Kill The Beast

Kill The Beast by Serra Swift

A monster-slaying revenge tale with a fae twist? Say less—I was in.

Kill the Beast delivers exactly what it promises: sharp blades, dark fairy tale vibes, and two very different leads forced into an uneasy alliance. Lyssa is all rage and vengeance, single-minded and just a little bit of a disaster (in the best way). Alderic? Fancy, dramatic, and clearly hiding something—but I kind of loved that about him. Their dynamic is the heart of the book, and it never turns into a romance, which honestly made it more interesting.

Yeah, I could see the big twist coming from page one—but the fun wasn’t in the reveal, it was in how we’d get there and what it would mean for everyone involved. The story leans gaslamp fantasy—think redcaps and revolvers—with a great mix of cozy banter and heavier themes like grief, vengeance, and letting go.

There are a few tropes I’m personally a little tired of (looking at you, ex-girlfriend tension and gender role lampshading), but none of it pulled me out. If you like prickly girls with swords, sensitive guys in velvet coats, and murder quests that somehow manage to be about healing, found family, and maybe even self-worth, give this one a shot.

Also: dog companion. Automatic bonus points.