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Feeding Lucy
Frankie left home ten years ago, abandoning the tall mountains of her small hometown for the tall buildings of the big city. Desperate for a new life, she was happy to escape her overly-critical mother and the Polish-American customs of her past.
But after a strange caller informs her of her mother’s sudden death, she’s reluctantly drawn back to the mountains for the first time in a decade.
Arriving days before the Scandinavian tradition of Sankta Lucia, the town is aglow with holiday lights and cheer—and the townspeople can’t stop talking about the annual Feast of St. Lucy.
When an unexpected blizzard rolls through, revealing the true nature of the feast—and the evil that resides in the mountains—the darkness of her mother’s past is brought to light once again.
Caught between tradition and terror, Frankie quickly learns that her mother’s overbearing influence won’t be stopped by her death alone.
Taking elements from The Night of the Witches in Polish folklore, and the real tradition of Sankta Lucia, Feeding Lucy is a story of grief, tradition, and the darkness that lives inside of us all.
But after a strange caller informs her of her mother’s sudden death, she’s reluctantly drawn back to the mountains for the first time in a decade.
Arriving days before the Scandinavian tradition of Sankta Lucia, the town is aglow with holiday lights and cheer—and the townspeople can’t stop talking about the annual Feast of St. Lucy.
When an unexpected blizzard rolls through, revealing the true nature of the feast—and the evil that resides in the mountains—the darkness of her mother’s past is brought to light once again.
Caught between tradition and terror, Frankie quickly learns that her mother’s overbearing influence won’t be stopped by her death alone.
Taking elements from The Night of the Witches in Polish folklore, and the real tradition of Sankta Lucia, Feeding Lucy is a story of grief, tradition, and the darkness that lives inside of us all.
132 pages, Paperback
Published December 13, 2024
10 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
About the author
Mo Medusa
2 books13 followers Mo Medusa is a Disabled and Lesbian Writer, Vocalist, and Artist from Chicago, IL. They are the author of Feeding Lucy, a horror novella published in 2024. Their short story, Made With Love appears in Twisted Horrors: A Queer Horror Anthology, and their poem, (dis) Abled is featured in HNDL Magazine. In their spare time, they enjoy deep diving into new music finds, sipping a (non-alcoholic) beer by the lake, and watching way too much trash TV. Mo lives on the north side with their cats, birds, and human child. They hold a B.A. in Creative Fiction Writing from Columbia College Chicago.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
November 14, 2024
“Evil lives in the dark, my dear, when little girls like you should be asleep, lost in a fairytale of dreams. Evil lives in the neighbors you know, and the doors they close behind them. Sometimes it lives in the people you know the best. It’s in the roaring wind and the raging blizzards that come from somewhere only the devil himself knows. Storms in this town don’t come for no reason, my child. The storms only come when evil is behind them.”
“Drink your tea, now, darling. It’ll help you to forget.”
A little bit of background:
“In Polish Folklore, The Night of the Witches signifies the opening of the portal between Hell and Earth, allowing spirits of all kinds to enter. According to the story, the Witches came from the Babia Góra—Mountain of the Crones—in Krakow, where they would cast spells and enact rituals in order to serve their leader.
On the night of December 12th, one night before the Scandinavian tradition of Sankta Lucia, and one of the darkest nights of the year, it is said that the Witches of Babia Góra meet to cast their spells, and offer sacrifices, including children, to the world down below. They feed on their prey, using the victim’s bodies as fuel for their mystical powers of evil."
💭 A totally Sapphic, Polish folklore /Witchy Folk Horror with a unique spin on a deeply complicated Mother-daughter relationship turned sinister and deadly. This showcases the more complex and dark sides of motherhood. Obscure, gory, visceral, haunting, unsettling...and festering.
I find this one both moving and disturbing in equal measure, and certainly something you should check the content warnings on before diving in. Author Mo Medusa is certainly not afraid to examine the darker sides of motherhood and the legacies our mothers leave behind through us, and what we become ourselves.
The book cover and title captured my interest first and I'm not disappointed I selected this one out of the many choices. This is my first book I've read by the author and I'm looking forward to read her next one.
Hereditary, Umma and People Under The Stairs -just a few movies off the top of my head which have similar vibes.
Big thanks to the publisher, Booksirens for the arc. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.🖤
4.75✨🩸
“Drink your tea, now, darling. It’ll help you to forget.”
A little bit of background:
“In Polish Folklore, The Night of the Witches signifies the opening of the portal between Hell and Earth, allowing spirits of all kinds to enter. According to the story, the Witches came from the Babia Góra—Mountain of the Crones—in Krakow, where they would cast spells and enact rituals in order to serve their leader.
On the night of December 12th, one night before the Scandinavian tradition of Sankta Lucia, and one of the darkest nights of the year, it is said that the Witches of Babia Góra meet to cast their spells, and offer sacrifices, including children, to the world down below. They feed on their prey, using the victim’s bodies as fuel for their mystical powers of evil."
💭 A totally Sapphic, Polish folklore /Witchy Folk Horror with a unique spin on a deeply complicated Mother-daughter relationship turned sinister and deadly. This showcases the more complex and dark sides of motherhood. Obscure, gory, visceral, haunting, unsettling...and festering.
I find this one both moving and disturbing in equal measure, and certainly something you should check the content warnings on before diving in. Author Mo Medusa is certainly not afraid to examine the darker sides of motherhood and the legacies our mothers leave behind through us, and what we become ourselves.
The book cover and title captured my interest first and I'm not disappointed I selected this one out of the many choices. This is my first book I've read by the author and I'm looking forward to read her next one.
Hereditary, Umma and People Under The Stairs -just a few movies off the top of my head which have similar vibes.
Big thanks to the publisher, Booksirens for the arc. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.🖤
4.75✨🩸
July 2, 2025
This one was a tad on the predictable side but I'm always here for small town horror and if you add a queer element I'm even more here. Medusa managed to pack a lot of story in this novella and for the most part it really didn't feel like there were any shortcut taken. Great little novella.
December 12, 2024
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
It doesn't take a lot to make me happy, and the same can be said about the types of books that I love. Feeding Lucy is a book written by an author i've not heard of until recently, but a book i never knew i needed.
Give me grief horror, with a mix of folklore, a dysfunctional family relationship, a SICK ASS COVER, and you've got yourself a deal.
It tells the tale of Frankie, our main character, who, after finding out about her mother's sudden death, reluctantly returns to her hometown of Kolbe. What starts off as a harmless return to say goodbye turns into a story that is eeriely unsettling.
The story's main setting falls against the backdrop of Sankta Lucia, a celebration of lights and charm that quickly takes a sinister turn. I was pretty impressed with the vivid imagery of the Feast of St. Lucy, which, when combined with an unexpected blizzard, created both a gripping and claustrophobic atmosphere.
What is captured so well in this story is the contrast between frankies' modern life in the city, versus her polish-american customs, brought on by her mothers overbearing influence.
The character development was on point for this short novel as Mo Medusa was able to illustrate Frankie’s struggle not just with the dark secrets hidden in the mountains but also with the ghosts of her mother’s past. The themes of grief, tradition, and the family legacies crafted a story that lingered long after the final page.
The pacing of the novel was quite steady, but when the feast’s true nature is revealed, it became a fast-paced horror that had me both compelled and intrigued, i knew i just had to find out how it all ended.
This was my first Mo Medusa read, and it won't be my last. I highly recommend this book for readers who love a good atmospheric horror steeped in cultural lore.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you, @booksirens
It doesn't take a lot to make me happy, and the same can be said about the types of books that I love. Feeding Lucy is a book written by an author i've not heard of until recently, but a book i never knew i needed.
Give me grief horror, with a mix of folklore, a dysfunctional family relationship, a SICK ASS COVER, and you've got yourself a deal.
It tells the tale of Frankie, our main character, who, after finding out about her mother's sudden death, reluctantly returns to her hometown of Kolbe. What starts off as a harmless return to say goodbye turns into a story that is eeriely unsettling.
The story's main setting falls against the backdrop of Sankta Lucia, a celebration of lights and charm that quickly takes a sinister turn. I was pretty impressed with the vivid imagery of the Feast of St. Lucy, which, when combined with an unexpected blizzard, created both a gripping and claustrophobic atmosphere.
What is captured so well in this story is the contrast between frankies' modern life in the city, versus her polish-american customs, brought on by her mothers overbearing influence.
The character development was on point for this short novel as Mo Medusa was able to illustrate Frankie’s struggle not just with the dark secrets hidden in the mountains but also with the ghosts of her mother’s past. The themes of grief, tradition, and the family legacies crafted a story that lingered long after the final page.
The pacing of the novel was quite steady, but when the feast’s true nature is revealed, it became a fast-paced horror that had me both compelled and intrigued, i knew i just had to find out how it all ended.
This was my first Mo Medusa read, and it won't be my last. I highly recommend this book for readers who love a good atmospheric horror steeped in cultural lore.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you, @booksirens
December 8, 2024
I adored this little novella. I’ve never really read much about Polish folklore or heard about Sankta Lucia but this book got me wondering about it and now I want to know more. (I also found out it’s on my husband’s birthday which just got me even more interested in it).
Mo Medusa catches such an eerie and chilling atmosphere as our MC, Frankie, is trapped in a snowstorm, one she didn’t expect, as she goes back to her hometown. She’s plagued with dark visions, which she first attributes to lack of sleep and possibly even grief, but something much darker and sinister is at play.
This book packs quite a punch, touching on grief, the relationship between mother and daughter, and even first loves.
I adored this book for everything it was — horror, heartache, and grief wrapped up into one.
I highly recommend this one, especially if you love folklore.
**I received an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions here are 100% my own. I am leaving this review voluntarily!**
Mo Medusa catches such an eerie and chilling atmosphere as our MC, Frankie, is trapped in a snowstorm, one she didn’t expect, as she goes back to her hometown. She’s plagued with dark visions, which she first attributes to lack of sleep and possibly even grief, but something much darker and sinister is at play.
This book packs quite a punch, touching on grief, the relationship between mother and daughter, and even first loves.
I adored this book for everything it was — horror, heartache, and grief wrapped up into one.
I highly recommend this one, especially if you love folklore.
**I received an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions here are 100% my own. I am leaving this review voluntarily!**
December 10, 2024
Feeding Lucy is a slow-burn that simmers like a slow cooker on ‘keep warm’. The opening chapter did well to hook me and I appreciate the handling to set up all of the plot points early. Lots of deliberate callbacks in this story that I love as well.
Frankie is a passive protagonist that has fled her childhood home only to be called back when she learns of her mother’s passing. Her return coincides with the Saint Lucia Festival that is a massive event in her hometown of Kolbe. With the looming backdrop of the Babia mountains, a wall of snow flurries and terror does also.
Mo Medusa writes with beautiful prose and rich character depth that keeps the story moving and the hooks deep. This is simply a fantastic story that is gripping and toys with loss, grief, mourning, manipulative parenting, and facing the past… even if you made clear boundaries to avoid.
Feeding Lucy is a novella that feels like a complete main course and I fed on this story, licked the plate, and I’m ready for seconds!
With this being Mo Medusa’s debut and just a novella, I shudder at the horrors they have to unleash next.
The perfect read for the winter, and the perfect gift for Mother’s Day 😊
Feeding Lucy is the dreadful kind of story that horror readers will have an appetite for.
Frankie is a passive protagonist that has fled her childhood home only to be called back when she learns of her mother’s passing. Her return coincides with the Saint Lucia Festival that is a massive event in her hometown of Kolbe. With the looming backdrop of the Babia mountains, a wall of snow flurries and terror does also.
Mo Medusa writes with beautiful prose and rich character depth that keeps the story moving and the hooks deep. This is simply a fantastic story that is gripping and toys with loss, grief, mourning, manipulative parenting, and facing the past… even if you made clear boundaries to avoid.
Feeding Lucy is a novella that feels like a complete main course and I fed on this story, licked the plate, and I’m ready for seconds!
With this being Mo Medusa’s debut and just a novella, I shudder at the horrors they have to unleash next.
The perfect read for the winter, and the perfect gift for Mother’s Day 😊
Feeding Lucy is the dreadful kind of story that horror readers will have an appetite for.
December 29, 2024
Welp, another fabulous read under my belt in one sitting no less. Haunting and creepy, this little slice of folk horror never let up and always had me guessing until the end. Superb storytelling. I loved it!
August 11, 2025
A story so chilling, disturbing, intriguing packed into such a short book. I was hooked from the beginning!
Unlike any other short stories I have read, this one is full of details and intricate folklore, traditions and relationships.
I thoroughly enjoyed this, world building is phenomenal, writing is done in such a beautiful way it only made me needy for more.
I’m not a horror or gore girlie, but this story might have opened my appetite (quite the pun, if i do say so myself).
Highly recommend!
Unlike any other short stories I have read, this one is full of details and intricate folklore, traditions and relationships.
I thoroughly enjoyed this, world building is phenomenal, writing is done in such a beautiful way it only made me needy for more.
I’m not a horror or gore girlie, but this story might have opened my appetite (quite the pun, if i do say so myself).
Highly recommend!
August 15, 2025
One word: Baffled
It started as a curiosity, and then the story developed pretty fast, with so many details for such a short novel. I really enjoyed all the aspects about the traditions and how eerie and creepy the atmosphere was.
The ending however, big oof. I literally got a uno reverse card pulled towards me that I never saw it happening 😂 Per total, it was an enjoyable experience, even though im still discovering this genre of books
It started as a curiosity, and then the story developed pretty fast, with so many details for such a short novel. I really enjoyed all the aspects about the traditions and how eerie and creepy the atmosphere was.
The ending however, big oof. I literally got a uno reverse card pulled towards me that I never saw it happening 😂 Per total, it was an enjoyable experience, even though im still discovering this genre of books
December 15, 2025
1.5 stars
December 9, 2024
It was not a bad story. But also not a very good one.
Ultimately, I had a good time reading it. The horror vibes were present and very nice, it was easy to get into the mood. Sapphic and mommy issues content is interesting to me. It was also very interesting to learn all about the folklore. I'm Polish, and I heard something about Góry Swiętokrzyskie's witches, but not to this extent. And had no idea about Sankta Lucia.
The writing style was pretty good, but there were a few moments where I couldn't hold back my...disbelief, I guess, a negative reaction. I notably remember two instances, but I can only cite one in exact words: "[,,] we flew backward, rolling over each other to switch positions until we'd both finished, respectively - our connected ecstasy mixing and spilling onto each other like we'd realeased out deepest demons". Deepest demons, really? That's not good writing, am I right? But yeah, there is spice.
I guess it's only 3 stars because it was just too formulaic. And the short story format didn't allow for deepening of the characters stories and qualities, which I would've appreciated, but there was not enough plot for making it a whole book. I'm not sure if I'll be reading any more from this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Ultimately, I had a good time reading it. The horror vibes were present and very nice, it was easy to get into the mood. Sapphic and mommy issues content is interesting to me. It was also very interesting to learn all about the folklore. I'm Polish, and I heard something about Góry Swiętokrzyskie's witches, but not to this extent. And had no idea about Sankta Lucia.
The writing style was pretty good, but there were a few moments where I couldn't hold back my...disbelief, I guess, a negative reaction. I notably remember two instances, but I can only cite one in exact words: "[,,] we flew backward, rolling over each other to switch positions until we'd both finished, respectively - our connected ecstasy mixing and spilling onto each other like we'd realeased out deepest demons". Deepest demons, really? That's not good writing, am I right? But yeah, there is spice.
I guess it's only 3 stars because it was just too formulaic. And the short story format didn't allow for deepening of the characters stories and qualities, which I would've appreciated, but there was not enough plot for making it a whole book. I'm not sure if I'll be reading any more from this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 5, 2024
I thought the plot line was really good, it was a quick read. The only thing I would change is adding little more detail to the history portion and the feeding section, for instance why did Lucy have to feed on her only child and was it just the one time when Frankie was a child or did it happen more then that. But overall it was a good read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2025
Great writing, couldn’t put it down. For anyone that likes
creepy, like me, it is a must read.
creepy, like me, it is a must read.
December 10, 2024
Wow, what can I say about this book, first I wasn't expecting anything I just read and I went in completely blind and I loved the whole book and ate it up in one day.
This author's writing is fantastic. I love the way she explains things and I love horror but at times I was grossed out about what was happening and how she was explaining it. Makes me love the book more. That doesn't happen all the time.
You have a woman named Francesca that left her old town for all the right reasons and swears she will never come back until the reason she leaves pass away. Now she is left to deal with the funeral arrangements, which she doesn't even want to do and heard she is left with a big deal of money. But is it worth it. This author gives you hints and red signs the whole time about Francesca and why she should leave but that wouldn't be fun if she did. So she takes you don't the trail of an ex lovers betrayal, mother betrayal as well, shot even the town betrayal. You have witches and folk lord stories. And that cover!!!! So beautiful I know I got the kindle vision but I am sure the book is so much more prettier. But the cover did it for me and that is who I picked this book to read.
I am going to stop right there cause this is a must read! I don't want to give it all away This book is very detailed and I have to say that is something I enjoyed so much about this book and will be checking out anything this author reads going forward. Even the storyline and the build up is great. You get everything in this book. Gory, storyline, build up.
A few parts I enjoyed is my birthday December 14th is listed in the book, then you have the way she gets betrayed by her ex lover and the way she leaves her life too.
You can tell something is fishy about that woman. Was it the spell she was putting on Francesca to make her be blinded by her beauty and love or was it her switch of moods. Whatever it is ... It worked and man that ending 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
If you haven't read anything by this author this is a great start and a Christmasy vibe I need for December. Thanks for the read ☺️
5/5
~Screams and Reviews 📚🫶🏼💋🖤
This author's writing is fantastic. I love the way she explains things and I love horror but at times I was grossed out about what was happening and how she was explaining it. Makes me love the book more. That doesn't happen all the time.
You have a woman named Francesca that left her old town for all the right reasons and swears she will never come back until the reason she leaves pass away. Now she is left to deal with the funeral arrangements, which she doesn't even want to do and heard she is left with a big deal of money. But is it worth it. This author gives you hints and red signs the whole time about Francesca and why she should leave but that wouldn't be fun if she did. So she takes you don't the trail of an ex lovers betrayal, mother betrayal as well, shot even the town betrayal. You have witches and folk lord stories. And that cover!!!! So beautiful I know I got the kindle vision but I am sure the book is so much more prettier. But the cover did it for me and that is who I picked this book to read.
I am going to stop right there cause this is a must read! I don't want to give it all away This book is very detailed and I have to say that is something I enjoyed so much about this book and will be checking out anything this author reads going forward. Even the storyline and the build up is great. You get everything in this book. Gory, storyline, build up.
A few parts I enjoyed is my birthday December 14th is listed in the book, then you have the way she gets betrayed by her ex lover and the way she leaves her life too.
You can tell something is fishy about that woman. Was it the spell she was putting on Francesca to make her be blinded by her beauty and love or was it her switch of moods. Whatever it is ... It worked and man that ending 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
If you haven't read anything by this author this is a great start and a Christmasy vibe I need for December. Thanks for the read ☺️
5/5
~Screams and Reviews 📚🫶🏼💋🖤
November 22, 2024
"The storm only comes when Evil is behind it,"
Evil indeed when it comes to the small town of Kolbe. For Frankie, Kolbe was a town that is flooded with memories of her cruel and overbearing mother. But,after ten years since leaving, she is summoned to the town once again to identify her mother's body. Since arriving, the townsfolk have been celebrating the annual Feast of St. Lucia festival with much excitement.
After Frankie took care of the last details from her mother's will, she wanted nothing more than to leave. But, after seeing an old flame and the community pleading for her to attend the festival, she reluctantly agrees.
But, when a monstrous snow storm arrives,Frankie soon experiences dreadful visions and dreams that feel all too familiar to her. After a strange man approaches to warn her not to attend the festival, Frankie seeks answers that no one will acknowledge.
I didn't know what to expect while reading this. Was it extreme horror? Was it supernatural? It's a little bit of everything and more. I loved Frankie as the female lead. She holds strength and maturity throughout the story. Her only weakness is her love for Stella, which I enjoyed their reunion. The other characters were good, but the real star of the show was Frankie's mother. She is as wicked as they come.
Mo Medusa's writing is wonderfully detailed describing the landscapes of snow-capped mountains, blizzards, or the town itself.
Medusa also captures delightfully fun gore that any horror fan would enjoy. Warning for the squeamish. The ending threw me for a loop and a jaw dropper, to say the least. It was a fun quick read, and I look forward to reading more of her work.
Rating 5 stars 🌟
Evil indeed when it comes to the small town of Kolbe. For Frankie, Kolbe was a town that is flooded with memories of her cruel and overbearing mother. But,after ten years since leaving, she is summoned to the town once again to identify her mother's body. Since arriving, the townsfolk have been celebrating the annual Feast of St. Lucia festival with much excitement.
After Frankie took care of the last details from her mother's will, she wanted nothing more than to leave. But, after seeing an old flame and the community pleading for her to attend the festival, she reluctantly agrees.
But, when a monstrous snow storm arrives,Frankie soon experiences dreadful visions and dreams that feel all too familiar to her. After a strange man approaches to warn her not to attend the festival, Frankie seeks answers that no one will acknowledge.
I didn't know what to expect while reading this. Was it extreme horror? Was it supernatural? It's a little bit of everything and more. I loved Frankie as the female lead. She holds strength and maturity throughout the story. Her only weakness is her love for Stella, which I enjoyed their reunion. The other characters were good, but the real star of the show was Frankie's mother. She is as wicked as they come.
Mo Medusa's writing is wonderfully detailed describing the landscapes of snow-capped mountains, blizzards, or the town itself.
Medusa also captures delightfully fun gore that any horror fan would enjoy. Warning for the squeamish. The ending threw me for a loop and a jaw dropper, to say the least. It was a fun quick read, and I look forward to reading more of her work.
Rating 5 stars 🌟
November 16, 2024
Feeding Lucy is a creepy folk horror story that, on the surface, is about a woman returning to her hometown after the death of her estranged mother. Frankie, or Franciska as she would rather not be called, plans for a quick, one-night trip for the reading of her mother's will, but a sinister winter storm and pleas from an old love convince her to stay until St. Lucy's feast.
There's much more going on beneath the surface, with themes of narcissism and parental...not codependency, exactly, but I'm not sure how to classify the mother/daughter relationship in this story (except as abusive). I appreciated the way this complicated relationship was explored.
Also, I enjoyed learning about Polish folklore and food! Mo Medusa drew from their Polish background plus their experience living in a Swedish neighborhood for the folklore and traditions.
The horror aspects are quite creepy, but the end lost me a bit. I was left with some questions that I wish had been explored. I think a little more worldbuilding, and a little less of a slow burn, would have made this a 5-star read for me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There's much more going on beneath the surface, with themes of narcissism and parental...not codependency, exactly, but I'm not sure how to classify the mother/daughter relationship in this story (except as abusive). I appreciated the way this complicated relationship was explored.
“I can’t let you go, Franciska, why can’t you see that?”
Also, I enjoyed learning about Polish folklore and food! Mo Medusa drew from their Polish background plus their experience living in a Swedish neighborhood for the folklore and traditions.
The horror aspects are quite creepy, but the end lost me a bit. I was left with some questions that I wish had been explored. I think a little more worldbuilding, and a little less of a slow burn, would have made this a 5-star read for me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 15, 2024
Yessss Queen "For the girlies who enjoy their independence but also love to give it up and submit."
- favourite sentences that are funny or made me smile
1. "There is no way I’m letting dudes on Tinder put their dick inside me without a condom."
2. "I would hex Sam Paris into the next fucking realm for hogging our singular order of cheese fries. Let alone the disappointing sex."
3. This is my kinda of girl to have a best friend "I settle in bed with my e-reader and a spicy, pirate x princess-disguised-as-a-cabin-boy romance for the rest of the night."
4. I love the FMC Emmeline ... especially her book types "“Mostly spicy romance. Dark romance. Sports romance. Anything with romance, really. But spice is a must.”
- this book is so addictive... I just cant stop reading it as I am hooked from the beginning
- I adore the cover of this book
- it is very spicy
- I could feel the chemisty between these two and I adore how they both just knew
- I love how Ben knows how to get Emmeline out of her head or when she goes in AHHD overdrive
- Ben is good at hiding things but Emmaline know when he is getting uncomfortable
- favourite sentences that are funny or made me smile
1. "There is no way I’m letting dudes on Tinder put their dick inside me without a condom."
2. "I would hex Sam Paris into the next fucking realm for hogging our singular order of cheese fries. Let alone the disappointing sex."
3. This is my kinda of girl to have a best friend "I settle in bed with my e-reader and a spicy, pirate x princess-disguised-as-a-cabin-boy romance for the rest of the night."
4. I love the FMC Emmeline ... especially her book types "“Mostly spicy romance. Dark romance. Sports romance. Anything with romance, really. But spice is a must.”
- this book is so addictive... I just cant stop reading it as I am hooked from the beginning
- I adore the cover of this book
- it is very spicy
- I could feel the chemisty between these two and I adore how they both just knew
- I love how Ben knows how to get Emmeline out of her head or when she goes in AHHD overdrive
- Ben is good at hiding things but Emmaline know when he is getting uncomfortable
December 11, 2024
I received an advance review copy from BookSirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I think folk horror is my new favourite horror sub genre. This was really enjoyable. There were a few hiccups here and there, for example, sometimes the main character going along with the plot felt a bit too convenient. Why didn’t she question things more? I think the author could have provided better explanations as to why, the breadcrumbs were all there. I would have just liked more resistance from the main character so that the plot would feel more believable and therefore more fun. After all, it’s inevitable that these sort of cat and mouse stories are about mind games and as someone who is into reading them I really want to have my mind stimulated.
Still, I decided to give the book 5 stars because everything else was just a lot of fun. From the main character to the Polish folklore I loved the scenes this book transported me to. The dysfunctional mother-daughter relationship was also very well done. I would recommend this to anyone who liked Midsommar.
I truly hope the authors writes more stories in the near future.
I think folk horror is my new favourite horror sub genre. This was really enjoyable. There were a few hiccups here and there, for example, sometimes the main character going along with the plot felt a bit too convenient. Why didn’t she question things more? I think the author could have provided better explanations as to why, the breadcrumbs were all there. I would have just liked more resistance from the main character so that the plot would feel more believable and therefore more fun. After all, it’s inevitable that these sort of cat and mouse stories are about mind games and as someone who is into reading them I really want to have my mind stimulated.
Still, I decided to give the book 5 stars because everything else was just a lot of fun. From the main character to the Polish folklore I loved the scenes this book transported me to. The dysfunctional mother-daughter relationship was also very well done. I would recommend this to anyone who liked Midsommar.
I truly hope the authors writes more stories in the near future.
December 13, 2024
Thank you Mo Medusa and Mad Axe Media for the ARC of this book.
A24s Midsommar meets mommy issues, Mo Medusa’s Feeding Lucy is best described in their own words in the epilogue: “a totally Sapphic, Witchy Folk Horror” . Filled with poignant and powerful writing surrounding difficult familial relationships relating to sexuality and overbearing parenting, Feeding Lucy really surprised me. A true gore-fest surrounding the deeply moving ceremonies of Sankta Lucia, our main character Fransiska battles both emotional and physical demons upon her return to her childhood home in the mountains right in time for a massive blizzard , The Feast, and Sankta Lucia (oops I’m posting this on the literal feast day… maybe this was on purpose 😉). I LOVED that is was a tasteful bite sized novella filled to the brim with everything I wanted. A perfect atmospheric seasonal read containing touching messages on the importance of family boundaries. Not to mention tasteful smidgens of romance (and it’s gaaaaayyyyy).
You can pick up Feeding Lucy by Mo Medusa starting tomorrow 12/13 (Literally Sankta Lucia Day)
A24s Midsommar meets mommy issues, Mo Medusa’s Feeding Lucy is best described in their own words in the epilogue: “a totally Sapphic, Witchy Folk Horror” . Filled with poignant and powerful writing surrounding difficult familial relationships relating to sexuality and overbearing parenting, Feeding Lucy really surprised me. A true gore-fest surrounding the deeply moving ceremonies of Sankta Lucia, our main character Fransiska battles both emotional and physical demons upon her return to her childhood home in the mountains right in time for a massive blizzard , The Feast, and Sankta Lucia (oops I’m posting this on the literal feast day… maybe this was on purpose 😉). I LOVED that is was a tasteful bite sized novella filled to the brim with everything I wanted. A perfect atmospheric seasonal read containing touching messages on the importance of family boundaries. Not to mention tasteful smidgens of romance (and it’s gaaaaayyyyy).
You can pick up Feeding Lucy by Mo Medusa starting tomorrow 12/13 (Literally Sankta Lucia Day)
March 8, 2025
Finished reading:
Feeding Lucy by Mo Medusa
__________
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
Pages: 118
Genre: Horror, folk horror
__________
"Come to the dark, Franciska," the voices sang. As they inched closer to me, I could finally make out what they'd been repeating. "Come to the dark, Franciska. We're hungry, Franciska!"
__________
YES! Another well deserved 5 star read! This Novella was brilliant! I have to be honest, I went into the novella with high expectations and it definitely DELIVERED!
For those that know me, they know I love myths, legends, folklore and stories around those kinds of things. I love to learn about these cultures and stories and I love how authors can use this knowledge and pour it in a cohesive story!
Feeding Lucy really has it all! A great story, amazingly put together characters, astonishing writing and atmosphere for days, without it getting too much into detail. It also had moments of great terror and fear and other moments with a lot of gore and just nasty stuff and all was described in detail, but again, not too much!
I was hooked from the start and loved everything about it! And the ending was *chef kiss*!
I can't wait to read more stuff of Mo Medusa!
Feeding Lucy by Mo Medusa
__________
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
Pages: 118
Genre: Horror, folk horror
__________
"Come to the dark, Franciska," the voices sang. As they inched closer to me, I could finally make out what they'd been repeating. "Come to the dark, Franciska. We're hungry, Franciska!"
__________
YES! Another well deserved 5 star read! This Novella was brilliant! I have to be honest, I went into the novella with high expectations and it definitely DELIVERED!
For those that know me, they know I love myths, legends, folklore and stories around those kinds of things. I love to learn about these cultures and stories and I love how authors can use this knowledge and pour it in a cohesive story!
Feeding Lucy really has it all! A great story, amazingly put together characters, astonishing writing and atmosphere for days, without it getting too much into detail. It also had moments of great terror and fear and other moments with a lot of gore and just nasty stuff and all was described in detail, but again, not too much!
I was hooked from the start and loved everything about it! And the ending was *chef kiss*!
I can't wait to read more stuff of Mo Medusa!
March 15, 2025
A blizzard rolls in. The feast is prepared. But something in the mountains is hungry.
When Frankie gets the call that her estranged mother has died, she returns to the small town she abandoned a decade ago—just in time for the annual Feast of St. Lucy. The town glows with holiday cheer, but beneath the warmth of candlelight and tradition, something far more sinister stirs. As the storm traps them in, Frankie realizes the festival isn’t just about honoring the past—it’s about feeding it.
This book was everything I wanted in a witch horror story—dark folklore, eerie traditions, and a creeping sense of inevitability, like stepping into a ritual that’s already begun. It felt like The Craft collided with The Blair Witch Project, but with the rich weight of Polish and Scandinavian mythology woven into its bones. Every turn held a new surprise, twisting a story of grief and identity into something raw, terrifying, and unshakable.
If you love horror that drips with atmosphere, folklore that feels too real, and the kind of story that lingers long after you close the book, Feeding Lucy is a feast worth taking a bite of. But be warned—some traditions demand more than just devotion.
When Frankie gets the call that her estranged mother has died, she returns to the small town she abandoned a decade ago—just in time for the annual Feast of St. Lucy. The town glows with holiday cheer, but beneath the warmth of candlelight and tradition, something far more sinister stirs. As the storm traps them in, Frankie realizes the festival isn’t just about honoring the past—it’s about feeding it.
This book was everything I wanted in a witch horror story—dark folklore, eerie traditions, and a creeping sense of inevitability, like stepping into a ritual that’s already begun. It felt like The Craft collided with The Blair Witch Project, but with the rich weight of Polish and Scandinavian mythology woven into its bones. Every turn held a new surprise, twisting a story of grief and identity into something raw, terrifying, and unshakable.
If you love horror that drips with atmosphere, folklore that feels too real, and the kind of story that lingers long after you close the book, Feeding Lucy is a feast worth taking a bite of. But be warned—some traditions demand more than just devotion.
December 15, 2024
If you enjoy Christmas horror movies, you're going to love this book! Medusa does an amazing job bringing everything to life with vivid imagery, right down to what we see through Frankie's eyes as an imaginative child. I could almost feel the cold winter air blowing against my skin as I read, despite being bundled up tight against the cold inside here. I knew about St Lucy celebrations before, although I've never participated in any. This put those celebrations in a new light...or darkness, I suppose. I do remember hearing about witch's night as a child from my own babcia, however, and I must admit, that's part of what made me pick this book up. I wasn't disappointed in the slightest. This is much scarier than the tales we were told as kids, and I loved every spine-tingling moment of it. There's also an underlying troublesome parent-child dynmaics at play, which adds some extra depth to the story. This is definitely going on my favorite Christmas reads list!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 18, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a great little horror read!
Having always loved a creepy book, I was drawn to this, especially as it was listed under LGBTQ+. I have to say I wasn't disappointed at all.
Frankie was an easy mc to sympathize with and relate to.
I loved the subtext about the relationship between religion, biological families and small communities to the LGBTQ+ community. I always find writing like that very interesting and captivating.
The actual horror element was great, too! It had a really suspenseful, tense and somber feel throughout. I don't really think there was any surprise elements or big reveals but that didn't take away from my enjoyment.
This was a great little horror read!
Having always loved a creepy book, I was drawn to this, especially as it was listed under LGBTQ+. I have to say I wasn't disappointed at all.
Frankie was an easy mc to sympathize with and relate to.
I loved the subtext about the relationship between religion, biological families and small communities to the LGBTQ+ community. I always find writing like that very interesting and captivating.
The actual horror element was great, too! It had a really suspenseful, tense and somber feel throughout. I don't really think there was any surprise elements or big reveals but that didn't take away from my enjoyment.
July 31, 2025
Great small town folk horror story. It was definitely eerie and I always like a good religious, cult type read.
For the most part there was nothing that surprised me or had been unexpected except for the very ending I definitely was not expecting it to take that specific turn and wasn’t sure how it was going to end for a minute which I really liked that aspect.
This also has an interesting sapphic romance in the background of the main plot and I was legitimately questioning every character that popped up in the story not knowing if they were giving creepy or genuine concern.
I liked the visuals as well, descriptions and imagery were on point and it was more gory in some parts than I was expecting which was a great point for me.
Overall really enjoyed this short horror story!
For the most part there was nothing that surprised me or had been unexpected except for the very ending I definitely was not expecting it to take that specific turn and wasn’t sure how it was going to end for a minute which I really liked that aspect.
This also has an interesting sapphic romance in the background of the main plot and I was legitimately questioning every character that popped up in the story not knowing if they were giving creepy or genuine concern.
I liked the visuals as well, descriptions and imagery were on point and it was more gory in some parts than I was expecting which was a great point for me.
Overall really enjoyed this short horror story!
December 2, 2024
Overall, I thought this was a fun and satisfying story. I loved the setting and the cultures in the story as well.
Honestly, I was a bit turned off by the whole “my mom/family member has died and now I’m going back to visit old demons” type of storyline (it’s been done so many times) but the story turned out different enough to where I didn’t mind the set up. I enjoyed the characters, but could’ve used some more development and details into their past.
Basically, I wanted more from Feeding Lucy overall. I enjoyed it, especially the ending, but felt like there was so much more to explore.
I received an advance copy of this book for free and am leaning this review voluntarily.
Honestly, I was a bit turned off by the whole “my mom/family member has died and now I’m going back to visit old demons” type of storyline (it’s been done so many times) but the story turned out different enough to where I didn’t mind the set up. I enjoyed the characters, but could’ve used some more development and details into their past.
Basically, I wanted more from Feeding Lucy overall. I enjoyed it, especially the ending, but felt like there was so much more to explore.
I received an advance copy of this book for free and am leaning this review voluntarily.
December 3, 2024
Well, I’m not 100% sure how to start this review. As you can see I’ve given this story 5 stars and it very much deserves every star. It is very well written and I’m still feeling creeped out by the whole experience, however I loved it. There aren’t enough proper sapphic horror stories out there and whilst the sapphic part of the story is by no way the main focus it’s nice that it’s there.
If you are a fan of paranormal horror then you should read this. The author’s scene building allows the reader to really visualise what’s going on, if this were made into a film I would most definitely watch it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
If you are a fan of paranormal horror then you should read this. The author’s scene building allows the reader to really visualise what’s going on, if this were made into a film I would most definitely watch it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 20, 2025
Feeding Lucy follows Frankie who returns to her small village that gets cut off by a snow storm. Loved the folk horror vibes, the Polish & Swedish folklore elements, toxic mother-daughter relationship, mentions of cabbage and the isolated setting. Wasn't a big fan of the writing style, and I kept getting distracted by some strange imagery, like when the warm tea was dusting someone's insides and other similar descriptions. I feel I could have done with a bit more details on the Feast because as we stand now, I'm not quite sure what just happened exactly. Like, what was real? How? The body horror and gore was pretty satisfying though.
November 13, 2024
Mo Medusa comes out of the gates swinging with Feeding Lucy, a dread-filled, blood-soaked, folk-horror-meets-ghost-story sub-genre mashup.
Take the folklore of Midsommar, mix in witchy mythology and spooky supernatural elements, and you have a solid framework for what to expect with Feeding Lucy. Medusa infuses this work with well-paced horror sequences and the promise of a lingering threat that leads to a fitting and dark conclusion. And at well under 200 pages, it’s a quick jolt of post-Halloween-season horror sure to leave the morbidly curious satisfied!
Take the folklore of Midsommar, mix in witchy mythology and spooky supernatural elements, and you have a solid framework for what to expect with Feeding Lucy. Medusa infuses this work with well-paced horror sequences and the promise of a lingering threat that leads to a fitting and dark conclusion. And at well under 200 pages, it’s a quick jolt of post-Halloween-season horror sure to leave the morbidly curious satisfied!
December 7, 2024
I had the pleasure of reading this story early and am I glad I decided to.
Feeding Lucy kept caught my interest straight away and keep me wondering what was happening to Frankie and what was going to happen to her. A great horror read set around a woman going back to her hometown years after she left because of her mother's death. The love she left behind in this town is acting weird and everyone is obsessed with their Sankta Lucia celebrations.
If you love horror or want a story with a sapphic lead, I 100% recommend. This has been one of my favourites I have read all year.
Feeding Lucy kept caught my interest straight away and keep me wondering what was happening to Frankie and what was going to happen to her. A great horror read set around a woman going back to her hometown years after she left because of her mother's death. The love she left behind in this town is acting weird and everyone is obsessed with their Sankta Lucia celebrations.
If you love horror or want a story with a sapphic lead, I 100% recommend. This has been one of my favourites I have read all year.
December 15, 2024
This is a darkly complex tale about the Polish celebration of Sankta Lucia, (The Night of The Witches) and surrounds Frankie, a woman reluctantly returning to her mother's house after her passing.
This novella pulls you in and things go from zero to one hundred very quickly. It plays on the complex relationship between mother and daughter spanning over a number of years. Add to that the portal between life and death opening, and this is a story that spins your head, and makes you grab the covers a little tighter.
It's a quick read and well worth giving a go.
This novella pulls you in and things go from zero to one hundred very quickly. It plays on the complex relationship between mother and daughter spanning over a number of years. Add to that the portal between life and death opening, and this is a story that spins your head, and makes you grab the covers a little tighter.
It's a quick read and well worth giving a go.
December 19, 2024
Frankie moved away from the small town she grew up in to escape her overbearing mother. Ten years later she gets a phone call from a stranger who tells her that her mother has died. This left me so unsettled but I enjoyed it so much. It goes from being subtle to full on horror towards the end. When I got to the scene of the feast, I was so unnerved that I had to put the book for a few minutes. I liked reading about Sankta Lucia and The Night of the Witches. While this is a bit predictable in some ways, it is still suitable for anyone who enjoys folk horror.
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