Do book pages
taste like roses?
Horrid by Katrina Leno
This is the same vibe and slow burn build up of insanity as Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson and Hazelthorn by CG Drews.
Jane as a main character is a good protagonist. Not gonna lie the book eating thing is a first for me. Understandable that chewing on something is an interesting way to control anger issues.
This is definitely more a thriller, with a mystery that everyone knows something and all the gaslighting.
The ending is one that makes you stare off in to the distance and think…. Huh?🤔 it felt left open and unhinged.
Reading 'Horrid' by Katrina Leno left a lasting impression on me, especially with its unsettling atmosphere and psychological intrigue. The way the story uses the slow burn technique to build tension over time really draws you into Jane's world—her struggles with anger and the unique act of eating book pages stood out as a fascinating metaphor for coping mechanisms. What I found particularly compelling was the thriller aspect intertwined with a mystery everyone seems to silently understand but refuses to openly confront, which mimics real-life scenarios where gaslighting and hidden truths complicate relationships. The open-ended, slightly unhinged conclusion gave me a moment to pause and reflect, reminding me of how some stories intentionally resist neat resolutions to emphasize complex emotions and realities. If you enjoy books that blend psychological horror with a slow, creeping sense of dread, similar to 'The Haunting of Hill House' or 'Hazelthorn,' 'Horrid' is definitely worth checking out. It challenges traditional thriller tropes with its unique protagonist and unusual symbolism, making it a fresh addition to the YA thriller genre. Plus, the idea of tasting pages—like roses, as intriguingly hinted—adds a sensory layer that enriches the narrative. For anyone looking to unpack the nuances of mental health through fiction or craving a mystery that keeps you thinking long after the last page, this book might resonate deeply. If you felt the ending was vaguely unresolved, you’re not alone; it’s a conversation starter about how sometimes, in life and literature, not everything is fully explained, and that ambiguity can be powerful.

