Vivian is a teenage streamer dealing with the sudden death of her 3 year old sister. After taking a break from Twitch all summer she’s sent a strange new horror game from someone online.

The game isn’t very scary but it’s strange and it asks Vivian for a deep dark secret, which she provides, not realizing this is a huge mistake! Her secret locks her into a deal with a mimic, a demon that can take on her appearance, and with it take over her life….

I loved the concept of the mimic in this YA horror novel, but it failed to ever be scary.

Actually, this entire book was really goofy, with lots of video game references, nerd culture, and silly little teens trying to figure out what to do but none of them are very bright and nothing really makes a lot of sense. To enjoy this YA novel you really do just have to let things go and enjoy the ride, or you’ll get hung up on the stretched logic in here.

While it wasn’t scary, and it wasn’t realistic, I still enjoyed this book a lot.

I thought Vivian, while not necessarily likeable, is an interesting character and the growth she makes throughout the story turns her into someone you’re actually rooting for. Even the side characters felt like real kids you’d find at a high school and had their own moment of growth throughout the story, I loved the strong characters and quirky game references a lot. Even the obligatory romance that occurred actually felt necessary to the plot and part of Vivian’s growth.

Was this spectacular? No, but it was a fun, unique read that I’d recommend to horror fans that don’t mind YA and need a lighter pick between heavier books.

d

Jay is haunted by the death of his estranged father. In an attempt to assuage his grief and find closure for his self and his family, he dives where his father committed suicide by sinking at Monastery Beach, Monterey. Jay searches for his father’s bones and redemption for his failure to show up before his dad’s death.

While under the ocean Jay unfortunately gets tangled up in a colossal squid’s attempt at escape from a sperm whale and is swallowed alive!

Armed with only what is on him and what else was swallowed by the whale, Jay attempts to survive the impossible and make it back to the surface.

While absolutely terrifying this book is also incredibly informative and also heartbreaking. Jay’s relationship, or lack there of, with his father is just as big an obstacle as the whale itself. The writing is exquisite but also very literary, so if you’re looking for a straight forward survival Thriller here, you will be disappointed.

Whalefall is one of the best books I have read in awhile and I loved the poetic and heart wrenching prose this story surprising delivered. This book was also absolutely horrifying and so gross!

5/5 ⭐️ can’t wait to see this movie