Old Wounds is one of the first books that I’ve read where the title ends up hitting me right in the feels.

The story of two trans teens setting off is an interesting story on its own; add in a night of absolute horror and you’ve got yourself a rip roar in’ good time.

I struggled a bit to stay fully immersed in the story, and found I would “bounce out” somewhat frequently and have to reread paragraphs.

There is one section where Max exits the water twice without reentry and that is one of my biggiest book pet peeves- hoping to get that info to the publishers before it goes live, though.

Other than that this is a great queer horror novel and I’ll definitely read more from Logan-Ashley in the future.

This book was a wild, wild ride and I enjoyed every minute of it.

I found the characters of Erin and Max to be really compelling. They acted like authentic ‘teenagers’ which is to say selfish, short-sighted, and emotional but trying their absolute best. They had distinct voices with each of their POVs and you can see how their experiences shaped who they were.

On the other hand, I really wish the antagonists were more realized and three-dimensional. This isn’t to say that I wanted to see their ‘good’ side or have them be redeemed. But there were a lot of unanswered questions about how and why people did the things they did. This is all hand-waved away with a line about how in real life, we don’t get answers. But that’s the point, this is a book! I want some answers at least.

Old Wounds brings me so much excitement for the future of horror lit. This is not just horror with trans people. This is TRANS-CENTRIC horror. The character's transness is integral to their lived experiences, their worldviews, and their nightmares.

With references to trans history and media as well as tons of rad symbolism, Old Wounds has a lot of discussion points. I anticipate this book will be a great fit for book clubs. On the other hand, while I wouldn't call this book light reading, I think it can be enjoyed for the thrill of it if analysis isn't your thing. I love a good creature-feature!

I recommend heeding the author's note and minding content warnings. While this book features fictional horrors, it also taps into very real horrors that trans folks face.

Thank you to Delacorte Press for the chance to check this ARC out for free. I'm leaving this review of my own accord.

this was exactly what i was looking for in a book! as a trans person it was so amazing to read and we need more queer stories in this genre. i am so very excited to see this authors journey <3

This was a very interesting story and I really loved the mixed horror and thriller and self realization elements. Max and Erin go through a lot in this book and their struggles of being trans teens and the struggles they go through during the events of the book are done very well and I was really impressed with how those aspects were handled. Would highly recommend if you like lgbtq+ literature and love movies like Cabin in the Woods and Midsommer.

"Old Wounds" by Logan-Ashley Kisner is a raw and haunting exploration of trauma, healing, and the indelible marks left by past experiences. Kisner's storytelling is both poignant and unflinching, diving deep into the psyche of characters who are grappling with their histories and seeking redemption. The narrative is beautifully written, with a lyrical quality that juxtaposes the harsh realities of the characters' lives. Through its intricate plot and deeply human portrayals, "Old Wounds" offers a powerful commentary on the enduring impact of pain and the resilience required to overcome it. This novel is a testament to Kisner's ability to weave a story that is both heart-wrenching and hopeful, making it a must-read for those who appreciate nuanced and emotionally charged fiction.

I received this book through Netgalley for an honest review.

Old Wounds is about two transgender teenagers on the run to California. Though when they get stuck in a small town after having "issues" with their car they soon find out this place harbors a monster that demands a “female sacrifice".

My stomach dropped reading this, I cried, I laughed, this had a bit of everything and it was an absolute joy/terror to read.
Between feeling for both characters and their personal struggles as you follow what's going on in their lives now as they try to survive as newly adults and being trans in a town that just wants them both dead and their backstories one showing what it's like living in a transphobic household and the other being in a broken home but still having the support they needed to become who they were meant to be all the while ending up here with their ex.

Old Wounds not only shows you what it's like to live in a transphobic situation but also a misogynistic one. Slowly learning that this monster might not be the enemy they quite thought it was and that it might just be the people around them.

This was a great read! It was a crazy tale but sheds light onto the struggles as a transitional teen. It was very interesting and I’m so glad I read it.

old wounds is an upcoming horror novel about a kentuckian cryptid that is fed young girls as sacrifice in exchange for stopping bad things from happening in the local community. but when sex and gender are not the same, how does it decide who to choose?
when two trans teens, on the run from conservative ohio, find themselves trapped in the backwoods of this folk-esque nightmare, they are forced to come face-to-face with this dilemma, as well as the beast itself. is max a danger to erin, or is erin a danger to max?
logan-ashley creates the ultimate trans horror akin to the powerful voice of alison rumfitt. the themes are sharp and the discussions controversial. the feeling of dread follows you throughout like a creature in the night.
i see myself in max and my trans sisters in erin. our voices are finally being heard and represented, and i cannot wait for logan-ashley to be at the forefront of this media liberation. thank you to netgalley and to the author for this arc.

This book was incredible! I loved the rich imagery and the fantastic characters. This was done so well! It was so refreshing to see trans main characters and have the plot centered around their queerness. I’d love to see more stories like this! Maybe if there were it would t have taken me until 40 to come out. Kudos to the author, what a phenomenal first novel!

*Thriller*Excitement
While this was not my favorite book, I did enjoy the story. It was different from my usual reads. The characters were great. Would definitely recommend this book.

This book exceeded all my expectation. Two transgender teenagers leave Ohio to head to California for a better life. During this road trip they experience car trouble leaving them in a small town. The locals in this town aren't what they seem to be. This book kept my interest throughout and had me cheering for the teenagers until the very end.

Thank you NetGalley & the publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Cryptids, horror, LGTBQIA+ , great trans representation what else could get better? Murder, death? This was a great book, fast read and at some points I was terrified for max & Erin. I felt like I was sitting there in the backseat of the car. I would definitely read another by this author. I can’t wait to read the final proof & more by this author. Thanks to netgalley & the publisher for ARC!

Trans horror is so special, and this book is purely, unequivocally trans. It's hard to explain the starkness with the way it portrays the feeling of your very being shoved into a box to die a slow, horrifying death, and how much fear, anger, and pure need can come from that reality. Not only that, this book is so sure in its transness, it reveals in it, in the right for trans kids to exists. As much as being trans can cause horror, it is not their fault that some deny their reality. Who they are is not a question. Yes, they can be messy and emotional and make wrong decisions, but they are all that and they are still trans.

Supernatural horror twists with the horror of humanity, and it makes for a fantastic book.

I devoured this book …pun intended! It was what I want in a thriller with lots of twists and some nail biting scenes. I loved reading about characters that are normally written about and we need more. Stories with trans people can be just as compelling as a cisgender person. Those kids had a lot of spunk. They fought monsters that were human and supernatural.

Powerful and gripping. An emotional journey through 2 characters talking about their experiences with transitioning all while running from a crypitid ready to consume them both.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!

This was really well done! Beautiful characters and storytelling, a compelling narrative, and it really propelled forward and rested in appropriate sections. Really great

Sadly this just wasn’t for me. The monster was cool and very visceral, the premise was great, and Max and Erin were believable characters. There was just something about that I really can’t put my finger on. I think maybe this could have been a short story for me and I would have enjoyed it so much more. It felt very rushed.

I know this book will have an audience. There is a lot of potential here. It just didn’t stick for me.

Thank you NetGalley and Delacorte Press for the Digital ARC.

Thank you to the author, pubishiers and all the others involved making this book in general but also allowing me to read this book via net galley in exchange for an honest review.
Words can not state how much I loved this book. I do believe it could be on track to be a beloved classic. It is simple and effective with its delivery and I am stunned. Its got alot of spunk ,heart and so much blood. I don't want spoil any of it but there are some things that could be triggering to some withen so I would look at that before reading.
If you don't want any form of spoilers don't read further ok? Just go pre order or go ask your library if they can get it.
Anyway Max and Erin were so realistically written they felt like people that I was worried about the whole time. I was like oh no the kids! Someone save the children! But they are both strong and smart and they got that in control.
The trans related horror elements felt like they mattered and were put in carefully, not for shock.
I loved loved loved the monster. If there is art of it floating around if anyone has a link ide love to see!
Its hard for me to review when its something I enjoyed this much.
It felt like a really good horror film and it was vivid till the end.
I hope Max and Erin meet again and get ice cream or something nice.

I really loved this, and immediately it enters my trans horror literary canon alongside Andrew Joseph White and H.E. Edgmon. I love a spooky forest, I love queer kids in complicated situations, and I love Creatures, so really this had it all. I couldn't help but think of my younger brother, who has a hard time passing, and has often confided in me in his jealousy of our trans cousin who so easily passes, and it made me weepy for much of this book. The fact that the cryptid almost defied my expectations by not NOT eating Erin because she was trans, but because she just wasn't scared, was very cool actually. I love the fact that these two kids are trans and it defines their entire lives, but it does not define the reason they weren't killed. That's just because they've been through enough shit that they just weren't afraid anymore. I thought that was super cool.