Cicada

Tanya Pell delivers a debut novel that merges the aesthetic sensibilities of John Carpenter with the creature design flair of Guillermo del Toro. The narrative centers on Ash, who finds herself trapped at a rural horror film festival dedicated to a movie about a giant killer cicada. Her situation deteriorates as she struggles with her unsatisfactory boyfriend while realizing the fictional events are bleeding into reality. As locals prevent escape and deaths mount, Ash discovers she is the protagonist in the bloody sequel to the festival’s featured film. This title belongs to the Killer VHS Series, a collection of standalone stories that utilize found footage elements to evoke the nostalgic atmosphere of 1980s and 1990s horror cinema. The book appeals to readers who enjoy genre-savvy commentary and creepy, fun storytelling. It may not suit those seeking literary depth or traditional character development over plot-driven suspense. The work is characterized by its sharp critique of modern media consumption wrapped in a classic slasher framework. The narrative structure relies on the tension between watching a film and living it. Pell’s background as an author known for works like Clown in a Cornfield informs the text’s understanding of horror tropes. The story does not offer redemption or escape, but rather immersion into a deadly loop. Readers will find the experience unsettling yet entertaining, defined by its commitment to the found footage genre conventions.