Together We Rot by Skyla Arndt
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
The Gist
Together We Rot is a moody, intense YA horror novel. It digs deep into themes of grief, neglect, and abandonment. The story follows Wil, a lonely and furious teen. Her mother has vanished, and no one offers answers. The adults in her life remain distant and silent. Wil is left to face the darkness alone, fueled by questions and betrayal.
The Details
Arndt builds a strong atmosphere. The setting feels heavy and decayed—swampy, dark, and full of tension. The horror blends well with Wil’s emotional state. Her anger and distrust feel real. Arndt doesn’t soften Wil’s pain. This is a story about what happens when no one shows up for you. It’s raw, emotional, and at times uncomfortable in the best way.
Still, the story stumbles in places. The middle feels slow and unfocused. The plot speeds up near the end, which can feel jarring. Some twists lack clarity. A few characters feel flat, especially those meant to support or challenge Wil. She carries almost all the emotional weight herself.
Despite this, there’s a lot to like. The writing is vivid. The tone stays consistent from start to finish. Readers who enjoy dark, emotionally driven horror will find value here. This isn’t a book of cheap scares—it lingers. The unease builds slowly and sticks with you.
The Verdict
Overall, If you’re drawn to fierce, hurting girls and stories full of emotional rot, give Together We Rot a try. It’s not perfect, but it’s bold and memorable.
