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The Violent Season
An unputdownable debut about a town marred by violence, a girl ruined by grief, and the harsh reality about what makes people decide to hurt each other. The Violent Season is a searing, unforgettable, and thrilling novel that belongs on shelf with Sadie and Girl in Pieces.
Every November, the people in Wolf Ridge are overwhelmed with a hunger for violence--at least that's the town rumor. Last fall Wyatt Green's mother was brutally murdered, convincing Wyatt that this yearning isn't morbid urban legend. but rather a palpable force infecting her neighbors.
This year, Wyatt fears the call of violence has spread to her best friend Cash--who also happens to be the guy she can't stop wanting no matter how much he hurts her. At the same time, she's drawn to Cash's nemesis Porter, now that they're partners on an ambitious project for lit class. When Wyatt pulls away from Cash, and spends more time with Porter, she learns secrets about both of them she can't forget.
And as the truth about her mother's death begins to emerge from the shadows, Wyatt is faced with a series of hard realities about the people she trusts the most, rethinking everything she believes about what makes people decide to hurt each other.
Every November, the people in Wolf Ridge are overwhelmed with a hunger for violence--at least that's the town rumor. Last fall Wyatt Green's mother was brutally murdered, convincing Wyatt that this yearning isn't morbid urban legend. but rather a palpable force infecting her neighbors.
This year, Wyatt fears the call of violence has spread to her best friend Cash--who also happens to be the guy she can't stop wanting no matter how much he hurts her. At the same time, she's drawn to Cash's nemesis Porter, now that they're partners on an ambitious project for lit class. When Wyatt pulls away from Cash, and spends more time with Porter, she learns secrets about both of them she can't forget.
And as the truth about her mother's death begins to emerge from the shadows, Wyatt is faced with a series of hard realities about the people she trusts the most, rethinking everything she believes about what makes people decide to hurt each other.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published October 5, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 535 reviews
May 25, 2022
Whaaat? This freaking nerve bending, claustrophobic, intense, disturbing small town mystery scared the living daylights out of me!
Think about a town becomes violent at each year’s 11th month: freaky November. ( every town has its own Mike Myers!) Somebody always gets killed! Somebody loses control! Guess who’s gonna be the victim and who’s gonna the killer this time !
I liked the haunted town premise! The hunger and thirst for violence at Wolf Ridge never end! This time the victim is Wyatt Green’s mother. And she finds out Cash the boy she’s yearning for a long time is affected by contagious violent feeling turning the town’s people into animals in human furs.
Being friend with Cash’s old time nemesis Porter is such a mistake but she cannot help herself which brings out more secrets and get her into more complicated situation she can deal with.
The premise and intriguing execution of mystery, high tension of the claustrophobic story and sad conclusion made me enjoy my reading.
I’m still having second thoughts about the love triangle. Was it necessary for the story’s development? Well, I’m still not so sure about it!
But I’m still rounding up 3.5 stars to 4 this dark story still affected me and gave me creeps stars!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
Think about a town becomes violent at each year’s 11th month: freaky November. ( every town has its own Mike Myers!) Somebody always gets killed! Somebody loses control! Guess who’s gonna be the victim and who’s gonna the killer this time !
I liked the haunted town premise! The hunger and thirst for violence at Wolf Ridge never end! This time the victim is Wyatt Green’s mother. And she finds out Cash the boy she’s yearning for a long time is affected by contagious violent feeling turning the town’s people into animals in human furs.
Being friend with Cash’s old time nemesis Porter is such a mistake but she cannot help herself which brings out more secrets and get her into more complicated situation she can deal with.
The premise and intriguing execution of mystery, high tension of the claustrophobic story and sad conclusion made me enjoy my reading.
I’m still having second thoughts about the love triangle. Was it necessary for the story’s development? Well, I’m still not so sure about it!
But I’m still rounding up 3.5 stars to 4 this dark story still affected me and gave me creeps stars!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
January 8, 2023
**3.5-stars**
There's a local legend in the town of Wolf Ridge, Vermont, that every November its citizens are struck with a sudden hunger for violence.
Wyatt Green knows first hand that the violent season more than a legend; it's true. Last November her mother was a victim, brutally murdered in their home. The culprit was never found.
Wyatt, who discovered her Mom's body, has been living with the shock and grief ever since.
But there is more in Wyatt's life causing her emotional stress and grief than her mother's untimely death. There's also her relationship with the cute and volatile, Cash.
He's the bad boy who swept into her life and became a sort of obsession. She doesn't know who she is without him and no matter what happens between them, she is still drawn to him. She has to be near him.
After getting paired with Cash's nemesis, Porter, for a school project, however, Wyatt's outlook begins to change.
The closer she gets to Porter, the more her past seems to come into focus, including her relationship with Cash. Has she been wrong about him all along?
As the violent season deepens, the truth about Wyatt's mom begins to come to light, forcing her to face her own dark reality.
If this sounds a little bleak to you, you're not wrong. It is, but it's also addictive. I listened to the audiobook and once I started, I couldn't stop.
It tackles some fairly serious topics, including toxic/abusive relationships and drug/alcohol abuse, so if you feel those could be triggering for you, please tread with caution.
Overall, I would equate this to a Lifetime movie, or one of those old After-School Specials. There's nothing super groundbreaking about it, but while you are reading it, it will capture your attention and should keep you entertained.
I liked it. It's definitely a good story. I think for some Readers, who may have experienced certain things similar to Wyatt, as far as her relationship is concerned, it could be even more impactful.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Dreamscape Media, for providing me with an audio-copy. I would definitely read more from Sara Walters.
There's a local legend in the town of Wolf Ridge, Vermont, that every November its citizens are struck with a sudden hunger for violence.
Wyatt Green knows first hand that the violent season more than a legend; it's true. Last November her mother was a victim, brutally murdered in their home. The culprit was never found.
Wyatt, who discovered her Mom's body, has been living with the shock and grief ever since.
But there is more in Wyatt's life causing her emotional stress and grief than her mother's untimely death. There's also her relationship with the cute and volatile, Cash.
He's the bad boy who swept into her life and became a sort of obsession. She doesn't know who she is without him and no matter what happens between them, she is still drawn to him. She has to be near him.
After getting paired with Cash's nemesis, Porter, for a school project, however, Wyatt's outlook begins to change.
The closer she gets to Porter, the more her past seems to come into focus, including her relationship with Cash. Has she been wrong about him all along?
As the violent season deepens, the truth about Wyatt's mom begins to come to light, forcing her to face her own dark reality.
If this sounds a little bleak to you, you're not wrong. It is, but it's also addictive. I listened to the audiobook and once I started, I couldn't stop.
It tackles some fairly serious topics, including toxic/abusive relationships and drug/alcohol abuse, so if you feel those could be triggering for you, please tread with caution.
Overall, I would equate this to a Lifetime movie, or one of those old After-School Specials. There's nothing super groundbreaking about it, but while you are reading it, it will capture your attention and should keep you entertained.
I liked it. It's definitely a good story. I think for some Readers, who may have experienced certain things similar to Wyatt, as far as her relationship is concerned, it could be even more impactful.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Dreamscape Media, for providing me with an audio-copy. I would definitely read more from Sara Walters.
August 31, 2022
This wasn’t the book I was expecting it to be. I don’t think this book is a horror book, it’s more contemporary and realistic fiction than horror. It feels more like the blurb was misleading me a little and that’s definitely on me, but it’s one of the main reasons why I didn’t enjoy this book.It just wasn’t what I wanted.
I didn’t really care for the characters and their fate, which wasn’t the best condition for me getting into the story. Wyatt was going on my nerves, Cash was just the worst from the beginning and once we met Porter I couldn’t be bothered anymore. Especially when it started to look like a love triangle.
I didn’t think the twist in the end was very shocking. It didn’t surprise me at least. Sadly, not what I was hoping for. But I’m sure there are a lot of readers out there, who’ll enjoy this kind of story.
I didn’t really care for the characters and their fate, which wasn’t the best condition for me getting into the story. Wyatt was going on my nerves, Cash was just the worst from the beginning and once we met Porter I couldn’t be bothered anymore. Especially when it started to look like a love triangle.
I didn’t think the twist in the end was very shocking. It didn’t surprise me at least. Sadly, not what I was hoping for. But I’m sure there are a lot of readers out there, who’ll enjoy this kind of story.
October 7, 2021
4 stars
You can read all of my books at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This is a very good mystery/thriller that is hard to put down. Wyatt lives in the small town of Wolf Ridge, Vermont and believes in the urban legend that every November the people of her town are overwhelmed by a hunger for violence. Too many people die in her small town die in that month, including her mother, who was brutally murdered last November.
This year Wyatt believes that the hunger has spread to her best friend Cash. She and Cash have a very toxic relationship. Wyatt desperately yearns for Cash and gobbles every morsel of affection he tosses her way, no matter how many times he hurts her. When their relationship is strained, Wyatt finds herself attracted to Cash's nemesis, Porter, when they are assigned as partners for an English class project. Unused to freely being shown affection and kindness, Wyatt begins to learn hard truths about herself and her relationship with Cash. Out of the grip of Cash's control, Wyatt begins to uncover secrets about herself and those she trusts most.
This was a gripping story that is a quick read. It touches on serious topics of mentally abusive relationships and control, and the author does a great job of putting the reader in the mind of Wyatt while she's in the throes of her infatuation with Cash, and then as she slowly pulls away and realizes that their relationship is unhealthy. The mystery portion of the book is pretty predictable, but I enjoyed reading how the author got there.
I really enjoyed this book - although it feels weird saying I "enjoyed" reading such a messed up book, but you get it. I haven't read anything by this author before, but I will definitely check out future books.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire. All opinions are my own.
You can read all of my books at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This is a very good mystery/thriller that is hard to put down. Wyatt lives in the small town of Wolf Ridge, Vermont and believes in the urban legend that every November the people of her town are overwhelmed by a hunger for violence. Too many people die in her small town die in that month, including her mother, who was brutally murdered last November.
This year Wyatt believes that the hunger has spread to her best friend Cash. She and Cash have a very toxic relationship. Wyatt desperately yearns for Cash and gobbles every morsel of affection he tosses her way, no matter how many times he hurts her. When their relationship is strained, Wyatt finds herself attracted to Cash's nemesis, Porter, when they are assigned as partners for an English class project. Unused to freely being shown affection and kindness, Wyatt begins to learn hard truths about herself and her relationship with Cash. Out of the grip of Cash's control, Wyatt begins to uncover secrets about herself and those she trusts most.
This was a gripping story that is a quick read. It touches on serious topics of mentally abusive relationships and control, and the author does a great job of putting the reader in the mind of Wyatt while she's in the throes of her infatuation with Cash, and then as she slowly pulls away and realizes that their relationship is unhealthy. The mystery portion of the book is pretty predictable, but I enjoyed reading how the author got there.
I really enjoyed this book - although it feels weird saying I "enjoyed" reading such a messed up book, but you get it. I haven't read anything by this author before, but I will definitely check out future books.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire. All opinions are my own.
October 5, 2021
Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebooks Fire for this thrilling arc!
The Violent Season by Sara Walters is a quick read, fast-paced and has an absolutely shocking twist at the end! I enjoyed every second of this thrill ride even if I was constantly trying to connect the dots attempting to see the whole picture.
Wyatt is a 17 yo girl that really became more and more of a confusing Main Character to me. She would have these very natural young adult moments and somehow it would turn around into her seeming completely strange. She spends most of her time with a boy named Cash and their relationship is confusing and just straight up unhealthy. She finds herself involved with Porter, a popular boy that Cash hates, and this really elevates many problems.
The town itself is strange as well. Wolf Ridge is small and secluded. However, there are many random unexplainable deaths in the month of November. Wyatt refers to this as a sickness, somewhat personifies the town as a place that creates violence during this month. Her mother was also murdered a year ago in November making Wyatt quite obsessive with her ideas.
There is so much I loved about this book! It kept me on my toes and I really could not ever figure out what was really going on. It's a wild ride and I definitely recommend it.
A few trigger warnings for mental health, sexual assault, violence and grief.
Comes out on Oct. 5th!
The Violent Season by Sara Walters is a quick read, fast-paced and has an absolutely shocking twist at the end! I enjoyed every second of this thrill ride even if I was constantly trying to connect the dots attempting to see the whole picture.
Wyatt is a 17 yo girl that really became more and more of a confusing Main Character to me. She would have these very natural young adult moments and somehow it would turn around into her seeming completely strange. She spends most of her time with a boy named Cash and their relationship is confusing and just straight up unhealthy. She finds herself involved with Porter, a popular boy that Cash hates, and this really elevates many problems.
The town itself is strange as well. Wolf Ridge is small and secluded. However, there are many random unexplainable deaths in the month of November. Wyatt refers to this as a sickness, somewhat personifies the town as a place that creates violence during this month. Her mother was also murdered a year ago in November making Wyatt quite obsessive with her ideas.
There is so much I loved about this book! It kept me on my toes and I really could not ever figure out what was really going on. It's a wild ride and I definitely recommend it.
A few trigger warnings for mental health, sexual assault, violence and grief.
Comes out on Oct. 5th!
March 1, 2021
My sick and twisted soul loved this book. Review to come closer to the release date since I read this book crazy early because it called to me.
September 6, 2021
A solid debut exploring the dangerous of toxic relationships and the ripple effects they can cause.
Whilst 'enjoy' is definitely not the right word for this book, I definitely found myself hooked. The mystery of the town kept my attention and Walters' writing was easy to read and quick moving. That being said, I didn't love this as much as I'd hoped to. I just wanted more: more answers, more character development, more relationship insight. That being said, Walters definitely knows how to hook her readers and I can definitely see this being a hit with many readers.
TW: sexual assault, suicide, self harm
Whilst 'enjoy' is definitely not the right word for this book, I definitely found myself hooked. The mystery of the town kept my attention and Walters' writing was easy to read and quick moving. That being said, I didn't love this as much as I'd hoped to. I just wanted more: more answers, more character development, more relationship insight. That being said, Walters definitely knows how to hook her readers and I can definitely see this being a hit with many readers.
TW: sexual assault, suicide, self harm
August 26, 2021
Thank you so much to Sourcebooks Fire and Sara Walters for my copy of The Violent Season. The town of Wolf Ridge turns violent every November. The people of the down start killing and being killed, and no one knows why. Last year Wyatt’s mother was one of the victims, murdered in her home, which makes Wyatt believe that the “violent season” is not just an urban legend. This year Wyatt thinks the sickness has spread to her best friend Cash, who she can’t help but be in love with. He mentions his nemesis Porter, but Wyatt starts spending a lot more time with Porter and can’t understand why Cash hates him. As things progress, Wyatt starts to learn more about her mother’s death and the dark history of Wolf Ridge.
Thoughts: This was a fun YA book that I read in a few hours! I really liked Wyatt as a main character and she was easy to invest in and root for. Even though this was a YA book, it read more like an adult mystery which I enjoyed. The premise of this book was intriguing from the beginning and I wasn’t sure where the story was going to go. This book is full of toxic and harmful behavior, and could be triggering for some people. There are mentions of self-harm, murder, suicide, and sexual assault.
The writing in this book was fantastic, especially for a debut. I like how it dealt with grief and loss and was full of teen angst. This book felt like watching a show on the CW, and was not believable, but it was fun! It was a little bit repetitive, especially with Wyatt’s infatuation with Cash, and there were some things I didn’t think were realistic at all. In the end, it was a fun popcorn read and I did enjoy it. 3.5 stars!
Thoughts: This was a fun YA book that I read in a few hours! I really liked Wyatt as a main character and she was easy to invest in and root for. Even though this was a YA book, it read more like an adult mystery which I enjoyed. The premise of this book was intriguing from the beginning and I wasn’t sure where the story was going to go. This book is full of toxic and harmful behavior, and could be triggering for some people. There are mentions of self-harm, murder, suicide, and sexual assault.
The writing in this book was fantastic, especially for a debut. I like how it dealt with grief and loss and was full of teen angst. This book felt like watching a show on the CW, and was not believable, but it was fun! It was a little bit repetitive, especially with Wyatt’s infatuation with Cash, and there were some things I didn’t think were realistic at all. In the end, it was a fun popcorn read and I did enjoy it. 3.5 stars!
October 15, 2021
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Violent Season gave me all kinds of spooks, chills, and the creeps. There's something strange about the town Wolf Ridge but there's also something strange with the people once November rolls around the corner. It was interesting to come into this town and know that someone dies once a year. Always in November too. As to why that was happening? Well it all starts with patient zero.
Honestly, this entire town was creepy and haunted. It's like every corner within this book kept me on my toes. I wasn't sure what exactly happened a year ago but I was eager to find out. Even though it Wyatt's mother who died back then, I felt like I wasn't getting all the pieces to what happened. With each clue that came way, I kept thinking that it was someone close to her that betrayed her. As to who that exactly was? Well, I had a lot of suspects on my mind.
Other than that, there's hints of a freaking love triangle and I don't really want to talk about that. It didn't make sense to me and I wasn't fully getting the vibes from it either. Overall, it just seemed kind of pointless to me and did absolutely nothing to move the story along. I came for the mystery murder and stayed for a town filled of violet people once a year.
In the end, I'm still in shock with the big reveal. I might need some wine later to help my brain dissect and accept it all. Maybe something stronger. It was still a really good book and I need another one by Sara stat!
The Violent Season gave me all kinds of spooks, chills, and the creeps. There's something strange about the town Wolf Ridge but there's also something strange with the people once November rolls around the corner. It was interesting to come into this town and know that someone dies once a year. Always in November too. As to why that was happening? Well it all starts with patient zero.
Honestly, this entire town was creepy and haunted. It's like every corner within this book kept me on my toes. I wasn't sure what exactly happened a year ago but I was eager to find out. Even though it Wyatt's mother who died back then, I felt like I wasn't getting all the pieces to what happened. With each clue that came way, I kept thinking that it was someone close to her that betrayed her. As to who that exactly was? Well, I had a lot of suspects on my mind.
Other than that, there's hints of a freaking love triangle and I don't really want to talk about that. It didn't make sense to me and I wasn't fully getting the vibes from it either. Overall, it just seemed kind of pointless to me and did absolutely nothing to move the story along. I came for the mystery murder and stayed for a town filled of violet people once a year.
In the end, I'm still in shock with the big reveal. I might need some wine later to help my brain dissect and accept it all. Maybe something stronger. It was still a really good book and I need another one by Sara stat!
August 15, 2022
legend says that every november, every teen in the town of wolf ridge hungers for violence. but when wyatt’s mom is brutally murdered, she begins to think that this legend holds some truth. she’s determined to prove it and find her mother’s murderer in the process, even though it may make her face some hard realities along the way.
i kinda wish i’d read this closer to halloween because this book’s vibes would be perfect for that time! still, i really enjoyed this chilling book and might read it again sometime. the twist at the end was predictable but i didn’t mind that.
i kinda wish i’d read this closer to halloween because this book’s vibes would be perfect for that time! still, i really enjoyed this chilling book and might read it again sometime. the twist at the end was predictable but i didn’t mind that.
October 15, 2021
Rating 3.5
Hmmm. I have mixed thoughts on this one. I listened to the audiobook and yikes, that was a huge mistake. The narrator was okay and only okay. She was a little too breathy for my liking. After every sentence she would take a huge breath of air and it kept distracting me from the overall story. It was super loud. I think if I would have read the book rather than listened, the rating would be higher. This book was above okay and at the lower end of being good. The story was really slow moving and it took me a while to get into it. However, I don’t regret sticking with it. This book is super dark and has disturbing aspects. It deals with death, murder, abuse, toxic relationships, and depression. The overall plot was interesting and the main character was likable. I did hate the insta-obsession between the two characters. One minute they weren’t close at all then I blinked and now they were almost kissing. Honestly, I didn’t understand their relationship at all except that it helped the main character understand that she was in a toxic relationship with the other guy. The author did a great job of demonstrating abuse within a toxic relationship and how hard it is to get out. When in that situation it is easy to feel trapped.
If you're looking for a quick dark young adult mystery to read during October then pick this one up.
**Received an advanced copy through NetGalley in return for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **
Hmmm. I have mixed thoughts on this one. I listened to the audiobook and yikes, that was a huge mistake. The narrator was okay and only okay. She was a little too breathy for my liking. After every sentence she would take a huge breath of air and it kept distracting me from the overall story. It was super loud. I think if I would have read the book rather than listened, the rating would be higher. This book was above okay and at the lower end of being good. The story was really slow moving and it took me a while to get into it. However, I don’t regret sticking with it. This book is super dark and has disturbing aspects. It deals with death, murder, abuse, toxic relationships, and depression. The overall plot was interesting and the main character was likable. I did hate the insta-obsession between the two characters. One minute they weren’t close at all then I blinked and now they were almost kissing. Honestly, I didn’t understand their relationship at all except that it helped the main character understand that she was in a toxic relationship with the other guy. The author did a great job of demonstrating abuse within a toxic relationship and how hard it is to get out. When in that situation it is easy to feel trapped.
If you're looking for a quick dark young adult mystery to read during October then pick this one up.
**Received an advanced copy through NetGalley in return for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **
October 29, 2021
This is more of a teen character study than an actual horror/thriller. Most of the "shocking" parts and deaths have already happened and so we hear about them from the characters' perspectives. For most of the book, Wyatt is trying to figure out or she's wondering about what happened with two different deaths.
I didn't guess the mystery but I wasn't surprised by it either which is why I'm rating it 3 stars. If I was shocked or if more crazy stuff happened, I'd probably rate it a 4. It's a good spooky read but not great or groundbreaking.
I didn't guess the mystery but I wasn't surprised by it either which is why I'm rating it 3 stars. If I was shocked or if more crazy stuff happened, I'd probably rate it a 4. It's a good spooky read but not great or groundbreaking.
November 9, 2023
This is a melancholy, cold-winter-day story. It’s bleak and dark and lonely. And I loved it. The author’s writing style was so clean and precise, it felt like I was standing in the moment with each of these characters. There was so much sadness and heartache…and mystery and violence. Very well-written book, real characters, and a great story. Enjoyed the ending and how easy the book just rolled. Loved it.
September 14, 2021
Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebooks Fire for this thrilling arc!
The Violent Season by Sara Walters is a quick read, fast-paced and has an absolutely shocking twist at the end! I enjoyed every second of this thrill ride even if I was constantly trying to connect the dots attempting to see the whole picture.
Wyatt is a 17 yo girl that really became more and more of a confusing Main Character to me. She would have these very natural young adult moments and somehow it would turn around into her seeming completely strange, just unnatural. . She spends most of her time with a boy named Cash and their relationship is confusing and just straight up unhealthy. She finds herself involved with Porter, a popular boy that Cash hates, and this really elevates many problems.
The town itself is strange as well. Wolf Ridge is small and secluded. However, there are many random unexplainable deaths in the month of November. Wyatt refers to this as a sickness, somewhat personifies the town as a place that creates violence during this month. Her mother was also murdered a year ago in November making Wyatt quite obsessive with her ideas.
There is so much I loved about this book! It kept me on my toes and I really could not ever figure out what was really going on. It's a wild ride and I definitely recommend it.
A few trigger warnings for mental health, sexual assault, violence and grief.
Comes out on Oct. 5th!
The Violent Season by Sara Walters is a quick read, fast-paced and has an absolutely shocking twist at the end! I enjoyed every second of this thrill ride even if I was constantly trying to connect the dots attempting to see the whole picture.
Wyatt is a 17 yo girl that really became more and more of a confusing Main Character to me. She would have these very natural young adult moments and somehow it would turn around into her seeming completely strange, just unnatural. . She spends most of her time with a boy named Cash and their relationship is confusing and just straight up unhealthy. She finds herself involved with Porter, a popular boy that Cash hates, and this really elevates many problems.
The town itself is strange as well. Wolf Ridge is small and secluded. However, there are many random unexplainable deaths in the month of November. Wyatt refers to this as a sickness, somewhat personifies the town as a place that creates violence during this month. Her mother was also murdered a year ago in November making Wyatt quite obsessive with her ideas.
There is so much I loved about this book! It kept me on my toes and I really could not ever figure out what was really going on. It's a wild ride and I definitely recommend it.
A few trigger warnings for mental health, sexual assault, violence and grief.
Comes out on Oct. 5th!
June 22, 2022
3.5 rounded up.
oooh, this one is dark. Dark themes, heavy relationships. It's hard to get in to too much detail about the plot without ruining some of the twists. I loved the idea of a town sickness. It was curious, all these suicides, murders and "accidental" deaths - all around the month of November. It's a small town and felt like everyone had had their own touch of death in all the years this mystery has been going.
Wyatt was also really easy to identify with. She could be anyone - touched by tragedy and still broken, trying to put the pieces back together. Her struggles were realistic and her temporary solutions were easy to embrace as she spiraled. Porter was a nice added relief to some of the darkness as his own wonder at what was going on. I liked his curiosity and his light memories of a young girl. All of it combined to make a really compelling, well-written read. I was drawn in and it was hard to stop once I'd started.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
oooh, this one is dark. Dark themes, heavy relationships. It's hard to get in to too much detail about the plot without ruining some of the twists. I loved the idea of a town sickness. It was curious, all these suicides, murders and "accidental" deaths - all around the month of November. It's a small town and felt like everyone had had their own touch of death in all the years this mystery has been going.
Wyatt was also really easy to identify with. She could be anyone - touched by tragedy and still broken, trying to put the pieces back together. Her struggles were realistic and her temporary solutions were easy to embrace as she spiraled. Porter was a nice added relief to some of the darkness as his own wonder at what was going on. I liked his curiosity and his light memories of a young girl. All of it combined to make a really compelling, well-written read. I was drawn in and it was hard to stop once I'd started.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
September 28, 2022
I was in the mood for small town supernatural horror and all I got was an angsty mystery. I do love some teen drama once in a while, but this was over the top.
September 27, 2021
I enjoyed this audiobook very much!
Every November the residents of Woodridge are overcome with violence. Some people say it’s a disease. Others are not so sure.
Last fall Wyatt’s mom was murdered. She can’t remember the events that transpired and that’s part of what is fueling her grief.
This year, her best friend and guy she can’t find a reason to leave, hears the call for violence. A class assignment forces Wyatt to team up with Cash’s nemesis Porter. The more time they spend together the further she pulls herself away from Cash.
As the truth unravels about the murder of her mother, Wyatt uncovers secrets that are life changing. It forces her to question everything she believed in and those she trusted most.
Thank you to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for this audiobook.
Every November the residents of Woodridge are overcome with violence. Some people say it’s a disease. Others are not so sure.
Last fall Wyatt’s mom was murdered. She can’t remember the events that transpired and that’s part of what is fueling her grief.
This year, her best friend and guy she can’t find a reason to leave, hears the call for violence. A class assignment forces Wyatt to team up with Cash’s nemesis Porter. The more time they spend together the further she pulls herself away from Cash.
As the truth unravels about the murder of her mother, Wyatt uncovers secrets that are life changing. It forces her to question everything she believed in and those she trusted most.
Thank you to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for this audiobook.
October 9, 2021
WOW!! Wow wow wow wow wow!! If life allowed me to, I'd have read this in a couple hours. I'm all feelings right now. Intense, raw, emotional, insides wrecked......twisted up and oddly, healed from the words and events which I was chained to throughout. this story, all of it, took from me and it gave so much back to me. this was like I'd imagine a bug feeling who didn't see the windshield it was about to collide with and which just left me gutted; insides open and exposed with pieces of me splattered across the glass. There's strong relatability with the storyline, my love for all the characters (even the ones we're not supposed to like), the storyline and the incredible writing that went into this story is as raw, intense, emotional and furious as the emotions it dumped into me and pulled out of me. The elements of brokenness, loss, lack of trust, fear, destruction and being helpless is palpable. Moving along to where all the pieces would end up made this, unequivocally, one of the most meaningful books I've ever read. I say that as I'm thinking of when I first got this book and thought it was going to be another great read with some tension, maybe gore and simply a good read. There is nothing simple within the words of this story. Nothing. This isn't one of those books you're about to read for fun, then finish and think "that was a good book". Nope, this had glaring meaning weaved through the entirety and it a very profound and powerful meaning. anyone who goes into this book with relatability is going to come out changed. Cliche saying, but it truly just is what this story and the incredible author has written for us. I want to come back to redo this with more about the actual story added to some of emotions it poured into me. I'm just dumbfounded at the moment because it was so much more. I cannot wait to read the any and all of this Author's books.
P.S. The "About the Author" pages at the end solidified how deep this story is. She didn't just have an idea of a cool book with creepy happenings. Her heart was all in on this one. Her "about me" brought me to tears and If Sara Walters should ever read this, please note that I erased the "F" word a few times and replaced it with something appropriate until J&J are old enough to read and/or say the "F" word. You are an artist, an author and a woman with a depth of heart this world needs deeply and your story is something immeasurably special and unique.
I believe I've used far too many adjectives. Can't help it, that's what my heart and brain are feeling. "The Violent Season" should be read by anyone who loves drama upped exponentially by the message underneath. Whether you want a fantastic read of twisted mystery, thriller, suspense and have it be left at that alone.....read this book! If you want those elements entwined with something much larger, you absolutely need to read this.
Thank you so much to #Sourcebooks and #NetGalley for having this title available and allowing me to experience reading it!!
P.S. The "About the Author" pages at the end solidified how deep this story is. She didn't just have an idea of a cool book with creepy happenings. Her heart was all in on this one. Her "about me" brought me to tears and If Sara Walters should ever read this, please note that I erased the "F" word a few times and replaced it with something appropriate until J&J are old enough to read and/or say the "F" word. You are an artist, an author and a woman with a depth of heart this world needs deeply and your story is something immeasurably special and unique.
I believe I've used far too many adjectives. Can't help it, that's what my heart and brain are feeling. "The Violent Season" should be read by anyone who loves drama upped exponentially by the message underneath. Whether you want a fantastic read of twisted mystery, thriller, suspense and have it be left at that alone.....read this book! If you want those elements entwined with something much larger, you absolutely need to read this.
Thank you so much to #Sourcebooks and #NetGalley for having this title available and allowing me to experience reading it!!
October 18, 2021
3.5 stars
Wyatt lives in a small town where every November, horrible things happen. Suicides, murders, and deadly accidents are common occurrences. After Wyatt's mom was killed last year, she starts to believe in the so called 'sickness' and tries to get the story out to the world. Meanwhile, her best friend and crush Cash is pulling away from her, but a new guy seems to be interested. Wyatt is trying to deal with everything at once, but she's struggling to get through November intact.
When so many tragedies happen in a short period of time, it can be easy to blame an outside force. Is there really something wrong in the town or just a chain reaction of violence? It was easy to fall into the story and the real mystery is who Wyatt can trust and what really happened to her mom. There are pieces of Wyatt's memory missing and the police have no real leads. Could someone Wyatt knows have committed the murder?
I thought the romance between Wyatt and Parker was pretty cute and was happy to see her move on from Cash. There were also a couple twists I didn't see coming and it was nice to be surprised. This is a good horror book to read during the spooky season and the audiobook is well narrated.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions are my own. Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the copy
Wyatt lives in a small town where every November, horrible things happen. Suicides, murders, and deadly accidents are common occurrences. After Wyatt's mom was killed last year, she starts to believe in the so called 'sickness' and tries to get the story out to the world. Meanwhile, her best friend and crush Cash is pulling away from her, but a new guy seems to be interested. Wyatt is trying to deal with everything at once, but she's struggling to get through November intact.
When so many tragedies happen in a short period of time, it can be easy to blame an outside force. Is there really something wrong in the town or just a chain reaction of violence? It was easy to fall into the story and the real mystery is who Wyatt can trust and what really happened to her mom. There are pieces of Wyatt's memory missing and the police have no real leads. Could someone Wyatt knows have committed the murder?
I thought the romance between Wyatt and Parker was pretty cute and was happy to see her move on from Cash. There were also a couple twists I didn't see coming and it was nice to be surprised. This is a good horror book to read during the spooky season and the audiobook is well narrated.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All opinions are my own. Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the copy
January 7, 2022
An addictive read, but ultimately it left me unsatisfied. I wanted more answers. Honestly, I went into this expecting something possibly supernatural, but the story was grounded firmly in realism. There was some nice writing, and I couldn't put it down, but I don't think it will stick with me long term.
October 6, 2021
Eh, this one was just not for me. I was really hoping for a kind of supernatural murder mystery based on the title/synopsis but nothing ever comes of it.
March 10, 2022
I can't stay away from young adult thrillers no matter how hard I try. This one caught my eye because it also hints at a sickness that makes people violent which sounds SO FUN!
So here is what I liked. I really enjoyed the main character Wyatt. She's been through hell and back, but keeps on pushing along. Her relationship with her dad was great. I also liked the pace as I felt like this one flew by! I did read it in one day.
There were a few things that didn't work for me as well. I wasn't a fan of the toxic relationship Wyatt was in with Cash. It was so easy to hate him. I also felt parts of the story were a little unbelievable but that comes with the genre normally.
Overall, I'm really impressed with Walters debut and I will check out her next book for sure.
Thanks to Sourcebooks Fire for the gifted copy!
So here is what I liked. I really enjoyed the main character Wyatt. She's been through hell and back, but keeps on pushing along. Her relationship with her dad was great. I also liked the pace as I felt like this one flew by! I did read it in one day.
There were a few things that didn't work for me as well. I wasn't a fan of the toxic relationship Wyatt was in with Cash. It was so easy to hate him. I also felt parts of the story were a little unbelievable but that comes with the genre normally.
Overall, I'm really impressed with Walters debut and I will check out her next book for sure.
Thanks to Sourcebooks Fire for the gifted copy!
October 4, 2021
I was prepared for this book being a little dark, but I felt that the blurb misled me into think this was a book about small town violence and a murder mystery to be solved, when in reality it's solely about an abusive relationship. I don't know if I would have read this book had I of known that in advance, and the attempted rape scene really stuck with me. There were no trigger warnings listed at the start of this copy of this book that I read.
This is a beautifully written story that just felt so raw, and strongly reminded me of What Beauty There Is, another book set in small town America. Wyatt and Cash's relationship was almost painfully realistic, and that's why the more difficult scenes really stuck with me. I'm glad we had the calm presence of Porter to balance out the two, because the story may have been a chaotic mess without him.
[Also, why did we get no conclusion about
This is a beautifully written story that just felt so raw, and strongly reminded me of What Beauty There Is, another book set in small town America. Wyatt and Cash's relationship was almost painfully realistic, and that's why the more difficult scenes really stuck with me. I'm glad we had the calm presence of Porter to balance out the two, because the story may have been a chaotic mess without him.
[Also, why did we get no conclusion about
March 12, 2022
unpredictable plot 🥶
May 18, 2021
So, I’m going to warn you that much of the behavior in this book is toxic. It’s an uncomfortable reminder that many humans are simply trash.
The book is good. Although there’s teen angst to the 1 bajillionth degree, there’s a palpable undercurrent of heartbreak, violence and real life horrors.
I loved our main character. I also wanted to wrap her up in bubble wrap or something so that she’d be protected. I also loved her father – that’s a nice change because so many of these books feature worthless parents. He’s not perfect, but he’s loving and he tries so hard.
The description of the book is accurate, but it’s not really what the book is about. I wish I could say more without spoiling it. I’ll just say that you might not get exactly what you came for, but you’ll likely be very satisfied with what you get.
Much of the book made me unhappy – and highly vengeful – but I enjoyed the read!
*ARC via Net Galley
August 25, 2021
ARC received in exchange for an honest review
*3.5 stars rounded up*
The writing in The Violent Season was beautiful and emotional, but sadly I found myself quite bored a lot of the time. The characters were well-developed but not much actually happens. The selling point for me was the ‘November Sickness’ which kind of petered out into nothing, although I guess artistically it worked for the story. If you’re craving angst then pick it up but don’t expect major twists or fast action.
*Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to R&R*
*3.5 stars rounded up*
The writing in The Violent Season was beautiful and emotional, but sadly I found myself quite bored a lot of the time. The characters were well-developed but not much actually happens. The selling point for me was the ‘November Sickness’ which kind of petered out into nothing, although I guess artistically it worked for the story. If you’re craving angst then pick it up but don’t expect major twists or fast action.
*Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to R&R*
September 30, 2021
This book is labeled YA thriller but it is dark y’all. Like really dark. I absolutely loved the main character Wyatt. She is complexed, damaged and raw in the most relatable way. The writing is excellent and this author has some serious talent. I mean, this is a debut! So way to go Sara Walters for that!
I was totally interested from the beginning to see where this was going to go. I mean, was the whole town “sick” or what? The mystery of it was wonderful. There are a ton of trigger warnings in this one so if sexual assault, suicide and murder trigger you be warned. There is one particularly rough scene. I thought that Wyatt’s obsession with Cash was a bit over the top but she’s 16, who wasn’t over the top at that age?
I devoured this in a sitting! All in all I really enjoyed this and can’t wait to see what Sara Walters has for us next!!!!
September 2, 2021
"The Violent Season" by Sara Walters is a horror novel about abuse, the kind of abuse that digs in to your heart, that makes you beholden and isolated to a single person. Wyatt Green is in limbo, blaming her cursed small town for an annual wave of murders, suicides and deaths that happen like clockwork every November. Last year, the violence claimed her mother. What horrors await her this November, her senior year of high school?
Upon completing this novel, I read the author's (Sara Walters) biography. She works with abuse survivors as an advocate, and truthfully, with the care and detail in "The Violent Season", I could tell she knows her stuff. One of the ways that "The Violent Season" differs from other books on abuse is that it deals with both sides of the abuse - the violence, emotional cruelty, and the threats, but also the good times. The kindness, the special inside jokes. The times that make you stay.
"The Violent Season" has horror-like elements, but I'm not sure I'd classify it as a horror. There are ghosts that creep about Wyatt's home. There's that dread that lingers through every page as you feel it build to something inevitable and frightening. But the actual on-screen violence is almost entirely relegated to Wyatt's failing relationship with her abuser, and while that is certainly *horrifying*, it is also the reality of so many women and men out there.
I really enjoyed this book. It wasn't what I expected: I thought I'd get some supernatural horror and instead I received a thoughtful examination of the insidious ways that abuse diminishes you. I'd recommend it to anyone who wants a darker (and smarter) than average YA. Mind your Trigger Warnings with this one.
Thank you so much to the publisher and to Netgalley for granting me an ARC!
Upon completing this novel, I read the author's (Sara Walters) biography. She works with abuse survivors as an advocate, and truthfully, with the care and detail in "The Violent Season", I could tell she knows her stuff. One of the ways that "The Violent Season" differs from other books on abuse is that it deals with both sides of the abuse - the violence, emotional cruelty, and the threats, but also the good times. The kindness, the special inside jokes. The times that make you stay.
"The Violent Season" has horror-like elements, but I'm not sure I'd classify it as a horror. There are ghosts that creep about Wyatt's home. There's that dread that lingers through every page as you feel it build to something inevitable and frightening. But the actual on-screen violence is almost entirely relegated to Wyatt's failing relationship with her abuser, and while that is certainly *horrifying*, it is also the reality of so many women and men out there.
I really enjoyed this book. It wasn't what I expected: I thought I'd get some supernatural horror and instead I received a thoughtful examination of the insidious ways that abuse diminishes you. I'd recommend it to anyone who wants a darker (and smarter) than average YA. Mind your Trigger Warnings with this one.
Thank you so much to the publisher and to Netgalley for granting me an ARC!
May 9, 2022
5⭐
ᑎᗩᖇᖇᗩTIOᑎ = 😁 (ᐯᙓᖇY ᘜOOᗪ)
ᑎᗩᖇᖇᗩTᙓᗪ ᙖY 🎙️ᒍOᖇᒍᙓᗩᑎᗩ ᙏᗩᖇIᙓ
TᖇY TᕼIS Iᖴ YOᙀ ᗩᖇᙓ Iᑎ Tᕼᙓ ᙏOOᗪ ᖴOᖇ ᗩ...
Some serious small-town YA-ish horror vibes
A story that embodies the song…Down with the sickness
Dark material…like TW dark…so beware (but there is no animal brutality)
”𝘕𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘵𝘦-𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘪𝘴, 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘮 𝘰𝘧 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘶𝘱”
I really, really liked this…it’s like the author was inspired by my favorite Disturbed song and wrote a story to go with it. Genius. Was it perfect? Probably not, but it was perfectly fucked up. Jorjeana Marie’s narration doesn’t always work for me but it felt like she was perfect for this book.
TOTᗩᒪ SᙅOᖇᙓ 9.60/❿
OᑭᙓᑎIᑎᘜ ￫ 9.5 ᙅᕼᗩᖇᗩᙅTᙓᖇS ￫ 9.5 ᑭᒪOT/ᙖᙓᒪIᙓᐯᗩᙖIᒪITY ￫ 9.5 ᗩTᙏOSᑭᕼᙓᖇᙓ/TOᑎᙓ ￫ 9.5 ᙎᖇITIᑎᘜ STYᒪᙓ ￫ 9.5 ᙓᑎᗪIᑎᘜ ￫ 9.7 Oᐯᙓᖇᗩᒪᒪ ᙓᑎᒍOYᙏᙓᑎT ￫ 10
ᑎᗩᖇᖇᗩTIOᑎ = 😁 (ᐯᙓᖇY ᘜOOᗪ)
ᑎᗩᖇᖇᗩTᙓᗪ ᙖY 🎙️ᒍOᖇᒍᙓᗩᑎᗩ ᙏᗩᖇIᙓ
TᖇY TᕼIS Iᖴ YOᙀ ᗩᖇᙓ Iᑎ Tᕼᙓ ᙏOOᗪ ᖴOᖇ ᗩ...
Some serious small-town YA-ish horror vibes
A story that embodies the song…Down with the sickness
Dark material…like TW dark…so beware (but there is no animal brutality)
”𝘕𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘵𝘦-𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘪𝘴, 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘮 𝘰𝘧 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘶𝘱”
I really, really liked this…it’s like the author was inspired by my favorite Disturbed song and wrote a story to go with it. Genius. Was it perfect? Probably not, but it was perfectly fucked up. Jorjeana Marie’s narration doesn’t always work for me but it felt like she was perfect for this book.
TOTᗩᒪ SᙅOᖇᙓ 9.60/❿
OᑭᙓᑎIᑎᘜ ￫ 9.5 ᙅᕼᗩᖇᗩᙅTᙓᖇS ￫ 9.5 ᑭᒪOT/ᙖᙓᒪIᙓᐯᗩᙖIᒪITY ￫ 9.5 ᗩTᙏOSᑭᕼᙓᖇᙓ/TOᑎᙓ ￫ 9.5 ᙎᖇITIᑎᘜ STYᒪᙓ ￫ 9.5 ᙓᑎᗪIᑎᘜ ￫ 9.7 Oᐯᙓᖇᗩᒪᒪ ᙓᑎᒍOYᙏᙓᑎT ￫ 10
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