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Howl
From critically acclaimed Shaun David Hutchinson comes a gritty and raw portrayal of the oftentimes traumatic experience of growing up.
Virgil Knox was attacked by a monster.
Of course, no one in Merritt believes him. Not even after he stumbled into the busy town center, bleeding, battered, and bruised, for everyone to see. He’d been drinking, they said. He was hanging out where he wasn’t supposed to, they said. It must’ve been a bear, or a badger, or a gator—definitely no monster.
Virgil doesn’t think it was any of those things. He’s positive it was a monster. But being the new kid in a town where everybody knows everybody is hard enough as it is without being the kid who’s afraid of monsters, so he tries to keep a low profile.
Except he knows the monster is still out there. And if he isn’t careful, Virgil’s afraid it’ll come back to finish him off, or worse—that he’ll become one himself.
Virgil Knox was attacked by a monster.
Of course, no one in Merritt believes him. Not even after he stumbled into the busy town center, bleeding, battered, and bruised, for everyone to see. He’d been drinking, they said. He was hanging out where he wasn’t supposed to, they said. It must’ve been a bear, or a badger, or a gator—definitely no monster.
Virgil doesn’t think it was any of those things. He’s positive it was a monster. But being the new kid in a town where everybody knows everybody is hard enough as it is without being the kid who’s afraid of monsters, so he tries to keep a low profile.
Except he knows the monster is still out there. And if he isn’t careful, Virgil’s afraid it’ll come back to finish him off, or worse—that he’ll become one himself.
421 pages, Hardcover
First published April 19, 2022
45 people are currently reading
2,414 people want to read
About the author
Shaun David Hutchinson
28books4,970followersShaun is a major geek and all about nerdy shenanigans. He is the author of many queer books for young adults. Find out more information at shaundavidhutchinson.com. He currently lives in Seattle and watches way too much Doctor Who.
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January 3, 2022not me adding every Shaun David books to my tbr until I die.
June 26, 2022
“you’re a monster, baby. be a monster.�
virgil knox was attacked by a monster. everyone saw him bleeding, battered, and bruised. but still � “he’d been drinking�, “he’s just being dramatic it was just an animal�, � it’s his fault for hanging out where he should not have been� they all said. so virgil’s now wondering: is he monster or man?
two things you’ve probably realised by now: 1) howl is metaphorical in almost every sense of the word, 2) this is not a light read.
this book captures so much without being overt about it. there is a story that SDH is telling here about assault. you may end up with a different takeaway though, depending on your own monsters. but at the end of the day�
howl is the monster holding your head underwater so no one hears you scream.
howl is the invalidation, the self-blame, the mocking. its the hopelessness, the helpless anger at every apathetic response. you so badly want to tell virgil that you believe him but can only helplessly watch on - you can’t be heard too. how immensely agonizing.
i did not intend to write a review for this originally, but howl stuck with me for days after finishing it, so here we are with 1am thoughts.
i’m thinking: this is so, so very SDH in a way that only he knows how to write. how visceral everything is - the stifling heat, the almost compulsive need to scrub your skin raw as you read, the way you literally can’t breathe. howl feels so much like a fever dream.
but also, the way he writes about trauma. howl marks a return to SDH’s wheelhouse (à la we are the ants & at the edge of the universe) - the grit, biting wit, the things so that many shy away from. how he takes these traumatic experiences, and writes it with deep thought and empathy.
and so.
howl is the monster that tells you to keep quiet. that tricks you into thinking you are alone. don’t listen to it. keep making noise. don’t stop until someone hears you.
CW: physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual assault, gaslighting, body horror/gore, homophobia, mental illness stigma
March 25, 2022
This is not the werewolf book you think it is, but in the best way! Shaun Hutchinson takes the monster movie mythology and makes it deeply personal, so that HOWL presents a breathless story of a boy who suffered a terrible attack and then suffers arguably worse attacks from his neighbors and loved ones as time goes on with no one believing him. Harrowing, great stuff.
October 3, 2024
This book has A LOT of repetition. It's not gratuitous but it was heavy.
It's a YA high school drama with horror elements that touches on topics of mental health and queerness, if that's something that appeals to you and you can appreciate the use of repetition this one might be for you.
It's a YA high school drama with horror elements that touches on topics of mental health and queerness, if that's something that appeals to you and you can appreciate the use of repetition this one might be for you.
October 24, 2022
Why haven't I read every single book has written yet?! I'll get there eventually, I promise.
Howl opens with our main character, Virgil, left bloodied and stumbling for help down the main street of small-town Merritt, after being attacked by a monster.
Having only just moved to Merritt due to the divorce of his parents, Virgil is isolated even more when nobody believes that he was attacked by a monster, not even his family.
Hutchinson does a does a brilliant job capturing the almost suffocating feeling of being a pariah in a small town; from the gossiping to the harassment.
The way the events of the night of the attack and the attack itself is interspersed throughout the novel, like in the moment flashbacks, really amped up the tension and horror aspect of the story.
__
My second favourite book (of the ones I've read so far!).
Howl opens with our main character, Virgil, left bloodied and stumbling for help down the main street of small-town Merritt, after being attacked by a monster.
Having only just moved to Merritt due to the divorce of his parents, Virgil is isolated even more when nobody believes that he was attacked by a monster, not even his family.
Hutchinson does a does a brilliant job capturing the almost suffocating feeling of being a pariah in a small town; from the gossiping to the harassment.
The way the events of the night of the attack and the attack itself is interspersed throughout the novel, like in the moment flashbacks, really amped up the tension and horror aspect of the story.
__
My second favourite book (of the ones I've read so far!).
February 22, 2022
This was INCREDIBLE! With its small-town setting and horror elements, HOWL reminded me of Stephen King � so If you’re a fan of his, this is the book for you.
I read it in a day because I just couldn’t stop. It’s a deep book that examines an incredibly serious topic through a genre lens, but Shaun’s writing is so engaging it’s easy to read, even if the subject matter is serious. This might be my new favourite SDH book, which is saying something because I’ve loved everything he’s written. It’s visceral, scary and unforgettable.
I read it in a day because I just couldn’t stop. It’s a deep book that examines an incredibly serious topic through a genre lens, but Shaun’s writing is so engaging it’s easy to read, even if the subject matter is serious. This might be my new favourite SDH book, which is saying something because I’ve loved everything he’s written. It’s visceral, scary and unforgettable.
December 13, 2021
"Memories have a unique power. They’re not just records of our past that we file away. They're living, breathing bits of us that we can revisit whenever we want. Memories fuel the engine of our souls."
Being the new kids sucks. It sucks even more when you're forced to move to a very small town after being born and raised in a huge city. (Oh, I know about this all too well! And it does hurt) But imagine thinking that going to a before school semester party would change all of that and it making everything so much worse. Worse in a way where everyone calls you a liar and you have to walk around with sixty-something stitches. Virgil doesn't know what he has gotten himself into but he's in for a howling good time.
This was incredible. From the moment that Virgil makes his appearance and up until the very end, I was hooked. I couldn’t put this one down. This was too bizarre not to love but it also has a deeper and more meaningful message that'll make you tear up. This may be Shaun's most memorable story yet and I'm desperate for more horror from him.
Shaun does a fantastic job of writing about trauma and illness. He writes about the stigma of having an illness and corrects it for the readers. It was a perfect combination. The author never made you feel as if you were lesser of a person for having an illness or for being traumatized, he welcomes it with open arms and makes you feel normal. There is no one better to write this. Shaun is a hero.
Howl was an epic story with an amazing cast of characters. Virgil was a deeply moving character that made me fall in love with this book. The horror mixed with the trauma while being new in a town and facing the evilness that is high school was fantastic. I'm going to now sign all of my paychecks over to Shaun for the remainder of my life and I beg him to write more horror.
Being the new kids sucks. It sucks even more when you're forced to move to a very small town after being born and raised in a huge city. (Oh, I know about this all too well! And it does hurt) But imagine thinking that going to a before school semester party would change all of that and it making everything so much worse. Worse in a way where everyone calls you a liar and you have to walk around with sixty-something stitches. Virgil doesn't know what he has gotten himself into but he's in for a howling good time.
This was incredible. From the moment that Virgil makes his appearance and up until the very end, I was hooked. I couldn’t put this one down. This was too bizarre not to love but it also has a deeper and more meaningful message that'll make you tear up. This may be Shaun's most memorable story yet and I'm desperate for more horror from him.
Shaun does a fantastic job of writing about trauma and illness. He writes about the stigma of having an illness and corrects it for the readers. It was a perfect combination. The author never made you feel as if you were lesser of a person for having an illness or for being traumatized, he welcomes it with open arms and makes you feel normal. There is no one better to write this. Shaun is a hero.
Howl was an epic story with an amazing cast of characters. Virgil was a deeply moving character that made me fall in love with this book. The horror mixed with the trauma while being new in a town and facing the evilness that is high school was fantastic. I'm going to now sign all of my paychecks over to Shaun for the remainder of my life and I beg him to write more horror.
April 25, 2022
2.5 stars. I was promised a werewolf book, or at least that’s what I got from the synopsis, and sadly this wasn’t that. It wasn’t horror either, or thriller. I get that everything’s a metaphor and that part was really sad and I hated almost everyone in the story for it, but nothing happens. At all. I was bored, and that’s even sadder.
December 19, 2021
“Howl� marks a return to Shaun David Hutchinson’s wheelhouse. Much like his first books, this novel is hard-hitting, visceral and engaging. It’s just my opinion, but I feel as though Hutchinson was meant to write the things that others shy away from.
This book opens with Virgil Knox in pain and confused. He’s been attacked by a monster and staggers into the parking lot of an ice cream place at the town he’s just moved to. Merritt is where Virgil’s father grew up and it doesn’t seem to have changed much. It’s not the city that Virgil is used to, and his attack makes that more obvious than ever.
No one in Merritt believes that Virgil was attacked by a monster and the small-town teasing escalates quickly to bullying and harassment. Worse than the monster pictures taped to his locker, Virgil must deal with the town’s residents saying the attack was Virgil’s fault. He shouldn’t have been at a party. He shouldn’t have been drinking. He shouldn’t� have been in the Sprawl.
What’s marvelous about this book is that it captures a few things without being overt about it. There are, after all, a lot of monsters in our worlds and we get attacked in a lot of ways. The result can often be the same. Sometimes, all we want it to be believed, accepted or supported. And, sometimes that can be the most difficult thing for people to realize that we need.
This book is frightening. From the very beginning of the novel, Virgil is on a downward spiral. He is obsessing over what happened to him, he can’t eat, he’s sleeping in his closet because he’s consumed by fear and anxiety. And the world continues to function around him as though everything that happened to him is in his mind.
This book really illustrates the battle we can have with ourselves. It’s about trying to fit in, heart break, screaming as loud as you can for help and not being heard. I feel as though this is the kind of book that will resonate for people in different ways. The journey that Virgil is on is relatable on many levels; Hutchinson had done a remarkable job of capturing the tangle of emotion that Virgil deals with.
Go into this knowing that there may be some things that are difficult to read but I would argue that it is well worth it. Fans of “We Are the Ants� and “At the Edge of the Universe� will definitely want to pick up a copy of this book!
This book opens with Virgil Knox in pain and confused. He’s been attacked by a monster and staggers into the parking lot of an ice cream place at the town he’s just moved to. Merritt is where Virgil’s father grew up and it doesn’t seem to have changed much. It’s not the city that Virgil is used to, and his attack makes that more obvious than ever.
No one in Merritt believes that Virgil was attacked by a monster and the small-town teasing escalates quickly to bullying and harassment. Worse than the monster pictures taped to his locker, Virgil must deal with the town’s residents saying the attack was Virgil’s fault. He shouldn’t have been at a party. He shouldn’t have been drinking. He shouldn’t� have been in the Sprawl.
What’s marvelous about this book is that it captures a few things without being overt about it. There are, after all, a lot of monsters in our worlds and we get attacked in a lot of ways. The result can often be the same. Sometimes, all we want it to be believed, accepted or supported. And, sometimes that can be the most difficult thing for people to realize that we need.
This book is frightening. From the very beginning of the novel, Virgil is on a downward spiral. He is obsessing over what happened to him, he can’t eat, he’s sleeping in his closet because he’s consumed by fear and anxiety. And the world continues to function around him as though everything that happened to him is in his mind.
This book really illustrates the battle we can have with ourselves. It’s about trying to fit in, heart break, screaming as loud as you can for help and not being heard. I feel as though this is the kind of book that will resonate for people in different ways. The journey that Virgil is on is relatable on many levels; Hutchinson had done a remarkable job of capturing the tangle of emotion that Virgil deals with.
Go into this knowing that there may be some things that are difficult to read but I would argue that it is well worth it. Fans of “We Are the Ants� and “At the Edge of the Universe� will definitely want to pick up a copy of this book!
July 29, 2024
I firmly believe that Shaun David Hutchinson is one of the best authors in the game right now, and he has become one of my absolute favorites. Howl solidified that.
At the Edge of the Universe was one of my top reads of 2022, as was We Are the Ants. There is something special about the way that he can create an atmosphere that is bleak and dreary, but keep it so incredibly engaging.
I loved Virgil. He tried his hardest and was so incredibly resilient, tough, and brave. In addition to the trauma of his attack itself, let’s add the following: Virgil’s parents are going through a divorce, his relationship is falling apart, and he’s being villainized by an entire town (which includes doxxing, bullying, and online comments encouraging him to kill himself). And he has no support.
So, while Howl was a metaphor for trauma � most specifically, sexual assault trauma � there were other traumas explored as well. Shaun did an amazing job highlighting the effects of trauma � the withdrawal and isolation, the ensuing mental health symptoms, disordered eating, sleep disturbances, hypervigilance, and night terrors.
Howl also reminded us that often, victims of sexual assault are not taken seriously or believed. Virgil's family doesn't believe him. His friends don't believe him. His boyfriend doesn't believe him. The town doesn't believe him. And the way that he was treated in the aftermath of the attack is a testament to why some victims never report their assaults to begin with.
Throughout the book, there were passages describing Virgil’s attack in bold font. There was never a moment where those passages were in chronological order, or all combined start to finish. But, we began to put the broken passages together as we kept reading. They were interspersed randomly in the middle of sentences, words, and thoughts. The seemingly randomized appearance of those passages (again, indicated in bold) was such an accurate depiction of how trauma responses and flashbacks often come seemingly out of nowhere, or at the smallest reminder of the event itself. It was a great writing device that added an extra layer of meaning & symbolism to the story / theme of trauma.
There have been elements of sci-fi / fantasy / horror in all the books I’ve read by Shaun, and the use of horror elements in this context to coincide with Virgil’s experiences following his attack (and the overall metaphor of the monster) was so effective.
The book is dark, emotionally painful, and depressing � for nearly its entire duration. But there are small moments where the darkness subsides just a bit, and those moments were so incredibly powerful. I wanted a bit more information about the final events of the book, but at the same time, I was glad that it was left open to interpretation (was it actually a real monster, or was it more an elaborate metaphor within Virgil’s mind as the result of a violent trauma?).
This book is not for the faint of heart, and there is a comprehensive list of trigger warnings at the front of the book. I would recommend reading it before you dive into the book. Shaun’s books (that I’ve read) have difficult themes and topics � but they’re important ones to explore. Just make sure you are also ready to explore them.
"And you poke that bear until her claws come out, and you find something to wrap your noose around -- and there's nothing like a mad woman. / What a shame she went mad -- you made her like that."
- mad woman // Taylor Swift
At the Edge of the Universe was one of my top reads of 2022, as was We Are the Ants. There is something special about the way that he can create an atmosphere that is bleak and dreary, but keep it so incredibly engaging.
I loved Virgil. He tried his hardest and was so incredibly resilient, tough, and brave. In addition to the trauma of his attack itself, let’s add the following: Virgil’s parents are going through a divorce, his relationship is falling apart, and he’s being villainized by an entire town (which includes doxxing, bullying, and online comments encouraging him to kill himself). And he has no support.
So, while Howl was a metaphor for trauma � most specifically, sexual assault trauma � there were other traumas explored as well. Shaun did an amazing job highlighting the effects of trauma � the withdrawal and isolation, the ensuing mental health symptoms, disordered eating, sleep disturbances, hypervigilance, and night terrors.
Howl also reminded us that often, victims of sexual assault are not taken seriously or believed. Virgil's family doesn't believe him. His friends don't believe him. His boyfriend doesn't believe him. The town doesn't believe him. And the way that he was treated in the aftermath of the attack is a testament to why some victims never report their assaults to begin with.
Throughout the book, there were passages describing Virgil’s attack in bold font. There was never a moment where those passages were in chronological order, or all combined start to finish. But, we began to put the broken passages together as we kept reading. They were interspersed randomly in the middle of sentences, words, and thoughts. The seemingly randomized appearance of those passages (again, indicated in bold) was such an accurate depiction of how trauma responses and flashbacks often come seemingly out of nowhere, or at the smallest reminder of the event itself. It was a great writing device that added an extra layer of meaning & symbolism to the story / theme of trauma.
There have been elements of sci-fi / fantasy / horror in all the books I’ve read by Shaun, and the use of horror elements in this context to coincide with Virgil’s experiences following his attack (and the overall metaphor of the monster) was so effective.
The book is dark, emotionally painful, and depressing � for nearly its entire duration. But there are small moments where the darkness subsides just a bit, and those moments were so incredibly powerful. I wanted a bit more information about the final events of the book, but at the same time, I was glad that it was left open to interpretation (was it actually a real monster, or was it more an elaborate metaphor within Virgil’s mind as the result of a violent trauma?).
This book is not for the faint of heart, and there is a comprehensive list of trigger warnings at the front of the book. I would recommend reading it before you dive into the book. Shaun’s books (that I’ve read) have difficult themes and topics � but they’re important ones to explore. Just make sure you are also ready to explore them.
"And you poke that bear until her claws come out, and you find something to wrap your noose around -- and there's nothing like a mad woman. / What a shame she went mad -- you made her like that."
- mad woman // Taylor Swift
January 9, 2024
When Virgil stumbles into town bleeding and disorientated, no one believes he was attacked by a monster. Instead, they blame him for drinking; for wandering into danger; and for not being able to move on with his life. Doxxed, mercilessly bullied, harassed at school and finding no compassion at home, Virgil finds his life disintegrating around him, as his body begins to change, and it seems the monster never left.
First, massive content warnings necessary for anyone considering reading Howl. The whole book feels like a metaphor for rape, so there's that, plus gaslighting; victim-blaming; doxxing; bullying; gay-bashing; f-slurs; homophobia; kidnapping/abduction; date rape; sexual assault; body horror. This is about as far from a cute m/m shifter romance as you could possibly expect; it definitely leans towards horror, particularly the psychological, regarding Virgil's flashbacks and the visceral nature of his experience being attacked.
Honestly I found this book incredibly sad. I would go so far as to say needlessly bleak and hopeless. Between wilfully incompetent authority figures who are arguably corrupt and certainly gaslighters, to Virgil's family who are full of victim-blamers and have no character development throughout the story, reading Howl was like being trapped in a nightmare. Perhaps that's the point, but for me, dark books like these need a touch of light, SOMETHING to make me feel there's some reason a character like Virgil wouldn't kill himself after his experiences.
I found it strange that someone who was comfortable in his sexuality would have any time for the boys he attempts to befriend, after their treatment of him alongside the fact there are multiple other characters who welcome him, and who he also seems to like and not want to push away. It felt more convenient to the plot that Virgil happens to keep going to these parties, rather than there being any need for him to do so in terms of his character development. He doesn't really ever attempt to hunt the monster actively, he's a much more passive character than he could have been, and although he's dealing with extreme trauma, I do think the story could have been stronger had he taken a more active role as the protagonist.
I think on balance Howl feels more like trauma porn than a fulfilling story, because to me Virgil's experiences and powerful inner psychological flashbacks are only there to elicit a visceral emotional response, rather than to drive him to act. The ending wraps up far too neatly for my preferences, and overall I found it an unsatisfying though disturbing read. Not badly written by any means, but not a book I would recommend.
First, massive content warnings necessary for anyone considering reading Howl. The whole book feels like a metaphor for rape, so there's that, plus gaslighting; victim-blaming; doxxing; bullying; gay-bashing; f-slurs; homophobia; kidnapping/abduction; date rape; sexual assault; body horror. This is about as far from a cute m/m shifter romance as you could possibly expect; it definitely leans towards horror, particularly the psychological, regarding Virgil's flashbacks and the visceral nature of his experience being attacked.
Honestly I found this book incredibly sad. I would go so far as to say needlessly bleak and hopeless. Between wilfully incompetent authority figures who are arguably corrupt and certainly gaslighters, to Virgil's family who are full of victim-blamers and have no character development throughout the story, reading Howl was like being trapped in a nightmare. Perhaps that's the point, but for me, dark books like these need a touch of light, SOMETHING to make me feel there's some reason a character like Virgil wouldn't kill himself after his experiences.
I found it strange that someone who was comfortable in his sexuality would have any time for the boys he attempts to befriend, after their treatment of him alongside the fact there are multiple other characters who welcome him, and who he also seems to like and not want to push away. It felt more convenient to the plot that Virgil happens to keep going to these parties, rather than there being any need for him to do so in terms of his character development. He doesn't really ever attempt to hunt the monster actively, he's a much more passive character than he could have been, and although he's dealing with extreme trauma, I do think the story could have been stronger had he taken a more active role as the protagonist.
I think on balance Howl feels more like trauma porn than a fulfilling story, because to me Virgil's experiences and powerful inner psychological flashbacks are only there to elicit a visceral emotional response, rather than to drive him to act. The ending wraps up far too neatly for my preferences, and overall I found it an unsatisfying though disturbing read. Not badly written by any means, but not a book I would recommend.
April 8, 2022
I received an ARC from Netgalley for this review -
Wow. Wow. Wow.
This was not what I was expecting, and I say that in the best way possible. It's horror, but more so in the way that it uses what the reader knows the werewolf attack is an allegory for as a tool to terrify them.
It's a werewolf story in the vein of Ginger Snaps, one that smartly uses something monstrous as an example of something that happens in real life. Much like Ginger Snaps used lycanthropy as a metaphor for girls transitioning into womanhood, Howl uses it as a metaphor for sexual assault.
I'm a big fan of stories like this, the aforementioned Ginger Snaps and Jennifer's Body among them.
It can be tough to read at times, because the words used are something everyone has heard before. The person who was attacked was asking for it, they shouldn't have been where they were, they shouldn't have been drinking, it's because of what they were wearing. It's all real, even when the werewolves aren't.
The characters are brilliant and terribly infuriating, and when it came to the antagonists they didn't always come with a set of claws and a hairy face.
My one complaint is that the book was maybe a bit too long, it could have trimmed a chapter or two off and not really lost much but that's just me nitpicking.
Give it a read if it's something you can handle, you won't regret it.
Wow. Wow. Wow.
This was not what I was expecting, and I say that in the best way possible. It's horror, but more so in the way that it uses what the reader knows the werewolf attack is an allegory for as a tool to terrify them.
It's a werewolf story in the vein of Ginger Snaps, one that smartly uses something monstrous as an example of something that happens in real life. Much like Ginger Snaps used lycanthropy as a metaphor for girls transitioning into womanhood, Howl uses it as a metaphor for sexual assault.
I'm a big fan of stories like this, the aforementioned Ginger Snaps and Jennifer's Body among them.
It can be tough to read at times, because the words used are something everyone has heard before. The person who was attacked was asking for it, they shouldn't have been where they were, they shouldn't have been drinking, it's because of what they were wearing. It's all real, even when the werewolves aren't.
The characters are brilliant and terribly infuriating, and when it came to the antagonists they didn't always come with a set of claws and a hairy face.
My one complaint is that the book was maybe a bit too long, it could have trimmed a chapter or two off and not really lost much but that's just me nitpicking.
Give it a read if it's something you can handle, you won't regret it.
September 29, 2022
“I could tell him that trauma has gravity that will constantly try to tug you backward, but that if you keep moving forward, eventually it’s hold will weaken.�
I love Shaun’s books. Every one of them that I’ve read has made me think, grapple with challenging topics, and examine things that can be difficult or uncomfortable to look closely at. I always come out of his books with a little deeper understanding of myself or people around me. Howl was no exception to this.
I love Shaun’s books. Every one of them that I’ve read has made me think, grapple with challenging topics, and examine things that can be difficult or uncomfortable to look closely at. I always come out of his books with a little deeper understanding of myself or people around me. Howl was no exception to this.
July 30, 2022
This one's pretty heavy. I mean, there's a fairly sizeable warning label at the start of the book so you know the direction it's headed before you start reading, but... damn. It's a lot.
Virgil is attacked by a monster and left for dead, and no one believes him. They shrug it off and tell him it was his fault for drinking, his fault for wandering into the sprawl at night. It is victim blaming to the highest degree, and it was hard to read. There's bullying, punishing the victim, a culture of silence, and the whole town just plays along. Virgil slowly falls apart, and there's so many flashback scenes of his PTSD that just randomly crop up in his everyday life with no warning. It's intended to express trauma from sexual assault (there is no explicit sexual assault, just the feeling of it) and it does to the point of the creepy feeling on your skin and your throat closing over. It's rough. Which obviously shows this book is amazingly written, because it will get a reaction from you, but I wouldn't say it was a pleasant reading experience. I usually love when a book can evoke something from me... but this is not the emotion you're looking for. Everything's just nasty and I really don't think this is a book I would ever read twice. Leave yourself time after finishing for a palate cleanser, because it's not a taste you want lingering in your mouth.
Virgil is attacked by a monster and left for dead, and no one believes him. They shrug it off and tell him it was his fault for drinking, his fault for wandering into the sprawl at night. It is victim blaming to the highest degree, and it was hard to read. There's bullying, punishing the victim, a culture of silence, and the whole town just plays along. Virgil slowly falls apart, and there's so many flashback scenes of his PTSD that just randomly crop up in his everyday life with no warning. It's intended to express trauma from sexual assault (there is no explicit sexual assault, just the feeling of it) and it does to the point of the creepy feeling on your skin and your throat closing over. It's rough. Which obviously shows this book is amazingly written, because it will get a reaction from you, but I wouldn't say it was a pleasant reading experience. I usually love when a book can evoke something from me... but this is not the emotion you're looking for. Everything's just nasty and I really don't think this is a book I would ever read twice. Leave yourself time after finishing for a palate cleanser, because it's not a taste you want lingering in your mouth.
May 4, 2022
So, um, I'm NEVER moving to a small town in Florida and I think that's the lesson Mr. Hutchinson has been trying to teach us all along
July 13, 2024
"It looms over me, framed by the night and the stars and moss-choked oak trees. The smell hits me first. Like a decomposing corpse. Sweet in a way that fools my brain for a fraction of a second before I realize it's rotting flesh."
Howl is a werewolf novel, but, not in the traditional way of being a werewolf novel. Howl is, at its heart, as much of a metaphorical novel as it is a creature feature. Yet, it's never overtly obvious about anything, really. In fact, it's all pretty subtle, simmering away against the backdrop of small town drama. There's something so incredibly deep and compelling about this tale, something so hauntingly beautiful about it, an iron-heavy sense of hopelessness crushes each page. The real beast of this thing is the horror of the agonizing heartache, the werewolf may terrorize the town and lurk in the shadows but, really, at its core, it's a profound and powerful novel about trauma, one that's extremely easy to love.
Howl is written and constructed in such a fantastic and lyrical manner. Hutchinson writes so very authentically, so very beautifully and with a level of empathy and elegance so rarely seen about trauma, which actually turns this novel into a grimly dark and distressing read. It's not an easy book to get through, by any means, yet it's so fabulous and so delightful that it's impossible to put down. It's one of those novels that feels so very deeply personal, it feels so real, so human. It may not be the werewolf book you're expecting when you read the blurb but, arguably, it's something so much better. Howl is, by all accounts, a breathtaking, soul-shattering story. It's absolutely harrowing, unflinching and suffocating.
It's a dark, deep pit of a novel, a pitch black oil slick on the blacktop, it's a bottomless void, ready to consume readers. Despite it not being the most conventional of werewolf novels, it's still every bit as visceral, as scary, as violent and terrifying as any werewolf story should be. It's just such a deeply memorable and lovable story, there's this perfect small town atmosphere that just adds to its brilliance. Trauma explorations as horror will always be one of my absolute favorite ways of engaging with this genre, and Howl navigates this tricky concept with an amazing level of compassion and depth. Howl is an obsessive downwards spiral of a book, a snarling beast with teeth so intense and inescapable.
"Hot breath soaks my neck; a clawed hand pushes my face deeper into the mud. Bristly, wiry hair brushes the back of my arms. My shoulder burns where its teeth penetrated me, and I feel its poison in my blood. "
Howl is a werewolf novel, but, not in the traditional way of being a werewolf novel. Howl is, at its heart, as much of a metaphorical novel as it is a creature feature. Yet, it's never overtly obvious about anything, really. In fact, it's all pretty subtle, simmering away against the backdrop of small town drama. There's something so incredibly deep and compelling about this tale, something so hauntingly beautiful about it, an iron-heavy sense of hopelessness crushes each page. The real beast of this thing is the horror of the agonizing heartache, the werewolf may terrorize the town and lurk in the shadows but, really, at its core, it's a profound and powerful novel about trauma, one that's extremely easy to love.
Howl is written and constructed in such a fantastic and lyrical manner. Hutchinson writes so very authentically, so very beautifully and with a level of empathy and elegance so rarely seen about trauma, which actually turns this novel into a grimly dark and distressing read. It's not an easy book to get through, by any means, yet it's so fabulous and so delightful that it's impossible to put down. It's one of those novels that feels so very deeply personal, it feels so real, so human. It may not be the werewolf book you're expecting when you read the blurb but, arguably, it's something so much better. Howl is, by all accounts, a breathtaking, soul-shattering story. It's absolutely harrowing, unflinching and suffocating.
"Jarret's knees pop as the joints reverse, bending backward now. He falls to the ground and cries. A hand bursts from his chest and Luca claws his way free. He's covered in blood and thick gobbets of rotting meat. His face is red, his eyes are red, his smile is white - A whimper escapes my lips as he rakes his claws across my back. As he pushes through my spine and tears out my heart. I think I'll die from the pain, but I don't. I'll live with the hurt forever."
It's a dark, deep pit of a novel, a pitch black oil slick on the blacktop, it's a bottomless void, ready to consume readers. Despite it not being the most conventional of werewolf novels, it's still every bit as visceral, as scary, as violent and terrifying as any werewolf story should be. It's just such a deeply memorable and lovable story, there's this perfect small town atmosphere that just adds to its brilliance. Trauma explorations as horror will always be one of my absolute favorite ways of engaging with this genre, and Howl navigates this tricky concept with an amazing level of compassion and depth. Howl is an obsessive downwards spiral of a book, a snarling beast with teeth so intense and inescapable.
"Hot breath soaks my neck; a clawed hand pushes my face deeper into the mud. Bristly, wiry hair brushes the back of my arms. My shoulder burns where its teeth penetrated me, and I feel its poison in my blood. "
August 7, 2023
For years, I considered SDH to be my favorite author. This is my eighth book by him.
But it really wasn't it.
The characters were unlikeable and the plot was messy. I just didn't enjoy reading this at all.
CW: body horror/self harm, hate crime, homophobia, bullying
But it really wasn't it.
The characters were unlikeable and the plot was messy. I just didn't enjoy reading this at all.
CW: body horror/self harm, hate crime, homophobia, bullying
August 21, 2023
I am not one for rereading many books, but I have now read this twice in a month. The first time was a casual read. I borrowed it from the library and flew through it and, surprisingly, found a new all-time favourite. The second read was more intense. I bought a copy and bought special tabs (to match the cover) and I HIGHLIGHTED this book. Not casually, but...obsessively. Almost every page is marked up.
This is the type of small town book I relate to SO MUCH. Hutchinson perfectly built a setting for something I grew up in and still live in. It's not all bad. There's a lot to love. But this dives into some of the nitty gritty things that don't always get talked about. I could read this again and again, each time feeling more seen.
This is genuinely one of my all-time favourite books. Like I have over a hundred books on that list and this is sitting near the top of them.
This is the type of small town book I relate to SO MUCH. Hutchinson perfectly built a setting for something I grew up in and still live in. It's not all bad. There's a lot to love. But this dives into some of the nitty gritty things that don't always get talked about. I could read this again and again, each time feeling more seen.
This is genuinely one of my all-time favourite books. Like I have over a hundred books on that list and this is sitting near the top of them.
April 24, 2022
Picture this: You endure severe physical violence at the hands of someone else. You fear for your safety, for your own life. You escape. You, with your physical wounds apparent to all, reach out for help. You tell people what happened to you.
And they don’t believe you.
They tell you what they think actually happened. They discount the enormity of it. They blame you. They mock you. They make you doubt your own reality. They brush it off. They back away from you. They spread rumors about you. They do everything but validate your pain. They add to the horror of the experience with their words and actions. You’ve been traumatized and there is no one to help you. There is no one who understands.
Maybe it’s because you’re different. Maybe it’s because you’re not tough enough to handle it. Maybe it’s because your story sounds so extreme. Maybe it’s because you matter less than everyone else. You’re not really sure. Maybe none of those possibilities are actually true.
You feel isolated, alone, and confused, biting back the pain of so many wounds while reliving the experience through the darkness of flashbacks. It’s enough to turn you into a monster, too.
I hope that is difficult for you to imagine. But if it isn’t, Shaun David Hutchinson understands. And he’s written a profoundly symbolic book to let you know you’re not alone. He believes you. I believe you.
Even if your monster doesn’t howl at the moon.
*
The author does include content warnings in the beginning of the book. You can fairly expect a lot of potential triggers, especially if you’ve endured what I’ve described above. Know that sexual assault is alluded to again and again. It also addresses the stigma of mental illness and includes overt gay bashing. I am sure it goes without saying that the book centers around bullying and gaslighting. It is a book about trauma and people’s harmful responses to a survivor. Do not go in expecting a light read.
And they don’t believe you.
They tell you what they think actually happened. They discount the enormity of it. They blame you. They mock you. They make you doubt your own reality. They brush it off. They back away from you. They spread rumors about you. They do everything but validate your pain. They add to the horror of the experience with their words and actions. You’ve been traumatized and there is no one to help you. There is no one who understands.
Maybe it’s because you’re different. Maybe it’s because you’re not tough enough to handle it. Maybe it’s because your story sounds so extreme. Maybe it’s because you matter less than everyone else. You’re not really sure. Maybe none of those possibilities are actually true.
You feel isolated, alone, and confused, biting back the pain of so many wounds while reliving the experience through the darkness of flashbacks. It’s enough to turn you into a monster, too.
I hope that is difficult for you to imagine. But if it isn’t, Shaun David Hutchinson understands. And he’s written a profoundly symbolic book to let you know you’re not alone. He believes you. I believe you.
Even if your monster doesn’t howl at the moon.
*
The author does include content warnings in the beginning of the book. You can fairly expect a lot of potential triggers, especially if you’ve endured what I’ve described above. Know that sexual assault is alluded to again and again. It also addresses the stigma of mental illness and includes overt gay bashing. I am sure it goes without saying that the book centers around bullying and gaslighting. It is a book about trauma and people’s harmful responses to a survivor. Do not go in expecting a light read.
August 9, 2022
I know there was a content warning at the beginning of the book, but I did not anticipate that to be the metaphor of the entire story.
That being said, my review has content warnings because this book is an enormous content warning.
This book was beyond triggering once the pieces came together.
I came in for a werewolf book, I was so excited for a werewolf book, and I left with my trauma rehashed.
That being said if you like books about trauma and raw emotions, PTSD, etc. then this is it for you.
Are there werewolves?
Sure-ish.
But this book was rough for a victim of sexual abuse and trauma, for someone who’s been drugged and assaulted. And I think that needs to be better addressed.
I still love this author. I’ll still read his other stories.
I just� did not leave this book feeling very okay.
That being said, my review has content warnings because this book is an enormous content warning.
This book was beyond triggering once the pieces came together.
I came in for a werewolf book, I was so excited for a werewolf book, and I left with my trauma rehashed.
That being said if you like books about trauma and raw emotions, PTSD, etc. then this is it for you.
Are there werewolves?
Sure-ish.
But this book was rough for a victim of sexual abuse and trauma, for someone who’s been drugged and assaulted. And I think that needs to be better addressed.
I still love this author. I’ll still read his other stories.
I just� did not leave this book feeling very okay.
July 11, 2022
literally incredible
August 27, 2023
Oh. Man. This book. This is where its at.
I was so not prepared for the emotional and cultural depth of this book but it hit me like a freight train... in the best way.
Honestly not even sure where to begin with all the amazing things about this book. I know I want to read it again very soon because I feel some of the nuance is hidden until a reread but man.
One of my favorite themes in this book that I personally related to was feeling stuck between two places where both and neither feel like home. Really hit home.
The characters were so 3d and complex and while I knew I could trust some of them and not others, I was constantly kept guessing my own judgment and the judgment of our incredible MC Virgil.
And Virgil omg. It's not often I read an MC that was so relatable but Virigl was absolutely one of them. None of the decisions he made felt unreal or confusing. It was all very convincing and relatable and I felt I was with him every step of his terrifying journey.
The plot is a twisty little twizzler and I was GRIPPED the entire book. I only put it down when I absolutely had to and the ending was so emotional and satisfying.
Also the picture of the Southern American states (coming from me as someone who lives in Arkansas) the author paints is eerily realistic in a painfully horrifying and comforting way.
This absolutely makes me want to read more from this author.
There are some sensitive topics in this book tho like body dismorphia, eating disorders, and more so make sure you read the trigger warnings beforehand.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes YA backwoods paranormal horror with huge secrets and the best kind of character development.
I was so not prepared for the emotional and cultural depth of this book but it hit me like a freight train... in the best way.
Honestly not even sure where to begin with all the amazing things about this book. I know I want to read it again very soon because I feel some of the nuance is hidden until a reread but man.
One of my favorite themes in this book that I personally related to was feeling stuck between two places where both and neither feel like home. Really hit home.
The characters were so 3d and complex and while I knew I could trust some of them and not others, I was constantly kept guessing my own judgment and the judgment of our incredible MC Virgil.
And Virgil omg. It's not often I read an MC that was so relatable but Virigl was absolutely one of them. None of the decisions he made felt unreal or confusing. It was all very convincing and relatable and I felt I was with him every step of his terrifying journey.
The plot is a twisty little twizzler and I was GRIPPED the entire book. I only put it down when I absolutely had to and the ending was so emotional and satisfying.
Also the picture of the Southern American states (coming from me as someone who lives in Arkansas) the author paints is eerily realistic in a painfully horrifying and comforting way.
This absolutely makes me want to read more from this author.
There are some sensitive topics in this book tho like body dismorphia, eating disorders, and more so make sure you read the trigger warnings beforehand.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes YA backwoods paranormal horror with huge secrets and the best kind of character development.
March 16, 2025
okay now.... 🤨 what was that...
i kept waiting for the plot to feel realistic, never happened. i kept waiting for all except the two likable characters to have any form of positive character development, never happened. i kept waiting for our main character to make one singular good decision, never happened.
i understand that this book is YA and im obviously not the intended audience, but i wouldnt want any young adult/teen i know reading this book, given how bleak the messaging is. also, did we really need a random ED thrown in there?
i kept waiting for the plot to feel realistic, never happened. i kept waiting for all except the two likable characters to have any form of positive character development, never happened. i kept waiting for our main character to make one singular good decision, never happened.
i understand that this book is YA and im obviously not the intended audience, but i wouldnt want any young adult/teen i know reading this book, given how bleak the messaging is. also, did we really need a random ED thrown in there?
November 21, 2021
I got this from NetGalley and these opinions are my own. I really enjoyed this book but I don’t know if I could explain why. Virgil moves to a small town in Florida when his parents split, at a party he’s attacked by a monster but of course no one believes him. Virgil goes through a lot of trauma as a result of the attack. I loved Virgil as a protagonist it’s just the rest of the characters that I struggled with. Well not all of them Tripp and Astrid are both amazing friends. And Reba is not terrible. But Jarrett is completely passive aggressive, not to mention Virgil’s parents and grandparents! I wanted to rage at many of them on Virgil’s behalf! I think, at least to me, the thing I really enjoyed about Shaun David Hutchinson’s writing in The Howl was the correlation drawn between the trauma Virgil went through and traumas that people could go through in real life. The fact that people don’t believe him or don’t want to talk about what happened even when there are scars. And not just the physical scars but the fact that he can’t sleep, has nightmares, loses weight, struggles with being touched. Also it was relatable to read about how these small town characters responded to someone with mental health issues. Unfortunately stigmas exist and they can do a lot of damage. I liked that The Howl discussed that, in a different way, that still allowed the reader to make those connections. Excited to read this again when it comes out!
May 6, 2022
CW: Homophobia, Offensive language about mental health, Bullying, PTSD
I might be wrong, but I think this is the first book I've read by this author! It took me a second to adjust to their blunt way of phrasing things like derogatory comments, but I think in this case it kind of helped towards bringing the metaphors of this novel together.
I think Hutchinson does a good job of creating a situation where a story can have allusions to a literal monster and the metaphorical monster of being LGBTQ+ and living in a small town with antiquated POVs about representation.
I think the constant reminders of that night the attack happened acts as a way for the reader to experience the PTSD effect of intrusive thoughts at the most random of times. It was jarring at first, but now as I think about it, I can see that that was the point. Those reminders are meant to make me uncomfortable and never forget that the MC was scarred both physically and mentally by the attack--which can potentially be an allegory for homophobic attacks and how they linger long after the fact. The MC being ridiculed and called a liar is also a sad and great example of how it might be for victims after they've come out with the truth of their assault.
I really enjoyed this and how everything felt like there was more meaning to it. There were also instances where the author sprinkles in some hints as to the MC's stage of acceptance with his situation. Like when he constantly thinks about how everyone he loves is on the other side of the country, but one day that sentence chances in the slightest of ways.
If you're going into this expecting a horror novel, know that it isn't just in the obvious way. Sure, there are monsters and things that go bump in the night, but this is also a horror novel about the monsters inside of people and towns. This is a horror novel about the monster that could live inside of us, or that we might create of ourselves if we allow ourselves to be treated a certain way. After all, the MC (in his battle to fight his inner growing monster) allows some pretty homophobic comments and shit to pass so he doesn't rock the boat.
If you're going into this book, be mindful of the content warnings. There are some strong and hurtful words used in this book.
Happy reading!
I might be wrong, but I think this is the first book I've read by this author! It took me a second to adjust to their blunt way of phrasing things like derogatory comments, but I think in this case it kind of helped towards bringing the metaphors of this novel together.
I think Hutchinson does a good job of creating a situation where a story can have allusions to a literal monster and the metaphorical monster of being LGBTQ+ and living in a small town with antiquated POVs about representation.
I think the constant reminders of that night the attack happened acts as a way for the reader to experience the PTSD effect of intrusive thoughts at the most random of times. It was jarring at first, but now as I think about it, I can see that that was the point. Those reminders are meant to make me uncomfortable and never forget that the MC was scarred both physically and mentally by the attack--which can potentially be an allegory for homophobic attacks and how they linger long after the fact. The MC being ridiculed and called a liar is also a sad and great example of how it might be for victims after they've come out with the truth of their assault.
I really enjoyed this and how everything felt like there was more meaning to it. There were also instances where the author sprinkles in some hints as to the MC's stage of acceptance with his situation. Like when he constantly thinks about how everyone he loves is on the other side of the country, but one day that sentence chances in the slightest of ways.
If you're going into this expecting a horror novel, know that it isn't just in the obvious way. Sure, there are monsters and things that go bump in the night, but this is also a horror novel about the monsters inside of people and towns. This is a horror novel about the monster that could live inside of us, or that we might create of ourselves if we allow ourselves to be treated a certain way. After all, the MC (in his battle to fight his inner growing monster) allows some pretty homophobic comments and shit to pass so he doesn't rock the boat.
If you're going into this book, be mindful of the content warnings. There are some strong and hurtful words used in this book.
Happy reading!
April 20, 2022
I loved this one. ❤️
I'll try to remember to give more of my thoughts about this one closer to its release date.
Original review: Feb, 12, 2022
Edit: April, 19, 2022
Sorry to have lost track of this. Life, sadly, doesn't order itself around our plans.
Anyway, I really do love this book. The drama teacher, the mystery of who, exactly, is doing these things. Virgil is a great protagonist. He's believable in all his quirks. He's likable.
The secondary characters are also fully believable and fleshed out.
That this is a metaphor is clear, but not in a way that detracts from the story. While the metaphor itself is clear (at least it is if you're familiar with the author) it could also stand in for a number of things, and I kind of like the universality of that.
Basically, I highly recommend this book. Especially to fans of the author, but also in general. It's a fun bit of horror with a great message, and leaves one feeling less alone. Definitely worth a read.
C.W. for violence/bashing
(Now I'm going to go continue my streak of daily crying. Mourning sucks. Hug your loved ones.)
I'll try to remember to give more of my thoughts about this one closer to its release date.
Original review: Feb, 12, 2022
Edit: April, 19, 2022
Sorry to have lost track of this. Life, sadly, doesn't order itself around our plans.
Anyway, I really do love this book. The drama teacher, the mystery of who, exactly, is doing these things. Virgil is a great protagonist. He's believable in all his quirks. He's likable.
The secondary characters are also fully believable and fleshed out.
That this is a metaphor is clear, but not in a way that detracts from the story. While the metaphor itself is clear (at least it is if you're familiar with the author) it could also stand in for a number of things, and I kind of like the universality of that.
Basically, I highly recommend this book. Especially to fans of the author, but also in general. It's a fun bit of horror with a great message, and leaves one feeling less alone. Definitely worth a read.
C.W. for violence/bashing
(Now I'm going to go continue my streak of daily crying. Mourning sucks. Hug your loved ones.)
April 10, 2025
Unique plot styling is the clearest marker of a Shaun David Hutchinson novel. In Howl, fifteen-year-old Virgil Knox's parents are divorcing and his dad has just moved with Virgil from metropolitan Seattle to small-town Merritt, Florida. His dad grew up in Merritt and Virgil's grandparents live here, so the plan is to live with them and earn money to buy a home. Virgil sees the people of Merritt as hayseeds, but resentment morphs into panic on the night of a party when Virgil is attacked by a monster and left bleeding. No one believes a razor-clawed monster assaulted him, not even his dad or grandparents. Virgil longs to return to Seattle where his best friend and boyfriend are, but his dad make it clear that isn't an option.
Those who don't care either way about Virgil's monster story despise him for being gay or his leftist cultural attitude. At least he has drama class with Mr. Hilliker, who understands his craving to disappear into the arts. Virgil's emo cousin Astrid is a decent sort, and he makes friends with quirky Tripp Swafford, whose family history of mental illness helps him understand Virgil's angst. Virgil can't seem to forget the monster, how it slashed his body and left ghastly lingering wounds. Jarrett Hart, a popular high schooler, tries to befriend Virgil, but there's cause to suspect Jarrett had something to do with the monster attack. And what of Jarrett's friend Finn Duckett, whose motives are equally dubious? The monster is still stalking Virgil, and if he can't catch the beast in the act, Merritt will never be a safe place.
"Memories have a unique power...They're not just records of our past that we file away. They're living, breathing bits of us that we can revisit whenever we want. Memories fuel the engine of our souls."
—Mr. Hilliker, PP. 100-101
I usually like Shaun David Hutchinson's stories, but Howl was not enjoyable. Certain repeating scenes that detail Virgil's injuries are gratuitously gross; they upset my stomach and hindered my sleep. The book as a whole confuses me; was there a literal monster, or is it entirely metaphor? The sepsis of politics also infects the novel, resulting in a town and its populace who feel like caricatures instead of authentic characters. I'm not sure Hutchinson can write about small-town America fairly. I rate Howl one and a half stars; it could have been terrific, but carries too many self-inflicted wounds.
Those who don't care either way about Virgil's monster story despise him for being gay or his leftist cultural attitude. At least he has drama class with Mr. Hilliker, who understands his craving to disappear into the arts. Virgil's emo cousin Astrid is a decent sort, and he makes friends with quirky Tripp Swafford, whose family history of mental illness helps him understand Virgil's angst. Virgil can't seem to forget the monster, how it slashed his body and left ghastly lingering wounds. Jarrett Hart, a popular high schooler, tries to befriend Virgil, but there's cause to suspect Jarrett had something to do with the monster attack. And what of Jarrett's friend Finn Duckett, whose motives are equally dubious? The monster is still stalking Virgil, and if he can't catch the beast in the act, Merritt will never be a safe place.
"Memories have a unique power...They're not just records of our past that we file away. They're living, breathing bits of us that we can revisit whenever we want. Memories fuel the engine of our souls."
—Mr. Hilliker, PP. 100-101
I usually like Shaun David Hutchinson's stories, but Howl was not enjoyable. Certain repeating scenes that detail Virgil's injuries are gratuitously gross; they upset my stomach and hindered my sleep. The book as a whole confuses me; was there a literal monster, or is it entirely metaphor? The sepsis of politics also infects the novel, resulting in a town and its populace who feel like caricatures instead of authentic characters. I'm not sure Hutchinson can write about small-town America fairly. I rate Howl one and a half stars; it could have been terrific, but carries too many self-inflicted wounds.
February 9, 2022
Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was my first book by this author (though I've been meaning to read his titles for a while) and I loved it. While on the surface, it seems simple. Boy moves to a small town, after his parents' divorce and is attacked by a monster... there is a lot more to it.
Sure, there was little bit that was predictable, but the book was overall so well written and enjoyable an predictability is easily overlooked in the entirely of the story.
Will definitely be moving his other titles up in my TBR list!
This was my first book by this author (though I've been meaning to read his titles for a while) and I loved it. While on the surface, it seems simple. Boy moves to a small town, after his parents' divorce and is attacked by a monster... there is a lot more to it.
Sure, there was little bit that was predictable, but the book was overall so well written and enjoyable an predictability is easily overlooked in the entirely of the story.
Will definitely be moving his other titles up in my TBR list!
September 17, 2024
3.2 ⭐️ I don’t know how to feel. it was okay, i didn’t hate anything about it and the strongest part of this book was how realistic virgils character was. the ending kinda fell a little flat and i think that’s why i docked a star. the entire book is just building and building and im invested, in the mystery, in virgils growth and then the endings � that. i wouldn’t say it was a cop out but it didn’t land for me.
loved virgil (crazy name) i just wished i liked the book just as much.
loved virgil (crazy name) i just wished i liked the book just as much.
June 24, 2024
Una historia difícil de leer por momentos pero que es tan importante tocar estos temas especialmente en libros lgbt porque tristemente ocurren.
Me gustó la forma metafórica de narrar la historia y este suceso así como las consecuencias para la víctima.
Una historia triste pero necesaria.
Me gustó la forma metafórica de narrar la historia y este suceso así como las consecuencias para la víctima.
Una historia triste pero necesaria.
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