All of Jamison Shea's books have one thing in common: they devour me, and I happily let them.

I was enthralled from start to finish. The captivating writing, the enchanting characters, the original premise and intriguing themes, they assembles to form a mysterious paranormal horror-imbued thriller that opens itself to the reader like an animal's maw, and you're uncertain if it will bite your hand off or not.

Wild trip. The interweaving between Apollo's family and Winnie's for literally generations is neat and the book was convincingly suspenseful. The involved mythos is interesting as well. Not one I see written about often.

thank you to netgalley for the eARC.

i love thrillers, but i unfortunately lost my taste for thrillers mid way through the book. however, i loved this read regardless. had i not got tired of reading thriller halfway through then i think this would've been a 4.5 or 5 star read.

it did take me a little bit to get into it, but when i got going, i almost didn't want to stop reading. i wanted to both stop reading to stay in the world for a bit longer, but also keep going to know what was going to happen. the characters were such a fun group of people, even if one of them is technically a villain. he likes mean girls and i can't even fault him for that. he's just like me.

the chapter titles were such a fun part of the book. despite the book and atmosphere being dark, the titles were silly and funny. there was a bit of going back in time that i thought was a little jarring at times, but it wasn't too bad. i did forget what was going on a few times but that's on me.

i've been meaning to read this author's work for a while and am glad this is my first impression of them. planning to come back to this book again soon !!!

Roar of the Lambs is a thrilling story that is equal parts horrifying and romantic. I loved the characters and couldn’t get myself to step off the rollercoaster ride that was this novel.

I'm normally not a horror reader. With that being said, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was tense and haunting. I loved how the story progressed across past and current timelines to weave the story together. This story is great for someone who is in the mood for something intense and gripping. My only critique is that I wish the ending was different. It felt like not every plot was seamlessly wrapped up (ex: how was Cyrus's death explained and was the family concerned at all?) Overall, great story!

I’m such a fan of Jamison Shea’s Feed Her to the Beast Duology I couldn’t want to read this book!

Okay so first of all Winnie and Apollo’s relationship and how it builds throughout the novel has to be my favorite part. From their first meeting I could feel the tension.

I really enjoyed how the novel would switch back and forth in time, it really gave the story a well rounded feeling. The only part I felt lost in was trying to figure out the cipher, but I’m not surprised I couldn’t get it at first.

Overall I was very invested with the two main characters and the story hooked me!

Thank you so much Macmillan publishing and Jamison Shea for the eArc.

I didn't hate it, but I certainly didn't love it either. The pacing was rough, the characters underdeveloped, especially the side characters, and the cipher element was confusing because you couldn't translate it until the end and even that required a lot of effort on my part. That said, the nonbinary rep was well done and the examination of classicism and racism was interesting.

Mediums. Magic. A generational curse. A whispering box that feeds on blood.

It begins—as many stories do—with a girl. Or maybe, it begins with American capitalism.

Sofia, named by the South African miners she works alongside, is the sole survivor of the Rathburn mine collapse. The disaster follows the discovery of a strange, glowing box—one that emits heat, light, and energy. From the start, Sofia feels something is deeply wrong.

The box is intercepted by Joseph Rathburn, who brings it into the family home. He and his father become obsessed, believing it will secure their fortune. But the elder Rathburn quickly learns the truth: the box whispers, and all who hear it are doomed. Thus begins the Rathburn family curse—until the box vanishes.

Enter Winnie Bray, teenage psychic and part-time fortune-teller at the Red Hourglass oddities shop in Buffalo, NY. Tired of a town where everyone wants out, Winnie gives her clients what they need most: hope, even if it’s a lie. She doesn’t mind bending the truth—until Apollo Rathburn walks into her shop.

From him, Winnie learns two things: Apollo and his brother Cyrus plan to break into her childhood home. And one of them will be the cause of her death. To top it all, the box reappears and now it calls to Winnie in her waking and dreaming life.

What does it want? What is inside of it? What connections does it have to the Bray family?

Roar of the Lambs is a darkly magical, suspenseful read that blends Norse folklore, Lovecraftian horror, and biting commentary on greed. With compelling LGBTQ and Black representation, the novel centers around a box that is hungry in a “generational curses will eat you alive” kind of way.

Winnie Bray is a breath of fresh air: flawed, stubborn, a liar—and above all, a girl trying to stop the apocalypse.

10/10 would recommend.

Thanks Henry Holt & Co and Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. A gripping thriller! Winnie is a psychic but she often lies about what she knows. People just want good news. She gets a vision that has her going to her to her childhood home. When she’s there she finds a box and then gets a vision of death that surrounds rich boys Apollo and Cyrus Rathbun. Apollo knows that Cyrus is trouble. Apollo and Winnie have to work together to stop the cataclysmic events that the box promises. Can they do it? Or is the world about to come crashing down around them? This was an exciting mix of horror and mystery, with plus add in some romance! An enjoyable adventure that I couldn’t put down! Jamison Shea had me hooked from the start with this pulse pounding thriller!

As someone who liked Shea's prevois work, this was sort of a letdown.

Let's start with the positives: the atmosphere and buildup were done really well. I think this kind of horror, slow and filled with tension, is where Shea's writing shines the most. The way both Winnie and Apollo gradually breakdown, mentally and physically, over the course of the novel due to the stress and torture the box puts them through is the best example of this. Plus, they really know how to paint a gorey picture.

Winnie and Apollo themselves were okay. They each had conflicts of their own I liked, but I never really got behind their relationship, as I didn't really feel the chemistry there. It didn't help that the side cast either had no real presence (This felt especially lackluster when considering Winnie's connection to her own family wasnt really given focus til the last five chapters or so. So her suddenly deeply strengthening her relationship to her cousin and brother didnt feel as weighed as it shouldve been) or were so cartoonishly evil I really didn't take them seriously. Additionally, the POVs of the past Rathbuns felt unnecessary. I do get the generational trauma angle this was going for, but it kind of defeated the mystery behind the box outside of its origins. I think Apollo should have gotten little snippets of their ancestors from the box, or it could have been heavily implied during the duo's searches.

The book also just ends on a weird note after the huge nearly-ended-the-world climax. I won't say it outright, but the way Apollo and Winnie come back together after what they just went through felt so anti climatic.

All in all, the book was fine. Great atmosphere, but the lack of character refinement and too many povs really bogs it down.

⭐⭐⭐

ROAR OF THE LAMBS by Jamison Shea

Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan (Henry Holt and Co) for the earc (Aug 26)

Winnie is a psychic. When she gets a vision that sends her to her childhood home, she finds a box made of bones...a box that can whisper. Upon touching the box, she gets a vision of death with rich kids Apollo and Cyrus Rathburn as the causes. Apollo knows Cyrus is up to no good, that he wants to be the new patriarch. Soon they and Winnie are intertwined as they work to figure out the box and stop the prophecy.
I wanted to love this book since I enjoyed Shea's previous work, but I didn't. Honestly, I struggled immensely with this one, but not because it wasn't interesting or anything like that. Because ROAR OR THE LAMBS was interesting. I liked the idea of the box and its overtaking of everything. It was thrilling as Winnie and Apollo teamed up to figure out how to stop said prophecy. Despite all of that, there were things I couldn't get past, which all cover the same thing: the povs and timeline. I struggled with the point of views. I'm not sure why---I think it was because this is third person and the author didn't indicate who's pov was the focus at the beginning of the chapter. Also, the timeline. I didn't necessarily find the timeline between chapters confusing---I actually appreciated the extra details, though they weren't needed---I found the visions confusing when the visions were of the past or even of the future. Again, I'm not sure why. I think it's because they were seemingly out of the blue. At least in my opinion.
I went back and forth on how to rate this because I went back and forth on DNF this or not since it didn't pull me in the way I wanted it to. ROAR OF THE LAMBS was not my favorite, but it wasn't my least favorite. I felt that this wasn't as fast-paced as a book about impending doom should be, and the characters---even the main ones (iykyk)---were unlikeable. I liked the concept. Overall, the execution fell short.

Roar of the Lambs grabbed me from the first page and refused to let go. Jamison Shea has a voice like no one else—equal parts hypnotic and razor-sharp—and this twisted, prophetic tale pulses with dread and urgency from start to finish. Winnie Bray is the kind of heroine I love: morally gray, whip-smart, and just trying to survive a world that feels like it’s eating her alive. Her psychic visions, the cursed box, and the haunted wreckage of her past all crash together in a story that feels both deeply intimate and cosmically terrifying.

Add in Apollo—complex, guarded, and reluctant to trust—and you’ve got a volatile duo facing an apocalypse born of blood, bone, and legacy. Shea doesn’t hold back on the creeping horror or emotional punches, and the mythology at the center of the story is eerie in the best way. This is one of those YA thrillers that feels like it’s pushing at the edges of the genre, and I loved every unsettling second of it. If you like your speculative fiction with teeth, Roar of the Lambs should be on your list.

Jamison Shea has become one of my favorite authors over the past few years and this book is nothing short of fantastic. Oddities, mystery and a protagonist I ADORE, this was just an exciting read that had solid pacing in my opinion and a fun plot.

So, I think where this book really succeeds is building up the tension and atmosphere. The slowly creeping dread of the box draining away at Winnie and Apollo's health--both physical and mental--was pretty well-done. The scares lean less towards outright jumpscares and more constant tension and some gore. There were definitely a few moments that made me cringe.

I think, for the most part, the relationship between Winnie and Apollo was cute and built up in a decently satisfying way. The problem is, though, is kind of two-fold. First, Apollo's cousin was such a one-dimensional person and villain. His addition to the story truly didn't add all that much and only cause unneeded drama between Winnie and Apollo. I hesitate to call it a love triangle because Apollo's cousin was never a viable love interest, which only made his insertion in the story feel tedious. I don't think he deserved any POVs nor do I think his interest in Winnie felt... like it mattered? I just wish he felt less mustache-twirly and more like someone that would actually cause Apollo to have genuine conflicted feelings towards.

I also kind of wish that that aspect of family felt like it mattered a bit more on Winnie's side, too (particularly given the ending, which felt like it would have a had a much bigger impact had Winnie and her brother had a more established relationship. Like, I could definitely understand how conflicted Winnie felt towards her family; I just wish that there was a little more there other than resentment??)

I think the flashbacks to the past showcasing the discovery of the box leading up to the present were interesting, but also... I don't know how much they really added? I mean, I understand they were there to highlight generational trauma and how the wealthy can be infected by their own greed. But I also feel like that could have also been accomplished by: 1. making Apollo's cousin a more well-rounded character and 2. giving Winnie more of a chance to actually confront and connect with her family on-page more. It felt like the flashbacks just really took away from more character-building the two main leads could have had and made the book a lot more nuanced for a horror novel.

As for the ending, it felt... a little lackluster, given the build-up. The tension going forward was so good that I expected the climax to hit a bit harder and it just didn't, for me. The way things wrapped up just didn't work for me and I wish it did.

Overall, I don't think this was bad. I just think that certain elements of this fell pretty flat while others worked really well. If you like a slow-building horror with a queer romance, I'd give it a try.
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** spoiler alert **
While scrolling I stopped at this book because I absolutely loved the title. Reading the blurb I was interested even if this wasn't my normal type of book.

It did not disappoint. Part horror, part mystery, part character driven drama it's got a lot going on. There was a surprising amount of social commentary within the story and the representation was lovely to read although I didn't expect it. I thought the author did a good job of weaving all the parts together.

The one note I'd have is that with the jumping around between periods in time you do have to pay close attention or you're likely to get lost.

Overall a nicely done story combining Pandora's Box, mystery, interesting characters, and horror both from society and from actual supernatural forces.

Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I would actually call this at 3.5 ⭐️ but alas goodreads will still not allow us any fractions in our ratings.

The cover of this book immediately drew my attention and then the summary had me totally intrigued. I have found myself on a bit of a horror/thriller kick as of late so a book about a psychic, a creepy bone box and apocalyptic visions with a splash of romance was calling my name.

In what I find to be true horror fashion you won’t find any deep world building or lore in regards to the mystical and mysterious in this story, the not knowing is what ups the stakes for stories like this. The book had its up and down moments. My attention waffled during the first twenty percent but I was well and truly invested by the midway point.

There are chapters that are flash backs to previous time periods and people related to our main characters that break up the flow of the story a bit. I think there was a missed opportunity to better incorporate these snippets into the narrative flow by having them be a mix of flashes that Winnie gets from her ability and possibly journal passages that could have been found by Apollo in the Rathbun manor.

Winnie is an interesting character with a “gift” she says she would rather not have mostly due to her family’s attitude towards it but as with many things her choices betray her true feelings. I enjoyed the dynamic between her and Apollo quite a bit.

Apollo is a likable character and easy to relate to, wanting to figure out who they are and where they fit in the world and in their family. They made me distinctly remember my own late teen years and the struggles I went through at the time. But there were a few things in regards to the authors writing choices for them that struck me as odd. Everyone, even people that had never met them previously, referred to Apollo with they/them pronouns automatically, with one very pointed exception towards the end. It’s clear to the reader early on based on the chapters form their POV what their orientation is but its not clear how others just know. Apollo’s physical description aside from their hideously green mullet is also kept overly ambiguous, which I believe was intentional and I understand the choice, but as someone who basically plays a movie out in their head while reading made it very difficult to fully form a picture of them.

The ending is both hopeful for our MCs and bitter sweet as you can’t tackle a pending apocalypse and come out unscathed. Overall a satisfying read and I recommend picking it up.

Thank you Netgalley and Henry Holt and Co for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Jamison Shea’s “Roar of the Lambs” is not your typical YA horror. It’s part supernatural mystery, part occult fantasy, and part Pandora’s box retelling, with all the intensity of a ticking apocalypse and the intimacy of a character-driven drama. If you’re into stories where haunted relics whisper doom, blood-soaked secrets span generations, and queer teens fight back against both cosmic horror and societal cruelty—this one’s for you. A chilling and chaotic YA horror-thriller that looks into eldritch terror and generational trauma, creating a story that is both deeply unsettling and strangely beautiful.

Sixteen-year-old Winnie Bray is a psychic-for-hire at an oddities shop in Buffalo, New York—but she’s also a con artist, giving her clients whatever futures they want to hear. Until one vision leads her back to the ruins of her burned-down family home, where she uncovers a mysterious, bone-crafted box that refuses to burn and seems to whisper to her. The box shows her visions of chaos and catastrophe—and somehow, two wealthy teens from the infamous Rathbun family, Apollo and Cyrus, are tied to it. Apollo wants answers. Cyrus wants power. And the box wants out. As past and present collide through flashbacks to the box’s dark origins in 1899, Winnie and Apollo must confront the monstrous legacy of their families, their own identities, and the creeping, cataclysmic force trying to claw its way into the world.

The box is an eerie, unforgettable creation—equal parts occult artifact and eldritch harbinger. It conjures fire, earthquakes, and apocalyptic visions, and it has a twisted history of destruction, sacrifice, and cult-like devotion. Think Pandora’s Box meets cosmic horror, with a side of blood rites. The story moves through time, tracing the box’s cursed legacy from the early 1900s to present day. The flashbacks are moody and immersive, adding a sense of inevitability and dread as tragedy follows every new owner. Shea does an excellent job weaving these timelines into the central plot without losing momentum.

The cast is refreshingly inclusive and emotionally rich. Winnie is fierce and flawed, driven by grief, ambition, and a desperate desire to escape her circumstances. Apollo, who uses they/them pronouns, is compassionate, guarded, and deeply skeptical—an excellent counterbalance to Winnie. Their romance develops quickly, which did feel a bit rushed, but the emotional honesty between them adds authenticity and heart.

Beneath the horror lies commentary on classism, gender identity, transphobia, and the cost of survival. Cyrus, the story’s charismatic antagonist, is compelling but could’ve used more nuance. His inferiority complex and hunger for power make him a solid villain, but his motives sometimes feel surface-level. Still, the story makes room for discussions of trauma, revenge, and the toxic legacies we inherit—and sometimes perpetuate.

While the plot is generally well-paced, the middle drags slightly as the horror element takes a back seat to interpersonal drama. One major death lacks impact due to underdeveloped characterization. The third-act breakup between Winnie and Apollo, driven by miscommunication, also leans a little too hard into YA tropes.

The box’s connection to the eldritch creature is one of the book’s coolest ideas, but its origins and true nature remain frustratingly vague. If you’re hoping for deep lore or cosmic rules, you may be left wanting more.

Overall, “Roar of the Lambs” is messy, macabre, and magnetic. It pulls no punches in its depiction of violence, identity, and inherited horror—but through the blood and fire, it also tells a story about letting go, healing, and choosing your own fate. If you’re drawn to haunted legacies and eldritch vibes wrapped in queer coming-of-age angst, Jamison Shea delivers something raw, original, and worth your time.

🩸 Content Warnings: gore, body horror, transphobia, misogyny, cults, death, animal and human sacrifice, bullying
🌈 Highlights: LGBTQ+ rep (especially a well-written nonbinary character), atmospheric horror, intergenerational mystery, found family dynamics

This book was pretty good for a YA it has a lot of potential to be a great seller it kept me turning the pages so good !! I will recommend to all my students looking for a great read

To be honest, this young adult mystery thriller book was difficult to read because it involves misogyny and transphobic bullying. I had high hopes for this book and love the cover of it! It just wasn’t my kind of book at all. I felt like it was all over the place! It goes through timelines, starting off in 1899. It involves a psychic that is not truthful and a lot of family drama. Overall, I rate this book a 1 out of 5 stars.

Content Warnings: death, misogyny, body horror gore, classism, kidnapping, bullying, and transphobic bullying

Thank you NetGalley, author Jamison Shea and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) for this digital advanced reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Part mystery-thriller, part magical fantasy with a touch of Pandora's box vibes thrown in, this story follows a teen named Winnie Bray on an adventure with a box that seems to be calling for her. Apollo and Cyrus Rathbun, two cousins from a well-to-do family also feel the call of the box. The book flashes back to the history of the Rathbun family as it relates to this mystical creepy box as well as Winnie's grandmother's knowledge of the box. All roads lead to a showdown over the box and it is a well-paced enjoyable adventure along the way.
I received access to this eARC thru NetGalley (for which I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Henry Holt and Co. ) for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.