literary gluttony

Sacrificial Animals by Kailee Pedersen weaves together elements of family drama, supernatural horror, and ancient Chinese mythology in a captivating debut novel.

Nick Morrow, who left behind a troubled past in rural Nebraska, receives an unexpected invitation from his father to return home. Despite his initial reluctance, Nick decides to confront his past and reunite with his family, including his disowned brother Joshua, who married Emilia, a woman of Asian descent. As Nick navigates the tensions and resentments within his family, he finds himself drawn to Emilia, sparking a forbidden romance.

However, as their relationship deepens, Nick begins to uncover dark secrets about Emilia’s past and her connection to ancient Chinese mythology. Haunted by memories of his adolescent years and a shadowy presence that once stalked the farm, Nick realizes that his family’s legacy is intertwined with forces beyond his understanding.

As the mysteries of the past unravel, Sacrificial Animals delves into themes of inherited trauma, identity, and the power of ancient myths. With atmospheric prose and gripping storytelling, Pedersen crafts a haunting tale of love, betrayal, and the supernatural forces that shape our lives.

Sacrificial Animals by Kailee Pedersen is a haunting and atmospheric debut novel that seamlessly blends elements of family drama, supernatural horror, and ancient mythology. Set against the backdrop of rural Nebraska, Pedersen’s narrative draws readers into the complex dynamics of the Morrow family, exploring themes of trauma, identity, and forbidden desires.

The protagonist, Nick Morrow, is a compelling and deeply flawed character whose journey of self-discovery unfolds with both intrigue and emotional resonance. As Nick grapples with his troubled past and the strained relationships within his family, including his disowned brother Joshua and his enigmatic wife Emilia, readers are taken on a suspenseful and often unsettling journey.

Pedersen’s writing is ambient and evocative, painting a vivid portrait of the Nebraska landscape and the eerie presence that haunts the Morrow family farm. Through alternating timelines, the author skillfully weaves together past and present, gradually revealing the dark secrets that bind the characters together.

At its core, Sacrificial Animals is a story about the power of love and the lengths to which people will go to protect those they care about. However, it also delves into darker territory, exploring the consequences of repressed desires and the ancient forces that lurk beneath the surface of everyday life.

Overall, Sacrificial Animals is a gripping and thought-provoking read that will appeal to fans of both literary fiction and supernatural thrillers. With its richly drawn characters, atmospheric setting, and spine-tingling plot twists, it is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers long after the final page is turned.

**I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. **