Monsters Books in Order By Vanessa Len
If people belonged together in the true timeline, then our timeline tries to repair itself by bringing them together.”
― Vanessa Len, Only a Monster
- Only a Monster (2022)
- Never a Hero (2023)
- Untitled Monsters Book Three (?)
What is Monsters about?
Monsters is the debut book by Vanessa Len. The story follows Joan, a sixteen year old girl, living in London with her grandma and cousins where she begins to learn that there is more to her heritage than her British/Malaysian ancestry. She is a Monster, and where there are monsters, there are heroes.
Monsters have the ability to travel in time, but there is only one way that they are able to do this, they have to steal this time from someone. But what happens when you begin to feel something for someone who turns out to be a sworn enemy of your family?
Who is Vanessa Len?
Vanessa Len is an Australian author of YA/fantasy novels. She is from Chinese-Malaysian and Maltese heritage, but is currently living in Melbourne, Australia. Vanessa Len is also an educational editor that has worked on everything, which includes subjects such as language learning programs to STEM resources. Even professional learning for teachers for another example! She currently has one novel out, Only a Monster, which has been translated into nine different languages so far!
“You’re a hero and I’m a monster”, she whispered. “There’s only one way that story ever ends.”
― Vanessa Len, Only a Monster
The Order
WARNING: There may be spoilers for some of the books mentioned. These are taken from the official descriptions but can sometimes spoil parts of previous books. So please be careful!
1. Only a Monster (2022) 
Monsters #1
102,335 words, 356 pages, 25 chapters, 6hrs 50mins to read.
4,093 average words per chapter, 14.2 average pages per chapter
Published by HarperCollins
3.89 out of 5 on Goodreads
It should have been the perfect summer. Sent to stay with her late mother’s eccentric family in London, sixteen-year-old Joan is determined to enjoy herself. She loves her nerdy job at the historic Holland House, and when her super cute co-worker Nick asks her on a date, it feels like everything is falling into place.
But she soon learns the truth. Her family aren’t just eccentric: they’re monsters, with terrifying, hidden powers. And Nick isn’t just a cute boy: he’s a legendary monster slayer, who will do anything to bring them down.
As she battles Nick, Joan is forced to work with the beautiful and ruthless Aaron Oliver, heir to a monster family that hates her own. She’ll have to embrace her own monstrousness if she is to save herself, and her family. Because in this story . . .
2. Never a Hero (Exp. 2023) 
Monster #2
142,550 words, 496 pages, 9hrs 30mins to read.
Published by HarperCollins
4.38 out of 5 on Goodreads
Despite all of the odds, Joan achieved the impossible. She reset the timeline, saved her family – and destroyed the hero, Nick.
But her success has come at a terrible cost.
She alone remembers what happened. Now, Aaron, her hard-won friend – and maybe more – is an enemy, trying to kill her. And Nick, the boy she loved, is a stranger who doesn’t even know her name. Only Joan remembers that there is a ruthless and dangerous enemy still out there.
When a deadly attack forces Joan back into the monster world as a fugitive, she finds herself on the run with Nick – as Aaron closes in.
As the danger rises – and Nick gets perilously closer to discovering the truth of what Joan did to him – Joan discovers a secret of her own. One that threatens everyone she loves.
Torn between love and family and monstrous choices, Joan must find a way to re-gather her old allies to face down the deadliest of enemies, and to save the timeline itself.
Untitled Monsters Book Three (Exp. 2024)
Monster #3
Published by HarperCollins
5 out of 5 on Goodreads
Not much is known about the third instalment of Monsters at this time.
If you need to run, always imply that you’ll return.”
― Vanessa Len, Only a Monster
Overall
Monsters is a fun read, with interesting twists and character dynamics and even love interests. While there is currently only one book out now, it won’t be long until the next one is out. So if you have not already jumped on the wagon, get on board before you are left behind what is the makings of a great YA series.
If you have enjoyed any of Vanessa Len’s work and want to learn more about her or any other of her work, then feel free to check out her website. And don’t forget to give Vanessa Len a follow on Instagram and Twitter!
Which one is your favourite or most looking forward to picking up next?
Let us know!
Happy reading!
Total Word Count in Monsters (and More!)
- Total words: 244,885 words
- Total pages: 852 pages
- Total chapters: 25 chapters (Only book 1)
- Total reading time: 16hrs 20mins
More of the same, but different:
For More of Anything:
Things to Note:
- Word count is an approximation.
- Amount of pages may differ due to different publications, font style and/or size etc.
- Time spent reading is generally an approximation based on the word count and the average reading time. The average reader will read 250 WPM (Words Per Minute).
- This is the original publisher of the books.
- The current Goodreads score at the time of writing.
- For more information on word lengths and what they mean, check out our handy guide here.
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