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When I first read The Traitor Baru Cormorant, I wasn’t impressed. The story felt confusing, boring at times, and overall a hard read for me. But I did say that I was open to continuing with the sequel, and I’m so glad I did. The Monster Baru Cormorant completely turned my opinion around. The difference between the first book and this one is like night and day.

As I write this, I’m already deep into the third and final book of the trilogy, which should tell you just how hooked I’ve become.

The Story and Its Shift in Energy

This book picks up immediately after the events of the first one, and at first I still struggled a bit to understand everything going on. But Baru’s grief, combined with her sheer determination, pulled me in quickly. As the story progressed and new characters were introduced, I found myself more and more invested.

The pace, the tension, and the way the world expands in this sequel all kept me turning pages in a way the first book never did.

Baru as a Character

What makes this book shine is Baru herself. She’s easily one of the most complex characters I’ve read, layered, flawed, and deeply human. At times she’s relatable, at others she’s disagreeable, and sometimes she inspires pity. Her single-minded determination to achieve her goal makes her both admirable and tragic.

While others see her as heartless, as the reader you watch her try to balance, justify, and occasionally process the chaos around her. Her resilience is unmatched, and her internal struggles are what kept me completely engaged.

Characters That Stood Out

The broader plot brings in another civilization, adding more depth to the already massive and complex storyline. Here, one character in particular stood out to me: Tau-indi. Their humor and sharp wit made them an incredible partner to Baru for much of this book. I was immediately interested in their past as a prince of the Oriati, and their presence added a layer of warmth to an otherwise heavy narrative.

My Honest Take

This book has quickly become one of my current obsessions. I’d rate it an 8.8/10, and I already have even higher hopes for the third book, which I’m in the middle of now.

Unlike most of the books I’ve reviewed so far, this one does require that you read The Traitor Baru Cormorant first, there’s no skipping ahead here. Because of that, I think the target audience is narrower than with other series. Still, the story is so insanely interesting that its appeal feels universal once you’re in it.

Final Thoughts

For me, The Monster Baru Cormorant was proof that sometimes a series is worth sticking with, even when the first installment doesn’t click. The complexity of the characters, the depth of the world-building, and the intensity of Baru’s personal journey make this book stand out.

If you’re patient enough to get through The Traitor Baru Cormorant, the payoff in The Monster Baru Cormorant is worth it.