Eve Harms

Poor Isa! somebody should have warned her that if it sounds too good to be true it probably is. After giving away her plastic surgery fund to pay for an experimental treatment for her father who is in the end stages of cancer she is depressed and desperate. When she sees an ad for a free feminization treatment she decides to take the plunge. But this is no board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Skurm is more mad scientist than doctor, and his treatments are horrifying and traumatic.
Still, it appears to have worked. Isa begins to see dramatic results beyond her wildest dreams. The changes are not limited to her face or to ridding her of masculine features. She is downright beautiful! Unfortunately the changes don't stop, and Dr. Skurm has evil plans as mad scientists tend to do.

Transmuted is number 30 in the Rewind or Die series, and although it is a quick read with some bizarro body horror it may also be a clever and exaggerated look at the reality of what it may feel like for trans people who are stuck in the "wrong" body as Isa is transformed into something she does not recognize.… (mais)

I received an e-Galley ARC of Transmuted, authored by Eve Harms, published by Unnerving, book 30 of the Rewind or Die series, for review consideration. What follows below is my honest review, freely given.

I rated this novella 5 stars. I have been signed up to her newsletter for a fair bit now; pretty stoked to see some of the alchemy info that peppers the emails make an appearance in the flesh, so to speak.

Isa is on the cusp of having FFS—facial feminization surgery—after raising/saving enough when the old faithful family member comes out of the woodwork to guilt her out of it. I’m a tad miffed that said family member is a Sarah (my name!), because it is a travesty against a good name. I would never do that (especially for that reason)! Joking aside, Isa obviously is in need of all the love and support in this story, which I vowed to give her from this point on. The reader is a spectator on her shoulder throughout, her internal voice a guide when all else is silent. One thing that I respect early on about her, even when she’s feeling low she pushes on, doesn’t stop.

If something sounds too good to be true, you know the rest right? Well, she finds that out for herself, the body horror way. This read incredibly realistic, because I have been guilty of clicking on questionable ads, just to see what was going on. The tadpole looking stuff you pour in water for weight loss, I’ve looked at the ad. Guy talking about women need to lose weight to their specific metabolism, yep. Clicked on it. Isa did go a bit further, went to the Dr.’s actual office, but I completely understand.

The whole spiral of the novella starts and does not end, ever. Isa, once afraid that changes to her body weren’t happening fast enough, is now in free fall with no idea where (if) it will end. While a family emergency continues in the background. And a new love interest is thrown into the mix. And I’m not going to tell spoilers but it get so much worse for her! And then conspiracy, occult and alchemy, death, violence!!! Isa does not deserve the sh*t she is having to deal with, full stop. Transmuted combines serious issues with the macabre, dry humor and gore-a-plenty, body horror, and a girl worth fighting for, but who fights for herself. I loved every minute of it.… (mais)

This was a fun & quick novella - I really enjoyed the blog post style which kept the story moving and engaging. The main character, Kendra, was the kind of person in real life that I would probably run and hide from, she's self-centered & oblivious, yet personable with a talent for telling her story and making you want to find out what craziness will happen next. Definitely recommend if you're looking for a fun, dark, but not grim little gem of a book. Looking forward to the next installment!… (mais)