this! book! was! so! good!

BAT EATER AND OTHER NAMES FOR CORA ZENG is a haunting, multifaceted horror novel that was my perfect blend of thought-provoking themes and grotesque body horror. it had me hooked from start to finish, and natalie naudus truly brought this story to life. she is becoming one of my favorite narrators. i listened to the whole novel on my way home to visit family, and i never got bored or distracted.

BAT EATER evokes a variety of emotions like fear, disgust, sympathy, and awe. the story balances dark, suspenseful moments with horrifying, nasty body horror. there’s an unsettling sense of tension throughout, and the prose creates a vivid picture in your head.

what really elevated this book is its emotional depth. it’s not just about the fear or the grotesque imagery, but also the characters’ emotional journeys, especially cora's, which are raw and relatable.

given the setting, you can expect sharp social commentary. BAT EATER discusses a variety of pressing issues surrounding the covid pandemic, but also ranges from chinese culture and religion to racism, the fetishization of asian girls, trauma, and grief. these topics are seamlessly interwoven into the eerie narrative.

on top of all of that, the prose is absolutely STUNNING!! there is a beauty to the language that makes the horror feel immersive and poetic even in the most repulsive moments.

this is a book that will stick with you long after you finish it. it’s a perfect example of how horror can be used as a lens to explore complex human experiences and societal issues, while also delivering a chilling and satisfying narrative from the first page to the author's note.

thank you so much to netgalley and HTP. i received an eARC and an ALC to review for y'all!