A rehabilitation facility from the 1990s harboring an ominous, undisclosed agenda? I am intrigued. Is a cohort of LGBTQ+ adolescents bravely confronting a nefarious malevolence? Naturally, I am fully invested. The evocative sensory details crafted by Felker-Martin are particularly striking. The central antagonist is unsettling, with the sense of smell playing a significant role in conveying the unearthly abnormality of the Cuckoo, in addition to its monstrous form. Gretchen does an amazing job scaring us and opening our eyes to the disgusting nature of these camps to steal children’s identities and force them to be the way “God intended”. This book made me feel for these poor teens and those who struggle with this daily.
Cuckoo evokes a unique blend of tenderness and playfulness, yet also delves into the depths of darkness and twistedness. It can be likened to a fusion of an 80’s summer camp horror film and Invasion of the Body Snatchers. While not quite reaching the level of exceptional, it is certainly a noteworthy read. This novel may not be suitable for the faint of heart, but it is essential for those who appreciate unsettling and gory horror. In other words, it is a brilliant work.
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