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grimdreadful's reviews
203 reviews
The Eyes Are the Best Part by Monika Kim
5.0
I knew I was going to love this book going into it, but this turned out to be so much better than I even anticipated. This book touches on racism, misogyny, family trauma, toxic relationships, obsession, grief, and a favourite of mine ✨️cannibalism✨️ I really enjoyed the authors writing, easy to follow and a total page turner.
This was such a wild ride where I found myself rooting for Ji-won right until the very last page 🫶🏻
Read this if you enjoy unhinged women and revenge.
If you loved Maeve Fly by CJ Leede, you'll likely love The Eyes Are The Best Part.
I know I say this kinda often, but omg, someone make this into a movie. Pls. LOL. this would be such a good movie!
Anyway, enough of reading my ramblings, go read this book instead 👌🏻💖
Thank you so much to Kensington publishing & Erewhon for sending me an ARC and Netgalley for sharing a digital arc. As always, opinions are my own 🤘🏻💀🤘🏻
This was such a wild ride where I found myself rooting for Ji-won right until the very last page 🫶🏻
Read this if you enjoy unhinged women and revenge.
If you loved Maeve Fly by CJ Leede, you'll likely love The Eyes Are The Best Part.
I know I say this kinda often, but omg, someone make this into a movie. Pls. LOL. this would be such a good movie!
Anyway, enough of reading my ramblings, go read this book instead 👌🏻💖
Thank you so much to Kensington publishing & Erewhon for sending me an ARC and Netgalley for sharing a digital arc. As always, opinions are my own 🤘🏻💀🤘🏻
Mouth: Stories by Puloma Ghosh
4.5
4.5 stars LOVED IT!!!
These stories are so weird and surreal. themes of womanhood, longing, grief, desire, loss and much more. Speculative fiction with elements of horror and sci fi. This also had some pretty great body horror that I loved.
Short stories are usually a hit or a miss for me, more often a miss because usually I'm left with more questions than answers and always wanting more since they are so short I'm left unsatisfied, they just almost always feel unfinished to me. Mouth by Puloma Ghosh did the complete opposite. This is by far the best and obviously my favourite collection of short stories I have ever read.
There are a total of 11 short stories:
1. Desiccation - 5 stars
2. the fig tree - 4 stars
3. Leaving things - 5 stars
4. K - 4 stars
5. In The Winter - ??? I didn't really understand this one.
6. Anomaly - 4 stars
7. Lemon Boy - 4 stars
8. Supergiant - 5 stars
9.Nip - ??? this one went over my head too, I was really into it while reading but I was stull left super confused at the end.
10. Natalya - 3.5 stars
11. Persimmons - 5 stars
If I had to pick a favourite I would have to say Supergiant for sure, the body horror in this was *chefs kiss* and then Persimmons was a close second place.
Puloma Ghosh is an incredibly talented author, I simply cant wait to read more in the future.
Thank you to Netgalley and Astra Publishing house for sharing a digital copy. As always, opinions are my own.
These stories are so weird and surreal. themes of womanhood, longing, grief, desire, loss and much more. Speculative fiction with elements of horror and sci fi. This also had some pretty great body horror that I loved.
Short stories are usually a hit or a miss for me, more often a miss because usually I'm left with more questions than answers and always wanting more since they are so short I'm left unsatisfied, they just almost always feel unfinished to me. Mouth by Puloma Ghosh did the complete opposite. This is by far the best and obviously my favourite collection of short stories I have ever read.
There are a total of 11 short stories:
1. Desiccation - 5 stars
2. the fig tree - 4 stars
3. Leaving things - 5 stars
4. K - 4 stars
5. In The Winter - ??? I didn't really understand this one.
6. Anomaly - 4 stars
7. Lemon Boy - 4 stars
8. Supergiant - 5 stars
9.Nip - ??? this one went over my head too, I was really into it while reading but I was stull left super confused at the end.
10. Natalya - 3.5 stars
11. Persimmons - 5 stars
If I had to pick a favourite I would have to say Supergiant for sure, the body horror in this was *chefs kiss* and then Persimmons was a close second place.
Puloma Ghosh is an incredibly talented author, I simply cant wait to read more in the future.
Thank you to Netgalley and Astra Publishing house for sharing a digital copy. As always, opinions are my own.
Do What Godmother Says by L.S. Stratton
4.0
This was written really well, I immediately got sucked into both stories taking place in two different times lines from two different POV. This was a slow burn that was full of twists and turns, even though it was pretty obvious what some of those twists were it was still eerie and full of suspense so I really enjoyed it, I don't think it took anything away from the story. I think L.S. Stratton did a great job incorporating the Harlem Renaissance history into the story inspired by Charlotte Osgood Mason and and Zora Neale Hurston which sent me down a google rabbit hole.
Also at first I didn't care for the added romance in this book but it grew on me throughout LOL maybe 'Ill even check out a romance book now. Am I a low key romance girlie now? maybe.
I cant wait to read more from this author in the future.
Read this if you enjoy: historical thriller/mysteries, dual pov, dual timelines, slow burn, occult, superstitions, historical fiction, mental health rep.
Thank you to Union Square & Co, Netgalley, and L.S. Stratton for sharing a digital copy. As always, opinions are my own.
Also at first I didn't care for the added romance in this book but it grew on me throughout LOL maybe 'Ill even check out a romance book now. Am I a low key romance girlie now? maybe.
I cant wait to read more from this author in the future.
Read this if you enjoy: historical thriller/mysteries, dual pov, dual timelines, slow burn, occult, superstitions, historical fiction, mental health rep.
Thank you to Union Square & Co, Netgalley, and L.S. Stratton for sharing a digital copy. As always, opinions are my own.
The Noh Mask Murder by Akimitsu Takagi
3.5
this was a very intresting read, if you enjoy Agatha Christie you'll likely enjoy this a lot.
For the most part, I didn't manage to put together all the clues until it was revealed and then I was like OHHH. I thought it was very well executed, unique and took me by surprise. I was just a little underwhelmed by the reasons for the why. I also loved how Akimitsu inserted himself into the story, I thought that was very clever. Its full of suspense, melodrama, and tragedy.
read this if you enjoy: mystery/thrillers, Agatha Christie, whodunits, translated fiction, murder mysteries, journal style story telling.
Thank you to Pushin Press, Netgalley, and Akimitsu Takagi for sharing a digital copy. As always. opinions are my own.
For the most part, I didn't manage to put together all the clues until it was revealed and then I was like OHHH. I thought it was very well executed, unique and took me by surprise. I was just a little underwhelmed by the reasons for the why. I also loved how Akimitsu inserted himself into the story, I thought that was very clever. Its full of suspense, melodrama, and tragedy.
read this if you enjoy: mystery/thrillers, Agatha Christie, whodunits, translated fiction, murder mysteries, journal style story telling.
Thank you to Pushin Press, Netgalley, and Akimitsu Takagi for sharing a digital copy. As always. opinions are my own.
In A Dark Mirror by Kat Davis
1.0
I was really looking forward to reading this, the description sounded great. Once I started reading though...
To say that the author took inspiration from the actual crime (the slenderman stabbing) that took place is an understatement. There are so many details that are near identical (I will list below to avoid spoilers for those who want to read this book.) Which ultimately may not have been the biggest issue for me if the author didn't write in sexual content of the 12 year old that was the victim, in the book and in real life. No where in the description nor the beginning of the book is it mentioned this is inspired by this case. in fact it actually states that "this is entirely a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is purely coincidental" yea okay.
Now this is just my opinions so take it with a grain of salt but as someone who is partially familiar with the actual crime, I could not separate this "fiction" from the actual attempted murder because the author chose to include so many near identical details. So while reading this "fictional" story my mind was on the real people this happened to and i could not get past the authors written sexual scenes on the victim who was TWELVE masturbating and giving blow jobs. MAJOR ICK.
Am I being too harsh? possibly. BUT I myself tend to avoid fiction based on true crime because often I find it to come across disrespectful. I wish this had a little blurb informing that this was inspired by a true crime and I likely would not have picked it up.
SPOILERS BELOW -book vs real crime similarities (dont read past this point if you dont want spoilers)
Book: Maddie and Lana have a sleepover to carry out their plan to kill Sage. Lana has visions of HIM and they must sacrifice someone to be able to go live happily ever after with HIM. They were going to do it as Sage slept at night but changed their minds. Next morning they all went outside for a walk to the park a game of hide and seek, then told Sage to lie own and proceeded to stab her. Sage remained conscious while Maddie and Lana said they are going to go get help (not actually) Sage crawled to a path where she was eventually found by a dog walker. Police discovered Maddie and Lana walking down the road on their way to live with "HIM."
The REAL LIFE crime: basically all of the above except HIM is SLENDER MAN. the victim was found by a cyclist.
Book: "the knife missed puncturing the wall of her heart by no more than milimeter." Sage said in an interview she would thank Maddie and Lana for giving her direction in life. Surviving the attack makes her want to go into the medical field.
IN REAL LIFE CRIME: "One stab wound missed a major artery by less than a millimeter." Victim said in an interview with 20/20 she would thank her because she wouldn't have the life she has now if things didn't happen how they did and how it's made her want to pursue a career in medicine.
that's quite a lot of coincidences in my opinion.
And lastly, what was up with the sketchy stepfather lol? I'm not really sure what was the point of his character along with his son... whos crimes seemed to be severely downplayed??
Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for sharing a digital copy with me. As always, opinions are my own.
To say that the author took inspiration from the actual crime (the slenderman stabbing) that took place is an understatement. There are so many details that are near identical (I will list below to avoid spoilers for those who want to read this book.) Which ultimately may not have been the biggest issue for me if the author didn't write in sexual content of the 12 year old that was the victim, in the book and in real life. No where in the description nor the beginning of the book is it mentioned this is inspired by this case. in fact it actually states that "this is entirely a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is purely coincidental" yea okay.
Now this is just my opinions so take it with a grain of salt but as someone who is partially familiar with the actual crime, I could not separate this "fiction" from the actual attempted murder because the author chose to include so many near identical details. So while reading this "fictional" story my mind was on the real people this happened to and i could not get past the authors written sexual scenes on the victim who was TWELVE masturbating and giving blow jobs. MAJOR ICK.
Am I being too harsh? possibly. BUT I myself tend to avoid fiction based on true crime because often I find it to come across disrespectful. I wish this had a little blurb informing that this was inspired by a true crime and I likely would not have picked it up.
SPOILERS BELOW -book vs real crime similarities (dont read past this point if you dont want spoilers)
Book: Maddie and Lana have a sleepover to carry out their plan to kill Sage. Lana has visions of HIM and they must sacrifice someone to be able to go live happily ever after with HIM. They were going to do it as Sage slept at night but changed their minds. Next morning they all went outside for a walk to the park a game of hide and seek, then told Sage to lie own and proceeded to stab her. Sage remained conscious while Maddie and Lana said they are going to go get help (not actually) Sage crawled to a path where she was eventually found by a dog walker. Police discovered Maddie and Lana walking down the road on their way to live with "HIM."
The REAL LIFE crime: basically all of the above except HIM is SLENDER MAN. the victim was found by a cyclist.
Book: "the knife missed puncturing the wall of her heart by no more than milimeter." Sage said in an interview she would thank Maddie and Lana for giving her direction in life. Surviving the attack makes her want to go into the medical field.
IN REAL LIFE CRIME: "One stab wound missed a major artery by less than a millimeter." Victim said in an interview with 20/20 she would thank her because she wouldn't have the life she has now if things didn't happen how they did and how it's made her want to pursue a career in medicine.
that's quite a lot of coincidences in my opinion.
And lastly, what was up with the sketchy stepfather lol? I'm not really sure what was the point of his character along with his son... whos crimes seemed to be severely downplayed??
Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for sharing a digital copy with me. As always, opinions are my own.
The Beauty by Aliya Whiteley
3.0
This book actually has two stories by Aliya which I did not realize until I was reading The Beauty and it abruptly ended. I have yet to read the 2nd story so I will update my review later as I will review each individually.
The Beauty: I loved the concept. Super weird horror novella that explores gender roles and norms. However, this ended really abruptly in my opinion, I wish there was more to it.
-read this is you enjoy: novellas, sporror, post apocalyptic society, dystopian, body horror.
Peace, Pipe: review to come.
The Beauty: I loved the concept. Super weird horror novella that explores gender roles and norms. However, this ended really abruptly in my opinion, I wish there was more to it.
-read this is you enjoy: novellas, sporror, post apocalyptic society, dystopian, body horror.
Peace, Pipe: review to come.
Any Man by Amber Tamblyn
4.0
wow, this made my heart hurt, it made me cry, and it made me so mad. This was a very disturbing and difficult read so be sure to check content warnings. The stories of men who go through the trauma of SA in different heartbreaking ways and how society often responds.
This was written unlike anything I've ever read before. Mixed media but a lot more experimental.
I'm going to be emotionally recovering from this book for the rest of the year.
This was written unlike anything I've ever read before. Mixed media but a lot more experimental.
I'm going to be emotionally recovering from this book for the rest of the year.
Myrrh by Polly Hall
slow-paced
3.0
I think this has horror elements, and psychological elements but it just missed the mark in being "horror" for me. Based on the description I went into the book expecting something completely different. The story itself wasn't bad but just felt a little underwhelming. like others have mentioned this is closer to a psychological/domestic thriller, with focus on identity and trauma.
read this if you enjoy: short chapters, multiple POV, dysfunctional families, domestic thriller.
read this if you enjoy: short chapters, multiple POV, dysfunctional families, domestic thriller.
Kosa by John Durgin
Did not finish book. Stopped at 57%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 57%.
l just had different expectations going into this book, I read the description, and I felt like the main focus wilbe KOSA and her storyline. And in a way it is because it's all connected, but the side stories with all the other families are dreadfully long.
For me personally, it just got boring very quickly. l wanted more Kosa, not all the details of the "supporting characters
mundane lives. l kept reading because l was hopeful, but l just can't get into it. I also found it to be repetitive, which kinda
annoyed me, too. The cats gives off weird vibes. I GET IT. Pls dont tell me about it again. this is just my opinion, I've seen
many people enjoy this book. Reading is subjective, y'all.
For me personally, it just got boring very quickly. l wanted more Kosa, not all the details of the "supporting characters
mundane lives. l kept reading because l was hopeful, but l just can't get into it. I also found it to be repetitive, which kinda
annoyed me, too. The cats gives off weird vibes. I GET IT. Pls dont tell me about it again. this is just my opinion, I've seen
many people enjoy this book. Reading is subjective, y'all.
Woodworm by Layla Martínez
4.0
wow. what an unexpected read. this was so good. A little bit haunted house, a little bit fever dream, and a little bit social commentary.
The story alternates POV with each chapter between grandmother and granddaughter. Both go unnamed so it did get confusing just a little bit but you're able to sort it out after a paragraph or two so it didn't bother me too much.
I read this as an eBook but I definitely want to get a physical copy for my shelf and give this a reread soon.
one of my favourite quotes:
“Those suck-ups in the village stopped talking to us, as if whoever received the most pats on the head from the master would magically stop being a dog.”
read this if you enjoy, haunted houses, sentient houses, fever dream prose, witchcraft, revenge, curses, generational trauma, multiple POV.
Thank you to Two Lines Press and Netgalley for sharing a digital copy, as always opinions are my own.
The story alternates POV with each chapter between grandmother and granddaughter. Both go unnamed so it did get confusing just a little bit but you're able to sort it out after a paragraph or two so it didn't bother me too much.
I read this as an eBook but I definitely want to get a physical copy for my shelf and give this a reread soon.
one of my favourite quotes:
“Those suck-ups in the village stopped talking to us, as if whoever received the most pats on the head from the master would magically stop being a dog.”
read this if you enjoy, haunted houses, sentient houses, fever dream prose, witchcraft, revenge, curses, generational trauma, multiple POV.
Thank you to Two Lines Press and Netgalley for sharing a digital copy, as always opinions are my own.