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Gorgeous Gruesome Faces #2
Beautiful Brutal Bodies
Full of skin-crawling folk horror and sapphic romance, this feral fairytale and standalone follow-up to GORGEOUS GRUESOME FACES follows a reclusive songstress and her bodyguard who must unravel the occult mysteries of their past to escape from a cursed island.
Tian is a singer-songwriter with a massive online following, known for her hypnotic vocals and ethereal looks. But behind the glamorous façade is a disturbing reality: raised in an isolated mansion, Tian is a prisoner in her own life.
Liya is Tian’s childhood friend and her only close companion, tasked with protecting Tian at all costs. But hidden beneath Liya’s beautiful human exterior is a beastly secret: her teeth are far too sharp, and her appetite much too ferocious.
When several fans mysteriously suffer fatal injuries while watching her livestream, Tian, along with Liya, are sent to a spiritual healing retreat on a remote island in the South China Seas. They are joined by Tian's musical collaborator Shenyu, a troubled idol whose recent brush with the law and string of bad boyfriends has him seeking his own new start. But the trio soon discovers that the island is no peaceful getaway. There is constant surveillance, bizzare rituals, and something terrifying lurking in the forest. Something not quite human.
In order to escape with her loved ones, Tian must uncover her connection to the island’s blood-drenched legend -- and the truth behind Liya’s monstrous identity -- before the island claims them all as its final sacrifice.
Tian is a singer-songwriter with a massive online following, known for her hypnotic vocals and ethereal looks. But behind the glamorous façade is a disturbing reality: raised in an isolated mansion, Tian is a prisoner in her own life.
Liya is Tian’s childhood friend and her only close companion, tasked with protecting Tian at all costs. But hidden beneath Liya’s beautiful human exterior is a beastly secret: her teeth are far too sharp, and her appetite much too ferocious.
When several fans mysteriously suffer fatal injuries while watching her livestream, Tian, along with Liya, are sent to a spiritual healing retreat on a remote island in the South China Seas. They are joined by Tian's musical collaborator Shenyu, a troubled idol whose recent brush with the law and string of bad boyfriends has him seeking his own new start. But the trio soon discovers that the island is no peaceful getaway. There is constant surveillance, bizzare rituals, and something terrifying lurking in the forest. Something not quite human.
In order to escape with her loved ones, Tian must uncover her connection to the island’s blood-drenched legend -- and the truth behind Liya’s monstrous identity -- before the island claims them all as its final sacrifice.
336 pages, Hardcover
Published November 4, 2025
14 people are currently reading
835 people want to read
About the author
Linda Cheng
4 books132 followersLinda Cheng was born in Taiwan and spent her childhood moving between cultures and continents. She received her BFA from the Savannah College of Art and Design, and worked as an art director across South Carolina and Georgia where she developed a deep love for sweet tea, grits, and Southern Gothic stories. She currently resides in Vancouver, Canada with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
May 16, 2025
2.5 ⭐️
You had me at “skin-crawling folk horror” and “sapphic romance.” I was ready to clutch my pearls on a cursed island with Tian, Liya, and Shenyu. I mean, a reclusive songstress with hypnotic siren-y vocals? A bodyguard with a beastly secret? A troubled idol with a string of bad boyfriends? Sign me up for this feral fairytale! But, alas, I was promised a gothic banquet and served a half-baked charcuterie board with some questionable cheese.
Let's start with vibes. Linda Cheng’s got a knack for creepy atmospheres, and I give her mega props for that. The remote island in the South China Seas, with its constant bizarre rituals, creepy smiling staff, and something not quite human lurking in the forest? It’s giving Midsommar meets The Wicker Man. But then the story itself stumbles like me trying to walk in platform boots after one too many margaritas.
Tian, our leading lady. An ethereal, beloved songstress with a massive online following and a tragic backstory. You’re so perfect, so chosen, so SPECHULLL that I’m side-eyeing you harder than I did my high school prom queen. She’s got this Mary Sue energy that makes everyone orbit her like she’s the sun in a glittery solar system. Fans LITERALLY die watching her livestream (yikes, iconic but underdeveloped plot point), and she’s whisked away to this spiritual retreat to, what, heal her soul? Unravel occult mysteries? Girl, you’re too flawless to be this clueless. I wanted to root for you, but your perfection left me rolling my eyes instead of clutching my heart.
Then there’s Liya, Tian’s childhood friend and bodyguard, who’s supposed to be this fierce protector with a monstrous secret. Her “beastly” vibe—sharp teeth, ferocious appetite—honestly had me picturing No Face from Spirited Away, but, like, if No Face was hot and brooding. I was ready to stan this sapphic icon, but Liya’s character arc is flatter than my attempts at baking sourdough during lockdown. She’s just… there to protect Tian because of some vague ancestor magic. No depth, no growth, just a loyal attack dog. I kept waiting for her have a personality beyond “must save Tian.” Sigh. Wasted potential, my love.
And Shenyu? Oh, honey, you’re the quirky gay best friend I wanted to adopt. His snarky one-liners are the glitter in this gloomy tale, and I cackled every time he opened his mouth. But that’s all he does—tosses out zingers like confetti and fades into the background. He’s got this messy backstory with bad boyfriends and a brush with the law, but does the book explore it? Nope. He’s just Tian’s sassy sidekick. I wanted more. Give me Shenyu’s angsty island diary entries or a subplot where he flirts with a creepy kitsune. Anything!
The biggest crime? Everyone feels like a satellite in Tian’s universe. Liya and Shenyu don’t get to shine; they just revolve around her, propping up her chosen-one narrative. The island’s blood-drenched legend and Liya’s monstrous identity sound juicy on paper, but they’re rushed and underdeveloped, like Cheng had a Pinterest board of cool ideas but forgot to flesh them out. The sapphic romance between Tian and Liya? It’s there, and I’m a sucker for queer love, but it’s so surface-level I didn’t even get my usual butterflies. I wanted yearning and tension, but I got… vibes.
On the plus side, the folk horror elements are genuinely unsettling. The island’s creepy aesthetic is a mood. Cheng’s prose is lush, almost too lush, like she’s trying to bedazzle every sentence. I respect the hustle, but sometimes I just wanted the story to move faster instead of lingering on Tian’s ethereal cheekbones or something.
Anyway, this book is like that one friend who’s drop-dead gorgeous and full of potential but keeps flaking on plans. I wanted to love it. I really did! But the underdeveloped characters and Tian’s Mary Sue glow-up left me wanting more meat on these brutal bones. 2.5 stars, because I’m generous and that island gave me chills. Pick it up if you’re in the mood for spooky sapphic vibes, but don’t expect to fall head over heels. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to rewatch Spirited Away and imagine Liya as No Face with better hair.
You had me at “skin-crawling folk horror” and “sapphic romance.” I was ready to clutch my pearls on a cursed island with Tian, Liya, and Shenyu. I mean, a reclusive songstress with hypnotic siren-y vocals? A bodyguard with a beastly secret? A troubled idol with a string of bad boyfriends? Sign me up for this feral fairytale! But, alas, I was promised a gothic banquet and served a half-baked charcuterie board with some questionable cheese.
Let's start with vibes. Linda Cheng’s got a knack for creepy atmospheres, and I give her mega props for that. The remote island in the South China Seas, with its constant bizarre rituals, creepy smiling staff, and something not quite human lurking in the forest? It’s giving Midsommar meets The Wicker Man. But then the story itself stumbles like me trying to walk in platform boots after one too many margaritas.
Tian, our leading lady. An ethereal, beloved songstress with a massive online following and a tragic backstory. You’re so perfect, so chosen, so SPECHULLL that I’m side-eyeing you harder than I did my high school prom queen. She’s got this Mary Sue energy that makes everyone orbit her like she’s the sun in a glittery solar system. Fans LITERALLY die watching her livestream (yikes, iconic but underdeveloped plot point), and she’s whisked away to this spiritual retreat to, what, heal her soul? Unravel occult mysteries? Girl, you’re too flawless to be this clueless. I wanted to root for you, but your perfection left me rolling my eyes instead of clutching my heart.
Then there’s Liya, Tian’s childhood friend and bodyguard, who’s supposed to be this fierce protector with a monstrous secret. Her “beastly” vibe—sharp teeth, ferocious appetite—honestly had me picturing No Face from Spirited Away, but, like, if No Face was hot and brooding. I was ready to stan this sapphic icon, but Liya’s character arc is flatter than my attempts at baking sourdough during lockdown. She’s just… there to protect Tian because of some vague ancestor magic. No depth, no growth, just a loyal attack dog. I kept waiting for her have a personality beyond “must save Tian.” Sigh. Wasted potential, my love.
And Shenyu? Oh, honey, you’re the quirky gay best friend I wanted to adopt. His snarky one-liners are the glitter in this gloomy tale, and I cackled every time he opened his mouth. But that’s all he does—tosses out zingers like confetti and fades into the background. He’s got this messy backstory with bad boyfriends and a brush with the law, but does the book explore it? Nope. He’s just Tian’s sassy sidekick. I wanted more. Give me Shenyu’s angsty island diary entries or a subplot where he flirts with a creepy kitsune. Anything!
The biggest crime? Everyone feels like a satellite in Tian’s universe. Liya and Shenyu don’t get to shine; they just revolve around her, propping up her chosen-one narrative. The island’s blood-drenched legend and Liya’s monstrous identity sound juicy on paper, but they’re rushed and underdeveloped, like Cheng had a Pinterest board of cool ideas but forgot to flesh them out. The sapphic romance between Tian and Liya? It’s there, and I’m a sucker for queer love, but it’s so surface-level I didn’t even get my usual butterflies. I wanted yearning and tension, but I got… vibes.
On the plus side, the folk horror elements are genuinely unsettling. The island’s creepy aesthetic is a mood. Cheng’s prose is lush, almost too lush, like she’s trying to bedazzle every sentence. I respect the hustle, but sometimes I just wanted the story to move faster instead of lingering on Tian’s ethereal cheekbones or something.
Anyway, this book is like that one friend who’s drop-dead gorgeous and full of potential but keeps flaking on plans. I wanted to love it. I really did! But the underdeveloped characters and Tian’s Mary Sue glow-up left me wanting more meat on these brutal bones. 2.5 stars, because I’m generous and that island gave me chills. Pick it up if you’re in the mood for spooky sapphic vibes, but don’t expect to fall head over heels. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to rewatch Spirited Away and imagine Liya as No Face with better hair.
September 11, 2025
Ok Linda Cheng, I see you! I was riding at a solid 3 star until 80% through because this was a pretty typical YA book most of the way and while I did read Gorgeous Gruesome Faces earlier this year at this point I don't remember a lot of the plot of that one. I kept reading and being like "Right, right, there was something about a celestial maiden in the first book right?" And I kinda forgot this was a sequel but y'all for the LIFE of me I couldn't see how the two books connected to the end but I'm choosing to believe that was intentional from the author. But man, when we get the plot twist it all came flooding back to me and the way it all came full circle was perfect. There's also awesome bits of gore and horror throughout, pretty nasty too, that was fun. And we can't forget Shenyu, PLEASE Linda, I will commission a spin off novel centered around him, please please PLEASE, I'm begging you, I love him!
I think my only complaint really is that while I understand Tian's identity is hidden from her and that's not her fault, she does come off a bit helpless and defenseless for a lot of the book and it was a little annoying and the plot until the end is pretty standard YA trope heavy. BUT LISTEN, if you love body guard romance with sapphic yearning and also also perhaps the body guard is a werewolf too (spirit beast, I know, but in my mind she's a werewolf and I will die on that hill, argue with the wall, not me) then this might be something you're into.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I think my only complaint really is that while I understand Tian's identity is hidden from her and that's not her fault, she does come off a bit helpless and defenseless for a lot of the book and it was a little annoying and the plot until the end is pretty standard YA trope heavy. BUT LISTEN, if you love body guard romance with sapphic yearning and also also perhaps the body guard is a werewolf too (spirit beast, I know, but in my mind she's a werewolf and I will die on that hill, argue with the wall, not me) then this might be something you're into.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 5, 2025
4 stars. I prefer book one just a bit more as I found the plot to be more intense but this one won me over in the end. I will admit that the first 40% or so was really, REALLY slow going but things do pick up and get good and omg that reveal at about the 80% mark had me shook. I loved it. I really like Cheng’s writing style and the way she tells a story so I’m so excited to see what she does next.
November 5, 2025
I saw the title and cover for Beautiful Brutal Bodies and was drawn into this fairy tale that walks on the dark side. I’m not sure what I was expected, but I was curious enough to read until the story finally woke me up the last quarter of the book.
The character, Tian, had me curious, with her being a singer/songwriter with an online following. It seems influencer novels are popping up here and there and I want to see what authors are doing with the subject and characters. Tian is isolated in a mansion with her friend and protector, Liya.
When several fans suffer injuries while listening to her online, she is packed up and shipped off, along with Liya, to an island in the South China Seas.
Tian finds Shenyu, her musical collaborator, is on the island too. That adds another piece to the puzzle that includes bizarre rituals and haunted forests. Could there be some romance in their future?
I didn’t read the first book, Gorgeous Gruesome Faces, so I don’t know if that is why the book seemed to drag a bit in the beginning. But once the story picks up, secrets, curses and danger threaten their survival.
My thanks go out to Roaring Book Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read Beautiful Brutal Bodies.
See more at https://www.fundinmental.com
The character, Tian, had me curious, with her being a singer/songwriter with an online following. It seems influencer novels are popping up here and there and I want to see what authors are doing with the subject and characters. Tian is isolated in a mansion with her friend and protector, Liya.
When several fans suffer injuries while listening to her online, she is packed up and shipped off, along with Liya, to an island in the South China Seas.
Tian finds Shenyu, her musical collaborator, is on the island too. That adds another piece to the puzzle that includes bizarre rituals and haunted forests. Could there be some romance in their future?
I didn’t read the first book, Gorgeous Gruesome Faces, so I don’t know if that is why the book seemed to drag a bit in the beginning. But once the story picks up, secrets, curses and danger threaten their survival.
My thanks go out to Roaring Book Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read Beautiful Brutal Bodies.
See more at https://www.fundinmental.com
December 23, 2025
Okay, I knew this was supposed to be a sequel to the first book, but as soon as I started reading it, I forgot that it was a sequel because there didn't seem to be any apparent connection, other than the fact that there is something paranormal/supernatural happening, and the protagonists are "beautiful people". When I finally figured out how it was all connected, I have to admit that my opinion of this book almost immediately shifted.
This book has a slow start, and in many ways, the main protagonist almost seems to be helpless, being blown wherever those around her want her to go. Part of that is because of her absence of any memory about what her life was before she came to live with her aunt. And part of it is because she HAS lived a very sheltered life. It's not until we get to the second half of the book that things start to ramp up, and I remember why I so enjoyed the first book. We start to learn not just about Tian's origins, but also more about her best friends Shenyu (I love him!) and Liya and how they're all connected. And yes, when I finally figured out how the books were connected, I had a huge aha moment!
I also liked the interludes about Tian's past life, where her story is told as a fairy tale with her in the role of the princess and Liya as her bodyguard. Additionally, I enjoyed the incorporation of the celestial maiden into her story. I have no idea if this mythology exists, but I think Linda Cheng has done a beautiful job of telling us her brutal and sad story.
Overall, I would say that the books started as a 3 or 3.5, but it got better as I continued reading. By the time I got to the end, it was a solid 4 for me. Was it a bit YA tropey for me? Maybe, but it didn't take away my enjoyment of the story. I would definitely recommend this, especially if you're looking for a genre-bending blend of fantasy, horror, East Asian folklore that successfully delivers a story of redemption, love, and a new life after trauma.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book has a slow start, and in many ways, the main protagonist almost seems to be helpless, being blown wherever those around her want her to go. Part of that is because of her absence of any memory about what her life was before she came to live with her aunt. And part of it is because she HAS lived a very sheltered life. It's not until we get to the second half of the book that things start to ramp up, and I remember why I so enjoyed the first book. We start to learn not just about Tian's origins, but also more about her best friends Shenyu (I love him!) and Liya and how they're all connected. And yes, when I finally figured out how the books were connected, I had a huge aha moment!
I also liked the interludes about Tian's past life, where her story is told as a fairy tale with her in the role of the princess and Liya as her bodyguard. Additionally, I enjoyed the incorporation of the celestial maiden into her story. I have no idea if this mythology exists, but I think Linda Cheng has done a beautiful job of telling us her brutal and sad story.
Overall, I would say that the books started as a 3 or 3.5, but it got better as I continued reading. By the time I got to the end, it was a solid 4 for me. Was it a bit YA tropey for me? Maybe, but it didn't take away my enjoyment of the story. I would definitely recommend this, especially if you're looking for a genre-bending blend of fantasy, horror, East Asian folklore that successfully delivers a story of redemption, love, and a new life after trauma.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 31, 2025
In this sequel to Gorgeous Gruesome Faces, Tian is an online singing sensation that is trapped living in an estate with her guardian and her daughter, Liya, under the guise of a mysterious disease that would kill her if she left the grounds. After a mysterious disaster, she is allowed to leave to a retreat with Liya guarding her where she meets her online collaborator, Shenyu, and nothing is what they expected.
Expanding on the lore of GGF, this story is even more stressful, suspenseful, and surprising. While things go south a little more quickly, and you can see the connections it’s making, there are new elements and the cult elements evolve even further to rewrite the story of Chang’e into a horror story. There was so much more happening, and the wrap up to GGF was shocking, to say the least. I was floored by how emotional the book made me and how much I loved it. Hopefully y’all will give it a chance so you can too. Thank you Linda and Macmillan for the advanced copy so I could give this review.
Expanding on the lore of GGF, this story is even more stressful, suspenseful, and surprising. While things go south a little more quickly, and you can see the connections it’s making, there are new elements and the cult elements evolve even further to rewrite the story of Chang’e into a horror story. There was so much more happening, and the wrap up to GGF was shocking, to say the least. I was floored by how emotional the book made me and how much I loved it. Hopefully y’all will give it a chance so you can too. Thank you Linda and Macmillan for the advanced copy so I could give this review.
October 30, 2025
Got an arc through the Penguin audio app 4.5/5
Oh I got my GGF girls back but at what cost 😭
While I think the first book grabbed me a little more immediately, this is a worthy successor to GGF and continues the mythos while also being its own thing, and I appreciated that! It was both completely different and perfectly in line with the first; I was so excited to be back in this world again before I remembered “oh right this world is fucked up because nobody can be normal about the celestial maiden.”
Also I’m a SUCKER for childhood friends to lovers so the fact that this gave me gay yearning from the jump? Oh yes, that’s my jam!
So yes, I had a lot of fun with this and the series as a whole, and I’ll be very excited to see what this author has next in store!
Oh I got my GGF girls back but at what cost 😭
While I think the first book grabbed me a little more immediately, this is a worthy successor to GGF and continues the mythos while also being its own thing, and I appreciated that! It was both completely different and perfectly in line with the first; I was so excited to be back in this world again before I remembered “oh right this world is fucked up because nobody can be normal about the celestial maiden.”
Also I’m a SUCKER for childhood friends to lovers so the fact that this gave me gay yearning from the jump? Oh yes, that’s my jam!
So yes, I had a lot of fun with this and the series as a whole, and I’ll be very excited to see what this author has next in store!
Want to read
December 22, 2024“Skin-crawling folk horror and sapphic romance” SAY NO MORE
November 4, 2025
⭐ 3.5-Star Review Thank you to NetGalley and Roaring Brook Press for the ARC.
📝 Short Summary
When reclusive idol Tian retreats to a remote island for a supposed “healing experience,” her childhood friend and loyal bodyguard Liya accompanies her, hoping to protect her from both the world and herself. But the island hides something far darker than rest and recovery. Strange rituals, whispers of a curse, and an atmosphere thick with superstition turn paradise into a nightmare. As fans begin dying under mysterious circumstances, Tian and Liya uncover horrifying truths about the price of fame, the boundaries of love, and what it truly means to be human.
Review
Beautiful Brutal Bodies is eerie, emotional, and deeply unsettling, a perfect standalone follow-up to Gorgeous Gruesome Faces. Linda Cheng blends folk horror, sapphic romance, and psychological suspense into a story that feels equal parts nightmare and fairy tale.
The writing is sharp and cinematic. Cheng has a unique way of building unease, quiet, creeping dread that seeps through each chapter. The island setting is claustrophobic and vividly described; you can practically feel the humidity, hear the chanting, and sense the eyes always watching. There’s this constant tension between beauty and decay, mirroring the characters’ own struggles with identity and image.
The relationship between Tian and Liya was my favorite part. It’s tender, complicated, and full of unspoken emotion. Their connection feels lived in part love, part loyalty, part desperation. The sapphic romance thread adds warmth and humanity amid the horror, grounding the story even when things become grotesque or surreal.
Where the book truly shines is its themes of transformation and toxic fame. Cheng doesn’t just use body horror for shock value; it’s deeply symbolic, the physical unraveling of a person shaped by societal pressure, trauma, and the cost of being seen. It’s as much a critique of beauty culture and celebrity obsession as it is a ghost story.
That said, there were a few moments where I felt slightly distanced from the story. The pacing slows in the middle, and some reveals, especially around the island’s occult rituals, felt a little vague or too metaphorical. Still, the atmosphere, concept, and emotional weight kept me invested.
It’s a story that’s more about feeling than explaining, and when it hits, it really hits. Beautiful Brutal Bodies is haunting, thoughtful, and darkly poetic, a book that leaves you both unnerved and moved.
✨ Favorite Element
The blend of horror and heartbreak. Cheng’s writing makes monstrosity feel human and love feel dangerous.
⚠️ Trigger & Content Warnings
Suicide (mentioned, past event) • Violence • Blood / Gore • Body Horror (themes of transformation and beauty standards) • Gun Violence • Claustrophobia • Occult / Rituals (Chinese folk horror) • Toxic relationships • Mental health struggles
✅ Would I Recommend It?
Yes, especially to readers who loved Gorgeous Gruesome Faces or enjoy folklore-inspired, lyrical horror that’s more psychological than graphic. If you like books that blur love and terror, beauty and rot, this one will absolutely stay under your skin.
🎭 Genres & Tropes
Young Adult • Folk Horror • Sapphic Romance • Psychological Thriller • Found Family • Toxic Fame • Claustrophobic Setting • Beastly Secret
📝 Short Summary
When reclusive idol Tian retreats to a remote island for a supposed “healing experience,” her childhood friend and loyal bodyguard Liya accompanies her, hoping to protect her from both the world and herself. But the island hides something far darker than rest and recovery. Strange rituals, whispers of a curse, and an atmosphere thick with superstition turn paradise into a nightmare. As fans begin dying under mysterious circumstances, Tian and Liya uncover horrifying truths about the price of fame, the boundaries of love, and what it truly means to be human.
Review
Beautiful Brutal Bodies is eerie, emotional, and deeply unsettling, a perfect standalone follow-up to Gorgeous Gruesome Faces. Linda Cheng blends folk horror, sapphic romance, and psychological suspense into a story that feels equal parts nightmare and fairy tale.
The writing is sharp and cinematic. Cheng has a unique way of building unease, quiet, creeping dread that seeps through each chapter. The island setting is claustrophobic and vividly described; you can practically feel the humidity, hear the chanting, and sense the eyes always watching. There’s this constant tension between beauty and decay, mirroring the characters’ own struggles with identity and image.
The relationship between Tian and Liya was my favorite part. It’s tender, complicated, and full of unspoken emotion. Their connection feels lived in part love, part loyalty, part desperation. The sapphic romance thread adds warmth and humanity amid the horror, grounding the story even when things become grotesque or surreal.
Where the book truly shines is its themes of transformation and toxic fame. Cheng doesn’t just use body horror for shock value; it’s deeply symbolic, the physical unraveling of a person shaped by societal pressure, trauma, and the cost of being seen. It’s as much a critique of beauty culture and celebrity obsession as it is a ghost story.
That said, there were a few moments where I felt slightly distanced from the story. The pacing slows in the middle, and some reveals, especially around the island’s occult rituals, felt a little vague or too metaphorical. Still, the atmosphere, concept, and emotional weight kept me invested.
It’s a story that’s more about feeling than explaining, and when it hits, it really hits. Beautiful Brutal Bodies is haunting, thoughtful, and darkly poetic, a book that leaves you both unnerved and moved.
✨ Favorite Element
The blend of horror and heartbreak. Cheng’s writing makes monstrosity feel human and love feel dangerous.
⚠️ Trigger & Content Warnings
Suicide (mentioned, past event) • Violence • Blood / Gore • Body Horror (themes of transformation and beauty standards) • Gun Violence • Claustrophobia • Occult / Rituals (Chinese folk horror) • Toxic relationships • Mental health struggles
✅ Would I Recommend It?
Yes, especially to readers who loved Gorgeous Gruesome Faces or enjoy folklore-inspired, lyrical horror that’s more psychological than graphic. If you like books that blur love and terror, beauty and rot, this one will absolutely stay under your skin.
🎭 Genres & Tropes
Young Adult • Folk Horror • Sapphic Romance • Psychological Thriller • Found Family • Toxic Fame • Claustrophobic Setting • Beastly Secret
May 7, 2025
Thank you Netgalley and Roaring Brook Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“Beautiful Brutal Bodies” is a haunting and unforgettable YA folk horror novel that weaves supernatural terror, sapphic romance, and East Asian mythology into a rich, blood-soaked tapestry. With visceral storytelling and lyrical writing, Linda Cheng delivers a chilling follow-up to “Gorgeous Gruesome Faces”—one that stands on its own but is enriched by connections to her previous work.
The story centers on Tian, a famous but reclusive singer-songwriter whose hypnotic livestreams spark a bizarre and deadly phenomenon: some viewers begin to spontaneously combust. What follows is a descent into occult horror and self-discovery as Tian is sent to a “healing retreat” on a remote island alongside her childhood friend and bodyguard, Liya, and their charismatic companion, Shenyu. But the island is no sanctuary—it pulses with eerie rituals, heavy surveillance, cult-like control, and the looming threat of human sacrifice. As Tian’s past unfurls through unsettling flashbacks to her childhood in a controlling, fairy tale-like castle, the threads of mythology and reality begin to blur.
Cheng masterfully balances her genre-bending elements: part supernatural thriller, part gothic romance, and part fairytale nightmare. The story draws inspiration from the legend of the Celestial Maiden’s daughter, giving the book a folkloric depth that is at once familiar and twisted into something wholly original. A second narrative, told in a mythic, story-within-a-story style, parallels the main plot, adding a dreamlike dimension that enhances the central mystery.
The heart of the book lies in its complex, evolving relationships. Tian is a compelling protagonist—vulnerable yet determined to reclaim her agency. Liya, harboring monstrous secrets beneath her human shell, embodies the “beast” trope with refreshing emotional depth. Their romance is a slow burn laced with tension and tenderness, as childhood friendship blossoms into something more amidst terror and transformation. Shenyu, with his golden-retriever charm and troubled past, adds levity and loyalty to the trio’s dynamic.
While the narrative structure—frequently shifting between past and present—can sometimes be disorienting, it ultimately serves to deepen your understanding of Tian's psychological imprisonment and the generational trauma she must overcome. Those sensitive to body horror should be aware: Cheng doesn’t shy away from visceral detail. The grotesque body transformations and eerie imagery are both fascinating and disturbing, evoking true folk horror vibes.
As the climax nears, familiar characters from “Gorgeous Gruesome Faces” make cameo appearances, tying the novels together without requiring prior knowledge. The ending, while brutal, lands with a sense of catharsis—highlighting love, liberation, and moving forward from trauma.
Overall, “Beautiful Brutal Bodies” is a feral fairytale of self-liberation, love, and mythic monstrosity. Linda Cheng has crafted a vivid, skin-crawling tale that is equal parts horrifying and heartening. Fans of sapphic horror, East Asian folklore, and gothic thrillers will devour this one whole.
“Beautiful Brutal Bodies” is a haunting and unforgettable YA folk horror novel that weaves supernatural terror, sapphic romance, and East Asian mythology into a rich, blood-soaked tapestry. With visceral storytelling and lyrical writing, Linda Cheng delivers a chilling follow-up to “Gorgeous Gruesome Faces”—one that stands on its own but is enriched by connections to her previous work.
The story centers on Tian, a famous but reclusive singer-songwriter whose hypnotic livestreams spark a bizarre and deadly phenomenon: some viewers begin to spontaneously combust. What follows is a descent into occult horror and self-discovery as Tian is sent to a “healing retreat” on a remote island alongside her childhood friend and bodyguard, Liya, and their charismatic companion, Shenyu. But the island is no sanctuary—it pulses with eerie rituals, heavy surveillance, cult-like control, and the looming threat of human sacrifice. As Tian’s past unfurls through unsettling flashbacks to her childhood in a controlling, fairy tale-like castle, the threads of mythology and reality begin to blur.
Cheng masterfully balances her genre-bending elements: part supernatural thriller, part gothic romance, and part fairytale nightmare. The story draws inspiration from the legend of the Celestial Maiden’s daughter, giving the book a folkloric depth that is at once familiar and twisted into something wholly original. A second narrative, told in a mythic, story-within-a-story style, parallels the main plot, adding a dreamlike dimension that enhances the central mystery.
The heart of the book lies in its complex, evolving relationships. Tian is a compelling protagonist—vulnerable yet determined to reclaim her agency. Liya, harboring monstrous secrets beneath her human shell, embodies the “beast” trope with refreshing emotional depth. Their romance is a slow burn laced with tension and tenderness, as childhood friendship blossoms into something more amidst terror and transformation. Shenyu, with his golden-retriever charm and troubled past, adds levity and loyalty to the trio’s dynamic.
While the narrative structure—frequently shifting between past and present—can sometimes be disorienting, it ultimately serves to deepen your understanding of Tian's psychological imprisonment and the generational trauma she must overcome. Those sensitive to body horror should be aware: Cheng doesn’t shy away from visceral detail. The grotesque body transformations and eerie imagery are both fascinating and disturbing, evoking true folk horror vibes.
As the climax nears, familiar characters from “Gorgeous Gruesome Faces” make cameo appearances, tying the novels together without requiring prior knowledge. The ending, while brutal, lands with a sense of catharsis—highlighting love, liberation, and moving forward from trauma.
Overall, “Beautiful Brutal Bodies” is a feral fairytale of self-liberation, love, and mythic monstrosity. Linda Cheng has crafted a vivid, skin-crawling tale that is equal parts horrifying and heartening. Fans of sapphic horror, East Asian folklore, and gothic thrillers will devour this one whole.
September 25, 2025
~~Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan for the ARC!~~
2.5/5 stars rounded down.
Man, am I sad about this one.
I loved Gorgeous Gruesome Faces back when I read it in 2023, and when I saw it was getting a companion novel, I was thrilled to so where Cheng would take this world and its characters next. But now that I have read it, I'm just left feeling let down.
I think the aspect that got me the most when I read GGF was the sharp commentary on idol culture / the entertainment industry and the natural chemistry between Sunny and Candie. This book leans away from commentary to focus on the core theme of breaking free from the control of others, mainly parental figures, and the couple in this book, Tian and Liya, didn't really gel with me that well.
It's been over two years since GGG, so I vaguely recalled elements about the celestial maiden and what not, but it become the absolute center here didn't really grab my interest. I did like the creepy vibes of the island, and the ominous tone from the beginning up until the cult reveal kept me intrigued, but it really started to lose me around the halfway mark. The fairytale approach to expanding on the girls / maiden's backstory was kinda interesting, particularly in the chapters focusing on Liya, but it really wore itself out with how frequent they were. The connection to this book's predecessor couldn't even save it, for it felt rushed and unsatisfying once the reveal came.
The "romance" between Tian and Liya wasn't really romantic to me. Bodyguard romances can be done well, but the situation behind their relationship gets quite . . . unnerving. The lines of devotion and romantic love are interesting concepts to explore in bodyguard romances, but Liya doesn't have ay other defining character traits outside of Tian. The book itself admits this, as well, but nothing is really done about it. Liya was groomed to become a devoted shield for Tian, and nothing really changes for either of them by the end to justify them getting together. I just couldn't really get behind a romance like that.
There are some other things, too, such as Shenyu being so underutilized and some backstory still left in the dark, primarily the relationship between Tian and Liya's moms, but it was mostly the story and romance that left the least favorable impressions on me.
All in all, I'm quite sad this book didn't work for me like its predecessor. I don't think Cheng will continue writing more in this series, as the end did feel very conclusive, but I can only hope I will be able to enjoy whatever she may publish next.
2.5/5 stars rounded down.
Man, am I sad about this one.
I loved Gorgeous Gruesome Faces back when I read it in 2023, and when I saw it was getting a companion novel, I was thrilled to so where Cheng would take this world and its characters next. But now that I have read it, I'm just left feeling let down.
I think the aspect that got me the most when I read GGF was the sharp commentary on idol culture / the entertainment industry and the natural chemistry between Sunny and Candie. This book leans away from commentary to focus on the core theme of breaking free from the control of others, mainly parental figures, and the couple in this book, Tian and Liya, didn't really gel with me that well.
It's been over two years since GGG, so I vaguely recalled elements about the celestial maiden and what not, but it become the absolute center here didn't really grab my interest. I did like the creepy vibes of the island, and the ominous tone from the beginning up until the cult reveal kept me intrigued, but it really started to lose me around the halfway mark. The fairytale approach to expanding on the girls / maiden's backstory was kinda interesting, particularly in the chapters focusing on Liya, but it really wore itself out with how frequent they were. The connection to this book's predecessor couldn't even save it, for it felt rushed and unsatisfying once the reveal came.
The "romance" between Tian and Liya wasn't really romantic to me. Bodyguard romances can be done well, but the situation behind their relationship gets quite . . . unnerving. The lines of devotion and romantic love are interesting concepts to explore in bodyguard romances, but Liya doesn't have ay other defining character traits outside of Tian. The book itself admits this, as well, but nothing is really done about it. Liya was groomed to become a devoted shield for Tian, and nothing really changes for either of them by the end to justify them getting together. I just couldn't really get behind a romance like that.
There are some other things, too, such as Shenyu being so underutilized and some backstory still left in the dark, primarily the relationship between Tian and Liya's moms, but it was mostly the story and romance that left the least favorable impressions on me.
All in all, I'm quite sad this book didn't work for me like its predecessor. I don't think Cheng will continue writing more in this series, as the end did feel very conclusive, but I can only hope I will be able to enjoy whatever she may publish next.
November 8, 2025
Beautiful Brutal Bodies by Linda Cheng is a haunting, hypnotic blend of folk horror, sapphic romance, and psychological suspense—a story that feels equal parts nightmare and fairy tale.
Cheng’s writing is lush and unsettling, weaving a world steeped in ancient legends, occult rituals, and quiet, creeping dread. The island setting is gorgeously atmospheric, dripping with superstition and unease, and the author uses body horror not for cheap shock value but as a symbolic unraveling of identity, trauma, and the suffocating pressure of beauty and fame. Beneath the monsters and mystery lies a sharp critique of celebrity culture and the cost of being seen.
I especially loved the character dynamics between Tian, the reclusive idol, and Liya, her loyal yet secretive protector. Their bond—tender, dangerous, and deeply human—anchors the story and gives its horrors real emotional weight.
That said, the pacing does lag in the middle, and some of the more surreal or metaphorical moments, particularly around the island’s rituals, felt a little too vague. The shifting fairy-tale perspective was intriguing but sometimes pulled me out of the main narrative. I later learned this is a stand-alone sequel to one of Cheng’s previous novels, and I did feel that lack of context near the end.
Still, Beautiful Brutal Bodies is a striking, eerie, and emotionally resonant read—one that lingers like a half-remembered dream. While it may not be perfect, it’s undeniably memorable, and Cheng’s voice is one I’ll be watching.
📓📝 SHORT SUMMARY:
When reclusive teen idol Tian, famed for her hauntingly beautiful songs, suffers a public breakdown, her overprotective aunt seizes on a mysterious offer: a secluded “wellness retreat” said to heal the soul. Tian’s only true companion, her loyal bodyguard and childhood friend Liya, insists on accompanying her—determined to protect Tian from both the world and herself.
But the remote island meant to bring peace quickly reveals a far darker reality. Whispers of ancient rituals, strange disappearances, and a creeping sense that the island itself feeds on fear blur the line between superstition and something far more sinister. As fans begin to die under eerie circumstances, Tian and Liya are forced to confront the terrible cost of fame, the power of obsession, and what it truly means to be human.
I was gifted an ARC from the publisher/author of this book in exchange for an HONEST REVIEW via #NetGalley!
#Books #bookrecs #reviews #Netgalley #netgalleyreader #readmore #readingiscool
#lindacheng #beautifulbrutalbodies #cannibals #gothicromancebooks #newreads
Cheng’s writing is lush and unsettling, weaving a world steeped in ancient legends, occult rituals, and quiet, creeping dread. The island setting is gorgeously atmospheric, dripping with superstition and unease, and the author uses body horror not for cheap shock value but as a symbolic unraveling of identity, trauma, and the suffocating pressure of beauty and fame. Beneath the monsters and mystery lies a sharp critique of celebrity culture and the cost of being seen.
I especially loved the character dynamics between Tian, the reclusive idol, and Liya, her loyal yet secretive protector. Their bond—tender, dangerous, and deeply human—anchors the story and gives its horrors real emotional weight.
That said, the pacing does lag in the middle, and some of the more surreal or metaphorical moments, particularly around the island’s rituals, felt a little too vague. The shifting fairy-tale perspective was intriguing but sometimes pulled me out of the main narrative. I later learned this is a stand-alone sequel to one of Cheng’s previous novels, and I did feel that lack of context near the end.
Still, Beautiful Brutal Bodies is a striking, eerie, and emotionally resonant read—one that lingers like a half-remembered dream. While it may not be perfect, it’s undeniably memorable, and Cheng’s voice is one I’ll be watching.
📓📝 SHORT SUMMARY:
When reclusive teen idol Tian, famed for her hauntingly beautiful songs, suffers a public breakdown, her overprotective aunt seizes on a mysterious offer: a secluded “wellness retreat” said to heal the soul. Tian’s only true companion, her loyal bodyguard and childhood friend Liya, insists on accompanying her—determined to protect Tian from both the world and herself.
But the remote island meant to bring peace quickly reveals a far darker reality. Whispers of ancient rituals, strange disappearances, and a creeping sense that the island itself feeds on fear blur the line between superstition and something far more sinister. As fans begin to die under eerie circumstances, Tian and Liya are forced to confront the terrible cost of fame, the power of obsession, and what it truly means to be human.
I was gifted an ARC from the publisher/author of this book in exchange for an HONEST REVIEW via #NetGalley!
#Books #bookrecs #reviews #Netgalley #netgalleyreader #readmore #readingiscool
#lindacheng #beautifulbrutalbodies #cannibals #gothicromancebooks #newreads
December 11, 2025
📚Beautiful Brutal Bodies
✍🏻Linda Cheng
Blurb:
Full of skin-crawling folk horror and sapphic romance, this feral fairytale and standalone follow-up to GORGEOUS GRUESOME FACES follows a reclusive songstress and her bodyguard who must unravel the occult mysteries of their past to escape from a cursed island.
Tian is a singer-songwriter with a massive online following, known for her hypnotic vocals and ethereal looks. But behind the glamorous façade is a disturbing reality: raised in an isolated mansion, Tian is a prisoner in her own life.
Liya is Tian’s childhood friend and her only close companion, tasked with protecting Tian at all costs. But hidden beneath Liya’s beautiful human exterior is a beastly secret: her teeth are far too sharp, and her appetite much too ferocious.
When several fans mysteriously suffer fatal injuries while watching her livestream, Tian, along with Liya, are sent to a spiritual healing retreat on a remote island in the South China Seas. They are joined by Tian's musical collaborator Shenyu, a troubled idol whose recent brush with the law and string of bad boyfriends has him seeking his own new start. But the trio soon discovers that the island is no peaceful getaway. There is constant surveillance, bizzare rituals, and something terrifying lurking in the forest. Something not quite human.
In order to escape with her loved ones, Tian must uncover her connection to the island’s blood-drenched legend -- and the truth behind Liya’s monstrous identity -- before the island claims them all as its final sacrifice.
My Thoughts:
The horror descriptions and scenes are so vivid that I held my breath for some We also get the original story and flash back, a complex plot with plot twists, sapphic romance, acceptance, forgiveness, and sacrifice. Legends and myths, cults and terrible visions. Great horror read.
In this sequel to Gorgeous Gruesome Faces, Tian is an online singing sensation that is trapped living in an estate with her guardian and her daughter, Liya, under the guise of a mysterious disease that would kill her if she left the grounds. After a mysterious disaster, she is allowed to leave to a retreat with Liya guarding her where she meets her online collaborator, Shenyu, and nothing is what they expected.
Thanks NetGalley, Roaring Brook Press and Author Linda Cheng for the advanced copy of "Beautiful Brutal Bodies" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#RoaringBrookPress
#LindaCheng
#BeautifulBrutalBodies
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️Trigger Warnings: Suicide, violence, gore, body horror and mutilation
✍🏻Linda Cheng
Blurb:
Full of skin-crawling folk horror and sapphic romance, this feral fairytale and standalone follow-up to GORGEOUS GRUESOME FACES follows a reclusive songstress and her bodyguard who must unravel the occult mysteries of their past to escape from a cursed island.
Tian is a singer-songwriter with a massive online following, known for her hypnotic vocals and ethereal looks. But behind the glamorous façade is a disturbing reality: raised in an isolated mansion, Tian is a prisoner in her own life.
Liya is Tian’s childhood friend and her only close companion, tasked with protecting Tian at all costs. But hidden beneath Liya’s beautiful human exterior is a beastly secret: her teeth are far too sharp, and her appetite much too ferocious.
When several fans mysteriously suffer fatal injuries while watching her livestream, Tian, along with Liya, are sent to a spiritual healing retreat on a remote island in the South China Seas. They are joined by Tian's musical collaborator Shenyu, a troubled idol whose recent brush with the law and string of bad boyfriends has him seeking his own new start. But the trio soon discovers that the island is no peaceful getaway. There is constant surveillance, bizzare rituals, and something terrifying lurking in the forest. Something not quite human.
In order to escape with her loved ones, Tian must uncover her connection to the island’s blood-drenched legend -- and the truth behind Liya’s monstrous identity -- before the island claims them all as its final sacrifice.
My Thoughts:
The horror descriptions and scenes are so vivid that I held my breath for some We also get the original story and flash back, a complex plot with plot twists, sapphic romance, acceptance, forgiveness, and sacrifice. Legends and myths, cults and terrible visions. Great horror read.
In this sequel to Gorgeous Gruesome Faces, Tian is an online singing sensation that is trapped living in an estate with her guardian and her daughter, Liya, under the guise of a mysterious disease that would kill her if she left the grounds. After a mysterious disaster, she is allowed to leave to a retreat with Liya guarding her where she meets her online collaborator, Shenyu, and nothing is what they expected.
Thanks NetGalley, Roaring Brook Press and Author Linda Cheng for the advanced copy of "Beautiful Brutal Bodies" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#RoaringBrookPress
#LindaCheng
#BeautifulBrutalBodies
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️Trigger Warnings: Suicide, violence, gore, body horror and mutilation
October 29, 2025
I didn't realize when I started reading this that it is the sequel to another book but it did not stop me from reading and it really didn't seem to hinder me understanding anything.
I have never read anything by #LindaCheng before reading #BeautifulBrutalBodies but after reading this I will have to go back and read the first book!
Body horror is a new one for me usually I roam over to more of the psychological, paranormal type of horror although #BeautifulBrutalBodies had elements of that as well.
Tian has always felt like a princess locked away from the world ever since being brought to what she dubbs a castle at a very y=oung age after the tragic death of her mother. After growing up being poked and prodded and kept away from the world she gets a chance to finally leave and take her best friend Liya with her.
Sometimes getting your dream is not what you think it is, sometimes there are perfectly good reasons for the way we are raised and the things that are kept from us. After attending a retreat on an island cut off from everywhere Tian quickly figures this out.Something about this place isn't right. The people won't give their names, the air has a strange quality to it and after the beginning of a ritual that feels all too familiar Tian begins seeing the visage of a terrifying woman whos body is contorted in awful ways.
Soon she will discover that her life is not at all what she thought it was and that she should be afraid.
I would have happily given this5 stars but the inbetween chapters where they are telling the past as a fairytale almost made me give up on the book. They didn't use names for it they used titles: The Princess, The Shadow and The Witch. These titles were used over and over and over again repeatedly in almost every sentence in these chapters that it made me struggle but I am glad that I just pushed through and finished the book because it was worth it.
I want to thank #Netgalley and #MacMillianChildrensPublishing for the chance to read #BeautifulBrutalBodies by #LindaCheng hitting shelves Nov. 4th 2025
I have never read anything by #LindaCheng before reading #BeautifulBrutalBodies but after reading this I will have to go back and read the first book!
Body horror is a new one for me usually I roam over to more of the psychological, paranormal type of horror although #BeautifulBrutalBodies had elements of that as well.
Tian has always felt like a princess locked away from the world ever since being brought to what she dubbs a castle at a very y=oung age after the tragic death of her mother. After growing up being poked and prodded and kept away from the world she gets a chance to finally leave and take her best friend Liya with her.
Sometimes getting your dream is not what you think it is, sometimes there are perfectly good reasons for the way we are raised and the things that are kept from us. After attending a retreat on an island cut off from everywhere Tian quickly figures this out.Something about this place isn't right. The people won't give their names, the air has a strange quality to it and after the beginning of a ritual that feels all too familiar Tian begins seeing the visage of a terrifying woman whos body is contorted in awful ways.
Soon she will discover that her life is not at all what she thought it was and that she should be afraid.
I would have happily given this5 stars but the inbetween chapters where they are telling the past as a fairytale almost made me give up on the book. They didn't use names for it they used titles: The Princess, The Shadow and The Witch. These titles were used over and over and over again repeatedly in almost every sentence in these chapters that it made me struggle but I am glad that I just pushed through and finished the book because it was worth it.
I want to thank #Netgalley and #MacMillianChildrensPublishing for the chance to read #BeautifulBrutalBodies by #LindaCheng hitting shelves Nov. 4th 2025
June 12, 2025
When the occult is involved, is anything really as it seems? In Beautiful Brutal Bodies by Linda Cheng, we meet Tian a singer-songwriter whose haunting vocals and stunning looks have made this reclusive singer an online success. Her closest companion, Liya, is a childhood friend and protector. In spite of this seemingly normal friendship, something more sinister lies beneath the surface. Tian hears it at night, and sees the hunger in Liya's eyes in random glimpses that never last. After a terrible tragedy occurs involving several fans of Tian, she finds herself being sent to a remote island for a retreat with Liya to accompany her. Tian is relieved to find that her musical collaborator Shenyu will also be going. This supposed vacation takes a turn for the worse when the three realize that something bigger is going on, and it might just be up to them to fix it.
This folk style horror story is bloody, gore filled, and an absolute delight to read. Thank you so much to NetGalley, Roaring Book Press, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, and the author Linda Cheng, for providing an advanced review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily. The details of the setting were haunting, building on our natural fear of the dark and the forest. Tian, Liya, and Shenyu each brought a different aspect of humanity to the story which was nicely broken up with bits of humor throughout. The most surprising aspect was the beautiful sapphic romance sub plot. I loved the small intimate moments and the fairy tale style flashbacks. I would highly recommend this story anyone who enjoys the darker side of fiction. This story is not for the faint of heart. Trigger warnings for body horror, gore, murder, and cannibalism.
Setting 4/5
Plot 4/5
Characters 5/5
Emotional Impact/Vibe 4/5
Overall Enjoyment 4/5
This folk style horror story is bloody, gore filled, and an absolute delight to read. Thank you so much to NetGalley, Roaring Book Press, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, and the author Linda Cheng, for providing an advanced review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily. The details of the setting were haunting, building on our natural fear of the dark and the forest. Tian, Liya, and Shenyu each brought a different aspect of humanity to the story which was nicely broken up with bits of humor throughout. The most surprising aspect was the beautiful sapphic romance sub plot. I loved the small intimate moments and the fairy tale style flashbacks. I would highly recommend this story anyone who enjoys the darker side of fiction. This story is not for the faint of heart. Trigger warnings for body horror, gore, murder, and cannibalism.
Setting 4/5
Plot 4/5
Characters 5/5
Emotional Impact/Vibe 4/5
Overall Enjoyment 4/5
November 5, 2025
*ARC provided through NetGalley*
Shockingly, this is the year that I have gotten into horror; more specifically, this is the year that I have gotten into queer horror.
The switch between first and third person was not jarring for me, and it was fascinating to see how that third-person POV, typically in the past, shifts between Tian and Liya. Moreover, their relationship throughout the novel is so fascinating to me; it comes off incredibly realistic, as two people who constantly grew up together, unable to really interact with any other children.
However, that does not mean that I loved every element of this novel. I desperately wish we got to see more of Shenyu’s character and his interiority, especially as he functions as the third member of the gang. Overall, I found the pacing of the novel to be quite weird, especially towards the end. Genuinely, I felt that more of this novel could have been stretched out, and I think that it could have helped more with character development and relationships.
Also, I am aware that the description says that this is a stand-alone sequel to one of the author’s previous books, something I was not aware of when I requested this book on NetGalley, but towards the end of the story, it really felt like you needed to read that previous book.
Ultimately, this was an okay book. I am not upset that I read it, I just don’t know how much it is going to stick in my mind.
Shockingly, this is the year that I have gotten into horror; more specifically, this is the year that I have gotten into queer horror.
The switch between first and third person was not jarring for me, and it was fascinating to see how that third-person POV, typically in the past, shifts between Tian and Liya. Moreover, their relationship throughout the novel is so fascinating to me; it comes off incredibly realistic, as two people who constantly grew up together, unable to really interact with any other children.
However, that does not mean that I loved every element of this novel. I desperately wish we got to see more of Shenyu’s character and his interiority, especially as he functions as the third member of the gang. Overall, I found the pacing of the novel to be quite weird, especially towards the end. Genuinely, I felt that more of this novel could have been stretched out, and I think that it could have helped more with character development and relationships.
Also, I am aware that the description says that this is a stand-alone sequel to one of the author’s previous books, something I was not aware of when I requested this book on NetGalley, but towards the end of the story, it really felt like you needed to read that previous book.
Ultimately, this was an okay book. I am not upset that I read it, I just don’t know how much it is going to stick in my mind.
May 25, 2025
Beautiful Brutal Bodies was one of my first ventures into a supernatural book as an adult, I felt it was well written and very descriptive. I could picture the whole book as I was reading. The story drew me in because I wanted to find out the cause of all the bad things happening, I didn’t read the previous book by Linda Cheng in this series, Gorgeous Gruesome Faces, but that’s not required to understand this story, which I appreciate! As I was reading, I was starting to question if this was the right choice for me, I’m just getting back into reading and I usually go for the mystery/horror/crime genres, but I enjoyed the twists and turns this story took! The time the characters were on the island was creepy/spooky and I couldn’t get enough!
I do wish we could have seen a little more character development for Liya. We get to see flashbacks to get a little history, but it seems she literally just lives for Tian. It makes a little more sense the more you read, but she is still her own person. That’s the only criticism I have.
I loved Shenyu and all his comments. I wish he could have been around more frequently in the story!
I would rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I feel that 5 stars is reserved for blowing me out of the water, but I did enjoy this book. Give it a read if you are into folk horror and creepy occult stories!
I do wish we could have seen a little more character development for Liya. We get to see flashbacks to get a little history, but it seems she literally just lives for Tian. It makes a little more sense the more you read, but she is still her own person. That’s the only criticism I have.
I loved Shenyu and all his comments. I wish he could have been around more frequently in the story!
I would rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I feel that 5 stars is reserved for blowing me out of the water, but I did enjoy this book. Give it a read if you are into folk horror and creepy occult stories!
November 6, 2025
thank you so much to the publisher for gifting me an early copy!! all opinions are my own!
and i'm so glad they reached out to me (and then toppling stacks tours included me in their blog tour) so i could finally read how this story ends 😱
it truly is a companion novel to gorgeous gruesome faces, tho i would've loved a bit more of a recap of the first book because i had totally forgotten what had been the main issue when i started this one. tho it's good that this one can be read on its own because the story was truly compelling from the beginning. i felt the past chapters were kinda long but i loved how different they were narrated and how much they added to the story. Shenyu is the best character ever and i loved him so much, i wish him the best. and it truly was intense and fast. sometimes i was wondering why things were happening so fast and then more action seemed to come. i was left shocked more than a few times and i loathed that i had to do a normal life because all i wanted to do was read to find out how it ended. i also enjoyed how it didn't give the romance much importance, but it was something already there that developed slowly because nobody knew what it was and how to speak about it.
tbh it was such an enjoyable and mysterious read, and i really hope it gets the attention it deserves!
and i'm so glad they reached out to me (and then toppling stacks tours included me in their blog tour) so i could finally read how this story ends 😱
it truly is a companion novel to gorgeous gruesome faces, tho i would've loved a bit more of a recap of the first book because i had totally forgotten what had been the main issue when i started this one. tho it's good that this one can be read on its own because the story was truly compelling from the beginning. i felt the past chapters were kinda long but i loved how different they were narrated and how much they added to the story. Shenyu is the best character ever and i loved him so much, i wish him the best. and it truly was intense and fast. sometimes i was wondering why things were happening so fast and then more action seemed to come. i was left shocked more than a few times and i loathed that i had to do a normal life because all i wanted to do was read to find out how it ended. i also enjoyed how it didn't give the romance much importance, but it was something already there that developed slowly because nobody knew what it was and how to speak about it.
tbh it was such an enjoyable and mysterious read, and i really hope it gets the attention it deserves!
April 23, 2025
Anyone who has read more than a few YA inspired by Asian myth has likely encountered some retelling of the daughter of the Celestial Maiden, this dark horror/romance interpretation is different enough from the rest that I found it interesting. Part of the backstory is told almost as a story within a story; told in a fairytale-like style parallel to the action of the main thread. Tian, Liya, and Shenyu are all fascinating characters in their own way and the dynamics of their relationships and the way those relationships change are fun to follow. There is an interesting fusion between Chinese folklore, gothic-style horror, and youthful romance in this short novel that should absorb readers of any of these genre. Though the original description that I saw categorized this as a standalone, there are some references that seem to link back to another story, not in such a way that I couldn't follow but since I enjoyed this story so much, I think that I'll be looking to read the prior one too.
I received access to this eARC thru NetGalley (for which I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group - Roaring Brook Press) for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
I received access to this eARC thru NetGalley (for which I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group - Roaring Brook Press) for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
May 11, 2025
I have a like/dislike relationship with this book. The plot was really fun, but I didn’t love the way in which it was written.
It’s written like a fairytale, but it’s a really twisted, dark fairytale. If you’ve ever read the original fairytales that inspired various Disney movies, you’ll have an idea of what I’m talking about. While I liked this style, it took me away from the story a bit. Rather than enjoying the plot at times, I found myself focusing on the twisted fairytale style more. I have a feeling this will be a positive for some, but for me, it unfortunately took away from my experience.
Something that I absolutely loved about this book was how real the characters feel. We have a girl who feels like she really would be famous in this day and age. She felt exactly like a teenager that I have encountered in life, which made the story come to life. I felt like the characters weren’t characters, but rather real, adding to the horror of the book.
Oh, and the romance: exactly what I needed.
Thank you very much to Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group and NetGalley for an ARC of the book. All opinions are my own and not influenced by the manner in which I received it.
It’s written like a fairytale, but it’s a really twisted, dark fairytale. If you’ve ever read the original fairytales that inspired various Disney movies, you’ll have an idea of what I’m talking about. While I liked this style, it took me away from the story a bit. Rather than enjoying the plot at times, I found myself focusing on the twisted fairytale style more. I have a feeling this will be a positive for some, but for me, it unfortunately took away from my experience.
Something that I absolutely loved about this book was how real the characters feel. We have a girl who feels like she really would be famous in this day and age. She felt exactly like a teenager that I have encountered in life, which made the story come to life. I felt like the characters weren’t characters, but rather real, adding to the horror of the book.
Oh, and the romance: exactly what I needed.
Thank you very much to Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group and NetGalley for an ARC of the book. All opinions are my own and not influenced by the manner in which I received it.
August 5, 2025
Thank you netgalley for this ebook.
The maiden and the cult is back as we return to the world of Gorgeous Gruesome Faces in this awesome sequel.
This time, we follow Tian, a singer who streams while being isolated from the world, after several fans self-combust during one of her streams. She goes to a wellness retreat on an island with a virtual friend and her childhood friend turned... not enemy, but rocky. The island alone should be ringing all the alarm bells for readers of the first novel. Through her time there, she uncovers secrets about herself, her childhood friend, and the island itself.
I loved this sequel. The first one was really good, and this was a great closure to it. I enjoyed getting all the extra details about the maiden, the island, and their universe, and the tie ins to the first book were great.
I admit I did enjoy Sunny more, but Tian was a great protag, and this slow romance was very sweet. If you like tropes, you're hitting both a childhood friend romance and a guard and the person their protecting romance. Beyond the tropes, it was a nice little build that almost devastated me.
The maiden and the cult is back as we return to the world of Gorgeous Gruesome Faces in this awesome sequel.
This time, we follow Tian, a singer who streams while being isolated from the world, after several fans self-combust during one of her streams. She goes to a wellness retreat on an island with a virtual friend and her childhood friend turned... not enemy, but rocky. The island alone should be ringing all the alarm bells for readers of the first novel. Through her time there, she uncovers secrets about herself, her childhood friend, and the island itself.
I loved this sequel. The first one was really good, and this was a great closure to it. I enjoyed getting all the extra details about the maiden, the island, and their universe, and the tie ins to the first book were great.
I admit I did enjoy Sunny more, but Tian was a great protag, and this slow romance was very sweet. If you like tropes, you're hitting both a childhood friend romance and a guard and the person their protecting romance. Beyond the tropes, it was a nice little build that almost devastated me.
October 31, 2025
Teenaged Tian is a mysterious singer known for her videos of haunting melodies. Her real life is just as mysterious as her online persona. Locked away in a mansion, her only companion is Liya and her mother, who keep saying Tian is kept away from the outside world for her own protection. But when a mysterious woman shows up with an enticing offer of a wellness retreat after an online incident shatters Tian’s emotional state, her aunt jumps at the chance to send her - with Liya following as protection. Things are not what they seem on this island however, and Tian and Liya are drawn into something monstrous they could never imagine.
I was initially drawn towards this book with promises of a sapphic folk horror. I’d have to say on that aspect, it falls a little short. It’s got some cross over of a thriller and “horror-lite.” I found the characters to be very exaggerated in their qualities and the storyline very rushed. It definitely follows your typical YA coming of age trope.
Recommended if you like: coming of age, YA, horror-lite, lgbt+, dual timeline
I received an advanced copy of this novel via NetGalley, but all opinions are my own.
I was initially drawn towards this book with promises of a sapphic folk horror. I’d have to say on that aspect, it falls a little short. It’s got some cross over of a thriller and “horror-lite.” I found the characters to be very exaggerated in their qualities and the storyline very rushed. It definitely follows your typical YA coming of age trope.
Recommended if you like: coming of age, YA, horror-lite, lgbt+, dual timeline
I received an advanced copy of this novel via NetGalley, but all opinions are my own.
October 21, 2025
This one honestly isn’t even in the same league as Gorgeous Gruesome Faces. It lacked agency, there was so much emotional distance between the audience and the characters, the protagonist was reactive instead of proactive, the horror elements were meh… I was devastated, honestly.
By choosing to tell the story in a sort of dual timeline with a fairytale and regular first person POV alternating, we ended up super distant from Liya, especially in the present. And by chopping the present-day sections in half to accommodate the fairytale/flashbacks, it makes the horror plot zoom by in no time at all, giving us no opportunity to let things really settle.
It felt like other than being mad at Liya and then deciding not to be mad anymore (?), Tian didn’t really have to do any growing or changing at all over the course of the story. And why didn’t she interact with literally anyone else at the retreat? I would have much rather seen that than the “only tell, no show” fairytale sections
{Thank you FierceReads for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review; all thoughts are my own}
By choosing to tell the story in a sort of dual timeline with a fairytale and regular first person POV alternating, we ended up super distant from Liya, especially in the present. And by chopping the present-day sections in half to accommodate the fairytale/flashbacks, it makes the horror plot zoom by in no time at all, giving us no opportunity to let things really settle.
It felt like other than being mad at Liya and then deciding not to be mad anymore (?), Tian didn’t really have to do any growing or changing at all over the course of the story. And why didn’t she interact with literally anyone else at the retreat? I would have much rather seen that than the “only tell, no show” fairytale sections
{Thank you FierceReads for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review; all thoughts are my own}
November 3, 2025
3.5 star rating
This is a very interesting book. Tian loves to sing, and during one of their live streams something tragic happens to someone listening to their song. Liya is Tian’s constant companion. Both young ladies are given the opportunity to attend a program on an island. Tian is ecstatic as they have never really been able to leave their current accommodation. So finally, being able to escape makes them feel less like the prisoner they know they are. Yet the island itself brings its own problems. It’s dark history and current residents lead Tain and Liya on a path that weren’t fully expecting.
This is a dark book, with some very interesting twists. Readers will be drawn in by dynamic characters. I do feel like at times there are some pacing issues with this book, and the flashbacks while helpful I feel could have been integrated maybe a bit differently to help the flow. Overall though I think teen readers will truly enjoy this book.
Thank you to Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.
This is a very interesting book. Tian loves to sing, and during one of their live streams something tragic happens to someone listening to their song. Liya is Tian’s constant companion. Both young ladies are given the opportunity to attend a program on an island. Tian is ecstatic as they have never really been able to leave their current accommodation. So finally, being able to escape makes them feel less like the prisoner they know they are. Yet the island itself brings its own problems. It’s dark history and current residents lead Tain and Liya on a path that weren’t fully expecting.
This is a dark book, with some very interesting twists. Readers will be drawn in by dynamic characters. I do feel like at times there are some pacing issues with this book, and the flashbacks while helpful I feel could have been integrated maybe a bit differently to help the flow. Overall though I think teen readers will truly enjoy this book.
Thank you to Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.
May 5, 2025
Beautiful Brutal Bodies
By: Linda Cheng
Expected by: 11//04//2025
YA, Mystery & Thriller, Sci-fi & Fantasy.
Beautiful brutal bodies was not what I expected to read for several positive reasons. The author Linda Cheng chooses a very interesting way for writing this book.
This folk horror takes you on a ride with Tian as the main character, she frees herself and those around her following a series of events after arriving on a cursed island.
While the story sucks you in right from the start, the only thing that would have made this a 5 star read for me, would have been if the back and forth from past, present was less. This transition made it a bit hard to follow at times.
If you enjoy a good thriller, this book is definitely one for your TBR. I absolutely look forward to what ever else Linda Cheng has in store for us!
Thank you NetGalley & MacMillan Children’s publishing group for allowing me to review this ARC, these are my own opinions, and honest review.
By: Linda Cheng
Expected by: 11//04//2025
YA, Mystery & Thriller, Sci-fi & Fantasy.
Beautiful brutal bodies was not what I expected to read for several positive reasons. The author Linda Cheng chooses a very interesting way for writing this book.
This folk horror takes you on a ride with Tian as the main character, she frees herself and those around her following a series of events after arriving on a cursed island.
While the story sucks you in right from the start, the only thing that would have made this a 5 star read for me, would have been if the back and forth from past, present was less. This transition made it a bit hard to follow at times.
If you enjoy a good thriller, this book is definitely one for your TBR. I absolutely look forward to what ever else Linda Cheng has in store for us!
Thank you NetGalley & MacMillan Children’s publishing group for allowing me to review this ARC, these are my own opinions, and honest review.
May 9, 2025
📖 Bookish Thoughts:
I expected blood, horror, and a little sapphic tension—but this book surprised me in the best way. Yeah, it’s gory and intense (seriously, mind your triggers), but I wasn’t prepared for how emotional it got. The ending had me full-on sobbing. I was worried there for a second.
Also… Shenyu. My king. He carried this book with his one-liners and antics—especially when he was trolling Liya. I was living for their dynamic. And Tian and Liya were so adorable. The flashbacks and dual timeline actually worked (which is rare for me), and their childhood scenes were so sweet. They just needed one honest conversation... wild how communication works 😭
🖤What You Can Expect:
• Graphic horror & body horror
• Sapphic romance
• Childhood friends
• Cult island
• Creepy rituals
🗓️ Release Date: November 4, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for the advanced reader copy. All thoughts are my own.
I expected blood, horror, and a little sapphic tension—but this book surprised me in the best way. Yeah, it’s gory and intense (seriously, mind your triggers), but I wasn’t prepared for how emotional it got. The ending had me full-on sobbing. I was worried there for a second.
Also… Shenyu. My king. He carried this book with his one-liners and antics—especially when he was trolling Liya. I was living for their dynamic. And Tian and Liya were so adorable. The flashbacks and dual timeline actually worked (which is rare for me), and their childhood scenes were so sweet. They just needed one honest conversation... wild how communication works 😭
🖤What You Can Expect:
• Graphic horror & body horror
• Sapphic romance
• Childhood friends
• Cult island
• Creepy rituals
🗓️ Release Date: November 4, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for the advanced reader copy. All thoughts are my own.
October 2, 2025
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC book.
I really enjoyed the setting and magic system of this book. It was interesting to see how the secrets in the story unfolded and really worked well with how the magic system worked and building the horror through the book. I did find the character development a little weak. Tian was intentionally kept in the dark about a lot of what is going on and that makes her a more passive character for much of the book. This also feels like it holds Liya and Shenyu back a bit but the trio really shine when they do get to work together. I did also go into this with the understanding it was a stand alone book but I also see it listed as the sequel to Gorgeous Gruesome Faces and so I may have enjoyed the book a little more if I had read that first. That said I still really enjoyed the story and the vibes of this book and do plan on now going back and reading Gorgeous Gruesome Faces.
I really enjoyed the setting and magic system of this book. It was interesting to see how the secrets in the story unfolded and really worked well with how the magic system worked and building the horror through the book. I did find the character development a little weak. Tian was intentionally kept in the dark about a lot of what is going on and that makes her a more passive character for much of the book. This also feels like it holds Liya and Shenyu back a bit but the trio really shine when they do get to work together. I did also go into this with the understanding it was a stand alone book but I also see it listed as the sequel to Gorgeous Gruesome Faces and so I may have enjoyed the book a little more if I had read that first. That said I still really enjoyed the story and the vibes of this book and do plan on now going back and reading Gorgeous Gruesome Faces.
November 3, 2025
Beautiful Brutal Bodies is a fever dream of folk horror, sapphic longing, and creeping body terror.
Tian is a siren in every sense, fragile, ethereal, trapped by fame and family expectations; while Liya is both protector and monster, equal parts devotion and danger. Their bond is messy, aching, and feral, and I loved how the sapphic romance is intertwined with dread rather than existing outside it. The remote island setting feels like its own predator: oppressive, watchful, filled with blood soaked folklore and rituals that left me unsettled.
The body horror is visceral but purposeful, a reflection of exploitation, identity, and what happens when humanity tries to mold monsters and saints in the same breath. My one wish was for slightly more clarity in the mythos at points, but the atmosphere and emotional stakes more than carried me through.
Thank you Macmillan and NetGalley for the eARC
Tian is a siren in every sense, fragile, ethereal, trapped by fame and family expectations; while Liya is both protector and monster, equal parts devotion and danger. Their bond is messy, aching, and feral, and I loved how the sapphic romance is intertwined with dread rather than existing outside it. The remote island setting feels like its own predator: oppressive, watchful, filled with blood soaked folklore and rituals that left me unsettled.
The body horror is visceral but purposeful, a reflection of exploitation, identity, and what happens when humanity tries to mold monsters and saints in the same breath. My one wish was for slightly more clarity in the mythos at points, but the atmosphere and emotional stakes more than carried me through.
Thank you Macmillan and NetGalley for the eARC
April 26, 2025
This was not what I expected, in a wonderful way. What started out as a story about a sad girl who loses her mother , is sent to live with family friends , faces difficulties so goes to find herself turns into a heartfelt retelling of the maidens daughter. It had an Asian folk lore, fairytale vibe that I loved. The main character Tian , her best friend, among other things Liya and Tian’s number two Shenyu have the kind of relationships that will keep readers engaged. The plot was interesting, had just the right amount of twists and little extras that made it not your average retelling. Will definitely be reading more by this author.
I was able to read this as an eARC from NetGalley. Thank you NetGalley and thank you to the publisher Macmillian Children’s Publishing, Roaring Book Press
I was able to read this as an eARC from NetGalley. Thank you NetGalley and thank you to the publisher Macmillian Children’s Publishing, Roaring Book Press
October 29, 2025
Okay this book was strong on the vibes. The moodiness of the book fits perfectly with the spooky season. The author really nailed the creepy vibes and the sapphic romance part was also great. I really enjoyed the setting of being on a remote island and the crazy rituals. However, the characters didn’t exactly work for me. I just felt like everything was surface level and the only character we got to know was Tian and even that didn’t feel satisfying. So the characters were very flat to me and that was so disappointing. Overall, this wasn’t my favorite read, and the only thing that will stick with me are the moody vibes.
Thank you to Macmillan Kids – Roaring Book Press and @netgalley for access to this book. All thoughts are my own.
Thank you to Macmillan Kids – Roaring Book Press and @netgalley for access to this book. All thoughts are my own.
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