
A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is struggling to navigate a friendship that feels increasingly one-sided or when a friend's new romantic partner seems to be 'changing' them in concerning ways. It is a powerful tool for discussing the nuances of intuition, boundaries, and the fear of losing a best friend to someone else. The story follows Colin, a boy who realizes his best friend Ren is being targeted by a literal supernatural predator disguised as a boyfriend. While the plot is a campy, high-stakes horror comedy, it serves as a meaningful metaphor for toxic relationships, isolation, and the importance of trusting one's gut. Due to its horror elements and themes of predation, it is most appropriate for mature teens aged 14 and up who enjoy stories that balance dark thrills with heartfelt loyalty.
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Sign in to write a reviewQueer romantic themes and discussions of attraction.
Graphic supernatural horror elements and body horror.
Physical altercations and supernatural attacks.
Supernatural horror elements, physical violence, harassment from peers, themes of predation and emotional manipulation, and descriptions of gore or bodily horror consistent with the genre.
A 15-year-old who feels like they are losing their best friend to a new relationship or someone who enjoys campy horror films but wants to see their own experiences with peer dynamics and intuition reflected in the genre.
This is a horror novel, so parents may want to preview the more graphic supernatural encounters to ensure they match their child's tolerance for the genre. It can generally be read cold by fans of YA horror. A parent hears their teenager express concern that a friend is being "controlled" or "changed" by a new romantic partner, or notices their child is feeling isolated as their social circle shifts.
A 14-year-old may focus on the literal monsters and the spooky, campy thrills. An 18-year-old will likely pick up on the more sophisticated metaphors regarding toxic relationships, social grooming, and the difficulty of maintaining boundaries during late adolescence.
This book stands out for its blend of "Jennifer's Body" style horror with a modern, queer-centric lens. It successfully uses supernatural tropes to explore the very real and grounded fear of predatory behavior in early romantic relationships.
Colin and Ren have always been inseparable, but after a hazy night out at an underground club, Ren begins acting strangely. Colin soon realizes that Ren's new, charming boyfriend is actually a demonic entity intent on consuming Ren. Colin must team up with a medium and other allies to battle the supernatural and rescue his friend from a predator who uses romance as a weapon.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.