A CLASH OF CARNIVORES

This follow-up to A Mastery of Monsters (2025) returns to a ruthless underground world of monsters, magic, and secret societies.

The story alternates between the points of view of returning characters Riley and August, Black women who are seeking to prove themselves in hostile environments. Sophomore Riley Townsend ascends to the rank of president of Queen’s University’s Black Student Society, an organization whose members clandestinely protect humans from monsters. Some believe she isn’t up to the task: She must find an artifact—a powerful weapon that could help in their rivalry with the Learners’ Society. Meanwhile, August Black, who’s entrenched in the factional and hierarchical Learners’ Society, studies and trains to compete in the brutal Monster’s Ball to achieve the rank of Master. Failing would endanger her bond with Virgil, her Monster partner and almost-lover (they’re resisting, knowing “it’s a bad idea to couple up with someone who you’re bound to for life”). If she doesn’t succeed, he’ll be remanded for life to the Kingston Penitentiary with other Monsters who don’t have Masters. An unexpected twist complicates August’s life irrevocably, while bringing her closer to finding answers about her murdered mother. This middle volume is full of spectacle and a careful examination of social issues. Sambury thoroughly renders Riley’s and August’s inner lives; readers will care deeply about each of these refreshingly complex, imperfect, and vividly realized young women.

A thrilling, high-stakes sequel that’s bursting with action, romance, and political intrigue.