Once a Villain (Monsters, #3) Review
When I first picked up Once a Villain by Vanessa Len, I had no idea I was signing up for the emotional rollercoaster of a lifetime. It’s hard to believe we’ve reached the end of the Monsters series, and wow, did it deliver! This final installment dropped on August 19th, and let me tell you, I was counting down the days. I tore through this book in less than 24 hours—an act of sheer devotion and, perhaps, a bit of reckless abandon. It had me screaming, clutching my stomach with anxiety, and laughing out loud—all at the same time!
From the very first page, I sensed this book was going to be the darkest of the trilogy, and I was right. It took me on a heart-pounding journey filled with twists and turns that made my head spin—in the best way possible. I found myself gripping the edge of my seat, sometimes feeling physically ill as I read certain scenes. They had a dystopian horror vibe that left a mark. But amidst the heaviness, Len masterfully sprinkled in comedic moments, especially through the banter between Aaron and Ruth about fashion, even when the world was crumbling around them. The juxtaposition was just what I needed—Aaron Oliver caring about looking sharp in the apocalypse? Priority goals!
Let’s talk about the heart-wrenching moments. I was a teary mess, especially for Joan and Aaron. Exploring multiple timelines and time travel can be devastating, and this book didn’t shy away from that pain—characters remembering each other while the other forgets, it’s a gut punch. Len’s writing is pure poetry. She captured the raw emotions beautifully, making me feel the devastation in my bones.
And then there’s the epic love triangle. Team Nick? Team Aaron? I was firmly in Team Aaron territory for book one, but as the story unfolded, it became too difficult to choose. Both characters were so compelling and complex. Len executed this love triangle flawlessly—there were no annoying tropes here, just genuine feelings that made the climax satisfying. The ending was everything I wanted, but as a reader, I’m left craving a little more. Is it too much to ask for an extended epilogue? Just a few more pages to soothe my heart, please?
After finishing, I found myself in a bit of a reading malaise, mourning the goodbye to Nick, Joan, and Aaron. The acknowledgments had me begging for more, whether it’s a spin-off or even a novella about Jamie and Tom. I loved the world Len created, and I wouldn’t mind revisiting it, ever. It feels nostalgic and significant, especially as someone who rarely saw a half-Asian protagonist in the stories I grew up with. Young me would have absolutely cherished this representation, and that’s something special.
In closing, if you’ve enjoyed the first two installments or are looking for a gripping, emotional read with well-developed characters and humor balanced against darker themes, Once a Villain is a must-read. This book had me feeling all the feels, and I wholeheartedly encourage fans of unique love stories and fantasy elements to dive into this world. Vanessa Len has truly created something magical here, and I can’t wait to see what she crafts next. Thank you for this journey; I’ll be eagerly awaiting your next project!
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