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I Feed Her to the Beast #2
I Am the Dark That Answers When You Call
Monsters and mortals, rejoice! Acheron is back . . .Though Laure has tried to close the lid on her ballet shoes and the feelings she once held for dance since the Palais Garnier incident two months ago, Laure is spinning out. Between partying, drinking, and avoiding anything and, well, everyone, she has no time to be anything but a monster. But when Laure stumbles across a mysterious dead body during one of her nights out, she’s forced to notice the cracks stretching beyond herself.Below the streets of Paris, Elysium is dying, and Acheron and Lethe’s influence is spilling into the streets like a blight. Laure isn’t the only of Elysium’s beasts to rise from the ruins of Palais Garnier, and someone is mobilizing an army of monsters with plans greater than Laure, Andor, and Keturah could have ever guessed. While Laure is warring between her wants and Acheron’s ever-demanding appetite, she and her circle of monsters are left to reckon with a not-so-simple how do you save yourself from oblivion?Jamison Shea's sharp and unflinching voice will bring readers to terrifying new heights in this vicious sequel to the "relentlessly gory and almost euphoric in its embrace of the horrific" (NPR) I Feed Her to the Beast and the Beast is Me.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published November 12, 2024
About the author
Jamison Shea
3 books636 followersJamison Shea was once a flautist, violist, anthropologist, linguist, choreographer, dancer, professional fire alarm puller, digital producer, and account executive—but they've always been a writer.
Born in Buffalo, NY and now surrounded by darkness and gloom in Finland, when Jamison isn't writing horror, they're drinking milk tea and searching for long-forgotten gods in eerie places.
Born in Buffalo, NY and now surrounded by darkness and gloom in Finland, when Jamison isn't writing horror, they're drinking milk tea and searching for long-forgotten gods in eerie places.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
October 6, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up
I Feed Her to the Beast was really excellent YA horror following a Black ballerina in Paris who makes a deal with an eldritch god in a river of blood. But it has an ending that I think works as a standalone, so I wasn't sure what to expect from this followup.
I liked it okay and I think it does create an interesting throughline with some of the plot threads involving things like the main characters parents, but I didn't think it was as strong as book 1 and I don't think it hit nearly as hard. This really could have been a standalone, but it's still a decently good YA novel and I like how the author is writing these difficult, complicated, maybe unlikeable heroines and going hard with the horror elements. This one was a like but not love for me. If you loved book 1, maybe try it if you want to know more about the world and what happens next! The audio narration is good, and seems similar to first book. I received an audio review copy from NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
I Feed Her to the Beast was really excellent YA horror following a Black ballerina in Paris who makes a deal with an eldritch god in a river of blood. But it has an ending that I think works as a standalone, so I wasn't sure what to expect from this followup.
I liked it okay and I think it does create an interesting throughline with some of the plot threads involving things like the main characters parents, but I didn't think it was as strong as book 1 and I don't think it hit nearly as hard. This really could have been a standalone, but it's still a decently good YA novel and I like how the author is writing these difficult, complicated, maybe unlikeable heroines and going hard with the horror elements. This one was a like but not love for me. If you loved book 1, maybe try it if you want to know more about the world and what happens next! The audio narration is good, and seems similar to first book. I received an audio review copy from NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
December 16, 2024
I Am the Dark That Answers When You Call is good. I did like it and also feel it's a solid follow-up to I Feed Her to the Beast and the Beast Is Me, but for me, unfortunately, it wasn't quite as compelling.
While this still had the same gloriously-dark, often gory imagery, toe-curling body horror and rage-filled good for her moments, it nevertheless lacked a bit of the drama and the easily-understandable motivations of the 1st-book.
Additionally, part of the draw for me to that 1st-book was the backdrop of the high stakes, cut-throat world of a professional ballet troupe. There's really not much of that left by the time the story progresses to this point.
This novel is set about two months after the events of the previous book, and Laure has pretty much left the ballet in her wake. She is spiraling a bit, drinking, partying and basically being a monster, menacing the streets of Paris.
It's on one of these nights though, that she discovers the dead body of a woman she had been associating with. It's this event that spurs Laure into seeing that something isn't right within the city.
As it turns out, she's not the only monster in town...
This focused a lot on Acheron and Elysium, as well as Laure's family and potential reasons why she may have actually found herself in her current circumstances.
I did like learning more about her background, but as mentioned above, I did miss the ballet and Laure's original ambitions. My mind wandered and at the end of the day, I'm sure there's some substance that I sort of glossed over.
Nevertheless, I can appreciate what the author did here and I know so many Readers are going to love this. For me, it just didn't quite live up to the first book.
Thank you to the publisher, Henry Hold and Co (BYR) and Macmillan Audio, for providing me with copies to read and review. I will be picking up more from this author!
While this still had the same gloriously-dark, often gory imagery, toe-curling body horror and rage-filled good for her moments, it nevertheless lacked a bit of the drama and the easily-understandable motivations of the 1st-book.
Additionally, part of the draw for me to that 1st-book was the backdrop of the high stakes, cut-throat world of a professional ballet troupe. There's really not much of that left by the time the story progresses to this point.
This novel is set about two months after the events of the previous book, and Laure has pretty much left the ballet in her wake. She is spiraling a bit, drinking, partying and basically being a monster, menacing the streets of Paris.
It's on one of these nights though, that she discovers the dead body of a woman she had been associating with. It's this event that spurs Laure into seeing that something isn't right within the city.
As it turns out, she's not the only monster in town...
This focused a lot on Acheron and Elysium, as well as Laure's family and potential reasons why she may have actually found herself in her current circumstances.
I did like learning more about her background, but as mentioned above, I did miss the ballet and Laure's original ambitions. My mind wandered and at the end of the day, I'm sure there's some substance that I sort of glossed over.
Nevertheless, I can appreciate what the author did here and I know so many Readers are going to love this. For me, it just didn't quite live up to the first book.
Thank you to the publisher, Henry Hold and Co (BYR) and Macmillan Audio, for providing me with copies to read and review. I will be picking up more from this author!
November 18, 2024
I listened to the audiobook for this one and I thought the narrator did a great job. This book takes place a couple of months after the last book left off and it was also full of wonderful horror. I liked getting to see further into some of our side characters and new characters were introduced. Laure is trying to find herself and figure out who she’s s after losing her best friend and ballet in one violent night. She’s working hard to feel nothing with a flurry of drinking and partying and avoiding everyone except the demon living inside of her. When something seems to be happening to Elysium Laure and her friends are desperate to try to save it as who knows what will happen if Acheron’s river is destroyed with their ties to the demon. Overall I gave this one 3.5 stars rounded up for the wonderfully horrific images this one left me with. Overall a fun duology full of drama but also full of Laure figuring out who she is and taking that back.
September 10, 2024
TBR Thoughts
I did not realize I Feed Her to the Beast was getting a sequel. Hell yeah!
Preread Thoughts
*incoherent screaming* Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the audio ARC!
I was going to reread the first book before jumping into the sequel, but my library doesn't have the audiobook. Here's hoping I remember all the important things!
Review
Death, destruction, and cosmic horror is a lot for anybody to deal with. Laure Mesny is only a teenager (albeit one with incredible dark powers) and she isn't dealing well.
Laure is drifting aimlessly, struggling to cope with a life completely divorced from what she expected and haunted by grief. But things will get worse before they get better - dead bodies are turning up, and something is horribly wrong in Elysium.
Book two in this horror duology delves into relationships and emotions full force as Laure grapples with the dichotomy of her monstrous side and her ordinary life. She yearns for connection and acceptance while fighting guilt and grief, afraid to trust in love after too many betrayals. In particular Laure's anger and hurt toward the mother who abandoned her is beautifully done. Her struggle to rediscover purpose, to move forward after fighting so hard and losing so much anyway is the quiet thread underpinning the story.
In contrast, the bloody eldritch forces are the brash attention-grabbing megaphone. Dark powers in unscrupulous hands leave pain and death in their wake, filling pages with bloodthirsty gory horror. Laure is forced to decide quickly what lines should not be crossed and what she's willing to do to maintain those boundaries. The author includes a list of trigger warnings which should not be taken lightly!
Ballet plays a significantly less important role in I Am the Dark than in I Feed Her to the Beast, and I felt the detriment. I was drawn to the duology in the first place because of the focus on dance and was quickly enthralled by the intense and beautiful world of Parisian ballet. Dance is not absent by any means and the choice fits well with the story being told however, so this is more of a personal disappointment.
Kristolyn Lloyd encores her great performance for the audiobook version. I did notice a bit of affectation and oddly spaced breaks that I don't remember from the first book, but overall I genuinely enjoyed the audio experience.
I'm excited to see what Jamison Shea will write next! 3.5 stars
I did not realize I Feed Her to the Beast was getting a sequel. Hell yeah!
Preread Thoughts
*incoherent screaming* Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the audio ARC!
I was going to reread the first book before jumping into the sequel, but my library doesn't have the audiobook. Here's hoping I remember all the important things!
Review
Death, destruction, and cosmic horror is a lot for anybody to deal with. Laure Mesny is only a teenager (albeit one with incredible dark powers) and she isn't dealing well.
Laure is drifting aimlessly, struggling to cope with a life completely divorced from what she expected and haunted by grief. But things will get worse before they get better - dead bodies are turning up, and something is horribly wrong in Elysium.
Book two in this horror duology delves into relationships and emotions full force as Laure grapples with the dichotomy of her monstrous side and her ordinary life. She yearns for connection and acceptance while fighting guilt and grief, afraid to trust in love after too many betrayals. In particular Laure's anger and hurt toward the mother who abandoned her is beautifully done. Her struggle to rediscover purpose, to move forward after fighting so hard and losing so much anyway is the quiet thread underpinning the story.
In contrast, the bloody eldritch forces are the brash attention-grabbing megaphone. Dark powers in unscrupulous hands leave pain and death in their wake, filling pages with bloodthirsty gory horror. Laure is forced to decide quickly what lines should not be crossed and what she's willing to do to maintain those boundaries. The author includes a list of trigger warnings which should not be taken lightly!
Ballet plays a significantly less important role in I Am the Dark than in I Feed Her to the Beast, and I felt the detriment. I was drawn to the duology in the first place because of the focus on dance and was quickly enthralled by the intense and beautiful world of Parisian ballet. Dance is not absent by any means and the choice fits well with the story being told however, so this is more of a personal disappointment.
Kristolyn Lloyd encores her great performance for the audiobook version. I did notice a bit of affectation and oddly spaced breaks that I don't remember from the first book, but overall I genuinely enjoyed the audio experience.
I'm excited to see what Jamison Shea will write next! 3.5 stars
October 4, 2024
Even as the scope keeps expanding to cosmic levels, this story feels so personal and the internal conflicts of girlhood feel more pressing than threats against our world and the one beyond.
I had loved the first book in the series already, but this one was just short of sublime. Jamison Shea is one of the most exciting voices in YA.
I had loved the first book in the series already, but this one was just short of sublime. Jamison Shea is one of the most exciting voices in YA.
October 7, 2024
3.5 rounded up to 4. Love the side characters almost more than the MC. It dragged a little bit at the beginning but the story really came together
September 1, 2024
3.75 stars
Jamison Shea, you are taking us to some dark places, and I have to say that I'm really enjoying it here!
This is a strong sequel to a horrific (in a good way) book, and readers should be sure to have read _I Feed the Beast..._ before cracking this great follow-up.
Laure has quite the ride in the first book, and she ramps up again here for a relentless horror show of bloody feet, dead bodies, and sinister thoughts and actions. For me, the combination of general uncertainty about who she is and what she is becoming, which are both appropriate considerations for her age and the target audience, merges so well with the horrific elements.
I was really excited for this sequel and I'm finishing it feeling both fulfilled and thrilled for anything Shea wants to offer up next.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Young Listeners for this alc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Jamison Shea, you are taking us to some dark places, and I have to say that I'm really enjoying it here!
This is a strong sequel to a horrific (in a good way) book, and readers should be sure to have read _I Feed the Beast..._ before cracking this great follow-up.
Laure has quite the ride in the first book, and she ramps up again here for a relentless horror show of bloody feet, dead bodies, and sinister thoughts and actions. For me, the combination of general uncertainty about who she is and what she is becoming, which are both appropriate considerations for her age and the target audience, merges so well with the horrific elements.
I was really excited for this sequel and I'm finishing it feeling both fulfilled and thrilled for anything Shea wants to offer up next.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Young Listeners for this alc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
November 17, 2024
This is a haunting, visceral conclusion to a duology that masterfully weaves horror with social commentary. With their signature poetic prose, Shea transforms terror into something both beautiful and deeply unsettling, making this book an unforgettable journey into the monstrous and the human alike.
Shea doesn’t shy away from heavy themes, but the supernatural lens makes these explorations both accessible and eerily magnified. The horrors of the story are not limited to the otherworldly monsters; they reflect societal issues that feel all too real, especially in the current political climate. And it was REALLY something that I needed this week.
Laure’s continued battle to reclaim her power resonates profoundly. The characters are phenomenally developed, with each carrying their own scars and complexities. Laure shines as a deeply flawed, powerful protagonist whose journey is both painful and empowering.
This story took so many unexpected turns. Shea’s ability to balance horror with hope, destruction with resilience, and the monstrous with the human makes this a standout in YA horror. It’s particularly satisfying to see Lovecraftian horror reclaimed and reimagined in a way that challenges the legacy of its problematic origins.
If you’re looking for a gripping, thought-provoking read with stunning writing, compelling characters, and a much-needed platform for diverse voices, this book is a must. It's the perfect read for anyone who craves horror that cuts deep.
Thanks so much to the author and Fierce Reads for the complimentary copies. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
Shea doesn’t shy away from heavy themes, but the supernatural lens makes these explorations both accessible and eerily magnified. The horrors of the story are not limited to the otherworldly monsters; they reflect societal issues that feel all too real, especially in the current political climate. And it was REALLY something that I needed this week.
Laure’s continued battle to reclaim her power resonates profoundly. The characters are phenomenally developed, with each carrying their own scars and complexities. Laure shines as a deeply flawed, powerful protagonist whose journey is both painful and empowering.
This story took so many unexpected turns. Shea’s ability to balance horror with hope, destruction with resilience, and the monstrous with the human makes this a standout in YA horror. It’s particularly satisfying to see Lovecraftian horror reclaimed and reimagined in a way that challenges the legacy of its problematic origins.
If you’re looking for a gripping, thought-provoking read with stunning writing, compelling characters, and a much-needed platform for diverse voices, this book is a must. It's the perfect read for anyone who craves horror that cuts deep.
Thanks so much to the author and Fierce Reads for the complimentary copies. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
October 28, 2024
Thank you Net Galley for the audio ARC! As soon as I finished the first book, I needed this second one. And can we talk about how gorgeous this cover is?
This book picks up two months after the first book ends. Laure is self-medicating by partying and avoiding all of her problems until she is forced to deal with them. I loved Laure's growth through this story. The first book is about what the world owes Laure and the second book focuses more on Laure discovering and valuing her own worth.
I love the dark writing style, the gore, the monsters, the characters, everything!
This book picks up two months after the first book ends. Laure is self-medicating by partying and avoiding all of her problems until she is forced to deal with them. I loved Laure's growth through this story. The first book is about what the world owes Laure and the second book focuses more on Laure discovering and valuing her own worth.
I love the dark writing style, the gore, the monsters, the characters, everything!
October 16, 2024
Got an arc from Libro.fm 4.5/5
September 8, 2024
I Am the Dark That Answers When You Call picks up a few months after I Feed Her to the Beast and the Beast Is Me left off. I was a little nervous for this, but I think it was a pretty seamless transition. I also think the book started with a bang and did not slow down. I still loved all the ballet aspects of this book, all of those references were so well done. I loved the extra lore we got on the Elysium. The pacing definitely wavered in the middle of the book, but there was enough going on between the characters that I didn’t lose too much interest. Laure is an amazing character and I really enjoyed her story. This is a great horror duology!
Thank you to NetGalley for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 27, 2024
3.5 ⭐
A very strong sequel! It still had the dark and twisted vibes from the first book, with the same characters we got to know through book 1. I really love the writing and I'm excited to see what else Jamison has up their sleeve.
great series if you enjoy dark, gory stories set in beautiful Paris.
The audiobooks for both book 1 & 2 are very good, would recommend!
thank you Netgalley and the publishers for the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!
A very strong sequel! It still had the dark and twisted vibes from the first book, with the same characters we got to know through book 1. I really love the writing and I'm excited to see what else Jamison has up their sleeve.
great series if you enjoy dark, gory stories set in beautiful Paris.
The audiobooks for both book 1 & 2 are very good, would recommend!
thank you Netgalley and the publishers for the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!
November 26, 2024
It was a very weird book. I had not read the first book, I didn't realize there was one until I got about a third of the way in and I felt like I was missing something. So doesn't work as a standalone but man oh man I could not stop listening.
The writing is amazing! The narration was bad-ass!!! I was lost a few times but I enjoyed the heck out of this book.
CREEPTASTIC!!
4 stars
The writing is amazing! The narration was bad-ass!!! I was lost a few times but I enjoyed the heck out of this book.
CREEPTASTIC!!
4 stars
November 8, 2024
I think this was a fantastic conclusion to the I Feed Her to the Beast duology. If the first half spoke about rage and ambition, then I Am The Dark That Answers When You Call is ultimately about grief and its different portrayals. From the very first word to the very last, I was hooked, although the middle did sag a little bit.
I love that this expanded so much more on the depths and layers of Laure’s relationships, which is one of the faults I had with I Feed Her to the Beast. I Am The Dark is also a seamless transition from the ending of I Feed Her to the Beast. I think, ultimately, the relationships, the anger Laure had towards her mother, towards her best friend and the anger she held towards herself, the reality of it all made me love this book even more.
To expand on the portrayals of grief, i love how Shea illustrated through Laure the lack of feelings for day to day activities, even hobbies or passions that were formerly utterly consuming.
I loved the body horror element, and I find that while having an evil eldritch god use your body for its secret chaos plan isn’t something that can really happen, it is extremely relevant to the political climate in the US.
Thank you Jamison Shea for an advanced copy of I AM THE DARK THAT ANSWERS WHEN YOU CALL. This was a fantastic read and I loved every second of it.
I love that this expanded so much more on the depths and layers of Laure’s relationships, which is one of the faults I had with I Feed Her to the Beast. I Am The Dark is also a seamless transition from the ending of I Feed Her to the Beast. I think, ultimately, the relationships, the anger Laure had towards her mother, towards her best friend and the anger she held towards herself, the reality of it all made me love this book even more.
To expand on the portrayals of grief, i love how Shea illustrated through Laure the lack of feelings for day to day activities, even hobbies or passions that were formerly utterly consuming.
I loved the body horror element, and I find that while having an evil eldritch god use your body for its secret chaos plan isn’t something that can really happen, it is extremely relevant to the political climate in the US.
Thank you Jamison Shea for an advanced copy of I AM THE DARK THAT ANSWERS WHEN YOU CALL. This was a fantastic read and I loved every second of it.
November 1, 2024
3.5 rounded up
Another dark YA thriller set in Paris that picks up where the first book left as we continue following Black, demon-possessed ballerina, Laure as she navigates jealousy, love and danger the more enmeshed in the underground world of Elysium she becomes. I love this gritty look into the harsher sides of ballet, particularly for ballerinas of color. Highly recommended for fans of authors like Tiffany D. Jackson and good on audio narrated by Kristolyn Lloyd. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review.
Another dark YA thriller set in Paris that picks up where the first book left as we continue following Black, demon-possessed ballerina, Laure as she navigates jealousy, love and danger the more enmeshed in the underground world of Elysium she becomes. I love this gritty look into the harsher sides of ballet, particularly for ballerinas of color. Highly recommended for fans of authors like Tiffany D. Jackson and good on audio narrated by Kristolyn Lloyd. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review.
March 24, 2024
Having just finished reading I Feed Her to the Beast, I was excited to read this ARC of I Am The Dark that Answers When You Call by Jamison Shea. Sometimes it takes a sequel a few chapters to pick up where the first book left off. This is not the case for I Am the Dark. The continuation of the previous storyline, despite time passing, is fairly seamless. This story follows Laure, returned from the dead in the new form after the conclusion of I Feed Her to the Beast. She is living a new life while still trying to hold on to elements of her old. Soon she realizes that Elysium is dying and there is trouble with other acolytes forcing her to reckon with herself, who she is, and what she wants. The plot and character building are the same as in the first book, fairly steady paced. There is enough action and character conflicts to sustain the plot. The world building remains fairly strong although sometimes the pacing felt a bit off about halfway through. That being said, it is a worth sequel and a solid horror book for teens. Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for the ARC.
December 3, 2024
I Am The Dark That Answers When You Call is Part 2 of a duology about Laure, a Black ballerina who's left her ballet days behind after a bloody and tragic end to her friendships and her future. All she's got left is the ever-present and ever-encroaching companionship of the ancient creature she made a deal with to gain everything she's now lost. Trying to find herself and start anew doesn't amount to much more than hard partying every night and kissing strangers, but it gets worse when dead bodies start showing up again. This time, her homicidal powers may not be enough to save what's left of her life.
I hate to say this about such a cool series and cool author, but I think this series would've worked better with Book 1 as a standalone. The concept and prose for the first book was so very awesome - a Black ballerina makes a deal with an eldritch monster in the Paris catacombs in order to gain power and prominence as the primadonna! And the covers! And that title! ‘I Feed Her To The Beast And The Beast Is Me"? Are you kidding me?? Everything about it is immaculate. Book 1 was a bloody fever dream with an epic climax and an ending that worked great on its own, but held promise for future adventures just in case.
Book 2, not so much. I hovered between two and three stars on this one (half stars, Goodreads, make it happen already) but went with three because, well, it's just fine. It's not bad, it's perfectly serviceable! But we could've done without it, I think.
It might not have felt so extemporaneous if there were more things happening, but it felt like a lot of filler and cliches to get to the point of the climax in this one. Laure spends a whole hell of a lot of time angsting about her lost future and her personal life - and understandably so, she's literally been through hell and back! But this phase went on for nearly two thirds of the book, and it didn't take long for me to start tapping out mentally every time Laure talked about how lost she was. I didn't find myself caring a whole lot about whatever was happening with Elysium, or with Laure's mom, or even the main plot of Niamh's treachery. It felt like a lot of things were introduced to generate chaos but ended up more like a bunch of letdowns.
There's one revelation about Laure's mom that seems promising, but goes nowhere beyond that. The Elysium (sub?)plot takes up way more time than I cared to read, and Niamh's whole thing could've been interesting but ultimately felt like wasted potential, because here we are with a bunch of teenagers who wanna rule the world because don’t they always? I get what Jamison Shea was wanting to do here, but the execution felt kind of lacking, because whatever investment I had drained out by the time I hit the halfway point.
I don't want to harp on about it though, because even if I was no longer invested, I'd still read any future stories from Jamison. I didn't love this one, but it still had some of the hallmarks that made the first one so excellent. While the prose got overwrought and repetitive more than I'd like here, there was still a lot of great horror imagery - Shea really dives deep when it comes to the macabre, and I appreciate that in a YA book! There were some cool moments towards the end, and Laure is still an interesting character because of the way she embraces and even elevates her rage. I like Andor, too, even if he is too "soft boy" for me to really invest in him. In another perspective, he'd be an interesting watch, but I don't think he got to do a whole lot in this series and that bums me out a little.
I think part of what this book suffered from was a lack of personal drive from anyone outside of Laure. It's her story, obviously, but the stakes in the first book felt so much higher because of Laure's desperation and how everything and everyone around her were intertwined with the same desperation. We don't get that here - not just because we're no longer at the ballet house, but because everyone else feels so random and stuffed into character slots that needed filling.
However, I wouldn't tell anyone not to read the second book if they really want to - just know that the first one is strong enough on its own and accomplishes more than the second book tried to.
I hate to say this about such a cool series and cool author, but I think this series would've worked better with Book 1 as a standalone. The concept and prose for the first book was so very awesome - a Black ballerina makes a deal with an eldritch monster in the Paris catacombs in order to gain power and prominence as the primadonna! And the covers! And that title! ‘I Feed Her To The Beast And The Beast Is Me"? Are you kidding me?? Everything about it is immaculate. Book 1 was a bloody fever dream with an epic climax and an ending that worked great on its own, but held promise for future adventures just in case.
Book 2, not so much. I hovered between two and three stars on this one (half stars, Goodreads, make it happen already) but went with three because, well, it's just fine. It's not bad, it's perfectly serviceable! But we could've done without it, I think.
It might not have felt so extemporaneous if there were more things happening, but it felt like a lot of filler and cliches to get to the point of the climax in this one. Laure spends a whole hell of a lot of time angsting about her lost future and her personal life - and understandably so, she's literally been through hell and back! But this phase went on for nearly two thirds of the book, and it didn't take long for me to start tapping out mentally every time Laure talked about how lost she was. I didn't find myself caring a whole lot about whatever was happening with Elysium, or with Laure's mom, or even the main plot of Niamh's treachery. It felt like a lot of things were introduced to generate chaos but ended up more like a bunch of letdowns.
There's one revelation about Laure's mom that seems promising, but goes nowhere beyond that. The Elysium (sub?)plot takes up way more time than I cared to read, and Niamh's whole thing could've been interesting but ultimately felt like wasted potential, because here we are with a bunch of teenagers who wanna rule the world because don’t they always? I get what Jamison Shea was wanting to do here, but the execution felt kind of lacking, because whatever investment I had drained out by the time I hit the halfway point.
I don't want to harp on about it though, because even if I was no longer invested, I'd still read any future stories from Jamison. I didn't love this one, but it still had some of the hallmarks that made the first one so excellent. While the prose got overwrought and repetitive more than I'd like here, there was still a lot of great horror imagery - Shea really dives deep when it comes to the macabre, and I appreciate that in a YA book! There were some cool moments towards the end, and Laure is still an interesting character because of the way she embraces and even elevates her rage. I like Andor, too, even if he is too "soft boy" for me to really invest in him. In another perspective, he'd be an interesting watch, but I don't think he got to do a whole lot in this series and that bums me out a little.
I think part of what this book suffered from was a lack of personal drive from anyone outside of Laure. It's her story, obviously, but the stakes in the first book felt so much higher because of Laure's desperation and how everything and everyone around her were intertwined with the same desperation. We don't get that here - not just because we're no longer at the ballet house, but because everyone else feels so random and stuffed into character slots that needed filling.
However, I wouldn't tell anyone not to read the second book if they really want to - just know that the first one is strong enough on its own and accomplishes more than the second book tried to.
November 12, 2024
I find that I don't read a whole lot of horror as I get older. In middle school, Stephen King style horror was amongst my favorite genres. At my current big age, I find that horror has to be grounded in real world aspect for me to fully invest and enjoy a novel. In my opinion, this novels horror was grounded in an exploration of real-world oppression, and so I found myself deeply invested in the outcome.
I did read the first novel in this series before I read this sequel to review. Laure and Acheron are back for more ballet themed adventures. This picks up right where the first novel left off. It could be read as a stand-alone novel, but much of the richness of Laure's growth as a character would be lost without the first novel as a reference. I don't want to give spoilers away for either novel because I think this duology unfolds better if the reader has less knowledge of the story flow.
This does have blood, gore, and other horror elements. I didn't find the violent scenes gratuitous. Everything felt like it was there to explore the characters' journey. This second installment was just as fast-paced as the first novel and every bit as engrossing. I love a well written, morally grey character who embodies the 'by any means necessary' mantra. I also enjoy the fierceness and unapologetic badassery of Laure.
This audiobook is narrated by Kristolyn Lloyd, who also narrated the first book in this series. I love love love when the same narrator returns for the sequel. This is a unique story, and I appreciate Kristolyn's treatment of the fantastical and horror elements. The narration in this instance adds another layer to the story, and I highly recommend the audiobook for this story.
Thank you to Jamison Shea, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own.
I did read the first novel in this series before I read this sequel to review. Laure and Acheron are back for more ballet themed adventures. This picks up right where the first novel left off. It could be read as a stand-alone novel, but much of the richness of Laure's growth as a character would be lost without the first novel as a reference. I don't want to give spoilers away for either novel because I think this duology unfolds better if the reader has less knowledge of the story flow.
This does have blood, gore, and other horror elements. I didn't find the violent scenes gratuitous. Everything felt like it was there to explore the characters' journey. This second installment was just as fast-paced as the first novel and every bit as engrossing. I love a well written, morally grey character who embodies the 'by any means necessary' mantra. I also enjoy the fierceness and unapologetic badassery of Laure.
This audiobook is narrated by Kristolyn Lloyd, who also narrated the first book in this series. I love love love when the same narrator returns for the sequel. This is a unique story, and I appreciate Kristolyn's treatment of the fantastical and horror elements. The narration in this instance adds another layer to the story, and I highly recommend the audiobook for this story.
Thank you to Jamison Shea, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own.
November 6, 2024
I Am The Dark That Answers When You Call follows Laure (and Acheron) as it becomes clear that something is wrong with Elysium, and it’s bleeding into the streets of Paris. I love the rage, violence, and monsters that fill this series. Laure’s anger is tangible and raw, as she faces trial after trial. Again, Andor is one of my favorite characters. I love how Jamison Shea can write characters that balance both sharp and soft edges. Through describing horrifying images, they write it so reverently that you can’t help but see the beauty in it.
Kristolyn Lloyd does such a fantastic job narrating the audiobook. Each character is so unique through their narration, it adds an additional layer to the story. I highly recommend listening to the audiobook format.
I Am the Dark That Answers When You Call is out November 12, 2024.
Thanks to Macmillan Audio, Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, Henry Hold and Co., and NetGalley for the ALC and ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Kristolyn Lloyd does such a fantastic job narrating the audiobook. Each character is so unique through their narration, it adds an additional layer to the story. I highly recommend listening to the audiobook format.
I Am the Dark That Answers When You Call is out November 12, 2024.
Thanks to Macmillan Audio, Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, Henry Hold and Co., and NetGalley for the ALC and ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 11, 2024
4 stars
This was horrific in the best way. Jamison Shea's writing is so gripping and poetic. The rage continues in this one, just differently from I Feed Her To The Beast, and I love it. The story is intriguing and, at times, graphic. We get more body horror in this one and, not as surprising as one might think, some light cannibalism. All in all, this was great. I did struggle a bit at the beginning because the pacing felt a little slow, and it dragged for a bit. That was quickly remedied around the 50% mark, and the story really moved along. I listened to the audiobook for this, and it was AMAZING. The narration was perfect, and Kristolyn Lloyd did a beautiful performance with all her different voices. Especially the chilling Acheron. This was a great reading experience and a wonderfully dark and twisty adventure. Definitely recommend if you need a little dose of feminine rage.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was horrific in the best way. Jamison Shea's writing is so gripping and poetic. The rage continues in this one, just differently from I Feed Her To The Beast, and I love it. The story is intriguing and, at times, graphic. We get more body horror in this one and, not as surprising as one might think, some light cannibalism. All in all, this was great. I did struggle a bit at the beginning because the pacing felt a little slow, and it dragged for a bit. That was quickly remedied around the 50% mark, and the story really moved along. I listened to the audiobook for this, and it was AMAZING. The narration was perfect, and Kristolyn Lloyd did a beautiful performance with all her different voices. Especially the chilling Acheron. This was a great reading experience and a wonderfully dark and twisty adventure. Definitely recommend if you need a little dose of feminine rage.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 1, 2024
i have many thoughts.
for a lot of this book i was pretty bored. it felt like not much was happening? however, i think the fights and gore and the really lovely relationships between characters made up for it! the fights and gore kept me on my toes and were very fun and satisfying. laure’s relationship with her parents and keturah and andor and even (very minor spoiler) coralie were so lovely and the way they all evolved over the course of the book was so good 😭😭😭😭
idk if it’s canon but in my mind andor, laure, and keturah are in a poly relationship by the end of the book
for a lot of this book i was pretty bored. it felt like not much was happening? however, i think the fights and gore and the really lovely relationships between characters made up for it! the fights and gore kept me on my toes and were very fun and satisfying. laure’s relationship with her parents and keturah and andor and even (very minor spoiler) coralie were so lovely and the way they all evolved over the course of the book was so good 😭😭😭😭
idk if it’s canon but in my mind andor, laure, and keturah are in a poly relationship by the end of the book
September 25, 2024
yes that’s what i wanted
October 19, 2024
If you enjoyed the first book in this series, you will enjoy this one too. This YA horror novel follows Laure as she searches for herself and for the cause of the dead body she finds after spending a night in the club. She has to wrestle with who she is, her growing feelings for Andor, and an evil threatening to consume everything she cares about.
I was not sure how to feel about the fact there was even a sequel because I felt enough of the story was wrapped up in the first book. Even though I only had a three week break in between reading the first and second book, there were some details I missed that it took a second to place (a problem I do not typically have with stories). I enjoyed this book overall, but I still do not feel that it is a horror. I would consider this more of a thriller with elements of gore. Perhaps this is because Laure's character can be a little bit shallow at times or because Acheron is not fully explained. That being said, it was still an interesting read.
I loved this narrator! Her name is Kristolyn Lloyd. Her voice is passionate, and she reads with an animated voice. She does slight character voices, enough to tell the differences between characters but not so much that it is distracting. She voice is a little dramatic, but this is a dramatic story filled with bold, theatrical statements, so the narrator rose to the occasion. I listened to this audiobook on a trip, and it made the long drive feel short and fun. It was pretty easy to tell the chapter breaks without interrupting the flow of the story. Some of the fast cuts are a product of the novel itself and not the reader.
I did not get the opportunity to read this novel in print, but the audiobook helped move through some of the rare slower parts of the story to keep me engaged. I definitely listened to the author sped up, but that is purely a personal preference; I did not listen to it that much faster and she does not talk slow. I would definitely recommend you listen to this narrator, especially if you prefer listening to audiobooks!
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me an ARC!
I was not sure how to feel about the fact there was even a sequel because I felt enough of the story was wrapped up in the first book. Even though I only had a three week break in between reading the first and second book, there were some details I missed that it took a second to place (a problem I do not typically have with stories). I enjoyed this book overall, but I still do not feel that it is a horror. I would consider this more of a thriller with elements of gore. Perhaps this is because Laure's character can be a little bit shallow at times or because Acheron is not fully explained. That being said, it was still an interesting read.
I loved this narrator! Her name is Kristolyn Lloyd. Her voice is passionate, and she reads with an animated voice. She does slight character voices, enough to tell the differences between characters but not so much that it is distracting. She voice is a little dramatic, but this is a dramatic story filled with bold, theatrical statements, so the narrator rose to the occasion. I listened to this audiobook on a trip, and it made the long drive feel short and fun. It was pretty easy to tell the chapter breaks without interrupting the flow of the story. Some of the fast cuts are a product of the novel itself and not the reader.
I did not get the opportunity to read this novel in print, but the audiobook helped move through some of the rare slower parts of the story to keep me engaged. I definitely listened to the author sped up, but that is purely a personal preference; I did not listen to it that much faster and she does not talk slow. I would definitely recommend you listen to this narrator, especially if you prefer listening to audiobooks!
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me an ARC!
Shelved as 'dnf'
December 10, 2024DNF at 41% (through Chapter 14)
This book was such a let down for me, unfortunately.
I absolutely loved the first book, and had such high hopes for this sequel. Unfortunately, next to nothing happened in this book (at least to the point that I got to). There were glimpses of what could have been an interesting plot, but I felt like we never reached a point where the story was compelling enough for me to want to keep reading.
I will admit that there were some interesting components (noted down in my spoiler-y section), but I felt that they were just touched on in an anti-climatic way, before returning to the day-in-the-life of Laure. Again and again.
Like sure, we followed Laure in her day to day in the first book; but there were still stakes. Here in the second book, I didn’t feel the stakes were very high, or that there were any stakes at all to be honest. So it was difficult for me to keep reading, and to feel motivated to pick the book back up.
I was hoping since this book is relatively short, and I was listening to the audiobook, that I could just push through. But I can’t.
I honestly feel the first book could’ve been a standalone, and I’m okay with treating it like a standalone in my feelings.
Having said all that, I still feel that the author is a very talented writer on a line level. And I do hope to read more of her work in the future. This book just didn’t work for me. (But I’m glad so many other people love it!)
NOTES I TOOK WHILE READING:
This book was such a let down for me, unfortunately.
I absolutely loved the first book, and had such high hopes for this sequel. Unfortunately, next to nothing happened in this book (at least to the point that I got to). There were glimpses of what could have been an interesting plot, but I felt like we never reached a point where the story was compelling enough for me to want to keep reading.
I will admit that there were some interesting components (noted down in my spoiler-y section), but I felt that they were just touched on in an anti-climatic way, before returning to the day-in-the-life of Laure. Again and again.
Like sure, we followed Laure in her day to day in the first book; but there were still stakes. Here in the second book, I didn’t feel the stakes were very high, or that there were any stakes at all to be honest. So it was difficult for me to keep reading, and to feel motivated to pick the book back up.
I was hoping since this book is relatively short, and I was listening to the audiobook, that I could just push through. But I can’t.
I honestly feel the first book could’ve been a standalone, and I’m okay with treating it like a standalone in my feelings.
Having said all that, I still feel that the author is a very talented writer on a line level. And I do hope to read more of her work in the future. This book just didn’t work for me. (But I’m glad so many other people love it!)
NOTES I TOOK WHILE READING:
November 13, 2024
I Am the Dark That Answers When You Call picks up a little after the events of book 1 and Laure is going THROUGH it. Still dealing with the fallout of the last book and her new found “partnership” with Acheron, she struggles to find balance between her old life and the new one that was forged after her resurrection. But with her protégé gone wild and the threat of terrifying monsters rising above the surface, Laurie must embrace the beast within to snuff out any lingering threats. Can she become one with the dark to save who she holds dear or will be consumed, along with everything else?
👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹
Hovering between 3.5 - 4 🖤.
I really enjoyed I Feed Her To the Beast, so I jumped at the chance to read the sequel. Laure is such an interesting and complex character……she’s neither good or bad and is filled with so much rage……it was almost infectious. I couldn’t help but root for her (even with her questionable decisions) and I am pleased with the outcome of the story. Definitely as dark and gory as the first one but if you’re into that ( I am), you will love this. Really solid ending to a unique story and the narrator was amazing!
Thank you NetGalley and Mcmillian Audio for the ARC. I Am the Dark When You Call is out today!
👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹👹
Hovering between 3.5 - 4 🖤.
I really enjoyed I Feed Her To the Beast, so I jumped at the chance to read the sequel. Laure is such an interesting and complex character……she’s neither good or bad and is filled with so much rage……it was almost infectious. I couldn’t help but root for her (even with her questionable decisions) and I am pleased with the outcome of the story. Definitely as dark and gory as the first one but if you’re into that ( I am), you will love this. Really solid ending to a unique story and the narrator was amazing!
Thank you NetGalley and Mcmillian Audio for the ARC. I Am the Dark When You Call is out today!
November 18, 2024
I Am The Dark That Answers When You Call by Jamison Shea is the sequel to I Feed Her To The Beast And The Beast Is Me. This ya dark fantasy is a great follow-up to the villain origin story that I loved so much, and I'm just completely obsessed.
Without spoiling book one, it's basically about an outcast ballerina who does everything she can to be exactly who she wants to be. But are the consequences of her actions worth it?
Shea's writing is so beautiful, and the best way for me to describe it is magnetic. I really loved the higher stakes in this one. It was dark and twisty. We got to see more of the paranormal aspect of the plot. It's full of sketchy characters. The fmc is trying so hard to be grounded and is striving for some kind of connection. I felt like she was just losing control.
I received the advanced audiobook for this one, and the narrator did such a great job. It was easy to listen to, I was engaged. The narration was done well, and the voice fit the characters and the vibes.
Without spoiling book one, it's basically about an outcast ballerina who does everything she can to be exactly who she wants to be. But are the consequences of her actions worth it?
Shea's writing is so beautiful, and the best way for me to describe it is magnetic. I really loved the higher stakes in this one. It was dark and twisty. We got to see more of the paranormal aspect of the plot. It's full of sketchy characters. The fmc is trying so hard to be grounded and is striving for some kind of connection. I felt like she was just losing control.
I received the advanced audiobook for this one, and the narrator did such a great job. It was easy to listen to, I was engaged. The narration was done well, and the voice fit the characters and the vibes.
September 23, 2024
Picking up right where “I Feed Her to the Beast…” left off, this conclusion to Laure’s “becoming” and evolution story continues as Laure grapples with the power sharing space within her. With the help of her friends - and “ghosts” from her past, Laure is forced to make peace with her new normal, and work to reclaim some of her old life.
Still featuring elements of darkness, graphic violence, and fast-paced action, this sequel wraps up Laure’s intricate tale with Acheron. As she learns the limits of her power, Laure must also figure out who is truly on her side and who seeks to take from her and keep her under foot. Laure is still just as fierce and determined to get what she deserves as in the previous book in this duology. She’s still the girl you can’t help but root for - even if she decides to embrace her villain era.
Perfect for fans of the first book and those who enjoy unreliable narrators and morally grey characters!!
Still featuring elements of darkness, graphic violence, and fast-paced action, this sequel wraps up Laure’s intricate tale with Acheron. As she learns the limits of her power, Laure must also figure out who is truly on her side and who seeks to take from her and keep her under foot. Laure is still just as fierce and determined to get what she deserves as in the previous book in this duology. She’s still the girl you can’t help but root for - even if she decides to embrace her villain era.
Perfect for fans of the first book and those who enjoy unreliable narrators and morally grey characters!!
November 27, 2024
Oh how I love you Black fictional girls burning with rage, choosing to become the savage beast they tried to contain after the world has messed with them again and again and again. Choosing to stop being nice & finally let out their claws and show off their shiny sharp teeth. I love love love love you.
My only regret is that I didn't read along with my physical copy while I was listening to the audiobook because there was so many lines that were too good.
I've become a fan of duologies over the years since I feel like most stories are easily adaptable into 2 parts instead of having it stretched out into 3-part trilogy. However, even with duology, I always wonder: does there need to be a sequel when the first book is already good enough as a stand-alone?
The first book I thought was perfect as a standalone. I thought everything that needed to happened already happened, so what else do we need? Then I read this book and....WOW....WOW...WOW, Needed, so so so needed.
My only regret is that I didn't read along with my physical copy while I was listening to the audiobook because there was so many lines that were too good.
I've become a fan of duologies over the years since I feel like most stories are easily adaptable into 2 parts instead of having it stretched out into 3-part trilogy. However, even with duology, I always wonder: does there need to be a sequel when the first book is already good enough as a stand-alone?
The first book I thought was perfect as a standalone. I thought everything that needed to happened already happened, so what else do we need? Then I read this book and....WOW....WOW...WOW, Needed, so so so needed.
November 25, 2024
Featuring feminine rage, ballet, and a backdrop of Paris, this book makes for a hauntingly good read. It provides a satisfying conclusion to Laure's story. It did come across as slightly messy at times due to the sheer amount of plot lines and characters included in what is a relatively short book. However, it's an important piece of storytelling that I imagine many people could find, maybe not comfort, but some sort of identity with. While the first book was for those who were tired and angry from being overlooked all the time, this second book instead appeals to those who are past caring what the world thinks of them and instead find solace in knowing they only need those whom truly love anyway.
While this story wasn't necessarily perfect for me, I will definitely look out for anything else this author brings to the world.
While this story wasn't necessarily perfect for me, I will definitely look out for anything else this author brings to the world.
December 17, 2024
This second book in the duology doesn't rank as high for me because not much really happened. The first half was mostly Laure struggling with herself and her new powers, what it means to be a vessel, and mourning her old self. There's nothing wrong with this, per say. It just felt like it lacked the stakes the first book brought from the start.
The second half of the book made up for it to me. As Laure starts to actually put her foot down. She comes into her own and remembers what she originally stood for and what she did all of this for.
The side plot with her parents was good, her anger with her mother understandable and raw even after 12 years.
Overall, I like the conclusion to Laures story. Though I almost wish it was a trilogy so we could get more of what's going to happen to Elysium now.
The second half of the book made up for it to me. As Laure starts to actually put her foot down. She comes into her own and remembers what she originally stood for and what she did all of this for.
The side plot with her parents was good, her anger with her mother understandable and raw even after 12 years.
Overall, I like the conclusion to Laures story. Though I almost wish it was a trilogy so we could get more of what's going to happen to Elysium now.
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