Felt like this book was a bit slow and didn’t dive as deep into things as I had hoped. However I think this would be a great read for young adults!

I wasn't sure if I liked this one or not. The writing was beautiful, and I usually enjoy strange folk horror. The concept was interesting but something about the setting and the world building was very off putting and came off as very preachy. I think it was supposed to as the woods with the secret fantasy element were the offering to relieve the characters of the religious oppression. The whole thing had an almost dream like/nightmare like quality to it. Compelling enough to want to know what was going on even if it was uncomfortable in parts. Certainly an author I would read again.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this eARC.

Tori Bovalino's "My Throat an Open Grave" is a masterful blend of dark fantasy and folk horror, evoking the eerie ambiance of "Labyrinth" while weaving an intricate tale of love, loss, and eldritch mysteries. Set against the haunting backdrop of Winston, Pennsylvania, Bovalino creates a world where the shadows of the forest are almost as terrifying as the town’s secrets. The Lord of the Wood, a figure both feared and revered, becomes central to the story, casting a spell that draws the reader into a labyrinthine narrative of suspense and revelation.

Leah Jones, the main character, is a captivating figure with a journey that evokes both deep emotions and strength. When her infant brother is taken by mysterious entities from the forest nearby, Leah's skepticism about the town's folklore is shattered, setting her on a mission to rescue him. Bovalino adeptly portrays Leah's inner struggles and resolve, crafting her as a relatable and strong protagonist. As Leah delves into the foreboding woods, she meets the mysterious Lord of the Wood, who tests her beliefs and pushes her to make a challenging decision with high stakes.

As Leah explores further, the novel reveals the layers of the village's ominous history, uncovering the extreme measures its residents will take to preserve their distorted idea of purity. Bovalino's writing is both poetic and unsettling, creating vivid scenes that stay with the reader long after finishing the book. "My Throat an Open Grave" is not just a supernatural horror story but also a moving examination of societal expectations and the bravery required to challenge them. With its evocative setting and well-developed characters, this book is a captivating read that will enchant enthusiasts of dark fantasy and folk horror genres.

Tori Bovalino's "My Throat an Open Grave" beckons readers into the eerie heart of Winston, Pennsylvania—a town where fear clings like moss to ancient trees. Here, the Lord of the Wood looms large, a spectral figure as dreaded as any deity. But legends are more than whispers—they're threads connecting the past to the present.

Leah Jones, burdened by shame and the town's judgment, dismisses the tales of ghostly forest abductions. Until her baby brother vanishes, leaving behind cryptic tokens of wood and bone. Determined, Leah crosses the river into the Lord's domain, expecting a devilish adversary. Instead, she encounters something unexpected—a bargain that promises her brother's return.

The plot unfolds like a dark tapestry, each thread revealing secrets buried for decades. As Leah digs deeper, she questions everything she's been taught to fear. The novel's folk horror vibes seep into your bones, leaving you haunted by the whisper of leaves and the weight of forgotten sins.

Bovalino's prose is atmospheric, painting the town's shadows with vivid strokes. The concept—a desperate sister bargaining with a spectral force—is both chilling and compelling. And yet, like the gnarled roots of ancient trees, there are unexplored depths. The quick pace serves the story well, but some elements yearn for more—like Tristan, a familiar archetype whose past and motivations remain tantalizingly elusive.

"My Throat an Open Grave" invites you to cross the river, to face the Lord of the Wood, and to unravel the enigma of lost babies and hidden truths. It's a journey that lingers, like the echo of footsteps on forest soil. 🌲🌿🌑

A spooky, gothic read. It's a slow burn and is very dark! Great charas, very atmospheric and engaging. Be away that it does have very dark themes including self harming thoughts and abuse.

I have yet to be disappointed by a Tori Bovalino book and this one is no exception!

My Throat An Open Grave is atmospheric and full of folk horror vibes. I loved the plot and the concept of the story.

It did read a little younger than expected but that didn’t tamper my enjoyment!

When Leah unwittingly wishes her brother away to the Lord of the Wood who has haunted her town for generations she must cross the river to the Lord’s domain to save him. She doesn’t expect to discover that folk figure that has loomed over her town may not be what everyone has told her, and it may just be her town holding some dark secrets.

This was a pretty quick read, which for the most part, I really enjoyed. There were just a few elements that I felt could have benefitted from a bit more exploration and development. The character of Tristan for one, while he works as a very familiar archetype-there was never much doubt as to where his arc was going, I would have liked if his past and inner motivations were explored a bit further, even within this limited time frame.
Which brings me to another underutilised element; the difference in time in his realm vs the outside world. It’s acknowledged in the beginning, but then we seem to lose it when it could have been useful- Leah is given a month to complete her task, and in doing so it seems to align with a month in the outside world, but it felt like a wasted opportunity to have her experience of time in the wood feel much longer, to let her and Tristan really get to know each other, and us get to know them.
Nonetheless, I did enjoy their dynamic. As predictable as a story like this can sometimes be, the tender moments of building trust and peeling back the layers of protection was beautifully done.
The exploration its themes was heartbreaking and so timely; it looks at religious trauma and abuse, bodily autonomy - particularly for women and girls, the unrelenting pressures and expectations society places on women, especially through the lens of faith. A folk horror tale provides such a visceral vehicle to explore these topics, and Bovalino does it beautifully here. The mix of mythology and Christianity, especially the symbolism of baptism through the river as a means of travelling to realm of the Lord of the Wood, was really well utilised.

The world building was succinct and effective, despite the elements I would have like to have seen more of, such as the residents of the wood and the idea of memories as ghosts, overall just a really compelling and darkly beautiful read.

Thank you NetGalley and Titan Books for my e-arc of this title, received in exchange for an honest review.

As a massive fan of Labyrinth, I could not pass this story inspired by the 1980s film.

When Leah returns home to babysit her little brother Owen, the shadow of the forest and Lord of the Wood loom over her. When Owen is taken, Leah must face her own demons to find him.

Fans reading this only for the Labyrinth references may be disappointed. But those persevering will find a fantastically written story of dangers, both real and imagined.

My Throat an Open Grave may not be as horror-esq as the title suggests, though readers should beware of some triggering content.

Thank you to NetGalley for an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

What's sticking with me the most about this book is probably the unrealized potential. The synopsis reminded me a lot of the movie Labyrinth. I was hoping for something that would really lean into the horror, but that isn't what this book is. I don't think it was served well by the first person POV, either—being in Leah's head the entire time was frustrating and exhausting, and I had days where I just couldn't motivate myself to pick up the book. Up until the 80% mark, there are constant allusions to Leah's badness, something in her past that has ruined her forever, and they're all extremely vague to the point of annoyance. Yes, I get it, she's terrible. And it's not even that this ended up being a twist I didn't see coming or anything like that.

There's a mystery surrounding why all these girls went into the forest and never came out, but it doesn't feel like it's driving the plot. Instead, we just sort of meander along with Leah, and spend a lot of time inside her head, which was filled with self-loathing. I'm sure I was meant to form some kind of attachment to Leah and Tristan, at least, and I was definitely expecting to based on the author's previous works, but I just never got the idea that I got to know Tristan. The characters just felt very flat to me, and I didn't buy into the romance, either.

I understand that this is meant to be a commentary on purity culture, and I do think that was handled well, but I think it could've done so much more. It's still an easy read, however, and I think teenagers will get more out of it than I did.

Tori Bovalino delivers yet again with another amazing book! This hooked me and made me wish I was in the world with the characters.

Unfortunately this was not for me, I DNF'd this book at 50%.

It was not what I was wanting, I found that I was not interested and didn't want to pick it back up again.

DNF @32%

Labyrinth vibes ❌
Boring✅
Annoying FMC✅

I really wanted to love this one. All the reviews looked positive and thought I'd gel with the folk horror aspect of the story but it really wasn't for me.

I struggled to get into this as the Labyrinth inspired aspect was very, very loose. The big reveal at the end is an old, well known Labyrinth theory so didn't add anything to the story for me.

Really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to pick up other books by the author. Really creepy, but equally wonderful and fast paced.

From the title alone, you may have an idea of this book being a horror, and in a way it very much is but not in the way you would think.
Leah is student in a god fearing town in Pennsylvania where her life revolves around school, the church and looking after her baby brother Owen. On top of this, girls keep going missing, grabbed by the menacing Lord of the Wood, a Jareth-esq fearsome character. When Owen is grabbed and taken into the woods and her mother shuns her for losing him, Leah knows she has to face the Lord and get Owen back.

This book does have some really horrifying themes (and a lot of TWs) but the strongest theme is that the true monsters that walk this world are human. Leah’s town is oppressed by religion, a cult that punishes and controls.
Once Leah steps into the woods, she has to face her own demons, whatever and whoever they are.
This is a gritty and dark book, addressing mature themes, and its complex and unexpected explorations make this something ‘more’ than what you expect.

The romance element to this book didn’t quite do it for me, and felt a little out of place of place with the rest of the story, but I admire a book addressing religious oppression, sexual shame, misogyny and violence and tackling difficult subjects. Sex is not an uncommon topic in YA but it’s not nearly addressed so maturely as Leah learns to forgive and love herself in a society trying to shame her.

This was a good read, not as much about the menacing Lord as the initial chapters would let you think, but still an unsettling, violent and provocative read that stays with you.

Thank you NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley and Titan Books for providing me with a review copy. This review is posted voluntarily and all opinions expressed are my own.

I loved this book dearly, I have read Not Good for Maidens and this follows in its footsteps of being a gothic lyrical folklore inspired tale. I think it suffers a little with the Labyrinth comparison. Jareth and the Lord of the Wood are two very different characters. One benign and one morally questionable. If you were expecting goblins you may be disappointed. But that didn’t matter in the end. It is a deeply poignant story about religious trauma and the nature of choice that feels very relevant given the current circumstances in which we find ourselves.

If you like ghosts, beautiful forest boys, kind hearted women and a prickly protagonist with a lot of issues to work through. You’ll love this book. I highly recommend it.

I really wanted to love this book, The Devil Makes Three is one of my favorite books and I had high expectations for My Throat an Open Grave, unfortunately I found the book a bit disappointing, it was too slow, nothing interesting really happened.
I was promised a Labyrinth inspired book but the only thing remotely similar was the fact the protagonist’s younger brother was taken by a mysterious figure and she has to strike a bargain to get him back.
I wanted more action more mystical things, goblins, magic, fantasy and this book had none of it.
The topics Tori wrote about are really important and relevant ones and I’m sure is going to resonate with a lot of people, maybe if I had known up ahead that this book would be so serious I wouldn’t have been as disappointed.
The prose was as enchanting as ever, Tori is a good author and I’m definitely going to read other books from her.

Thanks Netgalley and Titan Books for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review

This started off so promising but really lost its way after the first third. Starting off very creepy and dark but then morphed into more of a romance which really threw me off and almost seemed to lose its edge. Such a shame because I loved The Devil Makes Three. The writing was brilliant but just the story itself fell a bit flat for me.

This is a YA fantasy/horror book.

When the baby brother of our female main character is stolen away by the Lord of the woods, she has no choice, the town gets together and essentially forces her across the river to either retrieve him or die trying.

Once there, things are not what she expected. Can she compete the task she's been given to win her brother back and figure out what happened to all the girls that came before her.

This was okay. It's fairly short at only about 250 pages. But for me I think it suffers due to the comparison to Labyrinth that's in the description. Because other than the baby brother being stolen, it's nothing like Labyrinth in terms of characters, plot or even general vibes. It just meant I went into it expecting something completely different.

It's more a statement of the horrors of having to grow up in environments with certain strict beliefs.

The big reveal of her secret came too late for me, given it was very obvious what it was going to be.

3.5 stars - just don't go into it thinking it'll be anything like Labyrinth!

The small town of Winston, Pennsylvania, has a string of missing people, impure girls taken by the Lord of the Wood. When Leah wishes her little brother to be taken away, the Lord complies and Leah must go on a treck across the river into the woods, the Lord's own realm to save her family.

The elements of folk horror blended well with the small town, contemporary elements. Leah was a strong, if unreliable, narrator and I found myself devouring the book's evocative prose. While the premise is somewhat inspired by the 80s movie Labyrinth, it completely makes it its own thing. I appreciated the southern Gothic feel of Winston, Pennsylvania, and the themes of religious oppression and how small towns can smother anyone who doesn't fit in. I will say once the male MC arrived on the page, the book lost a bit of its horror atmosphere and focused more on developing a romance, which I wasn't as invested in. But overall, I really enjoyed this and recommend it to people who enjoyed Krystal Sutherland's House of Hollow.