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kendallreadsitall's reviews
313 reviews
I'm Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid
3.0
Iain Reid really knows how to put a level of unease into a plot that is seemingly normal. Though I read the audiobook, I saw another review that mentions the back of the book says something along the lines of “you will be afraid and not know why”, and that is exactly how I felt from start to finish with this book.
I went in blind on this one and I think you should too, so I’m not going to say anything about the plot itself. If you like atmospheric horror, this one might be for you! The audiobook experience was good. Candace Thaxton was the narrator, who absolutely contributed to the sense of dread that this story created.
I had a hard time rating this book because it was one of those that was better than good but not great, if that makes sense. I went back and forth between a three and four, so do with that what you will. Overall, this was a pleasant listening experience.
I went in blind on this one and I think you should too, so I’m not going to say anything about the plot itself. If you like atmospheric horror, this one might be for you! The audiobook experience was good. Candace Thaxton was the narrator, who absolutely contributed to the sense of dread that this story created.
I had a hard time rating this book because it was one of those that was better than good but not great, if that makes sense. I went back and forth between a three and four, so do with that what you will. Overall, this was a pleasant listening experience.
Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder
3.0
Nightbitch, at least in my perspective, is a big metaphor for motherhood and how moms lose themselves, their sense of identity, and their career becoming someone they don’t recognize. As a mom, I relate to this heavily and often thought to myself throughout this story “I wish I was a Nightbitch”. The idea of running freely, roaming the landscape, and sniffing flowers sounds like leisure time that every mom needs, even as a feral dog.
Though I thought the premise of this book was profound and relatable in many ways, it missed the mark as far as entertainment goes. Without any nuance, I was bored for most of this story. Of course, it had its moments. I mean, this is about a woman who animorphes into a dog at night, eats raw meat, and hunts and chases squirrels at the park by day. It had some funny moments, some sad moments, and some ‘good for her’ moments sprinkled in, but not enough for me to love this book.
The audiobook was well done by narrator, Cassandra Campbell.
Additionally, the Nightbitch movie adaptation starring Amy Adams releases December 6, 2024. Will I watch it? Idk maybe 😂
Though I thought the premise of this book was profound and relatable in many ways, it missed the mark as far as entertainment goes. Without any nuance, I was bored for most of this story. Of course, it had its moments. I mean, this is about a woman who animorphes into a dog at night, eats raw meat, and hunts and chases squirrels at the park by day. It had some funny moments, some sad moments, and some ‘good for her’ moments sprinkled in, but not enough for me to love this book.
The audiobook was well done by narrator, Cassandra Campbell.
Additionally, the Nightbitch movie adaptation starring Amy Adams releases December 6, 2024. Will I watch it? Idk maybe 😂
Sleep Tight by J.H. Markert
1.0
Let me start off completely and utterly transparent, and as Randy Jackson would say, “it’s a no from me dog” 🙂↔️👎🏻
I’ve been referring to this book as the kitchen sink of horror. It mentions basically every horror trope under the sun from kidnapping to cults to mental illness to amnesia to religion to paranormal to even mentions of aliens. I could not stop rolling my eyes while reading this. I thought Tess’ character was so misrepresented, in my opinion. I don’t want to spoil anything if you’re looking to read this, but in no way would I ever imagine a seemingly caring mother acting the way Tess does, no matter her trauma, after what takes place with her family in the beginning of this book. I often times have a hard time reading books with FMCs written by men for this very reason.
The pacing of this story felt like the Indy 500. It had way too many characters and way too much going on to even attempt to keep track of who was who and what was even going on. It was just too much in every way.
No hate to those who loved this book, because I’ve seen a ton of five star reviews for this from people I normally align with. I truly may just be too smooth brained for this read, idk 😂 either way, I did not enjoy this one at all.
I’ve been referring to this book as the kitchen sink of horror. It mentions basically every horror trope under the sun from kidnapping to cults to mental illness to amnesia to religion to paranormal to even mentions of aliens. I could not stop rolling my eyes while reading this. I thought Tess’ character was so misrepresented, in my opinion. I don’t want to spoil anything if you’re looking to read this, but in no way would I ever imagine a seemingly caring mother acting the way Tess does, no matter her trauma, after what takes place with her family in the beginning of this book. I often times have a hard time reading books with FMCs written by men for this very reason.
The pacing of this story felt like the Indy 500. It had way too many characters and way too much going on to even attempt to keep track of who was who and what was even going on. It was just too much in every way.
No hate to those who loved this book, because I’ve seen a ton of five star reviews for this from people I normally align with. I truly may just be too smooth brained for this read, idk 😂 either way, I did not enjoy this one at all.
So Thirsty by Rachel Harrison
3.0
“Because if I would have allowed myself to think it was impersonal, to be disappointed, that would have meant acknowledging my unhappiness, pulling out a block in the Jenga tower and risk the collapse of everything.”
“If you could only stare at your reflection. Be face-to-face with the one that holds your joy hostage. Perhaps then you could forgive her. Perhaps then you could hope to fall in love with your future.”
So Thirsty starts out very familiar. Sloane, our main character, miserable in her own life goes on a trip to visit her longtime friend, Naomi. If you’ve read The Return, were you also like 👀? Shortly after arriving to their snowy rental, the familiarity dissipates and the story gets flipped on its head with vampires, blood lust, a bit of gore, and some good ole fashioned regular lust. This was definitely one of the more explicit books I’ve read from Harrison, which I was living for.
However, So Thirsty left me SO THIRSTY for more. I think this book would have highly benefited from multiple POVs. Unfortunately, Sloane was not a likable character at all. I wanted to root for her in the beginning, but as the story progressed, she got more and more annoying. I loved Naomi and wished I could have heard the story written in her perspective. I needed MORE HENRY! Whether we got his perspective, or just more of his storyline, we needed more Henry. Think of me as Christopher Walken yelling “more cowbell” but “more Henry!”
Overall, I liked this book, but I recognize that it missed the mark in some places and felt rushed in others. I’m glad I was able to buddy read this one with @mad.rose.reads and @anita_thrill to discuss our thoughts and where we would have liked to see the story go!
“If you could only stare at your reflection. Be face-to-face with the one that holds your joy hostage. Perhaps then you could forgive her. Perhaps then you could hope to fall in love with your future.”
So Thirsty starts out very familiar. Sloane, our main character, miserable in her own life goes on a trip to visit her longtime friend, Naomi. If you’ve read The Return, were you also like 👀? Shortly after arriving to their snowy rental, the familiarity dissipates and the story gets flipped on its head with vampires, blood lust, a bit of gore, and some good ole fashioned regular lust. This was definitely one of the more explicit books I’ve read from Harrison, which I was living for.
However, So Thirsty left me SO THIRSTY for more. I think this book would have highly benefited from multiple POVs. Unfortunately, Sloane was not a likable character at all. I wanted to root for her in the beginning, but as the story progressed, she got more and more annoying. I loved Naomi and wished I could have heard the story written in her perspective. I needed MORE HENRY! Whether we got his perspective, or just more of his storyline, we needed more Henry. Think of me as Christopher Walken yelling “more cowbell” but “more Henry!”
Overall, I liked this book, but I recognize that it missed the mark in some places and felt rushed in others. I’m glad I was able to buddy read this one with @mad.rose.reads and @anita_thrill to discuss our thoughts and where we would have liked to see the story go!
Dear Medusa by Olivia A. Cole
4.0
“When did people forget that humans are like flowers? That we need water and light to grow.”
“I am under too many eyes and still constantly boiling over.”
A raw, emotional, honest, important book about 16 year old, Alicia, who was sexually assaulted by her school’s most popular teacher. This book puts the magnifying glass on rape culture and misogyny without going into explicit details. We see the aftermath of Alicia as she navigates a body she no longer knows, a life filled with holes, a future that no longer seems bright, and the dynamic of relationships/friendships/family dynamics.
This book was written in verse, which didn’t affect the presentation of the audiobook but would definitely read differently than a typical book physically. This was a gorgeously poetic book that was written so beautifully and carefully considering the subject matter. The audiobook was read by author, Olivia A. Cole, who I thoroughly enjoyed listening to and could feel the power behind her words.
“I am under too many eyes and still constantly boiling over.”
A raw, emotional, honest, important book about 16 year old, Alicia, who was sexually assaulted by her school’s most popular teacher. This book puts the magnifying glass on rape culture and misogyny without going into explicit details. We see the aftermath of Alicia as she navigates a body she no longer knows, a life filled with holes, a future that no longer seems bright, and the dynamic of relationships/friendships/family dynamics.
This book was written in verse, which didn’t affect the presentation of the audiobook but would definitely read differently than a typical book physically. This was a gorgeously poetic book that was written so beautifully and carefully considering the subject matter. The audiobook was read by author, Olivia A. Cole, who I thoroughly enjoyed listening to and could feel the power behind her words.
Exposure by Ramona Emerson
4.0
Exposure, which is a follow up to Emerson’s Shutter, is another supernatural mystery following forensic photographer and member of the Navajo nation, Rita Todacheene. On top of being a forensic photographer, Rita also sees the ghosts of the victims she’s there to help investigate.
The reason I initially grabbed Shutter was because of this super unique premise, so I was excited to find out there was a follow up to that one! Exposure is MUCH darker than Shutter, which I personally loved. Rita has a beautiful way with words. Her writing in both Shutter & Exposure is stunning and describes such dark subject matter with such detail.
I thoroughly enjoy the Navajo culture immersed throughout these books. Rita’s culture and upbringing makes her ability even more special because of her respect for the dead and her drive to get them justice.
You truly could read Exposure on its own, but I do recommend starting with Shutter!
Thank you @soho_press and @reelindian for this advanced copy!
The reason I initially grabbed Shutter was because of this super unique premise, so I was excited to find out there was a follow up to that one! Exposure is MUCH darker than Shutter, which I personally loved. Rita has a beautiful way with words. Her writing in both Shutter & Exposure is stunning and describes such dark subject matter with such detail.
I thoroughly enjoy the Navajo culture immersed throughout these books. Rita’s culture and upbringing makes her ability even more special because of her respect for the dead and her drive to get them justice.
You truly could read Exposure on its own, but I do recommend starting with Shutter!
Thank you @soho_press and @reelindian for this advanced copy!
Motherthing by Ainslie Hogarth
medium-paced
3.0
Motherthing is told through Abby’s eyes. An absolutely unhinged woman stricken with motherly trauma stemmed from childhood that extends throughout her life. She craves love and affection, which is the last thing her unhinged mother in law, Laura, is going to give her. After an unforeseen event, Abby’s husband, Ralph, goes into a spiraling depression, and Abby’s obsession with a patient at her job at an Assisted Care facility grows even stronger.
I’m not sure how I feel about this book to be completely honest. I didn’t love it, I didn’t hate it - I’m just kind of indifferent. I love an unhinged main character, so I, of course, enjoyed listening to Abby spiral as she seemed to make strange decision after strange decision. It had some funny moments, some dark moments, and some real weird “wtf” moments, which are all elements I love in a book. I think my main issue is this story seemed to be kind of convoluted and hard to follow at times, which took away from the overall plot and that is where my main issue fell with this story.
Listening to this book in the audiobook format was a great experience, but it does make me wonder if my issue with the convolution of the story would be solved had I read this physically. Either way, Adina Verson was such a good narrator for this story and captured Abby’s essence so well.
I’m not sure how I feel about this book to be completely honest. I didn’t love it, I didn’t hate it - I’m just kind of indifferent. I love an unhinged main character, so I, of course, enjoyed listening to Abby spiral as she seemed to make strange decision after strange decision. It had some funny moments, some dark moments, and some real weird “wtf” moments, which are all elements I love in a book. I think my main issue is this story seemed to be kind of convoluted and hard to follow at times, which took away from the overall plot and that is where my main issue fell with this story.
Listening to this book in the audiobook format was a great experience, but it does make me wonder if my issue with the convolution of the story would be solved had I read this physically. Either way, Adina Verson was such a good narrator for this story and captured Abby’s essence so well.
The Mary Shelley Club by Goldy Moldavsky
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
4.0
I have to say, I have been knocking it out of the park with YA books recently. I am not always the biggest YA fan, but this one was one that drew me in and couldn’t resist. The Mary Shelley Club is definitely a book I would have been obsessed with in high school, and it was so much fun to read/listen to.
The Mary Shelley Club follows our FMC, Rachel Chavez, new girl in a new school and new city after a traumatic event happened that led her to upend her life. While getting to know her peers, she stumbles upon a secretive group titled “The Mary Shelley Club”, a group that come from all types of cliques that come together for their love of horror. How fun, right? A secret club where you can bond over all things horror sounds amazing! Well... maybe not.
I truly enjoyed every bit of this book from start to finish. Entertaining, great plot that was well thought out, enjoyable and necessary characters, and an enjoyable ending that, dare I say, may leave an opening for a sequel?
The audiobook experience was enjoyable throughout! Our narrator was Carla Corvo, who was fantastic and had a voice that was easy to listen to and engaging. I definitely recommend this one!
The Mary Shelley Club follows our FMC, Rachel Chavez, new girl in a new school and new city after a traumatic event happened that led her to upend her life. While getting to know her peers, she stumbles upon a secretive group titled “The Mary Shelley Club”, a group that come from all types of cliques that come together for their love of horror. How fun, right? A secret club where you can bond over all things horror sounds amazing! Well... maybe not.
I truly enjoyed every bit of this book from start to finish. Entertaining, great plot that was well thought out, enjoyable and necessary characters, and an enjoyable ending that, dare I say, may leave an opening for a sequel?
The audiobook experience was enjoyable throughout! Our narrator was Carla Corvo, who was fantastic and had a voice that was easy to listen to and engaging. I definitely recommend this one!
Exercise Bike by Carlton Mellick III
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
5.0
What 👏🏻 a 👏🏻 book 👏🏻
This book is outrageously bizarre, strange in the best ways, completely original, dystopian, and totally horrifying. And I LOVED IT.
I flew through this last night in one sitting. It’s a short 114 page book (with a funny lil comic at the end) that captivates you from the jump and keeps the energy the entire way through.
I went into this book completely blind, and I’m glad I did. So without any spoilers.. there’s something odd with Tori Manetti’s new exercise bike….
This book is outrageously bizarre, strange in the best ways, completely original, dystopian, and totally horrifying. And I LOVED IT.
I flew through this last night in one sitting. It’s a short 114 page book (with a funny lil comic at the end) that captivates you from the jump and keeps the energy the entire way through.
I went into this book completely blind, and I’m glad I did. So without any spoilers.. there’s something odd with Tori Manetti’s new exercise bike….
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Gore, Rape
The Eyes Are the Best Part by Monika Kim
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Eyes Are the Best Part was a psychological horror featuring Ji-Won who increasingly gets more and more unhinged as you turn the page. This book is definitely a slow burn, which is not for everyone, but was absolutely for me. This book was unsettling, a little yucky, and totally compelling. It includes themes of Ji-won’s upbringing as a child of immigrant parents, racism, toxic masculinity that comes in two forms, and a downward spiral of the female psyche due to, perhaps… stress? Relationship problems? Newfound cannibalism? Who knows!
Truly, such a great book. The ending was open ended almost inviting a follow up, whether it comes in the form of a series or a novella, but I’m happy with the way it ended regardless. Definitely recommend this one to my horror friends or literary friends who like dark subject matter!
Truly, such a great book. The ending was open ended almost inviting a follow up, whether it comes in the form of a series or a novella, but I’m happy with the way it ended regardless. Definitely recommend this one to my horror friends or literary friends who like dark subject matter!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cannibalism, Murder