DNF as this was not marketed properly and this isn't something that was EVER mentioned and I would never read it if I had knowm

I really liked Only A Monster, loved Never A Hero, and Once A Villain knocked me out. It’s such a satisfying, dramatic, and emotional conclusion to the Only A Monster trilogy.
The story picks back up right where Never A Hero left off, in a new timeline – Eleanor’s timeline. If you thought the previous two timelines were dark and brutal brace yourself because Eleanor’s timeline takes it to a whole new level. If you recall, Joan threw up a shield at the end of Never A Hero that protected her entire crew (except Tom, who was outside the shield) from being overwritten by the new timeline Eleanor created. So even though it’s back to square one for Joan and friends in terms of figuring out how to save the world in this new timeline, at least they are the same versions of themselves that existed in Never A Hero.
Thank Vanessa Len for that because they need each other out of the gate. We are thrust into action from page one, and it is relentless. The story is tightly plotted and full of twists and turns, some of which I saw coming but mostly I did not. The story is so tense and fast paced that I had to force myself to put it down a few times because I was vicariously exhausted and needed to take a break on behalf of the characters. The story doesn’t give them one, that’s for sure. Also, this is a me problem, but sometimes I needed a break because the fast pace of the story didn’t always give me the time and space I personally need to be able to fully feel the feelings that the story was evoking in me. Something big would happen and my heart would lurch but then…the story was moving on. It was a very meta experience, in a way, because the characters certainly didn’t have the luxury of wallowing, but their emotions were ever present just under the surface, waiting patiently for their moment. I had the luxury of giving them their moment.
I am astounded by how masterfully Vanessa Len crafted these books. There is so much detail to the monster world you feel immersed but not mired (ha!). And even though the plot is complex and there are numerous characters we’ve met over the course of the three books I never felt like I couldn’t keep track of the many, many moving parts. It’s masterful. One of the things I appreciated the most about Once A Villain was experiencing the intricacies of the plot unfold before my eyes, so I don’t want to get into plot details and ruin that experience for others. I’ll just say that we do get a happy ending, and I was on the edge of my seat unable to see how Vanessa Len was going to get us to a happy ending up until the very end. Hold on tight, friends.
Okay, so here I will get a touch spoilery as to how the love triangle between Joan, Nick, and Aaron resolves, because it’s impossible to discuss without spoiling a little bit. Vanessa Len made a BOLD choice here and, in my humble opinion, it is clearly and unambiguously the right choice for this story. Joan’s monster power to unmake is fueled by emotion. The more she feels, the more powerful she becomes. With that broad theme underlying the story, it would be completely incongruous for the love triangle to resolve in a way that requires Joan to suppress and deny her love for Aaron and/or Nick. Because the text is clear that she loves them both.
Also, these three have been through enough. The last thing this story needs is for the ending to be bittersweet. I don’t know about you, but in this day and age I will take all the hope and joy I can get.

This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year, which is why I can’t help but feel disappointed by how such a strong and powerful story was wrapped up.

What I loved most about the book were the shifting timelines and the concept of humans and monsters coexisting - really strong elements that made the story unique. But even with all that, there’s a tear - a void - I just can’t overlook, and that’s the romance aspect

The direction the romance took was unexpected, and while I appreciate the bold choice, it ultimately left me feeling unsatisfied.

The story had me fully immersed, but I couldn’t completely enjoy it because the romance element left me emotionally detached.

The ending was satisfying in some ways, but it felt too perfect and lacked emotional depth.

5/5

I am so happy and so sad to see the end of this series. I started this series at the same time I started my journey back to loving books and this book series is so special to me. It has everything. Everything that I love and everything that I want. But I am so happy to be at the end of Joan's journey and her battle to fix the timeline.

I absolutely loved and was completely obsessed with the first two books in this series but, if I’m being completely honest, I have to say that this last one left me a little disappointed. I thought the first half of this book was amazing! I loved every second of it. However, the second half fell a little short for me. Although this did not end at all the way I was hoping it would, I still enjoyed reading it.

This book picks up right where we left off in Never A Hero. Joan and her friends find themselves trapped in a world where monsters rule and humans are treated as slaves. On the run from the Queen and her guards, Joan and her friends must work tirelessly to stop this dark version of the timeline from becoming permanent. As they search for ways to restore their original timeline, Joan battels with her wearing heart pulling her in two different directions, her power becoming increasingly unstable, and her guilt over the circumstances that led them to being delivered into this cruel timeline.

I felt like the second half of this book was a little chaotic. I thought there was a lot of time jumping from scene to scene at the end of this one. There were weeks that passed with no discussion of what occurred during that time. I wanted to see more detail into what they were planning during these weeks. Things just seemed more elaborately planned out at the end of the first two books. I was hoping we’d get to see more of Joan exploring her power in this, which did not happen. I also thought things were tied together a little too neatly at the end. I guess I was just hoping there would be more hurt, unresolved problems, or higher stake consequences that would have resulted from their continuous manipulation of the timelines. The romance in this book also left me wanting. I really felt like this one certain person deserved to have been Joan’s single choice. In my opinion, I didn’t think the way in which the romantic elements were delivered in this book were well executed. It left me extremely dissatisfied and really diminished my overall feelings about the book.

Overall, I still enjoyed the book and this series as a whole. I think that there will be some people who will be happy about how the series was concluded. I look forward to seeing what Vanessa Len writes in the future.

Thank you to HarperCollins Children’s Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review. My review is based solely on my own opinion, and I appreciate the chance to read Once A Villain by Vanessa Len.

Thank you, Netgalley, and publisher for this ARC.

3.5 stars

This sequel was fun to read, but I was hoping for a different romantic ending with the characters. I didn't like how it ended with her getting both boys. I was team Aaron and was a bit disappointed.

I did, however, like the different worlds and the timeline story. It ended okay for the last book in a trilogy. I'd recommend it if you're looking for a light YA series to read...

Thank you to harpercollins children’s books and netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review! all opinions are my own

I want to like this book... I really do. I loved the first two books and I enjoyed every moment, but this book felt rushed. Felt like it blurred together and didn't make sense at times. We got to see our favorite characters, but they weren't themselves which was fine. They had been broken from the last book and on edge with the dangers of the new timeline and I actually loved that. It was interesting to see our favorites fight for survival in a world dominated by monsters. But I feel like it definitely missed something. The danger didn't feel too dangerous sometimes or they were just able to leave in almost impossible situations. The characters don't really develop especially Joan. I did feel like we jumped around a lot in this book, sometimes I had to go back to reread something just to make sure I understood what was happening in this new timeline and trying to understand their motivations.


What REALLY hurt this was the romance and the main characters. When Nick "died" I really though "whoa he's gone what's gonna happen now". But to go from that to suddenly Joan and Aaron sleeping together. WHAT? Like, I was rooting for them sure, but the guy you love dies, so you go sleep with your second love interest? I felt like the mourning wasn't truly there. And just as we the readers were saddened by Nick's death, we find out that he's not really dead, but frozen in time? It took away from the danger because it gave us the impression that main characters WILL NOT die and honestly, the thrill died pretty fast. So when it was Aaron's turn I wasn't really shocked or even sad because well he came back.

But the romance... it felt forced and sudden especially when in this timeline we are told Aaron and Nick were an actual couple. And that suddenly the original timeline was never just Joan and Nick, but also Aaron. So when the truth was revealed suddenly Aaron wanted to be with Nick too and it just felt forced. If it wasn't so sudden and out of the blue, I could have gotten behind this partnership.

They deserved better, but that's just my opinion.

The irony of a book about time travel being so stuck isn’t lost on me. Stuck in the same recycled themes, the same tired tropes and dynamics, with characters who wouldn’t recognize growth if it hit them in the face. This book—maybe even the entire series—feels like a masterclass in wasted potential. Where there could have been a compelling, powerful protagonist, we get an indecisive one who spends the entire story passive, letting events and even her own powers happen to her rather than taking ownership. Where there could have been—and partly is—the romance of a lifetime, we’re still burdened with the dull first love that the narrative refuses to challenge. Even the villain, instead of being a force to reckon with, ends up feeling like nothing more than a petulant child. As for the writing, I distinctly recall saying in my review of Never a Hero that although the book was disappointing, it wasn’t badly written; the same can’t be said here. The pacing is erratic at best, and sometimes the dialogue makes you wonder whether these characters are five years old rather than in their late teens. I knew the damage done in the second book would be hard to undo, but I still held out hope that this final installment could make things right. In hindsight, maybe I shouldn’t have.

My most anticipated read of 2025 & boy did it live up to expectation. An absolutely phenomenal end to such a unique trilogy. The concept and the world building are so interesting and for a trilogy conclusion I was very very happy with the ending.


Vanessa please please im begging you for a holiday novella. I want to see a slice of life for these characters post apocalyptic scenarios!

The plot, characters, & premise of this book are all just ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


Ill have any book Vanessa writes on immediate pre-order following this amazing conclusion.





Thank you to netgalley for the ARC.
all opinions are my own.

Wow wow wow... Wow. I was a bit nervous going into this and trying not to compare it to what we've read this far but dang it all. It was PERFECTION. A great ending to this amazing set. Fast paced, enthralling, I didn't want to put it down and I really didn't want it to end.

Spin off now?👀

NOW THAT IS HOW YOU WRITE A FINALE OF A TRILOGY! I can’t recall the last time I’ve been this satisfied over the final book in a trilogy, no notes, perfect, chef’s kiss. When I picked this book up I could not put it down! “Once a Villain” picks off IMMEDIATELY from where “Never a Hero” left off (if you don’t remember the ending bits of book 2, reread it, you not really getting a recap.) We dive straight into the new timeline with Eleanors rule, which is an absolute nightmare, the fast pacing set towards the end of book 2 is continued from here to the end of this book, you won’t get a break till the end of the book. This was the most perfect balance plot, characters, and romance. I’ve been so obsessed with the time travel world that Vanessa has created since the first book and still continue to be in awe with it throughout this book. The friendship and relationship between Joan, Aaron, and Nick had me screaming and passing around my room the whole time!

Vanessa Len delivers a thrilling and emotionally charged conclusion to the Only a Monster trilogy with Once a Villain. Set in a dystopian timeline where monsters openly dominate humans, the narrative follows Joan, Nick, and Aaron as they grapple with fractured relationships and the daunting task of restoring a better world. 

Len’s storytelling shines with intricate character development and high-stakes tension. Joan’s resilience, Nick’s internal conflict, and Aaron’s evolving loyalties create a compelling dynamic that drives the plot forward. The time-travel elements are handled deftly, adding layers of complexity without overwhelming the reader.

The novel balances action with emotional depth, culminating in a satisfying finale that honors the series’ themes of identity, choice, and redemption. Fans of the series will find this installment both heart-wrenching and hopeful, a testament to Len’s skill in crafting a memorable young adult fantasy.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harpercollins for providing me with an earc in exchanged for an honest review. This book comes out August 19.

A great conclusion to a ya romantasy trilogy. I thought it was great and it was action packed. However I didn't like how the romance ended and just some scenes don't make sense. I felt like Joan is playing with the two love interests feelings because she couldn't make her mind. I was annoyed by that. I still recommend this trilogy if you like this savage song duology by V.E. Schwab. If you love monster romantasy.

The excitement I had when I loaded this book on my kindle was unlike anything else. I read the first book in the series as one of my first ARC reviews and with each release I have gotten more and more excited or them. This series is unique-the characters, the plot, the magic, the themes. This is one of those books I can’t wait until my children are old enough for me to share with them.
I highly recommend this series to any of my fantasy lovers. If you get to the end of book two and are worried about everyone making it out alive AND happy-don’t worry you won’t be disappointed. I’m surprised at how seamlessly Vanessa was able to weave the ending. Wonderful job!

Thanks to NetGally for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Stunning. Never before seen. Incredible. To die for. The monsters trilogy is one of the cleanest written I’ve seen in years. It’s so clear that Len has a point of view in book one that carries through to book 3. An incredibly satisfying conclusion.

This was the perfect conclusion to an amazing trilogy, the way everything wrapped up was just so satisfying and made so much SENSE!! I seriously don't have a single complaint.
Same as the first two books this one was also fast paced and had the most engaging plot, I never wanted to put it down and was on the edge of my seat constantly!
There is a LOT of necessary character development happening and a really great balance between plot, romance and characters. and the ending was everything I could've ever hoped for!!!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing this ARC.

This book was such a satisfying ending to the trilogy. I was very worried about how Vanessa Len would be able to finish this in a satisfying way, but luckily she made it happen!

I'm never a big fan of love triangles, but I'm satisfied with how this one ended and that's all I'll say as to not get into spoilers. I'm sure there'll be people who'll be unhappy, but that's always the case with love triangles.

The book was full of action and twists, a lot of which I wasn't expecting. It was loner than the first two books in the series, but it didn't feel stretched out and was very fast to read.

Some things that happened at the end of the book made me cry and I think it'll have that effect on lots of other people. I can't wait until it's published so that we can all discuss the ending.

I'm so happy with this conclusion to the series, it'll be so fun to reread the whole thing over again knowing the ending.

Once a Villain is a fantastic conclusion to the Only a Monster trilogy. Vanessa Len continues her tale of monsters, heroes, and time travelers, and crafts it into a truly satisfying conclusion.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Joan, Nick and Aaron are thrown into a grim world with a new timeline. Here, monsters rule and they no longer hide themselves from humans, who now fear for their lives. I don’t want to give away too much of the plot, since it’s better to go in blind, and it’s essential to read this series in order.

Since Once a Villain picks up immediately where book left off, I’m really glad that I reread book 2 to refresh my memory before reading this one. There are plot twists galore, but the theme of found family working together to save the world is front and center throughout the book. There is plenty of action and suspense here too, along with some quieter, character-filled moments.

And the characters here are great. Sure, Joan makes dumb decisions sometimes, but that’s because she acts like a 17-year-old, not a 17-year-old cosplaying 30. It’s what makes Joan feel more real than your typical YA character. And, I adore the resolution to her relationships with Aaron and Nick.

I adore Once a Villain, and wholeheartedly recommend this entire series. Vanessa Len creates a world where actions have consequences, and people are continually torn between different parts of themselves. If you are a fan of fantasy worlds filled with action and great characters, along with romance too, don’t miss this series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The first part of this review will be spoiler free but the second will be spoilery.

This finale was unfortunately so disappointing for me. The writing was great, the world & plot were great. The magic was as always so cool. However, for the first 30% none of the characters felt like themselves. When rereading Never a Hero in anticipation for this I remember thinking "wow, the way each of these characters talk is so distinctly THEM." And yet at the beginning of Once a Villain they all sounded the same. Also, Nick was so sarcastic and snarky this book, even borderline petty and I NEVER got that vibe from him in the first two books. In those books he was always either serious & dangerous & angsty OR sweet & sincere & virtuous. We only got a few moments towards the middle & end that felt like him.

My BIGGEST issue with this book is what happens at the midpoint and then the romance plot from there. Like what? First off, SUPER disrespectful and disgusting behavior. Secondly, SINCE WHEN?!

Also this is a YA series and yet this book alluded to sex SO MUCH. And not just monogamous sex either. This felt super out of nowhere especially considering the first two books didn't allude to anything more than KISSES.

This finale was not for me and it felt SO different from the first two books that they don't even seem like they're in the same series. It feels like Vanessa changed the direction of the book last minute, as if this wasn't the original ending.


SPOILERS AHEAD ***

Okay. So Nick's death was SO emotional. I remember just before it thinking, "okay finally he's acting like himself." And I sobbed when he died. Imagine my shock when only a few pages later Joan SLEEPS with Aaron. WHAT?! I don't care who's team your on, I think we can all agree how disrespectful that is. 1. Nick and Joan had just reconciled 2. They'd just told eachother they love one another and KISSED 3. Dude's body wasn't even COLD YET. If it had just been a kiss it still would have been disrespectful but I'd have understood at least. But sex ?? Seriously? This made me absolutely hate Joan and Aaron too! He's just as responsible. Like I get it you love her but have some respect for the man she claims to also love. This was such disgusting behavior. Not to mention there was NO build up. Suddenly Joan "knew" she loved Aaron too and then boom sex. ??? That couldn't have been satisfying to Aaron shippers either. Especially considering the most she ever thought of him that wasn't platonic before this was that he was otherwordly handsome.

Joan has always had such a GOOD moral compass and strong sense of what is wrong and what is right so this felt SO out of character.

Also, saying stuff like "I choose you" as if Nick hadnt JUST DIED. Gawsh.

Lastly, what the heck was with all of the sexual talk? Why were we CONSTANTLY alluding to them having threesomes as if this isn't a YA novel? FOR KIDS. As if the first two books the most that ever happened weren't super INNOCENT kisses?!! Sex was never even thought of.

I hate that this was "why choose". It was BRIEFLY mentioned that its because Joan was half monster half human so thats why she loved both so much. But that was so weak and thrown in there without much thought. This truly felt like fan service (though definitely not for me). I believe she should have just chosen, whether it was the guy I rooted for or not.


OVERALL, I have so much love for the first two books and the characters in THOSE books. Minus the romance and overly sexual stuff, this was a good conclusion otherwise. I respect Vanessa a lot as a person and author, I just didn't like what she did with this. I do still plan to read her future works.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. (via Netgalley)

This was an adventure and overall, a good ending to the series imo. The pacing was great and there were a number of twists and surprises. The last part was really hard to put down. I had a few moments of thinking there's no way this is happening?! Some good, some a bit heart wrenching. (One of which forever cements being team Aaron for me lol. You'll know when you get there!)

I am going to vague but will put the next bit under spoilers just to be safe.

Is that how how I thought the love triangle would end? No. Is it the worst alternative? Also no. I thought Nick was a good interest in the previous two books but less so in this one. He was kind of meh imo. It seemed like Aaron was the one being more attentive to when something was wrong with Joan and he was the one she turned to first.