A review by thaliareads
Only a Monster by Vanessa Len

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I loved the concept and the premise of the book. The entire lore and development of monsters was very well done and I found it incredibly interesting. 

I enjoyed the majority of the plot with the exception of the ending. While I understand why it had to end the way it did, the whole ending just felt off. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death and Torture

Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Violence, Confinement, Blood, Kidnapping, and Death of parent

The book does start with the death of everyone Joan cares about, and leaving her injured. We also find out that Nick does have a tragic origin story involving the death of his parents and the corresponding torture he endured. Finally, on their mission the group does encounter the location where a friend of theirs had been held after essentially being kidnapped.