A Mastery of Monsters

Two starred reviews!Ninth Housemeets Legendborn in this “bold and bloody” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) first book in a dark academia fantasy series about a teen who’s willing to do anything to find her brother—even infiltrate a secret society full of monsters.When August’s brother disappears before his sophomore semester, everyone thinks the stress of college got to him. But August knows her brother would never have left her voluntarily, especially not after their mother so recently went missing.The only clue he left behind was a note telling her to stay safe and protect their remaining family. And after August is attacked by a ten-foot-tall creature with fur and claws, she realizes that her brother might be in more danger than she could have imagined.

"Through the metaphor of monsters, Sambury explores salient questions about belonging, justice, mass incarceration, the line between revolution and terrorism, and racism and systemic inequality...A bold and bloody series opener." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review ― 6/1/25

"August’s acerbic, quick-witted narration tackles the society’s sinister ideals head-on, while confident prose by Sambury skillfully explores nuanced examinations of parental pressure and neglect, prejudice, systemic violence, and unjust power dynamics. Propulsive pacing, layered lore, and high emotional stakes further distinguish this dark academia series opener." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review ― 5/12/25

"With August fully immersed in a twisting net of ever-complicating personal relationships and secret society politics, this contemporary fantasy successfully executes complex intrigue in a manner typically reserved for second-world settings...Complete with sympathetic characters always struggling to do their best, this is a unique, satisfyingly packaged adventure." -- Booklist ― July 2025