My book review of So Thirsty by Rachel Harrison.
Title: So Thirsty
By: Rachel Harrison
Genre: Horror
Pages: 304
Release Date: September 10th, 2024
Publisher: Berkley
Rating: ★★★★☆
Summary from Goodreads:
A woman must learn to take life by the throat after a night out leads to irrevocable changes in this juicy, thrilling novel from the USA Today bestselling author of Such Sharp Teeth and Black Sheep.
Sloane Parker is dreading her birthday. She doesn’t need a reminder she’s getting older, or that she’s feeling indifferent about her own life.
Her husband surprises her with a birthday weekend getaway—not with him, but with Sloane’s longtime best friend, troublemaker extraordinaire Naomi.
Sloane anticipates a weekend of wine tastings and cozy robes and strategic avoidance of issues she’d rather not confront, like her husband’s repeated infidelity. But when they arrive at their rental cottage, it becomes clear Naomi has something else in mind. She wants Sloane to stop letting things happen to her, for Sloane to really live. So Naomi orchestrates a wild night out with a group of mysterious strangers, only for it to take a horrifying turn that changes Sloane’s and Naomi’s lives literally forever.
The friends are forced to come to terms with some pretty eternal consequences in this bloody, seductive novel about how it’s never too late to find satisfaction, even though it might taste different than expected.
Review:
Rachel Harrison's So Thirsty is a fresh and invigorating take on the vampire genre, blending horror, humor, and sharp social commentary in a way that feels both timely and timeless. Harrison, known for her clever and genre-bending storytelling, delivers a novel that is equal parts eerie and entertaining, making it a must-read for fans of both horror and dark comedy.
One of the strongest aspects of So Thirsty is its protagonist, a character who is as relatable as she is compelling. Harrison does an excellent job of crafting a modern vampire tale that goes beyond the typical tropes, infusing the story with wit and a unique voice that sets it apart from other works in the genre. The dialogue is snappy and often darkly funny, giving the novel a lively pace that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
The novel's exploration of themes like identity, loneliness, and the thirst for more—whether that be power, love, or simply understanding—adds depth to the narrative. Harrison's vampires are not just bloodthirsty monsters; they are complex beings struggling with their own desires and limitations, making them both terrifying and sympathetic.
While So Thirsty is a highly enjoyable read, it does have a few minor drawbacks. At times, the plot can feel a bit predictable, especially for seasoned horror readers who might see certain twists coming. Additionally, some secondary characters could have been fleshed out more to enhance their impact on the story.
So Thirsty is a refreshingly modern vampire novel that brings new blood to the genre. Rachel Harrison’s blend of horror and humor, coupled with her keen insights into human (and vampiric) nature, makes this book a standout. Though it may not break entirely new ground, it delivers an engaging and thought-provoking story that is sure to satisfy fans of horror and dark fantasy alike. This is a book that leaves you thirsty for more from Harrison's imaginative world.
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
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