Science Fiction and Fantasy Fridays introduces readers who are unfamiliar with the Adult SF/F genre to books, authors, and discussions all about the vast expanse of the world of Adult SF/F!
SOMEONE YOU CAN BUILD A NEST IN
Series: N/A
Source: Purchased from Libro.fm
Publisher: DAW Books
Publication Date: April 2, 2024
Summary:
Discover this creepy, charming monster-slaying fantasy romance—from the perspective of the monster—by Nebula Award-winning debut author John Wiswell
Shesheshen has made a mistake fatal to all monsters: she’s fallen in love.
Shesheshen is a shapeshifter, who happily resides as an amorphous lump at the bottom of a ruined manor. When her rest is interrupted by hunters intent on murdering her, she constructs a body from the remains of past meals: a metal chain for a backbone, borrowed bones for limbs, and a bear trap as an extra mouth.
However, the hunters chase Shesheshen out of her home and off a cliff. Badly hurt, she’s found and nursed back to health by Homily, a warm-hearted human, who has mistaken Shesheshen as a fellow human. Homily is kind and nurturing and would make an excellent co-parent: an ideal place to lay Shesheshen’s eggs so their young could devour Homily from the inside out. But as they grow close, she realizes humans don’t think about love that way.
Shesheshen hates keeping her identity secret from Homily, but just as she’s about to confess, Homily reveals why she’s in the area: she’s hunting a shapeshifting monster that supposedly cursed her family. Has Shesheshen seen it anywhere?
Eating her girlfriend isn’t an option. Shesheshen didn’t curse anyone, but to give herself and Homily a chance at happiness, she has to figure out why Homily’s twisted family thinks she did. As the hunt for the monster becomes increasingly deadly, Shesheshen must unearth the truth quickly, or soon both of their lives will be at risk.
And the bigger challenge remains: surviving her toxic in-laws long enough to learn to build a life with, rather than in, the love of her life.
.png)
Purchase*:
(note that these are affiliate links! I receive a small amount of compensation at no cost to you)
.png)
Content Warning: Body horror, Graphic violence, Death and dismemberment, Mentions of past torture, Invasion of bodily autonomy, Some mind control/magical coercion
Someone You Can Build a Nest In is a unique blend of horror and romance, narrated from the perspective of Shesheshen, a shapeshifting monster who constructs her body from bones and chains. After a violent encounter with monster hunters, she is rescued by Homily, a compassionate human woman. As their relationship develops, Shesheshen grapples with her instinctual desires and the complexities of human emotions. The novel delves into themes of identity, consent, and the nature of monstrosity.
Wiswell's prose is both darkly humorous and emotionally resonant. Shesheshen's narration offers a fresh perspective, balancing her monstrous instincts with a growing understanding of human nuances. The writing captures the tension between horror elements and tender moments, creating a compelling narrative that challenges traditional genre boundaries.
The relationship between Shesheshen and Homily unfolds with depth and sensitivity. Their bond challenges conventional notions of love, emphasizing emotional connection over physicality. The portrayal of their relationship offers representation for asexual and queerplatonic dynamics, adding richness to the narrative.
The novel doesn't shy away from visceral descriptions, immersing readers in Shesheshen's world. However, these elements are balanced with explorations of trauma, healing, and personal growth. Wiswell presents characters who confront their pasts and seek understanding, making the story both unsettling and heartfelt.
While the novel excels in character development and thematic depth, some readers might find the world-building sparse. Certain plot points rely on convenience, and the pacing occasionally falters. However, these minor issues don't detract significantly from the overall impact of the story.
Someone You Can Build a Nest In is a thought-provoking novel that reimagines the monster narrative through a lens of empathy and introspection. It's a tale that challenges readers to reconsider definitions of love, identity, and humanity.
For those seeking a story that blends horror with heart, this novel is a commendable choice.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thanks for commenting! I cherish each and every comment. If you leave me a link to your blog, I will do my best to comment back!