🪓Spoiler Free Book Review🩸

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Family is everything. At least it is to Michael, because family is all he knows. ‘Adopted’ by the Morrows when he was only 4 years old, Michael learned to hunt and live off the land, protected his little sister as best he could, and both idolized and feared his big brother Rebel. But things change when Michael meets a nice girl in a nearby town and his dreams of a normal life finally seem within reach. 

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WOW. Ahlborn’s writing is intoxicating, drawing you in from the first sentence and adding layers of dread with each new page. This isn’t your typical slasher story, and while it does have Texas Chainsaw Massacre vibes, it isn’t as graphic as say, American Psycho or Kin (both excellent books as well imo). Brother doesn’t start off with blood and gore but you know it’s there, just beyond the words, and as the story goes on the tension and violence just keep building.

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While I saw hints of the ending ahead of time, that wasn’t a negative. Ahlborn uses foreshadowing brilliantly and knowing, or even thinking you know what’s coming, doesn’t make it any less horrifying. Those final two sentences...chef’s kiss*

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The emotional impact of this story is what impressed me the most, and why I’ll be thinking about it for days and weeks to come. Michael is the most fully developed character and my heart broke for him, but I also felt for Misty Dawn and even Rebel; all victims of circumstance in their own worlds. 

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Just in case it isn’t obvious, I freaking love this book. I could’ve easily finished it in one sitting and I will now be singing Ania’s praises to anyone who will listen. Horror fans, this one’s for you! Come party with the Morrows-Daddy Wade’s got the booze, Misty’s spinning records, Reb’s bringing the party favors, and Momma’s cooking up somethin’ real special. They’ve got the meat, you bring the wine. 

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“A party ain’t a party without a splash of red.”