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Disposable and Finite and Vulnerable: Reviewing Dead Astronauts by Jeff Vandermeer

Hello everyone! I am finally back after being gone for longer than I would have liked. There is also a chill in the air and I have a pile of horror novels that I am itching to read. I am pacing myself a bit because I want to save all of the spooky stuff for October. That doesn’t mean I’m going to stop reading the weird and creepy stuff. This is not my first time reading a book by Jeff Vandermeer so make sure to check out my other reviews of his books. Now, it’s time to talk about Dead Astronauts.

Content Warning: Disturbing Imagery, Some Harsh Language, Discussions and Depictions of Abuse, Animal Abuse, Animal Death, Discussions and Depictions of Severe Mental Illness, Violence, Medical Experimentation

Different stories unfold, begin, end, and some never get a chance to be told. A blue fox travels through time and space to complete a mysterious mission. A woman who is haunted by a demon finds a mysterious journal that changes her life. Three astronauts fight in a war against a powerful corporation that has destroyed and twisted nature. A madman wanders the desert, followed by a monster of his own creation whose purpose and name he cannot remember. All stories begin and all stories end, but not always in the way that they should.

Dead Astronauts is a captivating yet disturbing mixture of prose and poetry revolving around a cosmic battle between man and nature. Jeff Vandermeer’s brand of eco-centric sci-fi remains unlike anything else I have read. He does not hold back when exploring an apocalyptic future where nature fights back against humanity’s attempt to tame it. (He some how manages to make a duck into a very creepy character.) From what I can tell, Vandermeer’s books all exist within the same universe, which makes it more interesting. I love how he delves deeper into this topic and isn’t afraid to be abstract. I like when novels blend together different styles of writing to enhance the overall themes and messages. If you love surreal literature, particularly surreal sci-fi, then look no further than Jeff Vandermeer and definitely give Dead Astronauts your attention.

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Who wants to be a nice girl anyhow?: Reviewing Reluctant Immortals by Gwendolyn Kiste

Hello everyone! I’m finally back with a review after trying to get through some of the longer books I am reading. Now that the weather is finally cooling down and fall is slowly making its presence known, I will definitely be reading more horror novels than usual. I personally think there is a difference between “summer horror” and “fall horror” but that is just me. One might even argue that there is such a thing as “winter horror” and “spring horror.” That is just me. I mostly pick books based off of my current mood. This book, however, has been on my TBR list for a long time so let’s finally talk about Reluctant Immortals.

Content Warning: Violence, Graphic Bodily Injury, Discussions of Domestic Violence, Some Harsh Language

It’s in 1967 in Los Angeles. Lucy Westerna and Bertha Mason (who goes by Bee) are both immortals who are on the run from the men who ruined their lives. Just as everything seems to have settled down, Rochester and Dracula make a shocking return. They team up to destroy the women who escaped from them and find new “wives.” Lucy and Bee make the decision to face down the men who killed them once and for all, even if it means dying once and for all.

If there is anything you need to know about me, you need to know that two of my favorite books are Dracula and Jane Eyre. I was practically ecstatic when I read the premise of Gwendolyn Kiste’s unique Gothic novel. I did write an entire essay about Bertha Mason’s horrendous treatment as “the madwoman in the attic” and I could also go on about how Lucy Westerna’s tragic fate has been overly glamorized in modern adaptations of Dracula. Kiste beat me to both of these and I appreciate her for it. This novel is a fast-paced, visceral exploration of the literary legacies of these famous characters. I appreciate how Kiste theoretically gives both of these women power in their stories and allows them to have closure. This was such a great reading experience and has easily become one of my new favorite books. Who knew that California in 1967 could be such a great setting for a Gothic thriller? Go pick up this book immediately, especially if you are a fan of Dracula and/or Jane Eyre.

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Maybe I am haunting myself: Reviewing Tell Me I’m Worthless by Alison Rumfitt

Hello everyone! I hope you are in a good mood and, if you want to stay in a good mood, then you might not want to read any further. I have said this before but I am very much aware that many people are not interested in the horror genre. If you read the content warnings after this paragraph and decide that this book is not for you, I completely understand. We all have our limits, including myself. My morbid curiosity, however, tends to win out more often than not. I will not keep you in suspense for much longer. Let’s discuss Tell Me I’m Worthless.

MAJOR CONTENT WARNING: Graphic Violence, Body Horror, Graphic Sexual Content, Scenes of Sexual Assault, Scenes Depicting Hate Crimes, Harsh and Offensive Language, Discussions and Depictions of the Following Topics: Racism, Homophobia, Transphobia, Misogyny, Abuse, Self-Harm, Drug Use

Three years ago, three girls went into a haunted house. Only two of them left. Since that incident three years ago, Alice and Ila have struggled to cope with the things they saw and the loss of their friend, Hannah. Since then, Alice has been experiencing horrific dreams of what she saw in the House. Just as she thinks she is moving on, Ila reaches out and asks her to return to the House to find out what happened to Hannah. They must set aside their differences and face their fears, but the return to the House may just be the end of them.

Wow, this book was intense and dark and weird and abstract in ways that I may not be able to articulate to you all via this post. Allison Rumfitt does not hold back as she gives an unflinching look at how people are shaped by politics and how someone or something can become “haunted” by tragedy. It is difficult to explain but the way that Rumfitt explores ghosts and haunted houses as metaphors for the deep impact of history and tragedy was just fascinating to me. Also, this book is just stomach-churning with certain scenes that made me have to stop reading. Alison Rumfitt truly understands how disgusting people on the Internet can be. This book truly resonated with me in a way that horror novels rarely do. It was hard to look away as this was just such a captivating read. Even though this book may not be for everyone, I am going to say to absolutely give Tell Me I’m Worthless a try if you have the stomach for it.

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I, too, can create desolation: Reviewing Our Hideous Progeny by C.E. McGill

Hello everyone! I hope you are doing your best, regardless of your circumstances. I am coming to you (again) with another unconventional summer read. I jumped at this book when I heard it was a bit of a sequel to Frankenstein. Most of my grad school days were spent consumed by Mary Shelley’s Gothic masterpiece so I am well-versed in the novel. I do also enjoy the genre of re-tellings or unofficial sequels to classic novels. If done right, it can be a great time. Let me not ramble on any further and let’s discuss Our Hideous Progeny.

Content Warning: Gruesome Imagery, Some Violence, Some Harsh Language, Loss of an Infant, Discussions and Depictions of Misogyny, Discussions of Racism, Harm towards Animals

Mary has spent her entire life fascinated by fossils and dinosaurs. She wants nothing more than to be acknowledged for her contributions to the scientific community but keeps being dismissed because she is a woman. With her marriage in a rocky state after the loss of her infant daughter, she finds herself at a loss. That is until she stumbles across the records of her great-uncle Victor Frankenstein and his dreadful experiments. Mary is suddenly captivated by the idea of creating life out of death. She and her husband Henry set out to recreate her great-uncle’s experiment but with their own improvements to his methods. Their path to fame and fortune, however, takes a dark turn when their experiment takes on a life of its own and others seek to steal their only chance at success

I did not intend to finish this book so soon but could not put it down. C.E. McGill demonstrates an understanding of Mary Shelley’s original novel while putting their own twist on the story. Our Hideous Progeny is a well-paced, thrilling read that delves into the twisted tale of playing God through science. I loved how intense this novel became and the parallels to the source material which inspired this book. I could go into depth but that would require its own separate post that would be rather lengthy. While you could appreciate this novel without having read Frankenstein, I would recommend it more if you are familiar with the original story. What I’m really trying to say is: go read this gripping Gothic tale and be immersed in the gruesome world of Victorian – era science.

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Southern Hospitality to Die for: Reviewing A House with Good Bones by T. Kingfisher

Hello everyone! I am wishing you all the best, as always. Just because it’s hot outside, doesn’t mean we can’t still be spooky. Before I get started with this review, feel free to check out my other reviews of T. Kingfisher’s books. This is now the fourth one of hers that I have read so it is safe to say I am a fan. I have also mentioned before that I love Southern Gothic novels and find the genre to be very underrated. I was then excited when one of my newest favorite authors was covering the genre. Now, let’s get a little dark with A House with Good Bones.

Content Warning: Disturbing imagery, Bodily Harm, Depictions of Child Abuse

Sam Montgomery is excited to return home for an extended stay with her mother. Well, she is only kind of excited. Sam’s brother, Brad, warned her that their mother seemed to be a little off lately. Sam brushes it off, trying not to overthink it. The longer she stays in her childhood home, however, the longer she starts to think something is terribly wrong. Sam’s mom repainted her colorful walls, took down her favorite art, and reverted it back to how it looked when Sam’s grandmother owned the house. She also notices her mom being paranoid of the house itself. Despite Sam’s best efforts to remain logical, strange occurrences like vultures circling the house and a jar of teeth buried in the backyard all lead to something much dark lurking in this seemingly normal house.

I would definitely begin off by labeling this book as a “cozy horror.” It wasn’t particularly scary but T. Kingfisher does a great job creating a foreboding atmosphere. I liked the humor and snarky wit that Sam as the narrator brings to the table. I especially like the way that Kingfisher incorporates nature into supernatural horror. I will say, though, that this probably isn’t my favorite novel out of the other books I have read by Kingfisher. That isn’t to say it isn’t enjoyable; it didn’t have the same impact as a book like What Moves the Dead. It is still a fun spooky read, especially for the summer so, if you’re looking for a quick and cozy horror then add A House with Good Bones to your TBR.

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Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find: Reviewing The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward

Hey everyone! I’m back sooner than I thought I would be with another review. I also realized that I read a lot of books that deal with pretty dark subject matter. If you mind that at all, I completely understand. I don’t always intentionally seek out dark books, but I do have an inherently morbid sense of curiosity. This is also another book I saw circulating on people’s must reads for horror/suspense novels. If that is what you are looking for, stick around and listen to my review for The Last House of Needless Street.

Content Warning: Death of Children, Graphic Bodily Injury, Discussions and Depictions of Mental Illness, Alcohol Abuse, Death of Animals, Self-Harm

Ted Bannerman has done his best to live a quiet life. He keeps his daughter, Lauren, safe despite how much she fights him. His cat Olivia lives her own life, napping and reading the Bible when no one is around. A terrible secret is what keeps them together. Their secret is at risk when a neighbor moves in across the street and seems to know that Ted is hiding something. The thing is he is trying so desperately to hide, however, no longer wishes to be buried.

I am just going to come right out and say that I felt that this book was also a bit of a swing and a miss for me, as far as being a compelling horror or thriller. That is not to be too negative, either. I really did enjoy the different character voices that Catriona Ward utilizes and the ways that those voices begin to blend together was one of the best parts of the novel. It is also an atmospheric read with plenty of visceral and unique details that make the writing all the more interesting. I am, however, unsure how obvious the “twist” of the novel was supposed to be. I’m honestly feeling a little conflicted overall on this book. Spoiler Warning: The main “twist” comes from one of the character’s mental health conditions. I always get wary whenever something along those lines is being used as shock factor, in any capacity. I understand that the author was coming from a place of sympathy, based on the afterword. I tend to stay away from any sort of horror media that utilizes metal health or mental illness as something “shocking” or “scary.” I am not going to say to not read this book since, overall, it wasn’t a bad book by any means. I am saying, though, that sometimes we need to step back and think about what we find “shocking” or “scary.”

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A Ghost Ship, A Salvage Crew, Unspeakable Horrors: Reviewing Dead Silence by S.A. Barnes

Hey everyone! I hope all is going well for you. Things are starting to look up in my little world so I’ve been in a better mood as of late. I am starting some longer fantasy series and have finally started Priory of the Orange Tree, but don’t expect that review any time soon as I still have a ways to go on that book. Dead Silence, however, has been on my TBR for a hot minute now. I’ve been really getting into horror and I definitely plan on reading some intense novels in the future. If that is not your type of thing, I totally understand. I do have other non-horror novels I intend to read soon. In the meantime, let’s talk about Dead Silence.

Content Warning: Graphic Depictions of Death and Bodily Injury, Violence and Gore, Self-Harm, Depictions of Mental Illness Involving Hallucinations, Harsh Language, Drug Use

Claire Kovalik is the captain of the LINA, a small salvage ship that is meant to go back to Earth soon. Doing that means that Claire will no longer have a job and no longer have a purpose. That is what ultimately drives her to investigate a strange distress signal. The stress signal is coming from the Aurora, the first luxury space cruiser that disappeared over twenty years ago with no explanation. This discovery would give Claire and her team instant fortune and fame. When the crew goes onboard the Aurora, they find that all of the crew and passengers had met with a horrific and mysterious fate. In order to find out what happened onboard the luxury cruise liner, Claire must hold onto her sanity during her investigation, or else face the same gruesome fate.

I am still on the hunt for a mind-blowing, spooky sci-fi horror novel. I had really high hopes for Dead Silence as I kept seeing it popping up on almost everyone’s recommendations for horror novels. I will say that I thought the writing was good and that the first 80% of this novel was really suspenseful and seemed to be heading for a good plot twist. While, yes, there is a plot twist, I found it kind of underwhelming. There is a rather abrupt shift in the novel and, while I get why it happened, I just felt that it took away some of the “investigation” portion of the story. When it comes to a novel that involves some sort of haunted location, I always look forward to the investigation part and seeing that mystery unravel. This novel just didn’t deliver as much as it could have, in my opinion. I’m definitely not going to call this novel “bad” at all, but I will call it “mid,” as the kids say nowadays.

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She is a thing on fire: Reviewing Bunny by Mona Awad

Hi everyone! I hope everything is going well and you are enjoying life as it is, even though you sometimes wish it were something different. I’m not going to lie to you all: this was yet another “Book Tok” read. I can be rather easily influenced at times. I do get tired of the “you liked it because it was popular” discourse at times. Most things that get popular do so for a reason, you know? Also, I am really getting into the “unhinged woman” genre. You really can’t go wrong with female rage. Now, if you are so inclined, let’s discuss Bunny.

Content Warning: Violence and Gore, Disturbing Imagery, Harsh Language, Mentions of Sexual Assault, Drug Use, Animal Death

Samantha Heather Mackey is a scholarship student who has created her own dark little corner for herself in her cohort. Her writing is often criticized for being too off-putting or dark by her fellow students at the elite Warren University. In particular, Samantha is tired of dealing with a group of rich, cutesy girls who call themselves and each other Bunny. They are so similar and so different, seemingly existing as one entity. One day, out of nowhere, one of the Bunnies invites her to their “Smut Salon.” Samantha finds herself strangely compelled to join them, despite the warnings of her friend Ava. The Bunnies lead Samantha into a strange world where they partake in strange rituals to create their dream man. Samantha finds herself in over her head as reality begins to shift and she must find a way to escape the Bunnies’ sinister world of blood and glitter.

The best way I can describe this book is as a combination of Mean Girls and The Secret History. Mona Awad certainly doesn’t hold back on the disturbing aspects of this novel and, honestly, I thought it was going to get more disturbing than it ended up being. With dark academia becoming a little oversaturated, it was nice to see a shakeup in the genre. It also definitely gave me similar vibes to My Year of Rest and Relaxation with the narration. Samantha as the narrator is still sarcastic and blunt while also being a sympathetic character. I liked the overall complexity that Mona Award imbues in her novel. I am going to go ahead and give this my stamp of approval but I would especially recommend this one for a group read or book club as there is plenty to discuss within Bunny.

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What governs a life, if not chance?: Reviewing Ordinary Monsters by J.M. Miro

Hi everyone! I hope you are holding up as the world behaves in strange ways. If there was ever a time when things were predictable and calm, I miss that time. Anyways, I am coming to you with my first long read of this year as this book comes in at about 650 and some pages. I am also genuinely surprised I haven’t seen more buzz surrounding this book either. Hopefully, this will jumpstart a conversation since I really want someone else to experience this. With that being said, let’s talk about Ordinary Monsters.

Content Warning: Graphic Depictions of Violence, Extreme Bodily Harm, Depictions of Child Abuse, Supernatural Horror, Harsh Language, Violent Death Scenes

In Victorian-era London, a mysterious figure made of smoke is targeting children with strange abilities. Sixteen-year-old Charlie Ovid from Mississippi can heal from any injury inflicted on him. A gruff female detective, Alice Quicke, rescues him from an angry mob and brings him to England. While there, they find an orphaned boy named Marlowe who possesses abilities that no one has ever seen before. After being chased by the evil being made of dust, the boys come to Cairndale in Scotland, which was built for children with talents like theirs. They meet a Japanese girl named Komako who can control dust, a teen girl calling herself Ribs who can turn invisible, and a young Polish boy named Oskar who can create monsters out of flesh. Charlie, Marlowe, and the others soon learn that Cairndale is sitting over a portal between the living and the dead that is on the brink of collapse. The children must learn the limits of their powers to prevent the dead from invading the world of the living and fight the monster hunting them down.

This novel was truly a cinematic and atmospheric experience with plenty of action, magic, and intrigue throughout. I normally hesitate to read longer novels because I have run into ones that tend to have a lot of filler. J.M. Miro, however, packed. this book is to the brim with an intricate plot and plenty of interesting characters. The novel covers quite a bit of distance in time and space so Miro gives all the characters plenty of time to develop, which I greatly appreciated. I personally love dark fantasy novels and Ordinary Monsters certainly gets very dark and rather disturbing at times. Don’t let this put you off, though, as it is hard to pull away from this novel. This is certainly an intimidating book but it is so worth the read. Ordinary Monsters deserves more attention and I would highly recommend you delve into this dark fantasy.

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If there’s a way into hell, someone will always find it: Reviewing The Hollow Places by T. Kingfisher

Hi everyone! I hope everything is going well for all of you. I’m still trudging along with books and music to keep me entertained in the meantime. In case you haven’t noticed, this is now the third book I am reviewing by T. Kingfisher so it is safe to say I’m a fan now. Feel free to check out my two previous reviews, both of which are novellas, if you are so interested. Now, let’s talk about The Hollow Places.

Kara has hit a low point. After a messy divorce, she is dreading having to move back in with her overbearing mother. She is released when her Uncle Earl calls and offers her a place to stay. Uncle Earl is a lovable eccentric who operates the Glory to God Museum of Natural Wonders, Curiosities, and Taxidermy in a quaint little town. Having spent many summers working there in her childhood, Kara decides to help her aging uncle. One night while she is closing, Kara finds a strange and impossible hole in the wall that leads to an entirely different world. She and her friend Simon decide to venture there and discover a horror with an insatiable appetite for the living.

Compared to the last horror novel I read (American Psycho), this one was genuinely fun and not too upsettingly creepy. T. Kingfisher does an excellent job creating atmospheric horror by utilizing natural settings, like a forest, to make a wonderfully creepy experience. I enjoyed Kara as she was a relatable narrator with a sense of self-awareness that made the reading experience all the more enjoyable. I would also argue that this novel had a sense of magical realism to it that added to the mystery at the heart of the plot. Overall, this was yet another great novel by T. Kingfisher. If you want a horror novel that is a little more PG-13 or is just looking for a good place to start in the genre, go ahead and start here then go read What Moves the Dead, a horror novella by T. Kingfisher.