3.5 stars

I wanted to love this story since the book cover is beautiful and the description is alluring, but I felt a few things fell short.

Firstly, what I enjoyed the most was the eldritch aesthetic. The author did a spectacular job of creating a chilling and uncanny atmosphere with spellbinding writing. The plot was unique and captivating, and I loved the concept of a monster lying beneath the surface of the soft boy. The questioning of one’s identity is a topic that I like delving into, and this theme of self-discovery was a crucial aspect of Elwood’s story. It was a bittersweet ending seeing him become his own person.

While the story was primarily horror mixed with some mystery elements and delivered expertly by the author, there was also a romance subplot that felt a bit forced and unnecessary. I would’ve enjoyed the book just as much or even more if the protagonists were just friends. The pacing felt a bit off, making it difficult for me to stay engaged from beginning to end. Also, I think the story barely scratched the surface of something more. There was a lot of potential for further exploration into the religious cult and their history.

Content warnings: mentions of physical/verbal abuse, body horror, loss of a parent, light gore, emesis

Thank you, NetGalley and Penguin Teen, for sending me an e-ARC of this book! All opinions are my own.

This one had a lot of potential. I think it needed to be about 100 pages longer to give the story more room to expand in detail and extend the pacing. It felt a bit too hurried at parts where a little more detail would have brought the reader deeper into the story.

I blew through this in a day because it’s a really easy read but it’s also just another YA paranormal horror book (lacks in horror, I don’t know if I would really classify it as that) with a lot of the same tropes done overdone. I didn’t find it unique and it was definitely missing something. The romance was also incredibly rushed - I’m over YA personally so I’m not sure why I still bother but overall I found it okay.

Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book!

A very unique story line turned into an excellent book with solid characters and a creepy community setting. Starla Arndt skillfully built this story from differing points of view into an overall race against the clock and calendar to save a young man's life and find a young woman's missing mother before the "religious" cult that guides the community's actions can find them. The story has a haunting feeling that seems to come directly from the page, leaving you wanting much, much more of the story when you turn the last page. It was a fast read, shorter than most, but long enough to leave this reader wondering when Arndt's next book will be out.

Wow 🥲 Together We Rot was haunting and heartbreaking and so beautiful.

It focuses on Wil, whose mother has been missing for a year, and Elwood, her former best friend whose family runs the local church.

I had no idea the synopsis of this book when I went into it, so the whole plot was a surprise and I ended up loving it.

The religious cult elements of this book really added a scare factor. Then the fantasy/slightly paranormal aspects were an added touch.

This book deals with a lot of heavy topics such as alcoholism, substance abuse, religious trauma, physical abuse, death of a parent, and probably a few other things I am likely forgetting.

It broke my heart at the beginning when we learned how Elwood was treated by his father. Then the holding broke my heart in a whole different way.

I did feel like this some of this book was a bit rushed and maybe certain parts didn’t connect fully, but I really did love it.

Great read, very enjoyable! The *horror* aspects are palpable and the main characters are great and easy to cheer for!

Together We Rot is an enjoyable horror/romance debut with elements of mystery and contemporary realities (it touches on themes of alcoholism, abuse, neglect, religious cultism, grief, and more). Of all its elements, this book shines the most when focusing on the main duo, Wil (a prickly, grieving girl dedicated to finding truth and justice for the disappearance of her mother) and El (a softer, shyer boy suffering under the control of a fanatically religious, borderline cult-leader father/family that just wants to use him for their own purposes). Both characters bring a lot of personal baggage to the table and opt to cope in different ways, and I was rooting for them the whole time as they went from holding each other at arms' length, afraid to be hurt again, to letting each other back in and falling back in love.

Another strength of this book was the descriptions of the small town and forest where the story is set. Arndt really excels at the horror element of her worldbuilding, and her descriptions of a certain character's slow evolution throughout the novel were a perfect level of unsettling and unnerving.

Personally, I felt like the plot was where the book faltered. The pacing rushed in places, particularly toward the end, and certain plot points were too predictable to the point where reading it felt almost boring, like I was rushing ahead to get to the next interesting part. The ending in particular was a bit of a let down, as I was left thinking 'that's it?' after turning the last page.

All in all, this is a four star read and a solid debut from an author who seems to have found her specific niche from the start. I'm excited to follow her career and see what Skyla Arndt does next!

I struggled with how to rate this book. I couldn’t decide if it was best to round up to 4 stars, or down to 3. I wanted to love this book, I really did. The plot sounded interesting, I was ready for a supernatural love story but it just kinda fell a bit short for me.

I want to start by saying that my main issue with this book was its length. As a result, I also have an issue with the pacing of the story. I felt like everything was happening without much cause and I wasn’t invested with any of the characters. The book is 272 pages and for most of it, I was left with confusion. This book felt like a short story that was expanded to get create a novel but it wasn’t done as well as it could’ve been.

I wish this book had gripped me from the start but I won’t lie, it was a slow start. Even when things started to pick up, I still wasn’t on the edge of my seat reading to see what happened next. When I realized that this book basically all happens within the span of 2 days, I was wishing it started a bit earlier. I feel like if I had more time to get to know these characters, I would’ve been much more interested in what was happening.

I couldn’t find it in myself to like our main character, Wil. I just couldn’t understand what Elwood saw in her and because the book is so short, we never really get to. You’re given short glimpses into their past and the author tries to create something for their relationship to stand on but it just didn’t work for me.

Now, I did enjoy some things about this book. I really liked that it was dual POV because it gave me a chance to see things from Elwood’s perspective. This aspect made the climax of the book much more interesting than if it was just told through one POV. I also really liked that Wil had a female friend who was there for her while dealing with her own stuff. It’s nice to see main characters who maintain their friendships throughout their story.

together we rot is the perfect book to read for spooky season!! i CANNOT watch horror movies but i think reading horror is fine so this book has convinced me to definitely explore more in the genre!

this book is very fast-paced and easy to read, i could picture everything happening in my head and the vibes were all there. everything about the book is weird but in a good way, i could not understand a large chunk of it but it was still captivating. the characters are great, wil and elwood both are very 3d and their romance is so cute. the sunshine and sunshine protector trope is forever the cutest!

i feel like the entire story could be even better if it was just a little longer because there was a lot happening but the last bit was very abrupt. the ending also could have had an epilogue imo just because i need more of will & elwood *crying emoji*

overall, this was an enjoyable book although not lifechanging and i am so recommending this book to every single person this autumn!! also huge thanks for the author for letting me be on the street team, i had a wonderful time promoting the book!

This is a dark story with likable characters and a sweet romance. I would love if this become a series. I would recommend this to those who enjoy dark stories and romances. Special Thank You to Skyla Arndt, Penguin Group/Penguin Young Readers Group, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy prior to publication in exchange for an honest review.

Together We Rot : a perfectly creepy, enthralling YA Horror Romance Debut🌲🌳🦋🕸️

Thank you so much @netgalley and @vikingbooks for the chance to read this book early!

This is a paranormal YA novel with the perfect dash of romance. I read this in my twilight walks and was both immediately intrigued and weary of the story weaving in a frigid little town in Michigan. We find Wil, who’s trying to solve the mystery of her mother, who’s been missing for over a year. She reluctantly teams up with her ex-best friend… who’s cult -leading family she suspects had something to do with her mother’s disappearance. Elwood has reasons to hide from too… seeing as he could be the next sacrifice on his 18th birthday.

My favorite thing about this novel?: the prose. Both lyrical and raw, it engaged me from beginning to end. Several plot twists I didn’t see coming and the ending did make me shed tears???? (Which I was NOT expecting.) Really liked the characters and their dynamic, especially the mix of emotions flowing between them.

Perfect for fans of paranormal horror or those wanting to dip their toes in. Also for fans of Hannah Whitten, Ava Reid, Isabel Agajanian.

Loved loved loved. 🥰

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#togetherwerot #bookreview #bookish #bookrecommendations

Wil is on the hunt for her missing mother. She teams up with her former best friend Elwood to help her. Both of them know his family had something so with it and are hiding quite the secret.

This story is deep. It touches on a lot, especially parental abuse. I mean Elwood's family is religious and part of the church, his dad being the pastor. And Elwood’s supposed to be the successor but he doesn’t want to be. And helping Wil sets them both on this dangerous path. Almost going against the sins of the father.

See I’m not a huge lover a books that have church settings because it just rubs under my skin, but Skyla’s plot takes a different turn and makes it so intricate and unique. Wil is this stubborn, tough girl while Elwood is shy and meek, such opposites that they make up for each other in ways. I loved how the story is eerily and impactful. It’s definitely a different story that I’ve read in a while, and for a debut I was utterly entranced by the authors writing and gut wrenched by the end of the whole book.

So creepy season is almost here, If you’re looking for something new and perfect to leave an impression under your skin.. look no further!

"Together We Rot" by Skyla Arndt is a riveting blend of Horror and YA Romance that immerses readers in a unique and captivating narrative. The book's innovative combination of genres creates an intriguing and gripping storyline that I found enthralling. Skyla Arndt's ability to balance horror elements with a romantic undertone adds depth to the characters and their journey. "Together We Rot" is a standout read that delivers chills and emotions in equal measure, making it a must-read for those seeking a spine-tingling and heartfelt literary experience.

Many thanks to Penguin Group for the arc of this book! The following is my review & my reflects my thoughts of this book.

Together We Rot is a gothic, horror, YA romance that strings together beautiful prose and heartache to bring you a beautiful debut novel.

Wil is a scorned girl who will at nothing to prove her mother’s disappearance has everything to do with foul play, and Elwood is a timid boy who desperately wants to find his place in a world dictated by his iron-fisted father.

Together We Rot gives off Midnight Mass meets Stranger Things. Wil is the perfect embodiment if rage and grief, a heroine who isn’t perfect and just wants to keep running from it all. Elwood is a precious, but lost boy who tells the tale of growth and acceptance in its most heartbreaking form.

This book was a pleasure to read. It’s fast-paced, funny at times, heartbreaking, and beautiful. I read it in one sitting and would absolutely pick another book up by this author.

Together We Rot was one of my most anticipated reads of 2023. I was drawn in by everything - the title, cover and summary, but the cover art is what first caught my eye. This is just the type of book my young-adult- reading heart yearns for. The writing style, character development and world building were all great. The story was unique and fleshed out well. I enjoyed the fierceness of the Wil, and the vulnerability of Elwood. It took a long time for the story to start, but when the speed of the plot picked up it was great. The pacing was mildly inconsistent here and there. I'm not a fan of alternating POV but it was necessary here. Overall, execution was a solid 4 stars. I'm impatiently waiting for more work from this author.

Thank you to NetGalley for offering this title in their catalogue. All the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Together We Rot is such a beautiful book. Arndt did such a wonderful job of crafting a beautifully chilling gothic atmosphere that i could not get enough of. I fell in love with the characters within this book and could not get enough of them and their journey. There was a perfect blend of sweet and tender moments to combat the creepy crawly parts of the story, as well. This was a beautifully horrific read and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Initially, it took me a while to actually get into the book but once I got through a couple chapters, it definitely started flowing. Together We Rot was such an interesting concept and it was different to your typical YA plot. I wished the book was longer and the plot more in depth because it certainly has a lot of promise. I also wished we got more of Elwood and more of an explanation at the end. Overall, I enjoyed the horror element and found it was a bittersweet story
Rated: 3.6/5

Thank you so much NetGalley and Penguin Teen for gifting me an E-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Together We Rot is a unique and beautifully creepy novel. It was definitely one of the most interesting books I’ve read all year.

I was super excited when I received an arc of this book since it was one of my most anticipated and it definitely didn’t disappoint! (I am a little torn between a 4 and 4.5 so I may change it in the future.)

For the starters, this book was written so beautifully. I highlighted so many quotes because I just loved the writing so much. While it’s lovely throughout the whole book, it truly stuck out to me in Elwood’s povs. The way his thoughts, emotions, and personality was written was just so poetic and beautiful. It really made me fall in love with his character.

In books, I’m always used to a strong or tough MMC. However, Elwood was the complete opposite. While he wasn’t afraid to stand up for what he loved and fight back, he also didn’t mind showing his emotions. He was so soft and loving, I really enjoyed reading his and Wil’s story. Which was so beautiful and sometimes heartbreaking to see. They too, are complete opposites but complimented each other so well. The entire cast of characters was interesting and unique. Other than the meant to be villains, I didn’t hate any of the characters.

The plot was definitely a unique one. As was the world. I enjoyed the author taking modern day life and putting a creepy twist on it. Despite the beautiful writing, I sometimes got a little confused when it came to the world building or plot building. I don’t know if this was just a fault in the writing or if it was because I was reading an advanced copy but it was something I noticed a little bit.

I’ve been getting more into horror books lately (but yk not terrifying ones 😅) and this definitely didn’t disappoint! It was so gothic, creepy, and disgusting. I really enjoyed reading it. The author did an amazing job with description. I truly felt like I was there and some scenes even made me feel queasy since I hate bugs.🤣

If I could relate the book to any other book I’ve read, I would say it reminds me of Wilder Girls by Rory Powers. When it comes to the nature horror aspect they are similar in those ways but with completely different plots. However, if you enjoyed Wilder Girls, I definitely think you would enjoy Together We Rot.

Overall, I really loved this book!! Definitely some of my new favorite characters and one of the favorite standalones. I’m super excited to read more by this author in the future and definitely recommend this book!

🍂Together We Rot Tropes:

~ Romance Side-Plot
~ Best Friends to Enemies to Lovers
~ Creepy Religions/Cults
~ Found Family (a little bit)
~ Nature Horror
~ Gothic and Creepy
~ Lots of Bugs
~ Grumpy x Sunshine
~ Soft MMC

Can I just say if this is their first book signed me up to be on the journey to their 10th because OMG… This book had it all! Will knows the Clark family had something to do with her mother going missing mr. Clark is the leader of the garden of Adam church/cult and Will knows her mom was investigating them. When she finds out the local police or closing the case she is angry with the side she will keep looking in this includes sitting outside of his house in the bushes in man killing weather. This is where she is when she sees her ex-best friend and goody two shoes Elwood Clark sneak out of his home. Her and Elwood used to be the best of friends and maybe just a tad bit more but when her mom went missing he was told under no uncertain terms to stay away from Wilhelmina she knows El is going to Luke’s party and quickly called her best friend Veronica a.k.a. Ronnie to go with her Will has made an enemy of everyone in town except for Ronnie and Although she wants her to go for her company she also needs her to go because she wouldn’t get in without her she is Luke’s ex-girlfriend and he definitely and desperately wants to get back with her so Will knows Ronnie is a sure fire weight to get into the party to watch Elwood but when they arrive he is doing and all he can drink headstand and Willis hopeful with the non-drinking Elwood drunk he will tell her something about her mom‘s disappearance and why his parents so desperately want to buy their rundown motel. Instead of approaching the situation steltily and cleverly will gets in an all out argument with the drunk Elwood and it seems she has ruined her chance to find out what happened to her mom but after she goes home and decides to break into the Clark’s house during a severe snowstorm might I add she will run into Elwood who is trying to flea his own living nightmare and they will team up for one of the strangest nights in their history I haven’t even talked about the changes Elwood is going through or almost goes through and the fact that they will eventually be told he is dangerous Elwood has always had an interest in leoparDasary… Is there a reason Elwood has always been attracted to moths and butterflies? If you love teen thrillers with a dab of creepy then you’ll definitely want to read Together We Rott by sky Arnt I always seem to write the worst reviews when the books are super great because this one is super great but the review totally is terrible but either way you definitely need to read this fuck if you got this far thanks for reading my messed up review. I want to thank Viking Young readers Ann Net Galley for my free Ark copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

what a harrowing tale.
the cover is what made me pick this book up, but the story made me stay.
this was so beautiful, and the underlying themes of religion worked so well. this stands out among the heavily saturated genre of YA.
The characters are fleshed out and real. Wil Greene is a little fireball, and she quickly became one of my favorite fmcs.
I loved the romance in this story, and the darkness that was rooted in it.
Must read!