Once a Monster

Set in Victorian London, this enthralling story follows ten-year-old Nell, an orphan mudlark who discovers a mysterious, mythical creature along the Thames. As she navigates her harsh environment and encounters the enigmatic being, Nell faces a life-changing decision, blending history, mythology, and magic in a richly textured narrative. Praised for its imaginative mix of legend and gothic atmosphere, the novel offers an evocative exploration of what it means to be human or monstrous.