The sequel to Vanessa Len’s vividly immersive YA fantasy, Only A Monster, was a high stakes and plot twisty delight that I literally couldn’t put down! 

After THAT phenomenal ending in Only A Monster, I had no idea which direction Len was gonna go with the plot. But I definitely hadn’t planned on seeing (former antagonist) Nick again. 

In a slightly reversed character role than before, Nick (who remembers nothing from the previous timeline) teams up with Joan (who remembers everything) to save their current timeline from total devastation. And I kinda loved that she’s just as on edge as I was. 

The tension and suspense achieved in their scenes together, and the attraction they can’t seem to resist was exquisite! As was the complicated web of betrayal that ties them to each other. I must admit though, that I still have a soft spot for Aaron, as (despite his less than friendly reintroduction) his chemistry with Joan still intrigues me.

But the best part had to be Joan’s character growth, which explores a slightly more assertive side of Joan that only made her more fascinating. She’s still torn between her human and monster sides though, and we get a lot of complexity from her inner thoughts as she explores further into the monster world (and her own place within it.) 

I don’t want to say anything else, as I don’t want to spoil the plot, but I will say Vanessa Len had me once again questioning what it truly means to be a hero (or a monster.) 

Overall, a pacy and phenomenally plot twisty (time travel filled) YA fantasy that I absolutely enjoyed. With only one book left in the series (Once A Villain), I’m already counting down the days until it’s released.