Reviews - Old Wounds | The StoryGraph

472 reviews for:

Old Wounds

Logan-Ashley Kisner

4.11 AVERAGE

emilybaio's review against another edition

5.0

4.5/5 rounded up because wow.

libwithattitude's review against another edition

4.0

Old Wounds is a chilling coming-of-age story that masterfully combines emotional depth with subtle horror. It follows two trans teenage protagonists grappling with trauma, both from their past and the strange, almost supernatural forces that creep into their life. It does contain depictions of transphobia and references real/murders or suicides of trans kids and these are integral to the story. The author creates an atmosphere thick with dread, slowly building tension as the story progresses.

At its heart, the novel explores the painful process of confronting unresolved emotional scars—both visible and invisible. The horror elements, while present, take a backseat to the psychological depth, making the terror feel more personal and internal. The supernatural serves as a metaphor for the protagonist’s inner demons, with the real fear coming from facing old wounds that have long been buried.

The characters feel authentic, and their struggles are relatable, especially when it comes to dealing with pain, growth, and self-acceptance. It’s a story that blends fear and humanity in a way that resonates long after you’ve finished reading. For those who enjoy psychological horror with real emotional stakes, Old Wounds is a haunting, thoughtful read.

addielarue_'s review against another edition

4.0

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this eArc!

SUCH a great debut novel. Logan-Ashley Kisner is incredible at capturing the classic horror vibes. I felt like I could picture the whole book playing out in my mind like an 80s horror movie.

bwoo's review

2.75

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: Yes

msmollyanne's review against another edition

3.0

dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

hehkhatea's review against another edition

2.5

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Was ultimately disappointed in this book. While I can recognize that Max was hurting and was somewhat justified in his feelings I just found him kind of grating and needlessly cruel. Erin is a saint for putting up with him and is 100% a better person that me because if I was her I would've never talked to Max ever again. But worse of all I felt like there was no real resolution for the Beast and why it did anything it did. Seemed a little like a cop out.