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Give Me Danger
From international cult author, Tea Hačić-Vlahović, comes a dark literary comedy celebrating and damning both coasts, following Val from LA where drug dealer crushes and cute homeless boys distract her from writing her next book, to NYC for a funeral for her writing career and love life.
Val’s debut hit-novel earned her a glamorous beach house but left her desperate for legitimacy. Now she’s pinned her hope for literary clout to Leonardo, a New York publishing legend, who has accepted her second novel. But before he finishes editing, he dies in a shocking twist, leaving Val to attend his memorial in search of answers.
At the Roxy Hotel in NYC, she runs into rivals and shady people from her past and befriends a rat, who may or may not be the late editor reincarnated. Meanwhile, back in Los Angeles, a homeless kid and drug dealer meet under unlikely circumstances, in Val’s living room.
Doom looms on the horizon, as people on both coasts try to make peace with their ambitions, failures and horoscopes. For readers of Anna Dorn’s Exalted and Mona Awad’s Bunny, and Give Me Danger is a keening exploration of what happens when success is not enough.
Val’s debut hit-novel earned her a glamorous beach house but left her desperate for legitimacy. Now she’s pinned her hope for literary clout to Leonardo, a New York publishing legend, who has accepted her second novel. But before he finishes editing, he dies in a shocking twist, leaving Val to attend his memorial in search of answers.
At the Roxy Hotel in NYC, she runs into rivals and shady people from her past and befriends a rat, who may or may not be the late editor reincarnated. Meanwhile, back in Los Angeles, a homeless kid and drug dealer meet under unlikely circumstances, in Val’s living room.
Doom looms on the horizon, as people on both coasts try to make peace with their ambitions, failures and horoscopes. For readers of Anna Dorn’s Exalted and Mona Awad’s Bunny, and Give Me Danger is a keening exploration of what happens when success is not enough.
202 pages, Paperback
Published November 4, 2025
4 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 4, 2025
When I first read My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh a few years ago, I swore to myself I would try to find another book that captures that same strange, numbing, existential, and occasionally hilarious chaos. Four years later, Give Me Danger landed in my hands through NetGalley—and suddenly, I found myself in that familiar-yet-fresh feeling again.
I’ve always loved “annoying girl” protagonists—maybe because I relate a little too much, maybe because I empathize with their mess, their logic, their defiance. Val, the main character, is all of that and more. She writes, which instantly made me care. And throughout the book, there were moments when she expressed things I’ve only ever tried to articulate in my head. Sometimes she made no sense, and yet I understood her completely.
One of my favorite things about this book is how surreal it gets! The way animals start showing up and become part of the narrative made me want to scream in the best way. It's absurd and playful but also layered with emotional weight. It's exactly the kind of book I've dreamed of both reading and writing.
The humor also caught me off guard in the best way. Every character’s throwaway lines made me laugh out loud, or pause and feel a weird lump in my throat. Sometimes they were nonsensical. Sometimes they were too real. Either way, Tea Hacic-Vlahovic isn’t afraid to write what most people are too scared to say, and that’s probably what I loved most.
There aren’t official content warnings in this book, but I personally think there should be. Certain topics and scenes could be difficult for some readers, and I would’ve appreciated a heads-up going in. It doesn’t ruin the book at all—but it’s something to note.
Reading the ARC, the editor part of me couldn’t help but notice a few minor typos—but the reader part of me truly didn’t care. The voice, tone, and pacing were so distinct and consistent that I just kept going. As for the plot, I have no complaints. None. But I think I’ll let this experience sit in me for a while. Some books leave you entertained. Others leave you slightly altered. This one did both.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC—I’ll be picking up a finished copy the moment it comes out, and until then, I’m heading straight into Tea Hacic-Vlahovic’s other works.
I’ve always loved “annoying girl” protagonists—maybe because I relate a little too much, maybe because I empathize with their mess, their logic, their defiance. Val, the main character, is all of that and more. She writes, which instantly made me care. And throughout the book, there were moments when she expressed things I’ve only ever tried to articulate in my head. Sometimes she made no sense, and yet I understood her completely.
One of my favorite things about this book is how surreal it gets! The way animals start showing up and become part of the narrative made me want to scream in the best way. It's absurd and playful but also layered with emotional weight. It's exactly the kind of book I've dreamed of both reading and writing.
The humor also caught me off guard in the best way. Every character’s throwaway lines made me laugh out loud, or pause and feel a weird lump in my throat. Sometimes they were nonsensical. Sometimes they were too real. Either way, Tea Hacic-Vlahovic isn’t afraid to write what most people are too scared to say, and that’s probably what I loved most.
There aren’t official content warnings in this book, but I personally think there should be. Certain topics and scenes could be difficult for some readers, and I would’ve appreciated a heads-up going in. It doesn’t ruin the book at all—but it’s something to note.
Reading the ARC, the editor part of me couldn’t help but notice a few minor typos—but the reader part of me truly didn’t care. The voice, tone, and pacing were so distinct and consistent that I just kept going. As for the plot, I have no complaints. None. But I think I’ll let this experience sit in me for a while. Some books leave you entertained. Others leave you slightly altered. This one did both.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC—I’ll be picking up a finished copy the moment it comes out, and until then, I’m heading straight into Tea Hacic-Vlahovic’s other works.
June 26, 2025
I loved the rat. Rat fiction is so important. A strong start but slightly lost me in the middle. I'd love a short story collection from this author.
July 26, 2025
Contemporary lit about messy author who travels back to New York to attend her to-be-publisher’s funeral. For fans of Elle nash, Elizabeth ellen, Miranda july; or anyone who wants the view into the modern cut throat world of what can be the literary world.
December 1, 2025
THE Contemporary novel of the 21st century. Thank you
Brandon + Carlton 4ever💘
Brandon + Carlton 4ever💘
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2025
Another banger. Her stories are hilarious but also critically self-aware. 🐐
October 27, 2025
Tea is a rockstar of a writer, this we already know. However, Give Me Danger takes your expectations, chews them up and spits them right back in your face while giving you the middle finger; Johnny Rotten style.
A subversive exploration of grief in a world where everyone’s talent is disposable, and reliant on that one person who believes in you. Tea crafts a fun but explosive story that’s equal parts nihilistic and hopeful.
A subversive exploration of grief in a world where everyone’s talent is disposable, and reliant on that one person who believes in you. Tea crafts a fun but explosive story that’s equal parts nihilistic and hopeful.
August 5, 2025
3.5 This is the sweet spot in prose between all her books— minimalist vs Tweet-happy wild fashionista. Life of the Party was one of the best books I ever read for its vivaciousness and humor. Cigarette Lit Backwards was a slight let-down from that but the character was endearing enough and felt real. This…I love the aesthetics but the emotions seem at arms’ length, like this book being in first person w/ more thoughts and less tepid emotion would propel it soo much.
It’s still good to get in the head of a glam writer who’s been there and done that with some Bret Easton Ellis melancholia, the longing for deeper relationships with anybody (not just romantic). But I’ve also already done that reading many Condé Nast writers like in How to Murder Your Life, Unwifeable, or other writer girls like Julia Fox, Elizabeth Wurtzel, and Caitlin Moran.
Half of things are told rather than show, though more interesting than normal. I mean as for the good, there’re tons of hard drugs in scene and plastic surgery at the start—which I can’t believe I’ve never read anything that mentioned more than a couple words about that! The rat was the best part, carrying the majority of likability to give the character. An Eliza Thornberry party girl, that’s such a cool concept.
Though categorizing everybody by astrology felt Patricia Batemany (rather than a brands and reservations hierarchy), it didn’t have context that much for people not in the know or seemed teenyboppery more than modern witch or whatever is supposed to be a slightly more mature vibe yet mainstream for 20-somethings. Falling too into line with that demo, is the random anti-kids rant. I’ve read the same straw man points in practically every woman’s book for the last five years (invariably coming out of nowhere and by a character already miserable).
The MC is a suicidal addict, duh she shouldn’t have a kid, but she’s also not someone to dole out sound advice/philosophy. The friend should have better framed her argument in saying, hey, you obviously need a more comforting purpose in life and many people need the radical change of looking after someone besides themselves to snap out of living like Morrison. Likewise in being very judgmental of average women while claiming to be feminist, there’s a lot of projecting on competition with “friends” like that’s a default, “the reason girls go to the bathroom together, to compare looks in the mirror.” That’s totally fine to have a character think, I just hope that’s a joke and not a real world deduction outside of the character many feel.
Going a little deeper into the anorexia would have cleared this up maybe. Especially since the rape and cheating and divorce timelines were already blurry, so there was a lot to juggle and un-fuzz. Maybe there are too many characters so that would’ve been a fix. Carlton and Brandon seem to come in too late for it to feel right that they’re there (or maybe I just prefer a mostly girl cast). IDK if they’re needed at all, the parallels to Val blatantly obvious.
Reviewers mention humor, but it usually seems more nihilistic—ironically more laugh-inducing at the end amid more serious things. Another end like Cigarette that could’ve used another page of couching, a more proper send-off, a tiny flourish, instead of gobbing on about lunch again. Even though Neda Aria’s works are more stripped down, I feel those more obviously convey the scorned feminine message these do, so I’d recommend those as companion pieces. Either way, I’ll check out Tea’s next book. Short stories would be interesting to see her do.
It’s still good to get in the head of a glam writer who’s been there and done that with some Bret Easton Ellis melancholia, the longing for deeper relationships with anybody (not just romantic). But I’ve also already done that reading many Condé Nast writers like in How to Murder Your Life, Unwifeable, or other writer girls like Julia Fox, Elizabeth Wurtzel, and Caitlin Moran.
Half of things are told rather than show, though more interesting than normal. I mean as for the good, there’re tons of hard drugs in scene and plastic surgery at the start—which I can’t believe I’ve never read anything that mentioned more than a couple words about that! The rat was the best part, carrying the majority of likability to give the character. An Eliza Thornberry party girl, that’s such a cool concept.
Though categorizing everybody by astrology felt Patricia Batemany (rather than a brands and reservations hierarchy), it didn’t have context that much for people not in the know or seemed teenyboppery more than modern witch or whatever is supposed to be a slightly more mature vibe yet mainstream for 20-somethings. Falling too into line with that demo, is the random anti-kids rant. I’ve read the same straw man points in practically every woman’s book for the last five years (invariably coming out of nowhere and by a character already miserable).
The MC is a suicidal addict, duh she shouldn’t have a kid, but she’s also not someone to dole out sound advice/philosophy. The friend should have better framed her argument in saying, hey, you obviously need a more comforting purpose in life and many people need the radical change of looking after someone besides themselves to snap out of living like Morrison. Likewise in being very judgmental of average women while claiming to be feminist, there’s a lot of projecting on competition with “friends” like that’s a default, “the reason girls go to the bathroom together, to compare looks in the mirror.” That’s totally fine to have a character think, I just hope that’s a joke and not a real world deduction outside of the character many feel.
Going a little deeper into the anorexia would have cleared this up maybe. Especially since the rape and cheating and divorce timelines were already blurry, so there was a lot to juggle and un-fuzz. Maybe there are too many characters so that would’ve been a fix. Carlton and Brandon seem to come in too late for it to feel right that they’re there (or maybe I just prefer a mostly girl cast). IDK if they’re needed at all, the parallels to Val blatantly obvious.
Reviewers mention humor, but it usually seems more nihilistic—ironically more laugh-inducing at the end amid more serious things. Another end like Cigarette that could’ve used another page of couching, a more proper send-off, a tiny flourish, instead of gobbing on about lunch again. Even though Neda Aria’s works are more stripped down, I feel those more obviously convey the scorned feminine message these do, so I’d recommend those as companion pieces. Either way, I’ll check out Tea’s next book. Short stories would be interesting to see her do.
May 27, 2025
This book is a trip. If I'm being honest, I’m not entirely sure what to think of it. That being said, I laughed the entire way through. The author’s dark humor had my jaw dropping and even choking on my laughs. It is inappropriate, and at times downright awkward but if that is your sense of humor I think you will find this book to be a good time. It’s short and fast paced. I read it in one sitting.
June 23, 2025
This is a no holds barred, absolutely brilliant look at the disintegration of a woman’s life after the editor that has agreed to publish her second book suddenly dies. There are so many parts of this book that will be seared into my consciousness. It’s just brilliant from page 1 to the very end. I don’t even know how to describe it, except you absolutely have to read it!! The writing is amazing, it will make you laugh while absolutely ruining you.
Read
September 5, 2025I dare you.
Also co-sign the review saying we need more rat fiction.
Also co-sign the review saying we need more rat fiction.
June 6, 2025
This book will definitely find it's audience when it release. Take that however you will, but it will certainly be one you either love or hate.
I normally love books with unstable main characters with deadpan internal dialogue ("weird-girl lit" for all my weird girls out there), but this one just didn't "click" for me. I was really excited after seeing some other reviews compare it to My Year of Rest and Relaxation. I wanted to like it so bad but I felt like it was relying too much on the humor rather than delivering an experience that was both humorous and enjoyable to read. Sure, I laughed a lot but by the time I was finished I felt a little frustrated with the actual story.
It's another lit-fic book of a weird girl spiraling so what else should I have expected, right? I was expecting a Moshfegh/Awad experience, and I was half-way there. I just feel disappointed in the potential that this book had, more time with the story really could've elevated this book into being an amazing cringey-surreal black comedy.
I'm interested in this author moving forward however. I think her writing of internal dialogues and her humor is exactly what I'm looking for in the lit-fic genre. I'm excited to see them grow and I will be reading their next novel.
*Thank you to CLASH Books and Netgalley for providing me an ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are completely my own*
I normally love books with unstable main characters with deadpan internal dialogue ("weird-girl lit" for all my weird girls out there), but this one just didn't "click" for me. I was really excited after seeing some other reviews compare it to My Year of Rest and Relaxation. I wanted to like it so bad but I felt like it was relying too much on the humor rather than delivering an experience that was both humorous and enjoyable to read. Sure, I laughed a lot but by the time I was finished I felt a little frustrated with the actual story.
It's another lit-fic book of a weird girl spiraling so what else should I have expected, right? I was expecting a Moshfegh/Awad experience, and I was half-way there. I just feel disappointed in the potential that this book had, more time with the story really could've elevated this book into being an amazing cringey-surreal black comedy.
I'm interested in this author moving forward however. I think her writing of internal dialogues and her humor is exactly what I'm looking for in the lit-fic genre. I'm excited to see them grow and I will be reading their next novel.
*Thank you to CLASH Books and Netgalley for providing me an ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are completely my own*
November 7, 2025
Give Me Danger is one of those books that feels cinematic by nature — the kind you start reading and suddenly realize you’ve been holding your breath for fifty pages. I could see every frame, every shadow.
Val is an extraordinarily reliable narrator for all her quirks; I’d trust her with my life and the life of my cats. The talking rat snuck into the story almost quietly — and somehow I loved it. I loved Val’s nurturing side as much as her daring one, her irreverence, her contradictions. She’s so many things, and somehow they all ring true.
This is a book for anyone who’s ever wanted something so badly it hurt, who’s known loss, and who’s come out on the other side just as bruised, beautiful, and complicated as ever. The moral, I think, is that complicated is sexy — and Give Me Danger proves it.
Val is an extraordinarily reliable narrator for all her quirks; I’d trust her with my life and the life of my cats. The talking rat snuck into the story almost quietly — and somehow I loved it. I loved Val’s nurturing side as much as her daring one, her irreverence, her contradictions. She’s so many things, and somehow they all ring true.
This is a book for anyone who’s ever wanted something so badly it hurt, who’s known loss, and who’s come out on the other side just as bruised, beautiful, and complicated as ever. The moral, I think, is that complicated is sexy — and Give Me Danger proves it.
November 7, 2025
An instant page-turner that constantly tickles with the honest reflection of a magnified mirror on the rarefied worlds of art media and indie lit in LA and NYC. Anyone who has occupied these spaces sees themself instantly in unsettlingly high definition. It also has a whole magical realist bent with a hotel rat and an unexpected romance that feels like a welcome, warm hug from a benevolent stranger. Within all of it is a degree of self-deprecation that is humorous and disarming. Its left of lit-world center is its unexpected strength; a balm for those who have grown weary of over privileged clout chasers trying to create relatable, real-world characters the likes of which they would never give the time of day.
September 11, 2025
This author & their prose apparently have a cult following so I went in blind without readying my brain with even a slight synopsis.... not wise. This had the existential, angsty feel with a smidge of dark humor & unreliable characters for me. I do appreciate the ARC opportunity from Netgalley & Clash Books.
November 21, 2025
3.5 stars! A wild, fun, funny, coked out, delulu romp through LA & NYC. Very on par with that Ottessa Moshfegh brand of funny! If that’s your thing (It is mine); then pick up this short indie press novel; I guarantee you’ll have a good time.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews