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Only a Monster

The captivating YA contemporary fantasy debut

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Only a Monster

By: Vanessa Len
Narrated by: Vera Chok
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About this listen

 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.

(P) 2022 Hodder & Stoughton Limited©2022 The Trustee for Vanessa Len Trust Fantasy Science Fiction & Fantasy Fiction

Critic reviews

Mind-bending, heart-wrenching, and unputdownable! Don't feel bad if this book tricks you into rooting for the monster instead of the hero. Vanessa Len has written a masterful debut novel - I loved the time-travel, the star crossed romance, and the monsters
Darkly delicious fun. If you've been looking for your newest YA urban fantasy obsession - you've found it
What a fantastic, immersive read - I couldn't stop turning the page! An exciting, original and complex fantasy about monsters, heroes, and all the people in between
Vanessa Len's 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!
Vanessa Len's world of monsters and heroes is like nothing I've ever read, utterly fresh and unique
With a pace that will leave you breathless, Only a Monster introduces a captivating new voice in fantasy with a dynamic story that blurs the lines between hero and monster
An absolute page-turner. Only a Monster paints another vivid world inside the one we know, and uses a deft hand to bring it utterly alive. Vanessa Len blurs the age-old lines between good or evil, hero or monster, in the most captivating way
A fabulous start to a phenomenal new series that reminded me of why I first fell in love with YA. Fast-paced and full of clever, monstrous characters you can't help but root for, Only A Monster is a book that should be on everyone's TBR. I'm already dying to get my hands on the sequel to find out what happens next!
Only A Monster is a wonderfully clever and intriguing take on the classic tale of hero versus monster. Vanessa Len has crafted a rich and immersive world filled with unique magic, thrilling action, and a heart-wrenching star-crossed romance. A marvellous and twisty debut that will pull you in right from the start!
Exquisitely crafted, this riveting read opens up a multitude of dimensions and turns the notion of heroes and monsters on its head. Vanessa Len has woven a spellbinding tale laced with mystery, magic, humor, and heartbreak
A thoughtful, well-constructed tale... a thumpingly enjoyable read
Readers who enjoyed epic tales like The Nightingale Floor and its sequels by Lian Hearn will appreciate this book
When Joan discovers her family's monstrous secret she realises she needs to find her own inner demon to protect them in this brilliantly twisty and original fantasy thriller
This novel perfectly encapsulated a doomed teenage love and I think it's one of the best young adult novels to hit the market this year
All stars
Most relevant
This was a mixed bag for me. It started off well and had a really interesting concept then it tailed off and picked up again by half way and then I was fully invested, so much so I actually had to do a double take when I got to the epilogue. I couldn't believe it was over. I really hope we are getting a sequel. It can't end like that. I feel like there is so much more to experience from this story. I really liked the whole star crossed lovers aspect of the story. It played along quietly in the background leaving space for the main story to play out. I can't make my mind up if I'm team Nick or team Aaron. This is a story which will definitely keep you on your toes. Full of twists and turn and intrigue. Can't wait for more

Mixed bag

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