OMG! OMG! OMG! This book is an absolute hidden gem and a terrifyingly brilliant surprise that had me gripping the pages in sheer suspense! The psychological horror elements tap into the kind of deep, unsettling fears we don’t even realize we have, making for a story that lingers long after the final page. Madison and Johnny are two of the most flawed yet incredibly real characters I’ve read in a long time—both struggling in ways that make them painfully relatable, yet impossible to look away from.

Madison’s journey into the world of a grueling fitness boot camp starts off as a chance at reinvention, but quickly warps into something far more sinister. The eerie atmosphere, the cult-like mentality of the program, and the slow, creeping realization that something is very, very wrong had me on edge the entire time. Meanwhile, Johnny’s battle with addiction takes a horrifying turn as he’s forced into a nightmarish deal that preys on his every weakness. His desperation, the suffocating isolation, and the terrifying presence in his secluded retreat create a tense, claustrophobic dread that only intensifies as the story unfolds.

What makes this book truly exceptional is how it blends psychological torment with outright horror, making you question what’s real, what’s imagined, and just how far someone will go when backed into a corner. The pacing is relentless, the tension is razor-sharp, and the twists are both unexpected and utterly chilling. I won’t spoil how it all comes together, but let’s just say—this book is a ride you won’t see coming.

If you’re a fan of stories that shake you to your core and keep you up at night, this is a must-read. A massive thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company | Mulholland Books for providing me with a digital reviewer copy of this incredibly unique and deeply unsettling novel. You won’t want to miss this one!