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A review by danaslitlist
I Was a Teenage Slasher by Stephen Graham Jones
adventurous
dark
fast-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
4.0
Thank you so much to S&S Publishing for reaching out with the opportunity to read Stephen Graham Jones' latest book, I was such a pleasure and actual highlight of my month to be able to enjoy an advanced digital copy from one of my favorite authors.
Just like with every book I've read by SGJ I was a confused as hell for about 15-20% but knew that if I just allowed myself to enjoy the ride and let go of the wheel it would be worth it. And I was right! Fans of The Indian Lake trilogy will definitely have fun with I Was A Teenage Slasher as it spins the final girl vs slasher story we experienced with Jade and allows us a look at the other side. This also has a similar element of "supernatural" to it that we see in The Indian Lake trilogy which is, in itself, a homage to the "supernatural" wonder of the slasher genre. It's a tool to explain and mythicize how and why slashers can do what they do.
'I Was A Teenage Slasher" is a great blend of slasher gore and horror, camp, and action. Fast paced and full of all the golden tropes we know and love for the genre.
My one minor critique is that Amber really feels like a watered down version of Jade Daniels. Which honestly isn’t so much of a problem considering Amber is filling the role of the Slasher Expert, it was just something that had me sighing slightly before moving on with the rest of the book.
While the book isn't "groundbreaking" in terms of what it does or in plot twists (especially in comparison with the author's other works) I still found it clever and incredibly well written which isn't surprising in the slightest. Stephen Graham Jones knows how to capture the feeling of dread and horror despite knowing what is going to happen, while spinning together a story that compels you to keep reading.
I think this is a perfect, quick and entertaining summer read to pair with a Scream marathon.
Just like with every book I've read by SGJ I was a confused as hell for about 15-20% but knew that if I just allowed myself to enjoy the ride and let go of the wheel it would be worth it. And I was right! Fans of The Indian Lake trilogy will definitely have fun with I Was A Teenage Slasher as it spins the final girl vs slasher story we experienced with Jade and allows us a look at the other side. This also has a similar element of "supernatural" to it that we see in The Indian Lake trilogy which is, in itself, a homage to the "supernatural" wonder of the slasher genre. It's a tool to explain and mythicize how and why slashers can do what they do.
'I Was A Teenage Slasher" is a great blend of slasher gore and horror, camp, and action. Fast paced and full of all the golden tropes we know and love for the genre.
My one minor critique is that Amber really feels like a watered down version of Jade Daniels. Which honestly isn’t so much of a problem considering Amber is filling the role of the Slasher Expert, it was just something that had me sighing slightly before moving on with the rest of the book.
While the book isn't "groundbreaking" in terms of what it does or in plot twists (especially in comparison with the author's other works) I still found it clever and incredibly well written which isn't surprising in the slightest. Stephen Graham Jones knows how to capture the feeling of dread and horror despite knowing what is going to happen, while spinning together a story that compels you to keep reading.
I think this is a perfect, quick and entertaining summer read to pair with a Scream marathon.