Reading Mad as Birds felt like being lured into a fog and waking up gasping for breath. M.C. Schmidt’s writing walks this razor-thin line between the uncanny and the deeply human—grief, guilt, creativity, and the need to be seen, all tangled up in one boy’s haunting. It took me by surprise that I needed tissues by the end of the story!

What undid me completely was the final chapter. The fact that Milo is now in therapy, grappling with what happened and doing the hard, quiet work of healing; hit me harder than any of the book’s most terrifying moments. It left me thinking about how often we forget that recovery is its own kind of horror story, but also its greatest act of courage.

The symbolism of the great blue heron hooked me before I even opened the book—the cover is what first drew me in—but by the end, that image held such weight. The final scene with the heron and the lamia gave me full-body goosebumps. It’s not just eerie; it’s beautiful and devastating in equal measure.

Though I devoured this book in one sitting I have to stress that this isn’t a light read. Some of the tropes are confronting, and at times, disorienting. But I’d recommend it in a heartbeat—especially to creatives who’ve ever used art to process what they couldn’t say out loud. It’s the kind of book that stays with you!

Mad as Birds is easily read in one sitting and is more than a horror story. By setting the book in a rural commune-like community, one that has a no-internet policy, the author immediately captures the reader's attention. It's difficult to imagine teenagers willingly living there. Family trauma plays a big part, although there is no counseling service available. The horror aspect builds slowly, as the lamia's possession of Milo strengthens, until it feels like a runaway train. I thought the inclusion of herons, often depicted as messengers, was a clever plot twist. I like a story that comes full circle, as this one does for Milo. "You never know what struggles someone is going through, so you can't know what effect it will have when you flip them the bird or call them a name or say something mean about them online. I'm not responsible for her death, but I am responsible for my actions, and my actions were harmful." Mad as Birds will appeal to a variety of readers, and I'm sure that I will enjoy rereading it.

My thanks to NetGalley and Black Rose Writing for the ARC. This review and opinions are entirely my own.

Rating: 4 stars!

Ok why am I obsessed with this?? Most horror books go a little something like this: really good build up, scary peak, super cheesy "its not really scary" type reveal, everyone lives happily ever after. THIS IS NOT THAT. The build up starts a little slow. Our main character gets invited to live off the grid in a new community with his brother. There is no technology, no wifi, but some kind of demonic spirit?? The chapter breakdown in this book adds to the suspense, the "fly on the wall" perspective is everything, and the backstory add in create the ultimate scare factor. The "real" ending vs the happily ever after you normally get in horror books just adds to this books greatness. Highly recommend.

Thank you NetGalley and Black Rose Writing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Netgalley and Black Rose Writing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

M.C. Schmidt’s “Mad As Birds” is a haunting, atmospheric story featuring contemporary gothic horror and psychological thriller while exploring themes of grief, creativity, and the dangerous seduction of inspiration taken too far. This is a short, fast-paced book guaranteed to keep your attention throughout.

After a single impulsive comment gets him expelled for cyberbullying, teenage artist Milo is relocated by his older brother and guardian, Jack, to an “intentional community” deep in the countryside, which involves no phones, no internet, and no connection to the outside world. Meant to offer healing and reflection, this isolated anti-tech commune instead becomes the setting for something far more sinister. Milo, grappling with guilt and emotional detachment, finds new focus in painting. That is until a ghostly muse named Eleanor begins visiting him, offering him bursts of inspiration... and slowly taking over his body.

Schmidt delivers a chilling, slow-burn horror story with a distinctly modern twist on the possession trope. Unlike the over-the-top exorcisms of classic horror, Mad As Birds roots its terror in quiet dread and psychological unraveling. The ghost, Eleanor, described as a lamia than spirit, feeds on grief and creative potential, choosing Milo as her latest canvas for revenge. Her possession is not immediate but incremental, tightening its grip as Milo becomes more dependent on the talent she lends him.

The relationship between Milo and his brother Jack is quietly poignant, and Milo’s connection with Sam, a fellow young painter who’s had similar experiences, adds both tension and tenderness. The characters are well-developed for the book’s short length, and Milo in particular stands out with his dry humor, vulnerability, and openness about mental health, which is an especially refreshing portrayal in YA fiction.

Visually, the novel is rich and evocative. Herons serve as a recurring and symbolic motif—eerie, elegant sentinels that carry emotional weight and become central in the story’s emotionally charged climax. Schmidt effectively uses the setting featuring a crumbling artists' retreat turned community compound to layer in the isolation, claustrophobia, and slow creep of dread.

While the book moves quickly, I did wish for more depth in the folklore surrounding the lamia and its background. The climax, though memorable and emotionally potent, felt slightly rushed given the buildup. Still, the final chapters deliver a strong blend of suspense, action, and self-reckoning, ending on a note of healing and growth. Milo’s journey from guilt-ridden outcast to someone confronting his trauma and reclaiming his autonomy is both moving and satisfying.

Overall, “Mad As Birds: is a tight, atmospheric YA horror story that pairs ghostly possession with timely commentary on artistic identity, social media fallout, and the messy process of healing. With sharp writing, an engaging cast, and a unique take on supernatural horror, it’s a compelling read, especially for the spooky season.

An unfortunate incident leaves young artist Milo and his guardian/brother Jack longing for a fresh start. That fresh start appears as a small anti-technology community in an old mansion in the countryside. When Sam, a girl Milo's age who also paints, tells him that she has been seeing a ghost, and that this ghost has been painting through her, Milo is sucked into the mystery of what happened long ago, and what this ghost wants now.

The cover had me a bit hesitant, but the Prologue drew me in instantly. I love supernatural thriller type books, and this one definitely delivered. I wanted to know more about this entity, but did enjoy how the book was on the shorter end, so it never slowed/stalled. A solid YA horror- perfect for the spooky season!

I rated it 4/5.
Thank you to NetGalley and Black Rose Writing for the ARC!

A slow-burn ya horror of the perfect length! The characters were easy to get along with, and the main character, Milo, were very easy to feel sympathy for, even though we don't get to the root of his shunning before later in the book. His dark-ish humour was attractive to me, and it meshed well with his inner turmoil and self doubt.

I read some of the most interesting parts in the middle of the night with the lights off, and I definitely felt that horror thrill that means the book got to me on an emotional level.

My only peeve was that the lead up was so absolutely perfect that the really vague ending left me a little disappointed after the big climax. But overall I really enjoyed the book, and the length was perfect, especially for people who want to dip their toes into the genre, but don't want to commit to a 300+ book.

Thank you M.C. Schmidt and Black Rose Writing for this e-arc!

(I will also post on StoryGraph if/when the book gets there as I don't use Goodreads anymore)

Sometimes isolation and a artistic personality isn’t always the best thing. And the one person you choose to trust is not your chosen person. Be careful. Hopefully you have a strong enough moral compass and will power to fight. This book is heavy psychological and a bit slow at first but it’s very worth it.

After being expelled from school, Milo and his brother / guardian move to an “intentional community,” which offers residence for those looking for peace and in-person connection. With no phones, no internet, and no outside connection, Milo finds the isolation bittersweet. He discovers this was once an artists’ retreat, which appeals to him, being a painter himself. When a ghost on the premises becomes his muse, will his mysterious newfound talent come with a price? Can he regain control over his body before he’s forced to kill?

“Mad as Birds” by M.C. Schmidt had me invested from the start. This slow-burn horror grabbed my attention immediately with the setting and the mystery of Milo’s backstory. Milo’s narration offers glimpses of dark humor that kept me engaged throughout the story. The characters were well-written and I really loved Milo, Sam, and especially Roma. This story offers a new take on the possession trope that I loved. Without giving anything away, my only gripe was that the climax, while unique, felt a little rushed.
“Mad as Birds” is a compelling (and quick) read that is worth your time. This book is out on July 24, 2025.

Trigger warnings: bullying, suicide, cancer, death of a parent(s)

Thank you to NetGalley and Black Rose Writing for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

An interesting read, although I found the formatting difficult to follow in this particular copy. Worth a try for fans of thrillers and slow-burn horror.

What a wonderful read! The characters are so well written I feel like I know them. It was creepy but not too scary. I enjoyed the history that gave the story a great presence. Would recommend over and over again.