Hey Readers!

How’s your start to the summer going? I’m ready for some time at the pool with some margs, but other than that I’ll probably be inside. I’m convinced nature hates me lol. But one thing that doesn’t hate me are books!

Today’s post is my review of The Honeys by Ryan La Sala.

I read Beholder (my book review here) by this author earlier this year, and when I got invited to an Insta group read of The Honeys, I just couldn’t pass it up!

Let’s see how this book went!

Blurb

From Ryan La Sala, the wildly popular author of Reverie, comes a twisted and tantalizing horror novel set amidst the bucolic splendor of a secluded summer retreat.

Mars has always been the lesser twin, the shadow to his sister Caroline’s radiance. But when Caroline dies under horrific circumstances, Mars is propelled to learn all he can about his once-inseparable sister who’d grown tragically distant.

Mars’s genderfluidity means he’s often excluded from the traditions — and expectations — of his politically-connected family. This includes attendance at the prestigious Aspen Conservancy Summer Academy where his sister poured so much of her time. But with his grief still fresh, he insists on attending in her place.

What Mars finds is a bucolic fairytale not meant for him. Folksy charm and sun-drenched festivities camouflage old-fashioned gender roles and a toxic preparatory rigor. Mars seeks out his sister’s old friends: a group of girls dubbed the Honeys, named for the beehives they maintain behind their cabin. They are beautiful and terrifying — and Mars is certain they’re connected to Caroline’s death.

But the longer he stays at Aspen, the more the sweet mountain breezes give way to hints of decay. Mars’s memories begin to falter, bleached beneath the relentless summer sun. Something is hunting him in broad daylight, toying with his mind. If Mars can’t find it soon, it will eat him alive.

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I am an Amazon and Bookshop.org affiliate and earn a small commission for purchases made through the links in this post at no cost to you. It’s a great way to help me keep things running on my blog if you’re already intrigued enough to make a purchase. 

The Review

Another super solid book from Ryan La Sala!

Mars has hated the summer camp called Aspen since he was ousted as a little kid. Identifying as genderfluid, his identity was never really accepted there. But when his twin Caroline dies unexpectedly, leaving more questions than answers about Aspen, Mars finds himself back at the dreadful summer camp. As he endeavors to figure out Aspen’s secrets, Mars discovers a reality far darker than he could have ever imagined.

The thing that stands out most for me is Mars himself. His character was so captivating. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book with a character that identifies as genderfluid, and I learned a lot along the way. His character is so complex and it was riveting to peel away the layers as the novel progressed. Extra kudos for the spotlight on how horrible people can be towards someone they don’t understand. It happens more than most people think.

I loved the writing. It was rich like honey, and while that did slow my ability to blaze through I just loved all the great details and metaphors that I got along the way.

The book moves at a moderate pace, and in each chapter there’s plenty of mystery and twists and turns that kept me going. The plot was unpredictable, I loved the paranormal vibes, and the ending was just chef’s kiss.

Highly recommend this one if you need a great summer read!

That’s A Wrap!

Well that’s it for this book review. Like what you see? Leave a tip!

Have you read this book? Are there other similar books you’ve read that you simply have to gush about? Feel free to leave a comment. I’d love to start a conversation!

Have a great day!

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