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readingvicariously's review against another edition
5.0
First of all, I really resonated with the introduction from Sadie Hartmann (aka Mother Horror). Meyer's The Switch House and Lutzke's Of Foster Homes and Flies were the first books I read from these respective writers, and they had a huge impact on my love for and exploration of the indie horror scene (which literally began just last year and is continuing to thrive). I'm excited to read more from each of these authors and to continue to mine the horror scene.
Now, on to the book itself. I received the Night Worms/Thunderstorm Books exclusive edition in November of last year, but I didn't get around to reading it until a couple weeks ago. I'm late in writing my review, but this is actually the very first book I read in 2021 and I was so happy to start the year with such a good one!
There's so much to love here, from the fleshed out characters, to the immaculate pacing and suspense, to the thrilling, jaw-dropping final act. I already had a soft spot for this type of story because I'm a big fan of (dark) coming-of-age tales, and I'm pleased to report that the Lutzke-Meyer duo knocked it out of the park. Baker Gray is an authentic and fully realized protagonist, whose burgeoning hormones are fully smitten by the older Cass and yet who still questions his own actions even as he sinks down the well of moral dilemma. I may not have been caught up in the same dark web as Baker when I was young, but many of his thoughts and feelings are strikingly relatable. I think this speaks to the success of the writers in capturing the fears and yearnings of an adolescent male whose loss of innocence begins early in the book and continues on to the shocking finale.
In addition to the characters of the book, I also really enjoyed the pacing. You know, just based on the tone and mood early on, that something is going to go horribly wrong as Baker falls head-over-heels for Cass, but the book is patient enough to wait until the end to reveal the its full horror. Plus the increasing infatuation/sexual tension, growing rivalry with Baker's best friend Seb, and escalation of Cass's demands are plenty engaging and help carry the story along at a brisk, worrisome step. Oh and the countdown in the chapters is a nice touch, clearly spelling out that we're heading towards something bad. I loved every single chapter in this book, but that ending is just amazing. I don't want to spoil anything, but I will say I'm a sucker for home-invasions-gone-wrong. Also there is a twist that, honestly, I should have seen coming but I was so enraptured by the story that it still caught me by surprise.
There are a couple of references to William Golding's Lord of the Flies, and this seems an appropriate connection. In addition to the cruel realities of human nature and the inevitable loss of innocence, there's also a story here about three teens at odds with the world wanting to create new rules in a home they can call their own. And there's something beautiful and inspiring about that, even if it ends up being a home built on mistrust and duplicity.
This is a horror book where the monsters are all too real. There is deviance, violence, and brokenness, but there's also moments of joy and truth (even if that truth is written in blood). To say more would be to spoil the experience. Go, and read it for yourself. You won't be disappointed.
Now, on to the book itself. I received the Night Worms/Thunderstorm Books exclusive edition in November of last year, but I didn't get around to reading it until a couple weeks ago. I'm late in writing my review, but this is actually the very first book I read in 2021 and I was so happy to start the year with such a good one!
There's so much to love here, from the fleshed out characters, to the immaculate pacing and suspense, to the thrilling, jaw-dropping final act. I already had a soft spot for this type of story because I'm a big fan of (dark) coming-of-age tales, and I'm pleased to report that the Lutzke-Meyer duo knocked it out of the park. Baker Gray is an authentic and fully realized protagonist, whose burgeoning hormones are fully smitten by the older Cass and yet who still questions his own actions even as he sinks down the well of moral dilemma. I may not have been caught up in the same dark web as Baker when I was young, but many of his thoughts and feelings are strikingly relatable. I think this speaks to the success of the writers in capturing the fears and yearnings of an adolescent male whose loss of innocence begins early in the book and continues on to the shocking finale.
In addition to the characters of the book, I also really enjoyed the pacing. You know, just based on the tone and mood early on, that something is going to go horribly wrong as Baker falls head-over-heels for Cass, but the book is patient enough to wait until the end to reveal the its full horror. Plus the increasing infatuation/sexual tension, growing rivalry with Baker's best friend Seb, and escalation of Cass's demands are plenty engaging and help carry the story along at a brisk, worrisome step. Oh and the countdown in the chapters is a nice touch, clearly spelling out that we're heading towards something bad. I loved every single chapter in this book, but that ending is just amazing. I don't want to spoil anything, but I will say I'm a sucker for home-invasions-gone-wrong. Also there is a twist that, honestly, I should have seen coming but I was so enraptured by the story that it still caught me by surprise.
There are a couple of references to William Golding's Lord of the Flies, and this seems an appropriate connection. In addition to the cruel realities of human nature and the inevitable loss of innocence, there's also a story here about three teens at odds with the world wanting to create new rules in a home they can call their own. And there's something beautiful and inspiring about that, even if it ends up being a home built on mistrust and duplicity.
This is a horror book where the monsters are all too real. There is deviance, violence, and brokenness, but there's also moments of joy and truth (even if that truth is written in blood). To say more would be to spoil the experience. Go, and read it for yourself. You won't be disappointed.
a_chickletz's review against another edition
5.0
This was part of my Night Worms subscription.
Wow. This was an interesting, well written horror/thriller.
Think of a book about teenage love, and one of them falls in love with a girl. Yet, the girl is not your typical girl. She is an interesting, rebellious and crazy sixteen year old.
It's one of those books you'll get done in a sitting - depending on how fast you read? If you like your books with teenage love mixed with psycho, this is your book.
Wow. This was an interesting, well written horror/thriller.
Think of a book about teenage love, and one of them falls in love with a girl. Yet, the girl is not your typical girl. She is an interesting, rebellious and crazy sixteen year old.
It's one of those books you'll get done in a sitting - depending on how fast you read? If you like your books with teenage love mixed with psycho, this is your book.
monty_reads's review
challenging
dark
tense
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
3.5
ghostthereader's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
lanternsjourney's review against another edition
5.0
Baker and Seb are younger teens who form an unhealthy relationship with Cass, an older, more experienced, female teen who has a really dark side. They spend most of their time in an abandoned house on Wormwood street and even though it's a short book, we really get to know these teens and their dynamics well. I could really relate to Baker. I felt for him. I'm sure most teens feel the way he does at one point or another, and the events in this book play out honestly.
I also want to say that I loved the short chapters with a "countdown" under the titles leading up to The Day when shit goes down. What that is, the reader doesn't know, but it had me turning pages like I haven't in a while. I had a giant grin when I got to the divider page that was blank except to say, TODAY.
Wormwood gave me all the emotions and had the uplifting ending I've come to look forward to from Chad Lutzke. This was my first experience with Tim Meyer, but it definitely wont be my last.
I also want to say that I loved the short chapters with a "countdown" under the titles leading up to The Day when shit goes down. What that is, the reader doesn't know, but it had me turning pages like I haven't in a while. I had a giant grin when I got to the divider page that was blank except to say, TODAY.
Wormwood gave me all the emotions and had the uplifting ending I've come to look forward to from Chad Lutzke. This was my first experience with Tim Meyer, but it definitely wont be my last.
readbyashleyd's review against another edition
dark
sad
fast-paced
5.0
This right here is a book after my heart! A coming of age story that turns VERY dark?! HELL TO THE YES. This book is pure perfection. There’s just no other way to accurately describe it or do it justice. It’s beautiful and heartbreaking and poignant and scary and horrifying and I loved every second I spent immersed in its pages. Joining Baker on his journey felt like a privilege, I just loved his character so much and seeing him go through all these experiences moved me in the strangest way. Not only is this one of the best coming of age stories I’ve read so far this year but one of the best coming of age stories I’ve ever read PERIOD. It just sinks its hooks right into your heart and burrows deep and doesn’t let go. It’s been days since I’ve finished it and I still can’t stop thinking about how much I loved this book!
jyan's review against another edition
4.0
After just two books, Chad Lutzke is quickly becoming one of my favorite horror writers. One thing I treasure most in any form of media is emotional honesty, and it's been something that's been hard to find in horror I've read (though honestly, I'm still in the novice stage). There are moments of pureness in some Poppy Z. Brite, but nothing ever quite meets the sensitivity with which Lutzke tackles his characters. This is not to diminish Meyer's work here, as there's a peppier pace to the novel that I'm sure is a sign of Meyer's hand (and this has indeed lit a fire under me to explore more of his work). Either way, the two have come together to create a swift, emotionally resonant, and truly horrifying piece of horror goodness. If the ending had hit with a little more originality, it may have reached the perfect 5 levels, but as it is it's a very solid 4, and one that I'll probably find myself re-reading in the future.
melowdee's review against another edition
4.0
Rating 4.5 - Nightworm book. Really enjoyed it. Liked were it went.
karlakayjenniges's review against another edition
4.0
"....and he wonders how in the hell love can feel so lonely."
How resonating this quote is. Because sometimes; even though it shouldn't, love can feel very lonely. A dark and disturbing story of teenage angst and trying to fit in, falling into the wrong group of friends. But as a teenager, none of that matters when it's what you want more than anything. The hormones are raging and the blinders are on. The warning signs are so easy to ignore All that is seen is two exciting friends to hang out with, have fun with, and finally fit in.
Even though this delves into a very dark place, it was an exciting and edgy coming-of-age story. And written as a collaborative by two exceptionally talented authors makes it that much more unique.
Beautifully written where the scars run deep! Suspenseful and intense!
How resonating this quote is. Because sometimes; even though it shouldn't, love can feel very lonely. A dark and disturbing story of teenage angst and trying to fit in, falling into the wrong group of friends. But as a teenager, none of that matters when it's what you want more than anything. The hormones are raging and the blinders are on. The warning signs are so easy to ignore All that is seen is two exciting friends to hang out with, have fun with, and finally fit in.
Even though this delves into a very dark place, it was an exciting and edgy coming-of-age story. And written as a collaborative by two exceptionally talented authors makes it that much more unique.
Beautifully written where the scars run deep! Suspenseful and intense!
jnn_sin's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0