2/5

The Big Questions:

• What genre is this in? YA horror, LGBTQ+

• Are there any swoon-worthy characters? None

• Is it spicy? Nope

• Is it violent or gory? VERY

• Should I buy, borrow, or pass on this book? PASS

Review: This is a case of I am not the core audience.

What I liked: The premise is very intriguing and this book is VERY quotable. The first quarter of the book is very gripping with character introductions, plot setting, and tone.

What I didn’t like: The plot wasn’t plotting after the first quarter. Everything just happens to the characters instead of them trying to do anything proactive. The characters are so draining. Thomas and Andrew’s relationship is exhaustingly dependent and toxic. Andrew can’t get out of his head and can’t realize a world where he isn’t both the center of the universe and the least important person in everyone’s life. When things start moving, it’s such a stop-start situation over and over again that I was so close to DNFing several times.

What I loved: The prose is so lovely. The author clearly has a way with words. The descriptions are visceral and gut-punching as well. The twist was very well done.