Skip to main content

We Are the Beasts by Gigi Griffis

 


Gigi Griffis’ We Are the Beasts offers a chilling look into the dark, oppressive world of 18th-century rural France, blending historical horror with a feminist undercurrent. Inspired by the true mystery of the Beast of Gévaudan, the novel crafts a daring narrative centered on two teenage girls desperate to escape the cages of their lives.

The premise is gripping: Joséphine and Clara use the chaos caused by a mysterious beast to stage their friends’ “deaths” and orchestrate their freedom from abusive homes. The story’s strength lies in its concept, where the girls’ courage and ingenuity shine through as they defy societal norms and challenge the brutality of their existence. Griffis deftly captures the bleakness of the era, weaving it with moments of dark humor and camaraderie that make the girls’ plight both heartbreaking and inspiring.

However, while the foundation of the story is solid, the execution sometimes falters. At times, the pacing feels sluggish, and the narrative could have benefited from tighter editing to sharpen its impact. Repetition in dialogue—like the overuse of “Mon Dieu” (my god) and “Oh la vache” (oh my god)—can pull the reader out of the immersive setting, and the resolution of the Beast’s identity feels predictable. Readers familiar with other interpretations of the Beast of Gévaudan may find themselves yearning for a more unique take, such as a hyena or giant wolf, rather than revisiting the lion theory.

That said, there are moments of levity that stand out, such as the humorous depiction of sheep confronting a lioness, which injects a touch of whimsy into the otherwise grim tale. These lighter notes provide a welcome contrast to the story’s darker themes, making the girls’ journey feel all the more human.


We Are the Beasts is not without flaws, but it offers an engaging exploration of resilience and rebellion against oppression. While it may not achieve the same cinematic grandeur as Brotherhood of the Wolf—a comparison the author may inadvertently invite—it still carves out its own space as a worthwhile and entertaining read. For fans of historical horror and feminist narratives, Griffis’ novel delivers a thought-provoking and adventurous story.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Another by Paul Tremblay

In Another , Paul Tremblay offers a gripping, unsettling tale that explores themes of alienation, identity, and the supernatural through the lens of middle-grade horror. The novel follows Casey Wilson, a young boy struggling with the aftermath of a traumatic event known only as the "Zoom Incident." With tics worsening and a strained relationship with his peers, Casey feels more isolated than ever—until a mysterious boy named Morel shows up for an extended sleepover that quickly takes a dark turn. Morel is unlike any friend Casey has known. His clay-like skin and silent demeanor set him apart, yet Casey's parents, once warm and supportive, begin to lavish attention on the strange newcomer, much to Casey's growing unease. As Morel's presence grows more dominant and unsettling, Casey begins to realize that his family is slipping further away, and he fears the boy might be replacing him altogether. The tension builds as Casey struggles to reclaim his place in a worl...
Post a Comment
Read more

Season of the Monster I: Spring by AJ Humphreys

AJ Humphreys’ Season of the Monster, Part 1: Spring delivers a gripping and innovative twist on the monster genre, keeping readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. This first installment introduces us to Ghini Freeman, a tenacious single mother whose world is upended when her thirteen-year-old daughter vanishes during a class field trip. Despite the passage of six months, Ghini remains relentless in her search, embodying a mother’s unwavering determination and refusal to surrender to despair. Humphreys crafts a narrative that seamlessly blends the ordinary with the extraordinary. Set in a small mountain town, the story’s familiarity is juxtaposed with the eerie and the supernatural, creating a compelling backdrop for the unfolding mystery. The plot takes a sharp turn when a detective points out Ghini’s mysterious doppelgänger, sparking the fuse to a series of events that suggest her daughter’s disappearance may be linked to something far more sinister than initially im...
Post a Comment
Read more

Nothing But Blackened Teeth by Cassandra Khaw

Cassandra Khaw’s Nothing But Blackened Teeth is a haunting novella that lingers long after you’ve turned the final page. Set in a decaying Heian-era mansion, this story blends Japanese folklore with modern horror, creating a chilling atmosphere perfect for a late-night read. The premise is straightforward: a group of friends gathers at the mansion to celebrate a wedding, but what begins as a night of revelry quickly descends into terror. The mansion is not just a backdrop; it’s a living, breathing entity, steeped in history and haunted by the ghost of a bride whose smile is as black as the void. The walls themselves seem to whisper with the voices of the girls sacrificed to keep her company, and as the night progresses, the friends find themselves ensnared in a web of secrets—both their own and those of the house. I was particularly drawn to the ghostly lore Khaw weaves into the narrative, especially the inclusion of yokai, and more specifically, the ohaguro-bettari. This element ...
Post a Comment
Read more