Protect the girls
Arlee Gold is anxious about spending the summer at the college prep Camp Rockaway—the same camp her mother attended years ago, which her mother insists will help give Arlee a “fresh start” and will “change her life.” Little does Arlee know that, once she steps foot on the manicured grounds, this will prove to be true in horrifying ways.
Even though the girls in her cabin are awesome—and she’s developing a major crush on the girl who sleeps in the bunk above her—the other campers seem to be wary of Arlee, unwilling to talk to her or be near her, which only ramps up her paranoia. When she’s tapped to join a strange secret society, Arlee thinks this will be her shot at fitting in…until her new “sisters” ask her to do the unthinkable, putting her life, and the life of her new crush, in perilous danger.
A horror story set at a summer camp? Tell me that doesn’t make you think of classic 80s movies in the same genre. I’m always up for a twisty scary tale.
Arlee is spending the summer at a college prep camp in hopes it will help her achieve her academic goals, a place her mother also attended several years prior. Unsure of herself, slightly paranoid, and dealing with troubling issues, Arlee is thrilled to find herself making new friends and fitting in. Until she discovers college prep classes are just a small part of what really goes on at Camp Rockaway.
From the minute Arlee arrives at camp it’s an ominous vibe, and you know the world inside the camp sits off kilter. She receives sinister warnings and overhears hurtful comments about herself and her mother, but tries to ignore them. After she joins a secret society as a legacy in the hopes of having lifelong “sisters”, what unfolds is dark, dangerous, and …..just plain bizarre. Several scenes are disturbing, so this novel isn’t for the faint of heart. I was repulsed and shocked at times – but also couldn’t look away.
The story moves as a brisk pace, but I’d hoped for more closure at the end. If you enjoy horror/thriller books that venture into the land of weirdness, I’d recommend checking out Primal Animals.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Books and Such 
Weirdness? Oh yes! Even that cover is a little weird (but beautiful). Great review, Teri!
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The cover is a good indicator of what’s inside, Priscilla. Bizarre happenings, but there was no way I wasn’t finishing this book. Thanks!
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Thanks for sharing, Teri
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Thanks for visiting, John!
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Terrific review, Teri! And adventure into weirdness sounds intriguing!
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I can certainly say it didn’t take any paths I could have imagined, Wendy, lol. I’m generally a fan of weirdness.
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Great setting for a horror story! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this book, Teri!
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Isn’t it? Summer camps are always a good place to start. Have a great weekend, Jan!
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That sounds interesting and thrilling. Amazing review, Teri!
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It wasn’t what I’d expected, Yesha, but such a compelling read. Thanks!
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Damn I would never dare going to summer camps now 🤣
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Sophie, you would have left skid marks from getting out of there so fast, lol.
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I think the cover is beautiful and catchy and yet still has a sinister vibe. Great review. I’m not certain the book is for me if a horror reader was “repulsed and shocked.” Lol But… maybe I can’t look away either.
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The cover certainly is eye-catching. And yes, parts were repulsive and shocking, but I couldn’t put down the book without knowing exactly what was going on. Curiousity and the cat, lol?
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LOL, the land of weirdness. I think I live there. Thanks for this mindful review, Teri. Hugs on the wing.
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I thought that looked like you, Teagan, lol! I’ve spent some days there myself. Hugs!
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I always appreciate closure. But otherwise, this one sounds very interesting. Excellent review, Teri!
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It certainly was unusual, Tessa, but weirdness isn’t a bad thing. Thanks for dropping by!
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