Joan Chang-Hunt has no idea she's part monster until she's thrust into a battle between the boy she has a crush on and one of the most ruthless monster families of London. A brilliantly compelling YA fantasy from a dazzling new Australian talent.
Don't forget the rule. No one can know what you are. What we are. You must never tell anyone about monsters.
Only a monster would kill a hero. Right?
Every family has its secrets, but the summer Joan Chang-Hunt goes to stay with her Gran in London, she learns hers is bigger than most. The Hunts are one of twelve families in London with terrifying, hidden powers.
Joan is half-monster. And what's more, her summer crush Nick isn't just a cute boy - he's hiding a secret as well; a secret that places Joan in terrible danger.
When the monsters of London are attacked, Joan is forced on the run with the ruthless Aaron Oliver, heir to a monster family who are sworn enemies of her own. Joan is drawn deeper into a world that simmers with hostilities, alliances and secrets. And her rare and dangerous power means she's being hunted. 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.
'Vanessa Len's world of monsters and heroes is like nothing I've ever read, utterly fresh and unique. It's a page-turning YA adventure with breathtaking twists and a rich, dangerous setting. I loved the girl antihero at its centre, and the depth of the themes that it tackles. But most of all I love the way it turns the genre on its head. Put down everything and read it!' - CS Pacat
'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!' - Lynette Noni
About the Author
Vanessa Len is an Australian author of Chinese-Malaysian and Maltese heritage. An educational editor, she has worked on everything from language learning programs to STEM resources, to professional learning for teachers. Vanessa is a graduate of the Clarion Workshop in San Diego, and she lives in Melbourne.
Industry Reviews
'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!' - Lynette Noni
'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.'- Chloe Gong, author of THESE VIOLENT DELIGHTS
'I thought I knew roughly what to expect. I was wrong. Len's story and characters never went where I anticipated, and when things did take more familiar roads, the path was filled with so many zigzags and back-turns that the familiar became unexpected and thrilling. It shocked me and broke my heart. Intensely satisfying.' - The Saturday Paper
'One of the most powerful debuts of the year. This awesome young adult fantasy book is incredibly addictive, and you will fall in love with its epic story and its morally grey characters. An exceptional read!' - The Canberra Weekly
'Len is an accomplished storyteller. Her plotting is rich and suspenseful with foreshadowing, twists and turns, and pacing that builds through enthralling set pieces to an unforeseen and astounding high-stakes climax.' - The Weekend Australian
'Only a Monster is a pacey, dark, compelling read. It's YA at its very best. I can't wait for the next book.' - The AU Review
'Monstrous fun; time-travelling, high-stakes enjoyment. A breakout author worth keeping your eye on.' - The Chronicle
'This read isn't like your regular YA fantasy romance books. The explosive ending will have you staring at the ceiling for days.' - Pedestrian
'An intriguing urban fantasy that is sure to appeal to fans of Sarah J Maas and Cassandra Clare. The world-building is impressive and will immerse the reader in a world of monsters. No doubt readers will be eagerly awaiting further additions to this proposed trilogy.' - Books & Publishing
'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.' - Stephanie Garber, author of the CARAVAL series
'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.' - Hafsah Faizal NYT bestselling author of WE HUNT THE FLAME + A TEMPEST OF TEA
'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!' - June CL Tan, author of JADE FIRE GOLD
'Darkly delicious fun. If you've been looking for your newest YA urban fantasy obsession - you've found it' Natasha Ngan, NYT bestselling author of GIRLS OF PAPER AND FIRE
'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!' Adalyn Grace, NYT bestselling author of ALL THE STARS AND TEETH
