We Like it Cherry - Jacy Morris

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I thoroughly enjoy horror stories set in the deep north. There is something about the icy cold isolation that just heightens the tension for me. Even if I am reading the book in the midst of summer, I always feel a chill. We Like it Cherry by Jacy Morris delivers on the chills, for sure.

Ezra Montbanc hosts a video series about the cultures and celebrations of Indigenous tribes in North America. Buried in an endless string of powwows, Ezra is losing faith in his show and longs for an exciting assignment to punch things up. In a classic case of “be careful what you wish for”, Ezra gets just that. He is invited to observe and record an isolated and mysterious tribe, the Winoquin, as they conduct a once in a lifetime ritual. He believes that this discovery will be what catapults his tiny show from obscurity into the primetime. Travelling with him are Stu, his cameraman and secret lover, Jonesy, a rough-around-the-edges sound man, and Scott, their uptight producer.

Each of the main four have distinct personalities that play well off of each other. Ezra is the main character, but we do experience each person’s POV as they attempt to survive the Winoquin’s ritual. This serves to help the reader connect to each of them and care more about their outcome in the story. My unlikely favourite turned out to be Jonesy, as I felt he had the most complicated personality, but each of the four is engaging in their own way.

The portrayal of the Winoquin is complicated. We do get to know a couple of them to a degree - an unnamed elder, and Maq, the translator/guide - but that’s about it. This serves to cement the cultural differences between Ezra and his group and the Winoquin. While the ritual and practices of the Winoquin are horrific to Ezra (and to the reader - content warnings for cannibalism and ritualistic slaughter), the tribe is not presented as evil despite this practice. They do not delight in cruelty, as they are merely following a very different set of beliefs. Ezra is Indigenous as well, providing a variety of representation. As well, the author, Jacy Morris is Indigenous.

Cannibalism aside, I found the Winoquin to be darkly fascinating. Not only do we get to see aspects of this strange ritual, but we get to see some of their history in the opening. They almost seem to be magical; they are able to swim great lengths under the sea and withstand freezing temperatures in almost no clothing. We do get a glimpse into their past, but I found myself curious about their other rituals, and how the ceremony would have gone if Ezra had refused to bring his team there.

The ending of the story, however, left me with mixed feelings. Some things were tied up far too neatly and those that survived did so a bit too miraculously. Although, the ending I was expecting as I read along would have left me miserable. 

I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys icy horror, claustrophobic tales, dark rituals, and has a strong stomach.


Buy the book here!

Author Website: https://jacymorris.com/ 


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