Once a Villain (Monsters, #3) — A Heartfelt Farewell to a Gripping Series
Oh my goodness, Once a Villain is finally here! As a die-hard fan of Vanessa Len’s Monsters series, I’ve been counting down the days to this release since last year. Let me tell you, this finale was every bit the rollercoaster I craved! I devoured it in less than 24 hours, and honestly? I may not have made the smartest decision in doing so, but it was completely worth it. The story had me screaming, feeling nauseous, and laughing hysterically—all within the span of a few chapters!
One of the standout features of this book is its darker tone compared to the previous installments. If you thought the earlier books were intense, you’re in for a treat (or a shock). The pacing was relentless, keeping me on my toes with unexpected twists that left me breathless. There were moments I felt physically ill reading certain parts, almost reminiscent of a dystopian horror story. And yet, the comedic relief woven throughout—primarily through the banter between Aaron and Ruth over fashion choices—was pitch-perfect. Even as the world faced calamity, Aaron’s dedication to looking good in the middle of it all had me chuckling, proving that even in chaos, some things remain a priority!
The love triangle, oh boy! It had me in a constant state of turmoil. I initially sided with Team Aaron, but Nick became such a compelling character that I found myself struggling to choose. Vanessa Len brilliantly navigates this complex dynamic, delivering a satisfying conclusion that tied up loose ends beautifully. I have to admit, though, after everything is said and done, I wouldn’t have minded an epilogue that was a bit longer—perhaps an extra 50 pages? I just can’t help but want more of these characters who’ve become so dear to me.
The emotional depth of this book truly struck a chord with me. The multi-timeline narratives and the poignant moments where a character remembers another who has forgotten them had me tearing up. To love deeply but be seen as a stranger? It hit me right in the heart. Len’s writing has this haunting quality that effectively draws readers into the characters’ sorrow, creating a visceral connection that doesn’t easily fade.
As I write this, I feel a strange mix of joy and heartbreak. The acknowledgements felt like a farewell, and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t tear up at the thought of parting with Nick, Joan, and Aaron. I’m left yearning for more, begging for any spin-offs or novellas set in this universe. Jamie and Tom, anyone?
Once a Villain is more than just a culmination of a series; it’s a heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and identity. I absolutely loved how this book made me feel seen—kudos to Vanessa Len for featuring a half-Asian protagonist in such a richly imagined world. I can’t recommend this series enough, especially for readers who enjoy layered characters and heart-wrenching storylines. If you haven’t picked it up yet, do yourself a favor—dive in! You won’t regret it.
Thank you, Vanessa Len, for the gifted copy, and to Harper Collins/Epic Reads for the finished copy! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to re-read the series.
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