I didn’t finish “Only A Monster” despite how awesome the concept seemed. In was too bored in the beginning chapters and nothing grabbed my attention. Also, the writing doesn’t feel natural, but forced.
In the first chapter there’s a lot of backstory and telling. I need more intrigue, like in the prologue when it’s obvious she and her family are secret monsters of sorts.
There’s too many people being introduced in the first scene: Joan, Gran, Nick, Bertie, Ruth, Uncle Gus, Aunt Ada, Ellie, Mr. Solt. This feels too chaotic.
I liked the world building but the characters felt too flat for too long. I didn’t make it through the whole story. Someone please help me out of my month long book slump.
I liked the premise tho, here’s the blurb if you’re interested:
The sweeping romance of Passenger meets the dark fantasy edge of This Savage Song in this stunning contemporary fantasy debut from Vanessa Len, where the line between monster and hero is razor thin.
Don’t forget the rule. No one can know what you are. What we are. You must never tell anyone about monsters.
Joan has just learned the truth: her family are monsters, with terrifying, hidden powers.
And the cute boy at work isn’t just a boy: he’s 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.
Cassie Swindon 