The Honeys

By: Ryan La Sala

Narrated by: Pete Cross

Length: 10 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

©2022 Ryan La Sala (P)2022 Scholastic Inc

An Instant Favorite

I dont usually write book reviews, but this book...wow. I'm a sucker for a good mystery/suspense story as well as some lgbtqia+ rep, and this is a great source of both. I can honestly say I've never read a story like this one. The plot is so different and so well written; I was hooked from the beginning and did not want to stop. I will absolutely be reading this again.

The narration was also great. I don't often like when a narrator does the voices of different genders (sometimes it's outright commical) but this was done very well.

Not a horror book

It was a good book and recommended listening. However, this wasn’t scary or creepy. If your genre is horror/thriller, this is very very tame in that regard.

The narrator was perfect for this book and the sounds effects were great. I wish more audiobooks had sound effects. It makes the experience that much more immersive.

One of a kind

Truly the perfect summer book if you like things like gossip and spooky fiction you’ll love this. There is so much detail the book starts like it ends and it ends like it starts and its something that kept me hungry for more

Got that summer camp—summer camp sadnessss

My favorite part of this book was how it portrayed grief. The bond the twins share even after death felt so raw. The narration and audio atmosphere helped melt me into this daylight horror!

Mostly held up for me despite all the redirects

It took me a minute to get comfortable with this book. The opening event kind of made me feel like I was about to dive into something odd. It’s definitely *out there* but I found the developing of the story pretty satisfying. I enjoyed a good queer character who I was SO rooting for throughout the chaos and adventure

Strange and lovely story

Beautiful and thrilling tale that leaves you thinking about it long after it ends.

Unique story

This was such a unique and interesting story! Mars is a strong, self-assured character (even if he doesn’t realize it). The performance was wonderful. I so enjoyed the nature sound effects which made you feel like you were with Mars in those woods.

Excellent, creepy, loving, and soulful

The Honeys is a beautiful ode to sisterhood, embracing your differences, and bonds that can’t be broken. It’s creepy, fun, and fabulously campy when it needed to be. The performance was brilliant, especially with the background mix to create a perfect atmosphere. Ryan has done an incredible job of weaving beauty into horror, and done so with such grace that I couldn’t stop listening.

incoherent screaming

I'm not particularly fond of ya, haven't been since I was a teenager. I like for my ya books to have a touch of dark humor, an unhinged quality, and overall great writing that does not revolve around the melodrama of puberty or a stupid lead character, making insipid decisions. This book is just phenomenal and exceeds my expectations.

So freaking good!

I was not prepared for this masterpiece of tension, heart, and terror. rereading again now