“Veal” by Mackenzie Nolan skillfully combines elements of horror with psychological tension and social commentary. This queer feminist novel explores deep themes such as gender, the pervasive effects of social conditioning, trust, and relationships.

As the narrative unfolds, readers are kept in a constant state of suspense, questioning the nature of the monstrous presence—whether it exists in reality or is simply a manifestation of the protagonist's troubled psyche.

Nolan's storytelling examines familial trauma and sheds light on the unspoken pain that many women endure. The book offers a sharp and witty critique of toxic masculinity, illustrating how societal constructs can foster monstrosity both within individuals and in broader communities.

Fans of Gerardo Sámano Córdova’s “Monsritlio,” Samantha Allen’s novels, the cult classic TV show “Buffy,” and the film “Barbarian” are likely to find much to appreciate in this work, which confronts uncomfortable truths and ultimately questions the nature of monstrosity. Special thanks to ECW Press and NetGalley for providing the ARC of this novel.

excellent read with amazing characters and a great story, im so glad i read this.
the yearning of the main character and the devotion made me laugh, cry and root for her!
such an easy but intense read, took me a while to finish because i savored every moment.

This book was soooo good! I loved each of the characters and their relationships with one another. The banter between Franky and Lawerence had me kicking my feet! It was the perfect balance of horror and humor. I think everyone should pick this book up. It’s also the definition of sapphic yearning 5 stars!

Thanks the NetGalley and ECW Press for an arc in exchange for an honest review!

I devoured this book. A bunch of LGBTQ characters? A story that actually grips me and has me genuinely scared! Devotional hunger and a need to consume? As a way to show love? This book literally has it all. I will show every single friend this book until my last breath.

I really enjoyed this story. Loved the characters and their interactions with each other. Loved the suspense and drama of it all. The ending was perfection.

I could have highlighted every single word in this book. Astounding - normalized a lot of the ways I feel. Like women are meant for men. Their entire lives based upon how to serve them, please them, boost their moods and confidence. Revolving around men. But what about the women who don't care? Not just queer women - women who know their self worth, their importance in this world, their pride and confidence.
Veal takes it on - they die. Consumed by angry men, men who hate women -- all accepted by society.
Lawrence refuses to break - or even bend. With her bestie, Stasia, these two 24 yo grad students move to a murder capital - Mistaken Point.
While juggling classes, Lawrence lands a job at the local arcade - quickly becoming enraptured with the owner, Frankie. Her father recently convicted of the string of cruel and horrific murders, several women between ages 19 and 28. Like veal, kept chained and allowed no growth.
Just an amazing queer horror commentary.

Thank you so much to the publisher for sending me this title as an e-arc! This is one of the best horror books I've ever read. Although the plot was brilliant and full of well-timed and tense twists, it is second to me to the fantastic set of characters. All four of the girls are fully fleshed-out and loveable, with the writer giving such a clear picture of all of their backstory and motivations- it really feels like these are real girls jumping off the page, and their relationships are so realistic and enjoyable. This is a gorgeous exploration of trauma, grief, misogyny, and queerness all narrowed down into the lives of these girls who you can't help but be fully invested in. The romance and yearning was so well-written and felt completely real, the writer has a huge talent in description and metaphor as well as character building. The way the writer managed to do all of this against a slightly silly backdrop with comic elements mixed in is brilliant, the story itself felt very reminiscent of Scooby Doo silliness mixed with major gut-punches and commentary on powerful and emotional issues. Franky Delores is one of my all-time favourite characters and I will be talking about this novel for a very long time