Skyla Arndt's debut TOGETHER WE ROT takes horror to a new level. Snowy, spooky forests, religious-based cults, body horror that'll leave you both morbidly fascinated and terrified, and bone-chilling descriptions will keep readers up well into the night, while elegant prose, favorite tropes like found family, and witty dialogue provide well-executed breaks from the horror. Readers will fall in love with sharp-tongued, sarcastic Wil and bug-obsessed, awkward Elwood, two friends turned enemies who must work together to stop Elwood's cult-like family. Together We Rot is equal parts fast-paced and character-driven — two things I absolutely adore in YA. Skyla is most definitely a must-watch author. I look forward to reading more books from her in the future!

TOGETHER WE ROT is a fast-paced YA romantic horror by the very talented Skyla Arndt. I fell in love with this cover long before I'd read a page of it, and it delivers! A quick read with cold, woodsy northern Michigan vibes, intermixed with just the right amount of horror and plenty of romance (think: childhood best friends --> enemies --> lovers). The ending surprised me, which is rare!

This was such an action filled book! I absolutely loved the characters and the journey they went on. The plot was creative, interesting, and exciting. I will be recommending this book to everyone I know.

I have loved this book so so much, not gonna lie I have also been very hyped to read it since the first time I have heard about it. My wait has been worht it and I call myself very lucky that I could read it long before it is actually out as an ARC.

The two main characters, Wil and Elwood are my loves, my precious little babies, especially Elwood, I would fight anyone to protect him. And Wil, she can go feral, and she is so stubborn and caring, they both are very well written and amazin characters, and I am devastated that this book is already over.

Another thing that I loved are the little details and popcultural references, it was really nice to relate to our characters or see represented with certain things, or get nostalgic over one little conversation that I might have had too.

Last but not least, the vibes were amazing, you have got moths, eerie forest, a cult, witty characters, lots of yearning and emotions, and tons of trauma and pain that you will feel after readin this book (in a good way).

I literally can not wait for my physical copy to reread it and spend more time with this fantastic story. And this beautiful copy perfectly matches the book too.

3.9 Stars.
Wil is a creature of claws and venom and burning, burning rage. Elwood is a sweet puppy who finally learned to bare his teeth. A match made in heaven.
This was a fun, easy read. Religious trauma, strained familial bonds, a soft romance and the true meaning of sacrifice.
I was all for the folk horror, "ancient being in the woods" vibes this book supplied and I'm really hoping there is a continuation of Wil and Elwood's story.

Enter the Morguewood at your own risk ⚠️ Lurking between the winter-oppressed trees, are cult activities, sacrifices, and two harrowed characters, casting yearning glances at each other. TOGETHER WE ROT is as beautiful as its cover at every level, from each individual word, to the characters, to the frostbitten world. Entering the Morguewood may be a risk, but you will not regret joining Wil and Elwood.

I loved every second with these childhood-friends-to-enemies-to-lovers, and every word written by Skyla Arndt. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

🦋 A teen girl looking for the truth about her missing mother forms a reluctant alliance with her former best friend… in exchange for hiding him from his cult-leading family in TOGETHER WE ROT 🦋

✨ Available August 29, 2023 ✨

Thank you to Penguin Teen for sending me an arc of this in exchange for review.

This was both beautiful and tragic at the same time and with a hint of spooky. the writing was beautiful and i'm pretty sure Elwood is officially on my favorite character list. THE BOY JUST WANTS TO COLLECT BUTTERFLIES AND HAVE CATS. let him please. someone.

overall this was a solid debut.

highly recommend Together We Rot.

Honestly what a win/win of a book. I have an unusual fascination with all thing's cult related and I love love fantasy, and this was a great combination of the two. The story is paced very well and keeps you on your toes as your reading. The ending was a wonderful ending, and I thoroughly enjoyed the ride. Al the characters are equally enjoyable and relatable (maybe not Elwood) lol

Highly recommend if you like murder mysteries, anything cult related and all things fantasy.

It’s always such fun to discover a book that really draws the joy of reading out of you. Together We Rot is one such book.

Set in a town surrounded by a forest of death and decay, Arndt cleverly weaves her vividly expressive prose around the story of Wil and her search for what really happened to her missing mother. A search delves into the mystery of the town and brings her back face to face with the boy she could never forget, and all the demons within him.

I’m definitely recommending this to all those YA fans who’re not adverse to a bit of horror and gore, those who love stubborn ‘unlikeable heroines’ and the soft boys who are their home, and those who like a good ole mystery with the highest of stakes and a bit of the supernatural.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review .

This was spooky and creepy but also super fun! I loved both Wil and Elwood and thought they were adorable. The friend group was definitely the highlight of this, I was surprised how many times I burst out laughing considering the darkness of the plot! Was a teeny bit let down by the ending but overall enjoyed it. Will lookout for more from this author in the future.

I am truly a sucker for stories like this- gothic and supernatural and creepy. There were so many beautiful sentences that had my little English major heart weeping. This would be a phenomenal movie with all of the gory details and I loved every supernatural second. I loved that ending, haunting and sad, but still a little hopeful! I was really ~rooting~ for Elwood to make it out, and I did not see his twist coming. I wish there had been a TOUCH more on the cult stuff, but I definitely recommend it if you loved What We Harvest or Where Darkness Blooms.

This was sharp, angry girl and soft, gentle boy love story of my dreams, not just because it was achingly romantic but because it was WEIRD AS HECK and SUPER VIOLENT right along with it. The writing was superb, the imagery was stunning, and it left me in absolute shambles.

The uber creepy, angsty lovechild of Supernatural x Stranger Things with the most freaking heartwrenching romance. This is everything YA horror should be. A beautifully haunting debut from Skyla Arnet!

all i have to say is WOW! what an absolutely stellar debut by skyla arndt. this is a gorgeous story filled with tension, friendship, romance, lush descriptions and just enough horror to give me goosebumps. can’t wait to read what skyla writes next!