This Monster of Mine Shalini Abeysekara Summary & Review - Books to Thrive: Best Books Summaries

Never Miss a Life-Changing Articles & Books Summaries!

Join 3,054 other subscribers

Introduction of This Monster of Mine Shalini Abeysekara Summary: A Tale of Justice, Vengeance, and Monsters Within

In This Monster of Mine, debut author Shalini Abeysekara crafts a spellbinding romantasy set in a world inspired by ancient Rome, weaving a tale filled with vengeance, corruption, forbidden love, and magical justice. The book introduces readers to a layered and brutal justice system, a dark and morally grey hero, and a heroine fueled by rage and trauma. As a gripping combination of fantasy, mystery, and romance, this story invites readers into a vividly imagined world where nothing is as it seems.

This Monster of Mine Shalini Abeysekara Summary delves into the personal war of Sarai—a gifted truth-seeker and prosecutor known as a Petitor—who returns to the capital city four years after surviving a near-fatal attack. With only a haunting voice from her memories to guide her, Sarai navigates political turmoil and deadly secrets in her pursuit of the truth. But the biggest twist? Her prime suspect might also be her savior—and her greatest temptation.

This article offers a deeply analyzed, spoiler-light This Monster of Mine Shalini Abeysekara Summary tailored for romantasy lovers, fantasy fans, and anyone intrigued by dark justice tales wrapped in forbidden attraction.

Who is Shalini Abeysekara?

Shalini Abeysekara is a Sri Lankan-born author making a powerful entrance into the literary scene with This Monster of Mine. With a deep interest in ancient civilizations, emotional complexity, and morally grey narratives, Abeysekara combines history-inspired settings with fantasy tropes and psychological tension. Her writing blends lyrical prose with sharp character dynamics, capturing attention from fantasy fans across the globe.

Abeysekara’s debut reflects her fascination with power, justice, and trauma. Readers have praised her for building immersive worlds, intricate plots, and compelling antiheroes. With This Monster of Mine, she cements her place among promising voices in romantasy and dark fantasy fiction.

This Monster of Mine Shalini Abeysekara Summary

What Is the Central Conflict in This Monster of Mine?

At the heart of the story is Sarai’s mission to uncover who tried to kill her. As a Petitor—a magical truth-detecting prosecutor—Sarai returns to the capital after four years of exile, trauma, and recovery. With most of her memory gone except for the chilling voice of her attacker, she vows to destroy the man she believes tried to kill her: Kadra, one of the empire’s most feared judges.

But Kadra isn’t just a sadistic and powerful magic user—he might also be the one who saved her life. Their complicated, slow-burning connection fuels the story’s central tension.

Key plot points include:

Sarai’s double life as a prosecutor by day, vigilante by night.
Kadra’s suspected involvement in a string of murders echoing Sarai’s past trauma.
Political turmoil and corruption within the justice system.
A forbidden enemies-to-lovers romance.
The unrelenting quest for justice—at any cost.

What Makes the Characters Stand Out?

Sarai: The Broken Heroine with Fire in Her Veins

Sarai is a character torn apart by injustice and trauma. She’s a magically gifted truth-seeker, trained to root out lies, yet she’s haunted by the one truth she can’t uncover—who tried to kill her. Her journey is fueled by rage, determination, and deep inner conflict.

Traits that define Sarai:

Underdog mindset: She’s underestimated but relentless.
Moral conflict: Torn between justice and vengeance.
Illogical reasoning: Her thinking is often erratic—critics say maddeningly so.
Emotional drive: Her passion and trauma often cloud her logic.

While some readers find her thought processes frustrating, others admire her as a symbol of female rage and resilience.

Kadra: The Monster, the Judge, the Enigma

Kadra is the quintessential morally grey antihero. As a Tetrarch, he wields immense magical power and is notorious for his brutal form of justice. Sarai suspects he is her attacker, but his complex actions and compelling presence hint at deeper layers.

Key aspects of Kadra:

Charismatic yet cold: He’s seductive and intimidating.
Justice-driven: Fights corruption through extreme means.
Viciously protective: Embodies the “touch her and die” trope.
Alluring contrast: Dangerous yet potentially redemptive.

Fans of the “Ben Barnes as the Darkling” archetype will find much to enjoy in Kadra’s character.

What Themes and Tropes Define the Novel?

1. Justice vs. Vengeance

The justice system in Abeysekara’s world is deeply flawed. The book challenges readers to question what justice really means when it’s administered by violent hands. Sarai’s desire for justice is deeply entangled with her thirst for vengeance.

2. Forbidden Love & Enemies to Lovers

The romantic tension between Sarai and Kadra is laced with danger. Their slow-burn connection, fueled by mistrust and chemistry, builds toward emotionally charged scenes that blur the line between love and hate.

3. Trauma and Memory

Sarai’s memory loss is more than a plot device. It symbolizes the way trauma fractures identity. Her healing journey isn’t linear—and her mind often works against her.

4. Power and Corruption

Both Sarai and Kadra wield power—one legal, one magical. Yet both are constrained by a system that uses power as a weapon. The novel critiques hierarchical justice and those who exploit it.

How Does the Magic System Work?

The magic system is a highlight of This Monster of Mine. It includes:

Lie detection: Sarai’s main gift, used in legal proceedings.
Mind reading and psychic impressions.
Runes and magical markings with mysterious properties.

The layered system supports the worldbuilding while also functioning as a metaphor for truth, deception, and hidden motives.

What Are the Strengths and Weaknesses of the Book?

Strengths:

Rich worldbuilding: Inspired by ancient Rome, full of political intrigue.
Intense character dynamics: The push-pull between Sarai and Kadra is electric.
Sharp, lyrical prose: Abeysekara’s writing is vivid and immersive.
Engaging mystery: The central whodunit keeps readers turning pages.
Strong debut voice: Ambitious and emotionally layered.

Weaknesses:

Sarai’s logic: At times, her decisions defy common sense.
Pacing issues: The slow burn may frustrate fast-paced fantasy lovers.
Complex plotlines: Requires careful attention to follow.

Despite flaws, the book delivers a memorable and emotionally resonant experience.

5 Questions the Book Answers

Can vengeance and justice truly coexist?
How do trauma and memory shape identity and choices?
What defines a monster—actions, intentions, or outcomes?
Can love survive when built on mistrust and deception?
What does it mean to fight a corrupt system from within?

Conclusion: Is This Monster of Mine Worth Reading?

If you’re searching for a book that combines fantasy, justice, dark romance, and a deeply personal mystery, This Monster of Mine is a compelling choice. Shalini Abeysekara’s debut is rich with tension, vivid worldbuilding, and emotionally charged characters. While not perfect, it’s a gripping exploration of justice, memory, and the monsters we love to hate.

Whether you’re here for the magic, the politics, or the burning slow-burn romance, this novel offers something unforgettable. The themes are timely, the world immersive, and the characters unforgettable.

If you’re looking for a powerful romantasy with bite, start with This Monster of Mine Shalini Abeysekara Summary—and prepare to be consumed.

Try this story today—and uncover what makes a monster.