Monster from Hardy novel (5)
I believe the answer is:
hydra
'monster' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'hardy novel' is the wordplay.
'novel' indicates an anagram.
'hardy' anagrammed gives 'HYDRA'.
'from' is the link.
(Other definitions for hydra that I've seen before include "Nine-headed monster of Greek myth" , "M any-headed monster fought by Hercules" , "Many-headed foe of Hercules" , "Many-headed serpent" , "Multi-headed monster slain by Hercules" .)