A Mastery of Monsters

“Through the metaphor of monsters, Sambury explores salient questions about belonging, justice, mass incarceration, the line between revolution and terrorism, and racism and systemic inequality…A bold and bloody series opener.” – Kirkus Reviews, starred review * 6/1/25 *“August’s acerbic, quick-witted narration tackles the society’s sinister ideals head-on, while confident prose by Sambury skillfully explores nuanced examinations of parental pressure and neglect, prejudice, systemic violence, and unjust power dynamics. Propulsive pacing, layered lore, and high emotional stakes further distinguish this dark academia series opener.” – Publishers Weekly, starred review * 5/12/25 *“With August fully immersed in a twisting net of ever-complicating personal relationships and secret society politics, this contemporary fantasy successfully executes complex intrigue in a manner typically reserved for second-world settings…Complete with sympathetic characters always struggling to do their best, this is a unique, satisfyingly packaged adventure.” – Booklist * July 2025 *

Liselle Sambury is a Trinidadian Canadian author and Governor General’s Literary Awards Finalist. She has a love for stories with dark themes, complicated families, and edges of hope. In her free time, she shares helpful tips for upcoming writers and details of her publishing journey through a YouTube channel dedicated to demystifying the business of being an author.