Stag Dance contains one novel and three novellas that are each tied together by their overall themes and exploration of gender identity. This format feels very fresh, and I was very interested to see how each of the stories would work with one another in this setup.

After I finished this book, I sat with it for several days before I could really decide how I, personally, felt about it. I thoroughly enjoyed Peters' storytelling, and, upon finishing the first story in this collection (Infect Your Friends and Loved Ones), immediately wanted to read more. However, what I found throughout was that the stories seemed to need more time to develop and unfold. There was so much to explore with each character, and so little space to explore it in. Overall, while I thought the stories were each unique and interesting, I was left wanting at the end of each and didn't feel as satisfied as I would have liked. However, I do think that the discussions happening in this collection are important and Detransition, Baby has climbed to the top of my to be read list. The cover is also just incredible.

For those of you who may not be into <spoiler>animal cruelty</spoiler>, take some caution with the second story in this book.

Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for the eArc of this book!

A genre-bending novel tucked between gritty and visceral novellas that push the limits of literature.

The collection includes the speculative sci-fi "Infect Your Friends and Loved Ones", boarding school obsession in "The Chaser", and claustrophobic "The Masker", insulating the title story "Stag Dance" of an illegal logging outfit in the isolated mountainside.

Horrifying, atmospheric, and a triumph of storytelling, this is a must read for 2025.

The format of 3 short stories and 1 novella isn't something I'd normally be drawn to, but presenting this as one collection really showcased the RANGE and talent of Torrey Peters' writing. Each story was connected in theme and shows a lot of nuance about gender identity and transitioning, explored through different genres. So many complicated feelings and experiences that I've never seen represented quite like this. I would read a full length novel of any of these (or basically I'd read anything she writes) but especially wanted more of Infect Your Friends and Loved Ones!

<blockquote><i>"Lisen's was an insult that jerks a laugh from your person at the shock of it being just so."</i></blockquote>
Torrey Peters is my perfect no-skip writer. Where other authors pull their punches, Peters goes after her characters with a steel chair. Like sinners in the hands of a mean-spirited (but nonetheless very funny) god, they can escape neither their worst fears nor their most dearly held desires, and too bad for them because I love to read about it.
thanks for the arc netgalley i love you forever xoxo

Usually I am not one for short stories and novellas, but I have been craving Trans representation in books lately and this seemed like a perfect fit.
What I was not expecting was to be completely enamored with everything in these pages. I loved the characters and their development, loved the genre hopping, and the representation was just exquisite. Adding this to my favorite shelf as soon as I get my hands on a physical copy. The cover is beautiful as well.

everything should be a novel and stories!! what a treat!!
In her acknowledgments, Torrey Peter shares that these stories were written over the course of ten years, exploring the complication and confusing aspects of transitioning that aren't often talked about. She explores uncomfortable conversations and deeply personal questions, and her use of speculative/horror writing to do so was so strong.
as always with short story collections, some stories were stronger than others for me. "the masker" was my favorite by far, but I truly enjoyed all of them. I need to stop procrastinating on "detransition baby" fr

Stag Dance, written by Torrie Peters, is a collection of short stories set in a pre and post transition world.

Format: NetGalley ebook
Genre: Contemporary fiction
Overall score:⭐️⭐️
Spice level:🌶️

I loved Transition Baby written by this author, however, I did not enjoy this book. It was not written bad, I just did not understand the majority of what the author was writing about. This was definitely a case of a me problem, not a book problem.

"Stag Dance" offers a captivating mix of three short stories and a longer novella by the author of "Detransition, Baby." The collection delves into various genres and timelines while exploring gender identity, sexual orientations, and the fluidity within the spectrum.

It's important to note that the content includes themes such as toxic masculinity, transphobia, misogyny, and animal abuse, making it quite uncomfortable at times. The pacing can feel inconsistent and challenging, with a predominant focus on processing trauma rather than a celebration of trans joy.

Despite this, if you're in the mood for a radical and surreal blend of queer storytelling, "Stag Dance" could be the perfect read for you. Just be prepared for the emotional rollercoaster. Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC.

*My rating is 3.5. The works are compelling, but I finished feeling discombobulated and despairing when I expected joy, power, or even a revenge fantasy. I think others might really resonate with the text though!