Thank you to Simon & Schuster & Sagapress for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Tolly Driver doesn’t have the best reputation. Since his father passed away he has been spiraling a little, just trying to live one moment to the next. What happens next in Tolly’s life is much darker, and he’s going to tell you his story himself. Tolly narrates the series of events that led him to become a Teenage Slasher, and what he had to do to try to stop it.

I feel that this book was such a lovely homage to 80s slasher flicks, but with an entirely new spin on it. We get to see things from the killer’s perspective and hear his inner dialogue as he tries to fight and learn about what’s happening to him. I enjoyed that becoming a slasher wasn’t really a choice and the small details surrounding his abilities. It was quite lovely.

The voice of the character was perfect and there was an excellent balance of trying to learn the mystery of being a slasher with the actual violent slashing. If you like your spooky books gory, don’t worry, you will still get plenty of that too!

At times some of the lore didn’t feel super consistent to me, and there were some slow sections of the book. But overall, I think this is my favourite novel I have read by Stephen Graham Jones and I think it’s a great one to pick up when you want some in depth analysis as slashers.

While I have tried reading this author before (and struggled), I didn't realize that he has the same writing style in most of his books. Here's what I enjoyed - the storyline is quite creative! I enjoyed how the character explains his draw to 'the dark side' if you will. There is a lot left to the imagination including what initially caused his desire to slash. The slasher scenes were representative of those classic slasher movies we all know and love. An homage to the original slashers is always well appreciated.

However, I honestly could not get into this book. Where is the story? Can you find it? Because I couldn't. It felt like there were digressions on top of more digressions to the point where I didn't know what the original scene was or why we went on these digressions. I tried to push through, but it felt like walking in cement. The creative storyline is so buried under unnecessary information/details that it greatly takes away from any form of enjoyment.

Meet Tolly Driver. He's the self-professed, titular teenage slasher.
1989. Lamesa, Texas. We've got a final girl, made-for-TV movies, and Amazing Stories (I loved that show).
SGJ is an author who can be identified just by his initials in the horror world, and his writing is a bit of love or hate. Myself, I continually seek out his books but never really get used to his style. Though really, being off-kilter with horror reads is part of the experience.
I Was A Teenage Slasher took me quite a while to get into. We have a first person voice of Tolly, and the occasional shift to second (to his teenage love, Amber).
But I will say it wrapped to a twisty and rather satisfying ending.
Horror fans - recommended!

Thank you to NetGalley, Stephen Graham Jones and Simon and Schuster Canada for the free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

This was exactly what I’ve come to expect from this author. It’s unique and I love that it was told from the slashers point of view! You never see that and I loved them walking right into all the horror movie tropes! I really enjoyed this one and I recommend this if you liked any of this authors previous novels!

As a horror reader, I have read most of this author's backlist. Many have become favourites and some have... not. This is one that was quickly headed to be one I was not enjoying. SGJ has a very distinct narrative style and unfortunately it didn't work as well in this one.

I requested this one because it might be an upcoming title I would like to review on my Youtube Channel. However, after reading the first several chapters I have determined that this book does not suit my tastes. So I decided to DNF this one.

I have been wanting to read from Stephen Graham Jones for years now so this was a very exciting opportunity! Everything about this was perfect. The writing, setting, overall plot - all of it! Even the "cheesy" parts that would normally make me put a book down were written in a very intentional and self-aware way, each a hat tip to slasher tropes, and were all very enjoyable. My 3-star rating (more like a 3.5) is only because, unfortunately, I'm really not a fan of the slasher genre. I have so much respect for it, especially the concept presented here, that it kind of pains me to not give it a higher rating. With all that being said, overall this was extremely enjoyable, and I could not be more excited to dive into the rest of this author's works. Even the slashers!

3.5 stars I liked it.

this was a lot of fun and a unique take on a slasher novel. this is a kind of a coming off age story from the POV of a teen slasher in the 1980s. There was murder, gore, friendship, finding yourself, and there was some crying from me, twice. This had a few moments that got me choked up.

for me the only issue was that it felt a little too long, some parts of the story felt way to long winded.

overall a good read. thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster Canada | S&S/Saga Press for sharing a digital copy. as always, opinions are my own.

The year Is 1989 in Lamesa, Texas when 17-year old Tolly Driver goes on a killing spree. Tolly is a good kid however, after a traumatic event takes place, he's cursed to kill to seek revenge.

I was a Teenage Slasher is a unique horror/slasher novel filled with gore, blood shed, incredible writing and SGJ's signature dark humor. Think 90s teenage summer slasher movie, that's what this book is and it's incredible.

Told from the perspective of the slasher, the writing style is a mix of confessional / autobiography which instantly captured my attention. SGJ storytelling is truly one of a kind.

What I didn't expect was that ending, I cried. The way the story ended was so heartfelt. I freaking loved everything about this novel!

Huge thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada for this ARC in exchange for a review. You made this horror/slasher lover, a very happy gal!

I was a teenage slasher surprised me, it brought all the slasher elements I’ve come to expect from Stephen Graham Jones but in a completely new light that was refreshing in the horror genre. I really enjoyed Tolly Driver as a character and the way he told his story, after all aren’t all slashers just violent love stories in the end?

I worry I may be burnt out on SGJ slashers after finishing the Indian Lake trilogy earlier this year. But it's still SGJ, so it's obviously going to be well written, funny, dark, and brutal. The voice of MC Tolly is great for the story, angsty but also a bit removed and unemotional towards the violence he brings on his classmates. It reminds me of Dexter, and the rural high school setting felt like Clown in a Cornfield, so if you liked either of those, you'll like this.

I Was a Teenage Slasher by Stephen Graham Jones is an homage to teen slasher films but with a twist. The story is told in the first voice and perspective of Tolly Driver, the teenage slasher of the title. But the tale is not all gore and killing. This is also a coming-of-age tale about being an outsider, of fighting against your worst impulses, and about the kind of friendship that can endure even when they are aware of those impulses. Tolly makes a surprisingly sympathetic character even as he transforms into a monster. His relationship with Amber, his best friend and fellow misfit, is one of the best things in an already very enjoyable tale and gives real heart to this story. The story is set in small town Texas in 1989 and Jones gives a pitch perfect description of the time and place. And if that isn’t enough to make you want to read this slasher/coming of age tale, there is a nice touch of humour running through it as Jones slyly, but clearly affectionately, pokes fun at the many rules and tropes of the genre.

Thanks to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster Canada for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review

I think i need to make it a point to read more by Stephen Graham Jones because every time i do, i just have the best time. I Was A Teenage Slasher is my third book by him and i loved it. The story was a unique take on the slasher genre, and i love the connection to horror movies and all their rules. Tolly was so fun to follow around, his narration felt incredibly refreshing. and it was funny too! Had a couple moments that had me chuckling. The kill scenes were great, and the ending both sweet and sad. The friendship between Tolly and Amber was fantastic and i really enjoyed reading about it. I do think it got a little slow in the middle part, this book is very character driven, so for me, some moments dragged a little too much. But overall, i’d recommend this one without hesitation!

I freaking loved this coming-of-age slasher story and it's in my top 5 fave books by SGJ now! It's a fictional autobiography from the perspective of Tolly Driver, teenage slasher.

I really enjoyed being in Tolly's head and following things from his point of view. His friendship with Amber was so sweet and beautiful. SGJ's writing was fantastic and I didn't want to put the book down until I finished - it pulled me right in! The gore was heavy and emotions were high. What more could you want?

Also the ending + the acknowledgements were so goooood 😭

Between Jade Daniels, the ultimate final girl, and now Tolly Driver, SGJ is becoming the king of slashers and I freaking love it 🙌🏾

To all the horror fans out there - you need to pick this one up!

Wow I never thought that I would feel sympathetic towards a killer but in Stephen Graham Jones book I Was A Teenage Slasher I felt it towards Tolly Driver. This was such a refreshing take on the slasher trope and I appreciated the teenage slasher’s own perspective and evolution, a true love letter to the genre.

Read this if you like:
-growing up in a small town along with its struggles
-autobiographical memoir of a teenage slasher told by a killer in a heartfelt, at times humorous and also tragic
-exploration of family, and especially friendships and the meaning of love
-portrayal of teenage slasher from a somewhat empathetic lens
-tinges of nostalgia
-slasher horror trope Easter Eggs

My rating 4 out of 5

Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada (Saga Press) for this eARC that will be published July 16 2024.

I Was A Teenage Slasher is only the second Stephen Graham Jones novel I’ve read (I know, I know) so I was a little unsure what to expect and whether or not I’d enjoy it. Overall, it was entertaining and I was invested in Tolly and his “transformation”.

Flipping the script on the slasher narrative means that we’re along for the ride as Tolly navigates this world and fights against himself and the slasher steps/stereotypes. Reading this novel from the slasher’s POV kept me entertained and engaged the whole way through. Complex characters that aren’t simply “good” or “bad” are my favourite and the internal and external struggles were explored effortlessly.

The descriptions of Texas are so stunning and beautiful. Anyone who grew up in a small town will appreciate this and those who didn’t might wish that they had. This is certainly a perfect example of “writing what you know” executed flawlessly.

Above all else I enjoyed the relationship between Tolly and Amber the most. It’s so pure and refreshing to reflect on those high school friendships. The friends who, no matter what, had your back but also weren’t afraid to challenge you. This is such a humanizing and important aspect in the novel.

I Was A Teenage Slasher was a solid 4⭐️ read for me and is out today! I’m looking forward to reading some more SGJ.

Thank you to @netgalley and @simonschusterca for access to an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I unfortunately couldn't get into this one. I felt like it was just dragging and not much was really happening. So unfortunately this is a DNF for me

Thank you so much to the besties @sagapress & @simonschusterca for the #Gifted advanced copy of this thrilling book!

One 1️⃣ word review: Schting!

Emoji Review: 🎺🥜🚚🦙🔪🩸🐕🎥

💭: 💭: I’m a huge fan of SGJ’s writing for many reasons. His voice is unique, fresh, and the writing is always chef’s kiss. 💋

I was ecstatic to receive a copy of this book and I devoured it pretty quickly.

One of my friend’s reviews states that this book was written like a memoir from the MC Tolly Driver, and I couldn’t agree more.

Tolly Driver and Amber ‘Big Plume’ Dennison are best friends and they have an unspeakable bond. Their friendship gave me a “found family” vibe, which I’m all about. Amber took care of Tolly even at his worst, knowing that he was a killer.

I can’t say a whole lot without giving away spoilers so I’ll just highlight a few things I enjoyed.

Things I liked:

⁃ Diversity representation
⁃ Coming of age teenage slasher autobiography
⁃ Perfect Summerween read
⁃ Tribute to Slasher films
⁃ The pacing was perfect 👍
⁃ Not a popcorn thriller
⁃ Serial killer trope

I would highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a horror book that also touches you on an emotional level. Tolly is a monster but still human, this is his story and I think you’d love it.

This is the story of how Tolly Driver becomes a slasher. Stephen Graham Jones flips the narrative and shows readers a coming of age tale blended with slasher horror. There is a constant tension while Tolly devolves into a villain with a single focus, while still maintaining some lighthearted humour.

The language in I Was a Teenage Slasher is a little more streamlined and colloquial than that of The Indian Lake Trilogy, though the story meanders while Tolly explains the full catalyst for his turning. The setting of Lamesa, Texas in 1989 stands on its own as a character as the story is propelled around the area. While dark and gory, like SGJ's typical offerings, IWATS also offers more focus on family, grief, friendship and transformation.

If you have a peanut allergy, maybe skip this one.

Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book. These opinions are completely my own.



Great book for lovers of the Slasher movie genre. It has a lot of fun twists and turns that kept me engaged and entertained. I got a little slow at times, but overall really good.

I Was A Teenage Slasher is a love letter to and about identity. It's the sweetest, cutest, goriest and most blood-splattered love letter you'll ever read. You're going to love every word of it.

Tolly Driver has lived his youth as a regular, run-of-the-mill, awkward boy in Lamesa, Texas. He has a best friend, a girl, they should have ended up together but didn't. Tale as old as time. He has an allergy, as most awkward kids do. A sad and tragic event in his childhood that the whole town knows about, so the awkward kid is also considered fragile. All of which makes him the perfect guy to tease or bully. The idea that you have to be careful around him doesn't apply when you're going to bully him.

One night some popular kids go too far. It isn't the first time they've gone too far but you'll have to get your own copy for the details. I don't want to spoil any of this fantastic reading experience for you.

The story of Tolly becoming a slasher and what unfolds will remind you of what it was like growing up. A constant state of becoming, working towards being one thing or another. How definitions and expectations are either known or unknown but apply either way. Being a teenager is a messy time.

We might not be slashers but the narratives of our lives fit well with the formula of slashers, which is one of the reasons they work so well. I knew kids like Tolly growing up. I recognize some of his experiences. I remember bullying. I remember revenge. I remember messy relationships and all the different people who had different star-crossed lover scenarios playing out, sometimes more than once.

Stephen Graham Jones has released a familiar and relatable killer into the world. You'll be thankful that he did. I bet you're going to root for him, too. I know I do.