Gods & Monsters by Shelby Mahurin

Evil invariably pursues a foothold. We mustn’t allow it to find one.

After the heartbreak of losing Ansel, the gang are intent on revenge more than ever. No one more than Lou.

However, Lou is no longer the girl they know. A certain darkness has infiltrated her, and love is not enough to expel it.

First off, Gods & Monsters was a whirlwind of a finale. I’ll be honest and say that I’m not sure how to do a review without revealing certain parts, but I’m going to try! As we all know the gang has lost Ansel, Coco started a never ending fire beneath the city, and Lou was betrayed by the Dame Rouges. Still upset about Ansel by the way, his loss is felt so deeply throughout Gods & Monsters.

If you read my review for Blood & Honey, then you know that I was highly annoyed with Lou and Reid. However, they have redeemed themselves in Gods & Monsters and the growth they go through makes me so happy. The trials they have to face this time around test themselves, the relationships with each other and the rest of the group. I honestly think this book is where the characters peak and I found new reasons to love them.

Another character that grows so much is Coco. After Ansel died, Coco was so broken. Her grief is so strong that she cried tears that started the never ending fire. Not only that, but Coco goes through so much more breaking this time around. However, it does not fully break her. Even though she thinks she cannot heal from her grief or make herself happy, Coco never gives up and continues to have hope. Lastly, Beau has grown and become more than comedic relief. His relationship with Reid and Lou is so sweet, brotherly, and supportive. I love when he calls Lou ‘Sister mine.’ It makes my heart happy.