The Scavenger kicks off with three teens, Jared, Jessica, and Adrian, all navigating high school life in Hopps Town, each struggling with personal demons. Jared is tormented by both bullies and supernatural nightmares. Jessica’s life at home is shattered by her abusive, alcoholic mother. Adrian, caught between expectations and his own passions, tries to find balance. But once the trio makes a wish at a mysterious well, their lives are flipped upside down, and something ancient, dark, and deadly starts to stalk them. Part coming-of-age story, part horror-fantasy, this novel blends trauma, friendship, and paranormal tension with surprisingly emotional depth.

Lucid does a great job crafting teenagers that aren’t just stereotypes. Jared, for instance, is more than the gay kid dealing with bullies, he’s witty, loyal, and haunted (literally and emotionally). His interactions with his mom, especially the confrontation about his sexuality (“I’m gay, get over it”), hit hard. It’s raw and messy, and painfully honest. Same with Jessica, her scenes with her abusive mother had my stomach in knots. One moment that stuck with me was when her mom told her she should’ve aborted her is absolutely chilling. But Jessica’s strength and resilience kept me rooting for her.

The horror builds slowly, which I enjoyed. The scene where Jared’s school empties out and he’s chased by a black smoke creature gave me serious goosebumps. The whispers, the locked doors, the way the laughter chased him down the hallway, it felt like something straight out of a nightmare. And later, when the crow crashes into Adrian’s window and its eyes glow red? I actually paused reading to take a breath. The horror elements don’t overwhelm the story. Instead, they sneak in gradually and make the tension feel very real. It’s not just gore or shock for the sake of it. There’s meaning behind the madness, and the pacing kept me hooked.

What also impressed me was the blend of emotional arcs and supernatural themes. The wish-at-the-well premise could’ve felt cheesy, but Lucid makes it work. It’s not about the wish itself; it’s about what’s inside the characters when the darkness comes calling. After the wish, the world subtly shifts: abusive parents start acting too perfect, the past won’t stay buried, and the kids begin unraveling. It’s eerie in the best way. Even side characters like Tina, with her own painful backstory, feel layered. The book isn’t afraid to tackle hard stuff: abuse, homophobia, grief, trauma. But it doesn’t wallow in misery; there’s light, too. Friendship. Laughter. Hope. That balance made the heavier themes hit even harder.

The Scavenger is a wild, emotional ride. If you’re into horror stories with heart, this is for you. It’s got teenage banter, real-world pain, and enough mystery and chills to keep you flipping pages. Fans of Stranger Things, IT, or even Goosebumps with a bit more grit will probably enjoy it. The characters are memorable, the scares are solid, and the story stays with you. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who likes thrillers with a side of soul.

Pages: 140 | ASIN : B0CY4SQXPH