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Only a Monster
by Len, Vanessa
Joan Liu thinks she is just a normal teenager working a summer job in London, until a sudden, terrifying revelation flips her reality upside down. She discovers her family are monsters, people capable of stealing time from others to fuel their own supernatural abilities. Worse, the boy she has a crush on is actually a legendary monster hunter tasked with eradicating her kind. The story moves at a breakneck speed, forcing Joan to abandon her mundane life and navigate a cutthroat world where time is a weapon and alliances are dangerously fragile. It is a dark, morally gray exploration of what happens when you realize you might be the villain in someone else's story. If you enjoy high-stakes fantasy that challenges your loyalties and keeps you guessing about who to trust, this will keep you up all night.
10 Books similar to 'Only a Monster'
When you finish the final page of Only a Monster, you will likely crave more stories that balance high-stakes magic with the heavy burden of moral ambiguity. We selected these ten titles because they share that same restless energy and fascination with hidden worlds operating just beneath the surface of our own. Whether it is the intricate time-travel mechanics of Passenger, the cutthroat political maneuvering found in The Cruel Prince, or the ensemble-driven danger of The Raven Boys, these books mirror the way Joan must constantly recalibrate her understanding of power, family, and survival.
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by V.E. Schwab
Like Only a Monster, this book features a protagonist navigating parallel worlds and complex magical systems where the line between hero and villain is constantly blurred. The high-stakes adventure and focus on the consequences of using magic will resonate deeply with fans of Joan's journey.
by Tracy Deonn
This story blends contemporary settings with a secret, ancient magical society, much like the hidden monster world in Vanessa Len's novel. It features a strong female lead uncovering family secrets while dealing with intense, life-altering magical threats.
Fans of the ensemble dynamics and the sense of impending danger in Only a Monster will appreciate this atmospheric tale of teenagers drawn into a quest involving ancient magic. It captures that same feeling of being an outsider suddenly thrust into a world of hidden, dangerous wonders.
This book is a perfect match for readers who enjoyed the time-travel mechanics and the desperate race against time in Only a Monster. It follows a girl who discovers her true heritage and must navigate different eras to survive, mirroring Joan's struggle.
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If you loved the exploration of power and the moral dilemmas faced by the protagonist in Only a Monster, you will enjoy this story of a girl who discovers a unique power that makes her a target. It features a similar blend of political intrigue and high-stakes fantasy.
by Chloe Gong
This retelling features a fierce rivalry and a forbidden romance that echoes the tension between Joan and Nick in Only a Monster. The atmospheric setting and the constant threat of violence create a similar sense of urgency and moral complexity.
Like Only a Monster, this book features a group of characters with specific, dangerous abilities working within a hidden society. The focus on heist-like pacing and the complex, shifting loyalties among the cast will feel very familiar to fans of Len's writing.
This novel features dual timelines and heroines whose choices have catastrophic consequences, mirroring the time-traveling stakes of Only a Monster. It deals heavily with the idea of 'monsters' and the cost of power, making it a thematic companion piece.
by Holly Black
For readers who enjoyed the 'monster' aspect and the feeling of being an outsider in a world that wants you dead, this is a must-read. It perfectly captures the cutthroat politics and the blurred lines between who is the hero and who is the villain.
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As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.