What We’ve Been Reading #2

Recently, the Ladies of Horror Fiction team have been enjoying the following:

Husk by Rachel Autumn Deering

In this all-too-real work of horror fiction, Rachel Autumn Deering explores the mind of a young man who is struggling to cope with the effects of post-war stress, drug addiction, self-doubt, and loneliness as they manifest themselves into his deepest, darkest fears.

Kevin Brooks returns to his rural Kentucky hometown after a three-year-long tour of duty in Afghanistan. He has lost the grandparents who raised him, his lifelong best friend, and his trust in the government he once proudly served. When Kevin meets a kind, young girl named Samantha, he thinks his luck might have finally taken a turn for the better. But something else has its eye on Kevin. Something dark and brooding and mean. Something that knows Kevin better than he knows himself.

Goodreads | Amazon | Better World Books

Toni’s Teaser Review

Her writing style pulls you in and doesn’t let go. I normally try to let a book sink in and then write a review but I have been thinking about Husk since I finished it. It is one that stays with you.

Toni’s full review can be read at The Misadventures of a Reader.

City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab

Cassidy Blake’s parents are The Inspecters, a (somewhat inept) ghost-hunting team. But Cass herself can REALLY see ghosts. In fact, her best friend, Jacob, just happens to be one.

When The Inspecters head to ultra-haunted Edinburgh, Scotland, for their new TV show, Cass—and Jacob—come along. In Scotland, Cass is surrounded by ghosts, not all of them friendly. Then she meets Lara, a girl who can also see the dead. But Lara tells Cassidy that as an In-betweener, their job is to send ghosts permanently beyond the Veil. Cass isn’t sure about her new mission, but she does know the sinister Red Raven haunting the city doesn’t belong in her world. Cassidy’s powers will draw her into an epic fight that stretches through the worlds of the living and the dead, in order to save herself.

Goodreads | Better World Books | Amazon

Emily’s Teaser Review

Please don’t let the middle-grade label deter you – this book was so enjoyable, and I think there’s something for everyone to love here.

Emily’s full review can be read at Goodreads.

Lilyn’s Teaser Review

I love that Schwab puts me right there, inside the character’s head, with ease. This is a MG/YA read but I didn’t feel like I was reading ‘down’ at all.

Lilyn’s full review can be read at Goodreads.

The Last Harvest by Kim Liggett

Those were the last words seventeen-year-old golden boy quarterback Clay Tate heard rattling from his dad’s throat when he discovered him dying on the barn floor of the Neely Cattle Ranch, clutching a crucifix to his chest.

Now, on the first anniversary of the Midland, Oklahoma slaughter, the whole town’s looking at Clay like he might be next to go over the edge. Clay wants to forget the past, but the sons and daughters of the Preservation Society—a group of prominent farmers his dad accused of devil worship—won’t leave him alone. Including Ali, his longtime crush, who suddenly wants to reignite their romance after a year of silence, and hated rival Tyler Neely, who’s behaving like they’re old friends.

Even as Clay tries to reassure himself, creepy glances turn to sinister stares and strange coincidences build to gruesome rituals—but when he can never prove that any of it happened, Clay worries he might be following his dad down the path to insanity…or that something far more terrifying lies in wait around the corner.

Goodreads | Amazon | Better World Books

Emily’s Teaser Review

I know a lot of horror fans turn away from YA (including me sometimes), but you should read this book. It’s been a few days since I finished it, and I’m still thinking about it!

Emily’s full review can be read on Goodreads.

Jen’s Teaser Review

If you are a fan of YA horror, I would definitely check out The Last Harvest. It’s not like any other YA horror I have read.

Jen’s full review can be read on Book Den.

What about you? Please share your recent LOHF reads, we’re always delighted to hear from the community!