I had high hopes for this book as I had heard some good things about it, Unfortunately it completely missed the mark for me and I struggled to finish it.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ebook in exchange for an honest review

Horror books are my love languages and this one was fantastic

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review this book

**Sacrificial Animals** by Kailee Pedersen is an enthralling supernatural horror debut set in the eerie landscapes of rural Nebraska. The narrative delves into the Morrow family's dark legacy, weaving themes of inherited trauma and family disintegration. The plot shifts between Nick Morrow's troubled adolescence and his return home as an adult, building tension and atmosphere. While the character development could be improved, the richly layered plot and haunting ambiance make it a captivating read. Overall, it's a solid addition to the horror genre, deserving a respectable 3.5/5 stars.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio for the digital and audio copies to review.

This starts off with a pretty gruesome animal scene that I skipped forward given I listened via audio, which I was not expecting right out of the gate. The overall story is told in two timelines, past and present, and this scene is in the past, setting the stage for the future. I did not connect with the characters, and I don’t always have to, but I just was not present for either timeline and that did not change as the book went on. It was a bit redundant with the characters and the two timelines, e.g. the same thing was happening whether it was the past or present timeline, and I thought that overall this story had the potential for so much more.

This is a hell of a debut novel, and honestly, it's not one I saw coming, in the best kind of way. We have a patriarch dying in the Appalachian woods, his sons dealing with his imminent death and what they all underwent under him, and the new wife who seems almost too perfect. I originally wasn't that fond of the framing of our POV character, but honestly, with the twist of the last chapter of this book, I don't think it could've been crafted any other way. I had an idea of what was coming at a certain point, and I still managed to be surprised in the best kind of way. Pick this up this winter and see who comes knocking at your door.

This is a slow burn horror that was beautifully written. So many metaphors that were perfectly played out. I’m not usually a fan of slow burn horror but it worked with this book

Sacrificial Animals by Kailee Pedersen is a haunting and atmospheric debut that masterfully blends supernatural horror with deep emotional resonance. Pedersen’s storytelling is both evocative and powerful, making this novel a standout in the genre.

One particularly striking scene is when Nick Morrow, the protagonist, confronts the shadowy presence that has haunted him since childhood. This moment is not only pivotal to the plot but also beautifully illustrates Pedersen's ability to create an eerie and suspenseful atmosphere. The vivid descriptions of the dark, foreboding farm and the chilling encounter with the supernatural force leave a lasting impression on the reader.

Throughout the book, Pedersen skillfully explores themes of inherited trauma, identity, and the struggle for redemption. Nick's journey from a troubled adolescent to a man grappling with his past is both compelling and heart-wrenching. The interplay of the supernatural elements with the raw emotional depth of the characters adds a layer of complexity that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.

This is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. Kailee Pedersen has crafted a story that is not just to be read but to be experienced.

I am normally all in for a good mythological retelling/horror story, but unfortunately Sacrificial Animals did not deliver as promised.

Set in Nebraska against a backdrop of a very dysfunctional domestic abusive family, Sacrificial Animals is told through dueling timelines and mainly focuses on the younger of two brothers, Nick as he navigates returning home at his father's request as an adult and his traumatic childhood. For 85% of the book, the reader is exposed to Nick's violent childhood and his struggle with his bixsexuality amidst a meandering plot line of a fox that has been attacking his family's henhouse juxtaposed against a current timeline where he struggles with a strained relationship with his brother and a hidden desire for his sister-in-law. The last 15% finally tie in the Chinese mythology, but it feels forced and honestly did not make much sense overall.

With characters who were all completely unlikeable and heavy with trauma porn, not much happens in this story and what does happen is rather boring with a plotline that seems all over the place and struggles to fit the pieces of mythology. The big reveal is thrown at the reader with very little context or warning. This novel would have worked much better as a short story without the excess of overly descriptive writing and a tightened storyline that solely focused on Emilia's relationship with the family.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martins Press, and Kailee Pedersen for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

Nick and Joshua are summoned home to their father's side as he declines. Old memories come up, history comes back up. What could possibly go wrong?

Reading Sacrificial Animals was a completely different experience from listening to the audiobook—and not in a good way. The audiobook brought the story to life with its atmospheric narration, adding layers of emotion and tension that were completely missing when just reading it. Unfortunately, without the narration, the pacing dragged, and the story felt flat. If you’re going to pick this one up, I’d highly recommend listening to the audiobook to get the full, intended experience.

A extremely slow burn of a book that almost had me not DNFing, but I am glad I stuck it out. A story about two estranged brothers who are called home by their toxic and abusive patriarch. The narrative shifts between past and present, illuminating the horrific childhood the brothers had to endure. The mythological elements don’t really show up until the end, but if you can endure the slow pace, you will be rewarded.

Rating: 4/5
I received an eARC for my honest opinion.

This book is about Nick Morrow, who is nothing like his father Carlyle and his brother Joshua. They’re both hardened by the world and everything that has happened to their family. Where Nick is not; he is still caring, introverted and wants the best in life. Nick didn’t have the best life growing up and all he has ever wanted was to be able to live the life he wanted without his brother and father, but when his father calls him and tells him that he is sick and that he needs to come home with his brother too. He goes for some closure with his father but when Joshua's wife Emelia comes back to the house with him, Nick can feel that something isn’t right.

This book was beautifully written, it is a mix of Chinese mythology and gothic horror. I liked that the chapters alternate from Then and Now, and you get to see how Nick grew up and how his life is now, and what is going on the farmland where his father still lives. With Carlyle having everyone come to his house, even Emelia who he swore would never step foot on his land or house ever again all because she is Asian and “he is not having that in HIS family” yeah, he is one of those kinds of people. This book is a slow burn, and in my opinion, I do think that it could have been shorter and still been an amazing book but I felt at times that I was getting an info dump or information that wasn’t really necessary. However, that didn’t take away from the beautiful writing and the story that Pedersen wrote. I did love having a mix of Chinese mythology, and gothic horror; I found it to be beautiful.

If you pick up this book just know that you will see trauma, violence, dark family issues, Chinese mythology, gothic/horror, as well as points that the author had to deal with being an adopted child of Asian descent in Nebraska, and her experiences as a gay kid coming of age throughout the book.

I want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin Press for the opportunity to review this book.

I don't know how I felt about this one. I see what the author was going for, but the pace and the alternating didn't quite work for me. I think I probably wouldn't have finished this one had it not been for the audiobook. I enjoyed the narration by Yung-I Chang.

. The story follows protagonist Josie, who is struggling to navigate her personal demons and emotional turmoil after the tragic death of her brother. As she grapples with her feelings of abandonment and confusion, Josie’s journey unfolds with raw intensity, uncovering the ways people cope with tragedy—through self-destruction, denial, and, ultimately, acceptance.

Pedersen’s writing is poetic and introspective, capturing the fragility of her characters’ lives. The novel is both a deep character study and a meditation on how individuals find meaning in the wake of trauma. The pacing is reflective, allowing readers to immerse themselves in Josie’s inner world and the emotional weight she carries.

While the novel may feel slow at times due to its introspective nature, *Sacrificial Animals* offers a rewarding experience for readers who appreciate nuanced, emotional storytelling. Pedersen’s exploration of grief is raw and unflinching, making this a powerful read for those who enjoy literary fiction that delves into the complexities of the human experience.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to review this book.

I'm going to be honest. I DNF'd this book after only a few pages. For me, it was the book equivalent of static. With every single sentence trying so hard to be filled with pomp and importance, it made nothing important at all. i just couldn't read it.

The father figure in this book is one of the most reprehensible characters that I have run across in years of reading. He is racist, abusive (both mentally and physically) to his sons. As grown men they return home when they learn the father is dying.

If nothing else, this story will have you feeling a range of emotions. Dislike for the father, empathy for the damaged children he raised.

Not for everyone. May trigger folks who have experienced trauma in their lives. Overall, good story with characters you won’t soon forget.

[arc review]
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for providing an arc n exchange for an honest review.
Sacrificial Animals releases August 20, 2024

To put it bluntly, this was not what I was expecting. I can see what the author was trying to do by mirroring the literal animal sacrifices on the Morrow’s property to Nick’s upbringing as a child and the way he was treated and viewed by his father, but for the most part, I found that the underlying mythology was painfully obvious where it tried to be obscure, and the conflicts were too slow to reveal themselves considering what was given away in the blurb.

I’m curious what the thought process was behind basing this as a literary horror/mystery novel instead of centering it somewhere in the contemporary fantasy genre with horror elements.
I believe this would have had much more potential as a short story split into two parts, rather than utilizing a then/now narrative.

cw: animal death/cruelty, physical abuse, infidelity, racism + racial slurs

A horror thriller diving into themes of adoption, abuse, & inherited trauma. Nick Marrow is called back to his family farm in Nebraska for a deathbed reconciliation. Nick's brother Joshua and his wife Emilia are also there. As Joshua grows closer to his father, Nick grows closer to Joushua's wife Emilia. But Nick is starting to think that this flirtatious affair might have sisnter motivations.

This book was really not my cup of tea, It was boring and pretentious and not at all interesting, It could have been more effective as a 15 page short story, but it was overwritten and trying to be something it wasn't. It took me two and a half months to read something that should have taken a few days. I found that almost nothing happened until the 80% mark and by then it was much too little much too late. This novel could have really used an editor and really simplify the writing so the story was more of a central focus. There was absolutely no tension, no characterization, and no humanistic elements. I couldn't connect with any character and couldn't connect to the story. It didn't delve deep into the themes of generational and systemic trauma, only brushed the surface and I was unsatisfied.

I'm not sure I will read anything else from this author.

Here is my full review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6585567694

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's press for the EARC.
This was a wonderfully written story that is a bit slow at times. It has a great sense of mystery on what is truly happening. There's hints all through on what Emilia is but the pieces aren't so easly put together.