Gothic/paranormal horror is one of my absolute favorite genres, and this one doesn't disappoint. I adore Wil, and the spicy girl, sweet boy combo is a favorite. I really enjoyed this and will look for more from this author in the future.

Together We Rot is a well written YA horror/romance. There is in interesting intersection of the characters and nature that is quite unique. I find some YA books are more appealing to me as an adult reader, whereas some feel more Specifically YA geared and this book felt like the latter.

DNF at 10ish%- it just wasn't what I was expecting. The synopsis seemed interesting but I couldn't connect with the story unfortunately.

I received an ARC of this novel and I am SO glad I did!

I could not put down this ya romance/horror/suspense/mystery. Will is a headstrong young woman looking for answers with the help of Elwood, a shy, hesitant young man who is her friend, maybe more.

This tale had me waiting and ready for answers; to find out the truth. The back and forth of Will and Elwood, to me, was written eloquently and in a way that I know teens will enjoy. This is a novel I will definitely be recommending to my students during our silent reading block. I can’t wait to see what else this author is capable of!

Loved it! Loved the dual POV too. It has been some time since I have read it in a YA. I love the haunting curiosity that loomed in the air too.

It was alright I guess. A lot of this was hard to understand not gonna lie but it wasn't the worst thing I've ever read.

An interesting blend of genre. It feels like something I would have been obsessed with in high school (I mean that as a compliment).
It’s a bit juvenile for my tastes now (duh—it’s YA), but I definitely don’t think it was bad!
Just not my taste anymore.

This is peak emo. What a great premise, too! But the execution fell flat for me. Things just didn't gel. I couldn't grasp why the leads fell out and then couldn't accept how quickly they fell back in together. The cult backdrop was almost comical, like Saturday morning cartoon baddy-style. I was also a bit disappointed about how it was framed. There was an opportunity here for commentary and critique through a fantastical frame on the state of religiosity in the States right now, but the author didn't go there. What a shame. I did love the ending, though. I guess I shouldn't spoil it, but it had His Dark Materials vibes.

This was onw of those ebooks that totally put me in the spooky mood I needed for Halloween and the fall season..

I loved the pacing of Together We Rot. And thought the story itself was interesting with all the twists and turns that it took.

It offered just the slightest bit of creepiness without being too much.

And really pulled me in from the start.

Definitely a 5 star read

3.5/5 ⭐
Similarly to my review of 'Where Echoes Die' by Courtney Gould, I had expected a bit more mystery/twist(s). Very quickly I realized that wasn't really how this was going to be and because of that I was able to change my expectations and enjoy the story more for what it was. I really ended up loving the characters and their development. I didn't know I'd care about the enemies to friends relationship (between Wil and Lucas) so much but it was one of my favorite parts. Also Elwood is such a sweetheart. The atmosphere was dark and beautiful exactly as you'd hope. The ending was actually surprising to me but was oh so perfect.

This was very… weird, haha. Definitely a quick read though. I think it is hard to really build up the characters in a short book like this one, so I didn’t really feel connected to any of them. I knew something twisted was happening but didn’t think it would be what it was.

"Together We Rot" by Skyla Arndt emerges as a groundbreaking piece in the realm of dark fantasy and horror, intricately weaving a narrative that is as profoundly emotional as it is thrilling. Arndt masterfully crafts a dystopian world enveloped in decay and despair, yet within its shadows, she illuminates the indomitable power of human connection and resilience. This novel is not merely a journey through a ravaged landscape but an exploration of the depths of the human spirit.

At the heart of "Together We Rot" are its unforgettable characters, whose journeys and struggles are depicted with raw honesty and depth. Arndt introduces us to protagonists who are flawed, relatable, and ultimately heroic in their own right. Their personal battles and the relationships that develop between them are portrayed with such nuance and sensitivity that readers cannot help but be drawn into their world, cheering for their victories and feeling the weight of their defeats.

The world-building in "Together We Rot" is nothing short of spectacular. Arndt's vivid descriptions and imaginative settings transport readers to a world that is at once terrifyingly alien and hauntingly familiar. The decay that pervades the landscape serves as a constant reminder of the stakes at play, yet it also sets the stage for moments of beauty and hope that shine all the brighter against the backdrop of darkness.

What sets "Together We Rot" apart is Arndt's ability to blend elements of horror and fantasy in a way that feels both innovative and timeless. The novel's exploration of themes such as survival, betrayal, and redemption is interwoven with supernatural elements that add depth and intrigue to the narrative. Arndt's prose is lyrical and evocative, capable of conveying the horror of the world she has created while also capturing the tender moments of humanity that persist in the face of despair.

Moreover, "Together We Rot" excels in its pacing and suspense. Arndt expertly builds tension throughout the novel, leading to a climax that is both unexpected and deeply satisfying. The twists and turns of the plot keep readers on the edge of their seats, while the emotional depth of the story ensures that the journey is both meaningful and impactful.

In conclusion, "Together We Rot" by Skyla Arndt is a remarkable achievement in the genre of dark fantasy and horror. It is a novel that challenges and captivates, offering a unique blend of thrills, chills, and emotional resonance. Through its compelling characters, rich world-building, and masterful storytelling, Arndt not only entertains but also invites readers to reflect on the nature of humanity and the power of hope in the darkest of times. This is a must-read for fans of the genre and anyone who appreciates a story that dares to explore the light and darkness within us all.

Cover? 10/10
I do think this story felt a little rushed overall, I would have loved more history of Wil's mom and all of Elwood's family drama.
The story of the town, the woods, and the eerie magic of it all was much more interesting than the former bffs turned enemies turned reluctant allies romance we had going on. It was obvious from the beginning that these two had lingering feelings for each other, and the romance part just wasn't as exciting and nail biting as the rest of the plot.
I was however very interested in the lore of the seed and Elwood's part in it all, and it was fascinating to learn of all the secrets of the town. I absolutely loved Elwood as a character. The poor boy was abused and ignored by his family, and when it seems like it couldn't possibly get worse; he discovers his actual purpose in life. El's tail truly could've been told without Wil, and although she had her own fire and additions to the story, this was a story about Elwood.

I did like this story, it was a rather fast paced read and had some interesting plots, but probably not one I would recommend on a wide scale.

Thank you so much to the publisher and Netgalley for the e-ARC! I will be reviewing and/or showcasing this book on my social media accounts when I can. Thanks again very much appreciated and looking forward to this book!

I have to give this a 2.5 rating and I think it was more with me not connecting with the book than anything else. It felt like the book wasn't sure what it wanted to be. Did it want to be a novel or a short story? Had it been a short story, I might have felt differently

I really did want to love this book more than I did! The premise of dark romance meets gothic horror (with a mysterious element mixed in) made me so excited, as that is such an intriguing blend of genres! I echo what others have said about the plot feeling a bit rushed and it’s such a shame because the promise is there!

Greatly appreciative to PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group, Viking Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!

The premise for this book have me so intrigues with a religious cult and them finding out the mystery of her mothers death and what it has to do with the cult. I just feel it wasnt done well. It has a bad case of just telling us whats happening rather than showing.

Together We Rot was definitely an interesting read with a cool premise and lyrical writing. I really liked everything with Elwood discovering about his family's cult and his journey of understanding, acceptance, and learning how to fight back. Overall I liked Elwood a lot as a character. He's got a kind, gentle personality that I love to see in male protagonists, and he's a unifying kind of person who brings very different characters together. The story is told in dual POV, his and Wil's, and I liked Wil less as a character. I found it hard to connect to her as much. Her grief and some of her roughness is understandable, but the way she reacts sometimes, while I can understand, also make it hard for me to like her, and honestly I just didn't find her as interesting as Elwood. The supernatural/horror elements of the story are so-so. If you're like me and you like just a touch of horror without it being too gruesome or scary, then this has the right balance for you. I do feel like sometimes I didn't get quite what was going on with that part of it, but overall it was a pretty decent read. 3.5/5 stars.

The synopsis was very interesting but I couldn't read past the 10% mark. The writing was disjointed and the characters just weren't interesting enough for me to continue. Although I would say the plot was unique but not executed well.

*please keep in mind that this review is based on the reading of an ARC and that some of the issues I address may very well not be in final copies*

“Very Scooby-Doo” is how I would describe this book to someone who knew nothing about it.

While Together We Rot starts with an intriguingly novel concept and the allure of the ever-tempting “enemies to lovers” trope…it quickly devolves from there.

I found rating this book to be difficult because the concept is really very good…but the execution is lacking. I think this may be a debut book - don’t quote me - so perhaps it’s just a little green. I think a fair rating would be somewhere between 2 and 3 stars, leaning towards 3.

I found it to be an altogether pretty engrossing book that kept me turning pages, but much in the same way that a low-budget slasher would. You wanna know how it ends, you wanna know where the characters go…but the ride there is rough…and a little cheesy.

In my seriously humble opinion (because I have never written an entire book and I’m not gonna pretend that I would be good at it) the writing was a bit disjointed and at times it felt like two different authors were behind the keyboard. One was eloquent and captivating, the other relying heavily on the use of dramatic similes and metaphors. I think they converged somewhere around the dialogue for a truly eye-rolling experience (the dialogue is BAD, ok?).

The characters were just ok, not horrible but not interesting. I think that Elwood would have been a good on his own…a stand-alone character. Come to think of it, I really wish that Wil was taken out of the book altogether. I don’t feel like her part of the story was inherently necessary and the teen romance between the two of them was cringey at best and down-right nauseating at worst.

Lastly, the ending felt a little forced and…odd. I don’t really know how to describe my feelings by the time the conclusion came around…but I wasn’t really satisfied with the ending. It didn’t feel rushed necessarily but a little confusing. It needed a lil somethin’ more.

This isn’t a *bad* book, I would just bear in mind that it feels a little “rough-drafty” at times. But if you’re looking for something unique, with vivid imagery and a creative spin on “monsters” and cult life, you’ll probably enjoy this.