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The First Time I Saw Her: The Gossamer and Pitch Trilogy: Book One
Anna and her mother are on the run after a tragedy shatters their world. A stranger has offered them protection in a private community hidden deep in the woods, and Anna and her mother have no choice but to abandon their life and belongings to take refuge until they can figure out their next move.
But the woman who helped them may not be what she seems, and the safe-haven community has its own secrets ... and its own dangers.Anna is no ordinary girl, though. She can perceive things others cannot, impossible things.
Now thrust into an unfamiliar setting with horrors unfolding all around her, Anna must figure out what she is and what she is capable of before she loses what little she has left of her life.
THE FIRST TIME I SAW HER is the first installment in the Gossamer and Pitch Trilogy, a series about love and hate, witches and demons, and the sheer veil between life and death.
But the woman who helped them may not be what she seems, and the safe-haven community has its own secrets ... and its own dangers.Anna is no ordinary girl, though. She can perceive things others cannot, impossible things.
Now thrust into an unfamiliar setting with horrors unfolding all around her, Anna must figure out what she is and what she is capable of before she loses what little she has left of her life.
THE FIRST TIME I SAW HER is the first installment in the Gossamer and Pitch Trilogy, a series about love and hate, witches and demons, and the sheer veil between life and death.
- GenresHorror
259 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2024
7 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 15, 2025
3.75-4 ⭐️
Disclaimer: I was sent a free epub copy by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Wowza! Right off the bat, I want to say that the the way Anna's "episodes", her panic attacks are written, it is super well done, accurate. Though there is more to it in Anna's case, I could not help but empathize with her while the world around her is seemingly imploding and she finds it a struggle to breathe.
I loved the cast of characters. Anna, her mom, New Friend, Merle, Liza, Laz, Miss Mojo, etc. They felt warm, welcoming. True friends.
The writing style is also quite nice! I'm a sucker for good prose and this definitely hooked me. I found myself highlighting a lot of the book simply for the way things were described!
That said, there were a few things that left me wanting more or feeling unsatisfied.
Anna felt too old. She is described in the beginning of the novel as being 12 years old, however much of the way she speaks/acts/seems to have knowledge of left me with the impression of someone much older, over 18. The youngest id place her is 16. But definitely not 12. And maybe I'm wrong, but she just didn’t feel 12.
There are many parts of this book that felt rushed.
This said, it was an enjoyable read! I felt choked up at the end, disgusted to watch these kids undergo such trauma. It moved me! It spoke to me and I understood. Definitely worth a read. Please read trigger warnings! This book deals with some rough topics.
Disclaimer: I was sent a free epub copy by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Wowza! Right off the bat, I want to say that the the way Anna's "episodes", her panic attacks are written, it is super well done, accurate. Though there is more to it in Anna's case, I could not help but empathize with her while the world around her is seemingly imploding and she finds it a struggle to breathe.
I loved the cast of characters. Anna, her mom, New Friend, Merle, Liza, Laz, Miss Mojo, etc. They felt warm, welcoming. True friends.
The writing style is also quite nice! I'm a sucker for good prose and this definitely hooked me. I found myself highlighting a lot of the book simply for the way things were described!
That said, there were a few things that left me wanting more or feeling unsatisfied.
Anna felt too old. She is described in the beginning of the novel as being 12 years old, however much of the way she speaks/acts/seems to have knowledge of left me with the impression of someone much older, over 18. The youngest id place her is 16. But definitely not 12. And maybe I'm wrong, but she just didn’t feel 12.
There are many parts of this book that felt rushed.
This said, it was an enjoyable read! I felt choked up at the end, disgusted to watch these kids undergo such trauma. It moved me! It spoke to me and I understood. Definitely worth a read. Please read trigger warnings! This book deals with some rough topics.
July 28, 2025
**"An unforgettable plunge into the beautiful and the grotesque."**
I picked up *The First Time I Saw Her* without knowing what to expect and now I can’t stop thinking about it. I’d never even heard of the term “splatterfolk” before this book, but consider me officially obsessed. It's like if folk horror and gothic romance had a lovechild... and then that child grew up listening to murder ballads in a haunted forest.
From the very first page, the atmosphere gripped me. It’s dark, lyrical, eerie, and absolutely soaked in blood and longing. The prose is gorgeously lush and visceral, and the worldbuilding is just twisted enough to keep you constantly on edge. There’s something deeply mythic and mournful about the way the story unfolds, and yet it still feels incredibly fresh.
The characters were another standout. Complex, raw, sometimes monstrous, but always compelling. And the central relationship? Let’s just say it haunts you in the best way.
This book was a gateway drug, and now I’m desperately hunting down anything else remotely splatterfolk. If you’re into unsettling fairytales, rural horror, and slow-burning madness wrapped in poetry then this is the book for you! now on to book 2 !
I picked up *The First Time I Saw Her* without knowing what to expect and now I can’t stop thinking about it. I’d never even heard of the term “splatterfolk” before this book, but consider me officially obsessed. It's like if folk horror and gothic romance had a lovechild... and then that child grew up listening to murder ballads in a haunted forest.
From the very first page, the atmosphere gripped me. It’s dark, lyrical, eerie, and absolutely soaked in blood and longing. The prose is gorgeously lush and visceral, and the worldbuilding is just twisted enough to keep you constantly on edge. There’s something deeply mythic and mournful about the way the story unfolds, and yet it still feels incredibly fresh.
The characters were another standout. Complex, raw, sometimes monstrous, but always compelling. And the central relationship? Let’s just say it haunts you in the best way.
This book was a gateway drug, and now I’m desperately hunting down anything else remotely splatterfolk. If you’re into unsettling fairytales, rural horror, and slow-burning madness wrapped in poetry then this is the book for you! now on to book 2 !
October 2, 2024
Bibliophilia Templum review
https://bibliophiliatemplum.wordpress.com/
The First Time I Saw Her is a dark and engrossing novel by Jae Mazer. The story flows with compelling suspense, intensity, and a supernatural element rooted in folklore, skillfully woven attributes Mazer is known for. But there are also poignant elements of horror and brutality throughout. It lays hold of both your mind and your guts.
Jae Mazer’s skill with characters and characterization knows no bounds in this one. The vivid characters, character interactions, and dialogue are exceptional for a first-person point of view novel, and I am hard-pressed to think of a first-person point of view story with such intrigue, suspense, and imagery.
The First Time I Saw Her is a poignant, brutal, and truly riveting tale and a highly recommended, shelf-worthy read.
https://bibliophiliatemplum.wordpress.com/
The First Time I Saw Her is a dark and engrossing novel by Jae Mazer. The story flows with compelling suspense, intensity, and a supernatural element rooted in folklore, skillfully woven attributes Mazer is known for. But there are also poignant elements of horror and brutality throughout. It lays hold of both your mind and your guts.
Jae Mazer’s skill with characters and characterization knows no bounds in this one. The vivid characters, character interactions, and dialogue are exceptional for a first-person point of view novel, and I am hard-pressed to think of a first-person point of view story with such intrigue, suspense, and imagery.
The First Time I Saw Her is a poignant, brutal, and truly riveting tale and a highly recommended, shelf-worthy read.
December 19, 2024
3.5 stars for me!
Witches, demons and murder. What isn’t to love?! It’s a book that really keeps you guessing and can’t help but turn the pages! Main character is such a champ - I loved her so much. Headstrong, passionate and fearless character that I can’t wait to see how she develops these traits in books to come.
I knocked the rating down a tad, purely because I felt there were a couple plot holes that didn’t make sense to me towards the end and perhaps some kind of trigger warning due to the nature of abuse regarding children. It was not a comfortable read - aside from that. Thoroughly enjoyed and will most definitely be reading more from this author.
Witches, demons and murder. What isn’t to love?! It’s a book that really keeps you guessing and can’t help but turn the pages! Main character is such a champ - I loved her so much. Headstrong, passionate and fearless character that I can’t wait to see how she develops these traits in books to come.
I knocked the rating down a tad, purely because I felt there were a couple plot holes that didn’t make sense to me towards the end and perhaps some kind of trigger warning due to the nature of abuse regarding children. It was not a comfortable read - aside from that. Thoroughly enjoyed and will most definitely be reading more from this author.
June 28, 2025
The First Time I Saw Her
By Ms. Jae Mazer
Publisher: HellBound Books Publishing LLC
Publication Date: October 2, 2024
Length: 261 Pages
Triggers: Gore, child trauma, cult vibes, headless girls, body horror, grief
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Dread Factor: 💀💀
What Did I Just Walk Into?
Anna’s life is already a dumpster fire when she and her mom flee into the woods and end up at a “community” called Eden’s Edge—which should’ve been the first red flag. But instead of peace and healing, Anna gets creepy cult leaders, demonic nightmares, and a new BFF who happens to be very dead and very headless. What follows is a gory, ghostly, witch-drenched fever dream with the emotional weight of a coming-of-age story… if your age came with bonus blood rituals and family secrets that could choke a banshee.
Here’s What Slapped:
Ms. Jae Mazer doesn’t hold back. She rips the veil between creepy and gut-wrenching, and then dances barefoot across it with poetic prose and unapologetic gore. Anna is a narrator you want to follow—even when she’s clearly losing it. The atmosphere is claustrophobic, the pacing relentless, and the horror? Equal parts folklore, grief, and “please no, not again.” That headless girl? Iconic. That twist? Ruined me (in a good way).
Here’s What Could’ve Stayed in the Woods:
There’s a menstrual metaphor that had me squinting and muttering “Ma’am…” But honestly? It’s a blip in an otherwise bloody masterpiece. You’re either in for the ride, or you’re curled up under your bed avoiding it.
Perfect for Readers Who Love:
📖 Witchy, haunted coming-of-age horror
📖 Folklore-drenched dread
📖 Cults with secrets and spooky atmospheres
📖 Headless ghost girls with main character energy
📖 Emotional horror with bite
Reviewed by Robin for Robin’s Review
By Ms. Jae Mazer
Publisher: HellBound Books Publishing LLC
Publication Date: October 2, 2024
Length: 261 Pages
Triggers: Gore, child trauma, cult vibes, headless girls, body horror, grief
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Dread Factor: 💀💀
What Did I Just Walk Into?
Anna’s life is already a dumpster fire when she and her mom flee into the woods and end up at a “community” called Eden’s Edge—which should’ve been the first red flag. But instead of peace and healing, Anna gets creepy cult leaders, demonic nightmares, and a new BFF who happens to be very dead and very headless. What follows is a gory, ghostly, witch-drenched fever dream with the emotional weight of a coming-of-age story… if your age came with bonus blood rituals and family secrets that could choke a banshee.
Here’s What Slapped:
Ms. Jae Mazer doesn’t hold back. She rips the veil between creepy and gut-wrenching, and then dances barefoot across it with poetic prose and unapologetic gore. Anna is a narrator you want to follow—even when she’s clearly losing it. The atmosphere is claustrophobic, the pacing relentless, and the horror? Equal parts folklore, grief, and “please no, not again.” That headless girl? Iconic. That twist? Ruined me (in a good way).
Here’s What Could’ve Stayed in the Woods:
There’s a menstrual metaphor that had me squinting and muttering “Ma’am…” But honestly? It’s a blip in an otherwise bloody masterpiece. You’re either in for the ride, or you’re curled up under your bed avoiding it.
Perfect for Readers Who Love:
📖 Witchy, haunted coming-of-age horror
📖 Folklore-drenched dread
📖 Cults with secrets and spooky atmospheres
📖 Headless ghost girls with main character energy
📖 Emotional horror with bite
Reviewed by Robin for Robin’s Review
December 28, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was definitely outside of my comfort zone, but I’m glad I gave it a shot. Anna and her mother are on the run after a tragedy shatters their world. A stranger helps them find refuge in a secluded community hidden deep in the woods, forcing them to abandon their old life until they can figure out their next move. But the woman who offers help may not be who she seems, and the so-called safe haven hides its own secrets and dangers.
From the very beginning, this book pulls you in with haunting imagery and a deeply intimate narrative. You’re immediately placed in Anna’s shoes, experiencing her fears and struggles firsthand.
The new friend Anna encounters keeps you guessing about what’s real and what’s not. There are moments where the creep factor is cranked up to an unsettling level, but it’s also incredibly compelling.
The author doesn’t shy away from making you squirm. The writing is beautifully atmospheric, painting a world rich in details. Themes of survival and family add depth and complexity to the story.
That said, the pacing threw me off a bit. Some parts were utterly gripping, but there were moments where descriptions lingered a little too long. If you enjoy character-driven narratives, you might appreciate the slower pacing in those moments.
If you’re a fan of dark, atmospheric tales with psychological twists and don’t mind getting a little creeped out, this book is a must-read. It’s unlike anything I’ve come across before.
I received an ARC of this book, but all opinions expressed are my own and shared voluntarily.
TW: Death, grief, psychological horror, blood
This was definitely outside of my comfort zone, but I’m glad I gave it a shot. Anna and her mother are on the run after a tragedy shatters their world. A stranger helps them find refuge in a secluded community hidden deep in the woods, forcing them to abandon their old life until they can figure out their next move. But the woman who offers help may not be who she seems, and the so-called safe haven hides its own secrets and dangers.
From the very beginning, this book pulls you in with haunting imagery and a deeply intimate narrative. You’re immediately placed in Anna’s shoes, experiencing her fears and struggles firsthand.
The new friend Anna encounters keeps you guessing about what’s real and what’s not. There are moments where the creep factor is cranked up to an unsettling level, but it’s also incredibly compelling.
The author doesn’t shy away from making you squirm. The writing is beautifully atmospheric, painting a world rich in details. Themes of survival and family add depth and complexity to the story.
That said, the pacing threw me off a bit. Some parts were utterly gripping, but there were moments where descriptions lingered a little too long. If you enjoy character-driven narratives, you might appreciate the slower pacing in those moments.
If you’re a fan of dark, atmospheric tales with psychological twists and don’t mind getting a little creeped out, this book is a must-read. It’s unlike anything I’ve come across before.
I received an ARC of this book, but all opinions expressed are my own and shared voluntarily.
TW: Death, grief, psychological horror, blood
December 18, 2024
“The first time I saw her, she had no head. Blood oozed from her neck and dribbled down her pinafore, soaking in and spreading like rot.”
Our MC Anna is an intelligent, practical, and strange 12 year old, running from an “incident” with her mother. They’re both taken in by a woman who runs Eden’s Edge, a safe-haven for the lost and troubled.
Or is it?
Slow at times but never boring, I was intrigued by the premise and, though it took longer for me to finish than it should’ve because I was sick, I was equally engrossed and grossed out.
This book has a whole lotta ick factor regarding harm and disturbing scenarios with children. I do not recommend this story to those who are sensitive to such scenarios.
There are some lingering questions but for a first book in a trilogy it has a satisfactory ending while leaving bread crumbs for the bigger story to unfold.
The author’s writing style is especially imaginative and descriptive, perfect for this gorey, horrific tale.
I look forward to following Anna on her journey.
Thank you to Hellboundbooks for the gifted copy.
Our MC Anna is an intelligent, practical, and strange 12 year old, running from an “incident” with her mother. They’re both taken in by a woman who runs Eden’s Edge, a safe-haven for the lost and troubled.
Or is it?
Slow at times but never boring, I was intrigued by the premise and, though it took longer for me to finish than it should’ve because I was sick, I was equally engrossed and grossed out.
This book has a whole lotta ick factor regarding harm and disturbing scenarios with children. I do not recommend this story to those who are sensitive to such scenarios.
There are some lingering questions but for a first book in a trilogy it has a satisfactory ending while leaving bread crumbs for the bigger story to unfold.
The author’s writing style is especially imaginative and descriptive, perfect for this gorey, horrific tale.
I look forward to following Anna on her journey.
Thank you to Hellboundbooks for the gifted copy.
February 1, 2025
The story follows Anna and her mother as they take refuge in a hidden community after a tragic turn of events has forced them to flee their home. Nothing is what it seems in their supposed safe haven, where witches, demons, and ghosts are only just part of a bigger puzzle.
I didn't really like this book, but I can't say I hated it either. It delivers an intriguing mystery, and I found myself absolutely absorbed in the story even though I didn't exactly enjoy it. The author created an engrossing narrative full of gorgeously vivid and haunting imagery. There are a few minor plot issues, but nothing that detracts from the overall story.
This book won't be for everyone because of some of the subject matter that arises, but if you like supernatural elements mixed with real human horrors, then I would definitely recommend checking this out. 3.75��️
I didn't really like this book, but I can't say I hated it either. It delivers an intriguing mystery, and I found myself absolutely absorbed in the story even though I didn't exactly enjoy it. The author created an engrossing narrative full of gorgeously vivid and haunting imagery. There are a few minor plot issues, but nothing that detracts from the overall story.
This book won't be for everyone because of some of the subject matter that arises, but if you like supernatural elements mixed with real human horrors, then I would definitely recommend checking this out. 3.75��️
December 24, 2024
Good god this book needs a trigger warning at the start.
Anna and her mother escape a problematic situation only to find themselves in another one.
Entirely told from Anna’s perspective, she has to discover the towns dark secret while coming to terms with her parentage.
A nice “coming to age” story with gruesome amounts of gore. I say this needs a trigger warning at the start due to the fact this does involve children and some of the content is not for everyone.
Besides that, a very gruesome read with a good mystery that had me not wanting to put it down.
Special thanks to Hellbound Books for sending me a copy!
Anna and her mother escape a problematic situation only to find themselves in another one.
Entirely told from Anna’s perspective, she has to discover the towns dark secret while coming to terms with her parentage.
A nice “coming to age” story with gruesome amounts of gore. I say this needs a trigger warning at the start due to the fact this does involve children and some of the content is not for everyone.
Besides that, a very gruesome read with a good mystery that had me not wanting to put it down.
Special thanks to Hellbound Books for sending me a copy!
July 9, 2025
I will preface this by saying it’s the darkest, most brutal, gory descriptive horrible book I’ve ever read. And I couldn’t stop. I loved Anna. Such youthful naïveté combined with such horror. There are dead people, demons, witches, abominations. There are tearing galore - child death, child rape (not described in detail but not hinted at either). This was a real what the fuck book for me - but it was really well written and drew me in, making me care about the characters (even though they are insane murderers)
Thank you to hell bound books for sending me this book and the follow up -which is next on my list!!
Thank you to hell bound books for sending me this book and the follow up -which is next on my list!!
April 21, 2025
Anna and her mother are on the run after a murder turns their lives upside down. Desperate and afraid, the two settle in a hidden community run by a self-proclaimed Christian. But 2+2 doesn't equal 4 in Eden's Edge.
This book was a whirlwind. Witches, demons, and spirits swirl against a bloody backdrop of death and gore. Its heart-wrenching and stomach churning all at once. I did struggle with a couple minor plot issues, but as this is made to be a trilogy, maybe those can be explained alter. All in all, I need more of Anna!
This book was a whirlwind. Witches, demons, and spirits swirl against a bloody backdrop of death and gore. Its heart-wrenching and stomach churning all at once. I did struggle with a couple minor plot issues, but as this is made to be a trilogy, maybe those can be explained alter. All in all, I need more of Anna!
July 25, 2025
If you love horror stories filled with gore and guts, The First Time I Saw Her is definitely for you! Even though this is not really my genre, I enjoyed the story very much. We follow 12 year old Anna, who, with her mom, escaped the life she once knew and ends up in Eden's Edge. Here things are not what they seem. Anna is on a mission to discover the secrets of the town, and of herself. While I sat mouth agape one too many times, flabbergasted by all the gross stuff happening, the mystery in the story kept me invested. Overall I've enjoyed this book and found it a very good read.
June 15, 2025
Anna and her mother take refuge with a stranger but could this possibility be a mistake? The horror is so real and intense and at times even the supernatural was believable. Anna is a great character to watch grow and develop and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Anna. The plot thickens and some things get a little confusing but I think they will be explained further in the next book of which I am looking forward to. I may have nightmares tonight but it was definitely worth reading.
June 25, 2025
This book was definitely out of my comfort zone but managed to hook me from the very beginning. A disturbing and haunting tale of good vs bad. Magic and love. Pain and Suffering.
It was an uncomfortable read but definitely was not boring. Few trigger warnings needed about child abuse and rape. I did find myself confused at certain points but I think I understood it in the end.
Id be open to reading the next one.
It was an uncomfortable read but definitely was not boring. Few trigger warnings needed about child abuse and rape. I did find myself confused at certain points but I think I understood it in the end.
Id be open to reading the next one.
December 14, 2024
A heartbreaking, hauntingly beautiful story of love, loss and finding oneself. After a traumatic event Anna and her mother flee to a private community deep in the forest with the help of a stranger. With supernatural and folklore elements woven throughout this story, Mazer skillfully blends horror with a unique and compelling coming of age tale.
November 12, 2024
I really enjoyed the book. This book has it all, witches,ghost,dark forces,horror and gore,but still it's a heartwarming story. I can't wait for the next book to come out.
December 2, 2024
A bit slow at the start, but when it picks up man does it pick up
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews