ARC Review: ‘The Great and Terrible’ by Gena Showalter
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Great and Terrible
by Gena ShowalterSeries: No Monsters Like Hers #1
Published by Strawberry Valley Press LLC on November 4, 2024
SubGenres: Fantasy Romance
Format: eArc
Pages: 278
Source: the author
Audience: 18+/Adult
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When twenty-year-old college dropout Moriah Shaker runs into an empty chapel to escape an unexpected storm, she’s catapulted into another world Wizard of Oz style. Unfortunately, she winds up in the treacherous realm of Hakeldama, a fantastical but brutal land where justice is twisted and innocents pay for crimes committed by the elites—and she’s now marked for death.
On the run and determined to get home, Moriah heads for the City of Lux, where a rumored portal between worlds exists. At her side are the most unlikely of companions. A scrappy hustler, a cranky ex-mayor, and a growing beast-dog. But the one who fascinates her most is Jasher, a heartless executioner who hides a terrible secret. Together, they’ll battle bounty hunters, lethal poppies, and winged monsters. Though Moriah doesn’t yet know it, there’s nothing more dangerous than their forbidden attraction.
The Great and Terrible is not the Wizard of Oz story you read or watched. This version is darker and more twisted, featuring beheadings, cannibalism, and terrifying creatures known as monstras that instill fear in everyone. Gena excels at world-building and does a great job introducing every character crucial to the storyline, including the main character, Moriah.
Moriah finds herself in the realm of Hakeldama and must return home to her father in Kansas. However, before she can do that, Moriah has to confront dangerous adventures alongside her new companions. One of these companions is an executioner named Jasher whom she nicknames the ‘Tin Man.’ He holds a dark secret but promises to protect Moriah as she aims to reach the City of Lux.
The book is told solely via Moriah’s POV, and I enjoyed getting to know her character, as well as the others, through her POV. Moriah is a heroine who is determined to do whatever it takes to return home to her father. She did end up getting herself in trouble a few times, but thankfully her executioner and another companion helped her at times, but she does get herself out of predicaments too.
I really enjoyed the slow burn between Moriah and Jasher, particularly how Jasher tried to resist his feelings for her because their relationship was forbidden. You’ll discover the reason for this forbidden love towards the end of the book. Fair warning: there is a cliffhanger, so be prepared. I hope Gena picks up right where the story left off in the second book because I need more of Moriah and Jasher’s journey. I also want to learn more about the fascinating world that Gena has created.
Overall, this book gets four stars and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
Cliffhanger: Yes
Single/Dual POV: Single POV.
Standalone or Part of Series: This is the first book in the No Monsters Like Hers series and needs to be read in order.
Would I recommend this book? Yes. If you enjoy a fast-paced, darker retelling of The Wizard of Oz, then check out this book or series.
What to Expect:
♥️Fantasy Romance
♥️Wizard of Oz Retelling
♥️Forbidden Love
♥️Touch Her and I’ll ☠️ You
♥️Heartless Executioner
♥️Monster Dog for a Pet
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About Gena Showalter
Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of nearly 100 novels. Most stories fall under the genre of romance, be they paranormal, fantasy, contemporary, or young adult. She’s also co-authored a (delightfully quirky) cozy mystery series as well as a nonfiction guide about how to write a book in a year.
Gena is a dedicated mother, grandmother, and fur-mom. A woman under construction, whose life took a few unexpected turns the past few years. But she’s learned a lot and firmly believes her best days are ahead of her, not behind her. Chances are good she’s writing her next novel and already in love with the hero.
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My obsession with reading started over 30+ years ago when I went to my first Scholastic Book Fair and found R.L. Stine's Fear Street series. Later, I came across Anne Rice's novels at my public library when I was fourteen when my obsession with vampires started. I was the girl who preferred to be a vampire over a princess any day. My husband says I would leave him a heartbeat for a vampire that looked like Spike or Angel (from Buffy the Vampire Slayer) or Damon Salvatore from The Vampire Diaries. (It's true, though, and he's accepted it.)
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