This book is a Finalist in the 2021 Self-Published Science Fiction Competition (SPSFC), and I read this as a judge.
The story of a clairvoyant 'chosen one' with off-the-charts powers that allows them to move objects and sense other lifeforces is reminiscent of a story from a long, long time ago in a galaxy far away, though Monster of the Dark focuses more on the mental journey of learning the consequences as well as the capabilities of such great power.
Much of the world-building is interesting and well-described, though with the story focused on the emotional development of the main character, I would have liked a bigger transition or epiphany at the end. There is a truly excellent scene in the middle of the book—a chance encounter—that carries the emotional torment and heart-wrangling I wanted through the rest of the book.
3 Stars
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