Reviews

Of Foster Homes and Flies by Chad Lutzke

sleepingnerd's review against another edition

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4.0

Being my second novella of his, I'm finding Lutzke's works have a very particular taste of morbid wholesomeness. And you know what? I like it.

I never read a horror coming of age story, but can attest that it's good shit. The story made me few both sad and unsettled. The smell and heat seemed to radiated off the page (or, in this case, from my tablet). I also enjoy how earnest it was, the themes of neglect and hope and clinging by a frayed edge to the little sanity and normalcy you can reach. While I would be very interested in the aftermath, I liked the sweet ending, and how all the plot points intertwined to create a cohesive short story.

I'll definitely look up other of Lutzke's works!

precioussantiago's review against another edition

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5.0

This is one of the most heartbreaking coming of age stories I’ve read-and for me the most disgusting because..well I hate flies

the_enobee's review against another edition

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5.0

Why did I wait so long to read this!? One of the finer novellas I’ve ever read. Highly recommended for anyone fond of a good story.

nickysbooks78's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced

3.0

victoria80's review against another edition

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5.0

Moving

A beautifully written novella. Deeply moving and thought provoking. Powerful stuff, I highlighted quite a bit in this one. Quick read, long thoughts

findingbetterdays's review against another edition

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dark emotional fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.0

drakaina16's review

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dark sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

Coming of age horror is one of my favorite subgenres, and Chad Lutzke always gets it right. I love his books, but I also know that they're going to hurt me a little. His characters always feel so real, like people you could or have known. While not my favorite book of his, Of Foster Homes and Flies really worked for me. 

casutton's review against another edition

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dark emotional fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

onetrackmind77's review against another edition

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dark emotional sad medium-paced

4.0

mostlyreadinghorror's review

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5.0

This is one of the most heartbreaking coming of age stories I’ve read-and for me the most disgusting because..well I hate flies