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justjussy__'s reviews
748 reviews
The White Guy Dies First by Terry J. Benton-Walker
3.0
“It was the night before the end-of-year dance, and Adelaide Hu sat less than an inch away from a gory cluster of intestines.”
The White Guy Dies First - A Horror Anthology
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
WHO WOULD ENJOY THIS BOOK?
Fans of anthologies would find this a fresh breath on classic tropes, from BPOC authors will provide enough variety where there is something for everyone. Challenging traditional narratives with killer clowns, supernatural themes and modern villains.
FINAL THOUGHTS 💭
The only reason why I think this fell short for me is because of the amazing anthology I read just before this. These were all solid stories, but I just didn’t love them nor did any super stand out in my mind but it was definitely nice to read another collection from different views.
The White Guy Dies First - A Horror Anthology
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
WHO WOULD ENJOY THIS BOOK?
Fans of anthologies would find this a fresh breath on classic tropes, from BPOC authors will provide enough variety where there is something for everyone. Challenging traditional narratives with killer clowns, supernatural themes and modern villains.
FINAL THOUGHTS 💭
The only reason why I think this fell short for me is because of the amazing anthology I read just before this. These were all solid stories, but I just didn’t love them nor did any super stand out in my mind but it was definitely nice to read another collection from different views.
Blood Slaves by Markus Redmond
WHO WOULD THIS BOOK APPEAL TO
Those who enjoy historical fiction. The heavy topics in the book are one to watch out for, slavery being the central theme. Horror fans can unite with a fresh vampire story. Also, it can look appealing to those who enjoy fantasy but want to dive into the darker side. With complex characters and action-packed storytelling is a blend of horror, history and social justice.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Whoa, this historical horror set in a Southern Plantation in 1710 covers some heavy and uncomfortable topics all whilst blending in vampire lore. I had an emotional time with his book and its topics as the set up is a necessary evil. Being witness to these acts against the slaves sets the tone for why the main character makes the choices and the extreme measures he takes to gain freedom. Over all this book is one to look out for!
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.0
"Monsters come in many forms," Kwadzo said. "I'm looking at one right now."
WHO WOULD THIS BOOK APPEAL TO
Those who enjoy historical fiction. The heavy topics in the book are one to watch out for, slavery being the central theme. Horror fans can unite with a fresh vampire story. Also, it can look appealing to those who enjoy fantasy but want to dive into the darker side. With complex characters and action-packed storytelling is a blend of horror, history and social justice.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Whoa, this historical horror set in a Southern Plantation in 1710 covers some heavy and uncomfortable topics all whilst blending in vampire lore. I had an emotional time with his book and its topics as the set up is a necessary evil. Being witness to these acts against the slaves sets the tone for why the main character makes the choices and the extreme measures he takes to gain freedom. Over all this book is one to look out for!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, and Violence
Moderate: Blood
Horror Movie by Paul Tremblay
Horror Movie by Paul Tremblay
This book is for....
Horror and psychological thriller fans who enjoy or are curious about cursed files and unique narratives. A good fit for those who appreciate suspense and a deeper exploration of human experience through horror.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The concept of this book has me feeling conflicted. I really enjoy the different points of view and multiple narrators throughout the audiobook, which is how I chose to experience this story. However, similar to Tremblay's other works, there is always something that leaves me feeling unsatisfied, though I can’t quite pinpoint why.
3.0
Monsters can be very persuasive.
Horror Movie by Paul Tremblay
This book is for....
Horror and psychological thriller fans who enjoy or are curious about cursed files and unique narratives. A good fit for those who appreciate suspense and a deeper exploration of human experience through horror.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The concept of this book has me feeling conflicted. I really enjoy the different points of view and multiple narrators throughout the audiobook, which is how I chose to experience this story. However, similar to Tremblay's other works, there is always something that leaves me feeling unsatisfied, though I can’t quite pinpoint why.
The Black Girl Survives in This One by Saraciea J. Fennell, Desiree S. Evans
The Black Girl Survives in This One - A Horror Anthology
Narrated by Shayna Small
THIS BOOK IS FOR
Those who enjoy horror and suspense, although it is geared towards young adult readers. These stories feature strong, resilient Black Girls and are perfect for everyone who is looking for something more out of their horror reading experience. Perfect for those seeking diverse voices and fresh perspectives, and maybe even finding a new favourite author.
FINAL THOUGHTS
This is the first short story collection I have ever read that I loved every single story. Each story was so different and engaging and sucked me in. I wasn't left wanting more. This has something for everyone within its pages. Slashers, body-snatches and werewolves OH MY!'
My personal top three stories:
1. Black Girl Nature Group
2. The Black Stings
3. The Brides of Devil's Bayou
5.0
Evil can evolve.
The Black Girl Survives in This One - A Horror Anthology
Narrated by Shayna Small
THIS BOOK IS FOR
Those who enjoy horror and suspense, although it is geared towards young adult readers. These stories feature strong, resilient Black Girls and are perfect for everyone who is looking for something more out of their horror reading experience. Perfect for those seeking diverse voices and fresh perspectives, and maybe even finding a new favourite author.
FINAL THOUGHTS
This is the first short story collection I have ever read that I loved every single story. Each story was so different and engaging and sucked me in. I wasn't left wanting more. This has something for everyone within its pages. Slashers, body-snatches and werewolves OH MY!'
My personal top three stories:
1. Black Girl Nature Group
2. The Black Stings
3. The Brides of Devil's Bayou
Blood on Her Tongue by Johanna van Veen
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
“If you are ever attacked, remember that eye gouging is extremely effective at incapacitating an attacker. For someone as small and slight as you, it’s probably the best way to defend yourself. Thrust hard and thrust deep. You must crush the eyeball or at least cause severe hemorrhaging if you are to take out your assailant.”
Blood on Her Tongue by Johanna van Veen
🩸 🩸 🩸 🩸 🩸
READ THIS IF
You are a fan of gothic horror that blur the lines between madness and reality. Exploring the complexities of sibling love and simply being a woman.
FINAL THOUGHTS 💭
Johanna has done it again. I couldn’t not put this book down, it’s going to live rent free in my head for a long while. Thank you @netgalley @poisonedpenpress for this electronic advanced copy of someone who is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors. Johanna has a way with her gothic tales to bring you in and leave you shocked and questioning everything. I read this in public at times and I can only imagine what people thought of the look on my face at some points. The complexities of relationships within in this book is a driving force but also a main problem as our main character is a woman in 1800 Netherlands which in itself is a whole other can of worms. I will be devouring everything she writes from here on out.
Blood on Her Tongue by Johanna van Veen
🩸 🩸 🩸 🩸 🩸
READ THIS IF
You are a fan of gothic horror that blur the lines between madness and reality. Exploring the complexities of sibling love and simply being a woman.
FINAL THOUGHTS 💭
Johanna has done it again. I couldn’t not put this book down, it’s going to live rent free in my head for a long while. Thank you @netgalley @poisonedpenpress for this electronic advanced copy of someone who is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors. Johanna has a way with her gothic tales to bring you in and leave you shocked and questioning everything. I read this in public at times and I can only imagine what people thought of the look on my face at some points. The complexities of relationships within in this book is a driving force but also a main problem as our main character is a woman in 1800 Netherlands which in itself is a whole other can of worms. I will be devouring everything she writes from here on out.
The Queen: A Novel by Nick Cutter
Did not finish book. Stopped at 43%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 43%.
I’m beginning to think that Nick Cutter books are not for me. As much as I want to support Canadian authors. I just can’t get into his books.
Close Your Eyes and Count to 10 by Lisa Unger
1.0
“There’s nothing more brutally organic than the human mind and all its diabolical inventions.”
Close Your Eyes and Count to Ten
⭐️
I can’t even tell you who this book is for because I did not enjoy it at all. The characters were all unlikable, the plot felt too all over the place to keep my attention and there was not a turn was I shocked about. The premise of the book was there, but lacked execution for me.
Close Your Eyes and Count to Ten
⭐️
I can’t even tell you who this book is for because I did not enjoy it at all. The characters were all unlikable, the plot felt too all over the place to keep my attention and there was not a turn was I shocked about. The premise of the book was there, but lacked execution for me.
The Crash by Freida McFadden
The Crash by Freida McFadden
This book is for readers who enjoy suspenseful reading about motherhood, survival, and the dark sides of human nature.
MY THOUGHTS
This honestly to me was a motherhood version of Misery by SK. It didn't seem to be that original in thought at all, other than the husband aspect to it for the main topics. Some smaller side topics differed. Although I truly didn't see the twist coming, which is why it has a 3-star rating. Otherwise, it would have been way lower. I'm starting to learn that her books aren't really that original in thought.
3.0
It’s possible I’m being unfair to people with beards, but I always feel like they’re hiding something."
The Crash by Freida McFadden
This book is for readers who enjoy suspenseful reading about motherhood, survival, and the dark sides of human nature.
MY THOUGHTS
This honestly to me was a motherhood version of Misery by SK. It didn't seem to be that original in thought at all, other than the husband aspect to it for the main topics. Some smaller side topics differed. Although I truly didn't see the twist coming, which is why it has a 3-star rating. Otherwise, it would have been way lower. I'm starting to learn that her books aren't really that original in thought.