A review by redlondonroamer
Only a Monster by Vanessa Len

slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.5

"you're dead" 

"Aren't we all" he said "somewhere on the timeline" 

(The .5 is only because I did enjoy it at a certain point and then, ultimately, let me back down)

I'm in the process of reading through my Fairyloot backlog. Up next is Only A Monster (when I was still subscribed to YA) and boy is this YA. I hated the whole "monster" and "hero" titles and thought they could be called something more creative. 

My issues with the book were mainly the characters, as I had no attachment to any of them and even throughout the book could care less if they succeeded with their goal of changing the timeline. 

Joan is so annoyingly naive. She's constantly told to tread lightly or not discuss things at all and then loudly and bluntly asks her questions (which are sometimes considered treasonous). 

Aaron fell flat because he was clearly just supposed to be the love interest Joan butts heads with and "they won't know they like each other until a specific moment" 

Nick. Murderer. Don't care about him at all. 

The idea of being able to steal time from humans was incredibly interesting but they lost me at Buckingham Palace when Joan is unsure if she's gotten enough time to which Aaron says that it doesn't matter. Joan running around the city trying to figure out how to change the timeline (while being incredibly annoying in doing so) combined with Aaron practically rolling his eyes in the background led me to pretty much skimming through the book. 

And I hate when books have such a convenient event happening despite saying it hasn't happened in centuries and there probably won't be another one .. for centuries. . but don't worry, this event is in 2 days. 

By the 64% mark I was just wanting this book to be over and done with and I was so glad when it was. The ending was so forgettable and I'm sure in 2 days I'll have forgotten all about this book.