Name: ONLY A MONSTER.
Rating: 4.015060240963855 (83 reviews)
ISBN: 9780063024649

VANESSA. LEN

ONLY A MONSTER.

Caroline Clutterbuck Kapulkin

Beth Bartholomew

Liz Griffin

"Wherever you were,” she said, "I wanted to be there too. You were like the sun. I was always turning toward you."

Megan BV

“You’re a hero and I’m a monster,” she whispered. “There’s only one way that story ever ends.”

fc ♡

"Traveling to other times is your birthright, Joan,” Aaron said. “It’s in your blood. You’ve been stuck here a long time, but you don’t have to be"

As she turned, a familiar voice drawled: “Well, look at you. Selling stolen goods like a true Hunt.” 

Aaron was standing by the table, arms folded casually. But his hair was wet and dark like it had been last night after his shower. Had he run out here looking for her?

What the—? Joan mouthed at him. What was he going to do with a cushion? Smother the intruder? 

Aaron mimed an I don’t know. He looked around for something to replace it with.

There wasn’t going to be a happy ending, she reminded herself. She was a monster and he was a hero. Everyone knew how that story ended. 

How do you stand remembering when no one else does?

Vanessa Len

The sweeping romance of Passenger meets the dark fantasy edge of This Savage Song in this stunning contemporary fantasy debut from Vanessa Len, where the line between monster and hero is razor thin. Don’t forget the rule. No one can know what you are. What we are. You must never tell anyone about monsters. Joan has just learned the truth: her family are monsters, with terrifying, hidden powers. And the cute boy at work isn’t just a boy: he’s a legendary monster slayer, who will do anything to destroy her family. To save herself and her family, Joan will have to do what she fears most: embrace her own monstrousness. Because in this story…she is not the hero. Dive deep into the world of Only a Monster: hidden worlds dwell in the shadows, beautiful monsters with untold powers walk among humans, and secrets are the most powerful weapon of all.

Only a Monster

Steph

I’m such a sucker for the fated love trope, and this book delivered. I’m still emotionally wrecked from those last two chapters, they were so intense. The author really hit us with the “are they lovers? worse” energy, and I ate it up. It wasn’t just romantic tension; it was yearning, destiny, heartbreak… all of it, all at once. Now, I usually run from love triangles, but this one? This one had me fully torn. Both love interests were written with so much care and depth that I couldn’t even decide who to root for. They each brought out different sides of her, and honestly, neither option felt like the wrong one. That’s rare and so, so satisfying. As a YA fantasy, this was solid. It wrestles with the classic good vs evil narrative, but adds nuance. The author asks the hard questions. What does it really mean to be a hero? Is it still heroism if blood is spilled in the process? Where’s the line between monster and martyr? I'm just so relieved I read it now—because waiting for book 2 after that ending would've been actual torture.

In every story there is a hero and a monster. It should have been the perfect summer. Sent to stay with her late mother's eccentric family in London, sixteen-year-old Joan is determined to enjoy herself. She loves her nerdy job at the historic Holland House, and when her super cute co-worker Nick asks her on a date, it feels like everything is falling into place. Then a Good Samaritan attempt gone wrong sends Joan spinning through time, and her life quickly begins to unravel. Her family aren't just eccentric: they're monsters, with terrifying, hidden powers.And Nick isn't just a cute boy: he's a legendary monster slayer, who will do anything to bring them down. As she battles Nick, Joan is forced to work with the beautiful and ruthless Aaron Oliver, heir to a monster family that hates her own. She'll have to embrace her own monstrousness if she is to save herself, and her family. Because in this story . . . . . . she is not the hero.

Something about a fantasy book with time traveling never gets old. The concept and theme somehow is still original and beautiful.

My girl Joan has my heart. She went through hell and back and still is a kind, loving teen. The end was anticipated & painfull. 

Honestly haven't enjoyed reading in a while like with this book. (Ofc there has to be a blond Aaron.)

Hard to sleep - I miss you, I'm sorry - Felt good about you by Gracie Abrams

Nina May

Something about a fantasy book with time traveling never gets old. The concept and theme somehow is still original and beautiful.

My girl Joan has my heart. She went through hell and back and still is a kind, loving teen. The end was anticipated & painfull. 

Honestly haven't enjoyed reading in a while like with this book. (Ofc there has to be a blond Aaron.)

Songs:

Hard to sleep - I miss you, I'm sorry - Felt good about you by Gracie Abrams

At first I was close to putting the book down and moving onto something else. But with a bit of a push it began to pick up a bit and after that I was hooked. 

I'm not a huge fan of the way she writes this book but the story is really good. I loved the characters and to me they felt real.

Would i read this again? 50/50, I would probably read parts of it but probably not the whole thing.

Overall, the story was good! I loved the characters and how joan doesnt just sit back and watch things happen, she is an active and strong female character. And the way the story progresses.

Phoebe Angus

At first I was close to putting the book down and moving onto something else. But with a bit of a push it began to pick up a bit and after that I was hooked. 

I'm not a huge fan of the way she writes this book but the story is really good. I loved the characters and to me they felt real.

Would i read this again? 50/50, I would probably read parts of it but probably not the whole thing.

Overall, the story was good! I loved the characters and how joan doesnt just sit back and watch things happen, she is an active and strong female character. And the way the story progresses.

More a 3.75 

millena

after reading this for the second time I feel one hundred percent sure to confirm that if joanaaron are not endgame I’ll start a riot

Joan Chang-Hunt has no idea she's part monster until she's thrust into a battle between the boy she has a crush on and one of the most ruthless monster families of London. A brilliantly compelling YA fantasy from a dazzling new Australian talent. Don't forget the rule. No one can know what you are. What we are. You must never tell anyone about monsters. Only a monster would kill a hero. Right? Every family has its secrets, but the summer Joan Chang-Hunt goes to stay with her Gran in London, she learns hers is bigger than most. The Hunts are one of twelve families in London with terrifying, hidden powers. Joan is half-monster. And what's more, her summer crush Nick isn't just a cute boy - he's hiding a secret as well; a secret that places Joan in terrible danger. When the monsters of London are attacked, Joan is forced on the run with the ruthless Aaron Oliver, heir to a monster family who are sworn enemies of her own. Joan is drawn deeper into a world that simmers with hostilities, alliances and secrets. And her rare and dangerous power means she's being hunted. She'll have to embrace her own monstrousness if she is to save herself, and her family. Because in this story . . . . . . she is not the hero. 'Vanessa Len's world of monsters and heroes is like nothing I've ever read, utterly fresh and unique. It's a page-turning YA adventure with breathtaking twists and a rich, dangerous setting. I loved the girl antihero at its centre, and the depth of the themes that it tackles. But most of all I love the way it turns the genre on its head. Put down everything and read it!' - CS Pacat 'Only a Monster is captivating and unique and - dare I say it - utterly monstrous (in the best possible way). This engrossing debut will have YA readers longing to steal time just so they can devour the pages over and over again!' - Lynette Noni

reminded me of YA novels from when I was 14 but in a good way! it was a fun silly goofy read can’t wait for the sequel

fris🐝

akynn 

nuélle

[5/5] 
I finished this book last night and that's all I have been thinking all day 
this book was amazing and I'm sorry to twitter moots in advance cause I'm going to be talking abt it non stop until the next book comes out 

love love loveeee all the characters so much and yeah aaron oliver is my soulmate cause I too would like to avoid getting myself involved in problems and lead a quiet life while reading books and eating👩‍❤️‍💋‍👩

Out of all the things that surprised me about this novel, it is perhaps the sense of nostalgia that gripped me the most. Nowadays we write YA differently, with the impact of Wattpad and fanfiction and then also marketing and marketability permeating the sphere. In this context, it feels refreshing to read something that instead channels a lot more of what made YA series like "The Mortal Instruments" (ironically, also a fanfic but the writing was not fanfic-y) incredibly popular and a lot of fun to read.

"Only a Monster" is well written and well paced (perhaps the lack of different POVs here helps to keep it focused); it is creative enough and entirely immersive. The dynamic between Joan and her love interests is good; there is chemistry enough to make tried tropes feel good on page. It truly felt like a throwback, to me, to both "The Mortal Instruments" and the "Rubinrot" series.

(But also funny how, much like "Tokyo Ghoul", it teaches us not to go on nerd dates, they will ruin our lives.)

Out of all the things that surprised me about this novel, it is perhaps the sense of nostalgia that gripped me the most. Nowadays we write YA differently, with the impact of Wattpad and fanfiction and then also marketing and marketability permeating the sphere. In this context, it feels refreshing to read something that instead channels a lot more of what made YA series like "The Mortal Instruments" (ironically, also a fanfic but the writing was not fanfic-y) incredibly popular and a lot of fun to read.

"Only a Monster" is well written and well paced (perhaps the lack of different POVs here helps to keep it focused); it is creative enough and entirely immersive. The dynamic between Joan and her love interests is good; there is chemistry enough to make tried tropes feel good on page. It truly felt like a throwback, to me, to both "The Mortal Instruments" and the "Rubinrot" series.

(But also funny how, much like "Tokyo Ghoul", it teaches us not to go on nerd dates, they will ruin our lives.)

Nina Verhaaff 

I enjoyed it so much. It’s been a long time but with this one I got lost in a book again and forgot about the world around me.

Dominika

Wow… this was… a masterpiece. Oh my god. The ending… killed me in more than one ways. The PLOT TWIST!!! It was a little slow at the end, but is sooo worth it. I cannot, how am I supposed to function after this?!?! I NEED THE SECOND BOOK. Im so unwell. The story, the characters… everything is AMAZING in this book.

Ayça

3.5

This is a really great book so far. The only problem i have is that its 3th pov. I hate that. Other then that its great. I'm loving it and can't wait to finish the book and get the second one. I love the banter that Joan has with Aaron. Its an enemies to lovers hopefully. I had never seen this book before and when i saw it for the first time and read the blurb, i got really interested ( also bc the name Aaron was mentioned. ) The forced proximity is great and i cant wait to finish this.

aleeya 

Firstly, I can say that this book is my fav in the fantasy genre. It's been awhile i enjoyed reading the fantasy genre with all my heart and experience. Well, this book is not a heavy fantasy book; it is more young adult fiction, but what I like most about it is its CONCEPT. Usually we hear in fairytales that the main character is a hero while the sidekick is a villain/monster, but not in this book. It's totally turned around, and omaigodd I can feel both character dilemmas; should they become a hero or a monster? The author writes very well about the settings, characters, conflicts, and suspense that almost bring me into their world. OH there is one more thing I love to admire; TRAGIC ROMANCE. AHAHAHAHA I love it cuz the conflict uwuuuu I know its sound sad but its more spice up the story and ala romeo julliet gitu. But there is also another male character, and I’m rooting for them to start a new love story in the next book. I hope he still exists in it AHAHAHAHA. I recommend it for those who want light fantasy and a page-turner story. Look at my tabs; it's already told that I love it so much <3

Kelsey Joëlle

Ariel

3.5 or 3.6 /5
I liked the overall story and found the ending good but didnt LOVE it enough to givve it 4 stars.
A little disappoint with how the romance plotline ended but i understand why it is what it is.

Gillian Rose

4.5 stars

I ADORED this book. It was such a delight to pick up every night. I got a little worried at the beginning since something major happened right away, but she managed to keep the momentum and weave a very interesting story. The best part was the way she took on typical tropes and turned them on their heads so it felt a little fresh. Guh, I need the second book now.

Courtney

4. Only a Monster is a unique and captivating start to the Monsters trilogy. It's a story where you are rooting for the monsters over the humans and each chapter you become more invested in the characters and their journey. 

Joan, a 16 year old half-human girl, is unaware of the secret her family has hidden from her her entire life until an accident occurs where she blacks out, loosing hours of her day. Her gran then acknowledges that, Joan in fact is a monster with the ability to travel through time. However, Joan struggles with this new knowledge as she pines for the date she missed with Nick, the boy she's had a crush. When Joan goes to the historic Holland House, where she volunteers with Nick, to apologize for missing their date, everything changes. 

The Olivers, a monster family and enemies to the Hunt family, surround the house and intend to kill both her and Nick. However, when Nick strikes back with his team and kills the monsters, Joan realizes that there are far worst things than monsters. 

Joan pairs up with Aaron, the youngest Oliver, and begins her journey to right what happened at Holland house that night. Along the way, Joan picks up two more allies and the 4 of them (and Frankie, the dog), travel back in time to stop the massacre and rewrite the timeline. 

How far will Joan go to save her fellow monsters? Will she put herself into harms way to confront the boy she loves? How will she use her secret power? Will she be able to stop the massacre and bring back her family? 

I loved the world build and character development in this story. I am looking forward to meeting more of the monsters and seeing if Joan gets a happily ever after. I also love that Nick isn't the only love interest and we get a glimpse at a budding romance between Aaron and Joan. The twist at the end was amazing and I definitely did not see it coming.

marilynn

ive been looking and searching high and low for a good time traveling book and this provided everything i needed i read this in 2 sittings it's been a while since i had this much fun reading a book. im still reeling from the ending like that book had ANGST

Such a different book but I really enjoyed it. Definitely worth reading. 

Tina Abbott

3.5*

I LOVED the story it was just the writing which put me off a bit but still good book

Wow. I absolutely loved this. The world building is great, the story is fast paced and I could not put it down. It’s wibbly-wobbly timey-wimey and full of monsters and stories of heroes. I very much want more of the story and the characters. 

Christine Bruce

A YA fantasy with a twist. A hero kills monsters, stealing life is what monsters do. But what happens when the monster and the hero fall in love?

An interesting take on many tropes. The kind of morally gray characters I love and the kind of story that makes me NEED to know every aspect of the world it takes place in. As someone who fully understands the pull Joan feels to want to discover more history, the temptation to be able to look first hand at sites and sounds long forgotten. 

There’s not a single character who is innocent in any capacity. Every character is a potential favorite. Every single one is complex and delightful. The world is well built and vibrant. 

💭 
8/10
Complex characters 
Top notch world building 
A charming second lead that I’m rooting for
History and time travel

Twisty and tense, Only a Monster sets a girl’s love for her family against the whims of the True Timeline!

If you like the time-travel wildness of Umbrella Academy or the concept of Variants in the MCU, this one might be for you! I was mildly confused at times, but so was the protagonist, and more is revealed in the third act. Also wasn’t thoroughly convinced by either prospect in the love triangle (but romance altogether is often a hit or MISS for me).

Twisty and tense, Only a Monster sets a girl’s love for her family against the whims of the True Timeline!

If you like the time-travel wildness of Umbrella Academy or the concept of Variants in the MCU, this one might be for you! I was mildly confused at times, but so was the protagonist, and more is revealed in the third act. Also wasn’t thoroughly convinced by either prospect in the love triangle (but romance altogether is often a hit or MISS for me).

This book takes the idea of heroes and villains to another level. It proves that who tells the story matters

ONLY A MONSTER.

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