Rupert Wong is a chef for a family of cannibalistic ghouls in contemporary Kuala Lumpur. A dragon conscripts him to solve a murder-mystery. Shenanigans ensue.

To say I’ve enjoyed this one is to say nothing. Cassandra Khaw expertly combines horror, Malaysian and Chinese mythology, and noir, with a generous helping of absolutely delectable gore on top. It’s also hilarious.

If you’re on a lookout for some inventive genre-fiction, I’d definitely check it out. ( )

This novella is a fast read due to word length and its frenetic pace. From the first page, you know it's dark, too--cannibalism jokes are aplenty, and Khaw introduces many disturbing/fascinating creatures not usually depicted in English-language fantasy. That, along with the setting of Kuala Lumpur, add to the fresh and unique feel, though at time I felt a little lost because things did push along so quickly.

I love Rupert Wong and his little asides to the reader. He's a fantastic urban fantasy protagonist, abounding with snark, in love with a living-yet-dead lady, and in way over his head with petty gods and meddlesome ghosts and beasts. I was amused from the first page (and a little grossed out, too, I admit) as he described his dinner menu plans and dealt with some nasty critters that he had accidentally inspired to unionize. That had me laughing out loud.

I have read a novel set in this same Gods & Monsters universe; Mythbreaker by Stephen Blackmoore has common elements like the intense darkness, fast pace, and heavy snark, but they both use very different settings and mythologies; both works stand on their own completely, and it's my understanding that all of the books in the series are set up that way. ( )