You definitely have to love SGJ's more recent trademark-style stream-of-consciousness to enjoy this book, so be aware. For me, this was too similar to the Indian Lake Trilogy to fully enjoy, particularly since I just read/re-read all 3 earlier this year. Perhaps it would work better for me at a further remove from what, to me, felt like a better-executed version of this.

is a fresh take on the slasher still possible in 2024, after writing a magnificent slasher trilogy (indian lake), amidst a horror resurgence? i was a teenage slasher answers with a resounding yes. it might be jones' most fun book to date. go behind the mask as an unlikely new slasher reluctantly awakens, discovers his powers, learns the lore, and faces off against his final girl. it's a funny slasher teenage love story.

Revenge, gore, final girl, horror tropes, nostalgia, and off-the-wall slasher moments—it's all in here. Enjoy. This book is 100% awesome on audiobook which I had via the Libro.FM ALC program, with amazing narration that feels like a blend of Prairie Home Companion meets Stephen Graham Jones/Grady Hendrix in the best way. Thank you Saga Press for the review copy and also for supporting authors such as Jones.

Wow, Stephen Graham Jones knows his horror and slasher tropes and does them justice with every book, but this one?! It’s fascinating, 100% engrossing, and completely unpredictable. I hope many read it, love it, and then explore his earlier work.

I Was a Teenage Slasher is a first-person memoir-style story of that summer when the protagonist became a teenage slasher (and don’t worry, Jones isn’t justifying slashing; he’s not that kind of writer). He masterfully blends nostalgia with a slow summer vibe in teenage Texas, while moving into some WTF bonkers revenge slasher scenes. He also offers a complex ode to the final girl (Jones does love a final girl story!).

I am impressed with how much this book grabbed me, especially once it got going, and how Jones made it all work in a unique plot that almost left me a little misty-eyed.

I Was A Teenage Slasher takes place in 1989 Lamesa Texas that is a small west Texas town driven by oil and cotton and it is about Tolly Driver who is a normal boy untill he gets cursed with a bloodlust for revenge. This author is at the top of my list and I highly enjoy the books he writes especially this one. The book will keep you invested and turning pages until the very last page. I loved how this was told from the perspective of the killer and has so much heart but also emotion. This book I highly enjoyed and I can not wait for the author's next book called The Buffalo Hunter Hunter which is coming out next year in March. If you love a good horror book then I highly recommend this one because this is one you do not want to miss! Thank you to NetGalley and Saga Press for this amazing book in exchange of my honest review of I Was A Teenage Slasher by Stephen Graham Jones.

{3.5 stars}

Thanks to Saga Press for gifted access via NetGalley. All opinions below are my own.

"Tolly Driver, always part of the problem, never the solution."

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"Cartoon princesses have little birds that flit around them every morning, and whistle sweet nothings to greet the new day? Imagine what a slasher must wake to?"

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Ok, don't read this one if you have a weak stomach for violence. This is a story told from the point of view of a teenager who becomes a killer. We get the background of the town and the cliques of people within it and then an inciting incident, actually two inciting incidents. Tolly and his best friend Amber start to put together the clues to the how and why he is suddenly compelled to kill despite his conscience. They figure out his mask, his motives, his killing methods and the superhuman abilities bestowed on him as a "slasher."

If you can get through the teenage exchanges that are sometimes cringey, the slasher aspect of this is so fun. I loved that it was Tolly looking back at these incidents so we know he survived them and that he did not go on to be a serial killer. That gets you to quickly believe he is not a reprehensible person and you can follow the story enjoying the morally grey of it all. Also there are so many fun quotables like the ones above.

Read this one if you like Chuck Palahnuik.

The premise of I Was A Teenage Slasher sounded right up my alley but for some reason something about it just wasn't for me. Every once in a while, it seemed like I was missing something.

Stephen Graham Jones once again showcases his undying love and adoration for the slasher genre in horror. The small town vibes + coming of age + final girls and all that comes in between are on full display. This might become my favorite book of his so far, and that's saying something. But with each horror novel and each slasher novel Jones changes the entire game!

When you love an author, it's difficult to judge a book on its own merits, and not compare it to other works by the same author. Or other works in general. Sometimes books get a bad rap because they're unfairly compared to other titles. Having said that, I'm going to give a few thoughts on this book. First I'll outline my thoughts about its merits as its own story, and then a few comparisons to other works by Stephen Graham Jones.

I'm giving this book four stars. It's fun, funny, insightful, and has that splash of blood fans of slashers enjoy. The book starts out high octane. Our narrator, Tolly Driver, begins the book with a story about a high school prank that goes awry. Which then leads to a second high school bullying scene. These two scenes begin the blood bath right in the first few pages. If there's any flaw in the book, it's that we're not quite familiar with who Tolly is at the beginning to truly be invested in him, and so there could be a bit more of an emotional tie between the reader and Tolly when he's bullied at Deek's party.

Nevertheless, the scene is effective because well, no one should get bullied like those kids bullied Tolly. Anyway, from there, we see Tolly's journey, as he learns to navigate his newfound life as a victim, and soon to be Slasher. The story is most effective in the relationship between Tolly and his best friend Amber. Their dynamic is interesting and heartbreaking on a number of levels and is what drives the novel to fruition. Overall, the story is cinematic, engaging, and moves quickly, and is filled with heart. Stephen Graham Jones is a rare horror author who can layer a tale three levels deep and embed a horror story with a humanity rarely seen in the genre.

He does that here with I Was A Teenage Slasher, even if I found the ending just a touch sentimental. Some of the sentimentality at the end pulled me out of the ambience and tone of the novel just a touch, but not so much it ruined the effect of the book. Between that touch of sentimentality, and not knowing a bit more about Tolly (especially his thoughts about his Dad) before the blood bath's started were the novels few hang-ups for me. Overall, I loved the story. It's perfect for those who love slashers, especially those slasher tales with a hint of the supernatural, unanswered questions, events that make you question reality, and characters to root for.

Now, on to some other thoughts in general about this book compared to others in the Stephen Graham Jones canon. First, if you want to read and understand Stephen Graham Jones you need to watch all the slasher flicks, but you also need to know and understand he loves An Officer and a Gentleman. Watch it if you're going to be a fan of Stephen's stories. He's included that film in his short stories Refinery Road and Boys with Guitars, and now I Was A Teenage Slasher. So watch it.

Second. In my opinion, Tolly isn't as awesome as Jade, not even close (And really, they probably shouldn't be compared because Tolly is a slasher and Jade's a final girl)), but as far as main character's go, I would still love Jade more. She's a bit more complex, and overcomes a bit more, even in one book--My Heart is a Chainsaw compared to what we get with Tolly in his book. This is one of those unfair comparisons people do with novels, but there it is. I know enough to know I can judge this book on it's own merits.

Third. Some people found Chainsaw a bit too slow as far as the book getting into the slashing. I get that (but I loved the pacing of that book as it was, it really helped us learn more about Jade, the Lake Witch and so much more), so I have to say, if you're on the fence about Teenage Slasher because you found the slashing too slow in Chainsaw, this one is probably more your style.

Fourth. This book is more straightforward than the Indian Lake Trilogy, The Only Good Indians, and Mongrels, so if you need something less complex, try this one. I think you'll love it. I did.

Fifth. Put on some Cinderella, Ratt, Vixen, and Lita Ford while you read this. You can't go wrong.

I LOVED THIS BOOK AND ALREADY NEED A REREAD!

Something about SGJ is that he will make me cry while reading a BLOODY horror novel.

Never in my life did I think I'd be rooting for a slasher, but here we are...

Please do yourself a favor and pick this book up!!

Thanks to NetGalley and Saga Press for the ARC!

4.5 stars

I knew there was a reason I keep reading SGJ's books despite not loving them as much as I want to, and this book is exactly why! This was exactly what I wanted it to be, and I had a GREAT time. This would make an awesome meta slasher movie (my personal favorite sub sub genre), and I'm crossing all my fingers for an adaptation.

Tolly Driver is a 17-year-old boy living in a small Texas town in 1989, mostly unremarkable, until something bizarre happens. Out of his control, he becomes a slasher. Like a full-on supernatural reflexes, healing, and bloodlust---with all the corresponding movie archetype rules---slasher. Reading about his rampage in his own words, and the contrast between his normal inner monologue observing his horrific actions is way more entertaining than it has any right to be. Pair this with the genuine platonic love between Tolly and his best friend Amber who's both desperate to save him from his affliction and you've got *art*. This is the perfect summer horror book that gives me the same modern-take-on-a-classic as the Fear Street movie trilogy.

I've read the Indian Lake trilogy, all of which were around 3.5 stars for me, and this book took the parts of those that I enjoyed and enhanced them, and mostly cut the things I didn't. One thing that's still present are the infamously long chapters, but they didn't feel as much like a slog here since I was more engaged. The rambly voice is still present but works with the story, and the meta horror references land on the fun side instead of excessive, since this time they come mostly from Tolly's best friend and not his own mind, where we're living. Additionally, minor spoiler, if you didn't like the supernatural twist that "My Heart is a Chainsaw" took in the last act, you'll appreciate the very early establishing of world rules in this one, like I did. So glad I gave this author's work another try! Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

I took my time with I WAS A TEENAGE SLASHER, choosing to savor over binge. A new Stephen Graham Jones novel is always a reason to celebrate. This might be my new favorite because I loved the main character, Tolly Driver, so, so much. He was a sweet goof, one of those average kids you would expect to live a good, average life. The kind of guy who would probably live in his hometown from his sunrise to his sunset. I'm sorry to say that didn't happen because of circumstances beyond Tolly's control. Instead, the poor guy got infected and became a Slasher. I really loved the chapters where Tolly's best friend, Amber Big Plume Dennison, is helping him figure out his slasher powers. The parts with the knives, axes, and spoons made me chuckle. In fact, a lot of this book made me chuckle. Tolly's voice was just so genuine and kind, which is surprising for a guy who ends up killing a bunch of people. I wish things could have been different for him. I applaud SGJ for writing ANOTHER horror novel that made me cry at the end. Thanks dude.

Get this book! Get this book! Get it!

And many thanks to NetGalley and Saga Press for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Saga Press & Stephen Graham Jones for this great read!

Wow what can I say - this book is so much more than a slasher. It's a very personal memior about growing up, love and so much more. I loved the references to slasher tropes which is usual for the authors books.

This book is a slow burn and if you're after a quick read that is fast paced then this book isn't for you. But if you're looking for a book from a slashers POV that will leave you sitting there at the end almost speechless then this is for you! The ending will stick with me for a long time.

The style of writing is something people will either hate or love and I do feel it takes a little while to get used to but when you get used to it the pay off is certainly worth it.

A great read that I know will be one of the top reads of many readers this year!

1989 Lamesa, Texas is home to 17 year old Tolly Driver. He’s an average kid who is about to be cursed with the unquenchable thirst for revenge. As he transforms into his best slasher self readers get a first hand account of what it’s like to become all things slasher. However, as Tolly is changing his final girl is changing too…will you find yourself rooting for the killer or the final girl in this slasher story?!

My thoughts: I loved this! Slasher is my favorite horror trope and getting to read the story from the slashers POV was everything I didn’t know I needed! I really enjoyed how SGJ has the slasher be a transformation instead of just there he is on a killing spree. It was so creative to see the way he wrote classic slasher film rules into this story. I was amazed to see how he could write Tollys character to not only be gruesome, but also relatable. I also really enjoyed Ambers character. As Tollys best friend and partner in crime the duo had great chemistry. Ambers slasher knowledge base was helpful in guiding her best friend through what was happening to him. This is once again a read from SGJ that did not disappoint and I’m looking forward to working my way through his collection of all things horror!

Where do I even start? This book has rendered me completely speechless. I read it in one day, the. immediately listened to the audiobook the next. I was simply not ready to part with these characters.

IWATS is completely like anything I expected. I knew we would be in the killer’s POV this time around, but I did not expect to sympathize for my man Tolly so much. SGJ writes with his typical conversational, stream-of-consciousness style and it’s so enjoyable and unique. It flows like a diary and the writing works so well in this genre.

If you loved Chainsaw, Mongrels, or Night of the Mannequins, you’ll absolutely love this one. Up there with TOGI for me.

I mean, look... Jade Daniels is a hard act for any horror MC to follow, so props to Tolly Driver for giving it his best shot.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record when it comes to SGJ, I'll keep it short and sweet: I WAS A TEENAGE SLASHER was bizarre and bloody, unexpectedly touching, and a whole lot of fun. Tolly, the reluctant slasher, was a captivating main character, and a strong new addition to Stephen Graham Jones's cadre of misunderstood small-town antiheroes. The story itself takes a long while to get where it's going, and I don't think the supernatural elements of the plot were as memorable as some of his other books, but this was still an exciting, incredible read.

SGJ is at it again in this bloody, fast paced, summer slasher. But this time it's all told from the side of the (unwilling) villian. I love this concept, it's so much fun, and I think SGJ did a great job sprinkling in silliness into this very self-aware story. Tolly Driver is genuinely very funny, and I felt he had a phenomenal voice. I've never been a 17 year old boy growing up in Texas, but I have to assume that this story really hits it on the head. And humor aside, this book has surprising emotional punch as well. I shouldn't doubt that SGJ will be able to make me cry at this point, and yet I was surprised to find tears on my cheeks while reading this. Overall, this book is the perfect fun summer horror read, and it plays just like a slasher film in the very best way! Spot on 💖

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy of I WAS A TEENAGE SLASHER in exchange for an honest review.

Stephen Graham Jones has done it again, giving slashers a whole new meaning through the eyes of 17-year-old Tolly Driver as he becomes a living example. That’s right. The poor kid gets infected under circumstances you’ll have to read to even believe. But let’s just say almost dying by consuming peanuts accidentally has a way of turning Tolly’s world upside down. I WAS A TEENAGE SLASHER has a strong male teenaged voice making it at once relatable and hysterical. The events that last over four days are told seventeen years after that fateful weekend taking place in a small West Texas town at every slasher fan’s favorite moment in the movies—the party. Throw in Osh Kosh the judgey llama and you’ve got a hit here. And of course, the classic slasher is not complete without an unexpected twist at the end—one so massive it’s life changing, as if anaphylactic shock wasn’t enough for the poor kid. By the end, I had a deeper connection to the slasher character along with a deeper understanding of how traumatic that sort of transformation will have on a teenager already going through puberty and nothing much to show for his short life quite yet. This is a must read for all horror fans looking for something new, exciting, funny, and gruesome. 10/10–will recommend to everyone I know.

With the creation of Jade Daniels from The Indian Lake Trilogy, Stephen Graham Jones gave us a Final Girl for the ages. "I Was A Teenage Slasher" aims to show us the other side of the slasher equation –this time from the killer's perspective. Tolly Driver was a troubled teenaged kid from West Texas, dealing with the (horrible) accidental death of his dad and surviving High School bullies (and a peanut allergy), when he was turned into a slasher. A masked, fast-limping, hidden in the shadows, murderous monster after the lives of those who wronged him. The novel takes the form of his autobiography, written 17 years removed from the events, and ends up being a surprisingly heartfelt, coming of age story between Tolly and his best friend, Amber. Echoes of Jade Daniels reverberate through Amber, "the only Indian at Lamesa High", who imparts Tolly with the genre knowledge they need to maneuver the changes in both their lives. And that's the biggest mark against this novel: Jade Daniels looms large over it, her complexity completely eclipsing Tolly Driver's characterization and internal monologues. Tolly is at his most interesting not when he is off killing his victims or ruminating about the sensory changes he is experiencing as he turns into a slasher, but when he is hanging out with his friend Amber. And as he figures out his feelings for her. Still, the novel features plenty of gore, surprising laughs, some sweet, nostalgic passages, and functions as an interesting deconstruction of the slasher, with enough to recommend it (particularly for non-genre hounds who might have felt intimidated by Jade's encyclopedic knowledge in the Indian Lake Trilogy).

Whenever a new Stephen Graham Jones book comes out, I want to like it. He's great at a logline.

But the execution always bores me to tears, and this new book was no exception. There are clever moments, even a few where I was genuinely having fun, but they're bogged down by introspection, dull passages about the nature of the protagonist's curse and subsequent lot in life. It's not fun. This is a slasher, and slashers should be fun, right?

Wow! I always love Stephen Graham Jones’s work, but this one really hit it out of the ballpark for me.

A summer house party triggers an unexpected chain of events that sets Tolly Driver down the path to becoming a slasher, whether he wants to or not. When Tolly and his best friend Amber realize what is happening, they have to use their knowledge of slasher movies to try to end the cycle before it’s too late. Set in the late 1980s, full of that good ol’ 80s nostalgia, and with plenty of good twists, this book explores how slashers come to life and are able to carry out the seemingly impossible, approaching the slasher genre in a unique and engaging way. I’d never thought I’d cry about a slasher, but here we are. I can’t recommend this book enough to any horror lover and would love to use this book with my college students as an exploration of the genre.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!