DRIVE YOUR PLOW OVER THE BONES OF THE DEAD by Olga Tokarczuk

Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I was really looking forward to reading this book because it's sold as a mystery fairy tale featuring an older narrator that treads the line between sanity and madness.

Plus I like the title.

Janina lives in an isolated village in Poland. She enjoys studying astrology and translating William Blake. She's also a teacher and takes care of the empty houses near hers during the winter. But when one of her neighbours dies, and other residents start to die too, a mystery unfolds...

Although I was intrigued by the quirky main character at the beginning and even past the halfway point, I started to lose interest during the downhill trip. 🫤

The problem is that while I enjoyed much of the setup, and the commentary about human hypocrisy when it comes to animal welfare and hunting, I found the conclusion very disappointing. The mystery is revealed in a bland and lifeless way. Also, because I kept waiting for the promised fairy-tale angle, as well as the madness, the ending is anticlimactic. It made me feel like I suffered through a bunch of boring observations that left me feeling hollow.

It's a shame, really. I was convinced I'd love this book, but sadly didn't.


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REVIVAL, Vol. 1: You're Among Friends by Tim Seeley & Mark Norton

Revival, Vol. 1: You're Among Friends by Tim Seeley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

We finished watching the first season of REVIVAL last weekend, so I started reading the comic book series yesterday.

In a town located in Wisconsin, the dead came back to life. For just one day. While Officer Dana Cypress is investigating a case, she finds out a serious secret about her younger sister. But there's also the media to deal with, as well as religious zealots, the government, and the mystery about why this happened...

I really enjoyed the first volume, which includes the first five issues. I like the similarities, but also enjoyed discovering the many (many) differences. I'm so surprised about all of the extra subplots and secondary characters.

It's interesting, violent, and the artwork is beautiful.

I'm definitely looking forward to reading more.


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CHLORINE by Jade Song

Chlorine by Jade Song
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I've wanted to read this book for a while and decided to get stuck into it last night.

Ren Yu loves swimming. Her whole life revolves around the pool, her teammates, and her strict coach. Another thing Ren loves is mermaids. This is how her simple life as a girl leads to so much more...

I was hooked from beginning to end. Ren's voice is engaging and the way she shares her story is unflinching. She doesn't hold back from revealing all the good and bad things, the mild ones in between, as well as the harsher side of being a competitive swimmer.

Yeah, I really enjoyed this book and wasn't surprised where it led because Ren's obsession with mermaids, freedom, and chlorine were too much for one teenage girl to keep inside. Especially when you consider the injury she's so keen to ignore, and the pressures all the adults force upon her.

While I liked everything about Ren's narrative, I found her time with Ess during her first summer job as a lifeguard (at the community pool) to be especially charming. Not just because it was therapeutic for her, but it's also another chapter that leads to the shocking conclusion.

So glad I finally read it! 🧜‍♀️


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AN UNNATURAL LIFE by Erin K. Wagner

An Unnatural Life by Erin K. Wagner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When I read that this novella was Murderbot meets To Kill a Mockingbird, I HAD to check it out.

812-3 is a robotnik and he's in prison because he killed a human worker, but he says he didn't do it. His lawyer, Aiya Ritsehrer, agrees to post an appeal, but in Europa, the military doesn't appreciate her interference...

I really enjoyed this SF tale. Not just because it's set on Jupiter's moon, Europa, and introduces an intriguing robot character, but also because it explores a lot of interesting themes.

Prejudice. Violence. Conspiracy. Disrespect. Violation of an individual's life. What constitutes an individual? How the moral code is so easily corrupted by humans.

I also liked Aiya because although she carries her own prejudices and is fed up with people, she still wants to do the right thing. No matter what that means, which includes putting herself in danger.

It's a bleak and sad story, but it's great! And I enjoyed the writing style and worldbuilding.


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A PSALM FOR THE WILD-BUILT by Becky Chambers

A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I've had this novella on my TBR pile for a while and decided to get stuck into it last night.

Monk has a good life in the City, but feels like there's something missing. So they venture out to the villages to become a tea-monk. But that's still not enough. So they venture out into the Wilderness, where they encounter Mosscap...

I found this story to be so philosophical. It's also bittersweet, but so very cozy. And somehow calming. Like a comforting blanket on a cold winter night. And that's before Mosscap is introduced. This self-aware robot adds a lot of awesome to this tale of pursuing more, even if you're not sure what that more happens to be.

There's some wonderful conversations between Monk and Mosscap. Things that make you think, and question the purpose of existence. Or if we even need to question it.

Such a well-written story set in an interesting world that I thoroughly enjoyed.


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THE DEMON BARKER OF WHEAT STREET by Kevin Hearne & THE SWEETER THE JUICE by Mark Henry

Carniepunk: The Demon Barker of Wheat Street by Kevin Hearne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This great short story is part of The Iron Druid Chronicles. I've read the first two books in this series, as well as a few other short stories, so it was good to catch up with Atticus.

The druid, Atticus, his apprentice, Granuaile, and the Irish wolfhound, Oberon, are in Kansas because Granuaile is hoping to catch a glimpse of her mother. They don't see her, but end up in the middle of a demonic problem...

Great story! It's an interesting and gnarly standalone tale set in this intriguing world. Lots of freaky demonic characters, plenty of unsuspecting humans, and a lot of magical action.

Atticus is such a cool character and so is Granuaile. Not to mention the adorable and always hilarious Oberon.

Yeah, I really enjoyed this!

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Carniepunk: The Sweeter the Juice by Mark Henry
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

OMFG.

I have to start with this: all the bad things the other reviewers mentioned here are right.

This is a terrible story. Not only because of the obvious transphobia, but also because it's a really shitty story. It's all over the place. It makes no sense. It's not even about a CARNIVAL. Like, at all. If the author was trying to be funny and witty, that's even worse.

I hated it. And actually can't understand how such a gross short story made it into a high-quality anthology featuring a great collection of stories. Except for this one, of course.

Total disappointment.


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RECESSION OF THE DIVINE by Hillary Jacques & DAUGHTER OF THE MIDWAY, THE MERMAID, AND THE OPEN, LONELY SEA by Seanan McGuire

Recession of the Divine by Hillary Jacques
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I love Greek mythology so I was looking forward to reading this one.

Olivia does inspections for an insurance company, but she wasn't always human. She's bound her powers while living in the human world and the day she inspects an accident in a travelling carnival, everything unravels...

You know, I should've loved this tale because, like I mentioned above, I love when Greek mythology is mixed into modern narratives. Olivia was interesting enough and so was the muse that keeps popping in and out, but there was something about this story... I'm not even sure what it was, but it's missing something.

Yeah, I liked many of the elements and carnival descriptions, even the writing style, but I didn't love it.

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Carniepunk: Daughter of the Midway, the Mermaid, and the Open, Lonely Sea by Seanan McGuire
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

With a title like this one, I was intrigued instantly.

When Ada’s carnival passes through Alabama the secrets buried in the past rise to the surface...

Wow. What a stunning tale. The melancholy storytelling is as thick as the wonder about Ada's family and the world she lives in. The carnival is all she's ever known, but stopping at this town changes everything.

I especially found her mother's story to be the saddest, but of course that carries forward to her daughter as well. And Ada is such a lovely character that my heart broke.

Loved this. Very moving. And that ending. 😫


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PAINTED LOVE by Rob Thurman & PARLOR TRICKS by Jennifer Estep

Carniepunk: Painted Love by Rob Thurman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I didn't know what to expect from this story, but I'm really glad I read it. That's for sure!

Doodle has been all over the world meeting people. He usually blends into the background, more an observer than a participant. But when he meets Bartholomew, all of that changes...

OMFG. This story!! Everything starts out simple enough, and then you slowly start to realise that you have no idea what's really going on. Well, until you understand EXACTLY what's going on and: 🤯 !!

Yikes. I loved this so much. The writing style totally hooked me in, and I couldn't stop reading. There's something very disturbing about Doodle's story, but the way that it's told weaves a spell of dark magic around the reader. There's plenty of ugly, but there's also some fascinating imagery.

Awesome!

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Carniepunk: Parlor Tricks by Jennifer Estep
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story is part of the Elemental Assassin series. I've actually read several other short stories set in this world, as well as the first book, so it was cool to catch up with Gin again.

Gin and Bria are sisters who go to the carnival looking for a missing teenage girl, but they get more than they bargained for when Esmerelda the Amazing sets her sights on Bria. Good thing Gin is also an Elemental Assassin...

What a fun story! What starts out as two sisters going to the carnival soon becomes the mystery of what happened to a missing girl last seen at the carnival, and delves into the cunning secrets of a ringmaster who is willing to do whatever it takes to stay young.

I really enjoyed it! I also should get back into this series. 😊


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HELL'S MENAGERIE by Kelly Gay & FREAK HOUSE by Kelly Meding

Carniepunk: Hell's Menagerie by Kelly Gay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Well, this short story packs a hell of a punch! It's part of the Charlie Madigan series and although I haven't read it yet, I still really enjoyed the story.

Emma is determined to rescue a litter of hellhound pups that were stolen, and when Rex finds out, he tries to stop her. Instead, they end up catching the eye of a creepy ringmaster who has plans of his own...

I was seriously hooked from the beginning and absolutely love this version of hell. The details were so vivid and the worldbuilding so natural that I had no trouble visualising everything. There's a lot of creepy, freaky stuff that goes on here.

Also, did I mention it's action-packed?

The story is told in the alternating POVs of Emma, a twelve-year old with a really cool power, and Rex, a former jinn and now human.

Terrific story that makes me want to get stuck into the series!

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Carniepunk: Freak House by Kelly Meding
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the prequel short story to the Strays series. I haven't read any of the books, but I still enjoyed it. A lot.

Shiloh Harrison's djinn father has gone missing and she's just figured out where he is. Held in a freakshow hosted by a despicable warlock. When she teams up with a human and a werewolf, she finds more than she bargained for...

This is definitely a solid and very interesting urban fantasy tale that introduces a cool half-djinn heroine with some very unique set of powers. I thought the worldbuilding was excellent, and I love the characters. As well as Shiloh's voice.

It's an awesome story that has me intrigued. I need to know more...


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A CHANCE IN HELL by Jackie Kessler & THE INSIDE MAN by Nicole Peeler

A Chance in Hell by Jackie Kessler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Well, this was another great story! I haven't read the Hell on Earth series, but I enjoyed the hell (pardon the pun) out of this one.

Jezebel used to be a succubus but she's just a human now. Well, a human who has access to a very powerful sword. But when her Ceci insists on going to a travelling carnival, demonic trouble finds her...

Wow. This is a very cool and very fun story featuring an awesome heroine who knows everything about Hell because she used to live there. I loved her voice and how the worldbuilding felt very natural and interesting.

I'm a sucker for a good demonic tale and this one didn't disappoint. Also, I enjoyed the playful, raunchy side of the story. And I have to admit that I would love to know more about the incubus, Daunuan. 😈

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The Inside Man by Nicole Peeler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This one is a creepy story that needs several trigger warnings because it contains scenes that show sexual abuse.

Capitola, Shar, and Moo are private investigators of the supernatural kind. When they're hired by a mob boss to find out what's been happening to a bunch of towns where the people are left empty, the girls find themselves in the middle of nowhere. With a clown...

Yikes! This is another great story with a cool mystery that turns out to be super creepy. And freaky as well. The way that clown is described sure is nightmare fodder. 😳

I really liked the main character in this one.
Capitola is interesting and funny, has a lot of attitude and intriguing origins. Not to mention her two equally interesting friends.

I've read a few books in the Jane True series and really enjoyed them but I don't remember these three side characters.

I really enjoyed this!


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THE THREE LIVES OF LYDIA by Delilah S. Dawson & A DUET WITH DARKNESS by Allison Pang

Carniepunk: The Three Lives of Lydia by Delilah S. Dawson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a story set in the Blud world, so I was excited about checking it out. And wow, glad I did!

When Lydia wakes up in a strange and dangerous, but exciting world, she meets Charlie Dregs and agrees to become the Tattooed Lady. But nothing is as it seems...

Like I said, this is an amazing short story. First, I got swept up in the mystery of how Lydia got to Sang. Then, I was captivated by the mutual attraction between Lydia and Charlie. Before I feared about her safety. Until I was shocked to find out the truth.

Yikes!

O.M.G.

This is definitely a story I'll think about often. It's so well written, and so dark. A twisted fairy tale that I enjoyed. A lot.

Fantastic!!

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Carniepunk: A Duet with Darkness by Allison Pang
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the prequel to the Abby Sinclair series and features a few familiar faces.

Melanie is a gifted violinist trying to escape the pressures of someone else's expectations. She's happy touring with a band of OtherFolk and everything is fine until they hit the carnival...

I really enjoyed this! It's a great story that is able to establish a lot of worldbuilding without much effort. There's no infodump, everything is revealed very organically. And I loved the cast of characters.

Incubus. Werewolf. Fallen angels. And so much more.

One of the best things about this story is how well it taps into becoming a cautionary tale about pride. Melanie is a great musician but she's got a chip on her shoulder and is too arrogant to see what's happening right in front of her eyes. Instead of appreciating what she's got and the one person who truly cares about her, she does the unthinkable.

BTW, Nobu is such an intriguing character.

Awesome story!


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THE COLD GIRL by Rachel Caine & THE WEREWIFE by Jaye Wells

Carniepunk: The Cold Girl by Rachel Caine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have to start this review by saying that I miss Rachel Caine. She was such a brilliant author and a lovely person, too. I don't think I've ever read a story of hers that I didn't enjoy, and this is another one to add to the awesome list.

Kiley's story starts out average enough. A teenage girl who loves her boyfriend is eager to go to the carnival with him. But everything soon falls apart when it becomes obvious that her perfect relationship with Jamie is a charade she's been too scared to accept.

There's a lot to love about this story: the writing is outstanding, Kiley's voice drags the reader into her nightmare, how vivid the sights and sounds of the carnival are, the true-crime aspect, and the realisation that Jamie is a monster hiding behind good looks. That's before I get started on the intriguing characters.

I loved the pacing, how everything unravelled, as well as the chilling imagery and descriptions.

What a great story!

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Carniepunk: The Werewife by Jaye Wells
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The first thing I need to mention is how cool the title is. I mean, it fits the story but it also sounds so cool.

Brad has a problem: his wife changes every month. Annie has a problem: she kinda likes becoming a beast every month.

Yeah, that's pretty much the gist of the story. It's a great study about two people who resent each other but insist on staying together. The whole werewolf thing becomes a way to hide behind all their other marital problems, but when they return to the carnival that started everything, some really surprising things happen.

I didn't expect their problems to turn out the way they did, which is very cool. I like unpredictable endings.

Great story!

 

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CRANBERRY COVE by Hailey Piper

Cranberry Cove by Hailey Piper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After I finished revising one of my stories, I decided to reward myself with this novella.

Emberly and Conner are partners sent to investigate what happened at the derelict hotel called Cranberry Cove, but what they find is a lot darker than either expected...

Eerie. Tense. Mysterious. Entertaining.

Yeah, I really enjoyed this story. It's full of dark supernatural goodness that hints at what lies beneath the fabric of reality, lost within liminal spaces. It's packed with interesting characters that kept me glued to the page because I wanted to follow them into the darkness. I particularly like how the writing style and the way the story unfolds adds to the surreal quality of the narrative, and throws everything off balance.

Also, I'm totally intrigued by Angelica.

The occult stuff is really cool, and I felt like this story definitely had X-Files and Twin Peaks vibes.


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SUNBURN by Laura Lippman

Sunburn by Laura Lippman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After reading a great book the other day, I wanted to get stuck into another story, so I went through my Paperwhite... and started reading this one yesterday.

When Polly walks out on her husband and daughter during their summer vacation, she ends up in Belleville, Delaware. And inside a tavern, she crosses paths with the alluring Adam. Both are apparently passing through on their way to better places, but the secrets they hide bring them together. And will probably tear them apart...

Well, this book turned out to be quite interesting. It's well written and there are secrets buried within secrets that lead to an unexpected conclusion. There's also a great cast of grey characters that prove good people can do bad things, and bad people can do good things.

It all starts with a seemingly average woman, Polly, sitting in a bar after leaving her family because she wants to be free before her husband leaves her. But it doesn't take long to realise that there's a lot more to her story. Then there's the man, Adam, watching and assessing her every move because he seems to be interested in her. Yet, he has ulterior motives too.

I liked the way this unravelled. Told mostly in the POV of Polly and Adam, there are also several other POVs peppered throughout that provide clues that help round out the overall mystery. And these definitely help the reader figure out exactly what's going on with Polly.

Cool book, glad I read it.


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THE NIGHT GUEST by Hildur Knútsdóttir

The Night Guest by Hildur Knútsdóttir
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I've been busy working on writing, revision, edits, and a whole bunch of other stuff. But this week I wanted to get stuck into a bit of reading, and started with this novella.

Iðunn is desperately trying to find out what's going on with her. She's always tired, wakes up with bruises and knows there's something wrong. But doctors can't help her and won't even take her seriously. Until her life starts to unravel when she figures out she's leaving the house at night. While she's supposed to be sleeping...

Well, this is quite the creepy tale.

It's also full of snappy chapters that flow so well into each other that I found it hard to put my Paperwhite down. Seriously, I read this in one sitting that took a few hours.

There's a lot I enjoyed about this story. The writing style. The mystery. The narrator that's so confused she takes the reader along for the ride. The many breadcrumbs the author lays out in the narrative. The social commentary about how women are ignored, or are expected to behave, how so many are practically invisible. How shitty men hide in plain sight with their 'good intentions' on show but secretly hide obsessive, controlling agendas.

Yeah, it's all there and works really well in the context of what happens to Iðunn's life. She's trapped in a cycle she can't escape while awake, which I think says a lot about how things turn out.

I also love the ending. Some might call it ambiguous, and while that might be true, I think the answers are there if you pay attention. Not to mention that leaving the conclusion open for interpretation is very cool.

Loved it!!


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SLAGS by Emma Jane Unsworth

Slags by Emma Jane Unsworth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When my husband saw this book on Amazon we both had a good laugh at the title and the cover. And I instantly knew that I had to check it out.

Sarah and Juliette are sisters who decide to go on a campervan road-trip across Scotland. After all, it's Juliette’s birthday and she's about to enter her 40s. The only problem is that they both packed too much baggage from their shared past...

Well, I devoured this book in 24 hours because it totally grabbed me. I had a hard time putting this down. I'm really not surprised because I love reading honest and raw stories about what some might call unlikeable women/girls written by women, but I call interesting and realistic.

The story unfolds in the POV of Sarah, during two separate timelines. Present day, while she's in her 40s. She's a workaholic who loves her job and her close friends, while engaging in a string of sexual conquests. The past focuses on 15-year-old Sarah. A teenager who isn't afraid to get involved in sexual relationships, but is secretly in love with her English teacher.

I enjoyed both timelines. The 90s part is full of nostalgia and the reality of what it's like to be a girl dreaming about love, while also falling into unsatisfying sexual situations. The other shows a grown woman who is content where she is in her life, surrounded by close friends and a job she enjoys, but has quite a few problems with her family. As well as serious issues with alcohol and drugs.

But at the heart of the story is the sisterly love and connection these two women have. I enjoyed how Sarah and Juliette's interactions unravelled the farther they went from home. How the distance, denial, secrets and so many unspoken words come out in the most unexpected ways. Drawing them closer, while also alienating them. The dynamics of their relationship is written really well. It's funny to see them connect with cigarettes, whisky, and 80s movie quotes.

Plus the conversations in this book are a lot of fun to read.

Yeah, I really enjoyed this!


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THE VILLA by Rachel Hawkins

The Villa by Rachel Hawkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Last night, while looking through the books on my Paperwhite, this one caught my eye. I didn't know much about it, but I was instantly hooked.

Emily and Chess have been friends since they were kids, but life always gets in the way. So when Chess asks Emily to go on a trip to Italy, she jumps at the chance. Especially since they're going to the Villa Aestas in Orvieto. A place where a murder took place in the summer of 1974...

Wow. This is such a fantastic story. Or should I say, stories? I mean, there's the Emily and Chess story, but then there's also the Mari and Lara tale. Plus all the other cool additions. And I loved them both!

Emily is going through a hard time. Her husband cheated on her, then left and now thinks he deserves money for the cozy mystery series she's writing. And because of all of this, she's barely written a word. Chess is a successful self-help guru. So Emily hopes that spending a summer break in Italy sparks her imagination. But it's not the book she's contracted for that excites her, it's the true crime that happened in the Italian villa in 1974.

Mari and Lara are teenage stepsisters when they fall under the spell of the much-older, Pierce. He's a talented musician, magnetic, and although he's married, Mari knows they were meant to be together. Yet, when tragedy strikes he's not there for her, and the promised stardom never comes. Until the three spend a summer in Villa Rosato with a music idol and everything falls apart.

I REALLY enjoyed how the past and present stories unravel in a way that complement each other. I also love how Mari's life mirrors Mary Shelley.

Yeah, I couldn't put this down. It's a clever mystery, contains the right amount of twists, and is totally addictive.

And you know what? I want to read Lilith Rising! ☺️


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THE EYES ARE THE BEST PART by Monika Kim

The Eyes Are the Best Part by Monika Kim
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

At the beginning of this week, I started reading a book but couldn't get into it, so I decided to pick this up... and was hooked instantly.

When Ji-won’s father leaves, her family starts to fall apart. Umma is depressed, Ji-hyun is scared, and she wants to protect her mother and sister. Then George enters the picture. A shitty man who sweeps Umma off her feet, but is obviously hiding things. If only he didn't have such pretty blue eyes...

Bizarre. Surreal. Addictive. Gross.

What a trip this story turned out to be! Ji-won's voice is strong and takes the reader deep into a seriously dark and creepy psychological story. At times, it feels like a fever dream that made me wonder if the things she narrated were actually happening in real time.

There's also a real sense of family shown via the crumbling pieces of what is going on in her life. Situations that affect her studies and personality. I especially love how many times she blindsides the reader with glimpses of terrible traits, as well as some strange surprises that put her motivations into perspective.

Not to mention how the story deals with everyday racism and sexism. Plus white savior complex.

I also love the ending! Those final chapters are so well written and unravel at a great pace. There are also a few twists and a malicious, but very satisfying, ending.

Enjoyed the hell out of this one! 👀


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RETREAT by Krysten Ritter

Retreat by Krysten Ritter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed Krysten Ritter's first book, Bonfire, so I was really excited about reading this one.

Liz is a con artist. She's beautiful, knows how to draw people into her orbit, and she's intelligent. She's also a chameleon and has learned a lot of trades that help her slink in and out of rich people's lives. But when she goes to Mexico for a real job, she gets caught up in the glitzy life of the rich woman who hired her...

Wow. What a great mystery! It's also a terrific psychological thriller that's full of twists, turns, and a cast of characters that keeps you guessing until the shocking truth becomes very clear.

I really enjoyed this book. It's such a great story that starts out simple enough: a con artist has built a busy life for herself that keeps her financially afloat, but when her web of lies starts to unravel, she gets the opportunity of a lifetime.

Sounds pretty straightforward, right? Except it's not. Nothing about this story or characters is as it seems. The Mexican setting is lovely and the vivid descriptions put you right there in the heart of the action, but there's also a sinister underbelly that creeps up on you.

This is one dark and messed-up tale full of lies, secrets, and a bunch of conniving players. And I loved every minute of it. I couldn't stop reading because the author's voice is as compelling as the awesome writing style. The ending was perfect.

Liz is such a great character. I mean, she's definitely no saint and gets up to a lot of awful shit, but there's just something about her that totally captivates the reader.

Loved it!


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THE LOST BOYS by Craig Shaw Gardner

The Lost Boys by Craig Shaw Gardner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It's no secret that The Lost Boys is one of my all-time favourite movies. I was a teenager when I first experienced this fantastic movie and have been enthralled with everything about it ever since.

But you know what I hadn't done yet? I'd never read the novelisation. And since 80s novelisations are so much fun, I finally read this very cool book.

Lucy Emerson recently got divorced and decides to move back to Santa Carla with her teenage boys. Lucy gets a new job and fancies her boss. Michael falls for a mysterious girl who leads him down a dark path. Sam makes new friends who help when comic books come true. While Grandpa watches everything from his taxidermy room...

Amazing. Awesome. Enjoyed every minute of this great novelisation.

Not only did this book totally capture the atmosphere of the movie, but it also complements and enhances everything about it. The location, the characters, the mystery, everything!

Several deleted scenes (which we watched not long ago because they were included in the 4k ultra HD+ Blu-ray) are part of this story. And we also get multiple POVs, plus a little more about each Lost Boy. Which was a nice addition. The vamps are still intriguing and cool, but several unexpected tidbits are added to the narrative.

Anyway, I read the whole thing in one night because I didn't want to put it down. Glad it didn't disappoint. I had a blast!!

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