Whether you’re confused, needing to refresh your memory, or have to catch up for book club, this post has got the answers you need!
Just Stab Me Now is a debut novel from Jill Bearup. A “YouTuber, Actor Combatant, and accidental author” per her channel description, the 2024 novel originated in a series of YouTube shorts. (You can watch the compilation of the series here!) I recommend watching at least the first few installments before reading the book, to have Jill’s voice and comedic timing in your head. Even if you watch the entire series, it’s still worth reading the book since they are not the exact same.
Now, for a brief discussion of the book. There are two semi-parallel storylines — one in the real world of the author and one of her newest book. These overlap slightly, as the author Caroline Lindley interacts with her characters, who aren’t the most cooperative. The book stems from these interactions as in the shorts. I would say that there is more content in the fantasy world, but both get their due.
For a thoughtful longer review and analysis of the book, you can also check out Sweena Mangal’s article, “Just Stab Me Now by Jill Bearup: Another Tiktok Cash Grab or An Actual Novel?“
Please note, there are some spoilers ahead in the answers (and later questions) — you have been warned!
What are the caladrius, caladrius salve, and caladrius glue?
For context, caladrius are mythological birds that are associated with healing and illness. (If you’re interested in learning more about these mythical birds, I strongly recommend this British Library blog post, this podcast, and the Wikipedia article.)
In Just Stab Me Now, that’s pretty accurate. The caladrius are tempermental, white birds whose tears are extremely valuable. In the book, caladrius salve and glue are used in medical applications. Both made from the caladrius birds’ tears, they are shimmery white pastes that help wounds heal. Caladrius glue is made from the salve mixed with glue, and is an alternative to stitching up wounds.
Anything related to the caladrius is extremely expensive, as the birds are difficult and rare. The Hawkhurst estate is one of the few places that is reported to be able to keep a significantly sized flock.
What genre is Just Stab Me Now?
This is a hard question to answer — let alone the romantasy v. fantasy romance debate. Essentially it can be described as a meta-take on a fantasy book with romance, and a charming comedy aspect as well! The main characters are adults, not teenagers, but it not a graphically violent or dark book.
How spicy or clean is Just Stab Me Now? Is it closed or open door?
Just Stab Me Now is clean, aka closed door, aka fade-to-black.
For Bearup’s thoughts on the topic (and other Q+A) see this YouTube video.
What is a morganatic marriage?
A morganatic marriage is defined by Oxford Languages as “relating to or denoting a marriage in which neither the spouse of lower rank, nor any children, have any claim to the possessions or title of the spouse of higher rank.” In simpler words, a morganatic marriage does not raise or lower the rank of either spouse and children from this marriage don’t get any property from the higher-ranked parent.
Does Just Stab Me Now have a happy ending?
I would say it definitely does, but you’ll have to read it to know what happens!
We hope this post was helpful, and encouraged you to read or re-read Just Stab Me Now by Jill Bearup. Stick around a while, and check out some of our other posts like Why Do Books Go Out of Print?; The Moving Finger by Agatha Christie: Reasons to Read (or Not Read), Fun Facts, and Summary; and more!