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A Monster by Any Other Name #1
Freak Camp: Book 1 of A Monster By Any Other Name
Monsters are evil, so why does Jake want to rescue one?
Tobias can't remember why he was locked inside Freak Camp when he was five. All he knows are the camp rules: Other monsters are not your friends. Never disobey the guards. Don't expect anything to get better. The world is safer with him behind these iron-reinforced walls.
But then he meets a hunter's son who defies all the rules. Jake is not just the only bright spot in his world but proof that goodness exists.
The heir to a long line of monster hunters, Jake's only purpose is to stamp out evil. He carries his faith that all monsters are evil to the government-run Freak Camp, where shy, sweet-natured Tobias shakes up all he's ever known and shifts his purpose from hunting monsters to protecting one.
Two lonely boys, damaged in different ways, find themselves drawn together despite the odds.
Freeing Tobias into a world where he can define his own rules could cost Jake his family and the only life he's ever known. But failure carries an even higher price, for Tobias’s life hangs in the balance.
FREAK CAMP is the first book in A Monster By Any Other Name, a slow-burn M/M paranormal romance series for adult readers. Book One is the hurt that leads to the comfort, and each book ends with a happy for now / happily ever after .
Content notes: scenes include abuse and neglect of children, sexual and physical assault, institutional dehumanization, and reference to domestic violence causing a miscarriage. Please see the full content notes inside the book or on the Freak Camp website before reading.
Tobias can't remember why he was locked inside Freak Camp when he was five. All he knows are the camp rules: Other monsters are not your friends. Never disobey the guards. Don't expect anything to get better. The world is safer with him behind these iron-reinforced walls.
But then he meets a hunter's son who defies all the rules. Jake is not just the only bright spot in his world but proof that goodness exists.
The heir to a long line of monster hunters, Jake's only purpose is to stamp out evil. He carries his faith that all monsters are evil to the government-run Freak Camp, where shy, sweet-natured Tobias shakes up all he's ever known and shifts his purpose from hunting monsters to protecting one.
Two lonely boys, damaged in different ways, find themselves drawn together despite the odds.
Freeing Tobias into a world where he can define his own rules could cost Jake his family and the only life he's ever known. But failure carries an even higher price, for Tobias’s life hangs in the balance.
FREAK CAMP is the first book in A Monster By Any Other Name, a slow-burn M/M paranormal romance series for adult readers. Book One is the hurt that leads to the comfort, and each book ends with a happy for now / happily ever after .
Content notes: scenes include abuse and neglect of children, sexual and physical assault, institutional dehumanization, and reference to domestic violence causing a miscarriage. Please see the full content notes inside the book or on the Freak Camp website before reading.
342 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2022
76 people are currently reading
1460 people want to read
About the author
Laura Rye
10 books52 followersLaura Rye grew up in the bustling cosmopolitan city of Houston, Texas. After falling in love with the mountains and the sea and every single tree in the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in Portland, Oregon.
She graduated from the University of Evansville with a BFA in Creative Writing and now does the boring writing by day and the fun kind at night.
FREAK CAMP is her debut book and has occupied her heart and head for the last decade. She is so, so excited to be bringing it now to a wider audience.
She graduated from the University of Evansville with a BFA in Creative Writing and now does the boring writing by day and the fun kind at night.
FREAK CAMP is her debut book and has occupied her heart and head for the last decade. She is so, so excited to be bringing it now to a wider audience.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
September 13, 2024
Esse livro foi tanto sofrimento que só respirei quando Tobias finalmente conseguiu respirar tbm 😭😭😭😭😭😭Quase desisti desse livro pq não aguentei vê tanto sofrimento para um personagem só. Coitado do Tobias, deu vontade de chorar por esse garoto.
October 31, 2022
If you’re like me and thought it would be some kind of rescue mission full of action packed story, you’re going to be disappointed. Not like what I expected.
I think the ONLY BEST THING about this book is watching them both grow up 🥹🥹 imagine having a childhood friend since you’re like 7 and grow up learning about life together. It feels so comforting💗 and THE LOYALTY is everything. I love all of the moments Jake and Tobias shared with each other. Gifts and everytime Tobias waited for Jake. It was adorable 🥰
That’s what I liked about the book and the 3 stars are solemnly for both of them. Now this review is gonna go down hill. *deep breaths*
Despite how much I enjoy the time they share together, I have to say this book NEVER DISCUSS ABOUT FEELINGS at all (which I think was stupid for two people who grow up together.) Love is only based on small touches and sharing M&Ms? I mean yes, they’re kids, and kids don’t understand love yet, but there wasn’t any discussion about that at all. Even after they’ve grown up. I don’t even know this wasn’t romance until I finished it. Not that it was fantasy either 🤔 There wasn’t any slight tension or pining so, I don’t actually trust that they actually like each other, other than the fact that they are loyal to each other since kids.
Like I mentioned earlier, I was looking forward to action and monster fighting plot in the Freak Camp, but none of it was there. There were scenes that leads to something bad was going to happen and few bruises here and there, but no backstory of how anything happen. Most of them just ended abruptly. Disappointing.
I honestly think the PLOT IS WEAK and somewhat forgettable. The scenes were repetitive from the beginning until at least the first half I don’t even know what I read in the middle. It was always Jake visits Tobias at the Freak Camp and nothing really change. In between there was guard bullies, Jake’s dad being a jerk, and some Roger guy existing. And all of those scenes are repetitive too. For a storyline that unfold over years, it was really annoying to read something repeatedly. Imagine that’s all they do for years and NO ACTION SCENES at all. Is it really a freak camp? Tbh, it wasn’t boring, but really, it could’ve done so much shorter if the story just get to the point. Yes, it’s marketed as SLOW BURN, and the fucking burn was true, but make it entertaining at least? Nothing really happens honestly. And if something happen (like the whole CPS scene, Tobias being bullied, etc… ) like I said, again, it just ends abruptly and will make you feel like huh, that’s it?—
Have to give some credits here…so, it actually got entertaining after 70% so GOODLUCK!
The PACING OF THE STORY wasn’t constant, but it was kinda like the author trying to emphasise some scenes better than the other. And the MONOLGUES were too much for someone with short attention span like me. giving this is a slow burn, it didn’t help.
LACK OF DEPTH. Lazy to describe one by one which part was lack of depth but here goes. 1) The Freak Camp. Mentioned of experimenting. But what actually happens IN there? details? 2) Monsters in Freak Camp. No explanation. 3) Boring Guards. Their personalities are abusive repeatedly? 4) Hawthornes are best hunters in the whole wide world but where’s proof? HUNTING SCENE? history? anything? 5) CPS scene. Out of nowhere? purpose? 6) Tobias’s monster side. No development? Descriptions? Descendant details? History?
All of these bothers me because the first half of the book couldve done much more if these details were included :/
Overall, I was hooked at the beginning and then it was just plain afterwards. Had a great concept. Not what I expected. Slowburn ≠ repeated scenes/storyline. And all of that for a HFN? This series is marketed as HFN/HEA, but all of that just for me to have a HFN? I’m tired.
I think the ONLY BEST THING about this book is watching them both grow up 🥹🥹 imagine having a childhood friend since you’re like 7 and grow up learning about life together. It feels so comforting💗 and THE LOYALTY is everything. I love all of the moments Jake and Tobias shared with each other. Gifts and everytime Tobias waited for Jake. It was adorable 🥰
That’s what I liked about the book and the 3 stars are solemnly for both of them. Now this review is gonna go down hill. *deep breaths*
Despite how much I enjoy the time they share together, I have to say this book NEVER DISCUSS ABOUT FEELINGS at all (which I think was stupid for two people who grow up together.) Love is only based on small touches and sharing M&Ms? I mean yes, they’re kids, and kids don’t understand love yet, but there wasn’t any discussion about that at all. Even after they’ve grown up. I don’t even know this wasn’t romance until I finished it. Not that it was fantasy either 🤔 There wasn’t any slight tension or pining so, I don’t actually trust that they actually like each other, other than the fact that they are loyal to each other since kids.
Like I mentioned earlier, I was looking forward to action and monster fighting plot in the Freak Camp, but none of it was there. There were scenes that leads to something bad was going to happen and few bruises here and there, but no backstory of how anything happen. Most of them just ended abruptly. Disappointing.
I honestly think the PLOT IS WEAK and somewhat forgettable. The scenes were repetitive from the beginning until at least the first half I don’t even know what I read in the middle. It was always Jake visits Tobias at the Freak Camp and nothing really change. In between there was guard bullies, Jake’s dad being a jerk, and some Roger guy existing. And all of those scenes are repetitive too. For a storyline that unfold over years, it was really annoying to read something repeatedly. Imagine that’s all they do for years and NO ACTION SCENES at all. Is it really a freak camp? Tbh, it wasn’t boring, but really, it could’ve done so much shorter if the story just get to the point. Yes, it’s marketed as SLOW BURN, and the fucking burn was true, but make it entertaining at least? Nothing really happens honestly. And if something happen (like the whole CPS scene, Tobias being bullied, etc… ) like I said, again, it just ends abruptly and will make you feel like huh, that’s it?—
Have to give some credits here…so, it actually got entertaining after 70% so GOODLUCK!
The PACING OF THE STORY wasn’t constant, but it was kinda like the author trying to emphasise some scenes better than the other. And the MONOLGUES were too much for someone with short attention span like me. giving this is a slow burn, it didn’t help.
LACK OF DEPTH. Lazy to describe one by one which part was lack of depth but here goes. 1) The Freak Camp. Mentioned of experimenting. But what actually happens IN there? details? 2) Monsters in Freak Camp. No explanation. 3) Boring Guards. Their personalities are abusive repeatedly? 4) Hawthornes are best hunters in the whole wide world but where’s proof? HUNTING SCENE? history? anything? 5) CPS scene. Out of nowhere? purpose? 6) Tobias’s monster side. No development? Descriptions? Descendant details? History?
All of these bothers me because the first half of the book couldve done much more if these details were included :/
Overall, I was hooked at the beginning and then it was just plain afterwards. Had a great concept. Not what I expected. Slowburn ≠ repeated scenes/storyline. And all of that for a HFN? This series is marketed as HFN/HEA, but all of that just for me to have a HFN? I’m tired.
March 7, 2022
tl;dr: One of those books where the charisma of the characters overcompensates for any other shortcomings in the writing.
More comments:
The author presents us with a 90's widely different from the one America experienced; the brutality and lack of concern for human rights, the designation of a group as inhumanly evil by the majority of the population, it all feels more common of post-Bush than pre-Bush: that is explained by a traumatic national event where monsters attack the US president and his entourage on a public event. It terrified and radicalized the population, and lead to the creation of the oppressive system that gives the novel its name.
(spoilers from now on)
This book was an interesting read because many times it seems like it will touch on some tropes I'm not a fan of, personally, but the amount of thought and care the author put into these characters genuinely conveys different personalities with widely different values and experiences, rather than mere props doing the rehearsed dance of narrative tropes. More importantly, I like that the author lets the reader decide how to read some parts - for example, the issue of Jake and specific members of the Dixon family. I'm pleased there isn't a last word; instead, we get all sorts of contradictory and complicated interactions.
I admit began reading it a little half-heartedly, expecting some variation of "prince charming saves male cinderella from brutality with the power of violence and true love, and is then rewarded with his eternal love (and virginity)". Very early on I realized I had terribly underestimated the author. While the Camp itself is clearly evil beyond redemption, it is clear it, as well as Tobias' situation, is a problem Jake could not solve by himself even if he wanted to or knew how. His problems are not solvable by either punching them very hard or loving them very much. I thought the complexity of the Hawthorne's distaste for ASC while still begrudgingly benefitting from it somehow, via paychecks or other structures, was very well done, as well as Jake's strained relationship with his father. It is very easy to write a character who can do no wrong just by virtue of having good morals, but it's harder to catch the subtlety of a character who does have good morals, and yet doesn't realize how much they're still part of the system they hate. Big kudos to the author for managing that.
Tobias's POVs were the ones I was the most worried about, but I ended up admiring those the most, because I don't think it is easy to write something so bleak without either giving into childish hopes and platitudes, or going fully nihilistic. I thought there was a lot of care and respect in the way it was written, which again surprised me. Tobias is very capable, and the reader can't help but actually care about him. I "like" that Jake's influence is both responsible for his protection for a period of time, and for the worst of his abuse at another, and that ultimately Tobias is the one who is truly to thank for his own survival. I feel like sometimes authors are afraid of making the most brutal victims their protagonists, and instead make their protagonists witness brutality and feel solidarity for the victim and horror for the abuse but remain "untouched". I truly appreciate the author for not taking the easy, and more cowardly, route, and instead having Tobias as a co-protagonist. I also appreciate how the camp's concern with Tobias's "penetrative virginity" sounds even more absurd in the context of his abuse. I'm very curious to see what the author will do with this character in future books.
I also liked the minor characters, especially Kayla, whom I hope to see in future books too. I thought the detail of the First Lady being the first inmate was very interesting, and I'm wondering if we'll hear more about her, or if her fate will remain a mystery. I also admit that while I think we'll find out Tobias is not a monster, after all, but that I am personally hoping he is, one way or another.
The one thing I wish had been better developed is the worldbuilding - I understand this work was originally a fanfic, and I think it could have benefitted from reworking, or even removing, some of the monster categories, and some of the rules so it was more authentic and felt more 'alive' within the story. But also I understand that is just set dressing for the story of Tobias and Jake, and the story delivers it, so I wasn't really a big turnoff or anything. Just felt like a missed opportunity to make a good book even better, in my opinion.
Looking forward to the next volume.
More comments:
The author presents us with a 90's widely different from the one America experienced; the brutality and lack of concern for human rights, the designation of a group as inhumanly evil by the majority of the population, it all feels more common of post-Bush than pre-Bush: that is explained by a traumatic national event where monsters attack the US president and his entourage on a public event. It terrified and radicalized the population, and lead to the creation of the oppressive system that gives the novel its name.
(spoilers from now on)
This book was an interesting read because many times it seems like it will touch on some tropes I'm not a fan of, personally, but the amount of thought and care the author put into these characters genuinely conveys different personalities with widely different values and experiences, rather than mere props doing the rehearsed dance of narrative tropes. More importantly, I like that the author lets the reader decide how to read some parts - for example, the issue of Jake and specific members of the Dixon family. I'm pleased there isn't a last word; instead, we get all sorts of contradictory and complicated interactions.
I admit began reading it a little half-heartedly, expecting some variation of "prince charming saves male cinderella from brutality with the power of violence and true love, and is then rewarded with his eternal love (and virginity)". Very early on I realized I had terribly underestimated the author. While the Camp itself is clearly evil beyond redemption, it is clear it, as well as Tobias' situation, is a problem Jake could not solve by himself even if he wanted to or knew how. His problems are not solvable by either punching them very hard or loving them very much. I thought the complexity of the Hawthorne's distaste for ASC while still begrudgingly benefitting from it somehow, via paychecks or other structures, was very well done, as well as Jake's strained relationship with his father. It is very easy to write a character who can do no wrong just by virtue of having good morals, but it's harder to catch the subtlety of a character who does have good morals, and yet doesn't realize how much they're still part of the system they hate. Big kudos to the author for managing that.
Tobias's POVs were the ones I was the most worried about, but I ended up admiring those the most, because I don't think it is easy to write something so bleak without either giving into childish hopes and platitudes, or going fully nihilistic. I thought there was a lot of care and respect in the way it was written, which again surprised me. Tobias is very capable, and the reader can't help but actually care about him. I "like" that Jake's influence is both responsible for his protection for a period of time, and for the worst of his abuse at another, and that ultimately Tobias is the one who is truly to thank for his own survival. I feel like sometimes authors are afraid of making the most brutal victims their protagonists, and instead make their protagonists witness brutality and feel solidarity for the victim and horror for the abuse but remain "untouched". I truly appreciate the author for not taking the easy, and more cowardly, route, and instead having Tobias as a co-protagonist. I also appreciate how the camp's concern with Tobias's "penetrative virginity" sounds even more absurd in the context of his abuse. I'm very curious to see what the author will do with this character in future books.
I also liked the minor characters, especially Kayla, whom I hope to see in future books too. I thought the detail of the First Lady being the first inmate was very interesting, and I'm wondering if we'll hear more about her, or if her fate will remain a mystery. I also admit that while I think we'll find out Tobias is not a monster, after all, but that I am personally hoping he is, one way or another.
The one thing I wish had been better developed is the worldbuilding - I understand this work was originally a fanfic, and I think it could have benefitted from reworking, or even removing, some of the monster categories, and some of the rules so it was more authentic and felt more 'alive' within the story. But also I understand that is just set dressing for the story of Tobias and Jake, and the story delivers it, so I wasn't really a big turnoff or anything. Just felt like a missed opportunity to make a good book even better, in my opinion.
Looking forward to the next volume.
April 27, 2022
If I could give this book more stars then I would but definitely pay attention to the warnings. This is a very dark story about a world in which anyone who is other than human is not considered a “real” person and they are hunted, killed or locked up and experimenting on. I read one review that said that only people who are awful would like this book but I don’t think you are horrible for wanting to read something dark. People read true crime and there are stories like Mad Max that are just as dark as this one. I enjoy reading it when I’m in the mood and I will also sometimes read fluff. Does that mean I’m an airhead? I don’t think so. For me it’s how people survive things and adapt to (hopefully in the book) thrive. There is an awful lot of bad things going on in the world right now and reading this book took me away from all that. This book is so well written that it just carried me along with the characters and I found myself feeling that I had to almost wake up and readjust to the real world again when I stopped reading for a while because I had been so immersed in it. I love the characters and even the bad guys are well defined. The contrast between the way the two young men live and are forced to deal with their lives is incredible and the back and forth of what happens makes for a gripping tale.
I absolutely loved this book and my only problem is that the second part of this story is not out yet and I can’t wait to read it and find out what happens. If you like mm dystopian fiction that is on the dark side then I recommend this book to you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I absolutely loved this book and my only problem is that the second part of this story is not out yet and I can’t wait to read it and find out what happens. If you like mm dystopian fiction that is on the dark side then I recommend this book to you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 6, 2023
SPN fic with the serial numbers filed off. I doubt they had it professionally edited and I'm not pulling punches in the M/M genre anymore. Respect your readers and when an entire fandom tells you that your fic is good enough to be published - Don't believe them.
This is not good enough to be published. Even the fanfic version read like OC's with the names slapped on so this failed twice
This is not good enough to be published. Even the fanfic version read like OC's with the names slapped on so this failed twice
March 16, 2022
Freak Camp had me gripped not only to the characters and the narrative arc but also to all the feels. It pulled at my heartstrings; it had my stomach clenched in all types of knots that I might have ulcers; it had my eyes tearing up if I'm not bawling. If I'm not in pain for the "monsters" like Toby and Becca and Kayla, then I'm angry for them.
Not only does this story gives you a wild emotional roller coaster ride with its engrossing plot and narrative arc, Freak Camp also gives you realistic characterizations with realism actions and setting. The setting reminds me of the Holocaust and slavery. The world building is compelling and completely thorough. And the characters! I can actually feel each emotions and visualize their thoughts and actions. With my eyes closed, I would be able to pick out who said what in a dialogue because of the well-developed, carefully crafted, realistic portrayal of each character. I loved Jake, Roger and Toby. I hated the guards, and the Dixons. I felt pity for Leon. Poor Becca and Kayla.
I couldn't put this novel down. I had to finish it even when I needed sleep. I hadn't realized it was so late or rather do early in the morning and I have work and classes in a few hours. My lack of sleep was worth it to finish this riveting story that had me feel for fictional characters.
This story is written by amazing authors that I would put on my one-click list. . I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Not only does this story gives you a wild emotional roller coaster ride with its engrossing plot and narrative arc, Freak Camp also gives you realistic characterizations with realism actions and setting. The setting reminds me of the Holocaust and slavery. The world building is compelling and completely thorough. And the characters! I can actually feel each emotions and visualize their thoughts and actions. With my eyes closed, I would be able to pick out who said what in a dialogue because of the well-developed, carefully crafted, realistic portrayal of each character. I loved Jake, Roger and Toby. I hated the guards, and the Dixons. I felt pity for Leon. Poor Becca and Kayla.
I couldn't put this novel down. I had to finish it even when I needed sleep. I hadn't realized it was so late or rather do early in the morning and I have work and classes in a few hours. My lack of sleep was worth it to finish this riveting story that had me feel for fictional characters.
This story is written by amazing authors that I would put on my one-click list. . I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 5, 2022
Re-read:
I was re-reading the first book to refresh my memory before going for the second book and the plan was just to skim it, because I was impatient to start Fear. I also wanted to skip torture and all the 'bad' scenes. But I ended up reading the whole book without skipping. I mean the addictiveness of it is appalling.
________________
When I started reading this book I thought it was a series of standalone stories. Don’t make my mistakes, it is not. I was going to rate it 5 starts somewhere in the middle, but then I realised that there is no conclusion is coming in this book and was disappointed. I mean this trope is everything I like. The abused child with very low self esteem finding shelter in the other person who is fiercely protective of them. And then this abused child starts coming out of their shell under tender caring of their protector. But, this is just a pure misery for 80% of the book. The short chapters depicting their meetings do nothing to balance the horror of everything else happening. So this book is not for the faint of heart.
I swore that I won’t start another unfinished series, and now I’m inadvertently involved in another one. Hope I will not get discouraged when the next book comes out.
I was re-reading the first book to refresh my memory before going for the second book and the plan was just to skim it, because I was impatient to start Fear. I also wanted to skip torture and all the 'bad' scenes. But I ended up reading the whole book without skipping. I mean the addictiveness of it is appalling.
________________
When I started reading this book I thought it was a series of standalone stories. Don’t make my mistakes, it is not. I was going to rate it 5 starts somewhere in the middle, but then I realised that there is no conclusion is coming in this book and was disappointed. I mean this trope is everything I like. The abused child with very low self esteem finding shelter in the other person who is fiercely protective of them. And then this abused child starts coming out of their shell under tender caring of their protector. But, this is just a pure misery for 80% of the book. The short chapters depicting their meetings do nothing to balance the horror of everything else happening. So this book is not for the faint of heart.
I swore that I won’t start another unfinished series, and now I’m inadvertently involved in another one. Hope I will not get discouraged when the next book comes out.
March 2, 2022
This is a story about monsters, both the kind that lurk in the dark, and the kind that stand out in the open and pretend their souls aren’t as black as the monsters they hunt.
This is a story about two boys, one that is raised to hunt monsters by an obsessed father with a chip on his shoulder the size of a boulder, the other raised in a monster containment camp from the age of five – in the most horrific conditions anyone could imagine.
It’s about a friendship so strong that it’s heartbreaking and life-affirming and painfully beautiful.
This is the story of Jake and Tobias the world they inhabit – it’s not an easy journey to take, but once you begin the journey with them, you will never want to let them go.
This is a story about two boys, one that is raised to hunt monsters by an obsessed father with a chip on his shoulder the size of a boulder, the other raised in a monster containment camp from the age of five – in the most horrific conditions anyone could imagine.
It’s about a friendship so strong that it’s heartbreaking and life-affirming and painfully beautiful.
This is the story of Jake and Tobias the world they inhabit – it’s not an easy journey to take, but once you begin the journey with them, you will never want to let them go.
May 9, 2022
This book!
I was so freaking tense reading this I was driving myself crazy.
I wanted to finish it all in one day.
Tobias: love him
I really liked the story and can’t wait until fall for book 2.
I was so freaking tense reading this I was driving myself crazy.
I wanted to finish it all in one day.
Tobias: love him
I really liked the story and can’t wait until fall for book 2.
April 29, 2022
I loved Freak Camp by Laura Rye. It's the first book in the A Monster By Any Other Name series. I loved watching Jake and Tobias bond through Jake's visits to Freak Camp while his dad was doing other things in the camp. I loved how Jake always smuggled in something for Tobias to eat. I also loved the bond between the witch, Becca, and Tobias and how she became a replacement mom to him and taught him the rules to survive living in Freak Camp. Poor Tobias is put through so much as he grows up to be a young adult monster. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book now that Jake has gotten Tobias released from Freak Camp, how their friendship will grow and change, and how long Tobias will remain an unidentified monster.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 26, 2022
I've already read this book more than once since it was published and I am touched by it every time. The characters become real in the first chapter, as does the world around Freak Camp. I'll be reading it again.
February 28, 2022
The hesitant way the two boys become friends - and how they quickly become the most important part of each other's lives - is endearing. They redefine the way each of them sees the world around them, and become the only light in their otherwise dark surroundings.
In many ways, the reader looks forward to Jake's visits almost as much as Tobias does - and Jake's empathy and hard headed determination is the only thing that keeps Tobias alive in this facility - along with his faith in Jake. This compelling, heart wrenching story explores both the cruelty of man and offers an interesting perspective into the mindset of trauma victims.
The writing is evocative, yet subtle, and draws the reader in with no uncertainty. The two boys have a long road of recovery and adjustment ahead of them, that much is clear, but I can not wait to read all about it.
In many ways, the reader looks forward to Jake's visits almost as much as Tobias does - and Jake's empathy and hard headed determination is the only thing that keeps Tobias alive in this facility - along with his faith in Jake. This compelling, heart wrenching story explores both the cruelty of man and offers an interesting perspective into the mindset of trauma victims.
The writing is evocative, yet subtle, and draws the reader in with no uncertainty. The two boys have a long road of recovery and adjustment ahead of them, that much is clear, but I can not wait to read all about it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2022
Don't mind me over here just sobbing my heart out for Jake & Toby while I wait for book 2
April 5, 2022
A monster can be anyone
Monsters do not need to have fangs or fur. They don't need to shapeshift or howl at the moon. They can be anyone.
Great read!
Monsters do not need to have fangs or fur. They don't need to shapeshift or howl at the moon. They can be anyone.
Great read!
November 26, 2024
There are things I could say about this book in a well-written review, but I choose not to. I will just say this book seems like an excuse to write about rape and torture and if it were not for my OCD I would not have finished it because I didn’t care about anyone or anything that happened (and not much happened aside from rape and torture).
dnf
January 6, 2023I might come back to this but it’s some serious exposition for a published spn fanfic. I just want to get to the good stuff
March 1, 2022
I’ve been following this story for a lot of years now and am so excited that it is finally here! The character development and story are wonderful. I love a White Knight storyline and Jake and Toby are exactly the kind of relationship I love to read. Head the content warning, the first book contains a lot of stuff that can be hard to read but is so vital to the characters’ journey.
March 12, 2022
There are times in one's life where self-doubt is so overwhelming that you often don't see what's in front of you.
Despite their many differences, Jake and Tobias will come together to discover a future they never expected to have.
Despite their many differences, Jake and Tobias will come together to discover a future they never expected to have.
April 10, 2022
Fabulous read!
Captivating story, great writing. It was a thrill and a quick read— can’t wait for the next book in the series!
Captivating story, great writing. It was a thrill and a quick read— can’t wait for the next book in the series!
November 5, 2023
I didn’t realize the author recommended skipping this 1st book in the series and going straight to the 2nd if the violence, rape, evil abuse etc was too heavy. If I’d known the ENTIRE book was worsening abuse and zero I mean ZERO progress past the abuse until the final chapter I would’ve skipped the shit out of this one. I just kept thinking “okay the NEXT chapter it’s going to turn around!” My bad. I’m usually meticulous with researching books prior to reading but I went in blind here bc of the recommendation and rating.
Because I was so enraged and heartbroken reading this… I have absolutely no desire to read the rest of the series. This was too heavy and broke me. I want to put this one in the rearview and try not to think about it again. Reading the next will only remind me of it.
Obviously many readers are built of tougher literary stuff otherwise the rating wouldn’t be so high, and kudos to you all! But life is already so heavy and heartbreaking, reading is only enjoyable for me when it’s not so continuously heavy.
Because I was so enraged and heartbroken reading this… I have absolutely no desire to read the rest of the series. This was too heavy and broke me. I want to put this one in the rearview and try not to think about it again. Reading the next will only remind me of it.
Obviously many readers are built of tougher literary stuff otherwise the rating wouldn’t be so high, and kudos to you all! But life is already so heavy and heartbreaking, reading is only enjoyable for me when it’s not so continuously heavy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2024
why would anyone write this??? Every second of this was distressing to read.
April 25, 2022
3.5 stars.
I didn't fully know what to expect from this book, but I definitely got more than I anticipated. Never mind that this is a reimagining of the CW's Supernatural—I'm not touching on that other than to say the story and characters were familiar and that the similarities could be inflammatory to some people—but the dehumanization of supernatural beings and abuse of power have great potential to make this series something that can stand fully on its own. The content was difficult to read but is unfortunately often a reality for people in vulnerable positions, something I feel the authors can successfully comment on in the next book and books to come. Freak Camp is the groundwork for something bigger, I hope, and I'm optimistic to see where the series goes.
I didn't fully know what to expect from this book, but I definitely got more than I anticipated. Never mind that this is a reimagining of the CW's Supernatural—I'm not touching on that other than to say the story and characters were familiar and that the similarities could be inflammatory to some people—but the dehumanization of supernatural beings and abuse of power have great potential to make this series something that can stand fully on its own. The content was difficult to read but is unfortunately often a reality for people in vulnerable positions, something I feel the authors can successfully comment on in the next book and books to come. Freak Camp is the groundwork for something bigger, I hope, and I'm optimistic to see where the series goes.
A man didn’t think about his bones until he felt them on the edge of shattering.
February 18, 2024
Me avergüenza darle 5 estrellas a esto… El libro es horrible. Horrible. Yo no sé por qué no he hecho caso de las advertencias que venían en la primera página. Ponía que tenía maltrato, sangre, violaciones y tortura, y yo me he creído que no sería para tanto. Mentira. Tengo el trauma debajo de la piel. Horrible. No quiero darle 5 estrellas porque la trama es tan devastadoramente angustiante y traumática que duele, pero está tan bien escrito que no puedes parar de leer porque necesitas que el protagonista sobreviva. Así que lees diciendo: aguanta, no te mueras todavía! Y ENTONCES LLEGA EL FINAL Y NECESITO LEER EL DOS PORQUE JAKEEEE YO TE AMO AAAAAAAAAAAAAA Por favor Toby se merece todo en esta vida. Tengo que leer el dos ahora mismo.
July 25, 2022
paranormal but not romance?
I really don’t know how to write this book, I really liked it but I kind of didn’t.
First of all it was billed as a romance and it’s not in my opinion, not at all.
There were some tender moments but there was no romance and for the most part both of the main characters were very young and and one of the main characters in this book was barely a teenager even by the end of the book.
And it was grim, it was very dark very grim. And I love dark grim and gritty but there’s barely anything redeeming the dark desolate tones of the story., and not much to make you root for the hero Jake.
I mean we’re kind of told that he’s a good guy, a good kid who turns into a good guy, a bad ass hunter,
I just didn’t find a whole lot to let me know why Jake cares for Toby. most of his interactions and reactions are knee-jerk reactions to his father.
And Toby is sad and beat down and really pathetic. And I know that we are told that his behavior and actions , rationale is for survival but all I saw was really him just laying down over and over and over and letting the bad guys abuse him. I guess I just didn’t get a real feel for either one of these guys.
And it makes it sound like I didn’t like the book but I actually did in many ways I love the world building I loved the monster descriptions I loved the concept of freak camp.
And I wanted really badly to love Jake and Toby but I only liked them but I liked them well enough to plan on pre-ordering and reading the next book. Hopefully there will be a little bit more romantic redemption, with enough motivation to make me really really wanna route for these two guys to make it and have a happily ever after.
I really don’t know how to write this book, I really liked it but I kind of didn’t.
First of all it was billed as a romance and it’s not in my opinion, not at all.
There were some tender moments but there was no romance and for the most part both of the main characters were very young and and one of the main characters in this book was barely a teenager even by the end of the book.
And it was grim, it was very dark very grim. And I love dark grim and gritty but there’s barely anything redeeming the dark desolate tones of the story., and not much to make you root for the hero Jake.
I mean we’re kind of told that he’s a good guy, a good kid who turns into a good guy, a bad ass hunter,
I just didn’t find a whole lot to let me know why Jake cares for Toby. most of his interactions and reactions are knee-jerk reactions to his father.
And Toby is sad and beat down and really pathetic. And I know that we are told that his behavior and actions , rationale is for survival but all I saw was really him just laying down over and over and over and letting the bad guys abuse him. I guess I just didn’t get a real feel for either one of these guys.
And it makes it sound like I didn’t like the book but I actually did in many ways I love the world building I loved the monster descriptions I loved the concept of freak camp.
And I wanted really badly to love Jake and Toby but I only liked them but I liked them well enough to plan on pre-ordering and reading the next book. Hopefully there will be a little bit more romantic redemption, with enough motivation to make me really really wanna route for these two guys to make it and have a happily ever after.
March 5, 2023
A Rollercoaster of a Read
Major trigger warnings with this book.
This was a tough read due to the some of the content matter, but it was very well written. The characters have so much to them and it's hard to not feel for them. I loved the blind determination and drive to survive a hellscape like freak camp.
Major trigger warnings with this book.
This was a tough read due to the some of the content matter, but it was very well written. The characters have so much to them and it's hard to not feel for them. I loved the blind determination and drive to survive a hellscape like freak camp.
Read
September 23, 2024Couldn't put it down - am belting through the series, will review on number 4 (last book out for now)
February 23, 2025
I thought it was going to be a fast pace, action packed about rescues and defeating the bad guys.
I was very wrong, this was rather traumatic.
I was very wrong, this was rather traumatic.
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