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A review by clemslibrary
My Throat an Open Grave by Tori Bovalino
3.5
Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an arc in return for an honest review!
My Throat an Open Grave is a dark YA fantasy with horror elements and filled with questions surrounding myth and reality, as well as religion and the way it impacts a small town.
Leah is tasked with finding her younger brother after he has been stolen by the lord of the woods, and we follow her attempt to try and save him. For a ya fantasy, Leah was complex enough for me to like her whilst still understanding her as a person - she is a teenager in a small town in America where religion plays a large part. The questions raised surrounding religion really pushed this book, and we see Leah question the things she has been told and how she should act. This religious questioning was definitely my favourite part of the book, it helped develop Leah as a character and make her almost feel more normal and grounded in reality.
The romance was slightly insta-love/could have had more development but for a shorter book i thought it worked fine and i did like seeing them together.
There’s non-binary rep in here, as well as a queer-normative world within the woods and mention of multiple queer relationships. Fletcher immediately introduces themself with their pronouns which made a large contrast to Leah’s hometown, and her friendship with Fletcher was so sweet as the story progressed.
The twist at the end was very welcome, and Leah’s growth and strength shine through!
If you’re looking for a shorter fantasy book with horror elements and a slightly atmospheric wood this is the read for you!
My Throat an Open Grave is a dark YA fantasy with horror elements and filled with questions surrounding myth and reality, as well as religion and the way it impacts a small town.
Leah is tasked with finding her younger brother after he has been stolen by the lord of the woods, and we follow her attempt to try and save him. For a ya fantasy, Leah was complex enough for me to like her whilst still understanding her as a person - she is a teenager in a small town in America where religion plays a large part. The questions raised surrounding religion really pushed this book, and we see Leah question the things she has been told and how she should act. This religious questioning was definitely my favourite part of the book, it helped develop Leah as a character and make her almost feel more normal and grounded in reality.
The romance was slightly insta-love/could have had more development but for a shorter book i thought it worked fine and i did like seeing them together.
There’s non-binary rep in here, as well as a queer-normative world within the woods and mention of multiple queer relationships. Fletcher immediately introduces themself with their pronouns which made a large contrast to Leah’s hometown, and her friendship with Fletcher was so sweet as the story progressed.
The twist at the end was very welcome, and Leah’s growth and strength shine through!
If you’re looking for a shorter fantasy book with horror elements and a slightly atmospheric wood this is the read for you!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gore, Suicidal thoughts, and Blood