by R. L. Ullman
“Glad you’re okay,” Rage says, greeting me with a high five. “We were worried when we lost track of you in Faustius’ office.”
“Trust me,” I say. “I’m glad to be back.”
But someone’s missing.
“Where’s Aura?” I ask.
“Right here,” she says, phasing through the wall.
“Please, not again,” Rage says, holding his chest.
Everyone laughs.
Seeing her is a huge relief.
“I’m… really happy you’re okay,” I say.
“I’m glad you’re okay too,” she says. “And thanks for trying to save me again. You’re alright in my book.”
“Please,” InvisiBill says, “don’t say ‘book!’”
Everyone laughs.
“Oh, I’ve got your badge,” I say, reaching for my pocket when I realize I’m in a hospital gown. “Well, I’m sure it’s around here somewhere.”
“Thanks,” she says. “But we’ve got something for you.”
For me?
“What is it?” I ask.
“Hairball,” Aura says, “hand it over.”
“Here ya go,” Hairball says. “Catch.”
Then, he flips a shiny object into the air. I catch it and turn it over. It’s a silver badge!
Engraved in the center is the word:
BRAMPIRE
Brampire?
What’s that? Then it hits me.
“No way!” I say. “Really?”
“Really,” Rage says. “That’s your new code name. Get it, Bram plus vampire equals Brampire. So Brampire, let me be the first to officially welcome you to the Monstrosities.”
All the kids clap.
The Monstrosities? I made the team? I don’t know what to say. I’ve never belonged to anything before. I feel tears welling up in my eyes.
“Congratulations, Brampire,” Aura says with a wink.
“Thanks,” I manage.
“Hey, don’t get all sappy,” Rage says, patting me on the shoulder. “You don’t want Hexum seeing you like this.”
He’s right about that.
Then, I feel a hand squeeze my shoulder.
“Congratulations,” Van Helsing says, leaning in. “Brampire. It has a nice ring to it.”
As my friends start busting on each other, I lie back, holding my badge to my chest, happy to be part of the team.
And for the moment, I even forget about my looming destiny—my showdown with Count Dracula.
GET MONSTER PROBLEMS 2 TODAY!
When the school’s protection against evil is compromised, everyone is in danger. That’s because hidden in the academy is an artifact capable of plunging the world into darkness. If Dracula finds it, he’ll conquer the world unhindered by daylight. Bram must stop him, but did he put the school in danger in the first place?
Click here to read Monster Problems 2!
DON’T MISS EPIC ZERO!
Growing up in a superhero family is cool, unless you’re powerless…
**Gold Medal Winner - Readers’ Favorite Book Awards**
Epic Zero: Tales of a Not-So-Super 6th Grader is the first book in a hilarious, action-packed series that will entertain kids, middle school students, and adults!
Click here to read Epic Zero!
YOU CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE
Calling all monsters! I need your help to get Monster Problems in front of more readers.
Reviews are extremely helpful in getting attention for my books. I wish I had the marketing muscle of the major publishers, but instead I have something far more valuable, loyal readers just like you! Your generosity in providing an honest review will help bring this book to the attention of more readers.
So, if you’ve enjoyed this book, I would be very grateful if you could click here to leave a quick review on the book’s Amazon page.
Thanks for your support!
R.L. Ullman
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
R.L. Ullman is the bestselling author of the award-winning EPIC ZERO series and the award-winning MONSTER PROBLEMS series. He creates fun, engaging page-turners that captivate the imaginations of kids and adults alike. His original, relatable characters face adventure and adversity that bring out their inner strengths. He's frequently distracted thinking up new stories, and once got lost in his own neighborhood. You can learn more about what R.L. is up to at rlullman.com, and if you see him wandering around your street please point him in the right direction home.
For news, updates, and free stuff, please sign up for the Epic Newsflash at rlullman.com.
***
As always, I would like to thank my Supernatural wife, Lynn, and my freakishly creative kids, Matthew and Olivia.
Monster Problems
Copyright © 2018 by R.L. Ullman.
All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
Cover design by Yusup Mediyan
All character images created with heromachine.com.
Published by But That’s Another Story… Press
Ridgefield, CT
Printed in the United States of America.
First Printing, 2018.
ISBN: 978-0-9984129-2-4
Library of Congress Control Number: 2018905598
To Esther and Lillian,
thanks for looking out for me
