I wanted to love this so completely. I did in some ways! But overall, the start is too slow and some choices and plot directions left me a little confused. I was particularly peeved by the prank/staging portion of the plot. I just don't feel like it added much to the overall story. I think the author creates incredibly complex, loveable, and relatable characters. They were definitely my favorite part. The pacing and certain plot choices were my overall letdowns of the book. Due to the pacing, I nearly DNFed, but I'm glad I pressed on. The story culminates into a beautifully heartbreaking, shocking, bittersweet conclusion. I wouldn't blame anyone who dipped before seeing it, however. Should these elements be worked on past this author's debut, I think we're in for some real treats. I'm definitely looking forward to their new book in March! One final note, I think the CW/TW for bugs should have definitely been emphasized a bit more, because jfc it's a lot 😭 I'm still squirmy thinking about certain parts.

That ending got me feeling so emotional 😭😭

I will forever read anything Rachel Gillig writes, this was such a beautiful duology 😭

I want to state up front that I think it's incredibly irresponsible to not have content warnings for a middle-grade book with such heavy topics (death of parental figure, lynching, murder, familial/religious abuse and themes, gaslighting by adults, etc.). That being said, I loved the historical and cultural setting that the author brought to life. So many little details that were really impressive and brought the characters to life. DO NOT READ THIS BOOK HUNGRY, especially if you're from the South or have a love of Southern food lol. It'll have you crying with hunger. Hoodoo is a great, smart kiddo. Unfortunately he has to deal with a lot of stuff, from the literal monsters he fights to the adults in his life telling him he's got evil (he's 12) and has to save his family while also criticizing him for trying to do so. It's infuriating what he goes through with minimal if any acknowledgement how messed up it is. Not a great message for kids in that respect, imo. I also found the advanced knowledge of a 12-year-old in 1930s Alabama a little unbelievable at times. And the pacing at the end especially was a bit off. It is, however, a fun, quick read and the narration voice was great.

Boy oh boy, this little novella is quite literally a dizzying journey. I've still got a bit of a head high from it. I went to New Orleans with some friends a few years ago and we all made a deal that everyone could pick an activity of some sort that we would absolutely stick to on top of whatever else we decided to do. I chose to go on a bayou/swamp tour and I found the environment to be both alluring and frightening, something ancient and untamed that wasn't held to the same laws as the rest of us. Powell took this feeling and cranked it up to 11, creating a dark and seductive atmospheric tale that tempts you to go further while also being afraid to take just one more step. Powell's description of the environment and the felt intoxicating and they masterfully weaved the characters and plot into that fabric. As much as I loved this story, please look into the triggers as they are very heavy and I found them difficult at times. Powell deals with these hard topics with grace, but it does not make it any easier if you are sensitive to them! 

I hope Powell writes more, lengthier (I just want more!) works like this in the future and I will be reading more from them as soon as I can!

I went back and forth on what I would rate this book. It was terrifying, thrilling, heartbreaking. The various styles of chapters were fun and engaging, I generally liked the characters and grew to like some I didn't, and I felt the premise was unique! My overall grievances were that some stuff/ideas were too farfetched and confusing and the unforgiving nature of some events were too dark and graphic for YA imo. I really didn't understand who/what Dahut was (maybe I missed this?) and the ending was even more confusing. And by ending I mean the very, very last chapter/supplement G. There were just some gray areas in general towards the end. Maybe to open it up for a sequel or a Conjuring-type universe expansion potential? Not sure. But I do think this would make a phenomenal and horrifying movie, maybe without some of the confusing stuff in the end (unless it is intentional for future books, again). I also enjoyed the casual representation in the story, such as queer characters, adoption, fertility issues, stuttering/speech impediment, hearing aids/hearing impairment, etc. Overall, this was a riveting, creative story and I'm already looking forward to reading more by Marshall!

I feel like I am handing out five stars like candy lately 🤭, but AHHHHHHHHHH WTF!!!!!!! I enjoyed the first two volumes so much, but I've got to say... After this one, I am LOCKED IN! As with any high fantasy works, it can been overwhelming being thrown into a world you don't understand, but the first two volumes leave enough to build from to continue on. There's still a lot of stuff I have no clue about, but I'm definitely feeling more grounded in the world this volume and am beginning to understand the gravity of some of the shit popping off. I am hooked and I need more volumes to come out (dear god I hope this is ongoing) because I'm about to tear through the remaining 5 volumes currently out. ALSO I COULD SUE FOR THAT CLIFFHANGER 😭😭😭😭

I didn't know much about this book it the author prior to reading this book, but I'm almost glad of that. I was completely and unexpectedly blown away. It's absolutely heartbreaking and definitely requires some patience and self-care to get through, especially if any of the topics are difficult for you. I would recommend looking up trigger warnings prior to picking this up! What an absolutely beautiful and painful journey.