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Killer VHS #4
Cicada
Ash is stranded at a rural horror film festival about a giant killer cicada and can't decide what's worse, the movie or her idiot boyfriend, until she realizes she's starring in the bloody sequel when people start dying and the locals won't let them leave.
192 pages, Paperback
First published September 24, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
January 22, 2024
What?
Like I'm not gonna give my own book 5 stars?
PSSH! I do what I want.
Like I'm not gonna give my own book 5 stars?
PSSH! I do what I want.
June 10, 2024
**I was correct (ofc) - review soon!!!**
I'm psychic it's gonna be 5 stars leave me alone
The next instalment of ShortWave Publishing's VHS Killer series is Tanya Pell's CICADA. It has the same nostalgic pulpy horror vibe we've come to expect, bringing the movie monsters to life on page. In this fun and fright filled addition were given a modern eldritch story about a ragtag team that have unwittingly become characters in a horror movie, trying to escape a carnivorous cicada in a sadistic town hell bent on upholding its traditions.
A sticky stifling sweaty road trip gone wrong, an arguing couple find themselves short on food and their tempers, and so find themselves sidetracked in the town of Revelation, where The Cicada Film Festival is in full swing, a festival dedicated to a found footage horror made right there in the town, something the residents are incredibly proud of, which was corny at first but quickly becomes creepy. In the same vein as classic 90s horror movies this is self aware and incredibly witty, I was laughing out loud A LOT, Pell has deftly crafted relatable characters, authentic relationships and brings the gross out horror pot to its inevitable boiling point in an action packed race for survival that had me hooked.
This is undoubtedly a "don't think too much just have fun" type of read, but alas the deep thinker I am I can't help but ponder the deeper meaning behind the story, it's no coincidence the name of the town and the transformation of our protagonist as she shreds her emotional exoskeleton - if you will, in the form of her toxic boyfriend, leaving the town of Revelation with new friends and a renewed sense of self, Ash is the final girl we all need.
Tanya Pells ooey gooey slice of creature feature cosmic horror is definitely something to make a buzz about, releases September 24.
I'm psychic it's gonna be 5 stars leave me alone
The next instalment of ShortWave Publishing's VHS Killer series is Tanya Pell's CICADA. It has the same nostalgic pulpy horror vibe we've come to expect, bringing the movie monsters to life on page. In this fun and fright filled addition were given a modern eldritch story about a ragtag team that have unwittingly become characters in a horror movie, trying to escape a carnivorous cicada in a sadistic town hell bent on upholding its traditions.
A sticky stifling sweaty road trip gone wrong, an arguing couple find themselves short on food and their tempers, and so find themselves sidetracked in the town of Revelation, where The Cicada Film Festival is in full swing, a festival dedicated to a found footage horror made right there in the town, something the residents are incredibly proud of, which was corny at first but quickly becomes creepy. In the same vein as classic 90s horror movies this is self aware and incredibly witty, I was laughing out loud A LOT, Pell has deftly crafted relatable characters, authentic relationships and brings the gross out horror pot to its inevitable boiling point in an action packed race for survival that had me hooked.
This is undoubtedly a "don't think too much just have fun" type of read, but alas the deep thinker I am I can't help but ponder the deeper meaning behind the story, it's no coincidence the name of the town and the transformation of our protagonist as she shreds her emotional exoskeleton - if you will, in the form of her toxic boyfriend, leaving the town of Revelation with new friends and a renewed sense of self, Ash is the final girl we all need.
Tanya Pells ooey gooey slice of creature feature cosmic horror is definitely something to make a buzz about, releases September 24.
December 16, 2024
Ash is stranded at a rural horror film festival about a giant killer cicada and can't decide what's worse, the movie or her idiot boyfriend, until she realizes she's starring in the bloody sequel when people start dying and the locals won't let them leave.
What do you get when you combine road trips, creepy small towns, and all of the 90’s vibes?? CICADA by Tanya Pell!
The latest installment in the Killer VHS series brings us CICADA, a fantastic, non-stop, creature feature that I didn’t know I desperately needed in my life!
This was the perfect combo of nostalgic horror with its camp and unfounded creatures, while placing us firmly in the modern day with a cult-like small town.
This story is one I can easily see myself re-reading and picking up on new things each time!
Huge thanks to Shortwave for the ARC in exchange for an honest review - I can’t wait to add the physical copy to my collection when it comes out!
Publication Date: September 24
What do you get when you combine road trips, creepy small towns, and all of the 90’s vibes?? CICADA by Tanya Pell!
The latest installment in the Killer VHS series brings us CICADA, a fantastic, non-stop, creature feature that I didn’t know I desperately needed in my life!
This was the perfect combo of nostalgic horror with its camp and unfounded creatures, while placing us firmly in the modern day with a cult-like small town.
This story is one I can easily see myself re-reading and picking up on new things each time!
Huge thanks to Shortwave for the ARC in exchange for an honest review - I can’t wait to add the physical copy to my collection when it comes out!
Publication Date: September 24
September 3, 2024
As always a huge thanks to Shortwave Media for this one. This is Killer VHS # 4, and as always the cover and design continues to be flawless.
Cicada is the creature feature that I never knew I wanted or needed. While not horrifically graphic, the idea alone of a giant cicada is disgusting enough!
The story is self referential and self indulgent in all the best ways. It perfectly encapsulates the cult classic horror vibe with its town full of merch and fandom coming together (for once off their message boards where they build and manipulate their own head-canon). And in those references and commentary it really reminded me of Scream 2.
While I really appreciate the cicada-wing speed of the action once it gets off the ground, I do think the story could have benefited by either a shorter opening—because as it stands it’s about 50% set up, 50% nightmare—or it could have been longer in general which would have made the opening seem shorter. Ash spends so long fighting with her boyfriend and wondering why things are weird that it became a bit noticeable for me.
The descriptions of the cicada, with its hairy legs and body, its eerily humanoid-esque head, as well as its machete length proboscis, were enough to raise the hairs on my arms. Bugs are absolutely disgusting, and especially with all the husks cicadas leave around, it was a brilliant choice to horror-fy. Can you imagine the sound a large one would be capable of? And the way the bug just kind of…drank people into their own kind of husks? Chilling.
If you’ve been a fan of the others, in this series people keep calling modern day Goosebumps for adults, then you better buckle up, because this one sits right up there with the others. Like mixing The Blair Witch Project with 1994’s Mosquito.
https://fanfiaddict.com/review-cicada...
Cicada is the creature feature that I never knew I wanted or needed. While not horrifically graphic, the idea alone of a giant cicada is disgusting enough!
The story is self referential and self indulgent in all the best ways. It perfectly encapsulates the cult classic horror vibe with its town full of merch and fandom coming together (for once off their message boards where they build and manipulate their own head-canon). And in those references and commentary it really reminded me of Scream 2.
While I really appreciate the cicada-wing speed of the action once it gets off the ground, I do think the story could have benefited by either a shorter opening—because as it stands it’s about 50% set up, 50% nightmare—or it could have been longer in general which would have made the opening seem shorter. Ash spends so long fighting with her boyfriend and wondering why things are weird that it became a bit noticeable for me.
The descriptions of the cicada, with its hairy legs and body, its eerily humanoid-esque head, as well as its machete length proboscis, were enough to raise the hairs on my arms. Bugs are absolutely disgusting, and especially with all the husks cicadas leave around, it was a brilliant choice to horror-fy. Can you imagine the sound a large one would be capable of? And the way the bug just kind of…drank people into their own kind of husks? Chilling.
If you’ve been a fan of the others, in this series people keep calling modern day Goosebumps for adults, then you better buckle up, because this one sits right up there with the others. Like mixing The Blair Witch Project with 1994’s Mosquito.
https://fanfiaddict.com/review-cicada...
April 13, 2025
4.5 stars
This was such a fun book and the cast of characters made it even better. They were all distinct and memorable, ranging from charming to downright awful. I also really liked Ash, our main character, she had depth and was incredibly relatable.
The giant cicada was just as terrifying as you’d imagine. My god, I don’t think I’ll ever look at cicadas the same way again after reading this. This was an enjoyable survival story with a unique creature at its core. I also loved the small-town setting, the nods to VHS tapes, and the fact that it’s set during a movie festival, which was no coincidence. There were definitely some gruesome moments, but overall, this was a really entertaining read.
This was such a fun book and the cast of characters made it even better. They were all distinct and memorable, ranging from charming to downright awful. I also really liked Ash, our main character, she had depth and was incredibly relatable.
The giant cicada was just as terrifying as you’d imagine. My god, I don’t think I’ll ever look at cicadas the same way again after reading this. This was an enjoyable survival story with a unique creature at its core. I also loved the small-town setting, the nods to VHS tapes, and the fact that it’s set during a movie festival, which was no coincidence. There were definitely some gruesome moments, but overall, this was a really entertaining read.
July 22, 2024
Review originally on JamReads
Cicada is a delicious pulpy horror novella, part of the Killer V/H/S collection that is published by Shortwave Media, written by Tanya Pell. An excellently paced story, which is not only an excellent homage to slasher films and to the final girl figure, imbued of a deserved feminine rage, creating the perfect set for making Ash shine (and I'm totally sure her name is not a coincidence).
Ash gets stranded with her loser boyfriend, Richie, in the strange town of Revelation, where a festival in honor of an obscure found-footage film, CICADA, is being celebrated. However, when strange things start to happen, she realizes that they are going to become part of the sequel, a big complot which explains many details that are part of the small rural town.
We cannot understand the character of Ash without thinking about the final girl role that was so classic in slasher movies; while she's definitely playing it, we can identify a stronger role, being fed up with Richie (who totally deserves the blame), and especially, surviving because she's decided and fights for it. Her interactions with the rest of the cast definitely led to some interesting situations that allows Pell to create a complex character.
The horror elements are well played, keeping some gore and violence, but playing into the trope of small rural town; the creatures are made with the lack of budget in mind, working more on those practical effects that look so well in VHS. Pacing is great, slowly escalating the madness into the final confrontation.
If you feel nostalgic of slasher/creature horror, but want to read something with a fresh take on it, Cicada by Tanya Pell is definitely an excellent election. Another hit in the Killer V/H/S series.
Cicada is a delicious pulpy horror novella, part of the Killer V/H/S collection that is published by Shortwave Media, written by Tanya Pell. An excellently paced story, which is not only an excellent homage to slasher films and to the final girl figure, imbued of a deserved feminine rage, creating the perfect set for making Ash shine (and I'm totally sure her name is not a coincidence).
Ash gets stranded with her loser boyfriend, Richie, in the strange town of Revelation, where a festival in honor of an obscure found-footage film, CICADA, is being celebrated. However, when strange things start to happen, she realizes that they are going to become part of the sequel, a big complot which explains many details that are part of the small rural town.
We cannot understand the character of Ash without thinking about the final girl role that was so classic in slasher movies; while she's definitely playing it, we can identify a stronger role, being fed up with Richie (who totally deserves the blame), and especially, surviving because she's decided and fights for it. Her interactions with the rest of the cast definitely led to some interesting situations that allows Pell to create a complex character.
The horror elements are well played, keeping some gore and violence, but playing into the trope of small rural town; the creatures are made with the lack of budget in mind, working more on those practical effects that look so well in VHS. Pacing is great, slowly escalating the madness into the final confrontation.
If you feel nostalgic of slasher/creature horror, but want to read something with a fresh take on it, Cicada by Tanya Pell is definitely an excellent election. Another hit in the Killer V/H/S series.
July 15, 2024
CICADA is the latest book in the Killer VHS series from Shortwave Publishing! This is the literary equivalent of watching an Eighties creature feature. CICADA is fast-paced, has compelling characters, and a fantastic monster.
CICADA is the story of Ash, who gets stranded in a strange town called Revelation with her loser boyfriend Richie. In Revelation, they are holding a festival in honor of the film CICADA, which is a found-footage style film made in their town. Quickly, Ash realizes she is going to be a part of the sequel.
The gore and monster sequences are written perfectly with practical effects in mind and Ash is a strong protagonist surrounded by an interesting cast of characters. Pell plays around with familiar tropes while still making this story her own.
This is a strong recommendation for those who want a quick, fun, horror novella for a nice afternoon.
Thank you to Shortwave Publishing for providing me with a free advanced eBook.
CICADA is the story of Ash, who gets stranded in a strange town called Revelation with her loser boyfriend Richie. In Revelation, they are holding a festival in honor of the film CICADA, which is a found-footage style film made in their town. Quickly, Ash realizes she is going to be a part of the sequel.
The gore and monster sequences are written perfectly with practical effects in mind and Ash is a strong protagonist surrounded by an interesting cast of characters. Pell plays around with familiar tropes while still making this story her own.
This is a strong recommendation for those who want a quick, fun, horror novella for a nice afternoon.
Thank you to Shortwave Publishing for providing me with a free advanced eBook.
January 20, 2025
This is such a fun and campy horror book! Will never look at a cicada the same though.
October 3, 2024
A young woman is dating a loser. They go on a road trip only to end up in a small town that is having a throw-back horror film festival. Though is it a festival or are they trapped in the filming of the sequel?
Light on horror with a good dose of camp and fun.
Cool page design that imitates the look of a VHS being played.
Light on horror with a good dose of camp and fun.
Cool page design that imitates the look of a VHS being played.
June 8, 2025
This one had potential. First let me say I am not going to be the person who says “CICADAS ARE HERBIVORES” because it’s horror, I don’t really care if it’s realistic or scientific as long as it’s GOOD. The concept of a horror movie sequel occurring in real life at a movie festival is a cool idea, and parts of this really shone through: the descriptions of gore were solid, the giant cicada shells and the two guys in the background being caught before the main characters are aware were a little creepy, and Jerry the armadillo is the real star of the show here.
But it dragged - it is almost 50% of the book before we even see the film, nearly 60% before the actual cicada shows up, and the whole first half is just the main character planning to break up with her boyfriend and finding out there’s a hot guy in town, “creepy town honoring giant bug god” is really overly done, especially as there seems to be very little benefit to the town to do so, etc. I think this would have been much better if the book OPENED with the film so we weren’t in the dark the whole time about what the movie is. Just a scene from it, so you can keep the reveal of the “sculpture” a secret to the main character and the audience, and because the movie itself seems kind of boring. Then pan back into the couple at a hotel or whatever fighting while the tv plays the movie in the background, so we know they didn’t see the movie or its reveal.
Keep in mind cicadas live their whole lives underground and come out for only a few weeks to have a very loud fuckfest before dying. The book mirrored that pacing, in my humble opinion, but it would have been much better if it was more focused on the latter half
Good attempt and I don’t expect anything from the Killer VHS series to be exceedingly well written anyway, but I was more bored than I needed to be (especially reading this in a hammock under the hum of hundreds of cicadas as I was).
But it dragged - it is almost 50% of the book before we even see the film, nearly 60% before the actual cicada shows up, and the whole first half is just the main character planning to break up with her boyfriend and finding out there’s a hot guy in town, “creepy town honoring giant bug god” is really overly done, especially as there seems to be very little benefit to the town to do so, etc. I think this would have been much better if the book OPENED with the film so we weren’t in the dark the whole time about what the movie is. Just a scene from it, so you can keep the reveal of the “sculpture” a secret to the main character and the audience, and because the movie itself seems kind of boring. Then pan back into the couple at a hotel or whatever fighting while the tv plays the movie in the background, so we know they didn’t see the movie or its reveal.
Keep in mind cicadas live their whole lives underground and come out for only a few weeks to have a very loud fuckfest before dying. The book mirrored that pacing, in my humble opinion, but it would have been much better if it was more focused on the latter half
Good attempt and I don’t expect anything from the Killer VHS series to be exceedingly well written anyway, but I was more bored than I needed to be (especially reading this in a hammock under the hum of hundreds of cicadas as I was).
December 3, 2024
I am so happy this book was everything I wanted it to be. I found this one at a book fair where the author was signing and on a whim picked it up after her pitch to me. I was hoping beyond all hope that this was going to work for me because I absolutely loved the synopsis. And it was exactly what I wanted it to be. I could picture eleven-year-old Melissa watching this on the Syfy channel with her dad and it being her new favorite movie. This novel was pure nostalgia from the dick-head boyfriend to the poor/ questionable choices by characters and of course the giant bug monster. This novel is self-aware enough to get pure enjoyment out of me without being over the top. From the front cover to the acknowledgments, I loved every second of my experience with this. It is on the shorter side for a novel which keeps the pace rapid-fire, especially when the action kicks off halfway through. The descriptions of the horror and the setting were fantastic and set the tone beautifully. I am so very curious to see what Pell does next because I will definitely have my eye on it.
November 15, 2024
This book had one or two continuity errors and some typos, but they were few and far between (and probably no more than most books) such that they did not take away from the 80s-style horror perfection that this book was. It was Mimic (not the fantastic novel but the less-than-so movie about giant cockroaches) meets Them! and that old giant mosquito film, but done in the way they all should have been done - pure campy fun!
This book has no pretense. It doesn't try to win you with flowery prose or metaphysical nonsense or overly abstract or convoluted plotlines. It's about a giant bug eating people and reads exactly like it should. I loved every minute of it.
This book has no pretense. It doesn't try to win you with flowery prose or metaphysical nonsense or overly abstract or convoluted plotlines. It's about a giant bug eating people and reads exactly like it should. I loved every minute of it.
Read
September 24, 2024CICADA is the latest installment (#4) in the "Killer VHS" series from Shortwave Publishing and Tanya Pell's bug-filled tale is a perfect blend of creepy creatures, compelling characters (that you'll love AND hate), and chitinous carnage; gleeful genre Horror that hits a home run.
October 14, 2024
Synopsis: Ash is stranded at a rural horror film festival about a giant killer cicada and can’t decide what’s worse, the movie or her idiot boyfriend, until she realizes she’s starring in the bloody sequel when people start dying and the locals won’t let them leave.
As said above I fully recommend this title, and honestly all of shortwave’s Killer VHS books. While I was kindly given an arc by the publisher, I am excited to get a finished copy for myself. I love this addition to the series, it is so fun and I loved the female lead. Truly, no one is doing it like shortwave.
Thank you to shortwave for an arc in exchange of my honest review.
As said above I fully recommend this title, and honestly all of shortwave’s Killer VHS books. While I was kindly given an arc by the publisher, I am excited to get a finished copy for myself. I love this addition to the series, it is so fun and I loved the female lead. Truly, no one is doing it like shortwave.
Thank you to shortwave for an arc in exchange of my honest review.
July 25, 2024
The biggest thanks to Shortwave for sending an eARC my way!
A roadtrip from hell, strange small towns, and well, cicadas. The fourth installment of the Killer VHS franchise from Shortwave comes from Tanya Pell, someone who crafts unique characters and quite a propulsive plot. Ash is on a roadtrip with her shitty boyfriend Ritchie, contemplating leaving him even though they find themselves stranded in the middle of nowhere Mississippi. The middle of nowhere has a name, a small town called Revelation, home of the quirk Cicada film festival. Ash soon realizes more is going on in the town of Revelation than celebrating an indie film, and the fight for survival is underway.
I feel like everytime I review one of these Killer VHS stories I constantly scream about how much fun I had.
This is so, so very true of Cicada. There's a certain creativity behind the monster of a secret Revelation is hiding that is absolutely perfect for this series which is complimented by Ash's final girl-esque status. There are also plenty of side characters that give this story so much personality and life, adding to the stakes of survival. Pell's writing is witty and humorous but also tight and suspenseful, crafting the ideal experience for such an entry into this franchise.
A roadtrip from hell, strange small towns, and well, cicadas. The fourth installment of the Killer VHS franchise from Shortwave comes from Tanya Pell, someone who crafts unique characters and quite a propulsive plot. Ash is on a roadtrip with her shitty boyfriend Ritchie, contemplating leaving him even though they find themselves stranded in the middle of nowhere Mississippi. The middle of nowhere has a name, a small town called Revelation, home of the quirk Cicada film festival. Ash soon realizes more is going on in the town of Revelation than celebrating an indie film, and the fight for survival is underway.
I feel like everytime I review one of these Killer VHS stories I constantly scream about how much fun I had.
This is so, so very true of Cicada. There's a certain creativity behind the monster of a secret Revelation is hiding that is absolutely perfect for this series which is complimented by Ash's final girl-esque status. There are also plenty of side characters that give this story so much personality and life, adding to the stakes of survival. Pell's writing is witty and humorous but also tight and suspenseful, crafting the ideal experience for such an entry into this franchise.
July 1, 2025
Just in case you are still looking for that fun Horror novella for the summer, you should have "Cicada" on your radar. Now I'll try not to overuse the word 'fun' for this review but that's gonna be hard because it's the operative term. Perfect summer weekend read!
Summer road trip, summer heat, summer film festival and, of course, summer cicada monster! Pell gives us a sassy narration with the sassy protagonist of Ash and I was all here for it. I wouldn't say the plot here is anything too special or too surprising, it's all in the writing and the characters but both made this extremely enjoyable. There is a longer stretch of build up to the true action but because the writing is that engaging I was happy to wait for the bloodshed. And, yeah, then there's a giant cicada killing people which is such a unique element. While I'll stick with it, the plot unfolds in expected ways once the pieces have been laid out, but it's wonderfully refreshing to see a different kind of monster. Naturally, there is some gore but it's not too intense (unless you have a thing about reading how a cicada would kill a person), plus the lighter tone overall keeps things in strictly fun waters (there's that word again!).
You are definitely along for the ride to see how Ash will survive the cicada and also how she finally cuts lose her failure of a boyfriend. This book features one of my least favorite tropes where a character is in relationship with the worst person ever. The thing is usually it takes that character most of the story to realize how bad their significant other is which usually makes me doubt that character, I mean what kind of sad person are you if you either don't see this or put up with it (it's different if we dive into an abusive relationship, that's not the trope I'm talking about here)? But Ash knows. This road trip was the last effort to salvage this relationship and she regrets it from page 1. With that this was actually a nice switch up from how this usually plays out and you can't wait for her to dump his sorry ass. She also meets a few new friends while fighting off the oversized insect and sketchy townspeople, and the dynamic between this group is the heartbeat of the story and I would really, really not mind seeing them in a sequel. Either a sequel that continues the plot right away during the same night/ next day (the ending lends itself really well to that) or even a future set up where they encounter a different monster!
I've come to enjoy my B-Horror in books so much in recent years and this was perfect to provide some easier, just rolling with the cicada punches reading. Can't recommend enough if you need something not too serious for these hot days!
Summer road trip, summer heat, summer film festival and, of course, summer cicada monster! Pell gives us a sassy narration with the sassy protagonist of Ash and I was all here for it. I wouldn't say the plot here is anything too special or too surprising, it's all in the writing and the characters but both made this extremely enjoyable. There is a longer stretch of build up to the true action but because the writing is that engaging I was happy to wait for the bloodshed. And, yeah, then there's a giant cicada killing people which is such a unique element. While I'll stick with it, the plot unfolds in expected ways once the pieces have been laid out, but it's wonderfully refreshing to see a different kind of monster. Naturally, there is some gore but it's not too intense (unless you have a thing about reading how a cicada would kill a person), plus the lighter tone overall keeps things in strictly fun waters (there's that word again!).
You are definitely along for the ride to see how Ash will survive the cicada and also how she finally cuts lose her failure of a boyfriend. This book features one of my least favorite tropes where a character is in relationship with the worst person ever. The thing is usually it takes that character most of the story to realize how bad their significant other is which usually makes me doubt that character, I mean what kind of sad person are you if you either don't see this or put up with it (it's different if we dive into an abusive relationship, that's not the trope I'm talking about here)? But Ash knows. This road trip was the last effort to salvage this relationship and she regrets it from page 1. With that this was actually a nice switch up from how this usually plays out and you can't wait for her to dump his sorry ass. She also meets a few new friends while fighting off the oversized insect and sketchy townspeople, and the dynamic between this group is the heartbeat of the story and I would really, really not mind seeing them in a sequel. Either a sequel that continues the plot right away during the same night/ next day (the ending lends itself really well to that) or even a future set up where they encounter a different monster!
I've come to enjoy my B-Horror in books so much in recent years and this was perfect to provide some easier, just rolling with the cicada punches reading. Can't recommend enough if you need something not too serious for these hot days!
September 30, 2024
The cicadas buzzed outside, the sound too much like laughter.
I had a lot of fun with this one. Tanya Pell's debut novel, Cicada , is the fourth book in Shortwave Media's Killer VHS Series. It's also the first of those four that I've read, but if this is any indicator of the direction in which they're taking this series, it definitely won't be the last.
Pell embraces horror's 'low budget' roots and delivers a quick, fun and creepy creature feature that delivers on everything we loved about those B-movie chillers we all snuck into the VCR behind our parents' backs when we were far too young: the frustratingly bad decisions, the gruesome deaths, the laughably corny dialogue, and the over-the-top, grotesque creature design.
Nobody just walked away in a horror movie. And that's what they were in: a horror movie.
8/10
Note: This book is an 8. It gave me exactly what I wanted to get, exactly how I wanted to get it, and I only had minor issues when I did have issues. It is NOT the same 8 as Don Quixote's 8 (or even You Like It Darker's 8). It's more in line with The Manitou's 8. The way I rate books (which I tend to rate higher, in general, since much of what would rate <5 often gets quickly DNF'd), movies, music, etc, is not universal, and I rate each individual piece based on completely different things depending on expectations/enjoyability/craft/etc. I wish I did it differently—I really do—because it'd certainly make compiling my year-end lists a whole lot easier. I don't really know why I'm explaining this, right now. But I am, so... ::shrugs::
I had a lot of fun with this one. Tanya Pell's debut novel, Cicada , is the fourth book in Shortwave Media's Killer VHS Series. It's also the first of those four that I've read, but if this is any indicator of the direction in which they're taking this series, it definitely won't be the last.
Pell embraces horror's 'low budget' roots and delivers a quick, fun and creepy creature feature that delivers on everything we loved about those B-movie chillers we all snuck into the VCR behind our parents' backs when we were far too young: the frustratingly bad decisions, the gruesome deaths, the laughably corny dialogue, and the over-the-top, grotesque creature design.
Nobody just walked away in a horror movie. And that's what they were in: a horror movie.
8/10
Note: This book is an 8. It gave me exactly what I wanted to get, exactly how I wanted to get it, and I only had minor issues when I did have issues. It is NOT the same 8 as Don Quixote's 8 (or even You Like It Darker's 8). It's more in line with The Manitou's 8. The way I rate books (which I tend to rate higher, in general, since much of what would rate <5 often gets quickly DNF'd), movies, music, etc, is not universal, and I rate each individual piece based on completely different things depending on expectations/enjoyability/craft/etc. I wish I did it differently—I really do—because it'd certainly make compiling my year-end lists a whole lot easier. I don't really know why I'm explaining this, right now. But I am, so... ::shrugs::
August 14, 2025
•●A Buzzworthy Descent into Nostalgic Terror●•
Tanya Pell’s "Cicada" is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of transformation, identity, and the intricate dance between nature and humanity. With a lyrical prose style that draws readers into its vivid imagery, Pell crafts a narrative that is both poignant and thought-provoking.
The story follows the life of its protagonist, who finds herself at a crossroads, much like the cicadas that emerge from their long slumber to experience a brief but intense period of life. Pell expertly weaves themes of metamorphosis throughout the narrative, reflecting on the cycles of life and the moments that define us. The protagonist's journey is marked by introspection and self-discovery, as she navigates relationships, societal expectations, and her own desires.
One of the standout features of "Cicada" is Pell’s ability to create an immersive atmosphere. The natural world is not just a backdrop; it pulsates with life and serves as a mirror to the characters' inner struggles. The symbolism of the cicada—representing rebirth and resilience—resonates deeply, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences of change and growth.
Pell’s characters are richly developed and relatable, each embodying different facets of the human experience. Their interactions are layered with emotion, and Pell captures the complexities of love, loss, and the quest for belonging with remarkable sensitivity. The dialogue feels authentic, adding depth to the relationships portrayed in the novel.
While "Cicada" is deeply introspective, it also raises broader questions about our connection to nature and the passage of time. Pell encourages readers to consider how our lives are intertwined with the world around us, prompting a sense of mindfulness that lingers long after the final page.
In conclusion, It is a masterful blend of poetic storytelling and profound themes.
It invites readers on a journey of self-exploration while celebrating the beauty of transformation.
Pell has crafted a work that will stay with you, much like the echo of cicadas on a warm summer night.
Tanya Pell’s "Cicada" is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of transformation, identity, and the intricate dance between nature and humanity. With a lyrical prose style that draws readers into its vivid imagery, Pell crafts a narrative that is both poignant and thought-provoking.
The story follows the life of its protagonist, who finds herself at a crossroads, much like the cicadas that emerge from their long slumber to experience a brief but intense period of life. Pell expertly weaves themes of metamorphosis throughout the narrative, reflecting on the cycles of life and the moments that define us. The protagonist's journey is marked by introspection and self-discovery, as she navigates relationships, societal expectations, and her own desires.
One of the standout features of "Cicada" is Pell’s ability to create an immersive atmosphere. The natural world is not just a backdrop; it pulsates with life and serves as a mirror to the characters' inner struggles. The symbolism of the cicada—representing rebirth and resilience—resonates deeply, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences of change and growth.
Pell’s characters are richly developed and relatable, each embodying different facets of the human experience. Their interactions are layered with emotion, and Pell captures the complexities of love, loss, and the quest for belonging with remarkable sensitivity. The dialogue feels authentic, adding depth to the relationships portrayed in the novel.
While "Cicada" is deeply introspective, it also raises broader questions about our connection to nature and the passage of time. Pell encourages readers to consider how our lives are intertwined with the world around us, prompting a sense of mindfulness that lingers long after the final page.
In conclusion, It is a masterful blend of poetic storytelling and profound themes.
It invites readers on a journey of self-exploration while celebrating the beauty of transformation.
Pell has crafted a work that will stay with you, much like the echo of cicadas on a warm summer night.
September 23, 2024
What a fun, retro introduction to both Tanya Pell and the Killer VHS series by Shortwave Publishing!
Ash and her a-hole boyfriend are on the road, and when they get lost, find themselves in a small town about to celebrate a cult film about a giant cicada (as you do.) Things seem 'off' to Ash right from the start, but she can't find anyone who feels the same urge to get the hell out, until things get SUPER weird SUPER fast!
This is a quick moving story that is very meta; it calls back to early found footage movies, VHS culture and has most of the tropes you are used to in all these, but done in such a great, succinct way, it is just delightful.
I have some of the other Killer VHS books on order and am looking forward to reading the rest of them. For a kid like me who grew up watching horror in the 70s 80s and 90s, this hits a sweet spot!
Ash and her a-hole boyfriend are on the road, and when they get lost, find themselves in a small town about to celebrate a cult film about a giant cicada (as you do.) Things seem 'off' to Ash right from the start, but she can't find anyone who feels the same urge to get the hell out, until things get SUPER weird SUPER fast!
This is a quick moving story that is very meta; it calls back to early found footage movies, VHS culture and has most of the tropes you are used to in all these, but done in such a great, succinct way, it is just delightful.
I have some of the other Killer VHS books on order and am looking forward to reading the rest of them. For a kid like me who grew up watching horror in the 70s 80s and 90s, this hits a sweet spot!
November 27, 2024
I can't pinpoint what compelled me to get this novella beyond the premise sounded cool. Haven't read any others in the series so I have no idea if anything connects beyond the premise. It's short, fast-paced, compelling horror that hits some of the usual tropes of found-footage, cultish country towns, etc.
I'm going to commit the cardinal sin of reviewing short fiction by saying this could have used another 150-200 pages. I get that this is a novella and it technically provides all that it needs to, but this could have been even better if it went into the background of the cult and the town a bit more, or even took a little time to build more suspense. As it is, it's still a pretty fun horror novella but it could have been more!
I'm going to commit the cardinal sin of reviewing short fiction by saying this could have used another 150-200 pages. I get that this is a novella and it technically provides all that it needs to, but this could have been even better if it went into the background of the cult and the town a bit more, or even took a little time to build more suspense. As it is, it's still a pretty fun horror novella but it could have been more!
February 3, 2025
Ash, with her POS boyfriend, rolls into a seemingly friendly town to escape the heat (no ac in the car) and traffic jam, and finds herself in the middle of a festival celebrating CICADA, a low budget cult horror movie, that definitely didn't actually happen, featuring a giant Cicada. Turns out her and some actually invited guests are going to be in the sequel!!
This was a quick read, fun, and pretty awesome story. You have the evil town, you have the Creature Feature, you get a little revenge trope action.
This was a quick read, fun, and pretty awesome story. You have the evil town, you have the Creature Feature, you get a little revenge trope action.
August 13, 2025
This book was fun as hell. Tanya Pell has managed to stuff a modern cult horror classic movie in a fresh and sassy horror novel.
How I loved Ash! Ash maybe does not make the best choices, maybe she is her own worst enemy, but she is a final girl that we need right now: street smart, logical self-aware and empathetic. She knows what’s what and she will not go down without a fight.
This book was bloody, crunchy and violent. Those bugs were big and gross and blech, But this book was also funny and heart-warning and made me want to cheer out loud, GET EM ASH!
An absolute blast of a read.
How I loved Ash! Ash maybe does not make the best choices, maybe she is her own worst enemy, but she is a final girl that we need right now: street smart, logical self-aware and empathetic. She knows what’s what and she will not go down without a fight.
This book was bloody, crunchy and violent. Those bugs were big and gross and blech, But this book was also funny and heart-warning and made me want to cheer out loud, GET EM ASH!
An absolute blast of a read.
October 19, 2025
Ash and her boyfriend, Richie, are on a road trip when they get stuck in traffic. Richie spots a turnoff that looks like it could be a shortcut. Further down the road, they find themselves in a small town—and now they can’t leave.
This one’s my favourite in the series so far. Once again, we get those classic ’80s B-movie horror vibes, this time with the added fun of a creepy monster and an eerie small town full of locals who are way too happy. It’s a fast-paced read with just the right amount of tension.
An absolute must-read.
This one’s my favourite in the series so far. Once again, we get those classic ’80s B-movie horror vibes, this time with the added fun of a creepy monster and an eerie small town full of locals who are way too happy. It’s a fast-paced read with just the right amount of tension.
An absolute must-read.
June 14, 2024
When I say I ripped through this book, I ignored work all day to read it.
Ash from Evil Dead may be replaced with Ash from Cicada, as my hero.
And I have never wanted a character to die as bad as I did with a certain one in this book.
The timeline for this horror story is very short but the shit these characters are put through in such a small timeframe is intense!
This book was so much fun, so gruesome, so nostalgic, and had some badass women in it. I loved every word!
Ash from Evil Dead may be replaced with Ash from Cicada, as my hero.
And I have never wanted a character to die as bad as I did with a certain one in this book.
The timeline for this horror story is very short but the shit these characters are put through in such a small timeframe is intense!
This book was so much fun, so gruesome, so nostalgic, and had some badass women in it. I loved every word!
July 26, 2024
What a deliciously fun creature feature! I love stories that start with an unhappy couple, and the premise of Ash and Richie ending up stuck in a murderous monster town is ripe for tension and satisfying turns. Brimming with feminine rage, this debut is an entertaining must-read for fans of campy horror!
October 21, 2024
4.5 stars and I'm just praying that someone takes note at Shudder and adapts this beauty. It may have been a slow burn getting into the action, but the novella is so well written that it is worth a little delay to get to the creature feature!! Fans of Wrong Turn who wanted less killer hillbillies and more evil bugs will certainly enjoy this fare. Highly recommend as I binged this novella in 2 days.
June 13, 2024
A non stop ride from start to finish with immaculate B movie vibes
June 20, 2024
Wow! Cicada has the nostalgia of every horror movie lovers dreams. This books was gripping from the very first page. I loved Ash as a character. She gave absolutely no fucks. That’s a perfect representation of a main character in a horror movie. The Killer VHS Series gets better with every single book. If you love 90’s horror movie vibes you have to read this book. This creature feature was a bloody good time.
4/5 Stars
Thank you to the publisher for sending me an arc copy in exchange for my honest review.
4/5 Stars
Thank you to the publisher for sending me an arc copy in exchange for my honest review.
October 12, 2024
An absolute blast from start to finish! A perfect year for this one to come out.
October 24, 2024
4.5 stars
How fun! A great novella for the season - isolated small town (named Revelation? Hard pass) with only one way in and out, BUGS, and creepy townsfolk.
How fun! A great novella for the season - isolated small town (named Revelation? Hard pass) with only one way in and out, BUGS, and creepy townsfolk.
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