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elleisa's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
Johnson sure knows how to write a good short story, she hooked me with Maneater & yet again with Ladybugs in November!
I particularly love in short stories when a reader is left to fill in some of the blanks. I think it adds a dreary, eeriness to the feel of it. What did the ladybugs mean? What do they symbolize? I’ll be pondering these things in the coming days.
I could smell this book, I could feel the story; how gross and dank the house was, the men’s faces in a grim awareness in the end. Deliciously creepy!
As a sidenote, I like that Johnson added in the first chapter of Mississippi Blue after the authors note. This is a nice touch and makes me really excited to read that next!
I particularly love in short stories when a reader is left to fill in some of the blanks. I think it adds a dreary, eeriness to the feel of it. What did the ladybugs mean? What do they symbolize? I’ll be pondering these things in the coming days.
I could smell this book, I could feel the story; how gross and dank the house was, the men’s faces in a grim awareness in the end. Deliciously creepy!
As a sidenote, I like that Johnson added in the first chapter of Mississippi Blue after the authors note. This is a nice touch and makes me really excited to read that next!
casutton's review
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
fearnerd's review
5.0
When I think of Ladybugs, I think of the harmless, colorful insects I used to catch in my childhood. I also think of the Rodney Dangerfield movie. And as bad as that movie may be, I don't associate ladybugs with anything terrifying...until now. Brittany Johnson's "Ladybugs in November" is an effectively unsettling short-story where there's no shortage of the insects. They're plentiful in disgusting abundance; making a home of a dilapidated mansion with a dark history.
I loved everything about this story from the strong visuals to the well-written despicable two main characters. I'm glad that a lot of the story's mystery isn't explained, yet it's open enough for interpretation. Could this mansion be the host to other dark events than just the one involving this story's characters? I certainly think it's possible.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5. Fear Nerd says, "Check it out!"
I loved everything about this story from the strong visuals to the well-written despicable two main characters. I'm glad that a lot of the story's mystery isn't explained, yet it's open enough for interpretation. Could this mansion be the host to other dark events than just the one involving this story's characters? I certainly think it's possible.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5. Fear Nerd says, "Check it out!"
morganjanedavis's review
5.0
Mmmm bug horror 🥰😍. For this title to be so short, the vivid imagery and characterization swiftly pulled me in. I was taken aback by how thoroughly the lore was depicted and themes of vengeance and evil were explored in such a short amount of time. I don’t want to give too much away but if you want to spend about 30 minutes in a swampland haunted house with a guest that’s looking for revenge (and has millions of ladybug pals for backup hehe) look no further.
poucks_books's review
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Ladybugs in November
This short story was absolutely amazing and one I enjoyed a lot! I read it in one go right before bed. The story gripped me from the very first words I read and I wasn't able to put it down or focus on anything else than the story.
The story itself was well put together and executed. The characters were unlikable, but that really fit the story and the way the story was written was easy to follow, the banter was great, and it really kept you hooked the entire time.
The horrific part was also very descriptive and I had no issues visualising what happened. Very well written! True nightmare material!
All in all, an amazing short story with just enough info to keep you invested, but not too much so it gets boring or too informative. I really enjoyed it and I give it a very deserved 5/5!
This short story was absolutely amazing and one I enjoyed a lot! I read it in one go right before bed. The story gripped me from the very first words I read and I wasn't able to put it down or focus on anything else than the story.
The story itself was well put together and executed. The characters were unlikable, but that really fit the story and the way the story was written was easy to follow, the banter was great, and it really kept you hooked the entire time.
The horrific part was also very descriptive and I had no issues visualising what happened. Very well written! True nightmare material!
All in all, an amazing short story with just enough info to keep you invested, but not too much so it gets boring or too informative. I really enjoyed it and I give it a very deserved 5/5!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Murder, and Death
Moderate: Body shaming, Body horror, and Fatphobia
our_bookish_reads's review
fast-paced
5.0
Wow, what a twisted book this is! Honestly, this was pretty creepy, and it's a unique horror story. I will definitely be reading more from Brittany Johnson!
If you have entomophobia, I would highly suggest not reading this book.
TWs/CWs:
Bugs
Fire
Bullying
Death
Fat shaming
Thank you, Brittany Johnson, for the copy! I am leaving this review of my own volition. All opinions are my own.
If you have entomophobia, I would highly suggest not reading this book.
TWs/CWs:
Bugs
Fire
Bullying
Death
Fat shaming
Thank you, Brittany Johnson, for the copy! I am leaving this review of my own volition. All opinions are my own.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Child death, Fire/Fire injury, Bullying, Physical abuse, Body horror, Death, Injury/Injury detail, and Violence
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