Only a Monster by Vanessa Len

Title: Only a Monster

Author: Vanessa Len

Genre: Young Adult Sci-Fi Fantasy
Series: Only a Monster # 1

Hardcover, 416 pages 

Publication: February 22, 2022 by Harperteen

Source: I received a review copy in exchange for honest review.
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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 . . . . . . she is not the hero.

 

MY THOUGHTS

 

Only a Monster was my most highly anticipated novel of 2022. Monsters and time-travel, yes please! It had one of the best taglines I’ve heard in a long time. Yet it pains me to say this but it didn’t live up to my expectations.

The world was very much like ours except monsters were in the closet. And the term ‘Monster’ was used differently than what most people would equate with the word. In the novel, Monsters were people with unique powers inherent to their family house and they had the ability to steal time from humans. For example x- amount of minutes, hours or years stolen from humans equals the same amount of time a monster can use to travel into the past or future. Depending on which family a monster is from, they also had the ability to retrieve/hide objects in time, remember all times, freeze time, strength, or had an animal familiar, etc …some of these made sense to the world, some didn’t. And like most monster novels, there’s always an opposing side…monster hunters. The magic system wasn't anything spectacular or interesting, and the plot felt all a bit cliché.

The characters were alright, I didn’t like them but I didn’t hate them either  which made it hard to be invested into the story. Joan was oblivious to the fact that she was surrounded by monsters and that she was a monster herself. For the majority of the book Joan was in denial of what was occurring around her and when she had help from a boy of a rival monster family, she still kept finding excuses to feed her denial. I found it vexing and distracting. I also didn’t like the male love interests. Joan fancied Nick before she found out she was a monster and he a hunter. Despite threatening to destroy one another across timelines they still clung to the idea of star-crossed lovers. It was poorly executed and I never felt the chemistry between the two nor understood the supposed heartfelt confession towards the end of the story. As for Oliver, the rival family member, he had a crush on Joan which I believe was never reciprocated. Both male leads had absolutely no memorable attributes. I felt like they were just there but didn’t really add value to the story. 

I had such high hopes for Only a Monster, but sadly it didn’t deliver on any level. The magic system/world building, characters and plot were all subpar. The ending tied up quickly and conveniently and yet I already forgot the overall arc/main goal of the series since this is an opener to a trilogy. With that said, I think I’m going to past on the sequel.

 

 

 

A Million Worlds With You by Claudia Gray

Title: A Million Worlds With You
Author: Claudia Gray
Genre: Sci-Fi Fantasy, YA
Series: Firebird # 3

Hardcover, 432 pages
Publication: November 1, 2016 by HarperTeen

Source: Personal Library.

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The fate of the multiverse rests in Marguerite Caine’s hands. Marguerite has been at the center of a cross-dimensional feud since she first traveled to another universe using her parents’ invention, the Firebird. Only now has she learned the true plans of the evil Triad Corporation—and that those plans could spell doom for dozens or hundreds of universes, each facing total annihilation.

Paul Markov has always been at Marguerite’s side, but Triad’s last attack has left him a changed man—angry and shadowed by tragedy. He struggles to overcome the damage done to him, but despite Marguerite’s efforts to help, Paul may never be the same again.

So it’s up to Marguerite alone to stop the destruction of the multiverse. Billions of lives are at stake. The risks have never been higher. And Triad has unleashed its ultimate weapon: another dimension’s Marguerite—wicked, psychologically twisted, and always one step ahead.

Ending a series is always sad, it’s probably why I’ve put off A Million of Worlds With You for over two years. I absolutely adored the first two books in the Firebird series and wasn’t ready to say goodbye to the world and the characters. A Million of Worlds With You starts exactly where we left Marguerite and Theo, or in this case Wicked and Theo from the Triad Universe ; the two hatching a plan to destroy other worlds.

The final installment in the trilogy has Paul, Marguerite, Theo and her parents jumping from universe to universe, recruiting other worlds to fight against Connolly and the Triad. Readers are taken to new locations such as London, Singapore, and even outer space! Previous locations were also revisited, and at one point in the novel, all the Marguerite(s) from the other universe all convene together thanks to a universe with clones. It was interesting to see updates and the aftermath of having Berkley-verse Marguerite inhabit them; and for the first time since she left their bodies, they were able to tell her exactly what they felt and thought on the matter.

While I was always a fan of Marguerite, sensible as she was, I found her much more careless, immature and vexing in the last book.  The other characters weren’t much better. Paul was more self-deprecating than usual with his splintering and Theo had little page time, but even then, he was in his own little bubble. Million of Worlds With You didn’t have the same spark as it did before. I’m not sure if it’s been too long since I read the last book, but I felt everything was chaotic and rushed. The ending while happy, felt too easy and convenient.

This was my least favorite of the series and honestly, quite disappointing. I was expecting a big, crazy showdown but it felt more like a hide and seek, cat and mouse chase with unmemorable scenes. A Million of Worlds With You was well-written, had a decent plot and was overall okay-good; I just wished there was something a little more, like that magic high I had in the first book. With that said, I'd still recommend the series, especially for those who love destiny love-stories and time-travel.

The Last Magician by Lisa Maxwell

Title: The Last Magician 
Author: Lisa Maxwell
Genre: Young Adult
Series: The Last Magician #1

Hardcover, 512 Pages
Publication: July 18, 2017 by Simon Pulse

Source: I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for a honest review.

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In modern-day New York, magic is all but extinct. The remaining few who have an affinity for magic—the Mageus—live in the shadows, hiding who they are. Any Mageus who enters Manhattan becomes trapped by the Brink, a dark energy barrier that confines them to the island. Crossing it means losing their power—and often their lives.

Esta is a talented thief, and she’s been raised to steal magical artifacts from the sinister Order that created the Brink. With her innate ability to manipulate time, Esta can pilfer from the past, collecting these artifacts before the Order even realizes she’s there. And all of Esta’s training has been for one final job: traveling back to 1902 to steal an ancient book containing the secrets of the Order—and the Brink—before the Magician can destroy it and doom the Mageus to a hopeless future.

But Old New York is a dangerous world ruled by ruthless gangs and secret societies, a world where the very air crackles with magic. Nothing is as it seems, including the Magician himself. And for Esta to save her future, she may have to betray everyone in the past. 

The Last Magician has been on my radar since the cover reveal months ago. After seeing it and reading the synopsis I knew it was going to be one of 2017’s most wanted/anticipated novels. And it certainly was, staying on the NYT Bestseller List for weeks! The Last Magician had a lot going for it involving magic, politics, societal issues, time-traveling, heist/con, well-thought out world building, great characters and so much more. Unlike most YA novels on the market, The Last Magician was pretty hefty in terms of page number and had a complex world-building. I thought Maxwell did an amazing job capturing New York during the 1900’s. The vivid imagery/details clearly showed the amount of time and research that went into the story. I truly felt as if I was there and that the characters were realistic, made whole/fleshed as if they were alive. I love the whole Gangs of New York feel with Magic (Yes, I know the movie is set in the 1800’s)!

At a glance, you’d expect or assume The Last Magician to be some sort of boarding school novel with magical users dealing with adolescent issues. Nope. The Last Magician was more dark, gritty and it had a whole lot of street smarts involved. I loved Maxwell’s take on magicians and the magic system. Maegus, are those born with magical powers and are feared by the common man who put up a magical/aetheral barrier “The Brink” to severely damage/kill those who posses any hint of magic because they believed it to be evil and feral. I liked that the majority of our characters are also approximately eighteen-years-old to late twenties, and back then the times made one grow-up even quicker than they wanted to. Our heroine, Etsa is seventeen but from a young age she was taught to be a weapon, using her training and ability to make her a undetectable and uncatchable thief. I adore Etsa, she’s independent, a quick thinker, resourceful and smart. Dolph’s crew was an eclectic bunch, all Maegus of varying abilities with the common goal of taking down the order, bringing magic back to it’s former glory and to protect those that cannot protect themselves. Each member was distinctly unique and had an interesting back story that I wouldn’t mind exploring more of like; Jianyu and Viola, both related to rival gangs, but find themselves in the employment/gang of Dolph Saunder, an enigmatic character (it’d be awesome to see his rise to power, I see a story or novella in the future!)

While The Last Magician is part time-traveling, the majority of the story is set in the past in the year 1901. Which I didn’t mind, I am quite fond of this century. All in all, The Last Magician lived up to the hype and was way better than what I expected. I love everything about this book. I am so glad this is part of a duology because I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to the characters.Despite the book clocking out at over 500 page, it was a quick read that had me from the very first page! The beginning was a bit confusing jumping back and forth from the past and present, but it was a good surprise when all the thread came together. And that ending! I was so engrossed into what was happening that I didn’t even see it coming, talk about a shocker! Loved it! If you haven’t read this new series starter, go out and get it now. I highly recommend it!

[Spotlight] Bury the Living by Jodi McIsaac + Giveaway

Are you a fan of  the Outlander Series or time-traveling novels? Then check out McIsaac's new book and first in The Revolutionary Series, Bury the Living! Don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end of the post!

Publication: September 6, 2016 by 47North

The Revolutionary #1

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Rebellion has always been in the O’Reilly family’s blood. So when faced with the tragic death of her brother during Northern Ireland’s infamous Troubles, a teenage Nora joined the IRA to fight for her country’s freedom. Now, more than a decade later, Nora is haunted by both her past and vivid dreams of a man she has never met.

When she is given a relic belonging to Brigid of Kildare, patron saint of Ireland, the mystical artifact transports her back eighty years—to the height of Ireland’s brutal civil war. Here she meets the alluring stranger from her dreams, who has his own secrets—and agenda. Taken out of her own time, Nora has the chance to alter the fortunes of Ireland and maybe even save the ones she loves. In this captivating and adventurous novel from Jodi McIsaac, history belongs to those with the courage to change it.

GIVEAWAY

US ONLY

Thanks to Saichek Publicity, I have one (1) copy of BURY THE LIVING to give away to one lucky reader, to enter please fill out the Rafflecopter below!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jodi McIsaac is the author of the Irish contemporary fantasy series The Thin Veil (47North) the thriller A Cure for Madness (Thomas & Mercer) and the forthcoming historical Revolutionary series, starting with Bury the Living (47North).

She grew up in New Brunswick, on Canada's east coast. After abandoning her Olympic speed skating dream, she wrote speeches for a politician, volunteered in a refugee camp, waited tables in Belfast, earned a couple of university degrees, and started a boutique copywriting agency. She loves geek culture, running, and whisk(e)y.

*Author image and bio via Goodreads

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Ten Thousand Skies Above You by Claudia Gray

Title: Ten Thousand Skies Above You
Author: Claudia Gray
Genre: Sci-Fi Fantasy/New-Adult
Series: Firebird #2

Hardcover, 432 pages
Publication: November 3, 2015 by HarperTeen

Source: I received a review copy courtesy of HarperTeen/Kaye Publicity in exchange for a honest review.

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Ever since she used the Firebird, her parents' invention, to cross into alternate dimensions, Marguerite has caught the attention of enemies who will do anything to force her into helping them dominate the multiverse—even hurting the people she loves. She resists until her boyfriend, Paul, is attacked and his consciousness scattered across multiple dimensions.

Marguerite has no choice but to search for each splinter of Paul’s soul. The hunt sends her racing through a war-torn San Francisco, the criminal underworld of New York City, and a glittering Paris where another Marguerite hides a shocking secret. Each world brings Marguerite one step closer to rescuing Paul. But with each trial she faces, she begins to question the destiny she thought they shared. 

A Thousand Pieces of You was one of my top 10 favorite reads of 2014, so I had extremely high expectations for the sequel. Gray not only met all my expectations but she knocked it out of the park with Ten Thousand Skies Above You, the second book in the Firebird trilogy. In the first book, Gray introduced readers to the Firebird project from where it was just a conceptual idea to the final implementation of the Firebird, which is a small device (necklace) that facilitates the wearer to jump to multiple parallel world/dimensions. In Ten Thousand Skies Above you, readers delve further into the multiple dimensions as we explored three new universes and the characters of Marguerite, Paul and Theo.

What I loved about this series is the incredible world building and the love story. I think authors have a tough time creating one believable world as it is, but Gray tackles not one, not two but three new world/dimensions this time around; from war-ridden San Francisco, Futuristic Money-centric San Francisco to Mobster New York. I thought each world was well thought out and fully developed and had a unique vibe to it to make it distinguishable among the other dimensions we've already visited. I also loved seeing all the different side-personalities of the characters, and while the main essence of a character stayed true, in each dimensions things are slightly tweaked enough to be similar and yet different all at the same time.

 As for the romance part, I gotta say, Marguerite and Paul’s love story is the best I’ve ever read…I mean it’s literally transcendent and infinite as they find each other over and over across worlds…it’s pretty darn romantic. I’m not really the romantic, lovey-dovey type but reading about Paul and Marguerite had me melting into a puddle of goo. Swoon. It was clear right from the beginning that the two were destined, but my only complaint is that I didn’t understand why the author still made it feel like a love-triangle with Theo. I know it never happened, but still in book two, there was a small potential for it. Marguerite even entertained the idea briefly when she had doubts about Paul. I didn’t think it was necessary and it didn’t add anything to the story. All I wanted was more Paul/Marguerite page time and thankfully we got to see more of them, even if it was alternative versions of their selves.

I thoroughly enjoyed Ten Thousand Skies Above You and can’t wait to read the third and final book in the trilogy! I must say the masterminds behind splintering Paul and poisoning Theo with Nightshade was quite a shocker…definitely the last people I’ve ever imagined to be part of triad. Then there the crazy cliffhanger! Ten Thousand Skies Above you is a must read for all sci-fi fantasy fans. If you haven’t started this series yet, you’re totally missing out on some amazing world building/characters…and one of the most enthralling love story ever told. I highly recommend this series!