I received this book for free from the Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Transmuted by Eve Harms Series: Rewind or Die #30
Published by Unnerving on July 15 2021
Genres: Adult, Horror
Pages: 71
Format: eARC
Source: Author
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The nitty-gritty: A unique take on body horror, I enjoyed parts of Transmuted but some of it was too over-the-top for me.
Transmuted is getting a lot of love from the horror community, and so I was eager to try it out. Unfortunately, this ended up being a mixed bag for me, and. I believe it was a case of expecting one thing and getting quite another. I did enjoy certain aspects, but overall it was just too over-the-top for me.
Here’s the story: Isa is a trans woman who has quite a big following on social media. She’s even held a fundraiser for herself to pay for the expensive facial surgery she wants to get, which will give her more feminine features. She’s managed to raise $ 40,000 and she can’t believe her dream is finally going to come true. But then fate intervenes when her sister calls with news that their father is dying of cancer, and his only hope is a $30,000 surgery that might save his life. You can see where this is going. Sadly for Isa, her father is an asshole and doesn’t accept her transition at all, but what kind of person would she be if she didn’t give him the money?
And then out of the blue, Isa sees an Instagram ad for free, experimental feminization surgery. It’s almost too good to be true, but she jumps at the chance to try it, especially since she runs the risk of disappointing the fans who donated all that money if she doesn’t. Dr. Skurm’s methods are unconventional to say the least, but Isa is thrilled when after the first treatment, she starts to see some amazing changes. But then—things start to get weird, and Isa wonders what she’s gotten herself into.
I really enjoyed the first half of the book. Harms sets up an interesting story with a relatable main character. Isa is struggling with gender dysphoria and more than anything, she wants to change her masculine facial features. I felt her pain and desire to try almost anything, which is what gets her into trouble, of course. I was also appalled at the way her father treated her, especially after she gave him HER money for a risky surgery.
Harms does a great job of integrating social media into her story. I’ve personally experienced weird ads on social media that seem like they were tailor made for me (and I’m sure I’m not the only one!), so Harms’ cautionary statement about “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is” really struck a chord with me.
I also enjoyed the weirdness of Dr. Skurm and his questionable “surgery center.” Some of the descriptions of Isa’s treatments were truly unnerving, although to be honest, I was expecting something—more. This book is marketed as “body horror,” and having read quite a bit of that subgenre, I have to admit I was a little disappointed in that aspect overall. Yes, Isa’s body changes, but not in the way you might expect. I found some of the changes almost laughable rather than disturbing, especially as you cross over into the second half of the story.
And speaking of which, this is where things went off the rails for me. Isa’s adventures descend into bizarro territory, with a bunch of crazy, over-the-top action near the end. It makes sense, in a way, because the whole story is meant to be horrific and odd, but for me it was a little too much. Still, fans who enjoy this specific type of horror will probably love it more than I did.
Big thanks to the author for providing a review copy.
The premise sounded great. I’ve seen this book doing the rounds on social media. I plan to read it at some point but I think I need to adjust my expectations.
I’m really curious to see what you think!
It might sound weird to say this, but where things went over the top for you sound perfect for me. I would expect a chaotic blowup at the end of a contemporary body horror story. Transmuted sounds fabulous. Good review as always!
Priscilla Bettis recently posted…3rd Quarter 2021 Writing Goals
That’s why I love all our different preferences for books, you just never know what’s going to grab your attention:-)
It did make that hard left turn into bizarro horror in the last part,didn’t it? I wasn’t expecting it, and it probably knocked a star off my review, but it was still a guilty pleasure. 🙂
It was definitely unique and fun!
Huh, interesting. I was already eyeing this one up and now I’m curious in what way it went off the rails. I think that’s the first time that kind of twist made me want to read something more because usually that can spoil a story for me.
Hannah @ Dragons and Whimsy recently posted…Weekend Wrap-Up: 24/07/2021
Hey, if my three star review makes you curious, then I guess I did my job, lol.
This one was so much fun and I really enjoyed Isa’s character. It does go a bit bizarro at the end, haha, but I loved it. Glad you enjoyed it.
I think it was TOO bizarro for me, but I’m glad I took a chance on it:-)
I’ve never read body horror and I don’t think I ever will because I find myself way too squeamish to actually immerse myself in the genre haha! Anyway, this story certainly sounds like it’s got an interesting premise and is relatable with the social media aspect too.
Hasini @ Bibliosini recently posted…Sunday Sum-Up #23: Rick & Morty Binge, Upcoming Blog Tours & Cover Reveals
It was fun, but I’ve read some really good books lately and I have to rate it based on those books.
I am sorry that this book didn’t live up to your expectations!! I hope your next books would be more satisfying!
Thanks Susy:-)
Hmmm… I really don’t think this one would be for me. There was a time when younger when I think I’d have been very open to it, when I didn’t mind that sort of horror, but I find it far less interesting the older I get, both in movies and books. I do hope the book finds its audience, though.
I’m trying some Indie horror and some of it works and some doesn’t, which doesn’t really surprise me.
Sorry to hear this one didn’t quite work for you. The premise sounds interesting but probably not a good fit for me.
You definitely need to be open minded about lots of crazy (and I mean crazy) plot twists:-)
I think I’ll try this one. If it was a movie, I’m not sure I could watch it though! It sounds like a creative and fun story to read. Hope you like your next read more.
Jennifer @ Donnie Darko Girl recently posted…Fire and Cinder (Fairy Tales of the Magicorum #6) by Christina Bauer ~ #NetGalley #bookreview
It was super creative! A lot of readers love it, so it’s just a matter of not quite the right book for me.
thanks for this amazing post i was not aware of anything before reading.
moviesyug recently posted…KILLER WEEKEND aka FUBAR (2018) Horror Movie Watch Online
I don’t think this is one for me. I’m careful about my horror choices because some just aren’t my thing.
Lynn 😀