What do you think?
Rate this book
The Vines
After the tragic loss of her father, Madison’s mother Susan moves them to an old farmhouse in hopes of curving the struggling teen’s spiraling behavior, giving her a fresh start at a new school and a chance for a new life. The change isn’t a welcomed one and the new environment, although vastly different, proves just as difficult for her daughter to navigate. But there’s something about the old house, something growing, that just may save Madison from herself.
Poignant and haunting while never losing hope, The Vines is a story that twists and weaves through love, loss, the confusing complexities of a teen’s self-discovery, and a mother’s unrelenting love of a daughter with a very special gift.
Sometimes wilted plants just need a little love.
Poignant and haunting while never losing hope, The Vines is a story that twists and weaves through love, loss, the confusing complexities of a teen’s self-discovery, and a mother’s unrelenting love of a daughter with a very special gift.
Sometimes wilted plants just need a little love.
59 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 28, 2025
3 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Matt Micheli
21 books115 followersMatt Micheli is an award-winning horror and dark-fiction author out of New Braunfels, TX. He has several fiction and non-fiction pieces featured in various magazines and anthologies and is a multi-contributor to This is Horror, Horror Sleaze Trash, and Horror Tree. A widower (he lost his wife to Cancer) and a loving father to a daughter and husky dogs, he spends his days dabbling in domestication and his nights in Tequila, always searching for the next great story.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 29, 2025
Though a tough decision, a new start is needed. After a tough year, a new house and a new life are just what this family needs. Maddison is young and will one day understand, but for now as she settles into their new home and life, she becomes attached to luscious climbing vines that encase their garden shed. These vines continue to be a constant in Maddie's life as she adapts to the changes and further events that plague her life. Perhaps it's not that bad Afterall...
The Vines is a short story under 100 pages. Though short, Micheli has paced the plot well. With splitting perspectives between the past and present the reader gets a feel of the life these characters once had and how it is effecting the new one they are trying to create.
The Vines in this story are somewhat symbolic as Maddi finds them at their worst but with some tender love and care, and of course a little fertilizer, they can once again flourish. Much like herself, after some time and adapting and a little love, Maddi is on the path to a flourishing new life. Her past will always be there, but the present and the future hold great hopes.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Vines is a short story under 100 pages. Though short, Micheli has paced the plot well. With splitting perspectives between the past and present the reader gets a feel of the life these characters once had and how it is effecting the new one they are trying to create.
The Vines in this story are somewhat symbolic as Maddi finds them at their worst but with some tender love and care, and of course a little fertilizer, they can once again flourish. Much like herself, after some time and adapting and a little love, Maddi is on the path to a flourishing new life. Her past will always be there, but the present and the future hold great hopes.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 19, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Grief is hard enough to handle without throwing in a creepy farmhouse and, oh yeah, a sinister presence that seems to be... growing.
But that’s exactly what Madison, a teenager mourning the loss of her father, is up against when she and her mother move to a secluded country house in search of a fresh start. Fresh? Sure. But peaceful? Not so much. Because something in this house is alive, and it’s not just the memories.
The Vines is a haunting, tightly woven (or should I say tangled? 🤣🤣🤣) tale that 'sinks its roots' into psychological horror while also delivering something deeply emotional.
Matt Micheli masterfully explored themes of trauma, grief, and the unbreakable bond between mother and daughter—all while making sure you’re peeking over your shoulder the entire time.
From the first page, there’s already an eerie, creeping tension, the kind that makes you hesitate before turning off the lights.
The supernatural element slithers its way into the story, wrapping itself around your nerves, until you can practically hear the walls breathing.
At just 60 pages, this novella is proof that horror doesn’t need a long setup to be effective—it just needs the right touch of dread, heart, and, well... things that move when they shouldn’t.
It’s fast-paced, gripping, and will appeal to horror fans and emotional masochists alike.
Matt blended horror and emotion so well (the two H’s!) that by the time you reach the last page, you’ll be feeling both haunted and oddly hopeful that this new change will be something for the good!
Overall, this was quite an enjoyable novella, and I don't want to give anything away.
But Matt, if you’re reading this, I have only one request:
"Please, sir, I want some more."
Grief is hard enough to handle without throwing in a creepy farmhouse and, oh yeah, a sinister presence that seems to be... growing.
But that’s exactly what Madison, a teenager mourning the loss of her father, is up against when she and her mother move to a secluded country house in search of a fresh start. Fresh? Sure. But peaceful? Not so much. Because something in this house is alive, and it’s not just the memories.
The Vines is a haunting, tightly woven (or should I say tangled? 🤣🤣🤣) tale that 'sinks its roots' into psychological horror while also delivering something deeply emotional.
Matt Micheli masterfully explored themes of trauma, grief, and the unbreakable bond between mother and daughter—all while making sure you’re peeking over your shoulder the entire time.
From the first page, there’s already an eerie, creeping tension, the kind that makes you hesitate before turning off the lights.
The supernatural element slithers its way into the story, wrapping itself around your nerves, until you can practically hear the walls breathing.
At just 60 pages, this novella is proof that horror doesn’t need a long setup to be effective—it just needs the right touch of dread, heart, and, well... things that move when they shouldn’t.
It’s fast-paced, gripping, and will appeal to horror fans and emotional masochists alike.
Matt blended horror and emotion so well (the two H’s!) that by the time you reach the last page, you’ll be feeling both haunted and oddly hopeful that this new change will be something for the good!
Overall, this was quite an enjoyable novella, and I don't want to give anything away.
But Matt, if you’re reading this, I have only one request:
"Please, sir, I want some more."
March 25, 2025
I was provided a free ARC of this novella (releasing on March 28th!) in exchange for an honest review.
The Vines is a quick and easy read, but the short length doesn't take away from the story. If anything, Susan and Madison, our mother-daughter duo, will have you wishing the book was even longer to spend more time with them. From the first few pages they felt incredibly real. Just their introduction had me wishing I was meeting them in something other than a horror novel. It was easy to see that they cared about each other despite the loss that started a gap between them. Micheli did a great job showing that grief and the different ways both of the main characters were adjusting to the hole in their lives. Just like in Two Minutes with the Devil, creating realistic characters is where this author really shines.
The only complaint I have is that the ending felt a bit rushed, but that can easily happen in a novella. It felt like a problem was introduced and then immediately gotten rid of. I'll leave that vague to avoid spoilers, but I think I would have liked to see a little bit more build up to the climactic event. If you've read anything else by Matt Micheli or haven't had a chance to pick up one of his books, this is a great place to hop back in or start fresh!
The Vines is a quick and easy read, but the short length doesn't take away from the story. If anything, Susan and Madison, our mother-daughter duo, will have you wishing the book was even longer to spend more time with them. From the first few pages they felt incredibly real. Just their introduction had me wishing I was meeting them in something other than a horror novel. It was easy to see that they cared about each other despite the loss that started a gap between them. Micheli did a great job showing that grief and the different ways both of the main characters were adjusting to the hole in their lives. Just like in Two Minutes with the Devil, creating realistic characters is where this author really shines.
The only complaint I have is that the ending felt a bit rushed, but that can easily happen in a novella. It felt like a problem was introduced and then immediately gotten rid of. I'll leave that vague to avoid spoilers, but I think I would have liked to see a little bit more build up to the climactic event. If you've read anything else by Matt Micheli or haven't had a chance to pick up one of his books, this is a great place to hop back in or start fresh!
April 5, 2025
Matt Micheli knows exactly how to write gut-wrenching grief and pulse-pounding terror! His characters are raw and real, delivering all of the promises that he makes to his readers.
The Vines tackles grief in an interesting way. Our main character, who just happens to be very Lydia Deetz (BEETLEJUICE) or Nancy (The Craft) coded, is planning to start a new school in the face of a great familial loss. However, her comfort comes in the form of the vines that grow around her new house. Her attachment mirrors her other personal relationships at time and that mirror translates to an epic climax of this novella!
If Matt Micheli writes it, then you know it’s going to be an excellent story! Run, don’t walk to grab your copy of the Vines now!
The Vines tackles grief in an interesting way. Our main character, who just happens to be very Lydia Deetz (BEETLEJUICE) or Nancy (The Craft) coded, is planning to start a new school in the face of a great familial loss. However, her comfort comes in the form of the vines that grow around her new house. Her attachment mirrors her other personal relationships at time and that mirror translates to an epic climax of this novella!
If Matt Micheli writes it, then you know it’s going to be an excellent story! Run, don’t walk to grab your copy of the Vines now!
March 23, 2025
This is unlike anything I've read by Micheli. It's an emotionally dark story. A slow burn that focuses on grief and two people trying to move on with their lives. Even though the horror doesn't come until late in the book, it's still a gripping tale that will keep you turning the pages.
April 14, 2025
The Vines is a grief horror that focuses on a young teenage daughter who moves into her grandmother's old farmhouse after losing her father to cancer. The story starts off pretty sad as it focuses on Madison threatening to self-destruct after losing her father and having trouble getting used to her new surroundings.
She has a gift and that's a green thumb. A mysterious set of vines is in the back of the farmhouse. She grows a liking toward them. The story is dark in nature as it covers the impact of losing someone to cancer and just how hard it is to adjust. It's a gripping tale especially when one gets to the end especially when it switches between the present and Madison's flashbacks of losing her father.
It's a short read that hits hard and might cause you to shed a tear. Yeah, I warned you that it might make you cry.
She has a gift and that's a green thumb. A mysterious set of vines is in the back of the farmhouse. She grows a liking toward them. The story is dark in nature as it covers the impact of losing someone to cancer and just how hard it is to adjust. It's a gripping tale especially when one gets to the end especially when it switches between the present and Madison's flashbacks of losing her father.
It's a short read that hits hard and might cause you to shed a tear. Yeah, I warned you that it might make you cry.
March 28, 2025
Micheli has done it again. True to form, the unease factor is strong in this quick, creepy read! When mother and daughter move to an old family property to escape the tragedy of their husband/father’s death, things seem okay at first—but not for long. With themes of grief horror, supernatural entities and YA vibes, this was an impossible to put down, tightly woven and hard-hitting emotional work. Definitely recommend!
April 24, 2025
The Vines is a haunting but hopeful story about a teen and mother dealing with loss.
The Vines was an emotional ride, quietly intense, beautifully written and moving. Madison’s story is raw and honest, the mother daughter relationship felt genuine. Poignant without being overdone and I loved the ending.
Thank you Book Sirens for the ARC in exchange for review.
The Vines was an emotional ride, quietly intense, beautifully written and moving. Madison’s story is raw and honest, the mother daughter relationship felt genuine. Poignant without being overdone and I loved the ending.
Thank you Book Sirens for the ARC in exchange for review.
August 9, 2025
A Total '90s Vibe with an Ending That'll Blow Your Mind
If you're a child of the '90s, get ready to be transported back in time. Matt Micheli's The Vine is more than just a horror novel; it's a brilliant, nostalgic trip that had me hooked from the very first page. The book perfectly captures the era, from the fashion and music to the pre-internet suburban angst that felt so real. Micheli doesn't just reference the '90s, he makes you feel like you're living in it again, in the best and most terrifying way possible.
The build-up is a masterclass in slow-burn tension, but the real showstopper is the ending. I won't give anything away, but seriously, wow. Just... WOW. The conclusion is one of the most clever, unexpected, and utterly brilliant finales I've read in a long time. It recontextualizes everything you thought you knew, leaving you with that satisfying, "I should have seen that coming!" feeling. This book is a must-read for any horror fan, especially those who miss the days of dial-up and grunge. You won't be disappointed.
If you're a child of the '90s, get ready to be transported back in time. Matt Micheli's The Vine is more than just a horror novel; it's a brilliant, nostalgic trip that had me hooked from the very first page. The book perfectly captures the era, from the fashion and music to the pre-internet suburban angst that felt so real. Micheli doesn't just reference the '90s, he makes you feel like you're living in it again, in the best and most terrifying way possible.
The build-up is a masterclass in slow-burn tension, but the real showstopper is the ending. I won't give anything away, but seriously, wow. Just... WOW. The conclusion is one of the most clever, unexpected, and utterly brilliant finales I've read in a long time. It recontextualizes everything you thought you knew, leaving you with that satisfying, "I should have seen that coming!" feeling. This book is a must-read for any horror fan, especially those who miss the days of dial-up and grunge. You won't be disappointed.
March 21, 2025
I'm a sucker for a good cover and this is one of them. I've read some of his previous work (Scratched, The White, and Two Minutes with The Devil), and loved them so I jumped at the chance when Matt offered to send me this one.
This was definitely a different novella than what I'm used to but I loved it just the same. You're reading a story about a mother and daughter, Susan and Maddie, moving into Susan's mom's old house after the father's passing. Maddie having to start in a new school, in a new town, and meeting new strangers. I understood how this felt when I transferred from private to public schools in the 3rd grade. Then her having to deal with her father's death, the grief she was experiencing was palpable.
I will say that I kept saying "where are the vines?" While reading. But let me tell you, when the vines show up, you won't regret taking a chance on this book. And since this one is around 60 pages, you can read it in one sitting!
This was definitely a different novella than what I'm used to but I loved it just the same. You're reading a story about a mother and daughter, Susan and Maddie, moving into Susan's mom's old house after the father's passing. Maddie having to start in a new school, in a new town, and meeting new strangers. I understood how this felt when I transferred from private to public schools in the 3rd grade. Then her having to deal with her father's death, the grief she was experiencing was palpable.
I will say that I kept saying "where are the vines?" While reading. But let me tell you, when the vines show up, you won't regret taking a chance on this book. And since this one is around 60 pages, you can read it in one sitting!
March 21, 2025
4.5
I really enjoyed this one. It’s an emotional and atmospheric story about grief, starting over, and finding purpose in unexpected places. The dual timeline added a lot of depth, making it easy to connect with the characters and their struggles. I especially loved how nature played a big role—it felt symbolic in a really powerful way. The story had some heartbreaking moments, but also a lot of strength and resilience. As things unfolded, the tension built in a way that had me completely hooked, and the ending delivered an intense, satisfying moment of catharsis. Definitely a compelling read.
I really enjoyed this one. It’s an emotional and atmospheric story about grief, starting over, and finding purpose in unexpected places. The dual timeline added a lot of depth, making it easy to connect with the characters and their struggles. I especially loved how nature played a big role—it felt symbolic in a really powerful way. The story had some heartbreaking moments, but also a lot of strength and resilience. As things unfolded, the tension built in a way that had me completely hooked, and the ending delivered an intense, satisfying moment of catharsis. Definitely a compelling read.
April 2, 2025
Thank you to BookSirens for providing a review copy.
The Vines was an emotional gut punch I was somewhat unprepared for. I just loved Madison, because I was that angry teen losing myself in grunge and art. Although I lost my dad to old age and not cancer, the experience of seeing someone whose presence once loomed so large in your life become frail and diminished was painfully relatable. I really loved this one, and read it in a sitting. I would have happily read this story at three times the length. 5 stars
The Vines was an emotional gut punch I was somewhat unprepared for. I just loved Madison, because I was that angry teen losing myself in grunge and art. Although I lost my dad to old age and not cancer, the experience of seeing someone whose presence once loomed so large in your life become frail and diminished was painfully relatable. I really loved this one, and read it in a sitting. I would have happily read this story at three times the length. 5 stars
March 20, 2025
Madison and her mother move to an old farmhouse after the death of her father. Gifted with a green thumb, Madison cares for plants that may… or may not be silent witnesses to their trauma, grief, and healing. A well written horror novella that builds the creeping tension and wraps the reader in it’s grip. The beautiful cover captures the essence of this novella perfectly💚
May 4, 2025
A nostalgic good time. Quick read that's perfect for an afternoon "pick me up"- nothing like seeing an asshole get their comeuppance to brighten your day.
April 16, 2025
🔥 BRO vs. THE VINES 🔥
🥊 The Book: The Vines by Matt Micheli
When Madison’s dad dies, she and her mom move to a remote farmhouse for a fresh start. But the isolation doesn’t help much—until something old, wild, and maybe alive starts to twist its way into their lives. Could the thing growing in the fields be a nightmare… or a cure?
💪 The Bro: Big grief. Big vines. And big Mazzy Star energy.
⸻
🥊 ROUND 1: Vibe Check
• This book’s got real heart. Madison’s a standout character—grungy, angsty, and totally ‘90s in all the best ways.
• You can feel the weight of grief in the house, and the mom-daughter dynamic actually works, which is rare in horror.
• Plus, shout out to the Mazzy Star drops—if you know, you feel it.
⸻
🥊 ROUND 2: Horror Elements
• The scares? More like shadows than monsters. This book doesn’t go full carnage—it’s more quiet dread than bloodbath.
• That said, the horror kind of sneaks up out of nowhere. There’s buildup, sure, but then it hits fast and doesn’t totally explain itself.
• Ambiguity is cool, but this one left me wanting just a little more—a peek under the leaves, if you will.
⸻
🥊 ROUND 3: Final Verdict
• It’s short, sharp, and emotionally grounded.
• This isn’t for the extreme horror heads—but if you’re easing into the genre or want your scares with a soul, this one’s worth your time.
• The horror doesn’t fully bloom, but the roots are solid.
⸻
🔥 FINAL BELL: The ARC Bro Scorecard 🔥
🥊 Split Decision – The Vines is a quiet, emotional horror novella with just enough darkness to give your feels the chills. If you like a little rot in your coming-of-age drama, you’ll dig it. Just don’t expect a full-on blood harvest.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
🥊 The Book: The Vines by Matt Micheli
When Madison’s dad dies, she and her mom move to a remote farmhouse for a fresh start. But the isolation doesn’t help much—until something old, wild, and maybe alive starts to twist its way into their lives. Could the thing growing in the fields be a nightmare… or a cure?
💪 The Bro: Big grief. Big vines. And big Mazzy Star energy.
⸻
🥊 ROUND 1: Vibe Check
• This book’s got real heart. Madison’s a standout character—grungy, angsty, and totally ‘90s in all the best ways.
• You can feel the weight of grief in the house, and the mom-daughter dynamic actually works, which is rare in horror.
• Plus, shout out to the Mazzy Star drops—if you know, you feel it.
⸻
🥊 ROUND 2: Horror Elements
• The scares? More like shadows than monsters. This book doesn’t go full carnage—it’s more quiet dread than bloodbath.
• That said, the horror kind of sneaks up out of nowhere. There’s buildup, sure, but then it hits fast and doesn’t totally explain itself.
• Ambiguity is cool, but this one left me wanting just a little more—a peek under the leaves, if you will.
⸻
🥊 ROUND 3: Final Verdict
• It’s short, sharp, and emotionally grounded.
• This isn’t for the extreme horror heads—but if you’re easing into the genre or want your scares with a soul, this one’s worth your time.
• The horror doesn’t fully bloom, but the roots are solid.
⸻
🔥 FINAL BELL: The ARC Bro Scorecard 🔥
🥊 Split Decision – The Vines is a quiet, emotional horror novella with just enough darkness to give your feels the chills. If you like a little rot in your coming-of-age drama, you’ll dig it. Just don’t expect a full-on blood harvest.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 2, 2025
𝑯𝒆 𝒊𝒔𝒏'𝒕 𝒔𝒂𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒉𝒊𝒎𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒅𝒂𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒐𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓...𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒔 𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒘𝒓𝒂𝒑 𝒉𝒊𝒎𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇 𝒂𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒂𝒏 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒅.
Grief horror at its finest. Don't let the slim volume mislead you. Madison loses her father to cancer, and her mother Susan can't live in a house with ghosts and memories. She packs up the house and moves the two to a farmhouse that's been in her family for years. Madison is reluctant to move and start all over again at a new school, but she sees how hard her mother is trying, so she agrees.
The house definitely needs a thorough cleaning, and the cell reception could be better, but something has caught Madison's eye, and it's the vines that are growing around the house that are looking a little worse for the wear. When she waters them, they flourish, and this becomes an analogy for Madison in her grief-stricken state.
You can't hide from grief. You have to co-exist with it and discover ways to go on despite such a devastating loss. I really needed to hear the message of this book, and I'm a firm believer that the right books find us at the right time. Thank you to the author for the early copy. This book published March 28, 2025.
Grief horror at its finest. Don't let the slim volume mislead you. Madison loses her father to cancer, and her mother Susan can't live in a house with ghosts and memories. She packs up the house and moves the two to a farmhouse that's been in her family for years. Madison is reluctant to move and start all over again at a new school, but she sees how hard her mother is trying, so she agrees.
The house definitely needs a thorough cleaning, and the cell reception could be better, but something has caught Madison's eye, and it's the vines that are growing around the house that are looking a little worse for the wear. When she waters them, they flourish, and this becomes an analogy for Madison in her grief-stricken state.
You can't hide from grief. You have to co-exist with it and discover ways to go on despite such a devastating loss. I really needed to hear the message of this book, and I'm a firm believer that the right books find us at the right time. Thank you to the author for the early copy. This book published March 28, 2025.
April 10, 2025
The Vines by Matt Micheli is a quick and easy read that tells the story of Madison, a troubled teen struggling to cope with the tragic loss of her father.
In an attempt to help Madison turn her life around, her mother Susan decides to uproot them and move into an old farmhouse, hoping the change of scenery will give Madison a fresh start at a new school and a chance to leave her spiralling behaviour behind.
While billed as a horror novel, The Vines is light on actual scares, with only one notable horror scene in the entire book.
The story employs flashback scenes to fill in Madison's backstory, although these interludes don't seem to add much to the main plot or enhance the overall narrative.
Readers looking for a breezy, undemanding read may find The Vines enjoyable enough, but hardcore horror fans hoping for a terrifying page-turner will likely come away disappointed by the book's lack of genuine frights or a truly compelling storyline.
In the end, The Vines is a mediocre novel that fails to fully deliver on its premise.
In an attempt to help Madison turn her life around, her mother Susan decides to uproot them and move into an old farmhouse, hoping the change of scenery will give Madison a fresh start at a new school and a chance to leave her spiralling behaviour behind.
While billed as a horror novel, The Vines is light on actual scares, with only one notable horror scene in the entire book.
The story employs flashback scenes to fill in Madison's backstory, although these interludes don't seem to add much to the main plot or enhance the overall narrative.
Readers looking for a breezy, undemanding read may find The Vines enjoyable enough, but hardcore horror fans hoping for a terrifying page-turner will likely come away disappointed by the book's lack of genuine frights or a truly compelling storyline.
In the end, The Vines is a mediocre novel that fails to fully deliver on its premise.
March 20, 2025
I really enjoyed this story, and wish it was longer. We have Susan, and her daughter Madison, who are moving to a farmhouse after the death of Madison's Dad. Madison, who has the green thumb her mother does not, begins to tend to the plant life around the house, which includes these strange vines that, with a little love and water, seem to take on lives of their own.
As mother and daughter try to come to grips with their loss, Micheli grips the reader with the perfect amount of creepiness, rising tension, and humor, like only he can.
The result is a terrific tale that would've gotten that 5th star had it been a full length novel. As good as it was, and it was SO good, it left me wanting more. I didn't want it to end.
As mother and daughter try to come to grips with their loss, Micheli grips the reader with the perfect amount of creepiness, rising tension, and humor, like only he can.
The result is a terrific tale that would've gotten that 5th star had it been a full length novel. As good as it was, and it was SO good, it left me wanting more. I didn't want it to end.
March 26, 2025
From the dark mind of Matt Micheli, The Vines is another excellent story coping with death, a mother and daughter relationship and plants are your best friends!
Madison, a teenager feeling the loss from her father and moving to an old childhood family farmhouse with her widow mother to a small country town feels alone and out of place. As a keen herbist, who loves plants than humans (I concur) Madison take her love and talents nurturing her late grandmother's vines.
This story is a slow burner but surprises you at every page, the emotions creep in further wanting to punch the air with a delicious succulent delivery. Matt brings a modern day story telling without the fluff and a realistic insight of a teenage girl's growing pains that is relatable.
Madison, a teenager feeling the loss from her father and moving to an old childhood family farmhouse with her widow mother to a small country town feels alone and out of place. As a keen herbist, who loves plants than humans (I concur) Madison take her love and talents nurturing her late grandmother's vines.
This story is a slow burner but surprises you at every page, the emotions creep in further wanting to punch the air with a delicious succulent delivery. Matt brings a modern day story telling without the fluff and a realistic insight of a teenage girl's growing pains that is relatable.
August 30, 2025
A perfectly paced novelette, The Vines maintains it's unsettling tone throughout. More of a dark fiction/contemporary story looking at the evolving grief of our mother-daughter duo, Matt Micheli still managed to convey supernatural horror elements without seeming out of place.
It was great to see a non-toxic relationship between Susan and Maddy, with them supporting each other during their heavy loss. I found the author wrote both characters with such care, capturing Susan's loneliness and Maddy's teenage struggles.
I have a hard time connecting to characters in such a short story, but I did sympathize with them. I just would have liked there to be more!
Thank you to Book Sirens and the author for providing a copy for review.
It was great to see a non-toxic relationship between Susan and Maddy, with them supporting each other during their heavy loss. I found the author wrote both characters with such care, capturing Susan's loneliness and Maddy's teenage struggles.
I have a hard time connecting to characters in such a short story, but I did sympathize with them. I just would have liked there to be more!
Thank you to Book Sirens and the author for providing a copy for review.
March 23, 2025
This actually hit me a bit because I to lost my mother to brain cancer so witnessing it through the eyes of a fictional character was intriguing as it could have been me, reading about myself experiencing it. Feeling Madison’s feelings and Susan’s as well was heart wrenching, BUT as Madison wished for protection it was granted and all I could think was it was her dad using the vines to continue to protect his daughter. This was a good little novella for sure and a super quick read! Definitely well written Matt!
March 31, 2025
This was a fun YA horror about an angsty teen who is forced to move in the middle of a school year. She doesn't quite fit in, but loved her "weird" self, even though her classmates don't get her. She takes care and nurtures some vines and plans to help cope with some serious things happening in her life. There isn't much action but there is good character development with Madison. Overall this was a solid short story with a beautiful cover.
February 21, 2026
Vines by Matt Micheli
This was a great story and I really enjoyed it.
Follow Madison as her mom moves her to a farm home in hopes of changing her behavior after the loss of her father.
She finds hope in a vine that she brings back to life.
I recommend this to everyone! Thank you Matt Micheli for another great story.
This was a great story and I really enjoyed it.
Follow Madison as her mom moves her to a farm home in hopes of changing her behavior after the loss of her father.
She finds hope in a vine that she brings back to life.
I recommend this to everyone! Thank you Matt Micheli for another great story.
April 28, 2025
The Vines is a good story. But I wanted great, and it fell very short of that. You can read my full review here: https://thereadingwife.com/the-vines/
May 3, 2025
It was good, a quick read.
October 11, 2025
so good!
The only negative I have to say about this story is that I was so sad it ended as quickly as it did. I want to know more about Mad’s and Susan’s new life.
Well done.
The only negative I have to say about this story is that I was so sad it ended as quickly as it did. I want to know more about Mad’s and Susan’s new life.
Well done.
May 6, 2025
I really liked this horror novella!
It blends trauma and horror elements together in a great way, and the writing is captivating. It gives eerie vibes from the beginning, and honestly, the ending was nice, and leaves us with quite a hopeful sense for a better future for this mother-daughter duo🫶🏼
I received this ARC from BookSirens and I’m leaving my review voluntarily!
It blends trauma and horror elements together in a great way, and the writing is captivating. It gives eerie vibes from the beginning, and honestly, the ending was nice, and leaves us with quite a hopeful sense for a better future for this mother-daughter duo🫶🏼
I received this ARC from BookSirens and I’m leaving my review voluntarily!
May 30, 2025
The Vines is a deeply emotional, grief fueled psychological horror story that tangles you into it at full speed. It grabbed me by the throat and didn’t let me go until the very end. All of Matt’s stories have that effect on me and that is one of the reasons why he is one of my favorite authors.
I absolutely loved Susan and Madison. They are so relatable. Mother and daughter trying to pick up the pieces after losing one of the most important persons in their lives. I loved how Matt showed us both of their points of view in trying to move on after a loss. I loved how they pull through after the horrible ordeal they went through at the end. I loved how Robert ended.
This book is one of my favorites of the year. I couldn’t put it down and read it in one sitting.
I absolutely loved Susan and Madison. They are so relatable. Mother and daughter trying to pick up the pieces after losing one of the most important persons in their lives. I loved how Matt showed us both of their points of view in trying to move on after a loss. I loved how they pull through after the horrible ordeal they went through at the end. I loved how Robert ended.
This book is one of my favorites of the year. I couldn’t put it down and read it in one sitting.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews