The Honey's By Ryan La Sala

 Ryan La Sala Author Page

From Amazon: 
Mars has always been the lesser twin, the shadow to his sister Caroline's radiance. But when Caroline dies under horrific circumstances, Mars is propelled to learn all he can about his once-inseparable sister who'd grown tragically distant.

Mars's genderfluidity means he's often excluded from the traditions -- and expectations -- of his politically-connected family. This includes attendance at the prestigious Aspen Conservancy Summer Academy where his sister poured so much of her time. But with his grief still fresh, he insists on attending in her place.

What Mars finds is a bucolic fairytale not meant for him. Folksy charm and sun-drenched festivities camouflage old-fashioned gender roles and a toxic preparatory rigor. Mars seeks out his sister's old friends: a group of girls dubbed the Honeys, named for the beehives they maintain behind their cabin. They are beautiful and terrifying -- and Mars is certain they're connected to Caroline's death.

But the longer he stays at Aspen, the more the sweet mountain breezes give way to hints of decay. Mars’s memories begin to falter, bleached beneath the relentless summer sun. Something is hunting him in broad daylight, toying with his mind. If Mars can't find it soon, it will eat him alive.

My Thoughts:

Honestly, this was a tough book to start, as I was expecting something else when I cracked it open. (I was told Midsommar meets summer camp, which it does have echos of, but not like I was thinking.)

Luckily, I powered through my initial confusion to keep reading as wow wow wow!! By chapter 5/6, I was completely hooked, and ended up finishing the rest of the book in one day. My local book club had a lot of fun when we talked about the book as well. (which my fast reading helped). 

Mars' quick wits and desire to simply be themselves really found something in me. I enjoyed how the author dealt with the grief of losing someone, as well as the frustrations that queer people have when dealing with family/heteronormative society. There were a few moments that seemed predictable, but overall I had no idea where the author was taking us, which I enjoyed the most. The 'Bury your gays' trope was not present either, which was refreshing. If you're looking for a happy, wrapped up ending with all of your questions answered, then this is not it. I think that it ended wonderfully, but some friends were wanting more answers. 

Without spoiling anything, the author has a perfect description for Non-Binary that I've ever heard, not only to someone of the queer community but also to heteronormative folks. It's a great answer when they ask questions. 

I have since bought all Ryan's other works, and am working through them while still reading other books too Hehe. 

Final Report:
The Honey's by Ryan La Sala
340-368 pages (depends on edition)
Age range: 14+ years
$6.99 (Kindle)
$10.99 (Paperback)
$9.99 (Hardcover)
$14.91 (Audiobook)
10/10

Extra:

Below are my favorite quotes from the book :) 

"But invisible to anyone else is the moment we both reach a grim understanding as to why we’re being introduced. We’re both gay."

"maybe it’s because I’ve spent my life on the outside, peering through a yearning distance at the games girls play, memorizing every turn and trick with the desperate hope that one day I’d be invited to play along, too."

"participate in their stuff. Sports and poker night. Show them you’re, like, chill.” “Wyatt, that’s not being chill. That’s performative heterosexuality.""