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Empty Heaven
"Lush and atmospheric, this grungy YA folk horror is layered with themes of queer found family, fierce friendship and recovery from trauma." Guardian
You are safe, my child. You are loved, my child. You are surrounded by the good earth.
Darian Sabine Arden loves her family’s summer home in the picturesque Massachusetts village of Kesuquosh. It’s where her three best friends live, and it’s the only place in her life where she isn’t haunted by reminders of the worst thing that ever happened to her. The villager's belief in a godlike, benevolent scarecrow who protects the town only adds to the charming local colour. But when Darian’s magnetic, mercurial crush KJ is chosen during a bizarre ritual on Halloween, Darian is forced to admit that Good Arcturus is more than just a quaint, folksy superstition – he’s terrifyingly real.
Something ancient and sinister lurks behind the autumnal fields and warmly glowing windows of Kesuquosh. Something that doesn’t take kindly to its paradise being threatened by a group of scrappy, weird teenagers. To save KJ – and themselves – Darian and her friends will have to follow a tangled trail of clues and question everything they thought they knew about their home. And Darian will have to finally face up to her own ghosts…
EMPTY HEAVEN is a YA-crossover horror novel about queer found family, redemptive romance, overcoming trauma, and the dark sides of beautiful places. Full of cinematic prose, and late-90s grunge music, it who pays the price for perfection? And what if the real monsters don’t always look like monsters?
You are safe, my child. You are loved, my child. You are surrounded by the good earth.
Darian Sabine Arden loves her family’s summer home in the picturesque Massachusetts village of Kesuquosh. It’s where her three best friends live, and it’s the only place in her life where she isn’t haunted by reminders of the worst thing that ever happened to her. The villager's belief in a godlike, benevolent scarecrow who protects the town only adds to the charming local colour. But when Darian’s magnetic, mercurial crush KJ is chosen during a bizarre ritual on Halloween, Darian is forced to admit that Good Arcturus is more than just a quaint, folksy superstition – he’s terrifyingly real.
Something ancient and sinister lurks behind the autumnal fields and warmly glowing windows of Kesuquosh. Something that doesn’t take kindly to its paradise being threatened by a group of scrappy, weird teenagers. To save KJ – and themselves – Darian and her friends will have to follow a tangled trail of clues and question everything they thought they knew about their home. And Darian will have to finally face up to her own ghosts…
EMPTY HEAVEN is a YA-crossover horror novel about queer found family, redemptive romance, overcoming trauma, and the dark sides of beautiful places. Full of cinematic prose, and late-90s grunge music, it who pays the price for perfection? And what if the real monsters don’t always look like monsters?
496 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 11, 2025
29 people are currently reading
4412 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
September 3, 2025
“If you have Carrie powers then why couldn’t you keep The Smashing Pumpkins on the radio?” 🖤🎃
just a random line I've heard while listening to the audible but probs one of the best
rtc
🎧📖
3.5✨
just a random line I've heard while listening to the audible but probs one of the best
rtc
🎧📖
3.5✨
August 5, 2025
Safety info, content warnings and tropes down below.
I really love books with a queer found family, and when you mix in a small town where things aren't what they seem, a creepy scarecrow and horror elements, as well as a mystery, I'm sold.
I did feel a bit lost at times, there's a lot of plot and parts going on and there were times where the book seemed to lose its way a bit, but I still enjoyed. It gave me really nostalgic horror vibes mixed with Stranger Things, but make it gay.
Krystal Hammond did a really good job with the narration, and I would gladly listen to more done by her.
If you enjoyed Camp Damascus by Chuck Tingle you might enjoy this.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the ALC.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Young adult
Queer teenage cast
Horror ish
Set in 2000
Creepy scarecrow
Cult vibes
Small town
Trans SC
Sapphic
Minor romance subplots
Found family
Past trauma
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Mention of death of parent (past, maybe suicide)
Deadnaming of SC
Alcohol consumption
Underage drinking
Mention of drug use and addiction (SCs)
Death of side characters
Mentions of 9/11
Mention of past child sexual assault/rape and grooming (MC victim)
On-page car accident
Gun violence
Ableist language
Death of SC's boyfriend (past)
PTSD symptoms
Minor injuries to MC and SCs
MC's abuser's suicide on page (overdose)
MC almost overdosing on page
Vomiting
Brief and mild non-explicit sexual content
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, single
Genre: Queer horror
Pairing: F/F
Main character's age: 17
Series: Standalone
Kindle Unlimited: No
Pages: 429
Happy ending: Yes
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
I really love books with a queer found family, and when you mix in a small town where things aren't what they seem, a creepy scarecrow and horror elements, as well as a mystery, I'm sold.
I did feel a bit lost at times, there's a lot of plot and parts going on and there were times where the book seemed to lose its way a bit, but I still enjoyed. It gave me really nostalgic horror vibes mixed with Stranger Things, but make it gay.
Krystal Hammond did a really good job with the narration, and I would gladly listen to more done by her.
If you enjoyed Camp Damascus by Chuck Tingle you might enjoy this.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the ALC.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Young adult
Queer teenage cast
Horror ish
Set in 2000
Creepy scarecrow
Cult vibes
Small town
Trans SC
Sapphic
Minor romance subplots
Found family
Past trauma
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Mention of death of parent (past, maybe suicide)
Deadnaming of SC
Alcohol consumption
Underage drinking
Mention of drug use and addiction (SCs)
Death of side characters
Mentions of 9/11
Mention of past child sexual assault/rape and grooming (MC victim)
On-page car accident
Gun violence
Ableist language
Death of SC's boyfriend (past)
PTSD symptoms
Minor injuries to MC and SCs
MC's abuser's suicide on page (overdose)
MC almost overdosing on page
Vomiting
Brief and mild non-explicit sexual content
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, single
Genre: Queer horror
Pairing: F/F
Main character's age: 17
Series: Standalone
Kindle Unlimited: No
Pages: 429
Happy ending: Yes
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
Read
August 14, 2025DNF at chapter 6. I had the privilege of picking up a physical copy arc of this book at ALA this year and it was too stunning for me not to dive in head first. My biggest qualm, and it was one that led me to dnf’ing, is the over use of the word “said”. EVERY character after nearly EVERY bit of dialogue ended with said. She said. He said. They said. It became so distracting that I found myself restarting chapters multiple times because I couldn’t look past my annoyance of the word.
August 4, 2025
3.25⭐️
What do you do when the sleepy yet superstitious town you've grown to love turns on you and your friends?
⏰: 14 hours 2 minutes
🎤: Krystal Hammond
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Format: Singular POV/Timeline
The narrator was easy to listen to and held a good tempo. I was able to listen on the higher range of my average speed and enjoyed the various ways she represented the characters.
Themes:
🍂: Sacrifice for those you love
🍂: Embracing who you are
Representation:
🌻: Queer characters
🌻: Japanese/Greek characters
🌻: Trans central character
Tropes:
💗: Spooky season read
💗: Small town vibes
💗: Found family
💗: Trust no one
🥵: Spice: 🚫
Potential Triggers: **check authors page/socials for full list.
General Thoughts:
This book starts off super solid. Within the first 25% I felt like I had a good grasp on what was happening and the vibes of the setting and characters. It had a good pace and felt very bingeable.
The pacing remained solid for most of the book. A few periods of slower pacing that never lasted so long I completely lost interest. There was some repetitive language here and there that stood out to me.
The story was very compelling and easy to follow. The mystery surrounding the town and its citizens was easy to get immersed in. I enjoyed the fall small town vibes mixed with the pod people type aspect.
As the story continued I really do feel like it got a little repetitive and needlessly long. I started to lose interest around the 75-80% mark because I felt like we already knew the big reveal and the ending should have just happened by now. Sadly this did impact my reading experience.
I really enjoyed the authors first book and that one is still my favorite. But this was a fun and interesting new release that I think will be a fun quick fall time read for many.
Disclaimer: I read this audiobook via free ALC through NetGalley and Macmillan Audio. All opinions are my own. This is my honest and voluntary review.
What do you do when the sleepy yet superstitious town you've grown to love turns on you and your friends?
⏰: 14 hours 2 minutes
🎤: Krystal Hammond
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Format: Singular POV/Timeline
The narrator was easy to listen to and held a good tempo. I was able to listen on the higher range of my average speed and enjoyed the various ways she represented the characters.
Themes:
🍂: Sacrifice for those you love
🍂: Embracing who you are
Representation:
🌻: Queer characters
🌻: Japanese/Greek characters
🌻: Trans central character
Tropes:
💗: Spooky season read
💗: Small town vibes
💗: Found family
💗: Trust no one
🥵: Spice: 🚫
Potential Triggers: **check authors page/socials for full list.
General Thoughts:
This book starts off super solid. Within the first 25% I felt like I had a good grasp on what was happening and the vibes of the setting and characters. It had a good pace and felt very bingeable.
The pacing remained solid for most of the book. A few periods of slower pacing that never lasted so long I completely lost interest. There was some repetitive language here and there that stood out to me.
The story was very compelling and easy to follow. The mystery surrounding the town and its citizens was easy to get immersed in. I enjoyed the fall small town vibes mixed with the pod people type aspect.
As the story continued I really do feel like it got a little repetitive and needlessly long. I started to lose interest around the 75-80% mark because I felt like we already knew the big reveal and the ending should have just happened by now. Sadly this did impact my reading experience.
I really enjoyed the authors first book and that one is still my favorite. But this was a fun and interesting new release that I think will be a fun quick fall time read for many.
Disclaimer: I read this audiobook via free ALC through NetGalley and Macmillan Audio. All opinions are my own. This is my honest and voluntary review.
September 21, 2025
This is your next autumn banger. Super enjoyable caper ft a fantastic teenage ensemble cast and a queering of the monster narrative. Very Y2K, very voicey, a bit sci fi, a lot Halloween, a little uncomfortable but mostly compelling, propulsive, and fun. Scarecrows and ghosts and mind control.
10/10, would get spooked again.
10/10, would get spooked again.
July 16, 2025
maybe the real evil scarecrow was 9/11 the wacky gay friends we made along the way
Thanks to Union Square for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
First of all, Empty Heaven is that rare YA book that actually earns its absolute banger of a cover, so let's celebrate that. Once you're done admiring it enough to crack open the book, you'll find it's about protagonist Darian, who takes summers off from being a Gossip Girl character in NYC to visit her mom's idyllic hippie utopia hometown in New England. There she hangs out with her three best friends (all queer!) whose town is totally not a saccharinely-sinister Wicker Man-esque cult. What's a YA protag to do when her homoerotic Girl Best Friend KJ is chosen as the cult's next would-be sacrifice and/or Fucked Up Scarecrow Avatar with godlike powers? Make a Shirley Jackson reference and then go on a high-stakes fetch quest road trip about it, obviously.
There's a lot to like about this book. Even the 9/11 backdrop is worked in in a sensible way: as the catalyst for Darian being sent out of the city and into the countryside ("like in a wartime drama") during the dangerous fall season. (This was a real thing people in NYC and DC did in 2001—specifically my mother, who did it to 7-year-old me.) Mundanity frequently intrudes throughout the more fantastical parts of the story in the form of adults forcing the teen protagonists to do stuff, and it's realistically frustrating and a good source of conflict.
Ultimately Empty Heaven works because it's character-driven horror, so even when it bombards you with lore or meanders through side quests, it stays firmly grounded in its central relationships (the four main teens and their two pairings within that group) and never loses sight of its stakes. I really liked the protagonists and the dynamic of their friendship—sweetheart hippie Alex, hot girl pathological liar KJ, not-really-an-outsider Darian, and my favorite: mouthy fun-sized DiCapriocore punk Jasper.
tl;dr If you've ever uttered the phrase "be gay, do crime," then this friend group will feel familiar and worth fighting for as they be gay and do crimes.
I love reading about queer characters whose biggest problems have nothing to do with their queerness, but whose queerness is still a central part of their identity and story. In this case, their biggest problem is the eldritch being in their midst, who was worked into the story in a way that pleasantly subverted my expectations. It also allowed for a lot of room for humor as KJ still managed to have priorities like
Most of all, there was an authenticity to the way the characters interacted. Example: they reacted to the revelations of each other's traumas in a realistic, down-to-earth way, being sensitive to their friends' feelings without falling into that common YA trap of woobifying them or letting that trauma eclipse their identities. It felt refreshing to watch them treat each other as people and friends first rather than victims. It was giving "this ain't A Little Life and I'll gently tease my friend about her worst memories if I want to."
Empty Heaven isn't perfect, especially pacing-wise, and there's a lot going on, but I was never bored, and my attachment to the characters kept me turning pages. Plot-wise, it hits all the classic folk horror beats, does some coming-of-age stuff, and throws a little sci-fi into the mix. And of course, its other biggest selling point is being steeped in enough stark aesthetic imagery to make the Pinterest girlies chew off a leg: crumbling ruins, endless sunflower fields, sinister haunted shacks, cloaked figures, 2001 commercialized Halloween kitsch juxtaposed with rustic harvest festival gothic. What can I say except "work" and "isn't it refreshing when an image-laden book also has substance"?
Do check content warnings, which include but are not limited to: body horror, grooming/pedophilia (thoroughly discussed but never graphic), suicide, parental abuse/neglect, and fairly mild transphobia (mostly deadnaming)
Thanks to Union Square for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
First of all, Empty Heaven is that rare YA book that actually earns its absolute banger of a cover, so let's celebrate that. Once you're done admiring it enough to crack open the book, you'll find it's about protagonist Darian, who takes summers off from being a Gossip Girl character in NYC to visit her mom's idyllic hippie utopia hometown in New England. There she hangs out with her three best friends (all queer!) whose town is totally not a saccharinely-sinister Wicker Man-esque cult. What's a YA protag to do when her homoerotic Girl Best Friend KJ is chosen as the cult's next would-be sacrifice and/or Fucked Up Scarecrow Avatar with godlike powers? Make a Shirley Jackson reference and then go on a high-stakes fetch quest road trip about it, obviously.
There's a lot to like about this book. Even the 9/11 backdrop is worked in in a sensible way: as the catalyst for Darian being sent out of the city and into the countryside ("like in a wartime drama") during the dangerous fall season. (This was a real thing people in NYC and DC did in 2001—specifically my mother, who did it to 7-year-old me.) Mundanity frequently intrudes throughout the more fantastical parts of the story in the form of adults forcing the teen protagonists to do stuff, and it's realistically frustrating and a good source of conflict.
Ultimately Empty Heaven works because it's character-driven horror, so even when it bombards you with lore or meanders through side quests, it stays firmly grounded in its central relationships (the four main teens and their two pairings within that group) and never loses sight of its stakes. I really liked the protagonists and the dynamic of their friendship—sweetheart hippie Alex, hot girl pathological liar KJ, not-really-an-outsider Darian, and my favorite: mouthy fun-sized DiCapriocore punk Jasper.
tl;dr If you've ever uttered the phrase "be gay, do crime," then this friend group will feel familiar and worth fighting for as they be gay and do crimes.
I love reading about queer characters whose biggest problems have nothing to do with their queerness, but whose queerness is still a central part of their identity and story. In this case, their biggest problem is the eldritch being in their midst, who was worked into the story in a way that pleasantly subverted my expectations. It also allowed for a lot of room for humor as KJ still managed to have priorities like
Most of all, there was an authenticity to the way the characters interacted. Example: they reacted to the revelations of each other's traumas in a realistic, down-to-earth way, being sensitive to their friends' feelings without falling into that common YA trap of woobifying them or letting that trauma eclipse their identities. It felt refreshing to watch them treat each other as people and friends first rather than victims. It was giving "this ain't A Little Life and I'll gently tease my friend about her worst memories if I want to."
Empty Heaven isn't perfect, especially pacing-wise, and there's a lot going on, but I was never bored, and my attachment to the characters kept me turning pages. Plot-wise, it hits all the classic folk horror beats, does some coming-of-age stuff, and throws a little sci-fi into the mix. And of course, its other biggest selling point is being steeped in enough stark aesthetic imagery to make the Pinterest girlies chew off a leg: crumbling ruins, endless sunflower fields, sinister haunted shacks, cloaked figures, 2001 commercialized Halloween kitsch juxtaposed with rustic harvest festival gothic. What can I say except "work" and "isn't it refreshing when an image-laden book also has substance"?
Do check content warnings, which include but are not limited to: body horror, grooming/pedophilia (thoroughly discussed but never graphic), suicide, parental abuse/neglect, and fairly mild transphobia (mostly deadnaming)
August 9, 2025
Darian's mother was from a small quiet town in massachusetts. Though Darian attended a very prestigious school in new york city she loved going to the small town. When the harvest hallow rolls around Darian decides she wants to attend to get in touch with the side her mother was from and let's just say after attending her and her friends are never the same. What seems to be a harmless holiday ritual turns into a deadly cult. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. It's different- the banter between the friends had me absolutely dying and the vibes were immaculate.
thank you to the publishers and netgalley for the ARC!
thank you to the publishers and netgalley for the ARC!
July 31, 2025
Kesuquosh seems like the perfect idyllic town, and is Darian’s place to escape for the summer. When Darian surprises her friends with a Halloween visit she becomes caught up in the strange local harvest ritual. It might be time for her to finally find out that there’s more to the towns patron, Good Arcturus, than she thought.
Once again, Kölsch manages to write complex characters who are and get extremely traumatised - but the way that the other characters react to this is like an actual friend group would and the trauma isn’t the only part of their identities. You can really tell that these characters care for each other in their words and actions.
Kölsch also captures the insane chaos and comedy of a friend group trying to get anything done (even if they’re running for their lives). They’re always ribbing each other and doing outlandish things but still get the job done. I would’ve loved to get a flash back of them all meeting or befriending each other like we did it ‘Now, Conjurers’ but ultimately it wouldn’t have been necessary for the plot.
There is so much going on in this book and I think that doesn’t help the pacing at times. I feel like we didn’t quite know what the end goal was until 60% through and then it was go go go until the end. In saying that I was never bored and would definitely love to revisit this book and see all the foreshadowing.
The love of music and the music scene is also pretty important to the plot. I really enjoyed the music aspect of the book and seeing what kind of artists each character was into really felt like it fleshed them out just that bit more.
9/11 being a plot devise used to force Darian back to Kesuquosh after avoiding it all year was bit wild to read. But I guess if you’re setting your book from 2000-2001, and your MC lives in New York majority of the year, it is right there. From reading some reviews from American’s it seems like a thing that did actually happen with kids from major cities but as an Australian was a bit strange to hear used as a plot point in a horror novel.
Ultimately this was a pretty fun, folky horror about queer people in a small town of America. With Kölsch’s signature style of addressing the reader, you really feel included in the storytelling. Can’t wait to see what she does next!
Thank you Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the ARC
I think a trigger warning is definitely needed for this book and hopefully will be included in the finished novel if not from what I can remember. CW - body horror, grooming/pedophilia (acknowledged and talked about but not graphically), suicide, drug use, parental abuse and neglect, deadnaming
Once again, Kölsch manages to write complex characters who are and get extremely traumatised - but the way that the other characters react to this is like an actual friend group would and the trauma isn’t the only part of their identities. You can really tell that these characters care for each other in their words and actions.
Kölsch also captures the insane chaos and comedy of a friend group trying to get anything done (even if they’re running for their lives). They’re always ribbing each other and doing outlandish things but still get the job done. I would’ve loved to get a flash back of them all meeting or befriending each other like we did it ‘Now, Conjurers’ but ultimately it wouldn’t have been necessary for the plot.
There is so much going on in this book and I think that doesn’t help the pacing at times. I feel like we didn’t quite know what the end goal was until 60% through and then it was go go go until the end. In saying that I was never bored and would definitely love to revisit this book and see all the foreshadowing.
The love of music and the music scene is also pretty important to the plot. I really enjoyed the music aspect of the book and seeing what kind of artists each character was into really felt like it fleshed them out just that bit more.
9/11 being a plot devise used to force Darian back to Kesuquosh after avoiding it all year was bit wild to read. But I guess if you’re setting your book from 2000-2001, and your MC lives in New York majority of the year, it is right there. From reading some reviews from American’s it seems like a thing that did actually happen with kids from major cities but as an Australian was a bit strange to hear used as a plot point in a horror novel.
Ultimately this was a pretty fun, folky horror about queer people in a small town of America. With Kölsch’s signature style of addressing the reader, you really feel included in the storytelling. Can’t wait to see what she does next!
Thank you Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the ARC
I think a trigger warning is definitely needed for this book and hopefully will be included in the finished novel if not from what I can remember. CW - body horror, grooming/pedophilia (acknowledged and talked about but not graphically), suicide, drug use, parental abuse and neglect, deadnaming
May 23, 2025
This is a review of an ARC version from Union Square received in April 2025.
This book was fun and spooky. I don't think it flowed very well, though. It was pretty clunky, especially at the beginning, to the point where I almost DNF it. The horror and folklore of it all were my favorite part. I think it would've been better if it just focused on that, the whole Dexter angle seemed shoved in there. He wasn't mentioned enough to be truly impactful on the story. I also didn't really like the twist with Good Arcturus and KJ at the end. I get it, but it seemed too neat and pretty to me.
This book would've been much better, in my opinion, if it had been trimmed down. There's a lot of unnecessary and repetitive background stuff that diverts too much from the story. Also, 9/11 is just casually thrown in there for a few chapters??
This book was fun and spooky. I don't think it flowed very well, though. It was pretty clunky, especially at the beginning, to the point where I almost DNF it. The horror and folklore of it all were my favorite part. I think it would've been better if it just focused on that, the whole Dexter angle seemed shoved in there. He wasn't mentioned enough to be truly impactful on the story. I also didn't really like the twist with Good Arcturus and KJ at the end. I get it, but it seemed too neat and pretty to me.
This book would've been much better, in my opinion, if it had been trimmed down. There's a lot of unnecessary and repetitive background stuff that diverts too much from the story. Also, 9/11 is just casually thrown in there for a few chapters??
October 2, 2025
4 stars. This was really good! I didn't know what to expect going into it but I was pleasantly surprised. The writing is good and there were some seriously intense moments in this. The horror aspects were fun, I thought it was paced well and the characters felt real. No complaints from me. I was so entertained.
September 22, 2025
Let's go lesbians, let's go!!!!
August 11, 2025
Thanks to Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for a copy of this ARC
I really enjoyed this one.
The folk horror trappings might be the best modern filk horror I’ve encountered and the whole town is full of vivid and unsettling imagery that works so well because it balances normalcy, od but harmless behavior and implied menace so well.
I also really liked how Kj’s character was so steeped in her trans identity but she also got to be messy, human and her story was about more than just her identity as a trans girl while also not diminishing her trans identity.
With that being said i do think this would have been a stronger story if it was a tad shorter, the second door scene in particular felt like it dragged, and if there hadn’t been as much emphasis on the “dual” timeline. I feel it would have worked better as just a single timeline.
Theres also an aspect of Darians triumph thats tied to her abuser in a way that reminds me of the movie split that I’m not to fond of though Kolsch handles the subject with tact the Dexter story line competes with out main story a bit. Ultimately i think it’s important for survivors to find themselves represented though so I’m a bit torn.
This is YA horror and you certainly feel it in the romance. This isn’t really a plus for me but if you like a YA romance i think it will really work.
The horror is stunning and I absolutely will pick up other works from this author.
As for the narration Krystal Hammond absolutely stuns in her delivery. She has a emotional style that draws you into the story and really adds at least 1/2 a star for her narration alone.
I highly recommend this audio book
I really enjoyed this one.
The folk horror trappings might be the best modern filk horror I’ve encountered and the whole town is full of vivid and unsettling imagery that works so well because it balances normalcy, od but harmless behavior and implied menace so well.
I also really liked how Kj’s character was so steeped in her trans identity but she also got to be messy, human and her story was about more than just her identity as a trans girl while also not diminishing her trans identity.
With that being said i do think this would have been a stronger story if it was a tad shorter, the second door scene in particular felt like it dragged, and if there hadn’t been as much emphasis on the “dual” timeline. I feel it would have worked better as just a single timeline.
Theres also an aspect of Darians triumph thats tied to her abuser in a way that reminds me of the movie split that I’m not to fond of though Kolsch handles the subject with tact the Dexter story line competes with out main story a bit. Ultimately i think it’s important for survivors to find themselves represented though so I’m a bit torn.
This is YA horror and you certainly feel it in the romance. This isn’t really a plus for me but if you like a YA romance i think it will really work.
The horror is stunning and I absolutely will pick up other works from this author.
As for the narration Krystal Hammond absolutely stuns in her delivery. She has a emotional style that draws you into the story and really adds at least 1/2 a star for her narration alone.
I highly recommend this audio book
July 23, 2025
I’d like to thank the publisher for providing an ARC of ‘Empty Heaven’ by Freddie Kölsch in exchange for an honest review.
It’s incredibly rare for me to pick up a book and be interested with each individual scene, plot beat, and chapter all at the same time. When the story took off at a full sprint straight into the mouth of mystery, I was skeptical and a little nervous. As an over-400 page book, surely there was no way there wouldn’t be at least one stupid miscommunication or eyeroll-inducing moment where you’re left wishing you could shake a character into using ANY of their mental processes.
At no point in this story could I predict what was going to happen next, and I mean that as a form of incredibly high praise. Empty Heaven was so incredibly refreshing. If I’d had the opportunity to sit down for an entire day and read it in one go, I would’ve torn through this story.
The LGBTQ+ representation felt so seamless and natural to the story, which is a relief to see in an era where some people seem lump all queer books into one big ole’ Gay category as if that’s the only selling point they have. I loved the teens. I loved the adults. I even loved the brainwashed few we got to meet outside of the main crew. Having the monster also be a victim was an awesome choice and seeing the way Kölsch seamlessly meshed the supernatural with the real world was an added bonus.
I’m definitely going to be recommending it to people as an upcoming fall read, and am excited to keep thinking about this story in the days to come.
It’s incredibly rare for me to pick up a book and be interested with each individual scene, plot beat, and chapter all at the same time. When the story took off at a full sprint straight into the mouth of mystery, I was skeptical and a little nervous. As an over-400 page book, surely there was no way there wouldn’t be at least one stupid miscommunication or eyeroll-inducing moment where you’re left wishing you could shake a character into using ANY of their mental processes.
At no point in this story could I predict what was going to happen next, and I mean that as a form of incredibly high praise. Empty Heaven was so incredibly refreshing. If I’d had the opportunity to sit down for an entire day and read it in one go, I would’ve torn through this story.
The LGBTQ+ representation felt so seamless and natural to the story, which is a relief to see in an era where some people seem lump all queer books into one big ole’ Gay category as if that’s the only selling point they have. I loved the teens. I loved the adults. I even loved the brainwashed few we got to meet outside of the main crew. Having the monster also be a victim was an awesome choice and seeing the way Kölsch seamlessly meshed the supernatural with the real world was an added bonus.
I’m definitely going to be recommending it to people as an upcoming fall read, and am excited to keep thinking about this story in the days to come.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2025
ALC 🎧 Book Review 🤍
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The characters? All vibes LOL.
Like they were such a real friend group, I especially was obsessed w/ Jasper ☠️ The quick witty comebacks, sarcasm, & the way they teased Alex.
I just live lmfao.
This was a RIDE. Like you really can’t believe nor trust anyone / anything that happens…
The storyline was very intriguing!! And what you think you know, you actually don’t… So trippy!!
I also enjoyed Arcturus. It kinda gave Resident Alien vibes lowkey lmfao.
Also, the queerness all throughout this b*tch? I was LIVING. I eat it up every time, I love me some rep. And the way they deal w/ their trauma is so funny, but mostly because REAL LOL. They just had me cracking up at such serious moments, such a fun read… Until it’s not 🥲 But then it is again ‘cause you legit can’t trust ANYTHING THAT HAPPENS.
Suspend my license atp ‘cause I’m all crashed out bb.
I’ve been fooled too many times lmfao.
Overall, I enjoyed this!! Very YA horror vibes w/ so much mystery & suspense, a dash of comedy, & a lil romance to balance it all out + The cover is stunning.
Krystal Hammond did amazing!!
I was hooked the whole time, it did drag a bit, but I wasn’t bored at all 🫶🏽
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The characters? All vibes LOL.
Like they were such a real friend group, I especially was obsessed w/ Jasper ☠️ The quick witty comebacks, sarcasm, & the way they teased Alex.
I just live lmfao.
This was a RIDE. Like you really can’t believe nor trust anyone / anything that happens…
The storyline was very intriguing!! And what you think you know, you actually don’t… So trippy!!
I also enjoyed Arcturus. It kinda gave Resident Alien vibes lowkey lmfao.
Also, the queerness all throughout this b*tch? I was LIVING. I eat it up every time, I love me some rep. And the way they deal w/ their trauma is so funny, but mostly because REAL LOL. They just had me cracking up at such serious moments, such a fun read… Until it’s not 🥲 But then it is again ‘cause you legit can’t trust ANYTHING THAT HAPPENS.
Suspend my license atp ‘cause I’m all crashed out bb.
I’ve been fooled too many times lmfao.
Overall, I enjoyed this!! Very YA horror vibes w/ so much mystery & suspense, a dash of comedy, & a lil romance to balance it all out + The cover is stunning.
Krystal Hammond did amazing!!
I was hooked the whole time, it did drag a bit, but I wasn’t bored at all 🫶🏽
August 14, 2025
This was phenomenal! One of my top reads of the year! Definitely recommend!
This queer YA horror delivers on every front! The autumnal atmosphere was perfect for spooky season reading and the cult and local folklore aspects were creepy and interesting. A godlike scarecrow may sound cheesy but it’s really done well. I love Good Arcturus! There’s also some really good portrayals of finding your identity and the queer representations are truly so heartwarming! I was tearing up!
If you loved CG Drews’ Don’t Let the Forest In and Hazelthorn, I think you will love this too! Like those books, Empty Heaven has the creepy horror vibes but also is full of heart!
If you’re a fellow audiobook lover, the audio for this one is great! The narrator seemed to really fit the story and characters well!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC!!
This queer YA horror delivers on every front! The autumnal atmosphere was perfect for spooky season reading and the cult and local folklore aspects were creepy and interesting. A godlike scarecrow may sound cheesy but it’s really done well. I love Good Arcturus! There’s also some really good portrayals of finding your identity and the queer representations are truly so heartwarming! I was tearing up!
If you loved CG Drews’ Don’t Let the Forest In and Hazelthorn, I think you will love this too! Like those books, Empty Heaven has the creepy horror vibes but also is full of heart!
If you’re a fellow audiobook lover, the audio for this one is great! The narrator seemed to really fit the story and characters well!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC!!
September 4, 2025
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for approving me to read this book, I’m rating it 4.0 to 4.25 stars.
I really enjoy these insane worlds the author builds, I will literally read anything they write since Now, Conjurers which is what led me to run and request this book. The queer representation in this is brilliant.
This story is so weird and creepy at points with some found family moments that certainly make you wonder if its the family you want. There’s some seriously messed up cult themes woven through the story with rituals and myth, the story takes some dark turns and it makes for the perfect spooky autumn read in my opinion.
The story does tackle some tough subjects like identity, trauma, abuse and many other things so I recommend checking the trigger warnings before getting stuck in.
I really enjoy these insane worlds the author builds, I will literally read anything they write since Now, Conjurers which is what led me to run and request this book. The queer representation in this is brilliant.
This story is so weird and creepy at points with some found family moments that certainly make you wonder if its the family you want. There’s some seriously messed up cult themes woven through the story with rituals and myth, the story takes some dark turns and it makes for the perfect spooky autumn read in my opinion.
The story does tackle some tough subjects like identity, trauma, abuse and many other things so I recommend checking the trigger warnings before getting stuck in.
October 22, 2025
4.25 rounded down
Review to come!
Review to come!
October 5, 2025
The story had promise, I was ready for some folk horror. And I was willing to forgive the bad writing for that. But the author made too many weird choices for me to want to continue. And skimming through the book to see the twists (and to see the time skip to 2001 only continues more than halfway through the book), confirmed that discontinuing was a good choice. There were so many characters that calling the MC's butler (? who for some reason is ex military and has a secret boyfriend who dies randomly behind the scenes) by two different names is unnecessarily confusing. The stuff about Dexter and the MC having a past successful music child career seemed disconnected to the folk horror and took me out of it. Was seeing Dexter who supposedly is dead supposed to be scary? Because It just made me think Darian needs to take medication. And see a therapist. I don't know what it was about the romances either but those felt very hollow to me. And I love me some gay love! But I didn't see the ones in this story as believable or root for them at all. I also feel like making part of it take place in 2001 after 9/11 was an odd choice. Having a town where a "scary pagan ritual" happens and then cutting to the horrors of New York the day after the towers fell was disorienting, especially when it cut back after one chapter to immediately after the ritual in 2000. Definitely not going to read more of this author either if this is her style.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2025
The potential of strong paranormal horror story was there, but I don't feel like it was delivered.
The small town has the right amount of eerie vibes and all the villagers are a bit too friendly for comfort. When Darien comes back for the annual fall celebrations, the festivities soon take a turn for the worst. I was right on the edge of my seat. Unfortunately, when the sitiation looks most dire, we flash forward to a year later. Even when we return to the events of that night a couple of chapters later, I couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed, because the author has, indirectly, already let us know what happened. Darien was a kind protagonist, but the heroes of this story were her friends, Alex and Jasper.
They carried Darien and this story. The ending felt rushed. Just when I felt like we got back into the thrill, it was over.
I'd recommend this if you are looking for a YA horror that nails spooky autumnal the vibes, but doesn't leave you scared.
•••
I received an ALC from the publisher through Netgalley.
The small town has the right amount of eerie vibes and all the villagers are a bit too friendly for comfort. When Darien comes back for the annual fall celebrations, the festivities soon take a turn for the worst. I was right on the edge of my seat. Unfortunately, when the sitiation looks most dire, we flash forward to a year later. Even when we return to the events of that night a couple of chapters later, I couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed, because the author has, indirectly, already let us know what happened. Darien was a kind protagonist, but the heroes of this story were her friends, Alex and Jasper.
They carried Darien and this story. The ending felt rushed. Just when I felt like we got back into the thrill, it was over.
I'd recommend this if you are looking for a YA horror that nails spooky autumnal the vibes, but doesn't leave you scared.
•••
I received an ALC from the publisher through Netgalley.
August 17, 2025
Freddie Kölsch’s „Empty Heaven“ is one of those rare YA horror novels that manages to be unsettling, heartfelt, and deeply memorable all at once. I was lucky enough to receive this book as bookmail directly from the author, which I very much appreciate, and it turned out to be an absolute reading highlight. From the very first pages, the story draws you into the small New England village of Kesuquosh, where folklore and ritual are woven into everyday life. Darian Sabine Arden, the protagonist, comes to her family’s summer home in search of a safe space but instead finds herself entangled in the town’s disturbing devotion to Good Arcturus, a scarecrow-like figure whose harvest ritual takes a sinister turn when Darian’s crush, KJ, is chosen. It’s the perfect setup for a story that mixes folk horror chills with the raw vulnerability of adolescence.
What impressed me most about this novel is the way Kölsch balances atmosphere and emotion. The setting is cinematic, filled with autumnal unease and late-1990s details that give it both authenticity and nostalgia. Yet for all its eerie imagery, the book never forgets to center its characters. Darian’s voice is sharp, funny, and achingly real, and the friendships she forms shine as brightly as the shadows that threaten them. Horror and tenderness live side by side here, and the effect is spellbinding: one moment you’re unnerved by the ritualistic devotion of the townsfolk, and the next you’re smiling at the warmth of a queer found-family dynamic that feels incredibly genuine.
Thematically, „Empty Heaven“ is powerful. It explores grief, trauma, and the ways young people often carry guilt for things they should never be blamed for. Kölsch has described the book as a love letter to queer friendship in the face of unspeakable things, and that is exactly how it reads. Even in its darkest moments, there is a thread of resilience, of love and solidarity, that makes the horror all the more meaningful. The supernatural terrors of Kesuquosh may be frightening, but the story’s emotional truths cut even deeper— and ultimately offer a sense of catharsis.
I would recommend „Empty Heaven“ wholeheartedly to anyone who loves horror with depth, atmosphere, and heart. It is creepy and unsettling, yes, but also beautifully human and tender, full of characters you’ll care about long after you close the book. If you enjoy stories where the monsters are as much internal as external, and where friendship and love become weapons of survival, then this is a novel you won’t want to miss.
What impressed me most about this novel is the way Kölsch balances atmosphere and emotion. The setting is cinematic, filled with autumnal unease and late-1990s details that give it both authenticity and nostalgia. Yet for all its eerie imagery, the book never forgets to center its characters. Darian’s voice is sharp, funny, and achingly real, and the friendships she forms shine as brightly as the shadows that threaten them. Horror and tenderness live side by side here, and the effect is spellbinding: one moment you’re unnerved by the ritualistic devotion of the townsfolk, and the next you’re smiling at the warmth of a queer found-family dynamic that feels incredibly genuine.
Thematically, „Empty Heaven“ is powerful. It explores grief, trauma, and the ways young people often carry guilt for things they should never be blamed for. Kölsch has described the book as a love letter to queer friendship in the face of unspeakable things, and that is exactly how it reads. Even in its darkest moments, there is a thread of resilience, of love and solidarity, that makes the horror all the more meaningful. The supernatural terrors of Kesuquosh may be frightening, but the story’s emotional truths cut even deeper— and ultimately offer a sense of catharsis.
I would recommend „Empty Heaven“ wholeheartedly to anyone who loves horror with depth, atmosphere, and heart. It is creepy and unsettling, yes, but also beautifully human and tender, full of characters you’ll care about long after you close the book. If you enjoy stories where the monsters are as much internal as external, and where friendship and love become weapons of survival, then this is a novel you won’t want to miss.
August 20, 2025
~~Thank you to NetGalley and Farshore for the ARC!~~
3.5/5 stars rounded up!
So, I read Kölsch's debut as an audiobook not too long ago and found it only okay. When I got this ARC, I didn't know what to expect other tan hoping I liked it more. And I did!
I'm a sucker for queer found families, and Kölsch pulled it off a lot better for me here than in Now, Conjurers. The core cast (plus Dan the guard/nanny. He only really got to shine around the end, but he's still an incredible stand in dad for the characters) all have integral importance and nuance to the story. There is a strong platonic bond between the four teens; you can really feel the love they all share with each other. The development with KJ was especially intriguing because she's essentially
Kölsch's worldbuilding is pretty cool, too. The descriptions are quite in depth; the author's really painting a vivid picture of what every faucet of Kesuquosh looks like. The time period of 2000/2001 (particularly post-9/11) actually works here, because it shows how isolated the townsfolks are because of the veil they're strangled under. The only thing that dragged quite a bit was the pacing. There was a lot of fluff in the middle that could've been cut so we could get back to the main conflict and whatnot, especially because the true twist is easily seen about three-fourths away from the end.
All in all, I liked this. I can only hope Kölsch's writing will improve from this point forward. I definitely will be looking out for whatever she may publish next!
3.5/5 stars rounded up!
So, I read Kölsch's debut as an audiobook not too long ago and found it only okay. When I got this ARC, I didn't know what to expect other tan hoping I liked it more. And I did!
I'm a sucker for queer found families, and Kölsch pulled it off a lot better for me here than in Now, Conjurers. The core cast (plus Dan the guard/nanny. He only really got to shine around the end, but he's still an incredible stand in dad for the characters) all have integral importance and nuance to the story. There is a strong platonic bond between the four teens; you can really feel the love they all share with each other. The development with KJ was especially intriguing because she's essentially
Kölsch's worldbuilding is pretty cool, too. The descriptions are quite in depth; the author's really painting a vivid picture of what every faucet of Kesuquosh looks like. The time period of 2000/2001 (particularly post-9/11) actually works here, because it shows how isolated the townsfolks are because of the veil they're strangled under. The only thing that dragged quite a bit was the pacing. There was a lot of fluff in the middle that could've been cut so we could get back to the main conflict and whatnot, especially because the true twist is easily seen about three-fourths away from the end.
All in all, I liked this. I can only hope Kölsch's writing will improve from this point forward. I definitely will be looking out for whatever she may publish next!
August 10, 2025
Come to Kesuquosh where you can lay down your worries and fears at the feet of Good Arcturus and all will be well, unless you are chosen to be his next host (which tends to suck, especially with the needle!). I will say props for the creepy cool cover of this story, and the god that protects/brainwashes the town and wears people skins. It definitely hit the horror part well! Yes, lots of darkness in this book, from the whole story of Good Arcturus and his ways of staying, plus how there is more than meets the eye of the truth of this little "perfect" town and what Darian experienced up in New York, but also messages of found family and sticking together no matter how bad it gets. The characters are a bit sharp around the edges due to trauma and such, but I did get to caring about them, especially as there are sweet moments in that darkness, and a bit of humor. I must say I think my favorite character was KJ because of how strong she was, even after being chosen by Good Arcturus (though he is not quite what he seems either and I had fun seeing his other side!). This also has the good message of how it is important to be yourself, even if it does not conform to the societal norms. And I am happy to say, despite all the badness, it is a satisfying ending with judgement wrought on the guilty and a bit of happiness for the rest, even if it means feeling everything again. A good horror story!
This was a good audiobook to listen to. The narrator, Krystal Hammond did a great job in bringing the characters to life, letting their story and crazy journey be told and showing how they were able to defeat the monsters, both human and other and be strongest when sticking together no matter what gets thrown at them.
This was a good audiobook to listen to. The narrator, Krystal Hammond did a great job in bringing the characters to life, letting their story and crazy journey be told and showing how they were able to defeat the monsters, both human and other and be strongest when sticking together no matter what gets thrown at them.
July 20, 2025
I've been eagerly awaiting this book since loving Kolsch's debut novel, now conjuroros, last year. That one was a big surprise to me, a five star read I wasn't expecting.
So whilst this one wasn't quite a five star, I did really enjoy it. Something about Kolsch's writing is very evocative. She can really hone in on a time and place in a really unique way. I can just picture her towns, this very specific time in america. The reason this wasn't a five star like the previous novel however is because I didn't feel quite as attached to the characters emotionally.
Once it really got into the story I loved the idea of this rag tag group of queer kids trying to save the world (definitely prominent also in conjurors) and I felt like I did get to know them through their dynamic, especially Jasper and Alex. I do however think I felt somewhat detached from KJ, which is a shame because she's literally the love interest and catalyst for the whole novel. I think because we didn't get any flashbacks to these kids just meeting or hanging out the way we did with conjurors, it just lacked that connection to me. I never saw KJ as truly being herself as she's always being mind controlled for the majority of the novel. We don't see her and Darian falling in love, so I just didn't feel it.
However, I loved the rest of it. Honestly Kolsch is an amazing writer. I loved Senovak too. She's just so good at painting a picture of these characters, slightly odd people or who have layers you wouldn't expect. Queer people deep in the heart of america, in the 90's just on the cusp of the world changing. It's such a unique setting and she just pulls it off beautifully.
So whilst this one wasn't quite a five star, I did really enjoy it. Something about Kolsch's writing is very evocative. She can really hone in on a time and place in a really unique way. I can just picture her towns, this very specific time in america. The reason this wasn't a five star like the previous novel however is because I didn't feel quite as attached to the characters emotionally.
Once it really got into the story I loved the idea of this rag tag group of queer kids trying to save the world (definitely prominent also in conjurors) and I felt like I did get to know them through their dynamic, especially Jasper and Alex. I do however think I felt somewhat detached from KJ, which is a shame because she's literally the love interest and catalyst for the whole novel. I think because we didn't get any flashbacks to these kids just meeting or hanging out the way we did with conjurors, it just lacked that connection to me. I never saw KJ as truly being herself as she's always being mind controlled for the majority of the novel. We don't see her and Darian falling in love, so I just didn't feel it.
However, I loved the rest of it. Honestly Kolsch is an amazing writer. I loved Senovak too. She's just so good at painting a picture of these characters, slightly odd people or who have layers you wouldn't expect. Queer people deep in the heart of america, in the 90's just on the cusp of the world changing. It's such a unique setting and she just pulls it off beautifully.
August 24, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the audio ARC of Empty Heaven!
This was an eerie and haunting story that had me pulled in right away. The narration was fantastic—the performance really elevated the atmosphere, making the unsettling imagery and surreal moments even more vivid. The voice work added depth to the characters and gave the story a constant sense of unease, which worked perfectly for the tone.
That said, I’ll admit I was a bit confused at times by the plot. The structure and flow can feel disorienting, with layers of reality and metaphor overlapping, and I had to pause more than once to process what was happening. Still, even in those moments of uncertainty, the writing and atmosphere were strong enough to keep me hooked.
Thematically, this is a story about identity, loss, and transformation wrapped in a disturbing, surreal horror experience. It’s not straightforward horror it’s more of a dreamlike nightmare, where you’re never quite sure what’s real. The sunflower imagery paired with moments of grotesque body horror was striking, leaving images that will stick with me long after finishing.
If you enjoy lyrical, unsettling horror that leans more on mood and psychological disorientation than a clear cut storyline, this will be a rewarding read. It’s the type of book that makes you feel slightly off kilter, in the best way
This was an eerie and haunting story that had me pulled in right away. The narration was fantastic—the performance really elevated the atmosphere, making the unsettling imagery and surreal moments even more vivid. The voice work added depth to the characters and gave the story a constant sense of unease, which worked perfectly for the tone.
That said, I’ll admit I was a bit confused at times by the plot. The structure and flow can feel disorienting, with layers of reality and metaphor overlapping, and I had to pause more than once to process what was happening. Still, even in those moments of uncertainty, the writing and atmosphere were strong enough to keep me hooked.
Thematically, this is a story about identity, loss, and transformation wrapped in a disturbing, surreal horror experience. It’s not straightforward horror it’s more of a dreamlike nightmare, where you’re never quite sure what’s real. The sunflower imagery paired with moments of grotesque body horror was striking, leaving images that will stick with me long after finishing.
If you enjoy lyrical, unsettling horror that leans more on mood and psychological disorientation than a clear cut storyline, this will be a rewarding read. It’s the type of book that makes you feel slightly off kilter, in the best way
August 5, 2025
I am obsessed with this book! I loved it so much that I preordered the physical book. As a New Englander from Massachusetts, I really appreciated the references to real places like the Quabbin, Amherst College, and the Swift River. I loved the spooky folklore vibes. I think fans of Lute, The Ritual, and Midsommar will thoroughly enjoy this one. I really enjoyed the quippy remarks between the characters. They were all so interesting and hilarious. I enjoyed the relationships between the characters and adored the plot. It was really unique and not what I was expecting at all! Such cool plot twists! I’m going to recommend this book to all of my book buddies.
The artwork on the cover is gorgeous. The narrator is amazing! I was hooked right from the start.
Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and Freddie Kölsch for the audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Audio Publication Date: August 5, 2025
Hardcover Publication date: August 26, 2025
The artwork on the cover is gorgeous. The narrator is amazing! I was hooked right from the start.
Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and Freddie Kölsch for the audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Audio Publication Date: August 5, 2025
Hardcover Publication date: August 26, 2025
October 6, 2025
Freddie Kolsch is my favorite YA author right now. I've been calling her whole thing "Quabbin Gothic" and it 1000% works for me.
Now, Conjurers was my favorite teen book last year and this one is poised to be this year's favorite. I love that the mythologies tie subtly together and they're tonally very similar. In fact, plot-wise they're perhaps just slightly TOO similar, but I like the story so much that this didn't overly bother me. This book is a little zanier and has more of a hijinks feel than NC, which was a little more consistently sad.
My one issue is that there's a childhood trauma element which, while important and valuable in general, felt a little shoehorned into the autumnal demon plot at the end.
10/10 for creepiness, gayness, and Massachusetts-ness, though.
Now, Conjurers was my favorite teen book last year and this one is poised to be this year's favorite. I love that the mythologies tie subtly together and they're tonally very similar. In fact, plot-wise they're perhaps just slightly TOO similar, but I like the story so much that this didn't overly bother me. This book is a little zanier and has more of a hijinks feel than NC, which was a little more consistently sad.
My one issue is that there's a childhood trauma element which, while important and valuable in general, felt a little shoehorned into the autumnal demon plot at the end.
10/10 for creepiness, gayness, and Massachusetts-ness, though.
August 3, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me listen early.
I’m a Freddie Kölsch Stan since reading Now, Conjurers last year so I was beyond excited I got approved for this.
And this book delivered. Perfect, honestly.
The setting is every fall lovers dream, we have peak Halloween/spooky season vibes and amazing characters.
This story was a perfect blend of heartfelt and raw relationships, magic and cult-like lore.
Please check the trigger warnings before you read this, it’s touching some very heavy topics.
The characters were so multilayered and lovely, every one of them having such a deep backstory and purpose to the story.
In my humble opinion nothing is amiss from this book, it really has it all. Magical, creepy, atmospheric and queer AF.
A must read for all thrill seeking pumpkin spice junkies!
I’m a Freddie Kölsch Stan since reading Now, Conjurers last year so I was beyond excited I got approved for this.
And this book delivered. Perfect, honestly.
The setting is every fall lovers dream, we have peak Halloween/spooky season vibes and amazing characters.
This story was a perfect blend of heartfelt and raw relationships, magic and cult-like lore.
Please check the trigger warnings before you read this, it’s touching some very heavy topics.
The characters were so multilayered and lovely, every one of them having such a deep backstory and purpose to the story.
In my humble opinion nothing is amiss from this book, it really has it all. Magical, creepy, atmospheric and queer AF.
A must read for all thrill seeking pumpkin spice junkies!
August 5, 2025
This is a very well-crafted, very traumatic, very scary YA horror novel that deftly handles very heavy topics such as sexual abuse, family trauma, drugs, death, gender identity, religion, possession, 9/11 and cult mentality.
Kolsch creates a fascinating backstory for this cult-controlled New England town where each character is deeply drawn and felt.
Darien summers every year in the town where her mother was raised. But this summer was different. She found her friend group and a new love. When Darien decides to surprise her friends at the Halloween Harvest Festival, she learns this town is nothing like she thought.
It is a joy to watch this Scooby Gang try to save their friends, find themselves and express their budding sexuality. The devastating climax is finely handled and completely heartbreaking.
Kolsch creates a fascinating backstory for this cult-controlled New England town where each character is deeply drawn and felt.
Darien summers every year in the town where her mother was raised. But this summer was different. She found her friend group and a new love. When Darien decides to surprise her friends at the Halloween Harvest Festival, she learns this town is nothing like she thought.
It is a joy to watch this Scooby Gang try to save their friends, find themselves and express their budding sexuality. The devastating climax is finely handled and completely heartbreaking.
August 6, 2025
I’m kind of hovering between 3 and 4 stars for this one.
This started out SO SOLID! I was so gripped the second I started reading it, because it reminded me of a Midsommar type horror. I absolutely love that gory and creepy weirdness so was super excited to see a really unique, cult horror type book.
It went downhill for me very quickly. I really think the middle of the book pulled too far away from the horror genre for me and I really would have loved to see more of the full on goriness that was promised at the start. It kind of turned into a misunderstood god type deal and while I think that’s ok, it just wasn’t what I expected.
The ending saved it. I devoured the last third of the book and while I am quite happy I stuck with it, I can easily see how people would lose interest. It kind of to me felt like three seperate books that were sort of different and shoved together as a Mish mash and while I can see the bigger picture, I’m not entirely sure it all worked together.
I did the audio of this and I absolutely loved the narrator! She did a fantastic job of bringing the book to life and taking on this variety of characters to really distinguish them and their personalities.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this book.
This started out SO SOLID! I was so gripped the second I started reading it, because it reminded me of a Midsommar type horror. I absolutely love that gory and creepy weirdness so was super excited to see a really unique, cult horror type book.
It went downhill for me very quickly. I really think the middle of the book pulled too far away from the horror genre for me and I really would have loved to see more of the full on goriness that was promised at the start. It kind of turned into a misunderstood god type deal and while I think that’s ok, it just wasn’t what I expected.
The ending saved it. I devoured the last third of the book and while I am quite happy I stuck with it, I can easily see how people would lose interest. It kind of to me felt like three seperate books that were sort of different and shoved together as a Mish mash and while I can see the bigger picture, I’m not entirely sure it all worked together.
I did the audio of this and I absolutely loved the narrator! She did a fantastic job of bringing the book to life and taking on this variety of characters to really distinguish them and their personalities.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this book.
August 10, 2025
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for sending me a copy of this audiobook! All opinions are my own!
Okay this was the perfect book for spooky season, and I'm not sure much else can compare! It's the perfect part mystery perfect part horror, and I loved diving into this one! From the creepiness of the town and the loss of free will to the existential dread that ambushes you at every turn, this was a ride that seems so perfect any spooky fans.
I loved the "retro" setting, as it really helped everything fall into place better and really helped the reader be immersed in the story. It felt like I was right beside of the characters staring down this terrifying scarecrow. Combine it all with the LGBTQ+ rep and the way that this book dives into the hard topics without a flinch, and this is a spectacular read!
Get your hands on it before the leaves start hitting the ground!
Okay this was the perfect book for spooky season, and I'm not sure much else can compare! It's the perfect part mystery perfect part horror, and I loved diving into this one! From the creepiness of the town and the loss of free will to the existential dread that ambushes you at every turn, this was a ride that seems so perfect any spooky fans.
I loved the "retro" setting, as it really helped everything fall into place better and really helped the reader be immersed in the story. It felt like I was right beside of the characters staring down this terrifying scarecrow. Combine it all with the LGBTQ+ rep and the way that this book dives into the hard topics without a flinch, and this is a spectacular read!
Get your hands on it before the leaves start hitting the ground!
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