Member Reviews

This was such an interesting take on the premise behind Stephen King's Carrie. I think it actually tells the story better than King did in some ways. I appreciated the nuances of the characters, and the way everything eventually shakes out. I could see one part coming from a mile away, but I was still a bit surprised in reading it, which to me is the mark of good writing.

My one quibble is that while I do find it (sadly)believable that there would still be segregated proms in this day and age, I know that no school in Georgia/the Deep South is still in session at the end of May/beginning of June, so the use of specific dates threw me out of the story. Proms in Georgia always happen in late April/early May. That was a failure/lack of research that I wish hadn't happened. It doesn't hurt the overall story, obviously.

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Tiffany D. Jackson has spun a tale worthy of Carrie that brings in such complex topics (racism, abuse & bullying) together to craft a horror story. I enjoyed the weaving of POVs, as well as the podcast element of the story. I was at the edge of my seat though everything that happened, and the ending was perfect. Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to have access to this book in exchange for an honest review. And thank you Tiffany for not using pig's blood.

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There were some really great moments in this book. There were also some unbelievable moments. My eyebrows shot up more than once. It was an excellent read and any that enjoy ya mystery like A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder will devour this book. It is one of the better ya books I have read recently!

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This book was extremely heavy. This was a horror book that was a Carrie retelling. The true horror was the racism and hatred in this book.

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Jackson's remix of Stephen King's Carrie nearly hits a home run. The past-and-present set-up with the podcast was reminiscent of Summer's Sadie, and does an equally good job of foreshadowing events. If you've read Carrie, you will see where things are going. However, the actual plot does take some detours that make the story fresh and modern. I could recommend this book to teens grades 10 and up who enjoy horror. The audiobook was also well done, with a full cast reading various roles.

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Jackson’s twist on Stephen King’s classic horror story, Carrie, was both riveting and horrifying. Jackson forces readers to confront issues of race, bullying, and prejudice in this well-written novel.

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Tiffany D. Jackson pulled NO PUNCHES with this book!

Honestly, it made my blood boil when I was reading it--as it's supposed to. It speaks to both the issues of bullying a single person and the widespread societal poison of racism that makes people believe it's okay to treat someone that way. It is extremely difficult to read at parts but also so, so good. The characters are all so REAL and very complex, and that makes this story so excellent and heartbreaking.

If you, like me, were disappointed in Jackson's first foray into horror with 2021's White Smoke, you should give her another shot with this book. It takes all the mediocre things about White Smoke and makes them better, and it takes all the good things about it and makes them great.

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I think this might be Tiffany’s strongest book thus far, and it is indeed better at Stephen King's Carrie than Carrie is. I would have liked a little bit more from the ending, and my galley was distressingly sloppy, but I’ll assume the final copy is not. This is one of my top reads of the year.

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Another masterpiece by one of the greatest working authors of our time, across all genres and age groups.

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Yes! If you are a fan of Tiffany Jackson’s writing, Stephen King, horror, or suspense then this is the book for you! An updated, thought provoking reimagining of Carrie.

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This is one of the darkest examinations of society I've read in a while, adult or YA. Tiffany D. Jackson is one of my favorite writers and she has almost singlehandedly reignited my love of horror. I know my students are going to devour this book for years to come.

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The Weight of Blood is a brilliantly written YA novel focusing on identity and race all with a Carrie-esque twist. Maddy Washington just wants to blend in to her high school, terrified of drawing attention to herself or her secret. One rainy day changes everything and Maddy is suddenly thrust into the spotlight. Told from multiple perspectives including a true crime podcast as well as various characters within the story, this book had me locked in from the very beginning.

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A solid retelling of the Stephen King story, Carrie. The book takes place in a modern setting and gives perspective on how a modern town handles race relations and what issues arise when tradition is placed over change.

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The drama and mystery of this book was so addictive. I have book talked this book so much since reading it, and it always flies off the shelf. No one blends compulsive readability and social justice like Tiffany D. Jackson, and I think this is her best work yet.

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What a brilliant and topical overhaul of Stephen King's Carrie. The characters were complex and incredibly well written and the audiobook was phenomenal. Tiffany draws attention to the casual racism that is laughed off as a joke in the local high school, whilst also showing that a clear sense of white superiority underpins these interactions. Moreover, this underlying racial hierarchy is present at all levels within the community. Alongside all of this is also of a story of a sheltered girl hoping to find acceptance and love. However, within this girl lies a dark power and when her rage and fury come forth, blood and terror follow. As prom night descends into chaos a clear line between black and white is scorched on the ground. This is an amazing novel and I thoroughly recommend it.

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This book was so great! The character development was excellent, the action was phenomenal, and the way the narrative switched between podcast transcript and actual "story" was a lot of fun! I do wish it had had more of an ending, because people who hate an open ending won't feel satisfied!

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A really creative retelling of Carrie with a split timeline and the story unfolding partially through an investigative podcast. Tiffany D. Jackson knows how to craft complex characters and draw the reader into a winding tale.

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The Weight of Blood by @writeinbk

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Pub Date 9/6/22

Calling all horror movie lovers 📢

Tiffany D Jackson does it again by bringing a retelling of a cult classic: Carrie.

Tiffany D Jackson has a way of writing that makes you feel every single feeling from start to finish of her novels.

Like all TDJ books, the conversation of racism is discussed with heavy emotion and grace.

The Weight Of Blood was more than just a horror book, it was very sci-fi/supernatural feeling as well which was fun!

I was glued to this book and couldn’t put it down. It has haunted me from the day I finished.

Definitely get ready for the release of this book, it might be my favorite of hers yet!

Thanks @netgalley for an E-ARC of this one!

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I have purchased this title for all of the libraries I serve. It's an excellent horror retelling that I know will be popular. Thank you!

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Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.

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