Old Wounds by Logan-Ashley Kisner
on September 10, 2024
ISBN: 0593814746
Genres: Horror, Supernatural
Format: Fiction, Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

Erin and Max are two complicated teens: they used to date, they’re both trans, and together they’ve fled their homes in Ohio for sunny California, where they imagine a better, more accepting life. However, an unexpected stop in rural Kentucky leaves them stranded and in danger. Not only do the two have to deal with the social horror of transphobes, but they also have to face the supernatural horror of a woman-devouring monster. Together, the two will need to find each other and fight to survive the night.

There are plenty of heavy, honest themes in this book. The two protagonists have differing levels of acceptance (and rejection) for their transness: Max has attempted suicide in the past, Erin’s mother is distant, and both are deeply concerned about being outed to strangers. Kisner includes content warnings at the beginning of the book to prepare readers. While these are serious topics, they are addressed with compassion and honesty.

Kisner has written several essays on queer representation in horror, and the book itself feels like a slasher movie with two teens fighting for survival and to be seen as who they really are. The book’s creativity and meta analysis on being trans are combined with the idea of a supernatural monster and how it sees trans and genderfluid people. Patrons looking for trans representation in genres other than realistic fiction may enjoy this supernatural horror novel. Due to the multiple on-page deaths by gunshot and supernatural entities, discussions of suicide and self-hate, and transphobia, this book is recommended for mature readers.

Reviewed by Raechel Moore, Maine State Library, Augusta