Books
Only a Monster
Joan Chang-Hunt has just learned the truth: her family are monsters, with terrifying, hidden powers.
And there is 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.
Never a Hero
The sequel to the bestselling Only a Monster - where the line between monster and hero is razor thin.
In this thrilling continuation, Joan must re-gather her allies to face an old enemy - as a secret past threatens to unravel everyone's future.
ABOUT
Vanessa Len
Vanessa Len is an internationally bestselling Australian author and educational editor. Her first novel, Only a Monster, won the 2022 Aurealis Award for Best Young Adult Novel, and has been translated into nine languages. The sequel, Never a Hero, is out now.
Praise for Only a Monster
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“It shocked me and broke my heart. Intensely satisfying.”
The Saturday Paper
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“One of the most powerful debuts of the year … incredibly addictive.”
– The Canberra Weekly
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“[Len’s] plotting is rich and suspenseful … [it] builds through enthralling set pieces to an unforeseen and astounding high-stakes climax.”
– The Weekend Australian
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“The explosive ending will have you staring at the ceiling for days.”
– Pedestrian
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Hafsah Faizal, NYT bestselling author of We Hunt the Flame
“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”
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Stephanie Garber, NYT bestselling author of the Caraval series
“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.”
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Chloe Gong, NYT bestselling author of These Violent Delights
“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.”
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Adalyn Grace, New York Times bestselling author of All the Stars and Teeth
“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!”
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Cindy Lin, author of The Twelve
“Exquisitely crafted, this riveting read opens up a multitude of dimensions and turns the notion of heroes and monsters on its head. Vanessa Len has woven a spellbinding tale laced with mystery, magic, humor, and heartbreak.”
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Natasha Ngan, NYT bestselling author of Girls of Paper and Fire
“Darkly delicious fun. If you’ve been looking for your newest YA urban fantasy obsession – you’ve found it.”
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Lynette Noni, #1 bestselling author of The Prison Healer trilogy
“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!”
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Naomi Novik, NYT bestselling author of the Scholomance series
“What a fantastic, immersive read – I couldn’t stop turning the page! An exciting, original and complex fantasy about monsters, heroes, and all the people in between.”
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CS Pacat, NYT bestselling author of Dark Rise
“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!”
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June CL Tan, author of Jade Fire Gold
“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!”