Reviewed by Taylin
TITLE: Varek
SERIES: Monsters & Mates #3
AUTHOR: Becca Seymour
PUBLISHER: Rainbow Tree Publishing
LENGTH: 368 Pages
RELEASE DATE: June 19, 2026
BLURB:
Falling for the monster who ruined your life?
Yeah. That wasn’t on my Terrafeara survival bingo card.
I’ve survived this world by making myself untouchable—sharp edges, sharper instincts,
and zero room for mistakes. Down here, power is everything. And I’ve built enough of it
to stay alive.
Then Varek shows up.
Commander of the Riftborn. Rebel leader. Walking, talking weapon with horns, silver
eyes… and a bond to me I never asked for.
He says he saved me.
I say he destroyed everything.
Because Varek didn’t just claim me as his fated mate—he killed my husband to do it.
Now we’re stuck in the same city, the same war, and the same impossible pull that
won’t let either of us walk away. The rifts are getting worse. The rebellion is fracturing.
And something bigger is coming—something that could tear every world apart.
We should be enemies.
We might be each other’s only chance.
Because in a world built on power, blood, and broken promises… love might be the most
dangerous weapon of all.
REVIEW:
Ten years ago, Pax arrived on Terrafeara by rift. Since then, he has helped many escape the city and evil queen for a life where they at least have a chance of survival. Ten years ago, Pax also met his fated mate, Varek. Varek is the glowranth he denied forming a full bond with, and who recently reentered his life. Originally, Pax asked for space, and it was granted but, with danger on the rise for an increasingly desperate Queen – how long can the status quo between them continue?
Oh damn, what a read. Varek is the third of four books in the Monsters and Mates series. It is one full of action, love and overall story arc progression. The story begins at a measured pace but soon ramps up to be a real page-turner. Also, this one made me experience a range of emotions, including tears. Varek provided me with everything I look for in a story – good characters, a different plot/storyline, excitement and emotion.
Varek is told in the first person, mainly from Pax’s viewpoint, with a few chapters from Varek. As with most series, worldbuilding has developed over the books. However, this book has increased urgency. Terrafeara imports land and people through rifts, and there is speculation over their conditions for appearing and controllability. The Queen covets power. The rebels are gaining momentum, which is making the monarch desperate.
Varek is a wonderful character. He is the leader of the rebellion, a strategic mastermind, a powerhouse, a tower of strength, a man of few words, and so much more. Varek saved Pax from an abusive marriage, after which Pax asked for space. It was given. Everything Pax asked for Varek has given. It isn’t because Varek is a pushover – he would not ask for anything of Pax that was not freely given – no matter the personal cost.
Pax is a survivor and a mechanic. He was a victim to all the conditioning of a controlling, abusive husband. When that was gone, he experienced a plethora of emotions, including loss, anger and the need to find his own life, unwilling to be part of a union as the perceived underdog. Pax had to get to know Varek, trust him and eventually love him. Pax had to be comfortable with himself before inviting another to be with him. During his ten years on Terrafeara, he has become the primary way for those in need to escape the city.
The extended cast are all brave individuals. The Aussie contingent from previous books are there in force, forming a brotherhood of support. Absolutely loved the dynamic between Caly and Jamie – what a potential sub-story there.
Varek is a story that captivated me. Much is put on the line. There is capture, torture, war, support, love, tears and more. Bravo, Becca Seymour, on the best in the series yet. What a lead into the final book.
RATING: 
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