I'm going to try to make this review while leaving things out, so this will be shorter than my normal reviews. I went into this book blind, and I think it really added to the experience!

Just from the cover alone, I knew I was going to be creeped out and disturbed, I just didn't know how. This book really packs the punches in creepy. The scenes are described so well, the disturbing appearances of the villains in the book. I got my first book related literal jumpscare, one to the point where my husband asked if I was ok because I gasped so loudly and moved back in my seat.

I didn't know what to expect since I didn't read the synopsis. The book started off one way, and then by part 2, I saw where it was actually heading, and it was done SO well. I liked how each part had its own story, but they all connected by the end.

I've heard variations of this story since I was a child. Disney holds my favorite childhood version, and John Durgin now holds my favorite adult version. Thank you to John Durgin and NetGalley for an arc of this story!

Kosa pulled me in from the beginning. The characters and situations felt real; I was there with them, and when things get real, things get real! Stakes are intense, and responses are messy and realistic. There are cops, but this is not a procedural, and I love it for that. We've got stories from the perspectives of the perpetrator and victims, the people who live the story. We love a return to the creep factor of original fairy tales and Kosa gives all those vibes!

"Kosa" is a disturbing and brutal retelling of Rapunzel. Durgin pens a tale that projects off the page cinematically, as if Wes Craven had gotten his hands on Disney's Tangled and set out to destroy all childhood wonder with grief, abuse, grisly horror, and one heck of an epic climax.

Thanks to Net Galley and DarkLit Press for the free download in exchange for my honest opinion.
Overall, I enjoyed the story.
I would recommend the story for people who like horror and who like dark fairytale retellings.
This was based on Rapunzel, which is a decent fairytale, but not one of my favorites.
I also was not immediately pulled in. I had some real issues with the beginning of the book. The father was completely unrealistic. His addiction - unrealistic. If he was that hooked, then he would not have been able to function as he did. But that issue moved the plot along, so ok.
I am glad that I stuck with it, though, because the story really picked up steam when Kosa was introduced.
I read the main part of the book in only 2 sittings - so you know that means it moved quickly and held me captivated.
I give 3 stars because this is a quick, easy read. It kept my attention, and it was gruesome. However, it was not as dark as it could have been, and it stayed very surface horror. We never do a real deep dive into any of the characters or situations.
I usually like my horror a bit deeper and more psychological, but this was still good.
I would recommend giving it a shot.

I have been on a quest for Baba Yaga and bog witch type of books lately, so when I saw the description of Kosa, of course I had to read it. This book did not disappoint!!! This one was a little more fast-paced than I typically read, but I loved it. It had good elements of fairy tale and horror. Check trigger warnings, but this is a Baba Yaga type of story. I do want to note that this is more of plot driven atmospheric story. Most characters are not in it long enough to get any strong character development. Overall, this was one of the better horror stories that I read in a long time.

A witch. Creepy cats. Cannibalism. Missing children. Lots of dread. What more could you ask for? Recommend!

I enjoyed this book and how he turned the Rapunzel/Tangled story into something a lot different and better in my opinion. This is the first time I have read anything by John Durgin but look forward to reading more by him. Thanks alot to DarkLit Press and Netgalley for providing this copy to me to read and review.

This is a horror retelling of Rapunzel and if that idea grabs you then you should definitely read this book!

The main plot follows Kosa who has some strange rules and rituals to keep Mother happy and healthy, As time goes on, Kosa begins to question whether Mother has anyone's interests but her own in mind.

I liked this book. It was okay. It was very linear, that is to say there were not really any twists and the plot points I could see coming a mile away, but that wasn't a bad thing. It was predictable and easy to read. It is also very horrific and pulls no punches. There are trigger warnings and I do appreciate how John Durgin put them in the back of the book so that reads to check them if they wanted too but nothing was spoiled for readers who wanted to go in blind. This is a happy median for trigger warnings.

Overall this was a 3 star for me John Durgin continues to improve in his writing which each book he puts out.

(I received this book from the editor and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
Kosa is not just a dark fairy tale, but several in one. Let me explain: at first, I thought it was a twisty retelling of Rapunzel (Kosa means Hair in different languages), but, as the story went on, I started to see some elements of other tales as well, all coming together in a nightmarish novel that is very hard to put down and almost impossible to forget for a while.
I really enjoyed the changes in rhythm throughout the reading. The reader may think they just met the main character, but Kosa is the only aspect that prevails, because this is her story. She may be outside and looking into it ―ironic, bearing in mind she cannot escape both her situation and the house she lives in― but everything happens around her whether she likes it or not.
I especially liked the darkest scenes, because I was waiting for them and they still managed to surprise me. There are a couple of things at the end that were just too convenient plot wise, but it did not affect the general satisfaction. This is my first John Durgin, but it will definitely not be the last.

Kosa was absolutely fun to read! A creepy Rapunzel retelling. This would be great as a movie! You better not stay at the little rental house in the woods.. There’s a witch with strange pet cats, kids often go missing, and you might end up captured! Poor sweet Kosa, I felt so bad for her. I love the author’s spin on this tale! Perfect read to cuddle up with some blankets over the weekend.

KOSA
By: John Durgin
-A ruinous and horrifyingly macabre fairytale that will haunt you long after you read the last words.
-The kind of fairy tale that is every horror lovers dream.
John’s new novel had everything that you want in a great horror book, great scenery setting, horror, evil, gore, animals, cannibalism, occults, folklore. A dark and twisted telling of Rapunzel that will have you thinking twice about the woods and your beloved cats. Yo ugh do not want to miss this book!

The cover drew me in immediately.

I have to admit the book started off a little slow for me and I'm not sure if it was just me or what but the writing seemed a little off for me in some places. I almost feel like this was geared a little more toward a younger crowd. I enjoy reading horror and after finishing I realized this was a sort of retelling of Rapunzel. It wasn't a bad book it just didn't hold my attention all to well but I can see this being a hit!

This book was amazing. I am still processing it days later and I wish so badly there was more. But in a good way. This book was so immersive and anxiety-inducing throughout its entirety. With notes of a classic fairytale and absolutely vivid imagery we are pulled into a horrific twist on an already creepy tale. The characters are so well portrayed that at times it’s so easy to love/hate them because they feel so alive. I thoroughly enjoyed this haunting tale!

Reader, your in for a wild ride!
"Kosa" is twisted & intriguing Rapunzel reimagining.
Rapunzel horror, what you think that long hair care
wouldn't drive you mad too?
A fast and easy read. Enjoy!

This was an unexpected spin on a fairy tale. The story has so many moving parts and different perspectives, but they all work together seamlessly. The necessary characters were all fleshed-out, and the atmosphere was ominous. There were so many twists and turns, gore was all in the right places, and the mysteries were fully revealed as it raced toward the end. I loved this book, and I highly recommend it!

Aw man, what is it with me and the horror books I've been reading lately? Either I am becoming totally numb and jaded to the genre or my expectations are just set ridiculously high. Add this one to the #meh pile.

A retelling of Rapunzel but make it horror. Only... it's not that horrorifying. True, there is a witch in the woods and some creepy cat things. There are some kidnapped children. There's some hair eating and some cannibalism. All the ingredients of a really good scary story were there but something about the writing style just fell flat for me.

I felt like I was reading a book geared more towards a YA audience than adults. The gory parts weren't gory enough. The jump scares felt more like peek-a-boo scenes. There was no real dread or tension.

I know I will likely be in the minority here, and I'm ok with that. Looking forward to seeing what you think if you get your hands on this one!

This is a solid re-telling with a good creative spin and plenty of plot twists!

I took two stars off my rating for the dialogue and the plot development of the ending.

From the start I found the dialogue somewhat underdeveloped. It doesn't matter how serious the stakes are if the overall tone feels a bit childish and surface level. I found the dialogue pulled me out from enjoying the flow of the book regularly. Still, the pacing and story had me committed.

The ending got a little repetitive in the way a lot of horror does. Just that usual, never safe loop. I wish it would have wrapped up a little quicker and the punches it served would have landed a little harder in my opinion.

Overall, I had a good time with this book! I think it's a great indie read and had some truly horrific details without going into extreme horror. I think that a lot of authors are under the impression you have to write some truly inhumane things just to get a chill from your reader. This book is proof that if you're creative and a strong enough author, that isn't the case at all.

The death of her parents. the ritual, the mother and son, and so much more had me spooked even as a veteran horror lover. Kudos to this author, you have a lot to be proud of!

In this deliciously dark reimagined version of Rapunzel John Durgin takes the darker side of the fairy tale and runs to the finish line leaving the reader both satisfied and also hooked. This is my first of his work and it most certainly will not be the last.

The author indicates in his afterword that this book was inspired by the Rapunzel fairy tale. I could see some connection to that story but this book is no children's bedtime story. It is dark. The basis of the story is missing children, a topic that must be handled delicately. This author does that but there are still several scenes that will give you the shivers.
I liked how the author gave me a sense of impending disaster. He would develop his characters very well and then let you know, without telling you, that bad things were about to happen.
I didn't get a five-star feeling from this book but it did merit a strong four stars. It's worthy of your time and I recommend it.

By far his best yet!
This guy really knows how to creep me the hell out. Had me hooked from page one and gets more and more unsettling by the page.
Definitely 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️