This sequel to the contemporary fantasy Only a Monster will take Joan deeper into the monster world, where treacherous secrets and even more danger await.

Despite all of the odds, Joan achieved the impossible. She reset the timeline, saved her family – and destroyed the hero, Nick.

But her success has come at a terrible cost.

She alone remembers what happened. Now, Aaron, her hard-won friend – and maybe more – is an enemy, trying to kill her. And Nick, the boy she loved, is a stranger who doesn’t even know her name. Only Joan remembers that there is a ruthless and dangerous enemy still out there.

When a deadly attack forces Joan back into the monster world as a fugitive, she finds herself on the run with Nick – as Aaron closes in.

As the danger rises – and Nick gets perilously closer to discovering the truth of what Joan did to him – Joan discovers a secret of her own. One that threatens everyone she loves.

Torn between love and family and monstrous choices, Joan must find a way to re-gather her old allies to face down the deadliest of enemies, and to save the timeline itself.

Vanessa Len’s stunning Only a Monster trilogy continues with this second instalment, a thrilling journey where a secret past threatens to unravel everyone's future.

Published
August 29, 2023
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Only a Monster

The series

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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.

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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.

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