Day’s YA: WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU CORPSES

WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU CORPSES by Lene D. Buttner
9781250457431
3/23/2027
Wednesday Books
Ages 13-18

Are you ready for a genre-bending cozy horrormance filled with whimsy, monsters, and a slow-burn gay romance? Look no further than Lene D. Buttner’s romp of a debut, WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU CORPSES.

Theory is a search-and-recovery guide at Fiendworld, the world’s premier magical-sinkhole-turned-amusement-park. But he has a secret: he’s also a cursed, human-eating mantis who disguises his true form with a glamour. Still, what better job for his situation? With each body he recovers from the sinkhole, he can snag a body part to munch on, keeping his hunger at bay with no one the wiser.

Then he’s assigned to recover the body of management’s missing son, Nim—a foolish wizard who just happens to be the direct descendant of the person who cursed Theory in the first place. With reluctance, Theory enters the depths yet again, only to find Nim not only alive, but refusing to be rescued because he’s on a mission of his own. As the two journey deeper, they uncover devastating secrets—both their own and those the park desperately hides. All of this plays out across a treacherous, pitch-black cavern packed with crumbling rock, man-eating fish, abandoned roller coasters, and monstrous fiends lurking in every crevice.

This was an absolute blast to read. It delivers great humor, genuine romance, and sharp horror elements (including a touch of cannibalism). One of my favorite aspects was the slow burn between Theory and Nim—and that’s a true slow burn, considering Theory spends a good chunk of time hoping Nim dies just so he can eat him. Beneath the quirky underground adventure, the book weaves in achingly human themes of grief, loss, and identity. Plus, the chapter headers are pure joy (shoutout to “An Ode to Stubbed Toes” and “Neck-less Exes”).

If you want an inventive, delightfully absurd ride that blends the cozy charm of THE SPELLSHOP with the heart and humor of DUNGEON CRAWLER CARL, don’t miss this one!

Happy reading!
<3 Hallie

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