Monstress by Marjorie Liu

The Known World is on the brink of another war between the humans and the Arcanics, beings that are half human and have beast. Maika Halfwolf is willing to throw herself back into the chaos too soon after finally having a taste of freedom so she can talk to the woman who was last to see her mother alive. The same woman who caused her mother’s death. Maika doesn’t know how her mother died, but she does know that she was looking for something, something the Cumaea, humans of higher political status, will start a war just to find it. The Cumaea hungrily search for power, part of which is harnessed through their study and use of Lilium, a substance derived only from the decaying bones of an Arcanic. It has the power to heal wounds and enhance physical and mental abilities. However, more than war and thirst for power shadows over the Known World. Strange dreams and forces linger deep inside Maika, powerful and deadly. She struggles to keep it all contained and under control. The dark force inside her has a mind of it's own and wants nothing more than to break free of their bond.

Monstress is a dark, complex story with beautiful imagery and violent context. Maika is strong, brave, and stubborn; a character who takes time to admire due to her fearless and blunt personality. It was a little hard to understand the storyline at first, however every few chapters, a side character provides general background knowledge of the Known World, its history, and the races that dwell there. The story is intriguing with shocking twists in the storyline that kept me engaged and excited to read on.

Pros: Beautiful and incredibly detailed imagery; interesting storyline, complexity of the characters
Cons: Contains descriptive violent imagery, blood, and nudity; I would not recommend to anyone under 13; the storyline was confusing in the beginning.

Music Video Control by Halsey with scenes from Monstress: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZcWpGVTRMo