ARC Review: Only a Monster (Monsters #1) by Vanessa Len
10:00
Series: Monsters #1
Author: Vanessa Len
Published February 17th 2022 by Hodder & Stoughton
Goodreads Synopsis
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.
Goodreads
Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
After her mother's death, Joan hasn't spent much time with her maternal family, so she relishes the summers spent with her grandmother and cousins. At sixteen, she has no real concerns, apart from her crush on Nick, the handsome volunteer she works with at the local museum. So when she loses time while on her way to a date, she's understandably worried, and soon the truth is revealed: she and her family are monsters, one of a number of hidden families who can travel in time, but only by stealing time from humans. And there are those out to destroy the monster world, including Nick, who happens to be a legendary hunter. Nick soon discovers the truth about Joan, and after a horrific massacre, she has to work with Aaron Oliver, someone who hates her family, but understands the gravity of the situation they're in - particularly when all of the records indicate no massacre ever took place. Can they find the truth, and will Joan be able to embrace her monster side, and relish in the fact that she's not a hero?
I just loved this book! Honestly, I had no clue what to expect when I started it, but within minutes, I knew I would love it. The characters, from Joan, to Aaron, to her grandma, and even Nick, were so fantastic, that it was a joy to see the ups, and the downs, that occurred throughout the book. Also, being a history nerd, the time travelling aspect was definitely a bonus, but my main love was the plot. Joan discovers so much about herself, in a short amount of time, and for most people, she would crumble, but not her. No, Joan was strong, and she dealt with everything life had to throw her like a pro. She has to juggle the loss of most of her family, with the knowledge she's a monster, as well as that her crush wants to kill her and everyone she cares about. There's so many twists and turns, I was at the edge of my seat for so much of the book. One thing that some people might not be keen on is that there's a love triangle, and I definitely did have one favourite over the others. The ending of this book is one of the biggest cliffhangers I've ever read, and I'm desperate for book 2! Such a fantastic debut - go get yourself a copy!
Dates Read:
January 8-9 2022
Rating
4 Stars
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