A review by cortnyjoy
Lycanthropia Americana by Billy Russell

4.0

Lycanthropia Americana came highly recommended to me by the real-life Kevin, and it lived up to the hype! Knowing one of the characters certainly added to my interest, but the story more than stood on its own. Dark, poignant, and engaging, it’s a young-adult novel about three high school boys whose lives are forever changed after a violent encounter in the hills of Anza. Throughout the entire novel, there’s this very subtle, eerie, almost somber sense that Kevin, Brad, and Chito, though mischievous young men who know how to have fun, carry a bigger weight on their shoulders than one might wish for 18-year-olds. It’s this intangible pulse that drives and underpins the entire story, making for a horrific yet beautiful read as well as lovable characters. LA is well-balanced with teen spirit, vivid description, young love, brotherly bonds, figurative language, suspense, and bloodshed. The ending packs a punch and will leave you trying to understand the deeper metaphor. Definitely a story I won’t soon forget. Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️