Monsters Within

Monsters Within

  • Downloads:1785
  • Type:Epub+TxT+PDF+Mobi
  • Create Date:2022-03-23 04:19:57
  • Update Date:2025-09-06
  • Status:finish
  • Author:R.L. Caulder
  • ISBN:B09JM7W3RP
  • Environment:PC/Android/iPhone/iPad/Kindle

Summary

Have you ever lost yourself in a fantasy world you created?

That’s how I’ve survived the years alone in a reality where humans cower in fear of supernatural creatures hiding behind the veil。

All I’ve ever had is my pen, my notebook, and the world I created to make it through the days as a ward of the state, suffering at the hands of the real villains of the world。。。Humans。

The pages of my notebook hold five sinful, feared monsters。 Ones that I certainly shouldn’t be pining over since they aren’t even real。

I question my grip on reality when real life and fantasy collide as my words suddenly come to life。 Out of the pages climb each of the beautifully twisted monsters I created with my ink。

Magical factions fight for control over me and my monsters, claiming I have the potential to topple empires with my power to create。

Dark Imaginarium Academy claims to want to help me learn about my new powers。 The Headmistress says they can protect me, but I’m not so sure about that。

The one thing I am sure about? I’ll destroy the world if they try to take my monsters from me。

Because my creations aren’t just monsters—they’re my soulmates。

***

Monsters Within is book one in The Creatures We Crave series, which is set within the shared universe of Dark Imaginarium Academy。 All series can be read independently, but characters have crossovers and it is highly encouraged to read all within the universe to understand the world in its entirety。

DARK IMAGINARIUM ACADEMY FEATURES CHARACTERS THAT ARE ALL 18+。 THIS IS NOT A HIGH SCHOOL ACADEMY SETTING AND THE CONTENTS ARE INTENDED FOR MATURE AUDIENCES。

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Reviews

LiveLydiaReads

curious Obsessed with the “monsters”。 Alexandra is an interesting character。 She is a curiosity that I’m ready to have explored。 There is a bit of adventure but we haven’t gotten to the meat of the story yet。 This book is set in the shared world of the Dark Imaginarium Academy。

Jennifer K

Alexandra, a "human" who was tossed through the foster system and survived by writing stories where she could get justice on those who mistreated her, is a phenomenal heroine that I want all good things for。 Her monsters/men are interesting - are they her creations or did they exist outside of her stories? We don't have the answer to that yet but I loved their individual personalities and how they each fit into Alexandra's life so perfectly。 This is the third book I've read in the DIA universe a Alexandra, a "human" who was tossed through the foster system and survived by writing stories where she could get justice on those who mistreated her, is a phenomenal heroine that I want all good things for。 Her monsters/men are interesting - are they her creations or did they exist outside of her stories? We don't have the answer to that yet but I loved their individual personalities and how they each fit into Alexandra's life so perfectly。 This is the third book I've read in the DIA universe and I love the little easter eggs/crossovers with other characters because it makes the world seem so big even though each book focuses on just one character。 That said, you don't need any other context for this book to make sense and it is a fine starting point to the DIA universe。 。。。more

Arceli

This book is super dark and awesome。 I enjoyed the steam in this book。 It was nice and smutty。 I enjoyed how the romance was paced out。 The heroine formed an awesome bond with each of her mates。 I loved the world building。 Unique take。 I highly recommend you check out this book。

Rebecca

I'm loving the Dark Imaginarium Academy Universe and all the characters within, and each of the books has crossovers with the other characters。 Alexandra's story is another in this universe and she hasn't had an easy life。 Whilst life isn't necessarily getting easier for her she definitely begins to enjoy herself and explore her newfound confidence。 Alexandra is another fantastic MFC with her monsters right there to back her up。 The development between them all is sweet but steamy at times as sh I'm loving the Dark Imaginarium Academy Universe and all the characters within, and each of the books has crossovers with the other characters。 Alexandra's story is another in this universe and she hasn't had an easy life。 Whilst life isn't necessarily getting easier for her she definitely begins to enjoy herself and explore her newfound confidence。 Alexandra is another fantastic MFC with her monsters right there to back her up。 The development between them all is sweet but steamy at times as she and they explore their feelings for each other。Definitely worth a read and looking forward to reading the future books in the series! Another brilliant book R。L Caulder!! 。。。more

Del Parker

Can’t Get EnoughHonestly, this shared world R。L Caulder and M Sinclair have created is utterly captivating。 Every book in the series has been just as wonderful as the last! Monsters Within is a truly heartwarming tale, with three handsome monsters who exist only for their girl! It’s beautifully written, and very well edited! The characters are all interesting, with depths we only just begin to explore in this first book of the series。 I love how they come alive, truly, over the course of the boo Can’t Get EnoughHonestly, this shared world R。L Caulder and M Sinclair have created is utterly captivating。 Every book in the series has been just as wonderful as the last! Monsters Within is a truly heartwarming tale, with three handsome monsters who exist only for their girl! It’s beautifully written, and very well edited! The characters are all interesting, with depths we only just begin to explore in this first book of the series。 I love how they come alive, truly, over the course of the book!I honestly cannot wait to see where RL Caulder takes us in the next book—as it’s such a unique story, truly unlike anything I’ve read before。 I don’t want to give too much away here, so as not to spoil the plot, but I can’t wait to see what’s next。 。。。more

Sarah Burkhead

Amazing!RL Caulder does it again! It's the perfect mix of a fmc that is struggling and alone and hopes that there is something more out there for her。 As her luck begins to turn for the better, she becomes more badass but also uses that new confidence to help others。 And her three boys make for a wicked slow burn。 The cliffhanger wasn't rough at all and just leaves us with more questions about Alexandra's unknown origins。 Amazing!RL Caulder does it again! It's the perfect mix of a fmc that is struggling and alone and hopes that there is something more out there for her。 As her luck begins to turn for the better, she becomes more badass but also uses that new confidence to help others。 And her three boys make for a wicked slow burn。 The cliffhanger wasn't rough at all and just leaves us with more questions about Alexandra's unknown origins。 。。。more

Joy Lynch

R。 L。 Caulder gives us another fantastic book! Beautifully written with complex characters and plot twists that keep you turning pages throughout, this story will not let you put it down。 Alexandra, Lucien, Elwin and Kylo begin their journey together and while the end of this book is a massive cliffhanger, this is sure to become a favourite。 I love everything by her!! Don't miss out on this book! R。 L。 Caulder gives us another fantastic book! Beautifully written with complex characters and plot twists that keep you turning pages throughout, this story will not let you put it down。 Alexandra, Lucien, Elwin and Kylo begin their journey together and while the end of this book is a massive cliffhanger, this is sure to become a favourite。 I love everything by her!! Don't miss out on this book! 。。。more

Jenni Gauntt

I love Alex!She may seem like a weak character but dang she is so strong! I absolutely love how she is learning about herself and becoming who she is meant to be。 I can't wait for her to fully flourish!Her monsters are fire! I absolutely love them。 Lucien is by far my fave with his possessiveness and whining。 I'm super excited about her roommate also。 I was wondering when she was going to make an appearance at DIA! Can't wait to continue with the shared worlds。 I love Alex!She may seem like a weak character but dang she is so strong! I absolutely love how she is learning about herself and becoming who she is meant to be。 I can't wait for her to fully flourish!Her monsters are fire! I absolutely love them。 Lucien is by far my fave with his possessiveness and whining。 I'm super excited about her roommate also。 I was wondering when she was going to make an appearance at DIA! Can't wait to continue with the shared worlds。 。。。more

June McKibben

Another great book in the shared world of DIA。 Alexandra is a human that writes about monsters that are her soul mates。 When they come into her reality and they end up at DIA they have no clue who or what any of them are。 This book has twists and charchter building and planty more to learn。

Emma Manning

Not often I read a book in one sitting。。。。。no coffee,no chocolate,no nothing。。。。 this book was the exception。 From the very first page I was hooked and before I knew it I was done。 I tried turning my phone upside down and shaking it to find more but alas。。。。nothing!!! So now I wait for the next book。。。。。VERY impatiently I might add!!!!!

Rachel

So happy to be back in the dark imaginarium world!The story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐The heat: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥We all have things we use to escape from the real world。 A way to find comfort during the worst of times。 Alexandra's just happened to suddenly come to life。This book came to me at the perfect time。 I was having a rough week and just wanted an escape, much like our Heroine Alexandra。 As we all know the world can be a cruel place, and she survives it by creating stories with 3 protective monsters。 Even better, one da So happy to be back in the dark imaginarium world!The story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐The heat: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥We all have things we use to escape from the real world。 A way to find comfort during the worst of times。 Alexandra's just happened to suddenly come to life。This book came to me at the perfect time。 I was having a rough week and just wanted an escape, much like our Heroine Alexandra。 As we all know the world can be a cruel place, and she survives it by creating stories with 3 protective monsters。 Even better, one day these monsters become real, and open up a world Alexandra thought could never be hers。The perfect man may not exist but this author creates damn perfect monsters。 Elwin, Lucien and Kylo are protective to the point of bloodlust and worship the woman who created them。 What more could you ask for in dream men (pun intended 😉)Fans of the authors work will love this story, it ties in with Monarchs of Hell, and had some character crossover that had me screaming! I actually have to call our Queen of Cliffhangers evil here, she managed to hold her title strong, thanks to this ending teasing not just 1 book, but 2! Now I NEED MORE WORDS! 。。。more

Sav ও

I think the authors writing style and I just don’t vibe because I was pretty bored

Raina Collins

Loved this book! The main character of Alexandra is amazing。 She’s the type that you would want as a friend and the mystery around her only builds as the story goes。 Is she human and if not what is she? I love how the books of the overall series of the Dark Imaginarium Academy cross at different points but each set is totally stand-alone。 This story is only the first of this set and it is an incredible start with characters you will love and those you will love to hate。

Ange Bennetts

I am a huge fan of Dia (Dark Imaginarium Academy) I think the universe is really cool and the series all set within it are all so different, but I love them all。 Alexandra's story is such a unique twist on the monster genre。 She has grown up as a human, with only a basic knowledge of the other realms。 So to be pulled to Dia with the monsters that she wrote to life, is a huge awakening for her。 As her powers and relationships develop, this first book in her series delivers on building the story, I am a huge fan of Dia (Dark Imaginarium Academy) I think the universe is really cool and the series all set within it are all so different, but I love them all。 Alexandra's story is such a unique twist on the monster genre。 She has grown up as a human, with only a basic knowledge of the other realms。 So to be pulled to Dia with the monsters that she wrote to life, is a huge awakening for her。 As her powers and relationships develop, this first book in her series delivers on building the story, rising the steam factor with her monster men and letting her find out just what exactly she is。 I can't wait to see more of her relationships with her men, her friendships with the amazing women she mets at the academy and finding out just what the heck she is! 。。。more

Varied Books

DNF due to my F quirk。

Amy Hannagan

I've now had the opportunity to read a few of the starter books in the series in this shared world grouping and so far this has been the best。 Alexandra is a wonderful character, who has been through trauma in her young life, yet is emerging to become a strong, savvy young woman with powers that, in this book, we are just beginning to learn about。 Her mates are "monsters" of her own creation from imaginings in her childhood drawings which evolved into stories in her teens。 When they leap off the I've now had the opportunity to read a few of the starter books in the series in this shared world grouping and so far this has been the best。 Alexandra is a wonderful character, who has been through trauma in her young life, yet is emerging to become a strong, savvy young woman with powers that, in this book, we are just beginning to learn about。 Her mates are "monsters" of her own creation from imaginings in her childhood drawings which evolved into stories in her teens。 When they leap off the page, the real story begins。 For an Rh, this is a pretty slow burn to me but I'm sure it will get going in the next book。 This concept and writing for this book are amazing with a world that feels fresh and completely new。 I really loved this and I cannot wait until the next installment。 。。。more

Fawn

mehThe story is alright。 A lot of me vs the world for the first half and then bam, collecting friends like it was Pokémon cards。 The twist at the end is nice to see but honestly felt forced。 I wish there had been more foreshadowing to the whole Pandora’s box thing。 While it ends on a cliffhanger it is dramatic enough for me to really care。 Overall it was a nice book to read while passing time between chores and errands。

Kellie Patnella

Loved it!Omg I seriously couldn’t put this book down。 Loved the characters, the plot and the mystery of the story。 Definitely recommend giving this unique book a read。 Can’t wait read the next book in the series。

Sam

Rachel has a interwoven another exciting fmc into this amazing shared world。 Every addition just adds to the magic and mystique of this detailed world。Alexandra is a broken fmc who has spent her life alone, unwanted and unloved。 So when she had noone to turn to she created her own world and soul mates within it。 However things take an unexpected turn when the popular girl tries to attack her and the monsters from the world she created become reality。Lucien, Kylo and Elwin are absolutely adorable Rachel has a interwoven another exciting fmc into this amazing shared world。 Every addition just adds to the magic and mystique of this detailed world。Alexandra is a broken fmc who has spent her life alone, unwanted and unloved。 So when she had noone to turn to she created her own world and soul mates within it。 However things take an unexpected turn when the popular girl tries to attack her and the monsters from the world she created become reality。Lucien, Kylo and Elwin are absolutely adorable and I loved their growth and development as they come to term with being in this new reality。 Their characters become stronger, more individualised and their love for Alexandra grows into something beyond possessive。Everything change again once they emerge at DIA and they start to discover who or what they really are and the powers they possess。 Things start to take a turn for the worse when Alexandra starts to learn more about how powers and their potenial but what no one expects if that her powers call to others。 Other who know what she is, what's she's capable of and they want to crush her。Hope is a powerful thing but what happens when Pandoras box is opened, will it be able to survive? 。。。more

Lisa Maher

Oh my goodness this book! So beyond addicting and I absolutely love it。 Like seriously love it。 I can't wait to read the next book。 Oh my goodness this book! So beyond addicting and I absolutely love it。 Like seriously love it。 I can't wait to read the next book。 。。。more

Amber

I fell in love with these charactersI absolutely love these characters。 I don't know what it was about Alex, but I completely felt her pain about being alone in the world, And fighting to find your place in it and feeling at home。 R。 L。 really brings the emotions to the her writing (this is the 1st solo book of hers that I've read)。 I don't want to give everything away but I love me a good story with some feelings and then throw in some hot guys/monsters who are all about the FMC to the point of I fell in love with these charactersI absolutely love these characters。 I don't know what it was about Alex, but I completely felt her pain about being alone in the world, And fighting to find your place in it and feeling at home。 R。 L。 really brings the emotions to the her writing (this is the 1st solo book of hers that I've read)。 I don't want to give everything away but I love me a good story with some feelings and then throw in some hot guys/monsters who are all about the FMC to the point of stalking and only care about her and I'm there! Haha but truly it's an amazing book and I can't wait for book 2! I just know this series is gonna be a favorite of mine! ❤️❤️ 。。。more

Ashley

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVEEEEEE!Alex is a loner and an outcast, but her little beasties keep her company in her fantasies。 Finding out that those beasties aren't imaginary? And that they're 100% made for you and BY you?! Dude。 Total dream scenario。 And lemme tell you。。。。the men are the DREAM SCENARIO。 Like。。。YUM! I'm excited to watch Alex wield her powers and figure out just what she is, along with her monsters。 I'm curious about some side characters and their places in the story, like our lovely LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVEEEEEE!Alex is a loner and an outcast, but her little beasties keep her company in her fantasies。 Finding out that those beasties aren't imaginary? And that they're 100% made for you and BY you?! Dude。 Total dream scenario。 And lemme tell you。。。。the men are the DREAM SCENARIO。 Like。。。YUM! I'm excited to watch Alex wield her powers and figure out just what she is, along with her monsters。 I'm curious about some side characters and their places in the story, like our lovely librarian or our envious demigoddess。 Most importantly。。。can I have a library moment like that?! How about that moment after the bath y'all?!?!! GIVE。 ME。 MOREEEE。 Read this book you guys。 Seriously。 The steam had me sweating! 。。。more

Kerri Vogel

I have loved all of the books in this Dark Imaginarium academy books。 I love that we get a chance to see the demon world again and a peak at Alora and how she is fitting into the school。 This is also a really interesting take on monsters, which has become such a popular genre all of a sudden。 I'm really interested to learn what type of supernatural she is and love that it's unique and still a mystery。 A great first book in this new series。 I have loved all of the books in this Dark Imaginarium academy books。 I love that we get a chance to see the demon world again and a peak at Alora and how she is fitting into the school。 This is also a really interesting take on monsters, which has become such a popular genre all of a sudden。 I'm really interested to learn what type of supernatural she is and love that it's unique and still a mystery。 A great first book in this new series。 。。。more

Melissa

Not much really happened in this one, it was a good starting point, but nothing of interest happened until the last few chapters。 I am looking forward to the next one because I feel that's where all the action will be Not much really happened in this one, it was a good starting point, but nothing of interest happened until the last few chapters。 I am looking forward to the next one because I feel that's where all the action will be 。。。more

Shannon

What a mysterious addition to the Dark Inaginarium Academy universe! R。 L。 Caulder introduces us to our new heroine Alexandra, who is a mere mortal alone in the world with nobody but the fictional monsters she’s created to keep her company。 Monsters Within is a suspenseful spicy read where realities collide and a journey to discover one’s true self is forged。 Alex is strong and independent and there’s definitely more to her than she realizes。 Her monsters are equally as strong and supportive ove What a mysterious addition to the Dark Inaginarium Academy universe! R。 L。 Caulder introduces us to our new heroine Alexandra, who is a mere mortal alone in the world with nobody but the fictional monsters she’s created to keep her company。 Monsters Within is a suspenseful spicy read where realities collide and a journey to discover one’s true self is forged。 Alex is strong and independent and there’s definitely more to her than she realizes。 Her monsters are equally as strong and supportive over their girl and their journey to DIA is full of intrigue, Vanity, greed, suspense, lust, and hope。 What I love about R。 L。 Caulder and M。 Sinclair (co founders of the DIA universe) is their ability to write such intrigue in side characters that will have you grasping for me and they certainly deliver! Explore other characters journeys as they all cross over in some form or fashion and all are equally as exciting! Cannot wait for more books in these series! 。。。more

TXBRITGAL

A whole new magical world 🌎😉What a creative and wonderful world this journey takes the reader on! Our amazing female MC was raised in the foster care system alone, with only the characters in her mind as friends。 Or so she thought 😉。 Her mind fast learns all isn't as it seems, and she has oh soooooo many questions。 Come along for the ride and meet new amazing friends, and see through her inquisitive wide eyes as she experiences everything for the first time。 I look forward to seeing where her jo A whole new magical world 🌎😉What a creative and wonderful world this journey takes the reader on! Our amazing female MC was raised in the foster care system alone, with only the characters in her mind as friends。 Or so she thought 😉。 Her mind fast learns all isn't as it seems, and she has oh soooooo many questions。 Come along for the ride and meet new amazing friends, and see through her inquisitive wide eyes as she experiences everything for the first time。 I look forward to seeing where her journey leads next!! 。。。more

Lex Benning

Alex was a foster kid with trauma。 Using her writing creating the guys that are possessive and very protective as a way to escape。 Them becoming real, and now going to a school to learn more about her abilities。

Chrys

In the Dark Imaginarium Academy world, this introduces you to Alexandra, once a ward of the state that’s had nothing handed to her or given easily。 She spends her free time engrossed in her passion (and escape from reality。); writing。 Lucien, Elwin and Kylo are her saving grace, the ones she’s created that give her solace and happiness and a sense of worth。 Her Monsters。 So it’s rather shocking when Alexandra finds that she actually has abilities。 And now she’s transported to Dark Imaginarium Ac In the Dark Imaginarium Academy world, this introduces you to Alexandra, once a ward of the state that’s had nothing handed to her or given easily。 She spends her free time engrossed in her passion (and escape from reality。); writing。 Lucien, Elwin and Kylo are her saving grace, the ones she’s created that give her solace and happiness and a sense of worth。 Her Monsters。 So it’s rather shocking when Alexandra finds that she actually has abilities。 And now she’s transported to Dark Imaginarium Academy to learn more about them, herself and her Monsters that have suddenly become very real。 For the first time, Alexandra feels that maybe THIS is the place she can find inclusion, safety and happiness。 Problem is; there are those at the school that have plans, and none of them are good intentions。 So now Alexandra and her Monsters are beginning to wonder if DIA isn’t the best place for them to be… unfortunately, it seems that the outside isn’t offering any of that eitherThis was such a good book! The men…! Kylo, Lucien and Elwin: Hoooot, sweet and sexy。 Mmmm。 🔥 Ugh, now I have to wait (impatiently!!!) for the next。 In case you can’t tell, that’s a point of contention for me lol。 This does end on a cliff hanger, but the story is so engrossing that it will make you overlook that negative… you know, except for the fact that you’re stuck waiting to see what happens next 😂R。L。 Caulder is a devil woman 😈 but she writes a damn good book。 。。。more

Keisha

4。5 STARS I really really loved this。 I've been really excited for the shared DIA universe since it was teased at the end of the Monarchs of Hell series and this did not disappoint。 Alexandra was relatable af and shes out here living all my dreams。 I mean why can't my hot fictional monsters just leap off the page and whisk me away to a supernatural realm? This was a fantastic start to the story of Alexandra and her monsters。 The little bit of steam we got here was nice too。 (view spoiler)[I ador 4。5 STARS I really really loved this。 I've been really excited for the shared DIA universe since it was teased at the end of the Monarchs of Hell series and this did not disappoint。 Alexandra was relatable af and shes out here living all my dreams。 I mean why can't my hot fictional monsters just leap off the page and whisk me away to a supernatural realm? This was a fantastic start to the story of Alexandra and her monsters。 The little bit of steam we got here was nice too。 (view spoiler)[I adored when she was reading from The Pack Prophecy in the library scene! (hide spoiler)] I cannot wait to learn more about the Academy, her monsters, and her powers。 That ending has left me so freaking excited for the next book。 AND I AM SO VERY READY FOR ALINA'S BOOKS。 The entire two seconds we meet her were everything。 I love her so much。["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]> 。。。more

Beth Evers

Another great book set at Dark Imaginarium Academy, a shared world with M。 Sinclair。 This is Alexandra's story。 She is a college student, completely alone in the world, and believes she is human。 She has been writing stories of her 3 best friends every night since she was a small child。 They have been her only companions over the years, but she thinks they are just a part of her imagination, until one day they show up in her dorm。 Turns out she isn't really human, but what is she。。。。and what are Another great book set at Dark Imaginarium Academy, a shared world with M。 Sinclair。 This is Alexandra's story。 She is a college student, completely alone in the world, and believes she is human。 She has been writing stories of her 3 best friends every night since she was a small child。 They have been her only companions over the years, but she thinks they are just a part of her imagination, until one day they show up in her dorm。 Turns out she isn't really human, but what is she。。。。and what are her guys?Really great first book in this series, lots of mystery, great chemistry between the FMC and the guys。 Cameo appearances by characters from the other books in this shared world, of course。 And I love who her roommate is!! Fun read, highly recommend。 。。。more