I did not expect to be tearing up by the end of this book, but here we are! Come Out, Come Out was pretty slow to start off but I was pretty hooked by 40%. I did struggle a little bit with the overall pacing and it got a little hard to follow at times, but I still really enjoyed this book. This was a book about self-discovery and acceptance. It was hopeful, terrifying, and sad all at the same time. The horror aspect was not just paranormal, and really ramped up in the societal commentary of the book. There is a lot on religious trauma in this book, so keep that in mind. I also want to give a big trigger warning for homophobia - all three main characters experience it throughout the book, whether it be external or internalized. It was hard to read at times knowing that there are parents out there who do treat their children the way these characters were treated. I really am glad the book ended the way it did. I truly appreciated all of the different hotlines and resources that were included at the end: National Suicide Prevention Hotline, Crisis Text Line, The Trevor Project, National Sexual Assault Hotline, Trans Lifeline, National Center for Transgender Equality, Love Is Respect, and Planned Parenthood. I have a lot more thoughts but it’s close to midnight and my eyes are tired from finishing this in a day.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for the chance to review this book, all opinions are my own.

I have read several queer YA horror books this month and so I think my expectations going into this one might have been for something else. That is to say, there are definitely moments of horror but the true horror of the book is being forced to live a life as someone you are not or having the choice of who you want to be taken from you.

This book is about Fern and Jaq, two seniors in high school who are living two perfectly “normal” cishet lives. Then something happens at a party and they remember that 5 years ago they used to actually be friends, and they did something in the woods, and their other friend (who they forgot about) was killed! Oh and they are both super queer. The rest of the book is them coming to terms with this and how this fits into the lives they thought they were living. I think it follows the experience of a closeted teen (or adult) very well.

Because I was expecting more horror, Mallory’s (the murdered girl) chapters were actually my favorite and I really wanted to know more about the house in the woods and her experience there. Would have loved for the Gray Whales to have a bigger part too.

There were a lot of parts of this book that I did love. Especially all of the moments of found family and camaraderie between all of the queer people in the town just trying to find a safe space. I found the ending to be realistic (some families have unconditional love for their children and others do not) and I felt like it had some really hopeful moments.

Again, I really wanted more horror but that is totally a me preference and not a failing of the book!

4.25 stars

The beginning started out strong for me, however somewhere in the middle it felt like the plot became somewhat muddled. The elements of horror towards the end felt like a very sudden change from where the plot had been veering and because of that the horror element of this story fell flat for me. I do think the overall message behind this is important which did somewhat save the book for me. I think that this just fell a little bit short of what I was expecting.

Thank you Netaglley for the arc of this upcoming read!

This book is such a SOLID read. It instantly puts its reader into the plot, there is no massive story before the story. Which is one of my biggest gripes with reading. Give me the story I came for, dont fluff me up especially if not necessary. This book promises to be spine tingling, eerie, and although it delivers on both of those fronts. It also has a deeper meaning. There is the horror and then there is the social horror. The way the story is so rooted in reality and the struggles of identity. This is one I wont soon forget!

A wholly original and completely terrifying tale about friendship, secrets and finding out who you really are. There have been several books lately centering around LGBTQ characters and the issues they face including conversion camps, prejudice and hate crimes but this one really delves into the characters themselves and how they feel. It is exceptionally well written and captures several themes in an engaging way.

The thriller I never knew I needed. We follow two closeted teens as they navigate their renewed lost memories and their identities. I read via audiobook and the narrator was amazing.

Wow! Not too many books have left me at a loss of words quite like this one. Normally, I'd feel the need to put off a review to fully process my thoughts but out of fear of losing my grasp on my emotions, I need to put something together now.

This truly was one of those rare books you come across where you feel seen and although you have your differences from those characters you can sympathize with them in ways that others can't. I read the Author's Note before diving into this story and it's something I highly recommend doing (especially for this book). Come Out, Come Out is labeled as a horror, but it's not the typical horror where you fear what might be lurking in the shadows, this is the type of horror that comes from finding the courage to show your true self to REAL people instead of facing figments of your imagination. The fear of facing backlash that could come from your community, family, friends, etc. if they knew these secrets about you that you've kept locked in, not knowing if when you have the courage to finally speak those truths what the outcome could be.

I really loved this book but also recommend checking trigger warnings such as homophobia and religious trauma and seeing where you are at mentally before reading this book. Definitely a 5 star read for me that I will be thinking of frequently.

Thank you Netgalley for letting me read this eARC.

I enjoyed this take on a queer-centric horror story. I loved watching Fern and Jaq rediscover themselves and their memories and watching both worlds morph together so they could ultimately become their true selves. It was difficult to read and experience the religious persecution and homophobia along with them, but that's also the point. Too many LGBTQIA+ individuals experience this on a daily basis and I thought it was handled well within this story.

I will say that I found some aspects to be lackluster. Some side characters and their plots felt flat. And while I enjoy paranormal and ghostly aspects as part of the mystery, some of it felt too farfetched or rushed through.

Overall, definitely recommend. Though it's imperative that you check content & trigger warnings before reading!

**CW: Homophobia, transphobia, gender dysphoria, religious extremism, conversion therapy, graphic violence, body horror, and self-harm.

Come Out, Come Out is the latest queer horror novel I’ve gotten into, and it certainly won’t be the last. Jaq, Fern, and Mallory run away to an abandoned house in the woods, where they’re free to be themselves. But, I mean, it’s a house in the woods, so of course, some scary shit’s gonna go down. Mallory is killed, and as Jaq and Fern escape, their memories and true selves are erased. The girls return to supposedly happy straight lives, until Mallory’s spirit starts haunting them and reminding them of what happened.

Mallory’s ghosty antics are creepy and unsettling, but it’s Jaq and Fern’s fear of their secrets coming out that is really visceral. The suppression of their feelings is literally life or death. It’s terrifying, but at the same time, you’re rooting for them to accept their feelings and love who they want to love. Both girls have cute lovelines, Fern’s being my favorite, all while keeping their bond and friendship with each other strong. At a certain point, though, the romance and coming-of-age themes completely took over, leaving the horror behind.

Once the supernatural twist was revealed, it felt like there was too much missing. The house and its history and lore were super interesting, and they just weren’t given much time to explore before rushing to the climax. I probably won’t remember much of the scares, but the characters? They’ve already got a place in my heart.

DNF at 21%
It really bums me out that I wasn't as attached to this book as I hoped, especially because, from what I read, I really don't think it’s a bad book! It just wasn't for me, which is perfectly okay!
The title, cover, and premise are all so gripping to me, and are huge reasons why I was so interested in the book. As a queer person, I wholly understand and appreciate the narrative of learning about and recognizing these specific identities that make us, especially in an environment that may be…less than accepting. I sincerely wish this book spoke to me as much as I expected it to, but I know for a fact this will be a perfect book for many, many people.
My reason for DNF has nothing to do with the quality of the book, I just recognized that the writing format wasn't for me, and that's perfectly okay.
I do want to thank Netgalley, Penguin Young Readers Group, and of course Natalie C. Parker for this early copy of Come Out, Come Out!

I must admit I kinda DNF this book, not because it was bad! Just because at the time of me requesting it, I had so many other arcs and books that I was reading that unfortunately I didn't have the time to finish this book! I did manage to read a few pages and from just those few pages, absolutely adored it and I do look forward to reading it in the future when my life isn't as hectic!

I love when a book I’m reading for the first time makes me nostalgic for another era of my life, and <i>Come Out, Come Out</i> catapulted me back to being 16, discreetly buying queer books in order to better understand a part of myself that wasn’t necessarily accepted. I just know that this book would’ve meant so much to that version of Liv.

While this is classified as horror, I found it less scary (as a bit of a wimp) because of how tied to societal issues the horror is. This is a really heartfelt book about accepting yourself when others around you won’t accept you, the power of queer community (especially in less accepting places), and what it really means to love someone, yourself included. It is aptly named as it focuses on the coming out of our two main characters, who are both queer people--one <spoiler>nonbinary and bi</spoiler>, the other <spoiler>a lesbian</spoiler>, both need to come out to themselves and the world. The coming out and acceptance of oneself is the meat of this book and I found it to be quite emotional. The horror aspects were done in a way that enhanced the story too. I think going into it pretty blind is the best way to approach this book because the characters themselves are starting out pretty blind, but I really loved this one and found it to be incredibly heartfelt. I’d recommend this to anyone, but especially recommend if you’re queer and have been/are still in a place that is keeping you in the closet.

<i>Thank you NetGalley for the arc
book is out on August 27, 2024 <3 </i>

To say this book is good would be an understatement! The story flows smoothly and at a pace that compliments the plot. I'm absolutely in love with the characters and became hooked from the beginning. I'm honestly so happy I received this book and read it. The story comes full circle and it's perfect! I think this would make a great TV series.

An intriguing story with well-written and lovable main characters. I do think the side characters could have been fleshed out a bit more, particularly Devyn whose entire personality is mysterious dyke on a bike, but it was overall a good read and I would recommend to others who enjoy queer YA. A lot of queer YA tends to be romance focused so it was refreshing to see something that, whilst having romance as part of the main plotline, focused more on found family and platonic connections and the mystery. The twist, and overall plot was well thought out and did not feel like something I had seen before, which goes to show that queerness can be a wonderful addition to all genres, not just romance as queerness is about so much more than that.

Overall, this book didn't particularly stick out to me, but I feel I am better off having read it.

Five years ago, three friends went into the woods and only two returned. The remaining pair have lived a life of safety during these past five years that begins to be threatened as memories return of that night in the woods. Their lost friend begins to appear to them, and she wants them to return to the woods. What exactly happened to their friend? Did she run away or did something more sinister happen that night?
The book is labeled as horror, but that horror works mostly as a device that pushes the characters to acknowledge and name their queer identities. There are parts that are typical to what you would expect from a horror novel but if you read the book with the awareness that it is only a part of the overall whole, I think you’ll appreciate the book more.
This book did a great job with queer representation. I felt a connection to all the characters and the similar struggles they faced navigating their journey of self-discovery. I really loved the idea of “safety” that was explored throughout the book in relation to living authentically and putting yourself into a box for other people’s comfort.



***Thank you to Penguin/G.P. Putnam's Sons for providing the advanced copy to my Kindle for review via NetGalley. All opinions are of course, my own.

Horror that makes you feel and packs a punch. Isn’t just all slash, gore and MWAHAHAH. Still has those, but has a deeper meaning.

⭐ Rating: 4.5/5 stars
🗓 Publish date: Aug 27, 2024
🌈 Representation: Lesbian MC, Genderfluid MC, Queer SCs

CW/TW:
Homophobia, Transphobia, Religious bigotry, Death, Violence, Blood, Confinement, Forced conversion, Panic attacks/disorder, Alcohol use


Horror can be hit or miss for me, but I love themes around queerness and religious trauma, so I had to try this one out. I'm glad I did! So much of this story hit close to home and I really loved the way the journey unfolded.

The horror was sufficiently eerie and the mystery had me invested the whole time. The twists were excellent and I didn't see most of them coming. The paranormal stuff happening paralleled well with the struggles of questioning your identity and coming out.

Some of the side characters felt a tad underdeveloped, but the main three (Fern, Jaq, and Mal) were all intriguing. I was really rooting for them to figure things out (both the mystery and themselves).

I'll def be recommending this book for folks after a chilling, heartfelt queer horror. Thank you to Penguin/G.P. Putnam's Sons and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Just finished reading "Come Out, Come Out" and I have mixed feelings about it. This book has been labeled as a LGBTQIA+ horror novel but to be honest, it didn't really deliver on the horror aspect. Instead, it felt more like a coming of age story with some tough topics and situations. Don't get me wrong, those topics were important and well-written but I was expecting some spine-chilling moments.The "spookiness" felt like an afterthought. But hey, if you're looking for a thought-provoking read, this one might be for you.

This has one of the coolest opening prologues that I’ve read in awhile, but it didn’t super live up to how heart pounding that opener was. I feel like this book would have been better if it had either leaned into just being a coming of age story or leaned much more into the horror aspect. I felt like the two sides of the story fought each other sometimes, leaving neither side as fully realized. It was still really entertaining, but not exactly what I wanted after that first chapter.

This book started out slow for me, I couldn’t get a handle on the characters or the plot. But once I did everything changed for me. Rounded up to 5 stars in the end (4.75).

These characters stole my heart and I was on the verge of tears the entire time. I even let a few slip out at the very end.
I loved the urban legend of it all with The Patron and the creepy abandoned house in the woods. That’s one of my favorite horror settings.


Three young queer teens are outcasts in their community and families. They find an abandoned house in the woods which becomes a safe place for them. One night only two of them leave alive and their memories have been altered. Fast forward 5 years and those memories start to return as does a ghost from the past.


This book can be difficult/triggering for some readers. This story heavily revolves around transphobia and homophobia