Catching up on some book tours I’ve had over on Instagram so far this month!
Thank you to the author and Kate Rocks Literary Services for the gifted copy
WHERE DARK THINGS RISE – Andrew K. Clark (Released September 17th, 2025)
Book Description:
Sixteen-year-old Mina is frustrated by Daddy’s drinking, her mom’s fanatical religious beliefs, and growing up poor in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Most of her teachers assume she won’t amount to much despite her 4.0 GPA, and the country club guys think she’s easy prey. But they don’t know Mina’s dark She can control a magical force of supernatural creatures known as the Shadow Faces. Mina doesn’t want powers. All she wants to do is escape the trailer park for a leafy college campus far away. But when her crush, Gabe, is stalked by a shapeshifting preacher/wolf, Mina learns to use her powers to protect him. Mina soon discovers the same preacher is trafficking teens for a mystical brothel and has kidnapped her best friend, Erin, after a failed attempt at conversion therapy. Can Mina use the Shadow Faces to save Erin and the other kids without losing her chance at a normal life?
My Thoughts: 3.5/5 stars
Despite there being another book before this one you can read this on its own without issue! I do recommend picking up Where Dark Things Grow, though because more horror for the TBR is never bad.
I love anything that has to do with folklore. Especially when it comes to horror. I think this was in that sweet spot for length – didn’t feel rushed and nothing extra and unnecessary. The pace kept me engaged and despite the main character being a teenager, this never felt like YA. There is a lot surrounding religious themes, so keep that in mind before starting, as I know that can be triggering for some readers! Overall, the perfect addition to the October reading list and the fall season!
Jessicamap Reviews 