I truly enjoyed this book, although it's hard to categorize it strictly as horror but there is definitely a blend of psychological horror infused with unsettling themes, which creates an atmosphere filled with tension and unease. There are undeniably some incredibly creepy moments that linger in your mind.

What struck me most was Kherbash's nuanced portrayal of grief and complex trauma. The insights felt so authentic that I could practically feel Emma's emotions radiating off the pages—her pain, confusion, and vulnerability were palpable throughout the narrative.

The book also explores intriguing themes surrounding mushrooms, which I found fascinating. However, I wished the author had delved deeper into this aspect, as I felt there was so much more to uncover about their significance and symbolism that was left somewhat unexplored.

There are sections where the text becomes disorienting and trippy, and I believe this was a deliberate choice by the author. It mirrors the dreamlike quality of the story, evoking the sensation of a fever dream that reflects Nolan's inner turmoil and fragmented realities.

While I empathised deeply with Emma’s grief, I struggled to connect with her or Nolan. This disconnection made it challenging to root for them as the story unfolded, even though I understood the complex layers of their struggles.

The ambiguous ending left me with a sense of contemplation that lingered long after I turned the final page, prompting me to ponder the deeper meanings behind the narrative.

This book was unlike anything I anticipated. The cover art is stunning and truly drew me in, setting high expectations. Even though it veered in directions I hadn't expected, I ultimately found it to be a rewarding experience. I'm now eager to explore more of Kherbash's work and see where their storytelling takes me next.

Thank you to the Author, publishers and Netgally for the ARC of this book. This review is my own.