How to Get a Girlfriend (When You're a Terrifying Monster)

Marie Cardno’s ‘How to Get a Girlfriend (When You’re a Terrifying Monster)’ is a captivating story bound up in novella form that defies genre conventions with its blend of sapphic romance and speculative fiction. The story introduces Trillin, a fragment of the cosmic entity known as the Endless, who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and love with Sian, a human witch. Their relationship, though new and developing, is portrayed with a tenderness that resonates deeply.

Cardno’s world-building is exemplary, crafting a universe where the Endless is as much a character as the protagonists. The narrative thrives on its intellectual depth, exploring themes of identity and existence through the lens of an alien consciousness. The romance, while central, is constrained by the novella’s length, leaving readers desiring a more fleshed-out exploration of the connection.

The pacing is swift, with action and discovery propelling the story forward. Despite its brevity, the novella manages to present a magic system and a conflict with the Endless that are both intriguing and well-conceived. ‘How to Get a Girlfriend (When You’re a Terrifying Monster)’ is a heartwarming tale that promises further adventures in its sequel, which will hopefully expand on the rich narrative groundwork laid here. Cardno’s debut is a testament to the power of love in all its forms, regardless of the barriers it may face.