Of Monsters and Mainframes

Bookseller recommendation

“If you've ever wondered what would happen if you put every classic horror villain in space, this book is for you. Told from the ship's POV, this book is an absolute unhinged delight. I related strongly to Demeter (the ship) in that I also do not know how to comfort scared children. Every chapter had me going, what else could possibly happen, but in the best possible way. If you like a wacky read, this one is a good one! ”

— Kaitlyn • Hyperbole Books

Bookseller recommendation

“If you're like me and were drawn in by the wonderful cover and title of this book, then do NOT miss out on this book full of monsters, mainframes, and delightful madness. This book had me cackling with laughter (plenty of genuinely scary/tense and emotional moments in it too) and gosh dang there are a lot of awesome, oddball characters (both manufactured and organic) that I shan't describe here to avoid spoiling your fun. If you're a horror fan, both in terms of books and movies, then you'll get to fully revel in the tremendous amounts of appearances, twists upon, and allusions to classic monster media that lurk in every nook and cranny of this book. Finally, the narrators are just superb throughout! The robot voices are done incredibly well and the occasional reading of binary were just such an absurd tidbit that made me laugh out loud every single time. Of Monsters and Mainframes is highly enjoyable and an excellent listen so check it out! ”

— Liam • Tsunami Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Space Opera meets monster mayhem in this absolutely hilarious, endearing, thought-provoking novel by Barbara Truelove. Everyone on staff has heard how much I love this book. It's the first book in a very very long time that made me hug it to my chest and squeeee with delight as soon as I finished it. Of Monsters & Mainframes explores familial love, monster love, and sentient ai love. The bulk of the novel takes place on a 300+ passenger "airliner" spaceship that travels between planets. Unfortunately, this spaceship has had a hard time delivering passengers alive and well through no fault of its own. As the mainframe tries to parse out what is happening to the passengers, and prove its innocence, it may just have figured out what it means to love. This is perfect for anyone wanting to escape our real world, laugh a lot, maybe squeeee a little and dare I say hug a book?”

— Christy • Quail Ridge Books

Bookseller recommendation

“This book is phenomenal. The AI narrators felt more human by the end than I thought possible. The storyline is so clever, and it made me laugh and cry like all the best books do. ”

— Kalli • Rediscovered Books

Bookseller recommendation

“A beautiful and fun novel filled with an endearing cast of characters, an engaging plot, and some of my favorite writing of the year; I loved this book! Highly highly recommend consumming this book in audio format as they have different actors for the different characters and the perspective and voice for Demeter (the ship's AI) is so compelling. This book was funny, heartfelt, thought-provoking, and just beautifully written. It's perfect for fans of Becky Chambers or Star Trek and I will be recommending it to all the sci-fi fans in my life.”

— Annie • Country Bookshelf

Bookseller recommendation

“Your favorite horror characters mixed in with the chaos of AI spaceships with anxiety brings together this masterpiece of a fun book! ”

— Esha • Schuler Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Um, a story told from the POV of a spaceship? Yes please!”

— Carey • Bobzbay

Bookseller recommendation

“Told from the perspective of the AI on a spaceship, werewolves, Dracula... What more could you possibly want in one story? ”

— Sara • The Book Nook

Bookseller recommendation

“A sci-fi romp involving Dracula, where the author took a great deal of care in translating each of the relevant plot elements from the original into the new setting. Even though you spend the entire time in the ship itself, it feels like it's part of a much wider setting that you catch glimpses of through the ship's own understanding of how and why the world works. And then add in a bunch of other classic monsters from other books and let them go for a wild ride in a new setting. A simultaneous team-up and throw-down between many classic monsters... IN SPACE. ”

— H.C. • Rainy Day Paperback Exchange

Bookseller recommendation

“"Such a fun book!!! A sentient Al spaceship plus vampires, werewolves, a mummy, and Frankenstein IN SPACE! It's full of adventure, found family, romance, humor, and a murder mystery. A quirky, charming, good time!"”

— Morgan • Fred & June's Books

Bookseller recommendation

“What an absolutely phenomenal listen! Taking the perspective of an AI system on a spaceship, you’re taken on a journey through the universe, fighting undetectable vampires, werewolves that register as human, Lovecraftian monsters, and adored horror classics like Dracula and Frankenstein. I truly believe I experienced every emotion under the sun throughout this listen, filled to the brim with witty humour, lovable characters, and nerve-racking action… I couldn’t get enough! A book for everyone! ”

— Cera • Imprints Booksellers

Bookseller recommendation

“In this wild tale told from multiple perspectives, I became obsessed with the pulp culture horror icons who make their appearances and how well it played out! Easily for fans of Murderbot or pulpy scifi and horror classics!”

— TJ • Anne’s Secondhand Bookshop