Review of This Delicious Death by Kayla Cottingham
As an avid fan of sapphic horror and unconventional narratives, I was drawn to This Delicious Death by Kayla Cottingham, particularly because it blends elements of horror, friendship, and identity in a very intriguing setting: a music festival in the desert. The concept of four best friends who are "hollow" girls surviving by consuming human flesh was both bizarre and captivating. I couldn’t resist the allure of a thrilling narrative that explores themes of friendship while weaving in such a grotesque twist.
The characters, Zoey, Celeste, Valeria, and Jasmine, serve as the heart of the story. I loved how their dynamics were portrayed; their interactions felt genuine and relatable, capturing the chaotic essence of youth. In a review highlighted by Summer, she notes how invested she felt in their lives, and I found myself sharing that sentiment entirely. The book did an excellent job of drawing me into their world and showcasing their friendship, which became increasingly vital as the tensions escalated. Cottingham’s ability to fuse YA romance with horror elements struck a perfect balance, and I appreciated how the sapphic representation felt natural within the context rather than forced.
Despite the book’s many strengths, I did notice some drawbacks that echoed sentiments from other readers. The pacing at times felt uneven, particularly in the middle sections where some conversations and flashbacks slowed the momentum. Christina Collins mentions this as well, suggesting that certain moments felt drawn out and could have been tighter. I found myself eager to dive back into the horror aspects of the story, especially since some elements—such as Val going feral—were thrilling and chilling.
Another aspect that felt somewhat predictable was the reveal of the antagonist. While it made sense thematically, I longed for a twist that would leave me reeling rather than feeling a sense of foreboding that aligned with genre tropes. This echoed the experience shared by reviewers who noted that the setup hinted at something more psychologically intricate, but ultimately, the resolution fell back on familiar patterns.
The horror and gore in This Delicious Death are undoubtedly impactful when they hit, and I can agree with many readers that the moments of bloodshed were crafted well enough to elicit both squirming horror and dark amusement. It was as if Cottingham injected just the right dose of campiness to remind us not to take the premise too seriously—even in the midst of terrifying occurrences.
For a book centered on cannibalism and “ghouls,” it manages to explore deeper societal themes of identity and "otherness" without being overly heavy-handed. The Hollowing serves as a metaphor for those who feel marginalized, and I appreciated how these themes were woven throughout the narrative. This certainly aligns with the praise from reviewers who applauded the fresh concept and how it danced between fun and thought-provoking.
In closing, This Delicious Death offers a unique blend of horror, humor, and heartfelt friendship that resonated with me as a reader. While it had its pacing issues and some predictable elements, the core themes and engaging characters kept me glued to the pages. If you’re looking for a fun summer read that doesn’t shy away from the gory side of life but still respects the power of friendship and identity, I highly recommend giving this book a try. It captures the essence of youth and the complexities of identity while offering slices of horror that are just deliciously satisfying. Overall, I’d rate this book a solid 4 out of 5 stars for its imaginative plot and portrayal of friendships amidst chaos.
Savor the intrigue and flavors of “This Delicious Death.” >>