Review by witcheep - Someone You Can Build a Nest In

witcheep 's review for:

Someone You Can Build a Nest In by John Wiswell

4.5

adventurous dark emotional funny reflective tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I didn't know I needed a queer horror love story from the perspective of an antisocial monster, but this one hit the spot. Moreover, it's a thought-provoking story of empathy that makes you question who the real monsters are. At times, it has some less appealing YA vibes from how the problems are solved a little hastily, but overall the plot and descriptions are deliciously detailed (including gory or only gooey body-horror of shapeshifting).

If you need more convincing to pick up this book, let some of my favorite quotes do it:

This revelry was a kind of fear, for hatred was the fear people let themselves enjoy.
Never had she imagined such a thing. Humans were so creative in their disappointments.

She said, "What is wrong?"
"Can we not talk about it right now?"
"Yes. I love not talking."

— Shesheshen ("Siobhan") and Homily

Like smothering a victim, comforting was easier to do with a good grip.

Content Warnings