting readers into a world where scientific discovery and superstition collide.
The modern-day storyline featuring college student Andrea Clarkson adds an intriguing layer of historical investigation, with its own blend of suspense and emotional depth. While at times the transitions between past and present slow the pacing, the overall narrative is compelling and well-researched.
A beautifully written and unique historical novel—The Rhino Keeper is a must-read.
Fees van die Ongenooides written by P.G. du Plessis and narrated by Anrich Herbst
(Feast of the Uninvited) I very seldom read Afrikaans books, but this one has been on my wish list forever. And because it’s a nice long audiobook (even at x1.5) I took the plunge. There’s a reason P.G. du Plessis is a popular author. He’s crazy talented; he writes the kind of stuff that makes you want to be writer if it meant you could write only fractionally as well as he does. The book is a masterfully written drama that explores deep themes of alienation, generational conflict, and human dignity with subtle humour and sharp social commentary. The characters are richly drawn, with dialogue that is as authentic as it is thought-provoking. Set in a rural backdrop in the aftermath of the Boereoorlog (Boer War), it captures the tension between tradition and modernity that feels timeless and uniquely South African. This is a must-read for anyone interested in powerful, character-driven storytelling.
Back to the Monsters
I’m already eagerly awaiting the next instalment (I have it on good authority *cough* from the author *cough* we can expect it around April/May 2026). This is a must-listen for anyone who loves beautifully written fantasy with teeth.
5/5 stars – Haunting, heartfelt, and utterly unforgettable.
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