ONLY A MONSTER 1

In a world hidden within ordinary London, twelve families have monstrous powers that they gain by stealing life from humans.

Only a monster would kill a hero.

In a world hidden within ordinary London, twelve families have monstrous powers which they gain by stealing life from humans. 16-yr-old Joan is half-monster, and has always yearned to be a hero. But when Nick, the boy she loves, turns out to be a legendary monster slayer, Joan must embrace her own monstrousness to stop him.

Nothing will prepare Joan for the shocking truth at the heart of the monster world—one that binds her fate with Nick's and forces her to make a choice that could tear everything apart

Much like Joan, who is Chinese English, Vanessa is Chinese Australian. She writes YA fantasy about girl anti-heroes, monsters, and enemies who are maybe in love. When not writing, she loves trying new foods, and reading fantasy, science fiction, and restaurant menus. She's read every Diana Wynne Jones book more times than she can count. Vanessa is a graduate of the Clarion Writers' Workshop.