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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
funny
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
HS & up
Content Warnings
Graphic: Deadnaming, Transphobia, Violence, Dysphoria
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Death of parent
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
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
Didn't like how the only characters of color were two side character who only appeared in the epilogue, and one important plot point felt contrived, but otherwise it was good
dark
emotional
tense
fast-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:
Complicated
I was originally hesitant over the likelihood of the main characters' past entwinement, but enjoyed the commentary it provided/developed through that, enough not to linger on it. A slow start to the horror part but worth it. The concept is unique and well executed!
dark
hopeful
tense
fast-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:
No
This was heart-achingly good. The horror was amazing, I was tense throughout, and the atmosphere was so creepy.
This book was unflinchingly honest about the struggles trans people face and Erin and Max both struggled on their journey to being themselves.
This book was unflinchingly honest about the struggles trans people face and Erin and Max both struggled on their journey to being themselves.
adventurous
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
It's not that I expected to not like this, I've just read more than a couple YA horrors recently that didn't work for me (Here Lies a Vengeful Bitch, The Dark We Know, You're Not Supposed to Die Tonight, The Blonde Dies First) and it's a little like ok, maybe this just isn't a good fit.
Most of the best horror I read this year was actually queer (Bury Your Gays and The Z Word) and I really loved this honest and nuanced take on being trans. Max's frustration with Erin is so real because some people do have an easier time coming out, and it almost doesn't feel fair if yours was difficult. It's not her fault at all, but I really like how this contrasted their separate relationships with their families and the fact that while being trans is a shared experience, there is no singular coming out narrative, whether that is being accepted or rejected.
The way this handled the beast and gender is so smart - early in the book they debate if a creature only attacked one gender, would it recognize people who are trans, or go off of biological sex?I don't think there is a good answer to that, so having the sacrifices not even ultimately being about gender was definitely the best route. I'll definitely pick up whatever Kisner writes next, and I hope trans teens feel like they see themselves in the story.
Most of the best horror I read this year was actually queer (Bury Your Gays and The Z Word) and I really loved this honest and nuanced take on being trans. Max's frustration with Erin is so real because some people do have an easier time coming out, and it almost doesn't feel fair if yours was difficult. It's not her fault at all, but I really like how this contrasted their separate relationships with their families and the fact that while being trans is a shared experience, there is no singular coming out narrative, whether that is being accepted or rejected.
The way this handled the beast and gender is so smart - early in the book they debate if a creature only attacked one gender, would it recognize people who are trans, or go off of biological sex?