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So Witches We Became
If boys will be boys, girls will fight back.
For high school senior Nell and her friends, a vacation house on a private Florida island sounds like the makings of a dream spring break. But Nell brings secrets with her—secrets that fuse with the island's tragic history, trapping them all with a curse that surrounds the island in a toxic, vengeful mist and the surrounding waters with an unseen, devouring beast.
Getting out alive means risking her friendships, her sanity, and even her own life. In order to save herself and her friends, Nell will have to face memories she'd rather leave behind, reveal the horrific truth behind the encounter that changed her life one year ago, and face the shadow that's haunted her since childhood.
Easier said than done.
But when Nell's friends reveal that they each brought secrets of their own, a solution even more dangerous than the curse begins to take shape.
Perfect for fans of Courtney Summers and Rory Power and reading like a YA feminist spin on Stephen King’s The Mist, So Witches We Became is a diverse, queer horror about female friendship, the emotional aftermath of surviving assault, and how to find power in the shadows of your past.
For high school senior Nell and her friends, a vacation house on a private Florida island sounds like the makings of a dream spring break. But Nell brings secrets with her—secrets that fuse with the island's tragic history, trapping them all with a curse that surrounds the island in a toxic, vengeful mist and the surrounding waters with an unseen, devouring beast.
Getting out alive means risking her friendships, her sanity, and even her own life. In order to save herself and her friends, Nell will have to face memories she'd rather leave behind, reveal the horrific truth behind the encounter that changed her life one year ago, and face the shadow that's haunted her since childhood.
Easier said than done.
But when Nell's friends reveal that they each brought secrets of their own, a solution even more dangerous than the curse begins to take shape.
Perfect for fans of Courtney Summers and Rory Power and reading like a YA feminist spin on Stephen King’s The Mist, So Witches We Became is a diverse, queer horror about female friendship, the emotional aftermath of surviving assault, and how to find power in the shadows of your past.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published July 23, 2024
About the author
Jill Baguchinsky
4 books103 followersJill Baguchinsky grew up fluent in darkness and Disney. She spent much of her life on a barrier island just off the coast of Southwest Florida, where she read way too much Stephen King and dodged more hurricanes than she could count.
Jill's queer YA horror novel, SO WITCHES WE BECAME, will launch in summer 2024 from Little, Brown and Company. Inspired by Jill's experience with Hurricane Irma in 2017, SWWB is a story about storm surge, female rage, and toxic bro culture. If boys will be boys, girls will fight back.
Jill’s first novel, a lighthearted ghost-hunting story titled SPOOKYGIRL: PARANORMAL INVESTIGATOR, won the 2011 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award for Young Adult Fiction and was published by Dutton Children’s Books in 2012. In her next book, MAMMOTH (Turner 2018), Jill tackled topics like bullying, body image, and the struggle of young women to stand out in male-dominated scientific fields.
“Green Thumb,” Jill’s post-apocalyptic blend of science fiction, horror, and proper succulent care, was chosen by guest judge Ken Liu as a winner in Uncharted Magazine’s 2021 Sci-Fi/Fantasy Short Story Award contest, and her Baba Yaga-inspired piece, “All Bitterness Burned Away,” appeared in the women-in-horror anthology INTO THE FOREST: TALES OF THE BABA YAGA from Black Spot Books in late 2022.
Jill still lives in Florida, but after one hurricane too many, she and her mini menagerie of rescue animals moved inland. Aside from the manatees she used to watch in her backyard canal, she doesn’t miss much about island life.
Jill's queer YA horror novel, SO WITCHES WE BECAME, will launch in summer 2024 from Little, Brown and Company. Inspired by Jill's experience with Hurricane Irma in 2017, SWWB is a story about storm surge, female rage, and toxic bro culture. If boys will be boys, girls will fight back.
Jill’s first novel, a lighthearted ghost-hunting story titled SPOOKYGIRL: PARANORMAL INVESTIGATOR, won the 2011 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award for Young Adult Fiction and was published by Dutton Children’s Books in 2012. In her next book, MAMMOTH (Turner 2018), Jill tackled topics like bullying, body image, and the struggle of young women to stand out in male-dominated scientific fields.
“Green Thumb,” Jill’s post-apocalyptic blend of science fiction, horror, and proper succulent care, was chosen by guest judge Ken Liu as a winner in Uncharted Magazine’s 2021 Sci-Fi/Fantasy Short Story Award contest, and her Baba Yaga-inspired piece, “All Bitterness Burned Away,” appeared in the women-in-horror anthology INTO THE FOREST: TALES OF THE BABA YAGA from Black Spot Books in late 2022.
Jill still lives in Florida, but after one hurricane too many, she and her mini menagerie of rescue animals moved inland. Aside from the manatees she used to watch in her backyard canal, she doesn’t miss much about island life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
October 2, 2024
SPOILER alert I guess but we should all be able to let our rapist die in a horrific way while we happily sing.
April 9, 2024
"I know you'll soon be on your way, but here in the shadows you're mine."
The Mist meets Creepshow and a whole lot of other horror movies for something that sank to the bottom of the water.
I was shaking with excitement to read this. It was one of my most highly anticipated reads of the year. I screamed my pure craziness for this book from every rooftop and ledge that I could find. The cover is definitely drool-worthy and the synopsis snatched my heart like a deliciously bad idea. And you all know how I love bad ideas.
Have you ever read anything where you didn't give a flying f**k what happened to any of the characters? That was this book for me. I found the entire book to be dreadfully boring. In fact, I had to skim through the last forty percent as it failed to hold my attention. It's clear to me now why I slept so soundly for the past week. There was nothing in the book that captured my interest for more than a few minutes at a time. It saddens me to say all of this.
So Witches We Became just wasn't the book for me and I'm so heartbroken about it. Lesson learned about being super stoked about something.
The Mist meets Creepshow and a whole lot of other horror movies for something that sank to the bottom of the water.
I was shaking with excitement to read this. It was one of my most highly anticipated reads of the year. I screamed my pure craziness for this book from every rooftop and ledge that I could find. The cover is definitely drool-worthy and the synopsis snatched my heart like a deliciously bad idea. And you all know how I love bad ideas.
Have you ever read anything where you didn't give a flying f**k what happened to any of the characters? That was this book for me. I found the entire book to be dreadfully boring. In fact, I had to skim through the last forty percent as it failed to hold my attention. It's clear to me now why I slept so soundly for the past week. There was nothing in the book that captured my interest for more than a few minutes at a time. It saddens me to say all of this.
So Witches We Became just wasn't the book for me and I'm so heartbroken about it. Lesson learned about being super stoked about something.
August 3, 2024
I’m not sure what happened but around the 50% mark I started to hate this.
June 7, 2024
God. This started off so good, between the cover and the premise and the overall creepy vibes. But that went downhill very quickly.
It took forever to get to the point (literally 250 pages before they even brought up witches), it was boring, it was slow, and I genuinely could not have cared any less about any of the characters. The spooky moments were written really well, but it should’ve been the entire book, not just bits and pieces.
I was really excited to read this, but unfortunately it is not your next gothic summer horror.
It took forever to get to the point (literally 250 pages before they even brought up witches), it was boring, it was slow, and I genuinely could not have cared any less about any of the characters. The spooky moments were written really well, but it should’ve been the entire book, not just bits and pieces.
I was really excited to read this, but unfortunately it is not your next gothic summer horror.
July 23, 2024
Before I jump in, this book deals with sexual assault (not on page) and trauma.
Nell and her two best friends (Dia & Harper) decide to spring break at a vacation house on its own private island in Florida. Things quickly go south when a toxic mist mysteriously appears. Nell and her friends are in for the fight of the lives, but they must face their horrifying truths that they would rather keep buried.
This queer horror was haunting, visceral, and downright gruesome at times. I loved the chilling atmosphere that Baguchinsky created, which had no shortage of horrifying imagery (be mindful if you’re squeamish…there’s body horror!). It is evident that the island itself is a character in this story with hellbent on revenge.
While this book is touted as female rage, I loved the author also tackles the topic of sexual abuse not being limited to girls and women…this is something that needs to continually be said!
If you’re a fan of chilling tales where the survivors fight back then this one is for you!
Thank you to The NOVL for providing a review copy.
Nell and her two best friends (Dia & Harper) decide to spring break at a vacation house on its own private island in Florida. Things quickly go south when a toxic mist mysteriously appears. Nell and her friends are in for the fight of the lives, but they must face their horrifying truths that they would rather keep buried.
This queer horror was haunting, visceral, and downright gruesome at times. I loved the chilling atmosphere that Baguchinsky created, which had no shortage of horrifying imagery (be mindful if you’re squeamish…there’s body horror!). It is evident that the island itself is a character in this story with hellbent on revenge.
While this book is touted as female rage, I loved the author also tackles the topic of sexual abuse not being limited to girls and women…this is something that needs to continually be said!
If you’re a fan of chilling tales where the survivors fight back then this one is for you!
Thank you to The NOVL for providing a review copy.
July 26, 2024
So while I never really connected to any of the characters…I was invested in the plot and I loved that this is a female rage book.
I also loved the authors note at the end about how this can impact both gender and that we should believe people.
Thank you Libro.fm and hachette audio for the alc. my opinions are my own.
I also loved the authors note at the end about how this can impact both gender and that we should believe people.
Thank you Libro.fm and hachette audio for the alc. my opinions are my own.
July 9, 2024
4.5/5, got an arc from work
This is a very fast paced read and because of that it was easy to get sucked in! It takes a bit to get going and the feminism is a little basic but the target audience is teenagers, and if this inspires them to look deeper at themselves and the world around them then it’s done its job! It’s delightfully spooky, and the author has a talent for enticing readers, I look forward to whatever she does next!
This is a very fast paced read and because of that it was easy to get sucked in! It takes a bit to get going and the feminism is a little basic but the target audience is teenagers, and if this inspires them to look deeper at themselves and the world around them then it’s done its job! It’s delightfully spooky, and the author has a talent for enticing readers, I look forward to whatever she does next!
Read
August 5, 2024This was really atmospheric and definitely had me hooked! My main criticism is the pacing; a lot of the major plot points weren't introduced until quite late in the book. I felt like the first 70% and the last 30% were two different books.
May 27, 2024
I’m still struggling on how to rate this. On one hand, there were times when I couldn’t put this book down. The setting was great. I really enjoyed some of the characters.
On the other hand, some parts were a little heavy-handed, and I did end up guessing a good bit of the plot. It’s also publicized as a spin on “The Mist” but some teenagers spring breaking kind of didn’t check any of the boxes on why I really enjoyed “The Mist”. The thing that they have in common is that there’s a mist.
Overall, I enjoyed the majority of the book. It’s more spooky than horrifying. I loved the theme of feminine rage and queer representation that isn’t just a plot point.
Side note: I would read the hell out of some kind of slice of life sequel which I know doesn’t fit with the story but I’m not ready to say good bye to some of these characters.
On the other hand, some parts were a little heavy-handed, and I did end up guessing a good bit of the plot. It’s also publicized as a spin on “The Mist” but some teenagers spring breaking kind of didn’t check any of the boxes on why I really enjoyed “The Mist”. The thing that they have in common is that there’s a mist.
Overall, I enjoyed the majority of the book. It’s more spooky than horrifying. I loved the theme of feminine rage and queer representation that isn’t just a plot point.
Side note: I would read the hell out of some kind of slice of life sequel which I know doesn’t fit with the story but I’m not ready to say good bye to some of these characters.
October 28, 2024
Nell and her three friends (Dia, Harper, and Harry) book a vacation house on a private island for spring break. Everything is going great, until Harper’s boyfriend and his friend shows up. Then they realize that a toxic, hazy mist has surrounded the island and there’s no way to escape.
If you were expecting a book about witches and/or magic from the title and seeing the pretty cover, then you’re going to be highly disappointed. I don’t think anything about witches was even mentioned until around page 300. This was just a story about Nell and her friends trying to figure out how to get off the island before the mist closed in, while also learning why she hated Harper’s boyfriend. It wasn’t a bad story and it had a nice message but it wasn’t what I expected.
If you were expecting a book about witches and/or magic from the title and seeing the pretty cover, then you’re going to be highly disappointed. I don’t think anything about witches was even mentioned until around page 300. This was just a story about Nell and her friends trying to figure out how to get off the island before the mist closed in, while also learning why she hated Harper’s boyfriend. It wasn’t a bad story and it had a nice message but it wasn’t what I expected.
November 1, 2024
I tried really hard, but this just wasn't working for me. I don't think I'm the target audience and that's fine. Dnf at 150 pages.
Want to read
December 23, 2023Just dropping by to note that content/trigger warnings for SO WITCHES WE BECAME are available here: https://jillbaguchinsky.com/swwb-cont...
<3
<3
March 15, 2024
This is a great, rage-filled, feminist YA horror novel. The comp to Stephen King's 'The Mist' is fairly spot-on (except, again, this version's nicely feminist and queer and anti-racist), and I would also compare it to his short story 'The Raft.' But really, this book stands on its own merits. It starts off as a more typical YA contemporary, albeit one with well-developed characters and very spooky childhood flashbacks. The setting really shines, and as someone who once lived in central Florida, I appreciated the way the location plays a huge role. (And as someone who lost power for an entire week because of Hurricane Irma, I appreciated all of the discussions about hurricanes as well as the Author's Note at the end.) I will say that the cover vibes and title don't really play a role in the book until a bit over halfway in, and that threw me during the first part, but once everything fully kicks in, it's impossible to put the book down. Content warnings for rape, SA more generally, sexual harassment, and gore. (I also want to add that I LOVED the ultimate, properly inclusive message of the book that prompted the Author's Note to end with not just "Believe women" but "Believe people." That kind of inclusion is so important, and it made me doubly excited to recommend this kind of expansively feminist book!)
February 1, 2024
This is the book we all needed. So beautifully written and the pacing is just perfection. I was glued from the first page!
Some times I am hesitant with a YA horror novel because the immaturity of the characters can take me out of the chilling atmosphere. This was not even close to being an issue with this one! All the characters, even the ones we hate, have depth and are well fleshed.
I am in love with so many aspects of this book. The female rage, the representation, the horror references, the feeling of inclusion. I could go on and on.
Without giving away the story, this is a book I didn’t even know would help me realize some things about my own life. And for a horror novel to do that, it’s impressive.
I absolutely love that I get have this gorgeous book sitting on my shelf and can’t wait to read what this author comes out with next! Thank you Jill Baguchinsky for this stunning ARC
Some times I am hesitant with a YA horror novel because the immaturity of the characters can take me out of the chilling atmosphere. This was not even close to being an issue with this one! All the characters, even the ones we hate, have depth and are well fleshed.
I am in love with so many aspects of this book. The female rage, the representation, the horror references, the feeling of inclusion. I could go on and on.
Without giving away the story, this is a book I didn’t even know would help me realize some things about my own life. And for a horror novel to do that, it’s impressive.
I absolutely love that I get have this gorgeous book sitting on my shelf and can’t wait to read what this author comes out with next! Thank you Jill Baguchinsky for this stunning ARC
September 17, 2024
I love a good those-without-agency-rage story!!!
I read it because of the synopsis, but honestly, it didn’t do the story justice. I feel like once I started reading it and when I finished it, I had a very different outlook on the book. I love the attention to detail in terms of feminism and women’s rights; those things make up the bulk of this book and is what made it enjoyable for me. I always love a good story about the rage of those without agency.
this book wasn’t very spooky for me, it was more of a slight thriller. The story was fine and I enjoyed the setting. I feel like the ending was a bit rushed and not fully fleshed out, but still a fun read.
I read it because of the synopsis, but honestly, it didn’t do the story justice. I feel like once I started reading it and when I finished it, I had a very different outlook on the book. I love the attention to detail in terms of feminism and women’s rights; those things make up the bulk of this book and is what made it enjoyable for me. I always love a good story about the rage of those without agency.
this book wasn’t very spooky for me, it was more of a slight thriller. The story was fine and I enjoyed the setting. I feel like the ending was a bit rushed and not fully fleshed out, but still a fun read.
Want to read
November 10, 2023this cover is terrifying and i'm obsessed
June 24, 2024
Thank you to Little, Brown and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.
A decent addition to the genre of queer, feminist, YA horror. There were places where I felt the plot could have been a little bit tighter: Baguchinsky does a great job setting up a scene to scare you, and there were some moments I found genuinely spooky, but the mystery of what’s going on here feels hastily slapped together at times, with not enough groundwork laid to keep it all from feeling convenient. A good example of this is that, in spite of its title, witches don’t really get brought up in a meaningful way until 65% through the book (and, yes, there are literal witches involved in the puzzle of what’s going on on this island), and when they do, it feels like an infodump. I liked that the main character, Nell, felt like she had a lot of realistic layers (she’s a horror aficionado, but also a musician, an aspiring writer, and the overprepared “mom friend” of the group), and thought there were some good conversations about female rage, female unity, and the toll that living every day under rape culture can have on a person. The last ten percent of the book, where these conversations begin to take place in earnest among Nell and her friends, was more emotionally affecting than I was expecting. The sapphic love story felt very authentic if a little rushed, though I appreciated that it took a back seat to the drama happening on the island with the spooky mist trapping the teenagers there. Recommended for fans of Courtney Summers and Erica Waters.
A decent addition to the genre of queer, feminist, YA horror. There were places where I felt the plot could have been a little bit tighter: Baguchinsky does a great job setting up a scene to scare you, and there were some moments I found genuinely spooky, but the mystery of what’s going on here feels hastily slapped together at times, with not enough groundwork laid to keep it all from feeling convenient. A good example of this is that, in spite of its title, witches don’t really get brought up in a meaningful way until 65% through the book (and, yes, there are literal witches involved in the puzzle of what’s going on on this island), and when they do, it feels like an infodump. I liked that the main character, Nell, felt like she had a lot of realistic layers (she’s a horror aficionado, but also a musician, an aspiring writer, and the overprepared “mom friend” of the group), and thought there were some good conversations about female rage, female unity, and the toll that living every day under rape culture can have on a person. The last ten percent of the book, where these conversations begin to take place in earnest among Nell and her friends, was more emotionally affecting than I was expecting. The sapphic love story felt very authentic if a little rushed, though I appreciated that it took a back seat to the drama happening on the island with the spooky mist trapping the teenagers there. Recommended for fans of Courtney Summers and Erica Waters.
July 21, 2024
This book surprised me. I wasn't seeing how the beginning was connected to the title and the cover, but it kept me going until it all made sense. Awesome.
It seems like a long book, but it reads very fast. I connected immediately with the main character. In the beginning, it seems she is shy, alone, and lost, and she has a shadow that chases her. All seems like a metaphor, but the paranormal bits are real. I love when that happens when it's not just a dream or trauma. There is plenty of trauma but this is a novel about sisterhood, women putting aside their selfishness and pettiness to see the bigger picture, that there are too many of us who have me too story and that times change and silence is no longer the resolution.
These teens find themselves trapped on an island with a vengeful evil, and after one of them is brutally murdered the others begin to uncover the truth. I loved it. It's sad. Some readers may want to consider reading the triggers first if it is something that will impact.
I found it a very satisfying ending and will look out for more books from this author. I loved that the author was inspired to write the story the way she did with the elements presented (no spoilers).
Thank you publisher for the copy.
It seems like a long book, but it reads very fast. I connected immediately with the main character. In the beginning, it seems she is shy, alone, and lost, and she has a shadow that chases her. All seems like a metaphor, but the paranormal bits are real. I love when that happens when it's not just a dream or trauma. There is plenty of trauma but this is a novel about sisterhood, women putting aside their selfishness and pettiness to see the bigger picture, that there are too many of us who have me too story and that times change and silence is no longer the resolution.
These teens find themselves trapped on an island with a vengeful evil, and after one of them is brutally murdered the others begin to uncover the truth. I loved it. It's sad. Some readers may want to consider reading the triggers first if it is something that will impact.
I found it a very satisfying ending and will look out for more books from this author. I loved that the author was inspired to write the story the way she did with the elements presented (no spoilers).
Thank you publisher for the copy.
July 19, 2024
Thank you to The NOVL for the early ARC sent for promotional purposes!
So Witches We Became is being pitched as a Queer feminist twist on Stephen King’s The Mist; featuring female friendship, the emotional aftermath of surviving assault & how to find power in the shadows of your past.
It has been awhile since I’ve read or watched The Mist by SK, but I.. didn’t get those vibes reading this. There is a mist, there are bad things that happen to certain characters in this mist — however, it just wasn’t very The Mist vibes.
This book focuses much more on the Feminist Rage aspect than the horror & for me, that’s perfectly fine! Did I want more spooky, scary?! Absolutely! But, I did enjoy the heavier topics that the book primarily focused on. There’s a heavy emphasis on things like sexual assault & the silly concept of “boys will be boys” & this hit incredibly hard for me.
The pacing is.. fine. There are moments that were super easy to get into, while others not so much. + there are a couple of characters that I was 100% ready to protect at all costs.
So Witches We Became May not have landed on my favorites list nor did it provide the amount of horror I wanted, but it was a solid read with a strong message that I appreciated!
So Witches We Became is being pitched as a Queer feminist twist on Stephen King’s The Mist; featuring female friendship, the emotional aftermath of surviving assault & how to find power in the shadows of your past.
It has been awhile since I’ve read or watched The Mist by SK, but I.. didn’t get those vibes reading this. There is a mist, there are bad things that happen to certain characters in this mist — however, it just wasn’t very The Mist vibes.
This book focuses much more on the Feminist Rage aspect than the horror & for me, that’s perfectly fine! Did I want more spooky, scary?! Absolutely! But, I did enjoy the heavier topics that the book primarily focused on. There’s a heavy emphasis on things like sexual assault & the silly concept of “boys will be boys” & this hit incredibly hard for me.
The pacing is.. fine. There are moments that were super easy to get into, while others not so much. + there are a couple of characters that I was 100% ready to protect at all costs.
So Witches We Became May not have landed on my favorites list nor did it provide the amount of horror I wanted, but it was a solid read with a strong message that I appreciated!
July 31, 2024
“They called us witches, so witches we became”
I really fell in love with this cover and the prospect of it being a queer feminist remaking of The Mist. While it was queer and feminist, I didn’t really get The Mist vibes. There was a mist, however, if you want to count that. I saw some reviews say they didn’t like the characters, but I actually did. Harper was really annoying and oblivious with Gavin in the beginning and I was furious at her when Nell was trying to talk to her about her trauma, but after a while she at least owned up to her screw ups and behavior. Gavin made my skin crawl from the beginning and I knew before it even started where it was going to go. I can’t even imagine how many unfortunate people he hurt in the same way. It made me sick.
The heart of this story is rooted in sexual assault and “boys will be boys” mentality. Everyone has an experience. We are filled with rage and longing for things to be right. This story is powerful and necessary. While there are parts in it that were annoying, I really enjoyed the overall messages and themes of sisterhood. Also I identified with Nell so much. A horror writer that hasn’t been able to write? Been there, done that.
I really fell in love with this cover and the prospect of it being a queer feminist remaking of The Mist. While it was queer and feminist, I didn’t really get The Mist vibes. There was a mist, however, if you want to count that. I saw some reviews say they didn’t like the characters, but I actually did. Harper was really annoying and oblivious with Gavin in the beginning and I was furious at her when Nell was trying to talk to her about her trauma, but after a while she at least owned up to her screw ups and behavior. Gavin made my skin crawl from the beginning and I knew before it even started where it was going to go. I can’t even imagine how many unfortunate people he hurt in the same way. It made me sick.
The heart of this story is rooted in sexual assault and “boys will be boys” mentality. Everyone has an experience. We are filled with rage and longing for things to be right. This story is powerful and necessary. While there are parts in it that were annoying, I really enjoyed the overall messages and themes of sisterhood. Also I identified with Nell so much. A horror writer that hasn’t been able to write? Been there, done that.
July 4, 2024
This book is described as a queer, feminist retelling of "The Mist" and while it definitely hit the marks for queer and feminist, I didn't see too much in common with the mist aside from there being a mysterious mist.
It's told in dual timelines, one with the present and the other starting 12 years ago and creeping closer to the present- all the time alluding to a secret that has become a catalyst in a way for much of what is happening on the island. It was spooky and eerie at times, but not too scary or heavy on the horror. I found it a little slow at times.
At the end of the day, to me it was a book about the secrets we've all kept (and the damage it can do to you) about the person(s) who made us feel uncomfortable, acted inappropriately, or done more and gotten away with it. It was about taking back power, feminine rage, standing up for yourself, and believing people.
It's told in dual timelines, one with the present and the other starting 12 years ago and creeping closer to the present- all the time alluding to a secret that has become a catalyst in a way for much of what is happening on the island. It was spooky and eerie at times, but not too scary or heavy on the horror. I found it a little slow at times.
At the end of the day, to me it was a book about the secrets we've all kept (and the damage it can do to you) about the person(s) who made us feel uncomfortable, acted inappropriately, or done more and gotten away with it. It was about taking back power, feminine rage, standing up for yourself, and believing people.
August 13, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
No spice
🎶Dual Timelines
🏝️Sapphic
🎶Secrets Revealed
🏝️Curse Awakened
🎶Survival
🏝️Hidden Horrors
This was an arc.
Honestly, absolutely loved this book. I think the book would be perfect for spooky and fall season specifically because it has some horror vibes to it. There was a lot of creepy parts in this book in the shadow in this book was so spooky there are secrets revealed. In the present timeline, a group of friends goes to vacation on an island. They are stuck because this mist is keeping them there. The female main character has a shadow from the past that is starting to visit her again and be seen by the others now. In the past timeline, you will figure out what the shadow is and why it kept visiting her. You also find out about secrets that the female character has been keeping that caused internal rage.
The friends must tell secrets and heal from them while also stepping into their power to defeat this mist to get off the island. Every person is on the island for a reason the island brought them there.
No spice
🎶Dual Timelines
🏝️Sapphic
🎶Secrets Revealed
🏝️Curse Awakened
🎶Survival
🏝️Hidden Horrors
This was an arc.
Honestly, absolutely loved this book. I think the book would be perfect for spooky and fall season specifically because it has some horror vibes to it. There was a lot of creepy parts in this book in the shadow in this book was so spooky there are secrets revealed. In the present timeline, a group of friends goes to vacation on an island. They are stuck because this mist is keeping them there. The female main character has a shadow from the past that is starting to visit her again and be seen by the others now. In the past timeline, you will figure out what the shadow is and why it kept visiting her. You also find out about secrets that the female character has been keeping that caused internal rage.
The friends must tell secrets and heal from them while also stepping into their power to defeat this mist to get off the island. Every person is on the island for a reason the island brought them there.
October 21, 2024
This was a very interesting and decently done mix of storm survival + monster + revenge horror + friend group low-key trauma bonding + a hungry island. I would just start to get bored or uninterested and then some new imagery would be introduced that captured me again. I liked that each character had their own 'element' so to speak, or I should say hobby to use. Embroidery, music, storytelling, handiwork/working with the land. I still feel like I didn't fully understand the onset of the mist/storm/tar in the beginning? But honestly I don't care that much. Had to read this for a book club and I won't be forgiving those who voted for this. The author can thank them for getting some more people to read and review her book. You're welcome Jill!
September 2, 2024
I knew this was going to be five stars just a few pages in. Loved it.
I can understand some people's reviews about how they got frustrated with the slow burn of what the title promised, but when it finally happened it was so good. Then again this is billed as The Mist meets Yellowjackets, and I would say that Yellowjackets is a bit of slow burn too, so I was prepared for that.
Definitely read the content and trigger warnings before reading this.
I can understand some people's reviews about how they got frustrated with the slow burn of what the title promised, but when it finally happened it was so good. Then again this is billed as The Mist meets Yellowjackets, and I would say that Yellowjackets is a bit of slow burn too, so I was prepared for that.
Definitely read the content and trigger warnings before reading this.
July 27, 2024
Stunning cover. Loved the focus on Nell as a horror writer and the little snippets of her stories. I liked Harry and the whole island setting as well as the creeepy nature parts. I thought it a bit on the nose but some stories need that. The romantic subplots didn't add anything for me but it didn't disturb the story either. The writing was fine. The ending was fine, too.
tw/cw: death, murder, sexual assault, drugging, drugs, alcohol, cheating
tw/cw: death, murder, sexual assault, drugging, drugs, alcohol, cheating
July 12, 2024
Natural disasters are terrifying, but not as terrifying as sexual predators. This is a book with speculative elements, yes, and a fair amount of fear. At its heart, though, it's about trauma and now it warps and changes you. It's about human predators who often get away with their crimes. It's about retribution. I, very much, enjoyed my read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2024
4.5 stars. Was pretty close to 5 stars, but something was nagging me saying it didn't quite make it. If you like YA queer horror/witchy books, then this one needs to be in your hands right this minute. I fell in love with the writing. The story just flowed so well, and it definitely reminded me that even though it's YA horror, it can still hit pretty hard.
September 24, 2024
4/5! audiobook review. Fantastic narrators. I really didn’t know what to expect with this book - I didn’t read much about it, tbh the cover got me, I wanted something creepy - I saw feminist queer horror and I was sold. It wasn’t predictable for the first 30/40%, which I love. the rest of the story was more predictable but in a good way. Love the Happily Ever After element, glad it didn’t end on a cliffhanger or creepy ending. As a trauma survivor I felt it was a really good representation of trauma and unique way of dealing with it and telling the story.
November 1, 2024
4.5 stars!
I really really liked this one!!! The concept was incredible and it was executed so well! I did get a little bored right in the middle but it picked right back up again within a couple chapters so it wasn’t a big deal! It was also a great book to finish (I say this like I don’t read spooky books all year lol) the season out! This is definitely one I recommend!!
I really really liked this one!!! The concept was incredible and it was executed so well! I did get a little bored right in the middle but it picked right back up again within a couple chapters so it wasn’t a big deal! It was also a great book to finish (I say this like I don’t read spooky books all year lol) the season out! This is definitely one I recommend!!
August 29, 2024
Excellent idea, but the last 25% really dragged out
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