Reviews with content warning for Rape - The Woods All Black

Angry, vengeful, bloody, gay, and SO horny. I really enjoyed the setting and there’s a definite catharsis to the ending. This book was a fast and wild ride and if you just want to read something short and angry that takes place in a particularly interesting point in time and involves a particularly interesting group of healthcare workers in America, the Frontier Nurse.

I attended Lee Mandelo’s lecture in Richmond, VA a couple weeks ago where he discussed the inspiration for this book, the explanation for certain scenes, and the overall sex positivity/horniness he wants to bring to queer art. All of which I massively enjoyed and support and comes through super honestly in this novella. Anyways, sometimes revenge fantasies are fun ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

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paracosim's review

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

I enjoyed this far more, and found in much more frightening, than Summer Sons.

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smalltowncreepy's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

A historical queer horror gem!
As a gender queer person from Kentucky, this book sang to me in so many ways. Despite being in 1929, we unfortunately deal with the same mindset today as Les did with Preacher Holladay and his congregation. The scariest, most disturbing, and hardest parts to read for me weren't the ones dealing with a monster in the woods or the details of Les having to help the dying people around him, it was the moments Les was forced to listen to the preacher spout bible passages about a "woman's place" in the world. Horrifying, pointed, and well done.
I can't claim my favorite parts without spoiling the story completely but there is a romance in this book that is beautiful and weird and I love it.
If you have read What Moves the Dead and are looking for more trans and queer rep, especially queer veteran rep, in historical or pseudo-historical horror, this is the book for you.

I received an eARC of Woods All Black for my honest review.
You can also watch my tiktok rec for it https://www.tiktok.com/@smalltowncreepy/video/7384073467940834602?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=6993813173514176006

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kaiyakaiyo's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I liked this! short without feeling rushed, it felt like watching a standalone episode of a very well-made miniseries. i like revenge and i love when oppressed characters get to kill bigots so lots to enjoy here! none of that “but we’d be as bad as them if we fight back” tom foolery; just desserts for the entire town! Oprah-level payback if you will

@ Sony consider the river scene required reading for the next Venom movie pls & thx

edit: mandelo thanking joon for Indigo in the acknowledgements is so real, apobangpo

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devh8su's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

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