Synopsis
Vixen would sell her soul to get into the Bleach Babes and, if she isn’t careful, she might just get what she wants.
One of the most exclusive influencer co-ops in LA, the Bleach Babes live and work together in one big house where they have it all: popularity, talent, and beauty. Their leader? Supermodel Margo, a woman as sinister as she is sexy.
After Margo agrees to take Vix under her wing—and into her bed—Vixen moves in and begins hustling. Success comes hard and fast, but the glitz and glamor comes with a price that may cost her her sanity… and her life.
Review
A huge thank you to Shortwave Publishing for the eARC!
Chloe Spencer dispels any myths about the influencer industry with her novella, Mewing. We follow Vixen, a newcomer to the fashion, modeling, influencer, or “It Girl” industry. While struggling to make a splash, she learns of a collective known as the Bleach Babes, a group of successful female influencers whose association means instant success. Vixen readily agrees to join after meeting with the leader of the group Margo, a supermodel of her own. Of course, everything comes with a price, some things are more expensive than others.
Mewing is a quick, easy read providing greater social commentary on the state of one of our fastest-growing industries, influencing. Opening any social media app in today’s world guarantees ads, marketing, and the unceasing noise of “buy this, be that.” This unending noise of influence feels overwhelming and moreover, the pressure to feel “in” with today’s trends can be exhausting. Spencer gives a view of the flip side of this industry, to not be the influenced but the influencer. Based on Vixen’s tale, it’s overtly clear to see this role is equally (if not more) taxing.
Vixen’s insecurities and characterization felt markedly authentic; she’s a small-town girl looking to be “seen,” by well, anyone. Enter Margo, the epitome of what Vixen yearns for: attractive, sexy, powerful, confident, and bold. She is literally the personification of the validation and acceptance Vixen so desperately wants, and her immediate attraction to Margo feels more than just romantic chemistry. The power dynamics between the two are imbalanced from the start, part of the horror that works so well in this novella. This asymmetry is something Spencer demonstrates so well, how easily Vixen falls under Margo’s influence.
Additionally, Mewing functions as a cult story. Joining the Bleach Babes involves a lot of red flags we associate with coercion, control, power, and well, influence. Specifically, those who join this group must sign over their bank information, dye their hair blonde, and follow strict diet protocol all while living under the same roof. And while Vixen recognizes these steps as being rather harsh, she doesn’t feel as though she has that much to lose and willing signs away (what feels like) her autonomy. Wrapped in feelings of attraction for Margo and the steep desire to “succeed,” Vixen becomes a Bleach Babe, a decision with unthinkable consequences.
Chloe Spencer revisits the idea of selling your soul for fame, fortune, and acceptance in the modern age through Mewing. While the horrors of Hollywood aren’t a new topic, Spencer provides a unique lens to view this individualistic brand of horror, the loss of self and autonomy in the pursuit of acceptance. If you’re looking for a dose of bite-sized, poignant, modern horror, you’ll need to pick up Mewing.
Mewing by Chloe Spencer releases on February 27, 2024 from Shortwave Publishing.
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