Only a Monster: Dark Fantasy Meets Contemporary in this YA Monster Tale (Only a Monster, 1)

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.

ADD TO MY SHELVES

Recommend book

BUY THE BOOK

Published Feb 22, 2022

416 pages

Average rating: 7.64

22 RATINGS

Community Reviews

Write a review...

Ashli Hutchison

Nov 19, 2024

6/10 stars

Editing my review because I have found out it is a series!

Ten out of ten would recommend! I love that this book explored the grey areas when it comes to morals and good and evil (heroes and monsters) I cannot wait for the next installment!

Mrs. Awake Taco

Nov 13, 2024

10/10 stars

This book was an unexpected delight! The magic felt fresh, the characters were engaging and believable, the plot interesting. Every time I sat down to read this, 75 pages passed in a blip. I especially appreciate how you could read this alone. I can see where she would take a sequel, but you don’t have to have one and, in a world where a stand-alone is hard to find, I appreciate that.

Shahna

Jul 18, 2024

6/10 stars

Time travel is confusing.
But I neeeeeeeed to knooooooow what’s gunna happennnnnnn.

Luna Atmosphere

Jan 12, 2024

6/10 stars

Pretty good! I got a little bored sometimes. I also HATE time travel. My rule is NEVER MESS WITH TIME TRAVEL because everything always goes wrong and it’s sad, so when I figured out this book was about time travel (which was unclear from the synopsis, tbh I had no idea what this book was about) I was a little wary. I really liked the ending. It’s tragic and sad (I’m going through some AoT trauma right now so DONT EVEN TALK TO ME ABOUT TIMELINES). It’s pretty good though, solid characters, I’m traumatized for them, I just wish the pacing was a little less weird (and the magic system is odd). Still enjoyed tho

Fablehaven

Mar 31, 2023

8/10 stars

I liked the story and I love that it didn’t end on a cliff hanger. It could really stand alone. I don’t know that I need another book.