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findingmontauk1's reviews
900 reviews
Cardinal Rules by Brady Phoenix
emotional
mysterious
tense
4.0
A queer slasher that exudes 80s/90s movie vibes? SIGN! ME! UP!
CARDINAL RULES by Brady Phoenix was everything I needed right now and didn't even know it. Those who know me know that I *LOVE* slasher horror - so much that I started a podcast dedicated to the best and worst slasher movies of the 80s this year! So when I heard about Cardinal Rules I knew I had to have it. And I could not put it down!
You know how so many 80s/90s horror movies set you up with a mysterious background, some main characters, a basic plot outline, and then take place at a summer camp? Well, this one does similar things but then takes place during a PRIDE weekend and some of the hotspots stemming from that. YES! And once the parties start then the body count begins to rise. There are some real fun death scenes in this, too! And a costumed slasher is always fun - like who does not want to read about or see a killer dressed up like a cardinal with razor talons?!
This book begins with a traumatic domestic incident and flashes back to the life/lives impacted by said event throughout the book. You definitely know someone is not being honest but you do not have a clue who is behind these grizzly murders at this weekend Pride celebration. As the story goes on, the past is uncovered more, and even more people start to die, everything starts coming full circle and it definitely sent me!
There are some characters I loved to love... and, well, a few more that I couldn't wait to meet The Cardinal. On a deeper level, this book does explore some of the bullying, racism, shaming, and toxicity within the LGBTQ+ community (so be ready for that). In a community longing for equality and acceptance there sure is a lot of tearing others down. I thought this level of complexity added a whole new meaning behind this book as well and the author was definitely able to execute this effectively.
In the end, I just had such a blast with Cardinal Rules and definitely recommend it! 4 stars! Thanks to the author for a review copy!
CARDINAL RULES by Brady Phoenix was everything I needed right now and didn't even know it. Those who know me know that I *LOVE* slasher horror - so much that I started a podcast dedicated to the best and worst slasher movies of the 80s this year! So when I heard about Cardinal Rules I knew I had to have it. And I could not put it down!
You know how so many 80s/90s horror movies set you up with a mysterious background, some main characters, a basic plot outline, and then take place at a summer camp? Well, this one does similar things but then takes place during a PRIDE weekend and some of the hotspots stemming from that. YES! And once the parties start then the body count begins to rise. There are some real fun death scenes in this, too! And a costumed slasher is always fun - like who does not want to read about or see a killer dressed up like a cardinal with razor talons?!
This book begins with a traumatic domestic incident and flashes back to the life/lives impacted by said event throughout the book. You definitely know someone is not being honest but you do not have a clue who is behind these grizzly murders at this weekend Pride celebration. As the story goes on, the past is uncovered more, and even more people start to die, everything starts coming full circle and it definitely sent me!
There are some characters I loved to love... and, well, a few more that I couldn't wait to meet The Cardinal. On a deeper level, this book does explore some of the bullying, racism, shaming, and toxicity within the LGBTQ+ community (so be ready for that). In a community longing for equality and acceptance there sure is a lot of tearing others down. I thought this level of complexity added a whole new meaning behind this book as well and the author was definitely able to execute this effectively.
In the end, I just had such a blast with Cardinal Rules and definitely recommend it! 4 stars! Thanks to the author for a review copy!
The Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
4.5
Grady Hendrix has done it once again with his latest book, THE FINAL GIRL SUPPORT GROUP. Hendrix serves us all the 80s and 90s slasher realness and you can tell he had so much fun putting this one together. There are so many great throwbacks and callouts with the character names, chapter titles, backstories of the final girls, etc. As usual, Hendrix throw on his own twists and turns while paying homage to the nostalgic tropes and patterns we have grown to love.
I had such a fun time trying to figure out who was doing what in this book. My theories were constantly changing as each chapter laid out different red herrings and provided me with new information to have me scratching my head. Each page I had to know what our final girl(s) was going to do next and I loved each time a connection to a famous movie, character, or trope would be made. It felt like this book was made special just for me as I am OBSESSED with slasher horror movies. I hope all other slasher fans will feel the same way - as it really can't be expressed in words how special reading a book is that is so entertaining you connect with on so many levels!
4.5 stars!
Thanks to Berkely and Netgalley for giving me a digital ARC of the book!
I had such a fun time trying to figure out who was doing what in this book. My theories were constantly changing as each chapter laid out different red herrings and provided me with new information to have me scratching my head. Each page I had to know what our final girl(s) was going to do next and I loved each time a connection to a famous movie, character, or trope would be made. It felt like this book was made special just for me as I am OBSESSED with slasher horror movies. I hope all other slasher fans will feel the same way - as it really can't be expressed in words how special reading a book is that is so entertaining you connect with on so many levels!
4.5 stars!
Thanks to Berkely and Netgalley for giving me a digital ARC of the book!
Alex Six by Vince Taplin
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
4.0
When I say this book had me on the edge of my seat and clutching my pearls page after page that is not an understatement. ALEX SIX is a thriller that is easy to devour as it is fast paced and legitimately wild af. And if you have been seeing pictures of vanilla extract floating around and unsure as to what the meaning behind it is then you will absolutely understand once you read this. This is a story of obsession to the nth degree. Normally I might rank obsession on a scale of Joe from You to Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction. But Alex Six is a story unlike any I have read and deserves its own place on the spectrum of obsessive lovers. I suspended a little bit of belief a few times based on just how much Alex does and can do, but if she is richer than Bezos (I mean I can only assume!) then maybe anything is possible. As for Vick, well, ugh. I guess I can suspend the belief he would hold such WILD and huge secrets from his wife for a lot of money..? At the end of the day, though, what I would or would not do any any situation does not matter. When all is said and done, Vince Taplin has created a character that I would never want to entangle with or have her eyes set on me as the prize. As you see things unfold from different perspectives your mind will be blown. Such a fun and exciting read!
Honey Girl by Morgan Rogers
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.0
"My battery is low, and it's getting dark." ~ Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity
HONEY GIRL is a great read and I would especially recommend it to mid-20 year olds as it relates a lot to your place in the world, following expectations, and also realizing maybe you just need a pause and a reset. And all of that is okay.
This story centers around Grace Porter who has finished her eleven years studying astronomy and obtaining her doctorate and is ready to make her big debut in the field whether it be research, teaching, or more. But she is not really sure of anything - only that she has been pushed to be the best her entire life and nothing feels like the best right now. Also, she just woke up in Las Vegas and it turns out she got drunk and married overnight and her new wife is nowhere to be found!
This book is a journey of self-discovery and navigating life without following preconceived notions or expectations. It is about including who you want to in your life. It is about passion, love, and self-worth.
I have been thinking about this book for a day now and am just now able to write the review. Being in my mid-30s, the message of this book is still super close to home. But in the end, I think it's okay to maybe not know what we want 100% and it's okay to feel confused, lost, and tired. We all need breaks and none of us have every single thing planned out - and why should we? A lot of things to happen upon us because of chance or timing... and sometimes they are really great! This is a great book and, um, HELLO, give me more astronomer Black lesbian romance stories, please!
HONEY GIRL is a great read and I would especially recommend it to mid-20 year olds as it relates a lot to your place in the world, following expectations, and also realizing maybe you just need a pause and a reset. And all of that is okay.
This story centers around Grace Porter who has finished her eleven years studying astronomy and obtaining her doctorate and is ready to make her big debut in the field whether it be research, teaching, or more. But she is not really sure of anything - only that she has been pushed to be the best her entire life and nothing feels like the best right now. Also, she just woke up in Las Vegas and it turns out she got drunk and married overnight and her new wife is nowhere to be found!
This book is a journey of self-discovery and navigating life without following preconceived notions or expectations. It is about including who you want to in your life. It is about passion, love, and self-worth.
I have been thinking about this book for a day now and am just now able to write the review. Being in my mid-30s, the message of this book is still super close to home. But in the end, I think it's okay to maybe not know what we want 100% and it's okay to feel confused, lost, and tired. We all need breaks and none of us have every single thing planned out - and why should we? A lot of things to happen upon us because of chance or timing... and sometimes they are really great! This is a great book and, um, HELLO, give me more astronomer Black lesbian romance stories, please!
The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste
adventurous
fast-paced
3.5
THE JUMBIES by Tracey Baptiste is one author's way of bringing Caribbean folklore and spooks to middle grade horror books. I had not heard of a jumbie before, but Baptiste defines it at the end in her author's note as "the name for every bad-thinking, sneaky, trick-loving creature that comes out at night with the purpose of causing trouble." She continues to talk about how, in Trinidad, people talk about jumbies "as if they might be your next door neighbor or cousin's girlfriend." They could be anyone!
And while jumbies can be anyone, I think this story also highlights how family can be what you make it. Being blood or half-blood does not always mean you're family. Likewise, you can have a family comprise of friends. Family is what you make it and how you see it. There is a lot of friendship, family, and love in this Caribbean tale for sure!
This book is part of a trilogy (currently -- not sure if there are plans for more installments or not) and I am extremely excited to pick up the next two! It's no secret that I am a huge fan of MG horror - and this is exceptionally different as it is telling a story that is so new to me and so fascinating! I was pulled into the forest and could smell and see all the oranges in this story. I felt the claustrophobia of the jumbie weeds taking over. And I could sense the presence of the yellow glowing eyes watching me from afar.
I highly encourage this if you are into some MG spooks, Caribbean folklore, or just want some entertaining read!
And while jumbies can be anyone, I think this story also highlights how family can be what you make it. Being blood or half-blood does not always mean you're family. Likewise, you can have a family comprise of friends. Family is what you make it and how you see it. There is a lot of friendship, family, and love in this Caribbean tale for sure!
This book is part of a trilogy (currently -- not sure if there are plans for more installments or not) and I am extremely excited to pick up the next two! It's no secret that I am a huge fan of MG horror - and this is exceptionally different as it is telling a story that is so new to me and so fascinating! I was pulled into the forest and could smell and see all the oranges in this story. I felt the claustrophobia of the jumbie weeds taking over. And I could sense the presence of the yellow glowing eyes watching me from afar.
I highly encourage this if you are into some MG spooks, Caribbean folklore, or just want some entertaining read!
Milk Fed by Melissa Broder
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
MILK FED by Melissa Broder was selected as a February book club read. It is the first book of Broder's I have read, although now I am extremely intrigued by her prior book, The Pisces. Broder's writing style is snappy, impactful, and deliciously descriptive. The chapters are super short and so you can just fly through this one for sure.
While this book does have some steamy sexual encounters (both real and imaginary) which will be most-remembered by many who read this, I am walking away with a feeling of sadness and sympathy for our protagonist, Rachel. I just felt so much for her. The book also heavily focuses on parental issues, eating disorders, and other psychologically damning behaviors. Sex as coping and/or running to/from intimacy are also on the forefront here. And I am not quite sure if she is running to or from intimacy... or both! Rachel's eating disorder and calorie counting seem to be fueled, in many ways, by the need to be loved by somebody. She seems to have challenges accepting herself based on "rules" and judgments imposed by her mother, society, and religion.
I think my biggest issue with this book, however, is the repetitiveness of the story chapter after chapter. There seemed to be a back-and-forth pattern of her obsessive eating controls, self-worth issues, and sex. But perhaps that repetition was intentional... as if to bring the reader more into her psyche and connect more with her. Because, believe me, you are IN her mind 100% and the inner monologue and thoughts she has are illuminating on multiple levels. This is an interesting read that highlights a lot of issues, and it is one that I will recommend for sure. Another successful book club read complete!
While this book does have some steamy sexual encounters (both real and imaginary) which will be most-remembered by many who read this, I am walking away with a feeling of sadness and sympathy for our protagonist, Rachel. I just felt so much for her. The book also heavily focuses on parental issues, eating disorders, and other psychologically damning behaviors. Sex as coping and/or running to/from intimacy are also on the forefront here. And I am not quite sure if she is running to or from intimacy... or both! Rachel's eating disorder and calorie counting seem to be fueled, in many ways, by the need to be loved by somebody. She seems to have challenges accepting herself based on "rules" and judgments imposed by her mother, society, and religion.
I think my biggest issue with this book, however, is the repetitiveness of the story chapter after chapter. There seemed to be a back-and-forth pattern of her obsessive eating controls, self-worth issues, and sex. But perhaps that repetition was intentional... as if to bring the reader more into her psyche and connect more with her. Because, believe me, you are IN her mind 100% and the inner monologue and thoughts she has are illuminating on multiple levels. This is an interesting read that highlights a lot of issues, and it is one that I will recommend for sure. Another successful book club read complete!
Pivot by L.C. Barlow
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
4.0
"Yes, yes, murder is poetry... and I have written chapters with knives."
PIVOT is book one in the Jack Harper trilogy, a trio of books I will most definitely be finishing! As of today, only the 2nd one is published. I am going to get that one and then (im)patiently await the final installment! PIVOT is this wonderful blend of thriller, supernatural horror, and dark fantasy. It has some YA vibes (due to the age of the protagonist) but is not necessarily reflective of all the YA tropes.
We follow the story of a man named Cyrus who we learn is in the business of breeding murderers from a young age. It becomes clear his training methods are not consistent across the board. Two of the ones we know about up front are Jack and Alex. He also has this "magical box" that will make an odd noise and present a name of anyone who wishes to betray or "pivot" against him before they can make their move. He ALSO has this supernatural entity in the basement that is somehow connected to the powers of healing and resurrection. How does all of this combine? What is Jack's role in all of this and what will she do as she grows up? You have to read this one!
PIVOT is book one in the Jack Harper trilogy, a trio of books I will most definitely be finishing! As of today, only the 2nd one is published. I am going to get that one and then (im)patiently await the final installment! PIVOT is this wonderful blend of thriller, supernatural horror, and dark fantasy. It has some YA vibes (due to the age of the protagonist) but is not necessarily reflective of all the YA tropes.
We follow the story of a man named Cyrus who we learn is in the business of breeding murderers from a young age. It becomes clear his training methods are not consistent across the board. Two of the ones we know about up front are Jack and Alex. He also has this "magical box" that will make an odd noise and present a name of anyone who wishes to betray or "pivot" against him before they can make their move. He ALSO has this supernatural entity in the basement that is somehow connected to the powers of healing and resurrection. How does all of this combine? What is Jack's role in all of this and what will she do as she grows up? You have to read this one!
Red Station by Kenzie Jennings
dark
tense
fast-paced
4.0
RED STATION by Kenzie Jennings is the 7th installment in the Splatter Western series from Death's Head Press. This book takes me back to the first in this series and reminds me of why I fell in love with these gory, action-packed westerns. Jennings has created an extremely interesting and likeable cast that interact so well with each other. Clyde (the lady in the red dress) is such a dynamite character that I would love to see her in even more books! Heck, I would like to see her on screen! And when this random group of travelers find themselves in a situation that makes me think of Texas Chainsaw or House of 1,000 Corpses, well, you can expect carnage, blood, and lots of action! RED STATION is a ton of fun - it's a short, brutal, bloody book that should be making it into the hands of more horror fans!
Special thanks to Death's Head Press, Night Worms, and author Kenzie Jennings for this #NightWormsBookParty review copy.
Special thanks to Death's Head Press, Night Worms, and author Kenzie Jennings for this #NightWormsBookParty review copy.