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scaredy_bear's reviews
72 reviews
Hollow Tongue by Eden Royce
This short gothic tale centers on Maxine, an incredibly resilient character whose life has been a series of unfortunate events. Her journey, as she confronts and conquers that which haunts her past, is inspiring. The narrative initially unfolds as a domestic drama but gradually escalates into outright horror, echoing the butterflies depicted on the cover. The story intentionally leaves many questions unanswered, a characteristic I appreciate. When a book leaves you pondering unanswered questions, it tends to linger in your memory longer. With a small cast of characters and limited settings, Royce crafts an intimate atmosphere akin to a "bottle episode". It's just us and Max, navigating through the mysteries and attempting to uncover the truth behind her absent parents.
Similar vibes: The Butterfly Garden by Dot Hutchison, Umma (2022)
Thank you, NetGalley and RDS Publishing for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
After a series of tragic events, Maxine returns to her childhood home only to find it abandoned. No food, the soap is old and hardened, mold spots coat the walls and the backyard is overrun with weeds. As Max grapples to understand what events could have led to the house being uninhabited, she’s also forced to confront the painful memories haunting every room.
This short gothic tale centers on Maxine, an incredibly resilient character whose life has been a series of unfortunate events. Her journey, as she confronts and conquers that which haunts her past, is inspiring. The narrative initially unfolds as a domestic drama but gradually escalates into outright horror, echoing the butterflies depicted on the cover. The story intentionally leaves many questions unanswered, a characteristic I appreciate. When a book leaves you pondering unanswered questions, it tends to linger in your memory longer. With a small cast of characters and limited settings, Royce crafts an intimate atmosphere akin to a "bottle episode". It's just us and Max, navigating through the mysteries and attempting to uncover the truth behind her absent parents.
If the above sounds like your style, I highly recommend this book.
Similar vibes: The Butterfly Garden by Dot Hutchison, Umma (2022)
Thank you, NetGalley and RDS Publishing for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Body horror, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Toxic relationship, Violence, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Body shaming, Gun violence, Cannibalism, and Classism
The Little Season by S.C. Mendes
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
3.75
After quitting his job, Jordan Carter stumbles upon an ad for Talons, a new restaurant seeking paid tasters for their secret menu. However, each tasting leaves Jordan increasingly ill and plagued by horrifying night terrors. With the aid of his hot, spiritualist neighbor, Jordan delves into the mysteries surrounding Talons.
Labeling this book as Splatterpunk feels inaccurate. Apart from the initial scene, it maintains a relatively subdued tone (by Splatterpunk standards at least). The main character is easily dislikable with his problematic views on women (including being a fan of a pick-up artist podcast), and his generally negative outlook on life. Somehow, SC Mendes manages to humanize this incel-like character, occasionally making him feel relatable, a commendable feat in my opinion. While the pacing sometimes lags, the narrative is interesting enough to persevere. Recommended for fans of cult horror.
Overall, I found this book enjoyable. The themes and character development were very well done. I eagerly look forward to reading future works from SC Mendes.
Similar Vibes: The Menu (2022), Last Days by Adam Nevill
Thank you, NetGalley and Blood Bound Books for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
This Skin Was Once Mine by Eric LaRocca
dark
emotional
funny
fast-paced
4.25
This short story collection features four tales that explore the theme of skin in various ways, including slivers, snake skin, glass cuts, burns, and pricks. The audiobook version, with its unique narrators for each story, was a great way to experience the tales. Eric LaRocca's writing style shines, and the characters' distinct voices come alive when heard aloud. It's captivating to see how each character's unusual mind works. As an added bonus, almost every story features queer characters, making this a great choice for Pride Month reading. I highly recommend giving this book a try!
Similar vibes: Under the Skin (2013), Piercing by Ryū Murakami
Thank you, NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for sending this audiobook for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Crave by Maria Llovet
funny
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
3.25
This book left me wanting more but not in the best way. It has plenty of interesting characters but none feel overly fleshed out. The Black Mirror style story is fun but relied too much on horny vibes (generally not a complaint) that didnt leave room for much else.
Thank you, NetGalley and Image Comics for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Thank you, NetGalley and Image Comics for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Godzilla: Monster Island Summer Camp by Rosie Knight
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0
How do I (admittedly a whole ass adult) go to Monster Island Summer Camp because I’m sooooo in!
This book is full of diverse and loveable characters that you won’t want to leave.
Oliver Ono has illustrated such a gorgeous comic but the monsters especially are so cute. Please check out this book!!
Thank you, NetGalley and IDW Publishing for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
The Haunted Forest Tour by Jeff Strand, James A. Moore
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
3.75
The plot felt maybe a bit weak, and initially there was a lot of characters to keep track of but I think this book is worth the read alone for all the unique creature descriptions. The general idea is fun and there’s some likeable characters for sure! Overall, a mixed bag but still worth the read.
Can't Defy The Lonely Girl Vol 1 by Kashikaze
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.0
A fast-paced, sweet little yuri. The title made it sound more menacing than it really is. Very fluffy (a compliment). Excited to read the next one!
Dark Spaces: Dungeon by Scott Snyder
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
4.0
Scott Snyder (American Vampire) returns to his Dark Spaces anthology series with “Dark Spaces: Dungeon”, a haunting crime story of a mysterious kidnapper with a penchant for torture and the people who want to bring them to justice. This book is full of beautiful illustrations and visceral storytelling. Check it out!
Similar Vibes: Nailbiter Series by Mike Henderson & Joshua Williamson, Silence of the Lambs
Thank you, NetGalley and IDW Publishing for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Thank you, NetGalley and IDW Publishing for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
The Japanese Box and Other Stories by Jennifer Anne Gordon, Jennifer Anne Gordon
Similar Vibes: Come Closer by Sara Gran, and Daniel Isn’t Real (2019)
Thank you, NetGalley and Last Waltz Publishing for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A haunting collection of short stories, “The Japanese Box & Other Stories” by Jennifer Anne Gordon, explores the horror of our own psyches. With unreliable narrators at the helm of most of the stories, you’ll be questioning what’s real to the very last page. Each piece feels like a master study of grief and sadness. Gordon creates such lonely worlds but writes them with such poetry.
Similar Vibes: Come Closer by Sara Gran, and Daniel Isn’t Real (2019)
Thank you, NetGalley and Last Waltz Publishing for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.