Gingerbread Bones Author Lindasy Lovise
Book Review
5 out of 5 stars!
"You know your stepmother really hates you when she develops a whole-ass television show just to get rid of you." - Georgie
What does one do with a "troubled teen"? Should you close your mouth and open your ears to properly listen to them? Understanding the heart of why they're considered out of line and chaotic? Maybe seek out parent-child counseling/therapy? Absolutely none of the above, this is the modern era! We listen to influencers and do as they say! Who needs common sense anymore? Yuck! Getting a little cash out of the deal isn't so bad either, I mean especially since you were the one who had to "deal" with so much drama from the teen. . . .
Eleven teenagers, two cameramen, a "truly caring" therapist, and a nature survivalist go hiking into the woods. Deep into the heart of a Maine forest, with no cell phones, and three days out from the supply post. What could possibly go wrong for this new hit reality show Forged in the Forest? The kids will be alright even if the counselors disappear and no one has spotted a single living thing since arriving at the eerie filming destination. Not even a mosquito. . .
"It's about mockery. They're dehumanizing us. Punishing us. Taking pleasure in our discomfort without having to feel bad for enjoying it, because we're "bad kids" who deserve it."
I found this book at my local Target and started reading the first pages before I knew it, I had to have it! I was hooked by the premise and by the writing I sampled! I'm a sucker for YA horror and survival stories with secluded destinations. I will just state you cannot pay me enough to go into the woods several DAYS away from civilization! Especially in the US forests. . .
Being a "troubled teen" myself I could relate a lot to the cast of characters. Georgie and Hamish I adored along with the rest, including "Pretty Boy" Paxton. The author did an excellent job giving us diversity amongst the teens and slowly peeling back the hidden layers of why they were each forced onto the show. All of them know they need to survive but none are eager to lay down their guards and be instant buddy-buddy with one another. Giving a realistic and organic feeling to the bonds being forged.
It's difficult being an adult in situations where you should still be a child. Having to regulate others (the adults) and be the parent then getting yelled at and cut down in return. The grittiness of this read was so good! I also really loved and appreciated how Lovise did a similar thing that "Sinners" did. Establishing the situations, fears, trials, and more before introducing the supernatural. And no, this read has no vampires in it but something else may be lurking. . .
I learned some new foraging skills from this book! The different teens brought things to the table even if they were unaware. Whether it was legit survival skills to make cover, find food, medical aid, or ease the ever-pressing tension with pointless arguments, comedy, and more. This read does have language, violence, deaths, and gore/horror. The teens have various backstories that are dark and may be triggering. Survival is the ultimate game and there are those who wish to get everyone out and others who are selfish. Real fear felt, hunted, panic/anxiety attacks, tensions growing/spiking, food supply running out, and more. Read the TWs.
"I didn't hug you because I wanted to, but to remind Hamish that he doesn't get to tell me what to do." - Georgie
"You can use me to make a statement any time." - Mack
We establish some chemistry and romantic feelings before the real craziness of the read. I mean Mack has that charm about him under all those tattoos and stoic silence and Georgie is drawn to it. Romance is one of the subtle focuses of the read, but it's in the quiet moments of "peace" between braving the elements, trying to get out of the woods, and not being prey. The most on page is passionate kissing and clothed cuddling. YA rating keeping it PG/PG13. One teen does have implications around having had sex and continuing to want it. (There's more to them and their backstory that I could understand.)
This read was really good and I ate it up! I really want another book from this author in this genre! I got some of the twists but others I didn't and loved! There are some HEAs but also conclusions not everything is tied up in a pretty Disney pink bow. I was also chuckling at the full circle comments and the ending statement from Georgie. The author also spoils us with a map that I kept flipping back to as I read!
Anyways, all this to say enjoy the read and don't forget to give the author some stars!
If you go to the author's Instagram page you can find her casting images for some of the teens and some artwork of Georgie and Mack!
Gingerbread Bones: An Epic Paranormal Survival Horror Romance | Barnes & Noble®
About Lindsay Lovise — Lindsay Lovise
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