Only a Monster · #1 / 3
Only 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.
But she soon learns the truth. 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.
The series
In Only a Monster, Vanessa Len invites readers into a world where the line between hero and villain is blurred, and the true nature of monsters may not be what we expect. This gripping series dives into the psychological complexity of its characters, where choices are never simple, and the consequences of those choices echo throughout the story.
Read full series description
The narrative revolves around a young woman grappling with the dark forces at work within herself and those around her. As she uncovers truths about her past, the series unravels a world filled with forbidden magic, morally grey characters, and the ever-present tension between power and control. The exploration of identity, revenge, and destiny lies at the core of Monsters, creating a story that isn’t just about external battles, but the internal struggles we all face when confronting our own demons.
Len’s writing style is atmospheric and compelling, drawing readers into a world that is as rich and nuanced as it is dark. From shadowy city streets to the deep recesses of a character’s troubled mind, every scene feels meticulously crafted to immerse readers in a tension-filled journey. The characters themselves are far from perfect, but it’s their flaws and moral dilemmas that make them so intriguing. The relationships they build—or tear apart—serve as the emotional backbone of the series, providing a depth that makes each twist feel all the more impactful.
Monsters doesn't shy away from the hard truths of its genre. The stakes are high, the world is unforgiving, and as the characters navigate their complex fates, they must confront the monsters inside—and outside—of themselves. It’s a hauntingly beautiful exploration of what it means to be human in a world where nothing is truly black and white.
If you’re drawn to dark fantasy filled with suspense, intricate character development, and high-stakes action, Monsters offers a thrilling and thought-provoking journey that will stay with you long after the final page.
Be the first reviewer
Sign in and write the first reader review.
