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nika_nix's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This one started off so strong but started falling apart towards the middle and it dragged a bit, as if an author didn't know where she was going with the story. I also really didn't like the ending at all. I also feel like the "feminism topics" were a bit too much on the nose. Still a thrilling and creepy horror with good gore imagery and a lot of dark and wintery vibes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Body horror, and Gore
Moderate: Misogyny
Minor: Vomit
the_vegan_bookworm's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident, Blood, Vomit, Body horror, Injury/Injury detail, Death, Misogyny, Violence, and Gore
mermaidsherbet's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Death, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, and Violence
Moderate: Car accident, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Gaslighting, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Stalking, Toxic relationship, and Trafficking
Minor: Vomit and Medical content
twinkle_flavored's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I went in with the misunderstanding this was a creature feature of sorts, centered around the mothman. While the mothman is around periodically, I feel the rich lore that could have been pulled from was largely left untapped. So if you’re a mothman fan kid- this novella may not be for you.
It was an atmospheric, and fast paced read. Though I certainly don’t need my stories polished, neatly wrapped up, and presented with a bow… I found several (what seemed, fairly important) loose ends were left hanging. The ending was an odd direction to go, which I think was a stab at showing the MC growth. It just didn’t land for me.
While I was not the target audience for this novella, there certainly is one. If you are looking for a quick read, enjoy well written body horror, a fever dream like winter atmosphere, cryptid critters, all with a feminist slant- check this out. It may just be a new favorite!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror and Vomit
Moderate: Misogyny and Gaslighting
howlinglibraries's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
"Came outta nowhere, didn't it?"
There are four things that I love, all of which are present in this book: cryptids, feminist horror, Laurel Hightower's writing, and a story so action-packed I have to devour it in one sitting.
I love cryptid stories in general, and like many cryptid lovers, I have a soft spot for Mothman. (I'm a diehard member of the "Mothman isn't bad, actually, he's just trying to help" club, in case you were wondering.)
When I heard Laurel was writing a story involving him, I was immediately sold, though I did force myself to patiently wait a little while to read this because I knew one of my favorite bookish groups was planning to read it in October. It was so worth the wait!
I loved Addy's character and how angry and full of spite and pain she was over the misogyny she'd faced throughout her life, especially from her ex-husband. When we meet her, she's already jaded and mistrusting of men she meets, and honestly, it was very easy to relate to her concerns and wariness. But that element of the story takes a backseat pretty quickly because let me tell you, shit hits the fan fast in this novella, and once it does, it never lets up until the end.
I was totally captivated and loved every second of this. It would make such a fun horror movie adaptation (*cough cough, side-eyes streaming services*), and I absolutely recommend it to anyone who likes cryptids, creature features, and/or horror with badass, tough feminist heroines. I can't wait to see what Laurel comes out with next!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death, Car accident, Misogyny, and Gore
Minor: Domestic abuse
mfrisk's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
As a fan of cryptids and psychological terror this book is a great quick read. Our main character delves deep into her own experiences and existence through being challenged to survive and take on the unknown. Highly recommend this read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Blood, Body horror, Violence, Car accident, and Confinement
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexism, and Vomit
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