Whilst I enjoyed Monstrous when I read it, Venomous just HIT for me. I really enjoyed the way that Rhi really comes into her power in this book and there were some really fun moments *cough*RhiEatingARapist *cough* as well as the interpersonal relationships just being incredibly strong. The Girl Gang were at the core of Monstrous and they remain at the centre of the narrative in this book as Rhi initially attempts to shoulder her problems by herself but her friends are tenacious and gladly share in Rhi’s problems, looking for solutions.

Whilst some readers might feel that the messaging of feminine rage in this book was a little on-the-nose, I really enjoying the theme throughout this book that the monsters of myth aren’t truly the villains as well as men just being pigs. And now all I can hear is Circe in Epic saying that all she did was “reveal their true forms” when she turns Odysseus’ men into pigs. This theme feels very timely (unfortunately, when is it not?) and I love that Rubino does not temper the characters’ rage and they get to do what many wish they could in real life. The cannibalism scene was everything that I hoped for and more!

I am really excited and intrigued to see where this story goes next and additionally so that we will be getting a novella in the summer! The epilogue of Venomous sets up some very interesting things for what is next and I can’t wait to see how it pays off.