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The Memory Eater
A teenage girl must save her town from a memory-devouring monster in this piercing exploration of grief, trauma, and memory, from the author of The Valley and the Flood.
For generations, a monster called the Memory Eater has lived in the caves of Whistler Beach, Maine, surviving off the unhappy memories of those who want to forget. And for generations, the Harlows have been in charge of keeping her locked up—and keeping her fed.
After her grandmother dies, seventeen-year-old Alana Harlow inherits the family business. But there’s something Alana doesn’t know: the strange gaps in her memory aren’t from an accident. Her memories have been taken—eaten. And with them, she’s lost the knowledge of how to keep the monster contained.
Now the Memory Eater is loose. Alana’s mistake could cost Whistler Beach everything—unless she can figure out how to retrieve her own memories and recapture the monster. But as Alana delves deeper into her family’s magic and the history of her town, she discovers a shocking secret at the center of the Harlow family business and learns that tampering with memories never comes without a price.
For generations, a monster called the Memory Eater has lived in the caves of Whistler Beach, Maine, surviving off the unhappy memories of those who want to forget. And for generations, the Harlows have been in charge of keeping her locked up—and keeping her fed.
After her grandmother dies, seventeen-year-old Alana Harlow inherits the family business. But there’s something Alana doesn’t know: the strange gaps in her memory aren’t from an accident. Her memories have been taken—eaten. And with them, she’s lost the knowledge of how to keep the monster contained.
Now the Memory Eater is loose. Alana’s mistake could cost Whistler Beach everything—unless she can figure out how to retrieve her own memories and recapture the monster. But as Alana delves deeper into her family’s magic and the history of her town, she discovers a shocking secret at the center of the Harlow family business and learns that tampering with memories never comes without a price.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published March 14, 2023
19 people are currently reading
4894 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Mahoney
3 books104 followersNOTE FROM REBECCA: Hey friends, thanks so much for your interest in my books! I'm not planning to be active much on here, so if you have any questions, the best place to reach me is on Twitter at @cafecliche, or by asking a question on my website: https://www.rebeccamahoneybooks.com/c...
Rebecca Mahoney is a young adult and middle grade writer, and the co-creator of audio drama serial The Bridge Podcast. She's a strong believer in the cathartic power of all things fantastical and creepy in children's literature--and she knows firsthand that ghosts, monsters, and the unknown can give you the language you need to understand yourself. She was raised in Windham, New Hampshire, currently resides in Somerville, Massachusetts, and spends her spare time watching horror movies, collecting cloche hats, and cursing sailors at sea. She can be found on Twitter @cafecliche.
Rebecca Mahoney is a young adult and middle grade writer, and the co-creator of audio drama serial The Bridge Podcast. She's a strong believer in the cathartic power of all things fantastical and creepy in children's literature--and she knows firsthand that ghosts, monsters, and the unknown can give you the language you need to understand yourself. She was raised in Windham, New Hampshire, currently resides in Somerville, Massachusetts, and spends her spare time watching horror movies, collecting cloche hats, and cursing sailors at sea. She can be found on Twitter @cafecliche.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
March 15, 2023
I received an ARC from Edelweiss
TW: child abandonment, toxic parent, implied manipulative relationships
4.5
I knew I would like this book, because of how much I liked Mahoney's debut, but I was blown away with how much I loved this book! From the atmosphere to the theme to the "monster" to the actual storyline, there is nothing here I don't love.
I want to say first, how much I loved everything about the Memory Eater herself. Her design is phenomenal- a two story long creature made of the imprint of faces, whose own face is a mask? Incredible design! But even beyond how cool she looked, I adored the concept of her, and the almost mundane way she was accepted as art of the set dressing, until people had to remember to be afraid. I though the balance struck between unearthly danger and chiding companion was pretty much perfect, and as we see more of her existence throughout the book, it only becomes a better contrast.
And with that, I absolutely loved how geuinely unsettling this was! The danger of a monster on the loose was never toned down, even as things get called into question, and the delicate tightrope Alana has to walk is a continually high stake that only makes the more supernatural elements pop even worse. This book is, in places, a ghost story, and the ghosts refuse to let you forget it.
Yet at the same time, this book manages to keep its humanity down to earth. Alana always feels like a real teenage girl, and an actual person, and her personal highs and lows and obstacles don't drag down the greater story or feel off kilter with them. Seeing her flaws and worries furthers the story along in both areas, and her growing romance is actually spectacularly cute. I did not expect a romance to break through here in any purposeful or worthwhile way- but this slow burn second chance romance on the heels of town-wide danger manages to somehow hold its own and become a moment of solace, love, and even humor for an otherwise calloused, heart racing plot.
Really, you never know where this book is going to go, and I'm really so impressed by how much that worked. The plot barrels in and doesn't hit any obvious cliches or nudged winks, and yet everything is perfectly foreshadowed in retrospect! This is one of those stories that feels like a closed circuit, but also has the breadth and depth to feel as if it could live on without you.
I really loved this book! Mahoney has once again given me wonderful mental health representation, real feeling characters, and an alien, lurking magical realism world.
Pre-review comments below
Rebecca Mahoney giving me ANOTHER mental health/grief centric magical realism???? BLESSED.
Post-read update LOVE IT
TW: child abandonment, toxic parent, implied manipulative relationships
4.5
I knew I would like this book, because of how much I liked Mahoney's debut, but I was blown away with how much I loved this book! From the atmosphere to the theme to the "monster" to the actual storyline, there is nothing here I don't love.
I want to say first, how much I loved everything about the Memory Eater herself. Her design is phenomenal- a two story long creature made of the imprint of faces, whose own face is a mask? Incredible design! But even beyond how cool she looked, I adored the concept of her, and the almost mundane way she was accepted as art of the set dressing, until people had to remember to be afraid. I though the balance struck between unearthly danger and chiding companion was pretty much perfect, and as we see more of her existence throughout the book, it only becomes a better contrast.
And with that, I absolutely loved how geuinely unsettling this was! The danger of a monster on the loose was never toned down, even as things get called into question, and the delicate tightrope Alana has to walk is a continually high stake that only makes the more supernatural elements pop even worse. This book is, in places, a ghost story, and the ghosts refuse to let you forget it.
Yet at the same time, this book manages to keep its humanity down to earth. Alana always feels like a real teenage girl, and an actual person, and her personal highs and lows and obstacles don't drag down the greater story or feel off kilter with them. Seeing her flaws and worries furthers the story along in both areas, and her growing romance is actually spectacularly cute. I did not expect a romance to break through here in any purposeful or worthwhile way- but this slow burn second chance romance on the heels of town-wide danger manages to somehow hold its own and become a moment of solace, love, and even humor for an otherwise calloused, heart racing plot.
Really, you never know where this book is going to go, and I'm really so impressed by how much that worked. The plot barrels in and doesn't hit any obvious cliches or nudged winks, and yet everything is perfectly foreshadowed in retrospect! This is one of those stories that feels like a closed circuit, but also has the breadth and depth to feel as if it could live on without you.
I really loved this book! Mahoney has once again given me wonderful mental health representation, real feeling characters, and an alien, lurking magical realism world.
Pre-review comments below
Rebecca Mahoney giving me ANOTHER mental health/grief centric magical realism???? BLESSED.
Post-read update LOVE IT
did-not-finish
July 18, 2025DNF - page 110 (33%)
(July 18, 2025)
Ehh. I am not invested in this one.
(July 18, 2025)
Ehh. I am not invested in this one.
November 28, 2022
Thank you so much, NetGalley,PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group, Razorbill, for the chance to read this book in exchange of an honest review.
In the caves of Whistler Beach, in Maine, resides a monster called the Memory Eater and for centuries the Harlows have been in charge of keeping her there and feeding her unhappy memories from people who wants to forget. After ther grandmother's death, it's now Alana's job and duty, but after an accident, the monster escapes, throwing the whole city into panic. Alana should know how to solve this, how to keep the monster contained again, but some of her memories have been eaten and she doesn't remember why and how much she has lost. With a monster on the loose, it's her responsibility to catch her again, but as she delves in her family's history and secrets she starts to understand that things aren't what they seem to be and how tampering with memories comes with a price.
Rebecca Mahoney wrote an intense and deeply original book about monsters, trauma, grief, memory and their painful exploration and importance. The memory eater is one of the most incredible book I've read this year, exploring the importance of memories and how they weigh and their importance in our growth and development. Seventeen years old Alana find herself burdened by a dangerous family business, a business her whole city had take advantage of, surving and thriving with their peculiar own monster and using her to get rid of painful memories and moving on without them. With the monster loose, all of them are forced to confront the danger and, mostly, Alana has to discover family's secret in order to get things right.
It was original, wonderfully written and deeply recommended.
In the caves of Whistler Beach, in Maine, resides a monster called the Memory Eater and for centuries the Harlows have been in charge of keeping her there and feeding her unhappy memories from people who wants to forget. After ther grandmother's death, it's now Alana's job and duty, but after an accident, the monster escapes, throwing the whole city into panic. Alana should know how to solve this, how to keep the monster contained again, but some of her memories have been eaten and she doesn't remember why and how much she has lost. With a monster on the loose, it's her responsibility to catch her again, but as she delves in her family's history and secrets she starts to understand that things aren't what they seem to be and how tampering with memories comes with a price.
Rebecca Mahoney wrote an intense and deeply original book about monsters, trauma, grief, memory and their painful exploration and importance. The memory eater is one of the most incredible book I've read this year, exploring the importance of memories and how they weigh and their importance in our growth and development. Seventeen years old Alana find herself burdened by a dangerous family business, a business her whole city had take advantage of, surving and thriving with their peculiar own monster and using her to get rid of painful memories and moving on without them. With the monster loose, all of them are forced to confront the danger and, mostly, Alana has to discover family's secret in order to get things right.
It was original, wonderfully written and deeply recommended.
June 18, 2025
After her grandmother dies, 17-year-old Alana Harlow ends up carrying the weight of responsibility on her young shoulders as she takes on the family burden of keeping a memory-stealing monster contained in a cave and the town safe from harm. Alana keeps the monster contained by running a business that sales to people an opportunity for the monster to "eat any memory" they want to forget. Because the monster feeds on memories, this business keeps the monster satisfied and away from the townspeople. Unfortunately, Alana is having memory issues herself and unintentionally allows the monster to escape, putting the town at risk.
This book is a story of how Alana, her friends, and community learn to get over obstacles, learn more about themselves and each other, and find out what it takes to collectively battle the impact of painful times. I enjoyed the overriding theme of how bad memories and pain shape who we are and can cause immeasurable anguish, but on the flip side, there are cherished memories that live together in our hearts with the bad ones. This story deals a lot of the oppression of carrying heartache and coping with loss and confusion. But this is done in a really beautiful way through the author's words and throughout the book there are nuggets of prose that genuinely touched my heart.
Although this is a YA book, the story is smart and mature. The teen main characters are the main focus, and they're actually very good at supporting each other and navigating through what would probably be pretty confusing life issues for many teens. This is a found family book also in that Alana is a minor who is taken in by her good friend's parents after her only living relative dies, and because of their care and that of many other adults in the book, as well as her tight friend group, Alana can feel loved so even if her first instinct is to go it alone and not involve anyone else, that just will not fly with the people who care about Alana.
The characters in the book are mostly well developed, at least the teens. I also enjoyed the personality of The Memory Eater, who plays a significant role in the story and ends up being known as something of a familiar presence to Alana with the two of them knowing, understanding, and learning from each other. The adults in the story are present, but really more supporting and less involved in the action of the book than the teens, but this is okay and works for the story. There's also very positive LGBTQ representation amongst both the adult and teen characters, with Alan herself recently identifying as bisexual. But this is not an overbearing aspect of any character's personality and simply treated as who these folks are, plain and simple.
This is a YA book so while there are heavier life issues like grief, abuse, and abandonment, the author handles those issues with a pretty gentle touch. These are some of the memories people want to forget, but sometimes remembering is the key to moving forward.
I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the way the narrator, Victoria Villareal, brought to life the different colors of the characters' personalities... both their highs and lows.
This book is a story of how Alana, her friends, and community learn to get over obstacles, learn more about themselves and each other, and find out what it takes to collectively battle the impact of painful times. I enjoyed the overriding theme of how bad memories and pain shape who we are and can cause immeasurable anguish, but on the flip side, there are cherished memories that live together in our hearts with the bad ones. This story deals a lot of the oppression of carrying heartache and coping with loss and confusion. But this is done in a really beautiful way through the author's words and throughout the book there are nuggets of prose that genuinely touched my heart.
Although this is a YA book, the story is smart and mature. The teen main characters are the main focus, and they're actually very good at supporting each other and navigating through what would probably be pretty confusing life issues for many teens. This is a found family book also in that Alana is a minor who is taken in by her good friend's parents after her only living relative dies, and because of their care and that of many other adults in the book, as well as her tight friend group, Alana can feel loved so even if her first instinct is to go it alone and not involve anyone else, that just will not fly with the people who care about Alana.
The characters in the book are mostly well developed, at least the teens. I also enjoyed the personality of The Memory Eater, who plays a significant role in the story and ends up being known as something of a familiar presence to Alana with the two of them knowing, understanding, and learning from each other. The adults in the story are present, but really more supporting and less involved in the action of the book than the teens, but this is okay and works for the story. There's also very positive LGBTQ representation amongst both the adult and teen characters, with Alan herself recently identifying as bisexual. But this is not an overbearing aspect of any character's personality and simply treated as who these folks are, plain and simple.
This is a YA book so while there are heavier life issues like grief, abuse, and abandonment, the author handles those issues with a pretty gentle touch. These are some of the memories people want to forget, but sometimes remembering is the key to moving forward.
I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the way the narrator, Victoria Villareal, brought to life the different colors of the characters' personalities... both their highs and lows.
March 11, 2023
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Memory Eater follows a girl named Alana who inherits her family’s business after her grandma passes away. The family business in question is bringing clients to a monster called the memory eater who lives in the caves on the beach of a small town. We follow as Alana learns the truth about her family, the monster and herself.
The plot was fun but also emotional at the same time. It focuses so much on emotions, trauma, grief, etc that it really pulled you in emotionally. I felt for all these characters and everything they were going through. We also get multiple queer characters and relationships which I wasn’t expecting going in and found them all very nice to read.
The conflicts were somewhat predictable but I didn’t mind at all. I still found it very enjoyable and I still wanted to see how things would progress, especially near the end. I liked that each characters reactions to the conflict + resolution felt true to their character. I was never super shocked by how someone reacted. I also thought it was a fitting resolution that showed a lot of humanity and empathy in the characters which I really liked.
There were a lot of moments where I thought the writing was really well done, especially when talking about emotions. I liked the atmosphere and vibe the writing gave. It always felt like it really suited the story and setting. I thought it was paced well. There were some slower moments, some faster but overall it flowed well and never felt like it was getting boringly slow
Now, my favourite part of any books - the characters! Here are my thoughts on some of the main ones:
Alana: I liked that she felt like a complex character. She had flaws but those flaws were believable and added to the story. The way she processed the events in the book and her reactions felt realistic to me.
Rue: We love a super supportive bestie!! I wish we got to see more of her personality outside of how she interacted with Alana but I loved their friendship.
Charlie: She was one of the most interesting characters to me. I couldn’t always figure out her motives but I liked her and liked that she consistently showed up for Alana even when I felt suspicious of it
Lena: oh my GOD she was annoying.. Every scene she was in I couldn’t stand her. She was power hungry and clearly didn’t care about anyone else. Extremely manipulative too.
Mae: She was an interesting character as well. I didn’t know whether to trust her. I would’ve loved to see more of her but as a side character I think she did her job.
Overall, I really strongly enjoyed this book! I would highly recommend it.
The Memory Eater follows a girl named Alana who inherits her family’s business after her grandma passes away. The family business in question is bringing clients to a monster called the memory eater who lives in the caves on the beach of a small town. We follow as Alana learns the truth about her family, the monster and herself.
The plot was fun but also emotional at the same time. It focuses so much on emotions, trauma, grief, etc that it really pulled you in emotionally. I felt for all these characters and everything they were going through. We also get multiple queer characters and relationships which I wasn’t expecting going in and found them all very nice to read.
The conflicts were somewhat predictable but I didn’t mind at all. I still found it very enjoyable and I still wanted to see how things would progress, especially near the end. I liked that each characters reactions to the conflict + resolution felt true to their character. I was never super shocked by how someone reacted. I also thought it was a fitting resolution that showed a lot of humanity and empathy in the characters which I really liked.
There were a lot of moments where I thought the writing was really well done, especially when talking about emotions. I liked the atmosphere and vibe the writing gave. It always felt like it really suited the story and setting. I thought it was paced well. There were some slower moments, some faster but overall it flowed well and never felt like it was getting boringly slow
Now, my favourite part of any books - the characters! Here are my thoughts on some of the main ones:
Alana: I liked that she felt like a complex character. She had flaws but those flaws were believable and added to the story. The way she processed the events in the book and her reactions felt realistic to me.
Rue: We love a super supportive bestie!! I wish we got to see more of her personality outside of how she interacted with Alana but I loved their friendship.
Charlie: She was one of the most interesting characters to me. I couldn’t always figure out her motives but I liked her and liked that she consistently showed up for Alana even when I felt suspicious of it
Lena: oh my GOD she was annoying.. Every scene she was in I couldn’t stand her. She was power hungry and clearly didn’t care about anyone else. Extremely manipulative too.
Mae: She was an interesting character as well. I didn’t know whether to trust her. I would’ve loved to see more of her but as a side character I think she did her job.
Overall, I really strongly enjoyed this book! I would highly recommend it.
November 5, 2023
Sometimes, YA books don't make sense to me.
March 15, 2023
4.5 stars - hurt/comfort, the novel. Great atmosphere (just the right amount of eerie) and incredibly cathartic.
March 21, 2023
Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐
✨
The Memory Eater honestly surpassed my expectations! It was beautifully written and the plot's concept was just as good. The characters are fleshed out nicely and the MC Alana and her two friends, Rue and Charlie, are the kind of girls I'd want to be friends with. Sarcastic, witty, loving and charismatic but each with their own distinct, individual personalities.
✨
There are many lessons and themes within this book that all play an important role such as dealing with grief, memories (good and bad), support from loved ones, etc. and they were all handled/talked about in a realistic yet tasteful way. The atmosphere is generally dark but oddly comforting at the same time which I feel truly encapsulates this book as a whole.
✨
I love that the author never really gave anything away until the perfect moment(s) so that we were able to think for ourselves and try to put the pieces together on our own. It kept things interesting and mysterious which made the experience that much more enjoyable. The "big reveal" was done so well, and fit the timing/pace of the story.
✨
I'd love to read the author's other book because I really enjoyed my time with this one. Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
✨
***Trigger warnings include, but may not be limited to, loss of loved one(s), child abandonment, toxic/manipulative relationships, toxic parent(s).***
✨
The Memory Eater honestly surpassed my expectations! It was beautifully written and the plot's concept was just as good. The characters are fleshed out nicely and the MC Alana and her two friends, Rue and Charlie, are the kind of girls I'd want to be friends with. Sarcastic, witty, loving and charismatic but each with their own distinct, individual personalities.
✨
There are many lessons and themes within this book that all play an important role such as dealing with grief, memories (good and bad), support from loved ones, etc. and they were all handled/talked about in a realistic yet tasteful way. The atmosphere is generally dark but oddly comforting at the same time which I feel truly encapsulates this book as a whole.
✨
I love that the author never really gave anything away until the perfect moment(s) so that we were able to think for ourselves and try to put the pieces together on our own. It kept things interesting and mysterious which made the experience that much more enjoyable. The "big reveal" was done so well, and fit the timing/pace of the story.
✨
I'd love to read the author's other book because I really enjoyed my time with this one. Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
✨
***Trigger warnings include, but may not be limited to, loss of loved one(s), child abandonment, toxic/manipulative relationships, toxic parent(s).***
abandoned
April 26, 2023The Memory Eater by Rebecca Mahoney
327-page Hardback
Genre: Fantasy > Young Adult Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Dark Fantasy; Young Adult, Horror, Thriller
Featuring: Maine, Monster, Magic, Family Obligation,
Rating as a movie: for adult content and language
My rating: DNF @ 14% Page 47 Ch. 3
My thoughts: 📖 Page 47 of 327 Ch. 3 - It's kind of dull but the plot has me curious. The monster is the only interesting character so far, Alana is so-so. I consider quitting after Chapter 1. I'm going to give it till chapter 5 and if it's not amazing by then I'm moving on.
Why I quit: I'm not feeling any of my 3 current books, this one perhaps least of all. I'm not going to waste any more time. I'm not into the vibe of this story. The monster is the only character of interest and they are drawing this story out. I'm avoiding reading because this is mind-numbing so I'm moving on now. I don't need additional chapters.
Recommend to others?: Maybe.
327-page Hardback
Genre: Fantasy > Young Adult Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Dark Fantasy; Young Adult, Horror, Thriller
Featuring: Maine, Monster, Magic, Family Obligation,
Rating as a movie: for adult content and language
My rating: DNF @ 14% Page 47 Ch. 3
My thoughts: 📖 Page 47 of 327 Ch. 3 - It's kind of dull but the plot has me curious. The monster is the only interesting character so far, Alana is so-so. I consider quitting after Chapter 1. I'm going to give it till chapter 5 and if it's not amazing by then I'm moving on.
Why I quit: I'm not feeling any of my 3 current books, this one perhaps least of all. I'm not going to waste any more time. I'm not into the vibe of this story. The monster is the only character of interest and they are drawing this story out. I'm avoiding reading because this is mind-numbing so I'm moving on now. I don't need additional chapters.
Recommend to others?: Maybe.
June 29, 2023
3.5, i feel mixed about this one. i think it would work very well for the intended audience of younger teens, and i really loved the emphasis on letting others help and take care of you (especially your gay girlfriend who loves you for all you are). but some aspects just felt too cliche and the plot wrapped up too easily for the grim fantasy that this was presented as. The antagonist Lena was a cartoon character of a villain and even though secondary characters were cool and gay, i felt like i barely knew anything about them besides their relevance to the mc. the fantasy aspects were really neat and well-done, though. idk! did i enjoy parts of it? sure. am i gonna think about it ever again? probably not.
August 17, 2023
A solid 3.5 stars from me. I was pleased at how likeable and relatable Alana was. Her character felt true to a teenage girl with real traumas and fears. I also loved how she spoke of those fears and traumas and how she felt about it. She had a great message. As for the monster herself, I thought the concept of the memory eater was so cool. A giant creature made from faces? So cool. The thought of a creature like that being loose was truly eerie. I didn't always like the pacing and some dialogue felt like it didn't belong but I did enjoy.
March 15, 2023
Check out the video I made for the book:
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTR7fmb9b/
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4/5 STARS
This is a YA urban fantasy/thriller/horror falling into a few sub genres.
Synopsis:
Alana is a 17 year old girl in Whistler,ME who is the keeper of the memory eater, a monster locked in a cave that feeds on the memories of the townspeople. When the monster steals Alana’s memories, it escapes and she must try and lock it back up.
This book surprised me. It pulled me in from the beginning with what this monster was doing locked in a cave and kept me reading because I needed to find out what was going to happen to it. It has a teen sapphic relationship and touches on the topics like grief and moving on. I would say it is more like an urban fantasy than it is horror. I will go back and read this author’s debut novel as well.
Thank you Penguin Teen for the ARC & PRH Audio for the complimentary audiobook! 🖤
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTR7fmb9b/
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4/5 STARS
This is a YA urban fantasy/thriller/horror falling into a few sub genres.
Synopsis:
Alana is a 17 year old girl in Whistler,ME who is the keeper of the memory eater, a monster locked in a cave that feeds on the memories of the townspeople. When the monster steals Alana’s memories, it escapes and she must try and lock it back up.
This book surprised me. It pulled me in from the beginning with what this monster was doing locked in a cave and kept me reading because I needed to find out what was going to happen to it. It has a teen sapphic relationship and touches on the topics like grief and moving on. I would say it is more like an urban fantasy than it is horror. I will go back and read this author’s debut novel as well.
Thank you Penguin Teen for the ARC & PRH Audio for the complimentary audiobook! 🖤
August 28, 2023
I loved the way it showd the characterization of the memory eater and happens when you make someone a mon ster instead of trying to reach out and understand. I love the town slowly desloves into something of a force for good into something for selfish desires. I also loved the way the way alana and charlie got together again!
June 12, 2024
2.5 stars rounded up.
The first 60% of this book is painfully slow, and then the action ramps up for a few chapters, then peters out again.
I liked the full action bit, but the slow bits I read on 2.75 speed just to stay awake and engaged.
Just not for me.
CW: lgbtqia and NO HOMOMISIA #refreshing
The first 60% of this book is painfully slow, and then the action ramps up for a few chapters, then peters out again.
I liked the full action bit, but the slow bits I read on 2.75 speed just to stay awake and engaged.
Just not for me.
CW: lgbtqia and NO HOMOMISIA #refreshing
March 28, 2024
wait did I never mark this read on GR?? does it even count?! this book was cool as hell but I read it last year. Mahoney is so good at using metaphor to make grief and trauma even more real than real.
November 2, 2023
This book felt a bit young - the genre is YA Fantasy but it definitely feels more like Teen Fantasy. The idea of having to ask for help was good and I liked the premise, just fell a little flat.
Read
January 22, 2024cool concept but literally dnf @ 94%…. I just couldn’t slog through any more
March 7, 2024
I absolutely loved this story. It was creative and new. I liked the characters as well as how the story unfolded. It kept me wondering until the very end.
March 11, 2023
This book is designed to make you feel so many emotions while discussing the exploration of grief, trauma, and memory.
I received an ecopy of this through Netgalley; however, all opinions are my own.
I received an ecopy of this through Netgalley; however, all opinions are my own.
November 23, 2022
Don't sleep on this one! This is such an engaging story about memories, history, and family legacy. Our MC feels like a realistic teen who has had too much responsibility put on her by the adults in her life. Her struggles even though they were caused by a supernatural issue felt like how anyone would react in her situation with her point of view.
The supporting cast were also great and also felt like people who you could meet irl.
Overall, if you enjoy urban fantasy, especially if it's fairly light, then you'd love this book. Make sure to pick it up when it comes out. If you read Mahoney's other book, this one is similar, so if you liked that one, you'll also enjoy this one.
I was provided an ARC by the author, but all of the views are my own.
The supporting cast were also great and also felt like people who you could meet irl.
Overall, if you enjoy urban fantasy, especially if it's fairly light, then you'd love this book. Make sure to pick it up when it comes out. If you read Mahoney's other book, this one is similar, so if you liked that one, you'll also enjoy this one.
I was provided an ARC by the author, but all of the views are my own.
November 13, 2022
A girl struggles with love, duty and self-preservation as she fulfills her role as the last of an ancient family - keep a monster contained in a cave.
Alana lost her grandmother and broke up with her girlfriend, Charlie, leaving her heartbroken as she takes on her hereditary role of keeping the Memory Eater locked up. Years ago, her ancestress, Abigail, used a blood spell to bind the Memory Eater to a cave in Whistler after she decimated the memories of everyone on a ship to America. A deal was struck - the town and council wouldn't let her starve, and she wouldn't take more than she was offered. Now Alana's blood keeps the seal intact. But when the Memory Eater gets the better of Alana and escapes, it'll take every member of her community to help her save the town.
Charlie, Alana and her new guardians are rendered with depth and compassion, showing an unbreakable circle where mistakes are forgivable. Difficult themes of grief and justice are dealt with through magical realism in this book with a heart of gold.
A stunning story that pulls you in and lingers with you.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Alana lost her grandmother and broke up with her girlfriend, Charlie, leaving her heartbroken as she takes on her hereditary role of keeping the Memory Eater locked up. Years ago, her ancestress, Abigail, used a blood spell to bind the Memory Eater to a cave in Whistler after she decimated the memories of everyone on a ship to America. A deal was struck - the town and council wouldn't let her starve, and she wouldn't take more than she was offered. Now Alana's blood keeps the seal intact. But when the Memory Eater gets the better of Alana and escapes, it'll take every member of her community to help her save the town.
Charlie, Alana and her new guardians are rendered with depth and compassion, showing an unbreakable circle where mistakes are forgivable. Difficult themes of grief and justice are dealt with through magical realism in this book with a heart of gold.
A stunning story that pulls you in and lingers with you.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 12, 2023
Rounded up from 4.5, thanks to the publisher for a review copy! Full review on my blog at spinesinaline.wordpress.com
There are parts that are reminiscent of Mahoney’s first book: an odd little town with some fantastical elements, a Big Bad event on the way, and our determined if stubborn MC.
But while it’s wonderful to be transported to another magical setting through the author’s writing, this book still feels wholly unique. The title monster is certainly a significant part of the plot but this book is largely about grief, moving on from or holding on to the past, and as one reader put it, feeling your feelings.
Mahoney has this power of creating enjoyable, inventive and yet brilliantly simple-seeming stories that manage to handle heavy topics in such an in-depth style. Even when you think you’ve reached the core of the story, there’s more to explore.
I have thoroughly enjoyed each of Mahoney’s fun and heartfelt books and I’m so looking forward to whatever else she has in store!
There are parts that are reminiscent of Mahoney’s first book: an odd little town with some fantastical elements, a Big Bad event on the way, and our determined if stubborn MC.
But while it’s wonderful to be transported to another magical setting through the author’s writing, this book still feels wholly unique. The title monster is certainly a significant part of the plot but this book is largely about grief, moving on from or holding on to the past, and as one reader put it, feeling your feelings.
Mahoney has this power of creating enjoyable, inventive and yet brilliantly simple-seeming stories that manage to handle heavy topics in such an in-depth style. Even when you think you’ve reached the core of the story, there’s more to explore.
I have thoroughly enjoyed each of Mahoney’s fun and heartfelt books and I’m so looking forward to whatever else she has in store!
March 23, 2023
You can read my full review on my blog, The Bookwyrm's Den, here.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Overall
I’ve been on a horror kick lately, so when I read this description, I knew I had to read it! A horror book with a meaningful message? Can’t pass that one up. I absolutely love monster books where there’s more going on than what it seems like on the surface, and I knew this would be the case with The Memory Eater. Bring on all the secrets!
The Memory Eater explores generational trauma, grief, and what it takes to heal. In this fast-paced thriller, a teenager girl must protect her town from a memory-eating monster, while coming to grips with the gaps in her own memory.
I read this book in one day, I was so invested in finding out the truth behind the Memory Eater. This book is so freaking infuriating in the best possible way. It’s ridiculously easy to see how the generational trauma has been passed on through the Harlows, and the way the town itself perpetuates it. I don’t see how anyone could read this and not RAGE over the way Alana is treated. Mahoney does a wonderful job of not only creating a terrifying monster but examining the ways in which monsters are created.
My Thoughts
- There is a monster living on Whistler Beach. It not only feeds the town, but also feeds on the town. On the surface, this may seem like a symbiotic relationship, right? Except for the fact that the Memory Eater is trapped like a beast in a cage . . . and the residents of the town live in fear of her getting loose. Not exactly the basis for a good relationship. I absolutely loved the idea of the Memory Eater. On the surface, she seems mostly harmless, eating negative memories. Because who wouldn’t jump on the chance to give up their worst memories, right? Except the Memory Eater herself is terrifying. She’s known as a monster for a reason! The town only puts up with her for the revenue she brings in via tourists coming to have their memories eaten. But what happens when a monster frees herself from her shackles and is turned loose on the people that have taken advantage of her for generations? That’s the idea at the very heart of The Memory Eater, and it’s such an interesting premise!
- In the midst of this thrilling horror, Mahoney weaves a touching, thoughtful tale about generational grief, trauma, and the true worth of memories . . . even bad ones. Not gonna lie, horror stories with a heartfelt message are some of my favorite. I love the dark, spooky vibe, but also a narrative that really makes me stop and think. Mahoney delivers both in this book. Because everything has a cost. Even losing memories. The Harlows are the keepers of the Memory Eater, but they’ve dwindled down over the generations, until only Alana is left. She takes the family business seriously . . . but she (and the reader) have no real concept of what the family business means to start with. As the book progresses, you’ll get a much different view of the relationships between the Harlows and the residents of Whistler Beach. And let me tell you, it will make your blood boil! Without giving too much away, the heart of this story is a group of people who are running away from their trauma the simplest way they know how: by forgetting it all together. Except they’re realizing that their choices may have unpredicted consequences and that not all bad memories are worth getting rid of.
- Despite feeling like the world is on her shoulders and feeling like she needs to do everything on her own, Alana is surrounded by some pretty amazing characters. Not gonna lie, this is definitely a flaw in her character, and a very frustrating one at that. Not just for the reader, but for the people around her. As the book progresses, though, it becomes a little more understandable why Alana feels like she alone needs to solve everything. Mostly because that’s the very thing she’s been told since she can remember. The Harlows are responsible for the Memory Eater and anything that happens to her, and as the last Harlow, that means it’s all up to her. Except it isn’t. Which is a fact that her best friend, Rue, reminds her over and over again. So do Rue’s parents, who have known Alana since she was little and who have taken her in after her grandmother’s death. The relationship between Rue and Alana is just *chef’s kiss*. The friendship in this is so utterly wholesome and cute.
- In the midst of all this, there’s a very cute will they/won’t they flirtation between Alana and her ex-girlfriend, Charlie. This definitely isn’t a romance, even though there is some. The romance takes a back seat to everything else. Especially since neither Charlie nor Alana really know where they stand following their massive breakup months before. Except that they still care about each other, and when Alana seems to be struggling, Charlie refuses to sit by and watch her go it alone. As it turns out, just because you break up with someone doesn’t mean you need to stop caring about them. The dynamic between Charlie and Alana is just too freaking cute. Even I, the least romantic person ever, have to admit that. Team Alana may not be large, but it’s made all the better by Charlie, who cares fiercely about her people. Even exes who have a habit of getting themselves into trouble and never listening.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Overall
I’ve been on a horror kick lately, so when I read this description, I knew I had to read it! A horror book with a meaningful message? Can’t pass that one up. I absolutely love monster books where there’s more going on than what it seems like on the surface, and I knew this would be the case with The Memory Eater. Bring on all the secrets!
The Memory Eater explores generational trauma, grief, and what it takes to heal. In this fast-paced thriller, a teenager girl must protect her town from a memory-eating monster, while coming to grips with the gaps in her own memory.
I read this book in one day, I was so invested in finding out the truth behind the Memory Eater. This book is so freaking infuriating in the best possible way. It’s ridiculously easy to see how the generational trauma has been passed on through the Harlows, and the way the town itself perpetuates it. I don’t see how anyone could read this and not RAGE over the way Alana is treated. Mahoney does a wonderful job of not only creating a terrifying monster but examining the ways in which monsters are created.
My Thoughts
- There is a monster living on Whistler Beach. It not only feeds the town, but also feeds on the town. On the surface, this may seem like a symbiotic relationship, right? Except for the fact that the Memory Eater is trapped like a beast in a cage . . . and the residents of the town live in fear of her getting loose. Not exactly the basis for a good relationship. I absolutely loved the idea of the Memory Eater. On the surface, she seems mostly harmless, eating negative memories. Because who wouldn’t jump on the chance to give up their worst memories, right? Except the Memory Eater herself is terrifying. She’s known as a monster for a reason! The town only puts up with her for the revenue she brings in via tourists coming to have their memories eaten. But what happens when a monster frees herself from her shackles and is turned loose on the people that have taken advantage of her for generations? That’s the idea at the very heart of The Memory Eater, and it’s such an interesting premise!
- In the midst of this thrilling horror, Mahoney weaves a touching, thoughtful tale about generational grief, trauma, and the true worth of memories . . . even bad ones. Not gonna lie, horror stories with a heartfelt message are some of my favorite. I love the dark, spooky vibe, but also a narrative that really makes me stop and think. Mahoney delivers both in this book. Because everything has a cost. Even losing memories. The Harlows are the keepers of the Memory Eater, but they’ve dwindled down over the generations, until only Alana is left. She takes the family business seriously . . . but she (and the reader) have no real concept of what the family business means to start with. As the book progresses, you’ll get a much different view of the relationships between the Harlows and the residents of Whistler Beach. And let me tell you, it will make your blood boil! Without giving too much away, the heart of this story is a group of people who are running away from their trauma the simplest way they know how: by forgetting it all together. Except they’re realizing that their choices may have unpredicted consequences and that not all bad memories are worth getting rid of.
- Despite feeling like the world is on her shoulders and feeling like she needs to do everything on her own, Alana is surrounded by some pretty amazing characters. Not gonna lie, this is definitely a flaw in her character, and a very frustrating one at that. Not just for the reader, but for the people around her. As the book progresses, though, it becomes a little more understandable why Alana feels like she alone needs to solve everything. Mostly because that’s the very thing she’s been told since she can remember. The Harlows are responsible for the Memory Eater and anything that happens to her, and as the last Harlow, that means it’s all up to her. Except it isn’t. Which is a fact that her best friend, Rue, reminds her over and over again. So do Rue’s parents, who have known Alana since she was little and who have taken her in after her grandmother’s death. The relationship between Rue and Alana is just *chef’s kiss*. The friendship in this is so utterly wholesome and cute.
- In the midst of all this, there’s a very cute will they/won’t they flirtation between Alana and her ex-girlfriend, Charlie. This definitely isn’t a romance, even though there is some. The romance takes a back seat to everything else. Especially since neither Charlie nor Alana really know where they stand following their massive breakup months before. Except that they still care about each other, and when Alana seems to be struggling, Charlie refuses to sit by and watch her go it alone. As it turns out, just because you break up with someone doesn’t mean you need to stop caring about them. The dynamic between Charlie and Alana is just too freaking cute. Even I, the least romantic person ever, have to admit that. Team Alana may not be large, but it’s made all the better by Charlie, who cares fiercely about her people. Even exes who have a habit of getting themselves into trouble and never listening.
September 14, 2022
Sometimes a book pushes on a piece of you rooted so deeply you sometimes you forget it’s there. The Memory Eater, while about pain, felt like a comfort to read. It understands pain, and so it becomes a place to rest those pieces that are so hidden. Stunning beyond words.
The prose was beyond beautiful, the relationships made my heart squeeze, and it has just enough body horror to lay a thin film of horror over anything. My love for this book immense.
The prose was beyond beautiful, the relationships made my heart squeeze, and it has just enough body horror to lay a thin film of horror over anything. My love for this book immense.
July 1, 2023
This was spooky and it really worked for me!
December 23, 2023
Today's fiction post is on The Memory Eater by Rebecca Mahoney. It is 336 pages long and is published by Razorbill. The cover is a girl standing in the center is a ghostly being all around her with a face and hands. There is no foul language, no sex, and no violence in this book. The intended reader is someone who likes young adult fiction, stories about dealing with trauma, and found family. The story is told from first person perspective. There Be Spoilers Ahead.
From the dust jacket- For generations, a monster called the Memory Eater has lived in the caves of Whistler Beach, Maine, surviving off the unhappy memories of those who want to forget. And for generations, the Harlows have been in charge of keeping her locked up—and keeping her fed.
After her grandmother dies, seventeen-year-old Alana Harlow inherits the family business. But there’s something Alana doesn’t know: the strange gaps in her memory aren’t from an accident. Her memories have been taken— eaten. And with them, she’s lost the knowledge of how to keep the monster contained.
Now the Memory Eater is loose. Alana’s mistake could cost Whistler Beach everything—unless she can figure out how to retrieve her own memories and recapture the monster. But as Alana delves deeper into her family’s magic and the history of her town, she discovers a shocking secret at the center of the Harlow family business and learns that tampering with memories never comes without a price.
Review- A moving story about how we deal with grief, trauma, and the other hard things in life. The past year hasn't been kind to Alana, her grandmother died, she broke up with her girlfriend, and no one really trusts to do her job. Then the memory eater gets out and now she has to save the town before the memory eater eats them all. A moving tale about memory, family trauma, and learning to live with hard memories. Alana is a good main character, she is trying so hard to be what her town says she should be. But she doesn't know what she really wants and more or who she is and that's before the memory eater takes some of her memories. The writing is solid, the characters are good, and the plot is moving. I would recommend this novel.
I give this book a Four out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this book from my local library.
From the dust jacket- For generations, a monster called the Memory Eater has lived in the caves of Whistler Beach, Maine, surviving off the unhappy memories of those who want to forget. And for generations, the Harlows have been in charge of keeping her locked up—and keeping her fed.
After her grandmother dies, seventeen-year-old Alana Harlow inherits the family business. But there’s something Alana doesn’t know: the strange gaps in her memory aren’t from an accident. Her memories have been taken— eaten. And with them, she’s lost the knowledge of how to keep the monster contained.
Now the Memory Eater is loose. Alana’s mistake could cost Whistler Beach everything—unless she can figure out how to retrieve her own memories and recapture the monster. But as Alana delves deeper into her family’s magic and the history of her town, she discovers a shocking secret at the center of the Harlow family business and learns that tampering with memories never comes without a price.
Review- A moving story about how we deal with grief, trauma, and the other hard things in life. The past year hasn't been kind to Alana, her grandmother died, she broke up with her girlfriend, and no one really trusts to do her job. Then the memory eater gets out and now she has to save the town before the memory eater eats them all. A moving tale about memory, family trauma, and learning to live with hard memories. Alana is a good main character, she is trying so hard to be what her town says she should be. But she doesn't know what she really wants and more or who she is and that's before the memory eater takes some of her memories. The writing is solid, the characters are good, and the plot is moving. I would recommend this novel.
I give this book a Four out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this book from my local library.
August 28, 2023
Alana Harlow is one of the family of Harlows, those who arrived in the United States from the British Isles centuries ago. The Harlows keep an eye on the Memory Eater, making sure she stays contained in a cave on the beach, bringing in customers to allow the Memory Eater to get rid of the memories.
There's a problem though - the Harlows aren't supposed to use the Memory Eater themselves - but Alana can't remember a certain amount of time, like when her grandmother died and when she broke up with her girlfriend, Charlie. But due to that memory loss, something terrible happens and the Memory Eater has escaped.
There are so many problems Alana's not sure where to jump yet - the council, including Lena, Alana's nemesis, are determined to hamper Alana rather than help. And her kind of foster parents are digging through all the old Harlow journals, trying to find any secrets that might help trap the Memory Eater again.
And Alana's not quite sure if she isn't losing her mind as she keeps getting images and memories of people she's never known - that are offering more information than expected about the Memory Eater and her history with the town - and the Harlows.
Will Alana and her friends manage to capture the Memory Eater before she destroys the town? Or will they go down under the onslaught?
I really liked the Memory Eater as a semi-villain/semi-victim. Rather than being a first person POV, it might've been more interesting to include the Memory Eater's POV without letting the reader know who was talking.
There's a problem though - the Harlows aren't supposed to use the Memory Eater themselves - but Alana can't remember a certain amount of time, like when her grandmother died and when she broke up with her girlfriend, Charlie. But due to that memory loss, something terrible happens and the Memory Eater has escaped.
There are so many problems Alana's not sure where to jump yet - the council, including Lena, Alana's nemesis, are determined to hamper Alana rather than help. And her kind of foster parents are digging through all the old Harlow journals, trying to find any secrets that might help trap the Memory Eater again.
And Alana's not quite sure if she isn't losing her mind as she keeps getting images and memories of people she's never known - that are offering more information than expected about the Memory Eater and her history with the town - and the Harlows.
Will Alana and her friends manage to capture the Memory Eater before she destroys the town? Or will they go down under the onslaught?
I really liked the Memory Eater as a semi-villain/semi-victim. Rather than being a first person POV, it might've been more interesting to include the Memory Eater's POV without letting the reader know who was talking.
October 22, 2023
(3.75 Stars)
This book went from down to up for me. In the beginning of the book, I really wasn't invested in the story because it was very fast paced and jumped right into everything really fast. It didn't give me too much time to get into the story in the beginning. I wasn't invested in the world, the story, not much of anything in the beginning. It got better as it went along. The pacing slowed down, and it gave me more breathing room to become invested in the story, the lore surrounding the Memory Eater, and the characters. Once I was able to absorb all that, I found the story very interesting and investing. The search for the Memory Eater became intriguing once the worldbuilding and stakes were established more within me. I also really liked the characters, and how they were written. I liked seeing it established how much this Memory Eater business has shaped them from then to now, and how that generational trauma has shaped them too. Our main trio and side characters particulary felt like real people with lots of layers, as well as genuinely good people (or in the case of Lena, a good job at establishing a truly petty and jealous person hiding behind a mask). The book did a great job at establishing that development. I was also never expecting there to be more surrounding Clara, so the fact that she got her own backstory, developments, and journey was a welcome surprise. I also liked Charlie and Alana's relationship. You can tell that they really care for each other. They have the perfect example of a post-breakup friendship. More than that, you can tell that they still really like one another, so them getting back together at the end makes the most sense and is extremely deserved and well built-up. Upon reflection, they actually remind me a lot of Eda and Raine. All in all, despite the weak beginning, this turned out to be a thoughtful and thrilling adventure.
This book went from down to up for me. In the beginning of the book, I really wasn't invested in the story because it was very fast paced and jumped right into everything really fast. It didn't give me too much time to get into the story in the beginning. I wasn't invested in the world, the story, not much of anything in the beginning. It got better as it went along. The pacing slowed down, and it gave me more breathing room to become invested in the story, the lore surrounding the Memory Eater, and the characters. Once I was able to absorb all that, I found the story very interesting and investing. The search for the Memory Eater became intriguing once the worldbuilding and stakes were established more within me. I also really liked the characters, and how they were written. I liked seeing it established how much this Memory Eater business has shaped them from then to now, and how that generational trauma has shaped them too. Our main trio and side characters particulary felt like real people with lots of layers, as well as genuinely good people (or in the case of Lena, a good job at establishing a truly petty and jealous person hiding behind a mask). The book did a great job at establishing that development. I was also never expecting there to be more surrounding Clara, so the fact that she got her own backstory, developments, and journey was a welcome surprise. I also liked Charlie and Alana's relationship. You can tell that they really care for each other. They have the perfect example of a post-breakup friendship. More than that, you can tell that they still really like one another, so them getting back together at the end makes the most sense and is extremely deserved and well built-up. Upon reflection, they actually remind me a lot of Eda and Raine. All in all, despite the weak beginning, this turned out to be a thoughtful and thrilling adventure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2024
Had the good fortune to meet the author and hear her speak about this book before reading it. It's a fun time and has a lot of good concepts overall, but there is a tendency to craft a lovely sentence that implies a full emotional weight of a scene only to bowl over it with a clunky way-too-direct explanation of that emotion in the main character's internal monologue. It made me wish i could go in and delete a bunch of sentences, because the explanations not only take away from the books genuinely subtle moments but also make me feel like nobody had confidence in the ability of the scenes to communicate emotion on their own. It was kind of like watching the version of blade runner with the narration. I was very intrigued by the decision to only ever show Alanna in the wake of disaster, so we hear about her as this overconfident person but never really see it. It puts the reader in Alanna's shoes, trying to figure out what happened and who she is in the wake of all the tragedy. Let's go local authors!
February 23, 2023
The Harlow family has been responsible for the keeping of the Memory Eater for centuries. At only 17, Alana Harlow carries the burden of that responsibility alone. Keeping the monster imprisoned, keeping her fed (only on memories freely given, per the centuries old agreement), and keeping the family business, and the town of Whistler, Maine afloat. Alana knows what it means if she fails, so when she slips up and the Memory Eater escapes, Alana has to delve into the past of her family and their arrangement with the monster to find out how to make things right.
The heart of this story really revolves around pain, and I loved the way the story explored that. The way that holding onto pain can alter who we are, but the way pushing it away and refusing to feel has consequences too. The story was melancholy but also exciting and tense, and I love the way the plot unfolded. Definitely an emotional book, and an enjoyable read!
Thank you Penguin Teen for the ARC!
The heart of this story really revolves around pain, and I loved the way the story explored that. The way that holding onto pain can alter who we are, but the way pushing it away and refusing to feel has consequences too. The story was melancholy but also exciting and tense, and I love the way the plot unfolded. Definitely an emotional book, and an enjoyable read!
Thank you Penguin Teen for the ARC!
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