trang thanh tran’s writing sucks the reader in so well i’m convinced i’d read their grocery list. this sophomore novel— very different from tran’s debut, yet just as queer & just as good (perhaps even better?)— is one of my favorite subgenres of horror: ocean horror. poetic, intense, heart-pulsing. tran is a voice to be cherished in the YA horror space.

Thank you Netgalley and Bloomsbury USA for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

“They Bloom at Night” by Trang Thanh Tran is a haunting, atmospheric horror novel that deftly blends Vietnamese folklore and eco-horror. This is also a survivor story involving the main character healing from her trauma. The story centers on Noon and her mother who are left navigating their ruined hometown of Mercy, Louisiana, following a devastating hurricane and the subsequent spread of a toxic red algae bloom. This algae, which contaminates the water and warps local marine life, symbolizes nature’s revenge against human exploitation, while also transforming those it infects—Noon included. As she slowly succumbs to eerie, physical changes, Noon must confront the literal and figurative monsters haunting her world. Before going into this book, I do want to provide a content warning for SA. While not actually depicted in the book, the SA does become a major motivator for Noon and her transformation and also provides some feminist commentary towards the end. Also, I wanted to provide a content warning for body horror, which is pretty prominent throughout the book.

Noon’s journey is more than a monster hunt; it’s a quest for justice and self-acceptance. The story explores her gender identity and sexuality, as well as the deep-seated pain of surviving trauma as Noon begins to accept not really fitting as a “girl” while also experiencing physical transformations from the red algae. Noon’s relationship with her unlikely ally, Covey, the daughter of a local bully, evolves from rivalry to an intimate connection. This budding bond is crucial, providing Noon with the companionship and strength she needs to confront her past and her painful present. Together, they uncover hidden truths about Mercy and the horrors lurking beneath its surface—truths that are chillingly relatable, reflecting environmental decay and human indifference. There is also a found family aspect and an adorable cat named Sandbag who remains unharmed and safe throughout the horror parts of the book.

Tran’s writing is filled with eerie visuals, and the plot is infused with a surreal, creeping dread. Readers are plunged into a setting where danger is everywhere, from monstrous sea creatures to the corrosive effects of unaddressed trauma. Yet, while the body horror may unsettle some (I found it a bit difficult to visualize), Tran uses it thoughtfully to underscore Noon’s transformation, blurring the line between victim and survivor, human and monster. The book’s subtle commentary on societal issues—especially regarding the environment, class, and queerness—adds layers of meaning and connection, even if some plot points feel vague or unresolved. There were some plot holes with the town itself and how people were approaching the red algae issue, which I wanted to be explored more. The book touches on sci-fi and dystopian elements while also having supernatural aspects, all to demonstrate the environment’s revenge against the humans that have savaged the natural world.

Although complex at times, “They Bloom at Night” delivers a rich story of self-discovery, familial bonds, and the horrific beauty of reclaiming one’s identity. Noon’s journey toward self-acceptance and revenge provides a cathartic, bittersweet ending, grounding the supernatural horror in real, emotional stakes. With its chilling ambiance and thought-provoking themes, “They Bloom at Night” is a must-read for fans of eco-horror and anyone drawn to horror stories that peel back the layers of human (and inhuman) monstrosity.

INCREDIBLY cool algal horror with some strong queer motifs and some absolutely awesome vibes. i would recommend it, it's shockingly awesome. tysm for the arc. 5 stars.