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evangeline_miller's reviews
643 reviews
The Low, Low Woods by Carmen Maria Machado
4.5
The Low, Low Woods is a limited horror series from Hill House Comics. I loved the dual narrative structure, where we get to learn some of the background context, while also keeping the plot moving forward. The story follows El and Vee, best friends who wake up in a movie theater with no memory of the last few hours. Something is definitely off—the mud on their shoes and the unsettling vibe in their town, Shudder-to-Think, Pennsylvania, make that clear.
As the plot develops, El tackles the mystery with anger, while Vee processes it through a quieter, introspective lens. Their contrasting personalities and the strength of their friendship is really what kept me reading. I do think the series could have used an extra issue or two to let some of the story develop more organically, instead of relying on the exposition-heavy Issue #5. But that’s a minor gripe, and overall, the unsettling atmosphere and the vibrant visuals really made this comic a standout.
Machado also confronts heavy themes, grounding the horror in real-world trauma, which gave the story extra emotional weight. If you’re into horror, queer narratives, or just love beautifully crafted stories, this one’s definitely worth checking out!
Stay True by Hua Hsu
3.0
“Back then, there was no such thing as spending too much time in the car.”
I can completely relate to the sentiment of driving aimlessly around just for the sake of it. But I’m also so torn about this book. On the one hand, Hsu captures an era it’s easy to feel nostalgic about—a time before social media, where “cool” was about being counterculture, not chasing influencer status. But on the other hand, Hsu is so self-involved, as he himself mentions, that it’s hard to connect. He’s consumed by his outward appearance and persona, adopting a straight-edge identity that often feels performative.
There were parts I really appreciated, like the exploration of memory that Hua’s friend Ken explores. I liked the idea of memory as a city—how you can return to a place after years and find it completely altered by time. Overall, Stay True has its moments, but it didn’t quite hit the emotional depth I was hoping for.
There were parts I really appreciated, like the exploration of memory that Hua’s friend Ken explores. I liked the idea of memory as a city—how you can return to a place after years and find it completely altered by time. Overall, Stay True has its moments, but it didn’t quite hit the emotional depth I was hoping for.
Night of the Living Rez by Morgan Talty
5.0
Night of the Living Rez is one of the most heartbreaking books I’ve read in a while. It’s one of those quiet, emotionally devastating reads that sneaks up on you. The structure is unique; it’s a series of non-sequential stories following David, or Dee, growing up in the Penobscot Nation on Indian Island. It’s not quite a coming-of-age story, but there are elements of that as well, especially the stories that follow David during his youth. Despite the fragmented timeline, the book never felt disjointed. I found myself reading this quietly in the mornings, drawn in by the sharp, thoughtful writing. It’s one of those books that lingers with you. I will definitely read more by Talty.
“Wait, wait,” he said. “Don’t cut it”
“What do you want me to do? Tell the ice to let go?”
Mrs. March by Virginia Feito
4.0
Mrs. March was so much darker than I expected! The novel chronicles the slow unraveling of its titular character, after the local baker suggests she’s the inspiration for the protagonist in her husband’s newest bestseller—a lady of the night named Johanna. The comment sends Mrs. March spiraling, and her slow descent into madness is both unsettling and oddly fascinating.
I loved the author’s focus on small, disturbing details, like the moment Mrs. March bites into a stick of butter. There was something so visceral about the author’s descriptions that made me cringe! The book also brilliantly explores themes of aging and the discomfort of feeling like a stranger in your own changing body. Mrs. March’s unease with her body borders on body horror, as though she perceives her own body as something grotesque or alien.
While we do eventually learn Mrs. March’s first name, this small but significant revelation underscores how much the story revolves around her fractured sense of identity, especially in the flashback scenes from her childhood when she is still referred to Mrs. March! There was something so angering about that! But totally great for the story and point Feito is making.
Overall, Mrs. March was so much better than I expected. It’s dark, unsettling, and introspective—a must-read for anyone who loves a great character study.
Machete: Poems by Tomás Q Morín
4.0
What first drew me to Machete: Poems was the great illustration and cover design by Bráulio Amado—but I’m so glad it did! This collection is raw and deeply personal, delving into themes like fatherhood and racism, yet it’s also playful and unexpectedly tender. There’s a poem dedicated to Jessica Alba and Danny Trejo, for example, and another told from the perspective of duct tape, which was surprisingly one of my favorites! Morín has a way of blending vulnerability and creativity that made this collection so memorable. I read the eBook, but also listened to the audiobook, which is read by the author, and that really helped set the tone for the collection.