Books › Squad
Squad
224 pages
A bloody, sharp-toothed exploration of teenage girlhood where the desire to belong collides with the intoxicating thrill of going feral.
What it feels like
Reading this graphic novel feels like stepping into a neon-lit, blood-splattered fever dream of high school politics. It moves at a brisk, cinematic clip, blending the glossy, hyper-curated aesthetic of a teen drama with the visceral, unapologetic gore of a creature feature. The atmosphere is thick with the desperate, intoxicating hunger for belonging, capturing exactly how terrifying and exhilarating it is to finally be chosen by the cool girls. As the story spirals from righteous vengeance into messy, morally gray territory, the tension ratchets up, anchored by a tender but complicated queer romance. It is a fierce, biting read perfect for anyone who loves their coming-of-age stories laced with sharp teeth, toxic friendships, and girls who are allowed to be absolute monsters.
- Mood
- feral
- neon-lit
- tense
- bloody
- Tone
- biting
- darkly comedic
- fierce
- unapologetic
- Pace
- brisk
- Themes
- hunger for belonging · monstrous femininity · toxic friendships · queer awakening · ethics of vengeance
- The writing
- Sharp, snappy dialogue paired with dynamic, expressive artwork that shifts seamlessly from glossy teen drama to visceral horror.
- The arc
- Starts with the desperate anxiety of trying to fit in, swells into the intoxicating high of feral empowerment, and crashes into a tense, morally ambiguous reckoning.
- Who it's for
- Readers who crave feminist revenge fantasies, messy queer teen dynamics, and stories where teenage girls are allowed to be unapologetically monstrous.
Content notes
- graphic violence
- gore
- sexual harassment
- predatory behavior
- murder
- toxic friendship
About the book
When Becca transfers to a high school in an elite San Francisco suburb, she’s worried she’s not going to fit in. To her surprise, she’s immediately adopted by the most popular girls in school. At first glance, Marley, Arianna, and Mandy are perfect. But at a party under a full moon, Becca learns that they also have a big secret.
Becca’s new friends are werewolves. Their prey? Slimy boys who take advantage of unsuspecting girls. Eager to be accepted, Becca allows her friends to turn her into a werewolf, and finally, for the first time in her life, she feels like she truly belongs.
But things get complicated when Arianna’s predatory boyfriend is killed, and the cops begin searching for a serial killer. As their pack begins to buckle under the pressure—and their moral high ground gets muddier and muddier—Becca realizes that she might have feelings for one of her new best friends.
Description from Open Library.
Books like Squad
See why they match
Best FriendsShannon HaleA deeply relatable, visually expressive journey through the emotional rollercoaster of middle school social politics.
Blood and chocolateAnnette Curtis KlauseA visceral, moonlit exploration of teenage angst and the intoxicating freedom of embracing your own wildness.
Eighth grade bitesHeather BrewerA delightfully angsty blend of supernatural suspense and the everyday horrors of middle school.
Not Your SidekickC. B. LeeA playful, swoony superhero romp where teenage rebellion and secret crushes collide with supervillain plots.
The GatheringKelley ArmstrongA woodsy, atmospheric mystery where small-town claustrophobia meets the thrilling awakening of latent supernatural powers.
The CallingKelley ArmstrongA breathless wilderness survival thriller where supernatural teens must rely on their awakening powers and each other to outrun a relentless threat.