A review by ristretto
youthjuice by E.K. Sathue

dark funny mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Youthjuice is a dark humored satirical exploration of the beauty industry and the obsession with youth with a serving of body horror on the side. It’s giving Death Becomes Her meets Goop and a bit of Rouge by Mona Awad. 

I really like how we move between the past and the present and seeing Sophia’s relationships, especially the intimacy with her childhood friend vs the present. It’s an exploration of toxic friendships and the workplace, age and class but it’s at the same time also easily digestible. I found the idea of these young women having this coveted vitality and also being seen as disposable and easily replaceable as very interesting. I really loved the premise and actually wish it had been pushed a bit further and the ending also felt a bit too convenient but overall found it to be  an interesting read.

If you’re a skin care girly or are looking for a mystery thriller with a bit of horror on the side this is for you. 

Thank you very much to NetGalley and the publisher. I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.