I love books about monsters. Whether it be metaphorical or literal. This is why I am intrigued to pick up this book. Honestly, I have high expectation before starting this. I heard about this last year, and this has been sitting in my TBR for quite a while. The story starts off dark. Gruesome. Introducing the reader about Johann, a being who was born unlike others. How he learned about the world around him by relying on himself, until how he came to embrace the label "monster" for himself.  Then he met Florian. A nobleman that to him appears delicately perfect, yet there's a darkness seemingly lurking behind his perfect facade.  I admit, they have good banters. But it was a bit too fast to develop a good chemistry for my liking. This will be an exciting read for those of you who love bold gestures and instant love.  Other than that, yes, they're toxic to each other, and what they have is so messed up, just not messed up enough to my standard. It's still a really great dynamic that has a dark taste, tho. I enjoyed that.  Because the worldbuilding is a bit complex, towards the ending, there are so many hanging questions that are cut short unexplored. I found myself wishing it was a longer book. 

 Nonetheless, The Monster of Elendhaven is a short fantasy book that is worth the try. A solid read. 

"Monster was the best, his favourite word. The first half was a kiss, the second a hiss."