The Horrors of Us

Quinn is on the run. Needing help but the cost is high to ask for help. Through trials and horrors we follow her story. A dark supernatural horror/thrilling read. Very good and I liked it hugely

The Horrors of Us was such a dark, unsettling read, and I mean that in the best way. Charlie Morgan does a great job creating an atmosphere that feels increasingly claustrophobic and disturbing as the story unfolds. There’s a constant sense that something is very wrong, which kept me turning the pages. I really enjoyed the psychological elements and the way the story explores the darker sides of human nature. It’s creepy without relying entirely on cheap scares, and there are plenty of moments that made me genuinely uncomfortable. That said, I did find some parts a little uneven, and there were moments where I wanted a bit more depth or explanation. Still, the overall atmosphere and unsettling premise carried it for me. Definitely one for readers who enjoy dark, disturbing stories that get under your skin and stick with you after you’ve finished. A great addition to any spooky season TBR. Thank you to Charlie Morgan for allowing me to read this story in advance.

This book is a wild and elaborate novel... The system of magic is complex. It's not an idle read, you have to be actively engaged in the story for it to make sense. There's a lot to unpack for the main character. I love the sibling relationship aspect as an older sister who has always cared for their siblings. That hit me squarely in the feelings as well as the super complicated dynamic with her mother and stepfather. I would suggest being aware of your triggers like DV and men hitting women outside of relationships as well. There is gore.

This was truly captivating. I struggled to put it down! I spent the entire time reading this book demanding answers and being teased with hints or snips of answers to my questions. I never read books more than once and this has absolutely gone on my READ IT AGAIN list. Charlie Morgan has pulled me in yet again! I won't give away any details but I will say it is definitely worth a read.

I really enjoyed The Horrors of Us, especially because of the way it explores complicated family dynamics, mental health, and the pressure of being the “strong” daughter. As a younger sister who has had to take on that role in my own family, I found myself really relating to Gwyn and the responsibility she carries while trying to survive her toxic family alone. At the same time, I sympathized with Quinn and her decision to prioritize her own mental health and wellbeing by walking away from a toxic home. I loved that their relationship showed how two sisters can experience the same family in completely different ways while still caring deeply about each other. Quinn was such an interesting FMC to follow. From the very beginning, she is dealing with the consequences of her uncontrollable magic while also carrying years of guilt and complicated feelings surrounding her family. Her return home brings her back into a toxic family environment and a religion that places power, prestige, and the pursuit of godhood above everything else. The rituals added a dark and increasingly tense atmosphere to the story, and I really enjoyed watching everything unfold as the stakes continued to rise. There was also some great romantic tension throughout the book, especially with the yearning surrounding Quinn and her former girl crush, along with the added tension created by a mysterious male entity that has been haunting her throughout her life. I also loved that Quinn is bisexual and completely comfortable with her sexuality and her body. Even though this is not a romance book, there is plenty of yearning and tension to keep the romance fantasy readers interested. The Horrors of Us is the author’s first full length debut novel and the first book in the series, and I thought it was a strong introduction to this world. The ending left me needing to know what happens next, and that cliffhanger definitely has me looking forward to the next book.

This book hits hard! 🔥 First of all, the cover is gorgeous. The cult lore and family dynamics are complex and rich, creating an immersive world. The cult/family aspect and tone of this book remind me a lot of "Black Sheep" by Rachel Harrison, and the epic trials have the intensity of "Hunger Games" and HP Goblet of Fire. I really enjoyed the escalating tension/stakes, and the deep dive of the cult's folklore. Charlie Morgan expertly weaves between heart-wrenching relationships, cool magic systems, and immersive battles; her writing had me hooked! I really want to give Quinn a hug after having to endure such a strained relationship with her mom 😭. I highly recommend snagging a copy! For anyone who needs to know about the cat's fate beforehand: . . . . . . . . . he lives! 😻

This supernatural thriller/horror pulled me in with its dark atmosphere, emotional character work, and steadily building sense of dread. Quinn is a wonderfully flawed FMC—someone I could easily sympathize with, even when I didn’t always agree with her choices. Being dragged back to her childhood home means confronting not only the cult she fought so hard to escape, but also the guilt she carries over the disappearance of her half-sister. Her bond with her other sibling is one of the emotional highlights of the story, and the relationship between the two gives the darker elements a strong, personal foundation. And then there’s Quinn’s mother. She is a true villain: cold, ruthless, and completely uninterested in her daughters except as tools for advancing her faction within the cult. She is more than willing to sacrifice them in trials that feel disturbingly reminiscent of The Hunger Games and HP Goblet of Fire. Just when you think things can’t get darker, though, there’s an even deeper mystery throughout the story, one that’s perhaps not as evil as one would suspect. I really enjoyed this book and would heartily recommend it to readers who like The Hunger Games, supernatural horror and thrillers, and stories exploring mental health, found family, guilt, and the struggle to break free from an abusive or controlling environment. A dark, emotional, and compelling read with plenty of mystery and danger.

5-star read, full review to come!