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3.77 AVERAGE
3.77 AVERAGE
“you’re a monster, baby. be a monster.”
virgil knox was attacked by a monster. everyone saw him bleeding, battered, and bruised. but still — “he’d been drinking”, “he’s just being dramatic it was just an animal”, “ it’s his fault for hanging out where he should not have been” they all said. so virgil’s now wondering: is he monster or man?
two things you’ve probably realised by now: 1) howl is metaphorical in almost every sense of the word, 2) this is not a light read.
this book captures so much without being overt about it. there is a story that SDH is telling here about assault. you may end up with a different takeaway though, depending on your own monsters. but at the end of the day—
howl is the monster holding your head underwater so no one hears you scream.
howl is the invalidation, the self-blame, the mocking. its the hopelessness, the helpless anger at every apathetic response. you so badly want to tell virgil that you believe him but can only helplessly watch on - you can’t be heard too. how immensely agonizing.
i did not intend to write a review for this originally, but howl stuck with me for days after finishing it, so here we are with 1am thoughts.
i’m thinking: this is so, so very SDH in a way that only he knows how to write. how visceral everything is - the stifling heat, the almost compulsive need to scrub your skin raw as you read, the way you literally can’t breathe. howl feels so much like a fever dream.
but also, the way he writes about trauma. howl marks a return to SDH’s wheelhouse (à la we are the ants & at the edge of the universe) - the grit, biting wit, the things so that many shy away from. how he takes these traumatic experiences, and writes it with deep thought and empathy.
and so.
howl is the monster that tells you to keep quiet. that tricks you into thinking you are alone. don’t listen to it. keep making noise. don’t stop until someone hears you.
CW: physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual assault, gaslighting, body horror/gore, homophobia, mental illness stigma
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A very quick read for how thick of a book this is, full of slowly creeping terror and feelings of helplessness. Hutchinson has once again captured what it feels like to be a young adult stuck in truly horrible situation. With Virgil as our narrator we are pulled into his web of despair and want so badly for something to go right for him it hurts. If you have ever played the TTRPG Monsterhearts then this book is absolutely for you. Teen drama with an undercurrent of the supernatural, and lots of bad decisions.
Virgil is a reliable, if self pitying, narrator who just cant seem to catch a break, and who is also apparently surrounded by some of the most selfish and quietly cruel family members I have ever seen. I mean, Virgil was attacked by a creature in the swamp resulting in a lot of stitches and scars, yet his grandparents basically told him not to be a wussy. So I hated them from the jump and did not really understand when Virgil began to forgive them, but that's family for you.
The little town of Merritt, FL is as much a character as the rest of the cast. Merritt acts as another stifling force for Virgil and co as they attempt to survive high school, bullies, and seemingly endless stream of truly deplorable online vitriol.
If you like slow-burn mystery with feelings of isolation, a cruel world and community, and a teen who is just trying his best to get by: read this book.
Merged review:
A very quick read for how thick of a book this is, full of slowly creeping terror and feelings of helplessness. Hutchinson has once again captured what it feels like to be a young adult stuck in truly horrible situation. With Virgil as our narrator we are pulled into his web of despair and want so badly for something to go right for him it hurts. If you have ever played the TTRPG Monsterhearts then this book is absolutely for you. Teen drama with an undercurrent of the supernatural, and lots of bad decisions.
Virgil is a reliable, if self pitying, narrator who just cant seem to catch a break, and who is also apparently surrounded by some of the most selfish and quietly cruel family members I have ever seen. I mean, Virgil was attacked by a creature in the swamp resulting in a lot of stitches and scars, yet his grandparents basically told him not to be a wussy. So I hated them from the jump and did not really understand when Virgil began to forgive them, but that's family for you.
The little town of Merritt, FL is as much a character as the rest of the cast. Merritt acts as another stifling force for Virgil and co as they attempt to survive high school, bullies, and seemingly endless stream of truly deplorable online vitriol.
If you like slow-burn mystery with feelings of isolation, a cruel world and community, and a teen who is just trying his best to get by: read this book.
Virgil is a reliable, if self pitying, narrator who just cant seem to catch a break, and who is also apparently surrounded by some of the most selfish and quietly cruel family members I have ever seen. I mean, Virgil was attacked by a creature in the swamp resulting in a lot of stitches and scars, yet his grandparents basically told him not to be a wussy. So I hated them from the jump and did not really understand when Virgil began to forgive them, but that's family for you.
The little town of Merritt, FL is as much a character as the rest of the cast. Merritt acts as another stifling force for Virgil and co as they attempt to survive high school, bullies, and seemingly endless stream of truly deplorable online vitriol.
If you like slow-burn mystery with feelings of isolation, a cruel world and community, and a teen who is just trying his best to get by: read this book.
Merged review:
A very quick read for how thick of a book this is, full of slowly creeping terror and feelings of helplessness. Hutchinson has once again captured what it feels like to be a young adult stuck in truly horrible situation. With Virgil as our narrator we are pulled into his web of despair and want so badly for something to go right for him it hurts. If you have ever played the TTRPG Monsterhearts then this book is absolutely for you. Teen drama with an undercurrent of the supernatural, and lots of bad decisions.
Virgil is a reliable, if self pitying, narrator who just cant seem to catch a break, and who is also apparently surrounded by some of the most selfish and quietly cruel family members I have ever seen. I mean, Virgil was attacked by a creature in the swamp resulting in a lot of stitches and scars, yet his grandparents basically told him not to be a wussy. So I hated them from the jump and did not really understand when Virgil began to forgive them, but that's family for you.
The little town of Merritt, FL is as much a character as the rest of the cast. Merritt acts as another stifling force for Virgil and co as they attempt to survive high school, bullies, and seemingly endless stream of truly deplorable online vitriol.
If you like slow-burn mystery with feelings of isolation, a cruel world and community, and a teen who is just trying his best to get by: read this book.
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I kinda wish that Tripp and Virgil had ended up together, and the ending is overall a bit too open for me. Was still a great read though!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Blood, Gaslighting
Moderate: Alcoholism, Suicidal thoughts, Kidnapping, Alcohol
Minor: Drug abuse, Sexual assault
challenging
dark
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
As someone who lived in the South until really recently, this book really captures a small town paranoia and trauma that melded so beautifully with the themes of the book. This is a book about assault, and how it keeps happening, and how a community allows it to happen. If you're looking for a pure werewolf story, you may be disappointed, but as a metaphor, it worked really well for me.
I was given a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Howl is the story of 15 year old Virgil who is forced to move to small town Merritt after his parents separate.
(Minor spoilers ahead)
I'm not a YA reader for the most part, so there were things in this book that aggravated me. Mostly Virgil's apathetic parents and grandparents, and his ridiculously bad choices. But, putting those aside this was a gripping read. It had a paranormal/horror tinge that kept me interested.
I do wish Virgil's ethnicity had been mentioned at the beginning like his sexuality because it would've helped me form a clearer picture of him. It wouldn't have made much difference in the narrative, though I wondered at first if he was being discriminated against because of his race. I think Tripp was my favorite character and if there winds up being a sequel I hope we get more of him.
Overall an intriguing story and enjoyable book. But I could tell who the real monster was pretty early on.
Merged review:
I was given a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Howl is the story of 15 year old Virgil who is forced to move to small town Merritt after his parents separate.
(Minor spoilers ahead)
I'm not a YA reader for the most part, so there were things in this book that aggravated me. Mostly Virgil's apathetic parents and grandparents, and his ridiculously bad choices. But, putting those aside this was a gripping read. It had a paranormal/horror tinge that kept me interested.
I do wish Virgil's ethnicity had been mentioned at the beginning like his sexuality because it would've helped me form a clearer picture of him. It wouldn't have made much difference in the narrative, though I wondered at first if he was being discriminated against because of his race. I think Tripp was my favorite character and if there winds up being a sequel I hope we get more of him.
Overall an intriguing story and enjoyable book. But I could tell who the real monster was pretty early on.
Howl is the story of 15 year old Virgil who is forced to move to small town Merritt after his parents separate.
(Minor spoilers ahead)
I'm not a YA reader for the most part, so there were things in this book that aggravated me. Mostly Virgil's apathetic parents and grandparents, and his ridiculously bad choices. But, putting those aside this was a gripping read. It had a paranormal/horror tinge that kept me interested.
I do wish Virgil's ethnicity had been mentioned at the beginning like his sexuality because it would've helped me form a clearer picture of him. It wouldn't have made much difference in the narrative, though I wondered at first if he was being discriminated against because of his race. I think Tripp was my favorite character and if there winds up being a sequel I hope we get more of him.
Overall an intriguing story and enjoyable book. But I could tell who the real monster was pretty early on.
Merged review:
I was given a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Howl is the story of 15 year old Virgil who is forced to move to small town Merritt after his parents separate.
(Minor spoilers ahead)
I'm not a YA reader for the most part, so there were things in this book that aggravated me. Mostly Virgil's apathetic parents and grandparents, and his ridiculously bad choices. But, putting those aside this was a gripping read. It had a paranormal/horror tinge that kept me interested.
I do wish Virgil's ethnicity had been mentioned at the beginning like his sexuality because it would've helped me form a clearer picture of him. It wouldn't have made much difference in the narrative, though I wondered at first if he was being discriminated against because of his race. I think Tripp was my favorite character and if there winds up being a sequel I hope we get more of him.
Overall an intriguing story and enjoyable book. But I could tell who the real monster was pretty early on.
Virgil Knox was attacked by a monster.
Virgil is the new kid. When his parents separate, he is shipped off to a new place, new school, new life. Yet, when he's brutally attacked by a monster and nobody believes him he's determined to figure out who it was. However, time may not be on his side. He's waking up in strange places and his wounds aren't going away. He's beginning to wonder if he may turn into a monster next.
This was incredible. I'm never disappointed or left unsatisfied by SDH. What a magnificent and feeling author. He addresses trauma and the healing process with a supernatural touch that I admire. It also leaves that taste of-was the supernatural a metaphor or not-in my mouth and I love that mystery.
SDH deserves all the flowers and applause. Tackling such a difficult subject let alone doing in a way that reaches young adults so well isn't easy. SDH's writing is versatile and remarkable and that is showcased so beautifully here as Virgil comes face to face with his trauma after being assaulted.
Every chapter, every step was courageous and emotional and driven. Virgil did something that isn't easy and that was speaking out.
I recommend this to everyone. This holds such a special place in my heart for so many reasons. It's a book I think can help many people. I think if this had come out when I was younger, it would've helped me so much.
Full Review:
https://thescarletreaderreviews.wordpress.com/2023/01/05/the-marks-left-behind-howl-a-book-review/
Merged review:
Virgil Knox was attacked by a monster.
Virgil is the new kid. When his parents separate, he is shipped off to a new place, new school, new life. Yet, when he's brutally attacked by a monster and nobody believes him he's determined to figure out who it was. However, time may not be on his side. He's waking up in strange places and his wounds aren't going away. He's beginning to wonder if he may turn into a monster next.
This was incredible. I'm never disappointed or left unsatisfied by SDH. What a magnificent and feeling author. He addresses trauma and the healing process with a supernatural touch that I admire. It also leaves that taste of-was the supernatural a metaphor or not-in my mouth and I love that mystery.
SDH deserves all the flowers and applause. Tackling such a difficult subject let alone doing in a way that reaches young adults so well isn't easy. SDH's writing is versatile and remarkable and that is showcased so beautifully here as Virgil comes face to face with his trauma after being assaulted.
Every chapter, every step was courageous and emotional and driven. Virgil did something that isn't easy and that was speaking out.
I recommend this to everyone. This holds such a special place in my heart for so many reasons. It's a book I think can help many people. I think if this had come out when I was younger, it would've helped me so much.
Full Review:
https://thescarletreaderreviews.wordpress.com/2023/01/05/the-marks-left-behind-howl-a-book-review/
Virgil is the new kid. When his parents separate, he is shipped off to a new place, new school, new life. Yet, when he's brutally attacked by a monster and nobody believes him he's determined to figure out who it was. However, time may not be on his side. He's waking up in strange places and his wounds aren't going away. He's beginning to wonder if he may turn into a monster next.
This was incredible. I'm never disappointed or left unsatisfied by SDH. What a magnificent and feeling author. He addresses trauma and the healing process with a supernatural touch that I admire. It also leaves that taste of-was the supernatural a metaphor or not-in my mouth and I love that mystery.
SDH deserves all the flowers and applause. Tackling such a difficult subject let alone doing in a way that reaches young adults so well isn't easy. SDH's writing is versatile and remarkable and that is showcased so beautifully here as Virgil comes face to face with his trauma after being assaulted.
Every chapter, every step was courageous and emotional and driven. Virgil did something that isn't easy and that was speaking out.
I recommend this to everyone. This holds such a special place in my heart for so many reasons. It's a book I think can help many people. I think if this had come out when I was younger, it would've helped me so much.
Full Review:
https://thescarletreaderreviews.wordpress.com/2023/01/05/the-marks-left-behind-howl-a-book-review/
Merged review:
Virgil Knox was attacked by a monster.
Virgil is the new kid. When his parents separate, he is shipped off to a new place, new school, new life. Yet, when he's brutally attacked by a monster and nobody believes him he's determined to figure out who it was. However, time may not be on his side. He's waking up in strange places and his wounds aren't going away. He's beginning to wonder if he may turn into a monster next.
This was incredible. I'm never disappointed or left unsatisfied by SDH. What a magnificent and feeling author. He addresses trauma and the healing process with a supernatural touch that I admire. It also leaves that taste of-was the supernatural a metaphor or not-in my mouth and I love that mystery.
SDH deserves all the flowers and applause. Tackling such a difficult subject let alone doing in a way that reaches young adults so well isn't easy. SDH's writing is versatile and remarkable and that is showcased so beautifully here as Virgil comes face to face with his trauma after being assaulted.
Every chapter, every step was courageous and emotional and driven. Virgil did something that isn't easy and that was speaking out.
I recommend this to everyone. This holds such a special place in my heart for so many reasons. It's a book I think can help many people. I think if this had come out when I was younger, it would've helped me so much.
Full Review:
https://thescarletreaderreviews.wordpress.com/2023/01/05/the-marks-left-behind-howl-a-book-review/
Wanna see something cool?
No sir I do not, I am gaslight to the max.
Ok real talk, Howl is an interesting look at how trauma manifests and perpetuates in small communities and bullying runs rampant bc folks are too afraid to step up or be threatened when they do.
The use of repetition is obsessive and unnerving and adds to the jarring feeling of things being not ok. I enjoyed the book even though it wasn't what I was expecting, and kudos to the author illustrating perfectly how folks who are masters at gaslighting easily get under your skin and make you question red flags.
Merged review:
Wanna see something cool?
No sir I do not, I am gaslight to the max.
Ok real talk, Howl is an interesting look at how trauma manifests and perpetuates in small communities and bullying runs rampant bc folks are too afraid to step up or be threatened when they do.
The use of repetition is obsessive and unnerving and adds to the jarring feeling of things being not ok. I enjoyed the book even though it wasn't what I was expecting, and kudos to the author illustrating perfectly how folks who are masters at gaslighting easily get under your skin and make you question red flags.
No sir I do not, I am gaslight to the max.
Ok real talk, Howl is an interesting look at how trauma manifests and perpetuates in small communities and bullying runs rampant bc folks are too afraid to step up or be threatened when they do.
The use of repetition is obsessive and unnerving and adds to the jarring feeling of things being not ok. I enjoyed the book even though it wasn't what I was expecting, and kudos to the author illustrating perfectly how folks who are masters at gaslighting easily get under your skin and make you question red flags.
Merged review:
Wanna see something cool?
No sir I do not, I am gaslight to the max.
Ok real talk, Howl is an interesting look at how trauma manifests and perpetuates in small communities and bullying runs rampant bc folks are too afraid to step up or be threatened when they do.
The use of repetition is obsessive and unnerving and adds to the jarring feeling of things being not ok. I enjoyed the book even though it wasn't what I was expecting, and kudos to the author illustrating perfectly how folks who are masters at gaslighting easily get under your skin and make you question red flags.
dark
emotional
tense
hmmmm im not quite sure how i feel. i sort of wish it went harder on the monster front but also i do understand that that wasnt really what the book was doing so. the ending felt very rushed and jarring overall
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes