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lilacs_book_bower's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I loved YA horror as a teen, and I have been searching for that high ever since. I think aging and becoming a more analytical reader has made it more difficult (damn you, English degree!). Because this book wasn't it, sadly. I had high hopes for this one, and I enjoyed it while I was reading. I read it in almost one sitting, and it has some tense and atmospheric moments. The two last plot points/twists at the very end surprised me, and seemed fitting, so I appreciated that. I am always in favor of more books featuring BIPOC and LGBTQ characters, especially teens, and I welcome discussions of the issues that they face (not all books need to be about trauma though; let's read about joy, I say in a review for a horror book.) However, as soon as the book was over, all I could think about were issues. The characterization is non-existent, even for our heroine. The events are ridiculous, and people make stupid choices, even for a horror book. Why is this happening now, when it could have happened years ago? Or even earlier this summer? It's suddenly supernatural, in a way that is both ridiculous and incredulous. The villains are super predictable. The book should have been longer, which would have allowed more time for character and plot development. I know they have just murdered your friends, but a middle-aged man in an owl costume isn't exactly terrifying. And anyone who believes Kyle is an idiot. The sheriff came, saw a girl with her belly sliced open, and just decided to dismiss what was going on? Ok, sure, Kyle. And people have been dying at the camp for years, including six teens in one summer, and you have never even told there was a camp there in the first place. You don't think someone might have mentioned that?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Blood, Body horror, Classism, Child abuse, Abandonment, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Torture, Death, Gore, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, and Murder
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