While I really appreciated the unique concept and the incorporation of Haitian lore and social commentary, I ultimately found that the book did not align with my expectations. Based on the description, I anticipated a story more focused on traditional zombie themes, and as a result, I struggled to connect with the narrative and characters. I reached about 25% before deciding to step away.

That said, the writing is fresh and the premise is highly original. I believe readers who enjoy modern fables with sharp, satirical undertones will find a lot to appreciate here. Unfortunately, this particular story was not the right fit for me.

Thank you for the opportunity to review this title.

There were a lot of holes in the story and the title didn’t match the story line. She was a zombie but she wasn’t eating people. And the last dinner party wasn’t clear. What was it that she fed Ainsley? Why did she get married to Preston with no proposal written and the wedding never played out in the funeral home. Why did she party Preston what was the plan. The sisters telling their story all song songy could be confusing. The setup was good but the ending wasn’t. It felt rushed.

While The Summer I Ate the Rich did turn out to be a lot of fun to read (which was what I had hoped for), it wasn’t quite what I had hoped for when I requested the book and ended up being kind of scattershot in what worked and what didn’t.

What worked: The main storyline, told from Brielle’s first-person POV. This is a coming-of-age story told through the lens of a true member of the Haitian-American diaspora. Stuck solidly between two worlds and as she grows older feeling that tug from her mother’s homeland and yet the need to stay where she is. The feeling of being seventeen in America and wanting to grow and expand but also of needing the feel of your mom’s hugs. All of the rage and pain and emotional upheaval that comes with the latter stages of female adolescence.

What didn’t work (for me): The chapters from the muses’ POV. These were distracting, out of tune with the rest of the book, and no explanation was ever given as to what was going on with them. It was giving Disney’s Hercules cartoon and I didn’t like it.

What could’ve been done better but didn’t bother me too much: The sections about Brielle’s mom’s life in Haiti.

I absolutely loved the idea behind the book and I loved the overall plot. The parts I did enjoy were a lot of fun.


I was provided a copy of this title by the author and publisher via Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. All reviews rated three stars and under will not appear on my social media. Thank you.

The Summer I Ate the Rich" by Maika Moulite and Maritza Moulite is an absolute gem! This book takes you on a wild ride with Brielle Petitfour, a Haitian American girl with a serious passion for cooking—and a seriously dark secret. When her mom loses her job, Brielle steps up to help, cooking a storm for the wealthy elite. But here's the twist: her secret ingredient is human flesh!

The authors' brilliant blend of Haitian zombie lore with a sharp critique of social issues makes Brielle such a relatable character. She juggles her love for cooking, family responsibilities, and the moral dilemmas that come with her revenge plot against the rich who have hurt her family.

The writing is engaging and humorous, making it a fun read while also packing a punch. I found myself laughing out loud at some parts while also reflecting on the deeper messages about privilege and exploitation.

This book is a unique mix of culinary delight and social commentary, and it makes you think about what’s going on beneath the surface of wealth and success. Pick this one up if you're looking for something fresh, funny, and thought-provoking! You won't regret it!

Thank you to Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group and NetGalley for an eArc of this book. All opinions are my own.

Usually, I try to give a summary in my own words for my reviews, but one of my complaints about this book is how fragmented it was. The Summer I Ate the Rich is about Brielle who is Haitian, a zombie, and poor. She wants to become a successful chef and her mother works for a billionaire whose patriarch dies in a hit and run, and she falls in love with the great grandson of said patriarch, and she takes a summer internship to try and get closer to those in power while also trying to get health insurance for her mother because of her mother’s health issues.

The book ties these concepts together a little better than my explanation, but there doesn’t seem to be one plot that is the focus, besides “eating the rich”. This book is advertised as Horror and Brielle’s zombie background is practically non-existent. Oh and she has powers? Which are also not really explained or explored. She uses her powers to influence the rich folk around her to do her bidding I think? Because there was only a brief explanation toward the end.

I like the idea of this book and the concept is incredible, but the execution was too disjointed for me to really enjoy the story. I convinced myself to continue to read by telling myself it was a YA contemporary.

If the main plot was getting revenge on the rich, I feel one or two subplots should have been focused on and thoroughly explored throughout the rest of the book and the story would have come together better. I also feel this could have potentially been a duology or trilogy was the focus being on Brielle and her zombie/Haitian background. Exploring her struggles growing up in poverty, some of her mother’s experience at her job. And then in the next book continue to explain her zombie background while she plans her revenge and integrates herself into the world of the affluent.

I enjoyed the author’s writing style and I was really excited for the idea of this book. I would try another book by this author in the future, but this book just didn’t work for me.

I didn't have time to check this one out before it hit shelves, but I love the authors and can't wait to dive in!

Brielle Petifour is a 17-year-old second generation Haitian American. Coming from an immigrant family, Brielle and her mother have struggled to make ends meet. When the opportunity presents itself, Brielle finds a way to use her Haitian zombie abilities and cooking skills to navigate the wealthy white world to help her mother and herself.

The positives:
- The book was beautifully written. The Moulite sisters have a wonderful and clear way of writing and always keep you on your toes.
- There is a lot of talk about food, and it all sounds wonderful and enticing. You can feel the passion of the MC and authors.
- I love learning new cultures, and Haitian culture is not one I have really dove into. There was some background on voodoo and cuisine, as well as language and cultural/immigrant relations. Although not a lot was present (this wasn’t meant to teach you), it inspired me to do a lot of research on topics that come up.

The negatives:
- Unfortunately the book presents itself as something it is not, which is probably more on the publishers/editors than the author. The book is described as a horror. It is not. The descriptions make you think there will be more monsters, other than the rich. There is not. Fortunately, the book was a good read, even after being misled.
- I wanted so much for there to be a little more background to voodoo and the culture. I found myself slightly confused on what a zombie was in the context of the book, as what I read, how the characters speak of one another, and what I had to learn on google, were all just slightly different that it was hard to paint a clear picture on what the authors wanted you to take from the story.
- The book could have used another round of editing. While it was all fun to read, there were a lot of different things happening, and editing down different plot lines could have strengthened other areas. The ending got a little messy and some parts felt rushed.

Overall, this was a fun read! If you are looking for a horror book, this is not it. But if you want a beautiful coming of age story, as well as class and racial inequality, with some cute laughs and good friends, this is the right story for you.

Thank you truly to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s for a copy of the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I absolutely could not wait for this one! So excited it's out! I devoured this book,. Fair warning cancell your plans, this book is gonna take over your whole life? Got kids? Not now you don't you won't have time for anything but this book! Wow! Just WOW!

This was a smart, thoughtful, and at times chaotic YA novel that leans heavily into eat-the-rich themes while spotlighting Haitian culture, mother-daughter dynamics, and class disparities. It wasn’t quite what I expected based on the title and pitch (I went in hoping for horror or at least some mildly nauseating cannibalism), and instead got something much more grounded. I think if it had been pitched more accurately, it could have been a five star read.

Brielle is a seventeen-year-old aspiring chef, devoted daughter, and zonbi. Her powers barely factor into the first half of the novel, which threw off the pacing a bit (although the gnarly brain and egg scramble scene the book started with was, ahem, visceral). But I really appreciated how much care went into making her a full character outside of that. Her bond with her mother, who suffers from chronic illness, was the core of the story.

The writing shined most when it leaned into interpersonal moments and cultural texture. That said, the socioeconomic critique, while important, felt a little surface level and contrived, and certain plot points broke my immersion a little bit. I’m also a little confused about why it ended the way it did, and what lesson we were supposed to be walking away with.

Still, I was entertained very much, and appreciated the uniqueness of this story. It didn’t deliver on every promise, but what it does deliver is original and meaningful. Overall, four stars for ambition and writing craft.

I wanted so much more horror from this storyline.

The title had me wanting something that this book did not bring.

Brielle is a Haitian American who looks in Miami. She is the daughter of Immigrants and is trying to become a chef. Brielle starts a supper club for the rich with a little special ingredients.

This book was not a horror as I wanted it. There was little three small scenes that actually go with the title. This book is more a coming of age story about a girl trying to reconnect with her Haitian heritage while also trying to grow into herself.

There were also some Haitian Zonbi lore but I wish there was more so I didn’t understand who what the actual purpose.

Other then that the storyline was easy to follow. I loved the main character and I never felt bored.

Genre: YA Horror
APK: Ebook
Pages: 384
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Series or Standalone: Stand-alone

Thank you McMillian for sending me a copy of The Summer I Ate The Rich for an honest review.

Not quite what I expected, but not disappointed with what I got. Great commentary on wealth inequality. I'm a sucker for a good zombie story. The first few chapters were my favorite.

Who says you can’t read horror in the spring? Author duo Maika and Maritza Moulite are back with another tale of the rich getting a taste of themselves—literally. 

We follow high‑schooler Brielle Petitfour, who adores cooking—but loves her family even more. When her mom loses her job, Brielle sets aside her dream of becoming a chef to plot revenge. With twists, turns, and dark secrets bubbling to the surface, the question is: How far will Brielle go? 

The pacing is brisk, and though the outright horror is lighter than you might expect, the suspense, buried secrets, and—yes—a human tooth will keep you hooked. Jumping between two timelines, one present and one past, the novel explores how far a family will go to protect the ones they love. The authors craft a diverse cast: some characters you’ll root for, others you’ll love to hate. 

Along the way, the Moulite sisters give Haitian zombie lore a fresh, modern spin. With themes of death, family, and carving out your own story when others see you as a monster, The Summer I Ate the Rich is a gripping read with a twist that just might catch you off guard.

Let’s get one thing out of the way: if you're diving into The Summer I Ate the Rich expecting full-blown horror, prepare to recalibrate. While the title and premise hint at a gory, blood-splattered satire with zombies gnashing their teeth at capitalism, the book instead delivers a much lighter, more YA-centered narrative-with just the faintest whiff of horror, if we're being generous.

That’s not to say it isn’t worth your time. If you go in with the right expectations-think eat-the-rich energy meets complicated family dynamics and social commentary-you’re in for a nice read that’s got a lot of heart, even if it bites off a bit more than it can chew.

The standout here is the relationship between Brielle and her mother, which is rich in emotional complexity tied with chronic illness and healthcare inequities.

Where the book falters is in its ambition. There's a bubbling pot of themes-wealth inequality, chronic illness, systemic injustice, friendship, revenge, and yes, a dash of speculative horror-but the story never quite settles into any one groove. The result is a narrative that feels more scattered than sharp. The horror elements? Barely there. The fantasy? Lightly sprinkled. It’s more of a socially-conscious romp than a genre-bending thriller.

There’s no denying the book is trying to do something meaningful, and there are moments when it truly shines. But by the final chapter, I was left wanting a clearer sense of purpose. Was this a revenge fantasy? A commentary on healthcare? A dark comedy? All of the above? Maybe. But the pieces never quite clicked into a cohesive whole.

Still, for a YA audience looking for something quirky with serious undertones, The Summer I Ate the Rich offers an entertaining, if uneven, experience. It's a book that dares to mix big ideas with a bold premise-it just doesn’t always go far enough to satisfy the appetite it stirs up.

Final Verdict: A clever concept with a socially-conscious core that struggles under the weight of its own ambitions. Best enjoyed with popcorn and moderate expectations.

Finally back with a book review (I have a huge backlog to post, so get ready for several at once), and I am glad I get to share a really unique story that releases TODAY! I have been in a bit of a slump, which is why I have been so MIA, so it was great to have a fun, quick page turner to start to pull me out of that.

Brielle Petitfour is constantly battling her desire to be the perfect daughter and her desire to be a chef, something she knows her mother wouldn’t be thrilled about. When she scams her way into an ideal internship that will allow her to help her mother, she is thrilled, but she’s still pursuing her passion for cooking on the side and attracting the attention of several wealthy individuals while she does it. It’s only a matter of time before they find out her secret ingredient…

I am pretty sure this was marketed as a horror book, and as someone who doesn’t like to be spooked or feel squeamish, I wasn’t bothered by this one at all. It’s a YA book, so it’s pretty light on the creepy, crawly, while still packing a mysterious edge. I love the element that culture plays in this story and Brielle’s Haitian background, too.

That being said, it IS young adult, so expect that level of writing. I think that helped make this one a page turner for me, but we’re not getting any level of literary genius. I found the ending to be a bit rushed to pull everything together. The last 10% was a mad dash to the finish line for closing all of the plot elements, and some of the details felt a little off to me.

Definitely don’t read this one while hungry – even with her secret ingredients, Brielle was making me crave her cooking!!

A Haitian American girl uses her zombie abilities to exact revenge on the wealthy elites who've caused her family pain...and its going to be one hell of a summer. Brielle dreams about making it in the culinary world but spends most of her time taking care of her chronically sick mother and paying bills than pursuing her dreams. Yet when her mother loses her job and Brielle uses her cooking skills to cook for the rich and host supper parties and make extra cash she starts to become popular.. and the secret ingredient to her dishes? Human flesh. Brielle also has magical abilities as she is half zombie/zonbi... and as the story progresses you get to delve into her mother's history and Brielle's own family drama. All the while Brielle finds herself with the phone of one of the wealthiest men... and using it for her own means... and then landing a job at his company where his son begins to fall for her... and so begins her revenge plan against the wealthy. This was definitely a unique zombie coming of age story mixed in with a family drama and with commentary on the socioeconomic and racial inequalities in our society. I guess I just feel a bit in the middle with this one because I was expecting a bit more gore, a bit more horror, a bit more female rage... but you find out that this is very much a teen girl who is barely 17 and it's just kind of meh. It's not a bad book by any means I guess I was just hoping for something more. I do think this will be a fun read for many YA readers but it definitely leans far from the horror and leans more toward family drama/coming of age story.

Release Date: April 22, 2025

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

I seriously need more zombie books on my TBR. This one definitely made me start looking for similar vibes! The only thing "wrong" with this book is the title. It's a little misleading. The cover does go with the title perfectly, and I'm not going to lie, part of the reason I requested this book! I just came into it expecting something very different. Again, I'm not disappointed, just misled.

Brielle "Bri" Petitfour is a daughter of a Haitian immigrant, aspiring chef, oh, and a zombie. This was a unique plot and I admired how the authors sought to write a revenge novel against a corrupt pharamceutical company including its uber-rich CEO.

I went into this expecting the main character would be the one "eating the rich" but it goes further because as a chef for a new but quickly successful supper club, she feeds her wealthy patrons a mixture of crushed body parts. As part of her zonbi powers, when someone eats her special food, she can influence their thoughts and emotions, sometimes she can control them.

I loved learning about zonbis from Haitian culture and the authors did this really fun plot device of using a greek chorus to fill in some additional details for the reader. It was cool how the characters of this chorus actually end up being real people-- Bri's sisters in Haiti who we get to "meet in person" when Bri and her mom travel there. I do wish there was a more horror elements and I disliked the romance part of the book. The relationship felt superficial so I was really shocked with how the relationship progresses in the end.

I expected to absolutely love this book. A zombie eating the rich? Give me 14 of ‘em right now! Unfortunately, I think the plot was really misrepresented in the blurb and (incredible) title. There was no murder, gore, or any horror at all to be found.She did not, in fact, eat the rich.

I think the main struggle of this book is that it should’ve been about four separate books. It’s not that it’s too long - it’s that the authors were trying to squeeze too much into one story. Pick a plot, then stick with it! Because they were trying to work in too much, what we’re left with is a confusing, jumbled mess that doesn’t ultimately accomplish the critical examination of the one percent and the American healthcare system that they aimed for. The introduction of the Haitian zonbi was interesting, but did not actually add anything to the plot (it actually would have been better without it) and lacked a lot of needed context and lore that would’ve helped the reader better understand what some of what was happening.

Ultimately, I think this was a really great concept, but poor execution. This would’ve benefited from a lot of editing and someone helping the authors focus their energies on what they really wanted to say.

The best way to describe this book is as readable. The Moulite's are great storytellers who can develop a plot with likable characters that move quickly. Brielle's has big dreams with family drama that makes her relatable. The romance, while brief, was fun, with Preston being a good romantic lead. However, to me, the best part of the book was the integration of Haitian tradition into the story. It made an already fresh book feel even more original.

I was immediately drawn to this book by the title and the cover! The Summer I Ate the Rich? YA Horror? Yes please.

The premise of this book sounded so promising and very exciting to read. Unfortunately for me the execution and the story didn’t deliver. The writing was beautiful, almost poetic at times, and I enjoyed the conversation around poverty and racism. Those areas is where the book succeeds. The zombie take and Eat the Rich promise is where the book falls apart for me.

I’m not sure that I would really classify this book as horror, most of the scenes were very minor in nature and I honestly forgot that I was reading a horror book.

While a fun read at times, ultimately this didn’t give me what I was searching for.

Thank you NetGalley for the early Arc!