2024 Book List
Tender Is the Flesh
The Hellbound, Vol 1
Piercing
American Psycho
The Dominant Animal
Certain Dark Things
The Iliad
Heaven
Open Water
Cursed Bunny
The Outsiders
Things We Do Not Tell The People We Love
My Dark Vanessa
Snotgirl Vol 1; Green Hair Don’t Care
To be honest, my goal last year was only twenty four and I flopped HARD, however, new year new me. My new goal is 25.
Tender Is the Flesh
‘Tender Is the Flesh’ is a dystopian novel set in a world where human meat has replaced animal meat, following a human-killing virus pandemic carried by animals.
To me, this was a book with a body with no organs to fill it. There was zero substance and too much world building, with little plot to make up for it. This needed to be written differently. I understand the message, it was just horribly written and boring.
Goodreads: just yap yap yap and no substance. Shame because it’s a great concept.
1.5 ★
The Hellbound, Vol 1
‘The Hellbound’ is a manga also set in a dystopian world where the nation is sent into a frenzy after monsters start to kill civilians ,following ominous messages indicating that they’re going to Hell.
Listen, the concept was there. Love the creatures, love the messages, love the cult and the hot cult leader … but it did indeed fall flat. I felt confused most of the time. It was all unravelling too fast for me to understand and navigate the world in this manga. This isn't horrible, but I probably won’t be picking up Vol 2.
Goodreads: why is the cult leader so fine
3 ★
Piercing
‘Piercing’ follows Kawashima Masayuki, a newly father battling murderous tendencies. To prevent himself from murdering his own daughter, he seeks satisfaction through the killing of a prostitute named Chiaki. But Chiaki is not the perfect victim Kawashima was hoping for.
This book is a good thriller, and a perfect introduction to the way Ryu Murakami writes. It all unfolds in a perfect pacing. Great plot, some shocks, complex and compelling characters.
Goodreads: Good book. Love the author’s writing style.
3.5★
American Psycho
‘American Psycho’ is a satire on the pretentious lives of wall street business men. This particular story follows the life of Patrick Bateman, full time wall street worker and part time serial killer.
Now listen, I absolutely ADORE the film. It’s such an obvious satire and Christian Bale portrays Patrick to the level no one in the world could surpass. However, come to the book, I disliked it more so. Don’t get me wrong, it was beautifully written. The descriptions and visuals were outstanding, but I struggled with the actual words. It came to a point where I was questioning if it was even satirical at all because I think the author had too much fun writing descriptions on how to murder these women, that it borderlines on female torture porn, and ultimately, made it less enjoyable.
Goodreads: Very well written but started to blur the line between satire and female torture porn so I don’t know what to think of it.
3★
The Dominant Animal
‘The Dominant Animal’ is a collection of horror/thriller short stories.
I am a sucker for a short story collection, but they all share one flaw. They’re all either a hit or miss. This one however, falls into the latter trope. Such a snooze fest! Such little substance, I even stared skimming the words. Probably the worst book I read in 2024.
Goodreads: A terrible book of ‘short stories’ with zero substance.
1★
Certain Dark Things
‘Certain Dark Things’ is a vampire urban fantasy set in Mexico, where vampire gangs are taking over. The story follows multiple perspectives, namely the leading characters: human Domingo and vampire Atl.
This is one of my favourite reads ever. As you might know, I am a vampire, therefore I must consume ever form of vampiric media this world has to offer. Moving away from the typical gothic, medieval, dark horror vampire aesthetic, this book sheds light on the urban vampires. Atl is the coolest character ever; the definition of a baddie. The whole thing is just entrancing. I’ll admit, it was a slow start, but got better as it went; I could not put the book down and I was genuinely distraught when I finished. It’s also good if you're looking for a standalone fantasy!
Goodreads: This was such a brilliant read. Slow at the start that’s why it took me so long to read it, but you really do get into it. I got so attached to both characters. Amazing world building and character building.
5★
The Iliad
‘The Iliad’ is the full story of the Trojan War in Ancient Greece.
I read this during my trip to Athens. Greece had always been my dream country to visit, mainly Athens. My family took me there for my 21st birthday, and it was incredible. Naturally, it felt like the right time to finally dive into the Iliad. I was shocked about how easy it was to follow, as I was nervous it would be too complex. But no, it was simple. It felt good to actually get information from the source material instead of trying to conjure up small snippets from all the retellings I have read (shout out Percy Jackson). A really informative and pleasant read. Felt excitingly pretentious carrying this around.
Goodreads: Hector I will avenge you
3★
Heaven
‘Heaven’ is a story that follows the narrative of a bullied school boy who suffers torment because of his lazy eye. The boy meets Kojima, another bullied student. They exchange letters, and gradually become each other's safe space.
This book was completely unremarkable. It didn't even serve crumbs, just an empty plate. The storytelling was boring, which made it hard to really feel for these characters. There was not enough connection with these characters to really get involved in the narrative of their bullying. I wanted the book to end so bad. Unfortunate. I was disappointed, as I had high hoped for this book.
Goodreads: Whole lot of unrealistic monologue and not enough actual storytelling.
1.5★
Open Water
‘Open Water’ is a story on love, blackness, art, adulthood and friendship.
This was recommended by a good friend of mine, and I trust her taste more than a lot of people’s. I found myself loving how real it was. I am not a lover of romance of any kind in any media; it cringes me out. But, this book told it in a way that was so real and I do love yearning. It was emotional, creative and introspective. It wasn't the most captivating book I ever read, but wonderful in every other way.
Goodreads: ‘It’s one thing to be looked at, and another to be seen.’ Such a beautiful writing style, the choice of second person perspective made the whole story feel so immersive and intimate.
3★
Cursed Bunny
‘Cursed Bunny’ is a collection of horror short stories.
To be honest, I don’t remember a lot from this book, which is telling. I guess not a lot stood out. The only story I do remember is the one of the princess, and no, I will not elaborate because it’s a spoiler but that one killed me I was so distraught. Love love love the book cover. I think that was the only reason I picked this up. I am GUILTY of judging a book by it’s cover. Sue me.
Goodreads: N/A
2.5★
The Outsiders
‘The Outsiders’ is a story following the lives of child gang members in the 60s. Written in the perspective of 14 year old Ponyboy, The Outsiders is a tale of youth, violence and wasted potential.
You guys, this was one of the most incredible books I have ever read. Truly a perfect book. Brilliant plot, wonderful pacing, compelling characters to get emotionally attached to. I will love this book forever and never stop recommending it to anyone and everyone.
Goodreads: Dally Winston you will always be loved by me!
5★
Things We Do Not Tell the People We Love
‘Things We Do Not Tell The People We Love’ is a collection of short stories on the raw and true emotions of love and loving others.
I remember this being a pleasant read. Nothing too ground-breaking but not at all boring. It was nice to read about real situations in a collection of short stories, rather than the usual horror I tend to go for.
Goodreads: N/A
3★
My Dark Vanessa
‘My Dark Vanessa’ tells the story of 15-year-old Vanessa who becomes a victim of grooming by her forty-two year old teacher’s hand. Now in her 30s, Vanessa reflects on her past and struggles to come to terms with what really happened.
Such a beautiful, soul destroying book. It’s horrendous as a spectator, but so interesting to see this through the eyes of the victim. Wonderfully written and doesn't allow space for ill-informed and illiterate readers to romanticize paedophilia!! *cough cough*
Goodreads: Strane… when I catch you Strane…
3.5★
Snotgirl Vol 1; Green Hair Don’t Care
‘Snotgirl’ is a comic that follows influencer Lottie Person who finds herself in a predicament after meeting a mysterious girl.
This was a fun comic, a little confusing but fun. I also love what they did with the allergies.
Goodreads: She was just making sure she hand-washed it.
3★
About the Writer
My name is Liberty and I am a 21 year old writer from London. I study creative writing at OCA, and in my spare time I read and write and write and read. I consume media in every form, devoted to all things creative. I like to build communities round me where we discuss literature and uplift each other through support. I run a local book club, I've founded an online literary magazine and created a personal blog where I overshare to the public. I am in the process of writing the first book to my fantasy trilogy, and hope to publish it sometime soon. I write as others breathe, and intend to do so for eternity.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilithsbl00d/
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