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She didn’t run from her dark past. She moved in.: Reviewing Theme Music by T. Marie Vandelly

Hi everyone! I’m back with some more books for spooky season. My spooky season books might bleed into November because I have not had a ton of free time on my hands lately. I also am very excited to announce that I have, not one, but two indie author reviews coming up. These will all be good ways to wrap up the end of the year. But that is the future and, in the present, we are going to talk about Theme Music by T. Marie Vandelly.

Content Warning: Violence and Gore, Strong Language, Substance Abuse

In 1992, Bill Wheeler killed his wife and three sons then himself, leaving only his infant daughter Dixie alive. Twenty-five years later, Dixie wants to know more about her family. The opportunity arises when she buys her childhood home where the grisly murders took place. She isn’t in the house for very long when she begins to see the ghosts of her family. Dixie begins to experience blackouts and other things that make her question her sanity. She decides the only way to save herself is by revisiting the murders. As Dixie begins to investigate her family’s deaths, she discovers something that will haunt her forever.

I don’t know if there is such a thing as “messy girl horror” but Theme Music definitely could be described as that. In fact, it reminded me quite a bit of Dark Places by Gillian Flynn. I appreciate horror novels where the victims aren’t necessarily perfect, because it feels a bit more realistic and relatable. T. Marie Vandelly is not afraid to share the gory details all throughout the book. It is as gratuitous as it needs to be but it is still pretty gory. If you have a weak stomach then this book is not for you. If you do like the bloodier horror novels, then you will certainly like Theme Music. It is a great mixture of a murder mystery and supernatural horror with just a dash of slasher. Dixie Wheeler is a great “final girl” and I liked her narrative voice. For a bloody good time, you should definitely check out Theme Music.

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Stop eating meat, and the world will devour you whole: Reviewing The Vegetarian by Han Kang, Translated by Deborah Smith

Hi everyone! I hope you didn’t miss me too much. I still have a couple of horror books I want to wrap up by the end of October. While this particular book isn’t technically a horror novel, I think it still fits the vibe. I’ve also been trying to read more translated books, so I have been keeping my eye out for suggestions. I actually got this book for my birthday (back in June) and have been holding off until now to read it. So, let’s finally talk about The Vegetarian.

Content Warning: Disturbing Imagery, Domestic Violence, Child Abuse, Explicit Sexual Content, Sexual Assault, Animal Death, Self-Harm, Eating Disorders, Discussions and Depictions of Schizophrenia

Yeong-hye and her husband lived a perfectly harmonious, albeit boring, life. It all changes when Yeong-hye begins to have violent nightmares about blood and death. Disturbed by these dreams, she decides to completely swear off eating any meat. This decision throws her marriage and relationships with her family into turmoil. Her family’s concerns quickly turn into a desperate bid to control Yeong-hye despite her wishes. She begins to spiral and, soon, no one will be able to help her.

I am going to preface this review by saying that this book will not be for everyone. It covers a lot of heavy topics and does so with unflinching prose. The Vegetarian is, to me, reminiscent of The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins-Gilman. The readers are subject to witnessing this slow descent into madness, paired with other issues like marital abuse, the treatment of mental health patients, and psychosis. Like I said in the beginning, this is not a horror novel, but that doesn’t make it any less scary. Han Kang blends together different forms of prose, which enhances the message of the narrative. It is a bit of a bleak novel, but it is so interesting and hard to put down. At the end of the day, I am going to recommend The Vegetarian because it has such a powerful message amid haunting and brutal prose.

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What was found cannot be forgotten, cannot be unseen, cannot be undone: Reviewing Found: A Anthology of Found Footage Horror Stories, Edited by Gabino Iglesias and Andrew Cull

Hi everyone! I’m back with more chills and thrills for anyone partaking in the Halloween season. It’s also been a while since I have read a short story collection. I wanted to mix things up and introduce myself to new authors. I am also a fan of analog horror and found footage, so I had to pick up this book. Now, let’s talk about Found.

General Content Warning: Violence and Gore, Disturbing Imagery, Strong Language, Discussions and Depictions of Severe Mental Health Issues, Religious Trauma, Animal Death, Domestic Violence, Harm Toward Children, Stalking and Harassment (Content Varies Per Story, Reader Discretion is Advised)

From a group of online sleuths trying to solve a series of disappearances in a small town to a house that might be eating its residents to a fan discovering a cursed book, Found pulls together some of the creepiest tales revolving around things that were never meant to be found.

I particularly enjoyed this collection of short stories because of how varied and unique each tale was. I also enjoyed that the authors weren’t afraid to experiment with formatting. There is one story told almost entirely through texts and emails. Two of them are meant to look like online forums. Some incorporate diary entries as part of their narratives. All of them were equally as interesting and hard to put down. They definitely gave me so “creepypasta” vibes, if that is what you are looking for. Overall, Found is a perfectly haunting series of stories if you are looking for a fresh, interesting take on your classic haunted video story.

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All monsters are mirrors: Reviewing Horror Movie by Paul Tremblay

Hey everyone! I’m back and I finally have a horror novel to talk about! This is not the first novel by Paul Tremblay I have read. Feel free to check out my review of A Head Full of Ghosts. I definitely recommend that one, especially if you like possession horror. Funny enough, this is not the only horror book I am reading that is centered around found footage horror. I think it’s a really interesting genre and I hope some of you are interested in exploring this with me. For now, let’s talk about Horror Movie.

Content Warning: Violence, Disturbing Imagery, Drug Abuse, Self-Harm

In the summer of 1993, a group of college students set out to make an ambitious movie simply titled Horror Movie. Despite the notorious reputation of this movie, only three full scenes have ever been released to the public. Almost all of the main cast and crew died in tragic circumstances, save for one. Over thirty years later, a big movie studio has decided to reboot Horror Movie with the surviving cast member, who was known for playing “the Thin Kid.” As shooting for the movie begins, the lines between the past and present blur as ghosts from the past come back to haunt the lone survivor.

Though this is only the second novel I have read by Paul Tremblay, I have come to appreciate is takes on classic horror tropes. Much like A Head Full of Ghosts, Horror Movie takes an intimate look at a horrifying occurance. Tremblay likes to play with the line between realism and the supernatural. I have come to expect an interesting, but subtle twist in his story telling style. Horror Movie is as much a love letter to amature film making as it to the found footage horror genre, with its own twists and turns. I definitely didn’t know where this novel was going as I was reading but that was the best part. Overall, Horror Movie is a nice solid, spooky read that is definitely worth checking out for any horror fans out there.

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We are a curse of the shadows; we are a secret. We are eternal: Reviewing The Vampire Armand by Anne Rice

Hi everyone! I hope you are all doing well! We are returning to form with another vampire novel. I am currently rewatching the Interview with the Vampire TV show and foaming at the mouth for the next season. Until then, I am going to dabble in Anne Rice novels. Before you read this one, feel free to check out my review for Interview with the Vampire and The Vampire Lestat. Let’s talk about The Vampire Armand.

Content Warning: Child Abuse, Slavery, Explicit Sexual Content, Sexual Assault, Religious Trauma, Violence and Gore, Disturbing Imagery

The vampire Armand was not always the powerful and ruthless leader of the Children of Darkness. He began his life as Andrei, a young man from Kiev Rus who was kidnapped and sold into slavery. He is taken to Vienna and taken under the care of Marius, an ancient and powerful vampire. Andrei becomes Amadeo under his master’s tutelage, which involves exploring the darkest parts of the dazzling Vienna. When Armand is given the dark gift, he finds himself a target of a cult of vampires who worship Satan. Alone and unfamiliar with the vampiric world, Armand must fight to save his immortal soul.

The Vampire Armand is a dark and disturbing look at one of Anne Rice’s most iconic characters. Anne Rice does such an incredible job creating these unique character voices and being able to alter her writing depending on which point of view she is writing about. Armand is a fascinating character who is a throwback to the classic Byronic heroes. The book deals heavily with religion and philosophy, which can be intriguing but is sometimes a bit long-winded. This particular book dealt a bit more with mysticism and magic, which I liked as an element of world-building. I honestly wished I saved his book for October because it would have been far more appropriate for the Halloween season, but I am glad I read it now. I can see why this is one of Anne Rice’s most iconic novels and I am going to recommend it with the addendum to heed my content warnings.

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I will render vengeance upon my adversaries and I will repay those who hate me: Reviewing Camp Damascus by Chuck Tingle

Hi everyone! I’m back and I hope you are all doing well! Before I get into this review, I want to say that I am very excited because I had an indie author reach out to me and I will post a review of her book very soon. I love when you all reach out to me and want me to review your books. It means a lot to me. You are more than welcome to reach out to me whenever you want. I want to preface this book review because the name Chuck Tingle sounded familiar to me. Outside of this, he has written books such as Space Raptor Butt Invasion and Slammed in the Butthole by My Linear Concept of Time. Yes, those are 100% real titles, and many more if you want to check out the sillier side of Chuck Tingle. This one is a little more serious and plenty more scary so let’s talk about Camp Damascus.

Content Warning: Violence and Gore, Disturbing Imagery, Religious Trauma, Discussions and Depictions of Homophobia

Rose Darling is a member of the Kingdom of the Pine, a devout religious community located in Neverton, Montana. Rose has spent her life devoted to worship and spreading the good word. She begins to fear the worst when she begins to see a demonic entity following her around. When one of Rose’s friends is killed by this demon, she goes on a mission to figure out why she and her loved ones are being targeted. Her investigation leads her to Camp Damascus, which claims to be “the most successful gay conversion therapy” camp in Montana. Beneath this god-fearing institution is an unholy secret and Rose is determined to put a stop to it once and for all.

Camp Damascus is equal parts gory, demonic horror thriller and engaging commentary on the treatment of queer people by religious organizations. I thought it was admirable for Chuck Tingle to tackle such a heavy and controversial topic in such a unique way. I like the analogies within this book and the way that Tingle challenges the notion that queer people and religion cannot exist in the same place. He lets it be simple where it’s simple (Conversion therapy is bad) and lets it be complicated where it’s complicated (how does someone properly interpret the Bible). The book doesn’t get overly complicated or philosophical. There is still plenty of room for a demonic romp and mystery within the story. Rose was relatable as the main character and her narrative voice helped bring a nice balance to the story. Overall, though, this is a story about hope and I found that to be really important when it comes to a topic like this. If you are looking for a horror novel with plenty of thrills, chills, and profound conversation, then Camp Damascus is exactly what you need.

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How can one grow without pain?: Reviewing Chlorine by Jade Song

Hi everyone! I’m back much sooner than I anticipated. I was planning on finishing this book another day but I got to a point where I couldn’t put it down so I just had to finish it. I’m trying to wrap up my “summer reads” since we’re in the homestretch to fall. I have a couple of shorter books I want to get through so I can focus on my longer ones. Okay, I’ll shut up about that now. Let’s talk about Chlorine.

Content Warning: Self-harm, Explicit Sexual Content, Disturbing Imagery, Body Horror

Ren Yu is the best swimmer on her team. Her life surrounds competitive swimming. Every meet, she outswims her competition and teammates alike. For everyone else, her path seems obvious. Ren will get a swimming scholarship and get into an Ivy League school, then go on to get gold in the Olympics for swimming. That, however, is not Ren’s goal. Ren’s ultimate goal is to completely transform into what she was born to be: a mermaid. Becoming a mermaid, though, requires sacrifice. Ren must decide how much blood she is willing to shed if she wants to live the life she has always dreamed of.

Chlorine is a darkly funny, gross, and touching novel about transformation and girlhood. I appreciate Jade Song’s brutally honest (and rather gross) depiction of bodily transformation, in a horror sense and in a real sense. The biting humor and dry sarcasm that Ren offers as the narrator made me laugh when I probably shouldn’t have. It was relatable in the best way. I also found the narrative of Ren learning when to adapt versus when to embrace her true self to be fascinating. As gross as this book is at times, it offers a lot of profound observations regarding mermaid mythology and real-life womanhood. Chlorine is a compelling novel about the horrors of girlhood and the reclamation of one’s dream, no matter what the price is.

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Only the impossible can do the impossible: Reviewing The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice

Hi everyone! I hope you are doing well. I’ve been really wanting to review this book for a while now. I am a huge fan of the TV adaptation of Interview with the Vampire and they just announced that there is going to be a season three based off of this book. If you haven’t watched Interview with the Vampire yet, go watch it immediately. You can also read my review of the novel Interview with the Vampire. Now, without any further preamble, let’s talk about The Vampire Lestat.

Content Warning: Violence and Gore, Sexual Content, Incest, Disturbing Imagery, Self-Harm

Lestat de Lioncourt has been many things. He has been an aristocrat, an actor, and a rockstar. Most importantly, he is a vampire. His journey from mortal to immortal is full of twists and turns. His maker, Magnus, had left him with a mystery that only he could solve. Over the centuries, Lestat sought out the origin of the vampires. Along his journey, he will make shocking revelations, powerful enemies, and choices that will forever change his undead life.

The Vampire Lestat is a dark, twisted, and darkly funny novel. Lestat is such a fun character so it was fun to see him in the spotlight. He is also such a complex character who is determined and dramatic in the best way possible. Anne Rice did such a good job creating her own vampiric lore, with plenty of complicated characters who struggle with immortality, life, and death. It is so easy to completely immerse yourself in this novel. Even the parts I thought were kind of slow were still enjoyable in their own way. I will definitely be reading more of the Vampire Chronicles and I recommend that you also partake in this dark and gothic series.

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For freedom, for salvation, for retribution: Reviewing When The Reckoning Comes by LaTanya McQueen

Hey everyone! It’s good to be back with a new review. I am still working through my TBR list and I am re-reading some of my old favorites. I recently got a hold of The Odyssey translated by Emily Wilson. It’s one of my all-time favorite classics. I won’t do a review of that one but I still highly recommend it. We are, however, getting back into the horror genre. I will try to save some of my horror novels for fall, but I firmly believe some are more fitting for summer. This is one of them, in my opinion. Now, it is time to talk about When the Reckoning Comes by LaTanya McQueen

Content Warning: Violence and Gore, Discussions and Depictions of Slavery, Discussions and Depictions of Racism (Including Slurs), Sexual Violence, Violence Towards Children, Disturbing Imagery.

Mira fled her small hometown of Kipsen after a traumatic experience cost her two of her dearest friendships. Now an adult, Mira decides to return to Kipsen after her childhood friend Celine invites her to her wedding, along with their other childhood friend Jesse. Mira is shocked, though, to find out Celine’s wedding is being held at the infamous Woodsman Plantation, where many slaves suffered and died horrific deaths. Reunited once more, Mira, Jesse, and Celine must confront their own past as well as the horrific past that lies within Woodsman Plantation.

When the Reckoning Comes is a haunting debut novel that highlights the horrors of the past, particularly revolving around slavery in the American South. LaTanya McQueen confronts the disturbing reality of racism head-on. McQueen shows how history has been revised and sanitized over the years, even being made into tourist destinations for the sake of those who choose to ignore the horrific truth of America’s past. I like how the three main characters function as a microcosm of the larger themes being confronted in this novel. It is uncomfortable, but that discomfort is completely necessary for the purpose of this book. The details made my stomach churn. It is nearly unfathomable to me that these things happened but they did and the least I can do is face the disturbing reality of the past head-on, even in a fictional setting. All in all, When the Reckoning Comes accomplishes exactly what it sets out to do and I would highly recommend it if you want a horror novel that is also reflective and truthful in its narrative.

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Love is never wrong: Reviewing A Botanical Daughter by Noah Medlock

Hi everyone! I’m trying to get these reviews out as fast as I can. My TBR pile has gotten out of control but that is my own fault. I have so many thoughts and opinions I want to share with all of you. It feels like a lot of pressure having over 500 people who want to know what I think about books. It’s really fun, though, and I thank you for your interest in this blog. I think I should stop rambling and start talking about A Botanical Daughter, don’t you?

Content Warning: Violence, Graphic Bodily Injury, Animal Death, Sexual Content

Gregor Sandys is a botanist who specializes in exotic plants. Simon Rievaulx is a skilled taxidermist. The gentlemen make an unusual pair but a pair, nonetheless. In their estate of Grimfern, the men can live as they want and practice their strange hobbies. Gregor’s newest specimen, a fungus, changes everything they know when it begins to show signs of intelligence. Inspired by this shocking development, Gregor hatches a plan that will launch him into fame. The only problem is that he needs a corpse. Gregor and Simon quickly learn that they cannot control nature, especially not when it has a mind of its own.

Imagine if Frankenstein was actually kind of cute and you get A Botanical Daughter. Noah Medlock’s unique take on the story of the “manmade monster” is strangely tender and romantic. It’s a story of a group of strange people who love each other for their strangeness when the rest of the world has rejected them. While it is certainly gory in parts, it doesn’t take away from the romances that are at the heart of this novel. The character development was great to read too. Tt is nice to have a queer story where there is hope for the characters at the end. It can be difficult to find LGBTQ+ literature that isn’t depressing but Noah Medlock delivers a breath of fresh air. I wish I had finished this for Pride Month because it would have been perfect for that, but we can celebrate Pride all year round. With all of this being said, go read A Botanical Daughter as soon as you can.