In the mid 1990s, a group of queer teenagers are sent to the middle of the desert where an isolated “conversion camp,” is located. But what they discover controlling the camp is far worse than the strict people running it. Those who survive this terrifying experience meet up again sixteen years later in an attempt to put an end to a nightmare that continues to haunt them.

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like if David Cronenberg remade ‘Invasion of the Body Snatchers’ in the world of ‘It,’ wonder no more. While Martin’s story is familiar, it’s so over-the-top (and in the second half, exciting) and full of inventive creature-feature goodness it gives the formulaic plot the feel of something new … and that’s no easy feat.

While I think some sections of this could’ve been trimmed, I found CUCKOO superior to the author’s highly praised debut, MANHUNT, and I’m willing to bet we’ll be seeing big things from this writer who is obviously hell-bent on freaking people out.

Gretchen Felker-Martin does it again with CUCKOO, a twisted mass of body horror as a group of young queers find themselves facing down their replacements in a world in which seemingly no one cares.

In conversation with contemporary horror classics such as THE THING and IT, a stellar allegory for the ways in which society attempts to turn the queer community against itself. Could have used a stronger editor.

I tried reading this one but I could not get into the story. I found the story and characters quite flat. I always am looking to read books with translated rep and other forms of gender diversity but this author is just not for me

I requested this one because it might be an upcoming title I would like to review on my Youtube Channel. However, after reading the first several chapters I have determined that this book does not suit my tastes. So I decided to DNF this one.

Content Warnings: Homophobia, Transphobia, Gender Dysphoria, Body Dysmorphia, Eating Disorders, Gore, Graphic Violence, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity/Expression Conversion Attempts, Conversion Camps, Substance Abuse/Drug Use, PTSD, Body Horror, Suicide & Suicidal Attempts, Sexual Content with Dubious Consent

On a technical level, Cuckoo has some good imagery and clear writing. I didn’t enjoy it, as I’ll discuss below, but I can tell that Felker-Martin has some good craftsmanship as an author. I also appreciate that each protagonist had different cultural and racial backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities/expressions; diversity here was definitely not lacking.

However, I can’t recommend this book for many reasons. First, I think the book suffered from bloat. One form of bloat was structural. There are several one-off sections that, while related to the main plot, also take away from it. The book opens with a one-off section, so the real meat of the book didn’t start right away, for example. Related, this bloat rendered big moments being underwhelming. For example, there was no mystery or anticipation of the monster because we saw the monster basically in the first one-off of the book.

Another form of bloat was characterization. This is partially related to the structural bloat; for the one-off sections, the characters were there too briefly to deserve much attention and interrupted retaining information on the main protagonists. However, it’s also related to the main protagonists. Seven was too many for me to keep track of, especially when only a few stood out. Then names switched between two sections of time, which only furthered the confusion. Others may not have this issue, but other than Nadine, Jo, Shelby, and Malcolm/Mal, I truly struggled to remember the rest.

Finally, the horror for me fell flat. Most of the book relies on detailed, body horror that I just found gross. I usually don’t mind body horror, but here it wasn’t scary or interesting. Most ideas felt like I had seen it from somewhere else and lacked subtlety or nuance. Partially due to the bloat I mentioned earlier, readers don’t get to sit with the juxtaposition of different forms of horror characters experience and how they weave with each other. I think the horror of changing as people and not knowing who to trust was the strongest thread, but with so much else around it didn’t get the more intricate treatment it needed.

3.75 stars

I enjoyed this far more than her first book. The subject matter was just more entertaining I guess. There is a lot to unpack in this so be ready.

In this captivating read, the author masterfully weaves a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Through a blend of richly developed characters and a meticulously crafted plot, the book offers a unique exploration of its central themes, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the story's depth and complexity. The narrative is paced perfectly, balancing moments of intense action with thoughtful reflection, ensuring that readers are hooked from the first page to the last. The author's ability to evoke emotion and create a vivid, immersive world is truly remarkable, making this book a must-read for anyone looking for an exceptional literary experience.

Beyond its compelling storyline, the book stands out for its insightful commentary on the human condition, weaving philosophical questions into the fabric of its narrative. The author's skillful use of language not only enriches the text but also elevates the reader's experience, offering new perspectives on familiar themes. Whether it's the intricate dynamics of relationships, the exploration of identity, or the confrontation with ethical dilemmas, this book tackles complex issues with sensitivity and intelligence. It's a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the nuances of life, making it a valuable addition to any book lover's collection. Regardless of genre, this is a work that resonates on multiple levels, affirming the enduring impact of well-crafted literature.

A 1990's conversion camp with a sinister secret? Sure, sign me up. A group of queer teens battling a horrific evil? Uhm, of course I'm all for it.

Cuckoo is simultaneously tender and cheeky but also quite dark and twisted. Imagine an 80's summer camp horror movie and Invasion of the Body Snatchers mashup and you'll get the gist. It's not write-home-to-mother good, but it's definitely worth a read.