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4.1 AVERAGE
4.1 AVERAGE
dark
tense
fast-paced
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
received an ARC on netgalley*
ahhhhh! i couldn’t put this book down i loved it so much and i don’t usually go for horror but it was trans so i tried it and it was so good!
ahhhhh! i couldn’t put this book down i loved it so much and i don’t usually go for horror but it was trans so i tried it and it was so good!
Old Wounds is an emotionally raw & tender story that tackles both internal and external transgender topics with a sharp tooth and tongue, all wrapped up in a wonderfully queer horror metaphor. Our main characters, Max & Erin, are hard not to fall in love with immediately, from their complicated history to their general rapport they were an absolute treat to read and go on this adventure with. The stand-out of this book is definitely the way Kisner explores transness so fiercely and thoughtfully and going even further to elevate the commentary by delving into in how Max and Erin exist in the world with both shared *and* uniquely individual trans experiences. Reading the acknowledgements and learning that this story comes from a love of horror movies (and specifically watching them through a queer lens) makes so much sense when you experience all of the complexities and layers of symbolism Kisner lays out for us in this. The cherry on top is one of my favorite elements in horror, challenging the audience's preconceived notions about what a monster really is. While hopefully obvious for most readers, it's just as impactful and relevant to recognize the monstrosity in our everyday society, in laws being passed and harmful rhetoric that continues to persist. Kisner does a great job with the pacing in this, balancing wonderfully fraught moments of tension with soft moments of confronting emotional vulnerabilities.
If you enjoy queer horror (and are a fellow lover of character-driven stories), READ THIS BOOK!!! Trans + queer horror has and will always exist and what a gift it was to read this one!!!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
If you enjoy queer horror (and are a fellow lover of character-driven stories), READ THIS BOOK!!! Trans + queer horror has and will always exist and what a gift it was to read this one!!!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Max and Erin are two teens embarking on an epic road trip from Ohio to California. That sounds banal, until you learn that both Max and Erin are transgender, they used to be a couple, and they haven't spoken in two years until Max asked Erin to accompany him on his escape from his transphobic family. Just when they're settling into the journey and overcoming the strangeness of their relationship, their trip is halted with a flat tire...and then the horrors begin.
Although the exposition leading to the real action was a little long for a relatively short novel, this book was a nail-biting horror story, and I loved every second of it. Kisner manages to cover the topics of gender, toxic family dynamics, teen relationships, and new beginnings. And if you've ever wondered how a gender-specific, murderous backwoods cryptid interprets the existence of trans people...you'll find your answer here. As in real life, however, sometimes the real horror may be in what humans can do to other humans.
I was able to read this digital ARC thanks to Netgalley. There were a handful of continuity errors and misused vocabulary, but I suspect those will be fixed before the final published versions. Overall, I'm adding queer horror as my new favorite genre.
Although the exposition leading to the real action was a little long for a relatively short novel, this book was a nail-biting horror story, and I loved every second of it. Kisner manages to cover the topics of gender, toxic family dynamics, teen relationships, and new beginnings. And if you've ever wondered how a gender-specific, murderous backwoods cryptid interprets the existence of trans people...you'll find your answer here. As in real life, however, sometimes the real horror may be in what humans can do to other humans.
I was able to read this digital ARC thanks to Netgalley. There were a handful of continuity errors and misused vocabulary, but I suspect those will be fixed before the final published versions. Overall, I'm adding queer horror as my new favorite genre.
Cryptids for trans rights!!! absolutely couldn't put this one down, an instant classic in the queer horror cannon.
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-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
"Old Wounds" defied my expectations, but I thoroughly enjoyed the journey it took me on.
The story follows two transgender teenagers, Max and Erin, on their quest to reach California. Max's motivation is clear - he's eager to begin his transition. Erin, on the other hand, is still trying to understand why Max ended their relationship two years ago.
Their plans take an unexpected turn when they enter a small rural town, forever altering the course of their lives. Suddenly, they're faced with a terrifying reality: a monster is hunting them, and the local townspeople seem all too willing to offer them as sacrifices.
Initially, "Old Wounds" appears to be a typical contemporary road trip story, complete with minor setbacks that conveniently bring the main characters closer together. However, this novel delivers something entirely different.
Raw and intense, this book explores the full spectrum of human emotions. It strips away pretences, leaving readers vulnerable, only to reveal that one's worth transcends others' opinions. Potential readers should note the trigger and content warnings before diving in.
I must add how I admired how the main characters were simultaneously similar yet worlds apart. I found myself championing Max's needs and feelings while also deeply empathising with Erin's emotional journey too.
As the author emphasised, this isn't merely a book written for the sake of representation. It's a purposefully crafted narrative, powerful and unyielding, seamlessly integrated into the horror genre. "Old Wounds" demands to be taken seriously and deserves every accolade it receives.
Overall, I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a good YA horror read with thorough LGBTQ+ representation.
The story follows two transgender teenagers, Max and Erin, on their quest to reach California. Max's motivation is clear - he's eager to begin his transition. Erin, on the other hand, is still trying to understand why Max ended their relationship two years ago.
Their plans take an unexpected turn when they enter a small rural town, forever altering the course of their lives. Suddenly, they're faced with a terrifying reality: a monster is hunting them, and the local townspeople seem all too willing to offer them as sacrifices.
Initially, "Old Wounds" appears to be a typical contemporary road trip story, complete with minor setbacks that conveniently bring the main characters closer together. However, this novel delivers something entirely different.
Raw and intense, this book explores the full spectrum of human emotions. It strips away pretences, leaving readers vulnerable, only to reveal that one's worth transcends others' opinions. Potential readers should note the trigger and content warnings before diving in.
I must add how I admired how the main characters were simultaneously similar yet worlds apart. I found myself championing Max's needs and feelings while also deeply empathising with Erin's emotional journey too.
As the author emphasised, this isn't merely a book written for the sake of representation. It's a purposefully crafted narrative, powerful and unyielding, seamlessly integrated into the horror genre. "Old Wounds" demands to be taken seriously and deserves every accolade it receives.
Overall, I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a good YA horror read with thorough LGBTQ+ representation.
Only trans authors should write horror because they’re best at it!! Absolutely loved this so so much.