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A Monster Named Jane
According to most people, monsters are nothing more than fairy tales. But sixteen year old Jane Smith knows better. Monsters are very real, and she is one of them.
Hiding in plain sight with their bland names, secondhand clothing and nomadic lifestyles, Jane and her fellow monsters have lived alongside humans since the dawn of time. The key to staying alive in their world? Avoiding humans as much as possible. According to her parents, any one of them could be out for her blood. Even her secret best friend Dustin.
Jane has never believed the clandestine Boogeymen—a group of exterminators that have hunted her kind for centuries—to be anything more than a scary bedtime story. But when her carelessness gets her whole family taken from her, Jane sets out on a cross-country journey through the human world to find them. But even with Dustin’s help and her own natural gifts, Jane is no match for a group of ruthless monster hunters. Unless she can come up with a way to rally those who have been hidden for so long, as well as accept her true self, Jane and those she loves will become nothing more than another fairy tale.
Hiding in plain sight with their bland names, secondhand clothing and nomadic lifestyles, Jane and her fellow monsters have lived alongside humans since the dawn of time. The key to staying alive in their world? Avoiding humans as much as possible. According to her parents, any one of them could be out for her blood. Even her secret best friend Dustin.
Jane has never believed the clandestine Boogeymen—a group of exterminators that have hunted her kind for centuries—to be anything more than a scary bedtime story. But when her carelessness gets her whole family taken from her, Jane sets out on a cross-country journey through the human world to find them. But even with Dustin’s help and her own natural gifts, Jane is no match for a group of ruthless monster hunters. Unless she can come up with a way to rally those who have been hidden for so long, as well as accept her true self, Jane and those she loves will become nothing more than another fairy tale.
327 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 11, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 10, 2025
⚫️Steven Kachovec’s A Monster Named Jane is an exciting and heartfelt adventure that redefines the concept of a “monster.” With a captivating protagonist, intricate world-building, and a fast-paced storyline, this novel is essential reading for fans of fantasy and coming-of-age tales.
⚫️Jane Smith is not your typical teenager she’s a monster living among humans. Kachovec skillfully creates a society of hidden creatures who blend into everyday life, wearing secondhand clothes and adopting ordinary names. Jane’s world is both intriguing and perilous, especially with the looming threat of the Boogeymen, a merciless group of hunters intent on wiping out her kind. When her family is captured, Jane sets off on a desperate mission to save them, confronting not only external dangers but also the struggle to accept her true self.
⚫️Jane is a richly developed heroine strong, determined, and incredibly relatable. Her friendship with Dustin brings warmth to the narrative, offering moments of humor and tenderness amid the tension. Kachovec excels in crafting intense, cinematic action scenes, as well as quieter moments of reflection where Jane wrestles with her identity, trust, and sense of belonging.
⚫️Beyond its gripping plot, A Monster Named Jane delves into themes of acceptance, found family, and the bravery required to defend those who are different. The novel’s emotional resonance, paired with its unique take on monster lore, makes it a memorable read.
⚫️Readers who enjoyed Monsters of Verity by V.E. Schwab or The Girl at the Bottom of the Sea by Michelle Tea will find plenty to appreciate in this book. Whether you’re looking for thrilling adventures or character-driven narratives, A Monster Named Jane offers both in abundance.
Highly recommended!
Happy reading ❤️✨
March 10, 2025
Book Review: A Monster Named Jane by Steven Kachovec
Steven Kachovec’s A Monster Named Jane is a thrilling and emotionally charged coming-of-age story that flips the traditional monster narrative on its head. Sixteen-year-old Jane Smith isn’t just hiding a secret—she is the secret. As a monster living among humans, Jane has been raised to avoid them at all costs, but when her family is taken by the legendary Boogeymen—ruthless exterminators of her kind—she is forced to break every rule to get them back.
Jane’s journey across the human world, alongside her secret best friend Dustin, is equal parts heart-pounding adventure and self-discovery. As she navigates the dangers of both the Boogeymen and her own hidden community, Jane must confront not only the hunters who threaten her existence but also the truth about who she really is. The novel expertly blends action, suspense, and deep emotional stakes, making for a gripping read from start to finish.
Kachovec’s writing brings a fresh perspective to the monster mythos, weaving in themes of identity, fear, and belonging. With its compelling protagonist, high-stakes tension, and a world that feels both eerily familiar and uniquely original, A Monster Named Jane is a must-read for fans of supernatural thrillers and coming-of-age fantasy. It’s a story about resilience, friendship, and the courage to embrace who you truly are—even when the world tells you to stay hidden.
Steven Kachovec’s A Monster Named Jane is a thrilling and emotionally charged coming-of-age story that flips the traditional monster narrative on its head. Sixteen-year-old Jane Smith isn’t just hiding a secret—she is the secret. As a monster living among humans, Jane has been raised to avoid them at all costs, but when her family is taken by the legendary Boogeymen—ruthless exterminators of her kind—she is forced to break every rule to get them back.
Jane’s journey across the human world, alongside her secret best friend Dustin, is equal parts heart-pounding adventure and self-discovery. As she navigates the dangers of both the Boogeymen and her own hidden community, Jane must confront not only the hunters who threaten her existence but also the truth about who she really is. The novel expertly blends action, suspense, and deep emotional stakes, making for a gripping read from start to finish.
Kachovec’s writing brings a fresh perspective to the monster mythos, weaving in themes of identity, fear, and belonging. With its compelling protagonist, high-stakes tension, and a world that feels both eerily familiar and uniquely original, A Monster Named Jane is a must-read for fans of supernatural thrillers and coming-of-age fantasy. It’s a story about resilience, friendship, and the courage to embrace who you truly are—even when the world tells you to stay hidden.
April 6, 2025
For a debut novel from an independent writer I was well impressed. It gave me an 80s feel with relatable characters and a really easy to follow plot. Nothing too complicated and no confusing list of characters with other worldly names. Good honest storytelling and packed full of action. Great start from Steven Kachovec
March 13, 2025
I got this from the "Local Authors" section of my town's library. It was a fun and easy read. A great first attempt at a YA novel by this first time author with an ending that allows for subsequent books. If he continues the story I would read it!
February 19, 2025
A fun easy read that kept me interested the entire time while reading. Would love to read more by the other if he chooses to continue writing!
April 21, 2025
Great details
Loved all the details put into this book. It really gives you a picture in your mind the whole time.
Loved all the details put into this book. It really gives you a picture in your mind the whole time.
May 22, 2026
Jane Smith is in a mood.
No matter what she does, she can’t seem to please much of anyone, especially her formidable mother, and she’s quite frankly tired of being the heavy every single time the family is summoned for a mandatory meeting. She absolutely refuses to be a suck-up like her perfect brother, Tommy, and after all, she was only defending herself and her best friend, Dustin, against a lousy bully with a great big mouth.
But Jane is no more ordinary than anyone else in her family. They are monsters hiding amongst us, and I don’t mean the figurative kind. While they mean us no harm, humans instinctively fear what they don’t understand, and the existence of actual monsters is just a little too much for we mere mortals to embrace. While each monster has his or her own unique gifts, they are all stronger and faster than your everyday human being, and they are taught from a very young age to mask their true appearance and blend in at all costs. Otherwise, the Boogeymen might get them.
Sound familiar? It’s a variation of the same terrifying device we humans employ to keep our children’s curiosity in check, protecting them from straying too far from the safety of their own homes. Monsters are taught that Boogeyman are, in actuality, dangerously enlightened humans who are not only aware of their existence but also dedicated to exterminating their kind, one family at a time.
Jane thinks it’s about as plausible as the Easter Bunny, so imagine her surprise when moments after being called out for protecting herself and her human bestie, Dustin, an armed team of Men in Black swoop down to capture the Smith family and take them to wherever Boogeymen take their captives. Jane’s volatile temper is her only saving grace; she has stormed off to brood over her mother’s latest reprimand and witnesses the event from the periphery. Left entirely to her own devices, it’s up to Jane to track her family and free them before they are consigned to a fate quite possibly worse than death.
Using her enhanced sense of smell, Jane traces the scent of one of her family’s abductors to a remote farmhouse outside of town, and she’s stunned to discover it’s the home of her bestie, Dustin. Could he or someone in his family be involved?
Jane’s bad day just got a whole lot worse.
In Jane, Kachovec has created a thoroughly winning and relatable teenaged heroine, full of angsty fire and attitude that is tempered by her slowly dawning sense of responsibility for the events that have befallen her family. Determined to redeem herself and save the day, Jane embarks on cross-country trek where she’ll encounter many others of her kind, but figuring out who she can and can’t trust comes with a steep learning curve, and with Jane’s white-hot temperament, she is frequently her own worst enemy. Kachovec effortlessly draws us into his world-within-a-world for the ride, instantly evoking fantasy classics like L. Frank Baum’s “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”—if Dorothy’s DNA was cross-pollinated with that of a teenaged Ripley from “Aliens” or Sarah Connor from “Terminator.” Supporting characters are fully fleshed out with their own distinct voices, and the action is non-stop from the get-go.
So, does Jane finally save the day?
You’ll have to read to find out, but I will give you this: while all the major plotlines are resolved by the final page, it’s readily apparent that there is much, much more of this universe to explore.
This is just the beginning of something truly grand…
No matter what she does, she can’t seem to please much of anyone, especially her formidable mother, and she’s quite frankly tired of being the heavy every single time the family is summoned for a mandatory meeting. She absolutely refuses to be a suck-up like her perfect brother, Tommy, and after all, she was only defending herself and her best friend, Dustin, against a lousy bully with a great big mouth.
But Jane is no more ordinary than anyone else in her family. They are monsters hiding amongst us, and I don’t mean the figurative kind. While they mean us no harm, humans instinctively fear what they don’t understand, and the existence of actual monsters is just a little too much for we mere mortals to embrace. While each monster has his or her own unique gifts, they are all stronger and faster than your everyday human being, and they are taught from a very young age to mask their true appearance and blend in at all costs. Otherwise, the Boogeymen might get them.
Sound familiar? It’s a variation of the same terrifying device we humans employ to keep our children’s curiosity in check, protecting them from straying too far from the safety of their own homes. Monsters are taught that Boogeyman are, in actuality, dangerously enlightened humans who are not only aware of their existence but also dedicated to exterminating their kind, one family at a time.
Jane thinks it’s about as plausible as the Easter Bunny, so imagine her surprise when moments after being called out for protecting herself and her human bestie, Dustin, an armed team of Men in Black swoop down to capture the Smith family and take them to wherever Boogeymen take their captives. Jane’s volatile temper is her only saving grace; she has stormed off to brood over her mother’s latest reprimand and witnesses the event from the periphery. Left entirely to her own devices, it’s up to Jane to track her family and free them before they are consigned to a fate quite possibly worse than death.
Using her enhanced sense of smell, Jane traces the scent of one of her family’s abductors to a remote farmhouse outside of town, and she’s stunned to discover it’s the home of her bestie, Dustin. Could he or someone in his family be involved?
Jane’s bad day just got a whole lot worse.
In Jane, Kachovec has created a thoroughly winning and relatable teenaged heroine, full of angsty fire and attitude that is tempered by her slowly dawning sense of responsibility for the events that have befallen her family. Determined to redeem herself and save the day, Jane embarks on cross-country trek where she’ll encounter many others of her kind, but figuring out who she can and can’t trust comes with a steep learning curve, and with Jane’s white-hot temperament, she is frequently her own worst enemy. Kachovec effortlessly draws us into his world-within-a-world for the ride, instantly evoking fantasy classics like L. Frank Baum’s “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”—if Dorothy’s DNA was cross-pollinated with that of a teenaged Ripley from “Aliens” or Sarah Connor from “Terminator.” Supporting characters are fully fleshed out with their own distinct voices, and the action is non-stop from the get-go.
So, does Jane finally save the day?
You’ll have to read to find out, but I will give you this: while all the major plotlines are resolved by the final page, it’s readily apparent that there is much, much more of this universe to explore.
This is just the beginning of something truly grand…
March 11, 2025
Book Review: A Monster Named Jane
by Steven Kachovec 🥰🥰🥰📚🤩
Rating:5/5
Review:
👉What makes someone a monster? Is it the way they look, the way they live, or the way the world sees them? A Monster Named Jane takes this idea and turns it on its head, delivering a gripping and emotional journey through a world where the real monsters might not be the ones hiding in the dark—but the ones hunting them.
👉Jane Smith has always known she’s different. She’s a monster, but not in the way fairy tales describe. She and her kind live among humans, disguised with ordinary names and secondhand clothes, always on the move to avoid detection. For years, she has followed the strict rules her parents set: stay hidden, trust no one, and, above all, stay away from humans. But breaking the rules has never felt so easy—especially with her best friend, Dustin, who has no idea what she really is.
👉The pacing of this book is incredible, keeping you hooked with high-stakes action, emotional depth, and unexpected twists. Jane is a strong yet vulnerable protagonist, and her growth throughout the story is one of its highlights. The relationship between her and Dustin adds tension, warmth, and heartbreak, making the stakes feel even higher. The world-building is immersive, painting a chilling yet fascinating picture of a reality where monsters live among us, always on the run.
👉If you love dark fantasy, fast-paced adventure, and stories that make you question who the real monsters are, A Monster Named Jane is an absolute must-read! With thrilling action, emotional depth, and a heroine you can’t help but root for, this book will stay with you long after the final page.
Happy reading 😁😁
#BookReview
by Steven Kachovec 🥰🥰🥰📚🤩
Rating:5/5
Review:
👉What makes someone a monster? Is it the way they look, the way they live, or the way the world sees them? A Monster Named Jane takes this idea and turns it on its head, delivering a gripping and emotional journey through a world where the real monsters might not be the ones hiding in the dark—but the ones hunting them.
👉Jane Smith has always known she’s different. She’s a monster, but not in the way fairy tales describe. She and her kind live among humans, disguised with ordinary names and secondhand clothes, always on the move to avoid detection. For years, she has followed the strict rules her parents set: stay hidden, trust no one, and, above all, stay away from humans. But breaking the rules has never felt so easy—especially with her best friend, Dustin, who has no idea what she really is.
👉The pacing of this book is incredible, keeping you hooked with high-stakes action, emotional depth, and unexpected twists. Jane is a strong yet vulnerable protagonist, and her growth throughout the story is one of its highlights. The relationship between her and Dustin adds tension, warmth, and heartbreak, making the stakes feel even higher. The world-building is immersive, painting a chilling yet fascinating picture of a reality where monsters live among us, always on the run.
👉If you love dark fantasy, fast-paced adventure, and stories that make you question who the real monsters are, A Monster Named Jane is an absolute must-read! With thrilling action, emotional depth, and a heroine you can’t help but root for, this book will stay with you long after the final page.
Happy reading 😁😁
#BookReview
May 9, 2026
A surprisingly delightful read considering how intense the cover is! I thoroughly enjoyed the thought that went into building a world around the idea of monsters living among us in plain sight. If you like a fresh blending of cryptids with superheroes, this book is a must read.
I really appreciated the relationship between Jane and Dustin. Dustin brings a level of positive humanity to the story that really provides balance while grounding the supernatural elements in familiar reality. It was also refreshing to see such an unapologetically good character, whose main superpower seemed to be his indomitable hope and faith in Jane.
It was fun travelling cross-country with the characters to a variety of towns, villages, and cities. Getting to see forgotten little corners of the United States highlighted was a particular delight. I also appreciated a pacing that allowed itself to build naturally, rather than cramming one action sequence on top of another for fear the story could not retain my interest. The plot is given time to percolate, letting us ease into the world as it reveals itself.
Steven definitely hits several emotional cords, and hits them well. I really appreciated the true struggle Jane is forced with facing what it means to be a monster, both biologically and in essence, how she should embrace the one and overcome the other! A thoroughly enjoyable read! I highly recommend reading Steven Kachovec's debut novel! I can't wait to see where he takes his characters next!
I really appreciated the relationship between Jane and Dustin. Dustin brings a level of positive humanity to the story that really provides balance while grounding the supernatural elements in familiar reality. It was also refreshing to see such an unapologetically good character, whose main superpower seemed to be his indomitable hope and faith in Jane.
It was fun travelling cross-country with the characters to a variety of towns, villages, and cities. Getting to see forgotten little corners of the United States highlighted was a particular delight. I also appreciated a pacing that allowed itself to build naturally, rather than cramming one action sequence on top of another for fear the story could not retain my interest. The plot is given time to percolate, letting us ease into the world as it reveals itself.
Steven definitely hits several emotional cords, and hits them well. I really appreciated the true struggle Jane is forced with facing what it means to be a monster, both biologically and in essence, how she should embrace the one and overcome the other! A thoroughly enjoyable read! I highly recommend reading Steven Kachovec's debut novel! I can't wait to see where he takes his characters next!
June 4, 2025
From the very first page, A Monster Named Jane pulled me in with its raw emotion, tension, and the fresh perspective it brings to the age old concept of monsters. Jane Smith, a sixteen year old trying to survive in a world where simply being herself could get her killed, is an unforgettable protagonist fierce, flawed, and heartrendingly human, despite being a “monster.”
Steven Kachovec does an excellent job of weaving a story that feels both intimate and epic. Jane’s struggle with her identity, her loyalty to her family, and the looming threat of the Boogeymen gave the book a haunting, almost mythic quality. The relationship between Jane and Dustin was a highlight for me complicated, genuine, and emotionally grounded. Their dynamic added real heart to the story.
The world building is subtle but effective. I loved how the monsters are hidden in plain sight, blending into a society that would destroy them if it knew they existed. Jane’s journey across the human world felt tense and cinematic, filled with moments of suspense, sorrow, and quiet strength.
Most of all, this is a story about found courage and the cost of hiding who you are. Jane’s growth her acceptance of her monstrous nature and her role as a leader is both empowering and poignant.
A Monster Named Jane is not just a dark fantasy; it's a coming of age story that lingers long after the final page.
Steven Kachovec does an excellent job of weaving a story that feels both intimate and epic. Jane’s struggle with her identity, her loyalty to her family, and the looming threat of the Boogeymen gave the book a haunting, almost mythic quality. The relationship between Jane and Dustin was a highlight for me complicated, genuine, and emotionally grounded. Their dynamic added real heart to the story.
The world building is subtle but effective. I loved how the monsters are hidden in plain sight, blending into a society that would destroy them if it knew they existed. Jane’s journey across the human world felt tense and cinematic, filled with moments of suspense, sorrow, and quiet strength.
Most of all, this is a story about found courage and the cost of hiding who you are. Jane’s growth her acceptance of her monstrous nature and her role as a leader is both empowering and poignant.
A Monster Named Jane is not just a dark fantasy; it's a coming of age story that lingers long after the final page.
October 20, 2025
A fun read with a fitting balance of tension, action, and lighthearted humor, without needing to be overly violent, a good fit for the age group. I enjoyed seeing Jane’s character develop as she learns how to prove to the humans she is not the monster they make her out to be. Her human friend, Dustin, is a good moral grounding point and a great counterbalance to her temper. There was a variety of supernatural abilities among the monsters, and it was interesting to see how unique their abilities made them. I also enjoyed hearing about the different locations Jane’s journey took her - it made the story feel grounded in America.
January 3, 2026
A Monster Named Jane is a story full of adventure. When Jane, a species adjacent to humans but with many added “monstrous” characteristics, loses her family to the federal group hunting her kind she’s taken on a journey to find them that brings her life lessons, unexpected friends, truths, and much more.
This is a lovely read. There’s a lot of genuine life lessons hidden in these pages about acceptance, love, and embracing who you are regardless of your flaws. I love the characters and the unlikely duo for MCs. It’s a read I devoured quite quickly and enjoyed the whole way.
This is a lovely read. There’s a lot of genuine life lessons hidden in these pages about acceptance, love, and embracing who you are regardless of your flaws. I love the characters and the unlikely duo for MCs. It’s a read I devoured quite quickly and enjoyed the whole way.
November 4, 2025
A monster of an entry
Going in I was to sure what to expect. My creepypasta brain went into Jane the Killer aspect but this is far from that. I really like Jane’s character and growth. The cast that followed her throughout the journey was amazing. The lessons learned and the heartfelt end was great. I will admit there were a few point where I felt the pacing felt too slow. It can dragged at some points and get into a pattern. BUT beyond that, truly fun and unique.
Going in I was to sure what to expect. My creepypasta brain went into Jane the Killer aspect but this is far from that. I really like Jane’s character and growth. The cast that followed her throughout the journey was amazing. The lessons learned and the heartfelt end was great. I will admit there were a few point where I felt the pacing felt too slow. It can dragged at some points and get into a pattern. BUT beyond that, truly fun and unique.
October 27, 2025
This book was beautifully done. It was an adorable story of friendship, self discovery, and overcoming insecurities. The friendship, and kindship throughout was touching and encouraging without being too over the top or cheesy. For a young adult fantasy this one hits every aspect you'd want it to. Can't wait to see more from this author!
March 1, 2026
Fun YA/Teen read. I genuinely enjoyed Jane’s story. She is likable and real. I also think this book speaks truth. If humans ever discover beings living amongst us, that have any kind of power we do not. They will absolutely find themselves on the wrong side of an experiment.
January 30, 2025
This was a fun read. The book was captivating and made me want to keep reading. I definitely hope Steven continues to write. Can’t wait to read more of his stuff!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews