Honestly….uuugh. This is essentially the 2017 move Mother. Not as well executed, not as creative. I’m annoyed. The elements that were brought in half way were so underused. ( )

 Hey Ava!

I think you'll like this one (and it comes out tomorrow!). It's one of those stories that starts out normal, then gets kind of strange, then subtly creepy, and then smashes headlong into WTF territory when you're too far in to stop. Since it's so short, the effect is doubled! And of course the mystery-ish aspect of trying to get a better sense of what exactly is going on in Acadia Gardens will definitely keep you going.

Alright... I'm... a little embarrassed about how long it took me to figure this one out. It wasn't until I was basically bashed over the head with it that I realized. But let me tell you, once I realized? I suddenly saw all the I had already read with clear eyes, and understanding rushed in carrying a flurry of admirable details that snapped together. Suddenly all those little moments that had seemed odd to me -- but I couldn't quite figure out what was going on -- made sense! Each click came with a tiny spark of satisfaction at the knowing. And damn if that isn't just such a perfect mirror of Sophia's experience in this.

The horror comes from when I realized what Sophia couldn't yet know. Man, when I as the reader know something that the character doesn't? It really gets me riled up! It's like the equivalent of shouting at the characters in a slasher film because *I* know the killer is behind the door they're about to open, but *they* don't know, and I just have to watch helplessly while it happens! The grim knowledge is the thing.

This is a short story (which I didn't realize at first, so just a heads up that this is a quick read), and yet it packs so much into it. Around the middle, I admit I was getting a little fuzzy with it because the strangeness and the (deliberately) unclear writing was wearing me out. And then I came to the moment where everything made sense and I was reinvigorated!

Here's a tiny hint, where if you know about this one thing, you likely will put this all together fast than I did:
the Bible.

I got this one from NetGalley (thanks Tor!), but as always you know these are my thoughts. :) 

Enjoy!!
~Jennifer  ( )

I honestly really liked this, I can’t say too much or give it al away but….it’s fast and is a different take on a very old story ( )

Beautiful reimagining. It relays so much feeling and atmosphere with so little. You'll want to read each and every word. ( )

Valente has immaculate fairy tale vibes. This little horror/thriller dances so close to the edge of familiar fairy tales -- so that through most of the story I felt perpetually on the edge of recognizing which tropes/archetypes this story was playing with and thus what to expect going forward, but then the tale would take a turn and I would be scrambling to find my footing again.

We've got Bluebird vibes, gated community Stepford wives vibes, Snow White vibes, Greek mythology vibes, Biblical vibes. Darker than my usual tastes, but I would follow Valente almost anywhere. ( )