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This Pact Is Not Ours
The summer before college Luca Piccone returns to Copper Cove, the idyllic campsite he and his closest friends have visited every year since they were kids. To Luca, Copper Cove is like the setting of the fantasy movies he loves, a sanctuary, protected from the dangers of the outside world, where nothing goes wrong and everything stays the same.
But this year things are changing.
Desperate to make this summer the best one yet, Luca tries to ignore the freshly torn rifts within his tight friend group, the pangs of unrequited love, the anxiety attacks he thought he'd left back at school, and the shadows at the edge of the forest threatening to break free. Until he learns the terrible truth.
Every generation the children of four families are bound by a pact. A pact designed to keep the camp pristine and the monstrous force lurking beneath the campsite imprisoned. But in order to do this, an unthinkable price must be paid--a price that has soaked the previous generations in blood. Can Luca keep his friends, and his favorite place, from being ripped apart?
By the end of the summer, only one thing is for Copper Cove will never be the same again.
But this year things are changing.
Desperate to make this summer the best one yet, Luca tries to ignore the freshly torn rifts within his tight friend group, the pangs of unrequited love, the anxiety attacks he thought he'd left back at school, and the shadows at the edge of the forest threatening to break free. Until he learns the terrible truth.
Every generation the children of four families are bound by a pact. A pact designed to keep the camp pristine and the monstrous force lurking beneath the campsite imprisoned. But in order to do this, an unthinkable price must be paid--a price that has soaked the previous generations in blood. Can Luca keep his friends, and his favorite place, from being ripped apart?
By the end of the summer, only one thing is for Copper Cove will never be the same again.
331 pages, Paperback
Published October 3, 2023
10 people are currently reading
934 people want to read
About the author
Zachary Sergi
11 books52 followersZachary Sergi is the author of several print novels (including Love And Video Games and Major Detours) and nearly a dozen interactive novels (including the Heroes Rise and Versus series). Zachary was raised in Manhattan, studied Creative Writing at Regis High School and the University of Pennsylvania, and now lives in Los Angeles with his husband, where he also writes for television. Learn more at zacharysergi.com or by following @zacharysergi on TikTok or @zacharysergiwriter on Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
February 9, 2024
I had high expectations from this book but unfortunately I was left disapppointed.
The frustrating thing is that it had all the pieces needed to be a book right down my alley. A group of friends in their annual holiday escape, a soft boy crushing on his friend, a mystery, hidden secrets from the past of their families, conflict, choices...
But the way the author saw a story out of these elements was all wrong for me and left me with a very bitter taste, especially in the last part of the book.
First of all, for me you can't market a book as LGBT and This made me almost indifferent to the final resolution and took out the fun for me. Secondly, the recurring inner monologue of Lucas about religion, faith, prayer - his interpretations of them. It was weird and uneneseccary. Third, the fact that the kids were so selfless when it came to death. Not only was it unrealistic, but very frustrating too: you are given the shot to save yourself AND your friends and you are all reluctant to take it because the odds are low and are you contemplating losing one of them for the greater good? Sure as a passing thought, but not as the prime mindset of 4 different 18 year olds...
Adding to that, most of the characters were quite unlikeable, teens and parents. What kind parents would gamble with the lives of their kids to protect other people?
Overall, the mindset, moral priorities and worldview of the author as projected in the story were so foreign to me and found me in disagreement at every turn, that they made a book which could be really enjoyable just average.
But my 1st point is the reason I took the rating down to 3/5 from 4/5. This was a major sour point.
The frustrating thing is that it had all the pieces needed to be a book right down my alley. A group of friends in their annual holiday escape, a soft boy crushing on his friend, a mystery, hidden secrets from the past of their families, conflict, choices...
But the way the author saw a story out of these elements was all wrong for me and left me with a very bitter taste, especially in the last part of the book.
First of all, for me you can't market a book as LGBT and This made me almost indifferent to the final resolution and took out the fun for me. Secondly, the recurring inner monologue of Lucas about religion, faith, prayer - his interpretations of them. It was weird and uneneseccary. Third, the fact that the kids were so selfless when it came to death. Not only was it unrealistic, but very frustrating too: you are given the shot to save yourself AND your friends and you are all reluctant to take it because the odds are low and are you contemplating losing one of them for the greater good? Sure as a passing thought, but not as the prime mindset of 4 different 18 year olds...
Adding to that, most of the characters were quite unlikeable, teens and parents. What kind parents would gamble with the lives of their kids to protect other people?
Overall, the mindset, moral priorities and worldview of the author as projected in the story were so foreign to me and found me in disagreement at every turn, that they made a book which could be really enjoyable just average.
But my 1st point is the reason I took the rating down to 3/5 from 4/5. This was a major sour point.
July 22, 2023
EXACTLY the queer YA horror I was looking for. Fun. Fast paced. Interesting plot. Thoroughly enjoyed.
Read
November 3, 2023
Trigger & Content Warnings
Forced outing, recounted & off-page
Panic attacks
Suicide
Murder
Fire
Forced outing, recounted & off-page
Panic attacks
Suicide
Murder
Fire
October 3, 2023
This was the perfect fast pace horror/thriller I needed to add to my TBR for spooky season. The characters were well developed, the high stakes were very impactful, and the overall themes were great for a young adult book.
This Pact is Not Ours reminded me a bit of the movie “Ready Or Not” with there being an underlying theme of inheriting your family’s burden and pact that seems to benefit the family. However, the reasoning behind the pact in this book was so unique but also very palpable. It was great to see college aged teens being forced to inherit their family’s burdens while also determining whether or not they are willing to assume that responsibility. And ultimately, if the price to pay is worth it in the end.
The LGBTQ+ storyline was great as well, it uncovered a lot of rationale and foundation to determine the depth of some of our main characters relationships but also the power to say no, and demand better from yourself and your family.
A 5 star read anyone who loves scary/horror and LGBTQ+ rep.
This Pact is Not Ours reminded me a bit of the movie “Ready Or Not” with there being an underlying theme of inheriting your family’s burden and pact that seems to benefit the family. However, the reasoning behind the pact in this book was so unique but also very palpable. It was great to see college aged teens being forced to inherit their family’s burdens while also determining whether or not they are willing to assume that responsibility. And ultimately, if the price to pay is worth it in the end.
The LGBTQ+ storyline was great as well, it uncovered a lot of rationale and foundation to determine the depth of some of our main characters relationships but also the power to say no, and demand better from yourself and your family.
A 5 star read anyone who loves scary/horror and LGBTQ+ rep.
October 4, 2023
3.3
*Review to come*
*Review to come*
December 13, 2023
The gays cant be happy.....
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July 26, 2023RTC :)
November 5, 2023
4.5 i loooooooved this one. spooky and queer and drama and friends and monsters and mystery. truly couldn’t put it down it is SO WELL WRITTEN.
tiny ghost press is my favorite publisher forever
tiny ghost press is my favorite publisher forever
August 26, 2023
This Pact is Not Ours is set at Copper Cove, a campsite that our four main characters visit every summer. But everything changes when they come face to face with a monstrous force that is out to get them, and they finally learn about the sinister pact that binds them.
I loved how well developed and spooky this setting was, the vibes are creepy and atmospheric right from the start!
I really liked how the author talked about mental health and anxiety throughout this book. As someone who struggles with anxiety myself, the portrayal felt very authentic and relatable. I also appreciated that it went into some depth with the descriptions of anxiety attacks and talked further about the characters experiences with them rather than just brushing over the topic.
The cast of this book is made up of flawed and imperfect people who definitely all make a lot of mistakes along the way. If I’m being honest, I didn’t really like any of the characters that much, and some of the choices they made were questionable to say the least (and by they I mainly mean Luca and Griffin). Though to be fair, I actually quite liked the fact that I didn’t like them! Their mistakes made it feel more realistic, and you know.. they’re quite literally facing imminent danger, so making some bad decisions isn’t exactly an unreasonable reaction.
In my opinion, the ending seemed to wrap everything up slightly too quickly, and there were a few threads that I would have liked to have seen tied up a little better, such as Manny’s story. But generally overall, I had a fun time reading this one. I would recommend This Pact is Not Ours to anyone who is looking for an unsettling, queer, fast paced read. This would be a great addition to your spooky month TBR!
Thank you to Tiny Ghost Press for sending me an ARC!
I loved how well developed and spooky this setting was, the vibes are creepy and atmospheric right from the start!
I really liked how the author talked about mental health and anxiety throughout this book. As someone who struggles with anxiety myself, the portrayal felt very authentic and relatable. I also appreciated that it went into some depth with the descriptions of anxiety attacks and talked further about the characters experiences with them rather than just brushing over the topic.
The cast of this book is made up of flawed and imperfect people who definitely all make a lot of mistakes along the way. If I’m being honest, I didn’t really like any of the characters that much, and some of the choices they made were questionable to say the least (and by they I mainly mean Luca and Griffin). Though to be fair, I actually quite liked the fact that I didn’t like them! Their mistakes made it feel more realistic, and you know.. they’re quite literally facing imminent danger, so making some bad decisions isn’t exactly an unreasonable reaction.
In my opinion, the ending seemed to wrap everything up slightly too quickly, and there were a few threads that I would have liked to have seen tied up a little better, such as Manny’s story. But generally overall, I had a fun time reading this one. I would recommend This Pact is Not Ours to anyone who is looking for an unsettling, queer, fast paced read. This would be a great addition to your spooky month TBR!
Thank you to Tiny Ghost Press for sending me an ARC!
April 17, 2024
The entire time I was reading This Pact Is Not Ours I thought it would have made a better TV show. There are things that just didn't work in a novel that would have worked on screen, like Luca's absolute obsession with Copper Cove, the traditions that the friend group had, their nicknames, and even the scary parts. As it was, a lot of it unfortunately came across as really cringe.
One thing that really came out of the blue was Luca's faith, and the way he talked about prayer and meditation. I guess this was something that I really didn't expect so it threw me a bit. Not saying it's a bad thing, just something that didn't seem to 100% fit into the story.
The horror bits were definitely the strongest aspect of This Pact Is Not Ours, and to be honest I wish there was more horror! Give me more of the creepy entity that, like, eats people. I am here for it!! As it was, the scary moments that were in the book were really good and gave off the perfect vibes of a summer horror story (which actually kind of reminded me of I Know What You Did Last Summer, which was fun).
I have to admit the ending did feel a bit rushed considering everything, but at least there was closure because horror endings that leave too much to interpretation really grate on me to be honest.
All in all, This Pact Is Not Ours was a quick and fun horror read perfect for either the spooky season or a nice summer scare.
One thing that really came out of the blue was Luca's faith, and the way he talked about prayer and meditation. I guess this was something that I really didn't expect so it threw me a bit. Not saying it's a bad thing, just something that didn't seem to 100% fit into the story.
The horror bits were definitely the strongest aspect of This Pact Is Not Ours, and to be honest I wish there was more horror! Give me more of the creepy entity that, like, eats people. I am here for it!! As it was, the scary moments that were in the book were really good and gave off the perfect vibes of a summer horror story (which actually kind of reminded me of I Know What You Did Last Summer, which was fun).
I have to admit the ending did feel a bit rushed considering everything, but at least there was closure because horror endings that leave too much to interpretation really grate on me to be honest.
All in all, This Pact Is Not Ours was a quick and fun horror read perfect for either the spooky season or a nice summer scare.
May 11, 2024
oh this was beyond terrible im so pissed
the concept was alright at first but the writing is just so bland and the plot is so flimsy and shallow (any attempt at depth is just laughable it’s hard to believe that an actual adult wrote this) there’s so much that just happened out of convenience like the author didn’t even bother to put in any effort in anything really and don’t even get me started on all the annoying pop culture references (i don’t need to know every single singer they listen or show they watch to by name omgg)
what’s worse is that every single character is one dimensional and deeply unlikable (not in a way that’s interesting) also everyone just talks like they came out of a twitter thread about mental health (there’s a cursed monster about to tear us into shreds but your feelings are sooooo valid do you wanna take a moment to process?? perhaps some breathing techniques??? shUT THE FUCK UP AND START RUNNING LOSERS) i just can’t help but picture them as the characters in the movie bodies bodies bodies (iykyk)
yeah so hated that i hope it’s not because im outgrowing YA but because this is just one badly written book
the concept was alright at first but the writing is just so bland and the plot is so flimsy and shallow (any attempt at depth is just laughable it’s hard to believe that an actual adult wrote this) there’s so much that just happened out of convenience like the author didn’t even bother to put in any effort in anything really and don’t even get me started on all the annoying pop culture references (i don’t need to know every single singer they listen or show they watch to by name omgg)
what’s worse is that every single character is one dimensional and deeply unlikable (not in a way that’s interesting) also everyone just talks like they came out of a twitter thread about mental health (there’s a cursed monster about to tear us into shreds but your feelings are sooooo valid do you wanna take a moment to process?? perhaps some breathing techniques??? shUT THE FUCK UP AND START RUNNING LOSERS) i just can’t help but picture them as the characters in the movie bodies bodies bodies (iykyk)
yeah so hated that i hope it’s not because im outgrowing YA but because this is just one badly written book
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May 21, 2023Rep: gay mc, pan male mc, gay scs, panic attacks, trypophobia, ptsd
CW: panic attacks, forced outing (off page, before story begins), suicide mentioned, spiders, roaches, gore, murder, suicide/self-sacrifice, fire
CW: panic attacks, forced outing (off page, before story begins), suicide mentioned, spiders, roaches, gore, murder, suicide/self-sacrifice, fire
June 26, 2025
So there is a lot of great stuff in this. I loved the depiction of the friend group and how alienating it can be when two of them start dating, particularly the weird psychic damage of crushing on your straight best friend only to have him start dating a female friend. I liked some of the aspects of the horror and the origin of the monster. I particularly liked the theme of teens having to grapple with a distasteful legacy and trying to change things that their parents took for granted. It feels both pointed and political (in a good way).
I didn't love the pacing. Once the monster starts appearing he just keeps popping up, over and over, for little jump scare moments while the main characters keep wandering off, maybe investigating, maybe crafting, or placing stones, or making out, or going for solo swims, and also practicing for the talent show. There is a drawn out, lackadaisical nature to the middle of the book that feels repetitive and robs the monster of much of it's menace.
A good fifty pages could have been edited out.
At the same time certain side characters, such as the MC's mon or Manny, could have been expanded on. Manny in particular feels odd as is. He appears in three scenes (a fourth at a distance) but keeps getting speeches as if he had a much greater role in the book. It feels like a much larger role that has been edited down without adjusting what remains to make sense.
The climax feels abrupt and could of used some workshopping but by them I was kind of ready to be done with it. It's theme of friends coming together to defeat evil ends up whitewashing some truly awful things the MC and his friends do to each other. It feels a little forced and I'm not sure that any of them would want to speak to each other after this summer is over.
I'm not the target demographic for this book so your experience may vary. I also don't know that I ever completely wrapped my head around this family summer camp they've all been going to for decades. Is that really a thing?
I didn't love the pacing. Once the monster starts appearing he just keeps popping up, over and over, for little jump scare moments while the main characters keep wandering off, maybe investigating, maybe crafting, or placing stones, or making out, or going for solo swims, and also practicing for the talent show. There is a drawn out, lackadaisical nature to the middle of the book that feels repetitive and robs the monster of much of it's menace.
A good fifty pages could have been edited out.
At the same time certain side characters, such as the MC's mon or Manny, could have been expanded on. Manny in particular feels odd as is. He appears in three scenes (a fourth at a distance) but keeps getting speeches as if he had a much greater role in the book. It feels like a much larger role that has been edited down without adjusting what remains to make sense.
The climax feels abrupt and could of used some workshopping but by them I was kind of ready to be done with it. It's theme of friends coming together to defeat evil ends up whitewashing some truly awful things the MC and his friends do to each other. It feels a little forced and I'm not sure that any of them would want to speak to each other after this summer is over.
I'm not the target demographic for this book so your experience may vary. I also don't know that I ever completely wrapped my head around this family summer camp they've all been going to for decades. Is that really a thing?
July 29, 2023
Thanks to Tiny Ghost Press for sending me this eARC copy of this amazing story🫶🏼
𝑺𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒌.
El libro parte cuando Luca vuelve a Copper Cove, un parque hermoso que él y sus mejores amigos: Griffin, Hazel y Ariana visitan cada año desde que eran niños. El lugar es mágico, casi fantástico, como las películas que le gustan, un santuario protegido del mundo exterior donde no pasa nada malo, o eso es lo que les han hecho creer.
Este año nada será igual. Detrás de esta fachada perfecta, se encuentra una verdad que viene de generaciones antiguas. Un pacto que le legaron sus padres antes de nacer y que tiene que ver con el por qué el lugar es tan mágico.
Luca quiere evitar todo tipo de disturbio porque es su lugar seguro, donde puede ser él mismo pero cuando se entera de la relación de dos de ellos, las mentiras crecen entre ellos y los ataques de pánico que creyó dejar en su colegio amenazan con salir.
Los C4, como se nombran entre ellos, tendrán que superar sus miedos, aprender a tener conversaciones serias, volver a confiar y unirse para combatir este ser siniestro que amenaza con destruirlo todo.
🪵Este libro tiene misterio, suspenso, horror y algunos toques de romance. Es un libro queer y toca temas de salud mental que a mí parecer estuvieron súper bien descritos.
🪵Me gustó mucho lo que me hizo sentir mientras lo leía, que cada uno tuviera que combatir con sus fobias y que además fueran también mías fue terrible, me lo imaginé muy real y aún recuerdo las arañas😖
🪵Me encanta cuando el título aparece en el libro y fue como oh, ahora lo entiendo todo
🪵Los cuatro eran adolescentes y no tomaron las mejores decisiones pero fue parte de. A pesar de todo, su relación y amistad la encontré muy linda, muy found family❤️🩹
Disponible desde el 3 de octubre, anoten la fecha👀
𝑺𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒌.
El libro parte cuando Luca vuelve a Copper Cove, un parque hermoso que él y sus mejores amigos: Griffin, Hazel y Ariana visitan cada año desde que eran niños. El lugar es mágico, casi fantástico, como las películas que le gustan, un santuario protegido del mundo exterior donde no pasa nada malo, o eso es lo que les han hecho creer.
Este año nada será igual. Detrás de esta fachada perfecta, se encuentra una verdad que viene de generaciones antiguas. Un pacto que le legaron sus padres antes de nacer y que tiene que ver con el por qué el lugar es tan mágico.
Luca quiere evitar todo tipo de disturbio porque es su lugar seguro, donde puede ser él mismo pero cuando se entera de la relación de dos de ellos, las mentiras crecen entre ellos y los ataques de pánico que creyó dejar en su colegio amenazan con salir.
Los C4, como se nombran entre ellos, tendrán que superar sus miedos, aprender a tener conversaciones serias, volver a confiar y unirse para combatir este ser siniestro que amenaza con destruirlo todo.
🪵Este libro tiene misterio, suspenso, horror y algunos toques de romance. Es un libro queer y toca temas de salud mental que a mí parecer estuvieron súper bien descritos.
🪵Me gustó mucho lo que me hizo sentir mientras lo leía, que cada uno tuviera que combatir con sus fobias y que además fueran también mías fue terrible, me lo imaginé muy real y aún recuerdo las arañas😖
🪵Me encanta cuando el título aparece en el libro y fue como oh, ahora lo entiendo todo
🪵Los cuatro eran adolescentes y no tomaron las mejores decisiones pero fue parte de. A pesar de todo, su relación y amistad la encontré muy linda, muy found family❤️🩹
Disponible desde el 3 de octubre, anoten la fecha👀
October 31, 2023
“This Pact Is Not Ours” by Zachary Sergi
I know I’m about to get a lot of crap for this review because I’ve seen so much positive reviews on this book. But if I’m honest with you I am disappointed. I really thought this book was going to have me at the edge of my seat, cause me a sleepless night because I couldn’t put it down…and well that just did not happen for me. The prologue very much gave me thriller vibes, and the vibe it was about to a ride.
I found the story kinda slow, I found the characters hard to like. I just found the story over all eh. For me it really didn’t get good tell the last three chapters. Going through the book and getting the history or the creature and how it’s tide to each family was kinda cool, but I felt it was dragged out a bit much. Certain characters that came in and out I felt their parts kinda short, like the parents of two characters, and another supporting character Manny. I feel like their parts could have been larger maybe. I find Luca to be particularly very hard to like, I dont know why I had a hard time liking him. Griffen just gave golden retriever. Honestly I like Hazel and Ariana the most. If you have read it and loved it I’m happy you did, you read and felt something I didn’t.
⭐️⭐️⭐️🏳️🌈🎃
I know I’m about to get a lot of crap for this review because I’ve seen so much positive reviews on this book. But if I’m honest with you I am disappointed. I really thought this book was going to have me at the edge of my seat, cause me a sleepless night because I couldn’t put it down…and well that just did not happen for me. The prologue very much gave me thriller vibes, and the vibe it was about to a ride.
I found the story kinda slow, I found the characters hard to like. I just found the story over all eh. For me it really didn’t get good tell the last three chapters. Going through the book and getting the history or the creature and how it’s tide to each family was kinda cool, but I felt it was dragged out a bit much. Certain characters that came in and out I felt their parts kinda short, like the parents of two characters, and another supporting character Manny. I feel like their parts could have been larger maybe. I find Luca to be particularly very hard to like, I dont know why I had a hard time liking him. Griffen just gave golden retriever. Honestly I like Hazel and Ariana the most. If you have read it and loved it I’m happy you did, you read and felt something I didn’t.
⭐️⭐️⭐️🏳️🌈🎃
September 22, 2023
I need Tiny Ghost Press to calm down with these knockouts! I won't lie this did take me about four chapters to get into it, but once I did get into it? I flew through the story. I did not want to stop and I had to finish. I had to know what was going to happen next.
Read this one! It is perfect for Halloween season!
This really makes me want to go out and break my own generational curses now. Thank you Zachary Sergi for writing this wonderful novel and thank you TGP for sending me an eARC for my honest review!
This Pact Is Not Ours by Zachary Sergi releases Oct 3, 2023!
Read this one! It is perfect for Halloween season!
This really makes me want to go out and break my own generational curses now. Thank you Zachary Sergi for writing this wonderful novel and thank you TGP for sending me an eARC for my honest review!
This Pact Is Not Ours by Zachary Sergi releases Oct 3, 2023!
November 12, 2023
I found the premise of the story really good and quite liked the characters. The side-story with Manny felt a little out of place but then again, I had to remind myself, that these are teenagers/young adults and the interactions and reactions between most characters felt real.
September 18, 2024
I loved all the secret-keeping and the twists in this story. A very satisfying ending made this a perfect read.
October 9, 2024
Read For:
✓ Lies
✓ Cheating Trope
✓ Anticlimactic Plot
✓ Young Adult Vibes
✓ Unlikeable Love “Triangle”
˗ˏˋ ★ REVIEW ★ ˎˊ˗
I had really high hopes for this but I just can’t get over the cheating trope. The main relationship was so annoying. Not to mention they were all supposed to be friends and then one cheats with the other. The lack of character depth was a bit disappointing and the main character spent the whole time pining on his taken best friend?? Like, excuse me bro you’re going to have to get over your crush and grow up. But what we get instead was an off-page jerk off scene.
The characters in general were just unlikeable in general. One is too “everything is about me”, the other is oblivious to their friends feelings, one is a cheater, and the other one can’t keep a secret even when asked.
Not really resolved well in my opinion by the end. The overall plot leaves me with more questions than answers and I’m not a big fan of how it ended. Sure, some major things had been resolved but it never really let on why it was like that or why the parents were so useless, rules in place or not your kid is being hunted and one person from the group is supposed to be sacrificed but you can’t find way to bend the rules and give them more points or prepare them better??
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️
Angst Level: 💧
POV: First Person
Release Date: 03, October 2023
⚠️ Content Warnings:
Graphic: Infidelity, Grief, and Alcohol
Moderate: Death, Mental illness, Violence, Outing, Toxic friendship, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Cursing, Homophobia, and Sexual content
October 5, 2023
Book review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
I really enjoyed this. Although I wish I read it closer to Halloween. It was creepy yet charming.
This YA Horror is perfect for the spooky season.
I found the main character, Luca, to be very relatable. This coming of age story follows him at a summer camp that he goes to every summer. But this summer is different, it’s the last one before he goes to college. After a difficult year he’s ready to just relax and have some fun with his friends but something lurks in the dark. It’s following him and his friends.
To survive camp, they must work together but the group are drifting. Can he bring them all together again to save everyone ?
As a gay man, I can relate to how he’s feeling and the things that happen which is probably why I rated this so highly. The spiders though - it cost the read half a star. Cannot deal 😂
A huge Thankyou to @tinyghostpress and @zacharysergiwriter for sending this my way! I loved it
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
I really enjoyed this. Although I wish I read it closer to Halloween. It was creepy yet charming.
This YA Horror is perfect for the spooky season.
I found the main character, Luca, to be very relatable. This coming of age story follows him at a summer camp that he goes to every summer. But this summer is different, it’s the last one before he goes to college. After a difficult year he’s ready to just relax and have some fun with his friends but something lurks in the dark. It’s following him and his friends.
To survive camp, they must work together but the group are drifting. Can he bring them all together again to save everyone ?
As a gay man, I can relate to how he’s feeling and the things that happen which is probably why I rated this so highly. The spiders though - it cost the read half a star. Cannot deal 😂
A huge Thankyou to @tinyghostpress and @zacharysergiwriter for sending this my way! I loved it
December 27, 2024
This book is everything I aspire to create and love to read. The theme of weird and gross horror in YA novels, like this book and Hell Followed With Us, is something I never thought I would enjoy engaging with, and yet these authors keep surprising me! I adored all the characters and found myself finishing the last half of this book late at night - which is usually a surefire way for it to be a 5 star read. I hope this book gets to grace my bookshelf someday.
September 29, 2023
Their debts are not yours to pay.
Ooh, how I do love a good summer vacation/camp thriller/spookfest, so I was super excited to win a copy of this book to review. This Pact Is Not Ours does a good job of keeping up with the spooks.
You've got your four friends whose families all vacation at the same spot every summer and during those few weeks, the kids lose themselves in their found family. Griffin, whose family seems to basically own the place is convinced there's something spooky going on, but the other three are mostly content to just go along and enjoy their favorite place in the world...until the summer they start to turn eighteen. Seems Griffin might've been onto something with the haunting rumors as this summer, Copper Cove seems out for blood.
I suspect highly that this is gonna come down to how much horror/haunting you want in your story and how much teen angst you're in the mood for. Luca's friend group has four members and there's a love triangle and it goes about as well as you'd imagine since this isn't a case to be solved by OT3. And given that we spend our time exclusively in Luca's head, Hazel and Ariana aren't as fleshed out as they could be (Hazel especially, given that Luca thinks of her as his best friend. Ariana is meant to be the outlier, so this is definitely on purpose) annnnnd I do think the story suffers a bit for it.
If you've read the synopsis, you know there's a Pact made by the summer families and that the kids are now of age to where they're being recruited into things, and part of that involves being punished by a supernatural being whenever they step out of line. Thing is, the punishment isn't always for the person stepping out of line. The being (I'm just not gonna call it by its proper name; I refuse) frequently doles out the punishment on innocent bystanders, and it doesn't take all that long for our foursome to figure that out. I only mention this because on MULTIPLE occasions, we get a variation of this:
The idea of roaming Copper Cove's campus at night to break the Pact rules by talking to the one person I feel most betrayed by suddenly feels quite stupid.
But punishment is probably what I deserve, anyway.
Yeah, but you're not the one who is gonna be feeling that punishment necessarily, Luca. And at this point in the story, you know this quite well. I try and remember when reading YA that teens are gonna teen and angst makes your brain go haywire but there are limits to what I'll overlook and I feel like this book pushes you right to that limit. Maybe not so for the intended audience but anyone past that might be warned it's a possibility.
They're still beautiful things, but now they're also broken. Perhaps irreparably.
This is one of those lines I loved and hated in equal measure because one of those things? Is a person. And people being 'broken' irreparably? Given the context of this quote? Is a big yikes. Especially in a book for teens.
In general, I do like the what if scenario being played out: what if, to possibly save the world, you had to doom a friend or yourself to death? What would you do? Would you fight it or would you sacrifice yourself? Would you sacrifice your friend? Especially with teenage friendships where everything (the good, the bad, and the angsty) is set at maximum levels so often.
It's also especially interesting given the author's note mentions Buffy the Vampire Slayer specifically because of how she tended to handle that kind of dilemma.
I enjoyed the ride, even if I could've done with a little more backstory, a lot more Hazel (and Ariana) and maybe a little less bug horror, which is all I'll say about that because y'know, spoilers. Rounding up to 4 stars because GR refuses to give me half stars no matter how many times I offer my kingdom for them.
We're all just clumsy caretakers, aren't we? Ripping things open inside each other in the name of healing.
Ooh, how I do love a good summer vacation/camp thriller/spookfest, so I was super excited to win a copy of this book to review. This Pact Is Not Ours does a good job of keeping up with the spooks.
You've got your four friends whose families all vacation at the same spot every summer and during those few weeks, the kids lose themselves in their found family. Griffin, whose family seems to basically own the place is convinced there's something spooky going on, but the other three are mostly content to just go along and enjoy their favorite place in the world...until the summer they start to turn eighteen. Seems Griffin might've been onto something with the haunting rumors as this summer, Copper Cove seems out for blood.
I suspect highly that this is gonna come down to how much horror/haunting you want in your story and how much teen angst you're in the mood for. Luca's friend group has four members and there's a love triangle and it goes about as well as you'd imagine since this isn't a case to be solved by OT3. And given that we spend our time exclusively in Luca's head, Hazel and Ariana aren't as fleshed out as they could be (Hazel especially, given that Luca thinks of her as his best friend. Ariana is meant to be the outlier, so this is definitely on purpose) annnnnd I do think the story suffers a bit for it.
If you've read the synopsis, you know there's a Pact made by the summer families and that the kids are now of age to where they're being recruited into things, and part of that involves being punished by a supernatural being whenever they step out of line. Thing is, the punishment isn't always for the person stepping out of line. The being (I'm just not gonna call it by its proper name; I refuse) frequently doles out the punishment on innocent bystanders, and it doesn't take all that long for our foursome to figure that out. I only mention this because on MULTIPLE occasions, we get a variation of this:
The idea of roaming Copper Cove's campus at night to break the Pact rules by talking to the one person I feel most betrayed by suddenly feels quite stupid.
But punishment is probably what I deserve, anyway.
Yeah, but you're not the one who is gonna be feeling that punishment necessarily, Luca. And at this point in the story, you know this quite well. I try and remember when reading YA that teens are gonna teen and angst makes your brain go haywire but there are limits to what I'll overlook and I feel like this book pushes you right to that limit. Maybe not so for the intended audience but anyone past that might be warned it's a possibility.
They're still beautiful things, but now they're also broken. Perhaps irreparably.
This is one of those lines I loved and hated in equal measure because one of those things? Is a person. And people being 'broken' irreparably? Given the context of this quote? Is a big yikes. Especially in a book for teens.
In general, I do like the what if scenario being played out: what if, to possibly save the world, you had to doom a friend or yourself to death? What would you do? Would you fight it or would you sacrifice yourself? Would you sacrifice your friend? Especially with teenage friendships where everything (the good, the bad, and the angsty) is set at maximum levels so often.
It's also especially interesting given the author's note mentions Buffy the Vampire Slayer specifically because of how she tended to handle that kind of dilemma.
I enjoyed the ride, even if I could've done with a little more backstory, a lot more Hazel (and Ariana) and maybe a little less bug horror, which is all I'll say about that because y'know, spoilers. Rounding up to 4 stars because GR refuses to give me half stars no matter how many times I offer my kingdom for them.
We're all just clumsy caretakers, aren't we? Ripping things open inside each other in the name of healing.
July 25, 2023
[Thanks to Tiny Ghost Press and to the author Zachary Sergi for providing me with an ARC copy of this wonderfully spooky book]
This is a young adult coming of age novel with mystery, horror, thriller, and romance elements, but it features also queer and mental health representation.
It follows the vacation of four teenagers and their families. Every year, Luca, Ariana, Hazel, Griffin, and their parents spend their summer holidays in Copper Cove, a heavenly summer camp where the kids have always had wonderful times together. But behind this perfect facade, the crystal-clear water of the lake, the vibrant green of the trees, there's a monstrous entity lurking. Hell breaks loose when the four teenagers find themselves entangled in a pact that ties them to Copper Cove.
This year at Copper Cove will be completely different from the previous ones: Luca, Ariana, Hazel, and Griffin will have to confront their fears, save their favorite place in the world, and deal with evolving friendship dynamics.
The interactions between the four friends are spontaneous and their personalities, ways of thinking and talking are very well portrayed; their friendship dynamic is also very realistic.
Luca cares deeply about his holiday routine and the traditions that he and his friends have built throughout the years. Tradition, routine, and swimming is also what helps Luca keeping his panic attacks at bay. The panic attacks are described accurately, and I've really appreciated the fact that the author includes explanation as to why an attack may be triggered and shows some coping techniques one can use to get through these episodes.
What makes the evil presence so interesting and concrete is the fact that it threatens differently each of the four main characters, exploiting their personal worst fears. I honestly love this idea which helps the readers understand more the characters' psychology. Get ready to feel fear running down your spine if you share some of the characters phobias!
If you like Stranger Things and Stephen King's novels featuring teenager MCs (like Fairy Tale) you'll love this book!
This is a young adult coming of age novel with mystery, horror, thriller, and romance elements, but it features also queer and mental health representation.
It follows the vacation of four teenagers and their families. Every year, Luca, Ariana, Hazel, Griffin, and their parents spend their summer holidays in Copper Cove, a heavenly summer camp where the kids have always had wonderful times together. But behind this perfect facade, the crystal-clear water of the lake, the vibrant green of the trees, there's a monstrous entity lurking. Hell breaks loose when the four teenagers find themselves entangled in a pact that ties them to Copper Cove.
This year at Copper Cove will be completely different from the previous ones: Luca, Ariana, Hazel, and Griffin will have to confront their fears, save their favorite place in the world, and deal with evolving friendship dynamics.
The interactions between the four friends are spontaneous and their personalities, ways of thinking and talking are very well portrayed; their friendship dynamic is also very realistic.
Luca cares deeply about his holiday routine and the traditions that he and his friends have built throughout the years. Tradition, routine, and swimming is also what helps Luca keeping his panic attacks at bay. The panic attacks are described accurately, and I've really appreciated the fact that the author includes explanation as to why an attack may be triggered and shows some coping techniques one can use to get through these episodes.
What makes the evil presence so interesting and concrete is the fact that it threatens differently each of the four main characters, exploiting their personal worst fears. I honestly love this idea which helps the readers understand more the characters' psychology. Get ready to feel fear running down your spine if you share some of the characters phobias!
If you like Stranger Things and Stephen King's novels featuring teenager MCs (like Fairy Tale) you'll love this book!
September 21, 2023
𝘐 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦. 𝘐 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘶𝘴 𝘸𝘦'𝘥 𝘣𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘰𝘯 𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘵.
Every summer since he was born, Luca has spent three wondrous weeks in Copper Cove with his three best friends and their families. This year before they each head off to college, he is determined to make it the best yet. But when cracks start forming in the foundation of their friendship, a terrible secret—a pact—that ties their four families together is revealed. There is a reason why Copper Cove has been their perfect place, and there is a cost to it—one that has just come past due.
I rarely ever read any type of horror, so this was mostly a new experience for me. I had a lot of fun with the premise. I found the book to be very cinematic, and it would make for a great movie, series, or even a video game. Set in a sunshiny summer camp of sorts, random sinister things are happening that shatter this idyllic place. The book builds a wonderful atmosphere that just has a slight sense of dread, and it leaves you needing to read on to uncover the mystery. What is this evil presence that’s following them? What happened all those years ago when their parents were just teens? What is the pact? Rest assured all will be answered, and the relatively fast pace will not leave you wanting for long.
And like a typical teen horror property, interpersonal conflicts get in the way. Tons of drama from unrequited queer love, questioning of sexuality, and unstable relationship abound. I just wanted to shout at them saying that this life-or-death situation is not the time to have personal drama. Going off on your own of keeping crucial secrets is NEVER a good idea.
This Is Not Our Pact is a YA horror standalone that delivers the unsettling tension, spooky thrills, queerness, and drama.
Thank you to Tiny Ghost Press for providing me an eARC in exchange for an honest review
Every summer since he was born, Luca has spent three wondrous weeks in Copper Cove with his three best friends and their families. This year before they each head off to college, he is determined to make it the best yet. But when cracks start forming in the foundation of their friendship, a terrible secret—a pact—that ties their four families together is revealed. There is a reason why Copper Cove has been their perfect place, and there is a cost to it—one that has just come past due.
I rarely ever read any type of horror, so this was mostly a new experience for me. I had a lot of fun with the premise. I found the book to be very cinematic, and it would make for a great movie, series, or even a video game. Set in a sunshiny summer camp of sorts, random sinister things are happening that shatter this idyllic place. The book builds a wonderful atmosphere that just has a slight sense of dread, and it leaves you needing to read on to uncover the mystery. What is this evil presence that’s following them? What happened all those years ago when their parents were just teens? What is the pact? Rest assured all will be answered, and the relatively fast pace will not leave you wanting for long.
And like a typical teen horror property, interpersonal conflicts get in the way. Tons of drama from unrequited queer love, questioning of sexuality, and unstable relationship abound. I just wanted to shout at them saying that this life-or-death situation is not the time to have personal drama. Going off on your own of keeping crucial secrets is NEVER a good idea.
This Is Not Our Pact is a YA horror standalone that delivers the unsettling tension, spooky thrills, queerness, and drama.
Thank you to Tiny Ghost Press for providing me an eARC in exchange for an honest review
May 27, 2025
For me, this was not really what I was expecting. Things I liked: gay protagonist, camp summer vacation setting, the lore behind the generational curse. Things I didn't care for: the crush on the straight best friend, making out with said straight best friend, the quick ending, the other best friend characters one of which just goes behind protagonist back and tells his crush he likes him. The straight crush part of the plot was well written and although I think its important to share all aspects of the queer experience in fiction, like crushing on your straight best friend, I just did not care for it. I also did not like how the straight best friend makes out with the gay protagonist to try and manipulate him. That character was so noble and likeable until that point. The other two best friend side characters were forgettable except for when the one friend promises to keep something secret then goes ahead and blabs it. I did like how there was a gay love interest for the protagonist, but the protagonist drops it for a chance to make out with his crush just for us to find out that the crush doesn't share feelings for nor is even queer in any way, which we were made to believe they would end up together. I liked the horror theme and elements but it fell flat for me. AGAIN, for me, this was a miss compared to other books I have read since this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2023
Thank you Tiny Ghost Press for this eARC in exchange for an honest review. These opinions are my own. This book is such an adventure! Luca loves Copper Cove, the place is family and the families of his best friends return every summer. It’s his safe space and always invigorates him. This year he vows to tell his friend Griffin about his crush, but his best friend Hazel’s feelings toward Griffin complicate things. The three of them along with their friend Arianna make up the Copper Cove Core Four. But when sinister things start happening is it possible C4 was meant for more? They part of a generational pact. When everyone they love has lied who can they trust? Can they even trust each other? I loved that this story had supernatural elements, mystery elements, secrets and lies, and also elements of teenage drama! And they were all so well blended that it never felt out of place! I enjoyed Luca, Hazel, Arianna, and Griffin all! And even when I was super angry with them I couldn’t help but love them too! A fast paced read that will draw you in and have you devouring the book! Highly recommend! Can’t wait to read it again!
October 3, 2023
Dark and spooky with undertones of love and friendship. This Pact is Not Ours is such a good read as we head into spooky season!!
I didn’t really know what to expect from this book and I went in without knowing much. It took me a little bit to get invested, but once I did, I was hooked. It was the perfect amount of horror, humor, and humanity.
Friendship in this book is of course one of the biggest themes and we definitely saw a lot of change and growth between the characters and their relationships to each other. They all felt very realistic and raw to me which helped me immerse myself in their story.
I will say that I’m not a huge fan of a love triangle moment and I wasn’t sure how to feel about the romantic aspects of the book. It kind of bounced around a bit and I didn’t know who to root for, but I guess that’s characteristic of a more authentic experience.
I found this world and the mysteries of Copper Cove super interesting and I would love to read more about what happens after the events of the book.
This Pact is Not Ours came out today 10/3 so make sure to check it out for a great spooky read!!
I didn’t really know what to expect from this book and I went in without knowing much. It took me a little bit to get invested, but once I did, I was hooked. It was the perfect amount of horror, humor, and humanity.
Friendship in this book is of course one of the biggest themes and we definitely saw a lot of change and growth between the characters and their relationships to each other. They all felt very realistic and raw to me which helped me immerse myself in their story.
I will say that I’m not a huge fan of a love triangle moment and I wasn’t sure how to feel about the romantic aspects of the book. It kind of bounced around a bit and I didn’t know who to root for, but I guess that’s characteristic of a more authentic experience.
I found this world and the mysteries of Copper Cove super interesting and I would love to read more about what happens after the events of the book.
This Pact is Not Ours came out today 10/3 so make sure to check it out for a great spooky read!!
August 2, 2023
This Pact is Not Ours follows for teenagers - Luca, Griffin, Ariana and Hazel on their vacation in Copper Cove.
Their idyllic vacation turns into a nightmare as weird things happen, and their parents reveal a big secret that years ago caused a death of their friend Tommy.
C4, as their group is known as, must work together to find a way for all of them to survive. However, afraid for their lives, secrets start to build between them that threatens to break the friendship between them.
The characters are not perfect, they’re humans and they make mistakes. With the fear of death looming over them, their actions make sense.
The pacing of the story is good, although the ending feels a bit rushed. I think it would be better, if there was an epilogue or one more chapter.
Overall, I enjoyed the story, so if you’re looking for horror book, definitely check this one out.
Disclaimer: I received a free eArc in exchange for my honest review.
Their idyllic vacation turns into a nightmare as weird things happen, and their parents reveal a big secret that years ago caused a death of their friend Tommy.
C4, as their group is known as, must work together to find a way for all of them to survive. However, afraid for their lives, secrets start to build between them that threatens to break the friendship between them.
The characters are not perfect, they’re humans and they make mistakes. With the fear of death looming over them, their actions make sense.
The pacing of the story is good, although the ending feels a bit rushed. I think it would be better, if there was an epilogue or one more chapter.
Overall, I enjoyed the story, so if you’re looking for horror book, definitely check this one out.
Disclaimer: I received a free eArc in exchange for my honest review.
November 6, 2023
“While the Pact fuels Copper Cove with love and abundance, the Impact absorbs its fear and emptiness.”
🌳
Luca is headed to his favorite place in the world: Copper Cove. Every year he and his three best friends spend the summer in this haven, but this year already feels different. The group is changing, a new relationship threatens all they had known and suddenly their parents let them in on a secret that has plagued their families for generations. Now it’s up to Luca and his friends to break the Pact once and for all.
🌊
This was an interesting YA paranormal book. At times it dragged a bit, but overall the premise was solid and definitely leaned into “the sins of the parents” theme. Definitely lots of generational trauma here. This would be an interesting one to do a book club with at the high school level to hear the students’ take on it.
CW: suicide, panic attacks, anxiety, fire, bugs, murder, forced outing, loss of body parts, vomit, blood, gore
3.5 ⭐️
🌳
Luca is headed to his favorite place in the world: Copper Cove. Every year he and his three best friends spend the summer in this haven, but this year already feels different. The group is changing, a new relationship threatens all they had known and suddenly their parents let them in on a secret that has plagued their families for generations. Now it’s up to Luca and his friends to break the Pact once and for all.
🌊
This was an interesting YA paranormal book. At times it dragged a bit, but overall the premise was solid and definitely leaned into “the sins of the parents” theme. Definitely lots of generational trauma here. This would be an interesting one to do a book club with at the high school level to hear the students’ take on it.
CW: suicide, panic attacks, anxiety, fire, bugs, murder, forced outing, loss of body parts, vomit, blood, gore
3.5 ⭐️
May 20, 2024
I enjoyed this, but maybe because I'm a fan of sombre endings, like I do in my own work but I was kind of hoping they would fail. I'm not really a major fan of friendship saves the day even when it is done well.
My prediction was that Luca was going to completely give up and then sacrifice himself but I dunno maybe I prefer that he didn't.
Not going to lie though, at least once throughout this story I was routing for them to just sacrifice one of the four and be done with it. Especially Arianna who whole super sweet has a major victim complex, maybe it was just that we didn't get any narrative of her being left out all of those years but she really started to annoy me.
I liked that the unrequited love didn't fracture Griffin and Lucas bond too.
One thing that had me howling was near the end where Hazel suggests she got her bow and arrows encase they couldn't break the Pact. Just imagined her chasing down the others and shoot at them
My prediction was that Luca was going to completely give up and then sacrifice himself but I dunno maybe I prefer that he didn't.
Not going to lie though, at least once throughout this story I was routing for them to just sacrifice one of the four and be done with it. Especially Arianna who whole super sweet has a major victim complex, maybe it was just that we didn't get any narrative of her being left out all of those years but she really started to annoy me.
I liked that the unrequited love didn't fracture Griffin and Lucas bond too.
One thing that had me howling was near the end where Hazel suggests she got her bow and arrows encase they couldn't break the Pact. Just imagined her chasing down the others and shoot at them
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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