Notes from the Shelf

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The Honeys by Ryan La Sala is a 344-page Young Adult horror novel. Mars has always been the shadow to his twin sister Caroline’s radiance. However, when Caroline dies under horrific circumstances, Mars must learn all he can about his once-inseparable sister who’d grown distant in the months leading up to her death.

Mars’s genderfluidity means he’s often excluded from the traditions and expectations of his politically-connected family. This included attendance at the prestigious Aspen Conservancy Summer Academy where his sister spent so much of her time. But with his grief still fresh, he insists on taking Caroline’s spot at the camp.

What Mars finds there is folksy charm and sun-drenched festivities that hid the old-fashioned gender roles and toxic preparatory rigor. Mars seeks out his sisters old friends: a group of girls dubbed the Honeys, named for the beehives they maintain behind their cabin. They are beautiful and terrifying, and Mars believes they’re connected to Caroline’s death.

The longer he stays at Aspen, the more his memories begin to falter. Something is hunting him here, toying with his mind. If Mars can’t find it soon, it will eat him alive.

The Honeys was not at all what I expected; it was much creepier than I thought a YA would be and a wild read. The end is absolutely unhinged. I’m a little disappointed by the ending though. I thought maybe Mars wouldn’t go with the Honeys, and become the queen. After the way all of them treated Mars, I was sad he ended up just embracing the group. However, it was still well worth reading and a very quick read, too.

I give The Honeys 4 stars.

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