Old Wounds is a horror not unlike Children of the Corn or Wicker Man.  Two transgender teens on a road trip to California find themselves trapped in the woods fleeing from murderous misogynists, a monster, and the possibility of ritual sacrifice.  It's a thrilling setup with a very slow burn, and it has a lot to say about physical, emotional, and institutional violence.

The plot itself is interesting and the issues it tackles are so important, but unfortunately the book as a whole fell a little flat for me.  The action doesn't actually kick off until really late in the story, and the background details (which are devestating, especially in Max's POV chapters) don't have a huge tie in to the current events. It builds a deeper sense of the awful experiences both these characters have gone through, but the bits about her dad and his abusive family don't ever really get addressed. That being said, these moments illuminate the trauma these teens have already battled, making their current circumstances all the more tragic.

My main issue comes down to the writing style - it's very tell, tell tell, so I often found myself disconnected as it felt like I was looking down on a scene rather than being immersed into the world.  It's not until about 70% through that the details start to seep in, and this is an absolute shame because the paranormal elements and murderous village vibes could have been so much more gripping from the start otherwise.

I also felt the situation was never fully resolved, which okay, that happens fairly often with the horror genre, but even the character's seemed to feel like something was unfinished.  The camera photos remain undeveloped, the monster remains unexplained, how the group of men started their cultish practices is left unanswered, and whether or not people will continue to be hunted down is left up in the air.  If at least one of these aspects was covered it would have been satisfying.

But maybe that's the real kicker with Old Wounds.  It's a book that reminds us that the world is cruel and unfair and doesn't always care to fix what's broken.  It highlights the ugliness, but most importantly, also shows us how to keep fighting.

This is a great debut novel, it’s perfect for Autumn and the upcoming spooky season.

I enjoyed the queer and trans elements which are the driving force of this plot and the characters motivations for taking this road trip. The elements of real life struggles mixed with the supernatural fantasy are very well done.

Our characters are conflicted throughout being on very opposing sides on what to do in their current circumstance and they seem to clash throughout but it’s very clear how much they need one another in order to make it through this trip.

Two teens, Erin and Max, they used to date a couple of years ago but things didn't work out and both are now on their own paths, and at different stages of transitioning. But going through this in a small town is tough and Erin also doesn't understand what happened those years ago

The two estranged friends decide to run away together and start new lives... however, on their trip they come across a creepy little town, where the locals looks at them strangely and there are stories about a beast in the woods... who feeds on girls

So when their car breaks down on route out of the town, the pair will find out what they are willing to do to survive and what other people will do for the same...

Great wee horror tale, with some real life messages throughout. Really enjoyed this one...

Out September 12, thanks to NetGalley and Usborne Publishing for the review copy, all opinions my own

Wow was this book a surprise in all the best ways. I chose this wanting to find some more good trans horror and wasn’t disappointed – and because I liked the cover. Reminiscent of Andrew Joseph White’s work this book manages to find the balance between supernatural horror and horror that from reality (in this case, the treatment and injustices faced by trans and gender non-conforming folks).

At times brutally honest and extremely uncomfortable, LAK slowly builds the tension and dread from the first few pages until the audience join Erin and Max in full survival mode for a crazy ride.

By taking a relatively simple horror premise – a big bad beastie that feeds on women in an isolated town – but presenting this under a trans lens, we get to explore deeper themes of identity, survival and gender. Until somehow, we find that the “monster” is not the horrifying aspect of the book, but the people.

The nuanced relationship dynamic between Max and Erin was handled beautifully and allowed us to see the struggles unique to each without diminishing the experiences of the other. Whilst I wished they could have had more time spent fighting together (as oppose to one saving the other), I appreciated their resolution and the ambiguous ending of ‘what comes next’.

I’ll be keeping an eye for LAK future books. I always need more horror books where the queer characters fight back!

I never expected to love Old Wounds as much as I did! What appears to be a simple monster story is so much more - it is interwoven with important topics of gender, love, self-acceptance, misogyny, and so much more. I think it's really important, and well thought out, that the book opens with a letter from the author explaining how the representation in this book is integral to each character and the story that unfolds. By including that, the reader immediately dismisses any preconceptions that the representation is "for the sake of it" or inauthentic. It's very rare to find YA that introduces its topics in such a way, and I found that it really enhanced the reading experience of Old Wounds and can particularly imagine it helping younger readers understand the reality being portrayed within this fantastical story. The representation itself was so beautifully done, and some of the conversations between Max and Erin had me in tears from the vulnerability being expressed, as it felt so real. Aside from the fantastic characterisation and voice, I was utterly swept away into the plot of the novel. The horror moments are truly scary, and the uncertainty of the two main characters is really felt by the reader throughout. Overall an absolutely wonderful book that made me cry, and I'm excited to see that Kisner does next.

Trans Representation Done Right
Old Wounds by Logan-Ashley Kisner is a refreshing take on the horror genre, offering a compelling narrative that seamlessly blends elements of teen drama, small-town Americana, and supernatural terror. The novel stands out for its authentic portrayal of trans characters, written by a trans author who brings a unique perspective to the story.
At the heart of the story are Max and Erin, two trans teens navigating the complexities of their identities in a small town. Max, with his brooding demeanor and troubled past, initially comes across as difficult. However, as we delve deeper into his backstory, we begin to understand the anger and resentment simmering beneath the surface. Erin, on the other hand, is a more optimistic and supportive character, offering a contrasting perspective.
The horror elements in Old Wounds are expertly crafted, building suspense and tension throughout and feel like they could be cast directly onto the big screen. The introduction of a terrifying creature, with its haunting Aureolin eyes, adds a chilling dimension to the story. The author's vivid descriptions and fast-paced action will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Despite the horror elements, the novel also offers moments of tenderness and humanity. The relationships between Max and Erin, as well as their interactions with the townspeople, provide a sense of grounding and emotional connection.
This is a Must-Read for Horror Fans. It’s thought-provoking and offers a fresh perspective on the genre. With its compelling characters, atmospheric setting, and chilling plot, this book is sure to satisfy fans of both horror and contemporary fiction alike.

Damn. Just - damn.

I had no idea what to expect going into this, but it had everything I'd hope going into it - fantastic sharp writing, complex main characters, a creepy cryptid that may or may not be what it seems - and so much more. I feel like I can't gush like I can without going too in depth in the story. It very much feels like a book I would love to talk about with friends who've also read it.

I saw some reviews going on about how the monster wasn't that scary or didn't play a bigger part in the story than they thought it would, but I think they're missing the point. The monster in horror stories typically represent the overall real fear behind it, and in this book it's the very horrible reality of transphobia, the lengths it would go to in order to erase trans people from existence. The monster is never the thing with glowing eyes and sharp teeth; the worst ones are those who wear human faces.

That's all I really have to say about the story. What I really recommend is for everyone to go into this only have read the synopsis. Trust me - it's so much better this way.