Thank you to Simon Teen for the ARC of this book. Overall I enjoyed my time reading this book. It took me FOREVER to get through this because there was a lot of aspects that felt slow. I feel the story needed more.

Slice of Cherry centers on two sisters, Kit and Fancy who are the daughters of a serial killer, The Bonesaw Killer. The girls stumble on a magical world where all of the evidence that could bring them in can be disposed of.

I really wanted to like this book, and being a reader who doesn't shy away from the horror genre, I thought it would be a fit, but ultimately the way the story unfurled was just too much for me. I am rating it 2.75 rounded to three stars because I think I am just the wrong audience here. I would be careful, it is noted as a YA/teen's book, but I would be very wary of giving it to a younger reader. Be aware there are some possible triggers here.

I received this advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

In this haunting psychological thriller, two sisters, Kit and Fancy, are forced to confront not only their disturbing legacy but also the dark desires that echo within them. I loved how both sisters are different in the way they perceive death and their impulsiveness. The twist in the end was very interesting.

Following the lives of two daughters of a serial killer who live in a town that has elements of fantasy mixed in with the horror atmosphere.

There was a lot going on with this book, the daughters of a serial killer was very entertaining from a horror perspective, complex with their struggles with their own mental illnesses; it felt a bit like Dexter (TV show) vibes at times. Having said that there were also some moments that seemed random or maybe I just didn’t understand what was going on well enough, but I really struggled to figure out what the plot was for this book. A lot of the supernatural/fantasy elements confused me, there was little to no explanation as to why their town was like that.

While I had a bit of mixed feelings about this book I do really love this cover.

Plot: 6/10
Pace: 7/10
Ending: 4/10
Characters: 4/10
Enjoyability: 5/10
Writing Style: 3/10
Would I Recommend? Maybe
Favorite Character: n/a

Favorite Quote: ❝ But what if the monsters come?"
"Fancy." Kit looked away from the drama to stare at her sister, surprised. "We are the monsters.”❞

This was such an interesting read. You follow Fancy and her sister Kit. They live in a small town and their dad was the bonesaw killer. The adventures they have that summer are out there but I definitely enjoyed reading this horror novel.

Thank you Netgalley and Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Dia Reeves' “Slice of Cherry” is a daring, unsettling YA story that plays with the boundaries of dark fantasy and psychological horror. Set in the strange town of Portero, where magical doorways lead to bizarre alternate worlds, the novel centers on sisters Fancy and Kit Cordelle, the daughters of a notorious serial killer, and their unsettling bloodlust. From its twisted premise to its grotesque violence, “Slice of Cherry” is not for the faint of heart, but for those brave enough, it offers a haunting journey into the darker side of human nature.

The world-building in “Slice of Cherry” is as odd and unpredictable as its characters. Portero is a town with holes in reality—doors that lead to strange and horrifying worlds, monsters that emerge from these portals, and a magical police force called the Mortmains who try (and often fail) to contain the madness. However, the book doesn't fully explore or explain these fantastical elements, leaving you with many questions about the nature of Portero, the doorways, and the Mortmains; this story was just a little too weird for me to fully understand what exactly was going on and what was considered “normal” in this town. This sense of mystery and lack of closure can be both frustrating and fascinating, as the world feels rich with potential but is never fully fleshed out.

At the heart of the story are the Cordelle sisters, whose dark impulses form the core of the narrative. Raised by parents who were loving yet completely unaware of their potential for violence, Fancy and Kit are both deeply flawed characters—one a cold, calculating sociopath, the other a more impulsive, reckless killer. Their relationship is complex, at times bordering on unsettling, with moments that challenge the line between familial devotion and something far darker. The book's portrayal of their violent tendencies—combined with their belief that they are justified in their bloodlust—raises uncomfortable questions about the nature of evil and morality.

Despite the gruesome murders and bizarre events, there’s a strange allure to Fancy and Kit's journey. Their twisted sense of justice and power, combined with their ability to cross into the "happy place" (a surreal world where they are gods), makes their actions both fascinating and repulsive. The book alternates between moments of chilling horror and absurdity, evoking a Tim Burton-esque feel, but without the whimsical charm. Instead, the tone is often macabre, with the sisters' acts of violence serving as dark retribution for those they deem deserving.

The writing is fast-paced, unpredictable, and unapologetically dark, creating a visceral experience for readers. However, the lack of clear explanations—particularly regarding the magical elements—left me feeling disoriented at times. “Slice of Cherry” thrives on its ambiguity and its ability to provoke discomfort, but this comes at the cost of a fully realized world.

Ultimately, “Slice of Cherry” is a book that will resonate with readers who enjoy exploring the darker aspects of the human psyche, the complexity of sibling relationships, and the tension between morality and monstrous behavior. It's a twisted, haunting story that challenges conventional narratives and offers a fresh, albeit uncomfortable, take on the YA genre. If you’re looking for something original, unsettling, and not afraid to push boundaries, “Slice of Cherry” is a book you won’t soon forget.

The characters in this had a lot of potential for growth throughout the story and yet they stayed stagnant or wish washy in their personas. The overall plot was entertaining but it ended a bit abruptly.

This book redefines destiny and danger, crafting a world where every choice feels like life or death. I am so honored I got to read this book early.