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The Whims of Gods: A Science Fantasy M/M Monster Romance (Monstrous Whims) Paperback – February 24, 2024

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 580 ratings

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A Howl’s Moving Castle-inspired Science Fantasy M/M Monster Romance set in a post-apocalyptic world with giant monsters.

Helios has a knack for survival. All he has ever known is the world after the Rise. He’s the product of a ruthless new era. Humanity has been brought down by the old gods that walk the Earth once again. But on the day he’s about to be sold into slavery after being captured with a group of nomads, survival comes in the form of a mutant. His savior, Griffin, agrees to take him on board his vessel, the Beetle. The Beetle is a never-before-seen six-legged machine inhabited by a bad-tempered AI.

Helios, seduced by the prospect of doing more than just surviving, will do everything in his power to hold on to this new life. And if staying on the Beetle means spending time with the Devil of the Wastes, so be it.

THE WHIMS OF GODS is the first book in Mell R. Bright's new universe, the Monstrous Whims series. It's a gay fantasy romance with smut (18+).

Trigger warning: Non-human genitalia, sexual abuse (not explicit), violence, blood, and strong language. No mpreg.

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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CWF1QSLM
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published (February 24, 2024)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 164 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8882775604
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 9.6 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.42 x 8.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 580 ratings

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Mell R. Bright
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Mell R. Bright is a book fiend who lives in the French countryside, where life is all about bees and old castles. She spends her days writing science fiction and fantasy books, and her nights writing queer romances and erotica novellas. Follow her on Instagram at @mellrbright to know the latest book news!

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
580 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoyed the engaging storyline and suspenseful plot. They found the book easy to read and enjoyable, with a fun and entertaining storyline. The characters were described as lovable and well-developed. The world-building was praised as inventive and well-done. Readers appreciated the writing quality and editing, describing it as well-written and heartwarming.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

29 customers mention "Storyline"29 positive0 negative

Customers enjoyed the storyline. They found it suspenseful, with a fascinating backstory and lovable main characters. The post-apocalyptic romance had plenty of action and spice, set in a desolate post-apocalytic USA. Overall, customers enjoyed the interesting take on familiar myths and monsters.

"...The storyline was great. It keeps you involved and moving along with the characters. The world building was perfect...." Read more

"...There’s a sci-fi aspect with the mutants and technology, but it’s also finding family and companions through the trials of your life...." Read more

"This was a fun read! I loved the mythos and the world building. I thought the characters were good and it had a decent plot." Read more

"...The love story between the characteristics was a joy to read. I started it yesterday and couldn't put it down until today...." Read more

20 customers mention "Readability"20 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's readability. They find it engaging, addictive, and spicy. The world is fascinating and unlike any other monster romance they've read. The characters are likable and the book has vibrant writing.

"...Overall, this book is dark, gritty, a bit painful but still vibrant...." Read more

"...who is just trying to survive and a smarty pants AI make this a fun, spicy read." Read more

"...It scratched an itch I didn't even know I had. A Deeply satisfying read. Amazingly good work from the author...." Read more

"This is a really good read if your a fan of Greek mythology with a BL twist this is a great book for you" Read more

19 customers mention "Enjoyment"19 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book. They find it entertaining, with fun details and a sweet love story between two secret softies. The world is fascinating and unlike any other monster romance they've read. The storyline keeps them involved and moving along, easily holding their interest to the end.

"...This book had me hooked from the first few paragraphs and kept me enthralled through the entire book. This was a one sitting book for me...." Read more

"This was a fun read! I loved the mythos and the world building. I thought the characters were good and it had a decent plot." Read more

"...easy to fall into the world building with all the different elements adding context to the world...." Read more

"...Perfect length, world building is so good I can just imagine everything in my mind while reading, side characters, though not a lot were well..." Read more

14 customers mention "Character development"14 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the characters and design. They say it fits seamlessly with the storyline.

"...The storyline was great. It keeps you involved and moving along with the characters. The world building was perfect...." Read more

"...I loved the mythos and the world building. I thought the characters were good and it had a decent plot." Read more

"...The premise is so intriguing, and the characters feel so real to me...." Read more

"...so good I can just imagine everything in my mind while reading, side characters, though not a lot were well fleshed out too...." Read more

13 customers mention "World building"13 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the world-building in the book. They find the journal or scientist's method of expanding the world interesting. The premise is inventive and the post-apocalyptic setting is well-done. It's a strong start to a new series, with originality fused with muses from other books.

"...The world building was perfect. Everything seamlessly flowed together. Even the Villain for this story...." Read more

"This was a fun read! I loved the mythos and the world building. I thought the characters were good and it had a decent plot." Read more

"...Perfect length, world building is so good I can just imagine everything in my mind while reading, side characters, though not a lot were well..." Read more

"Loved this so much. Excellent world building with a bit of mythology and a great pairing with Helios and his adorably protective monster, Griffin...." Read more

9 customers mention "Writing quality"9 positive0 negative

Customers enjoyed the book's writing quality. They found it well-written, satisfying, and unique. The editing was also praised. It was described as a quick read.

"...A Deeply satisfying read. Amazingly good work from the author. I'll definitely read your series from start to end. Can't read the rest." Read more

"...in my mind while reading, side characters, though not a lot were well fleshed out too...." Read more

"I loved Helios and Beet. A new world and Griffin. Very good read. Dystopian world. The characters were wonderful! Great storyline!" Read more

"I really really enjoyed this book! It’s a quick read, but that’s probably because I couldn’t put it down...." Read more

5 customers mention "Heartwarming"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's heartwarming and suspenseful plot with enough angst. They find the characters engaging and compassionate.

"...could just make me feel something, and this one hit me in my feelings in all the right ways!!..." Read more

"...Both Griffin and Helios spoke to me. I could feel what they felt and I could see the world so clearly, it felt like exactly what would happen if..." Read more

"This actually surprised me, giving plot, angst, character development and a giant heaping serving of spice. Well done...." Read more

"...Beet was funny and compassionate. I’m looking forward to Jude’s story." Read more

5 customers mention "Pacing"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's pacing. They find it fast-paced and engaging. The characters are described as fierce and protective.

"...Helios and Griffin were so cool and fierce in their own ways, love them both! Thanks to Kati and her lovely review for putting this on my radar!..." Read more

"...a bit of mythology and a great pairing with Helios and his adorably protective monster, Griffin. Immediately checking to see if the next one is out...." Read more

"...originality fused with muses from other media, great characters, nice pacing, and world building. Will definitely re-read!" Read more

"This was very good, fast passed, nothing extra, nothing boring...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2024
    This book drew me in immediately with the Howl's moving castle inspiration. The monster X human pairing was next. As I read all the book descriptions I was 100% sold.
    Most dystopian world books tend to be overly depressing, which makes 100% sense. But that didn't weigh this book down as much as it would seem. It fits seamlessly with the storyline and characters.
    This book had me hooked from the first few paragraphs and kept me enthralled through the entire book. This was a one sitting book for me. And I adore it.
    The growing relationship between Griffin and Helios is a real slow burn. It isn't just their romantic relationship, but their bond + trust. These lonely boys are my heart and soul. Griffin is gruff and broody and actually pretty shy. But he warms up as Helios' little quirks come out. I think Beet, our sassy AF AI on the Beetle really helps smooth over their relationship.
    The storyline was great. It keeps you involved and moving along with the characters.
    The world building was perfect. Everything seamlessly flowed together. Even the Villain for this story. You really don't know what's going on in the beginning or why the world is basically dead. Every chapter head has content from radio shows, journals, books & scientists explaining what happened and how the world reacted to the true rulers of the world.
    Overall, this book is dark, gritty, a bit painful but still vibrant.
    We meet so many people along that way that you can't help but love. We also get to see Griffin being a caring soft boy.
    Griffin & Helios sexual tension is taut. which makes it pretty damn hot when they can't help themselves anymore.
    Life isn't as drab anymore now that Helios isn't alone.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2024
    I’m not sure what I expected, but this was just a really cool MM romance. There’s a sci-fi aspect with the mutants and technology, but it’s also finding family and companions through the trials of your life. A mutant created with the powers of gods, a human who is just trying to survive and a smarty pants AI make this a fun, spicy read.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2025
    This was a fun read! I loved the mythos and the world building. I thought the characters were good and it had a decent plot.
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2024
    I absolutely loved this book. The premise is so intriguing, and the characters feel so real to me. It was very easy to fall into the world building with all the different elements adding context to the world. The love story between the characteristics was a joy to read. I started it yesterday and couldn't put it down until today. Definitely made me feel like I was watching Howls moving castle again but in a cooler, more fleshed out post-apocalyptic old god kaiju-esque alternate world. It scratched an itch I didn't even know I had. A Deeply satisfying read. Amazingly good work from the author. I'll definitely read your series from start to end. Can't read the rest.
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2024
    Well that was one fast read! I admit to staying up way late just to finish this book. I don’t often read science fantasy but I’m fascinated by how this one was told. Perfect length, world building is so good I can just imagine everything in my mind while reading, side characters, though not a lot were well fleshed out too. Helios and Griffin were so cool and fierce in their own ways, love them both!
    Thanks to Kati and her lovely review for putting this on my radar! I see more Mell R Bright books in my future Tbr. Borrowed book 2 thru KU just now, and excited to read Oliver’s story next!
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2024
    A blend of sci-fi and post-apocalyptic gay/bi romance, inspired by Howl's Moving Castle. The story follows Helios, a survivor in a world ravaged by the return of old gods.

    Captured and facing a grim fate as a slave, Helios' life takes an unexpected turn when he's rescued by Griffin, a mysterious mutant know as the Devil of the Wastes. Griffin's vessel, the Beetle, is an astonishing 6-legged machine with a surly AI. I loved Beetle.

    The intimacy was there, but certainly wasn't a main focus. The story was decent, but lacked that deeper emotional pull.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2025
    a violent, hardscrabble story set in a desolate post apocalyptic USA, that managed to be so warm and fuzzy. filled with fun details and the swooniest love story between two secret softies. can't recommend it enough.
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 15, 2024
    This is a really good read if your a fan of Greek mythology with a BL twist this is a great book for you

Top reviews from other countries

  • Tare
    5.0 out of 5 stars Surprisingly Sweet
    Reviewed in Canada on October 6, 2024
    This was so fun and surprisingly so sweet?! I was expecting darker vibes but OMG Griffin and Helios had me smiling so big they were adorable together.

    This is post-apocalyptic and monsters have started roaming the earth. These monsters are terrifying.

    After the monsters appeared, humans made some hybrid creatures by combining in small amounts of monster DNA into human DNA. Griffin is one of these hybrids. Griffin meets Helios when he saves him from some slave traders and Helios is like obviously I'm sticking with you.

    This was a short book but it had everything - tender romance, some spicy scenes, the BEST side character ever - Beet!, great character development (we got back stories for both MCs that really helped us understand who they are), really intriguing plot that kept me invested the whole time, and great world building.

    I am so excited to jump into the next book, as well as more from this author. I am sooooo intrigued by Oliver's redemption story. He was downright terrible but also I'm a sucker for broken characters sooo...
  • Bookish.lollaaa
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fun, entertaining, and sexy 🖤
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 11, 2024
    4.5 🌟
    "𝙸 𝚠𝚒𝚜𝚑 𝙸 𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚌𝚛𝚊𝚠𝚕 𝚞𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚛 𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚜𝚔𝚒𝚗 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚕𝚎𝚝 𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚏𝚒𝚛𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚛𝚖 𝚖𝚢 𝚠𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚢 𝚋𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚜."

    One thing I can not resist is a dystopian world, add the monsters into the mixture, and on the top of that make it MM and I'm sold, no questions asked.

    I'm so happy I've decided to read this story. My only complaint hare is that it was a little too short. lol i really enjoyed the characters and the overall plot and really wouldn't mind spending a bit more time with Griffin & Helios. They were just so wholesome. Griffin is such a gentle giant when it comes to Halios, but don't you ever get on his bad side because you wouldn't like to be on the receiving end of his wrath. Helios' survival instinct is admirable. His life hasn't been easy. After losing his mother, it was pretty much him against the world. But even after everything he's been through, he can still admire the beauty of the old gods even if some can be terrifying and far from friendly.
    I would say this was on a slow burn side. I loved how both of these guys slowly fell for each other. Griffin's attention to detail and everything Helios was saying plus the growing obsession and pinning from Helios side, it was so good!

    I need to mention the sassiest AI ever, Beet. This story wouldn't be the sane without her.

    It was a fun, entertaining, and sexy story. What I'm trying to say is that you should read this, like right now. Thank you 😉
  • V.
    4.0 out of 5 stars Post-apocalyptic monster x human romance
    Reviewed in Germany on May 26, 2024
    It was a good read but personally, I wasn't blown away by it. Neither Griffin nor Helios were all that interesting and characterization in general felt a bit shallow. The snippets at the beginning of each chapter were nice though and greatly added to the post-apocalyptic atmosphere.

    Would recommend this if you enjoyed Soul Eater by Lily Mayne.
  • Courtney C.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing!
    Reviewed in Australia on May 24, 2024
    I love this story, the while world in it is so incredible. This is such a great love story with just the right amount of anticipation.
  • Myllady
    4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting read !
    Reviewed in Canada on March 23, 2024
    This was a fun ride, packing an impressive amount of world building in such a short book. I enjoyed this take on will ''end the world as we know it'', and it feels thought out and complex even without info dumps or an understanding of how everything works.

    It's was a bit... Easy going for me tho, I usually like my post apo stories with more grit and angst, sprinkled with some trauma and hard won trust. I don't think the world itself was romanticized as such, but the love story had the feel of a modern fairy tale, with the overpowered monster saving the MCs from the dirty life of a lone survivor. If I think about it this way, it makes the book even more enjoyable ;)

    I'll be on the lookout for book 2, I'm intrigued by Jude and can't to read his story.