Stephanie Jensen's Blog, page 3

Review: Hank Flynn by Candace Nola

Terrifying demons. A heroic protagonist. Extreme brutality. You get all of this and more when you read Candace Nola’s Hank Flynn.

There are many reasons why I love this book. Nola is an amazing writer who takes you into the world of Hank Flynn. While you truly find out who he is at the end of the book, I will only tell you he does God’s dirty work, if you catch my drift. Even though I’ve been burned out by demons over the last few years, Nola makes the demon petrifying again and conveys them as the evil that they truly are.

I was happy to be a guest on Mothers of Mayhem’s Women in Horror panel with Candace Nola. Candace had some powerful words for host Marian’s questions. I seriously hope everyone takes a look at the episode and listens to what Candace has to say about women’s role in horror and violence against women.

So, what is Hank Flynn about? And why should you read this book?

The Story

Hank Flynn is a man who does God’s bidding. God sends him on “journeys” where Hank has to confront demons. Oftentimes, these journeys lead to murder. However, Hank has a family back home in Protection, Kansas. The town knows Hank is God’s servant but they can’t fathom the horrors he experiences — until the very end.

The story first starts off in the late 19th century and Nola includes essential events that occurred during this time — most notably, the integration of black people and white people following the Emancipation Proclamation and the suffering of the Great Depression. I love historic fiction, so it was interesting reading about these integral events in a fantasy Biblical element.

At first, Hank Flynn is a mystery. But as Nola slowly peels back the layers, everything starts coming together and it makes you appreciate the story that much more.

Readers will absolutely love Hank (or at least I did). He’s the perfect antihero; he does terrible things but deep down, he’s a loving man. He protects those around him and is true to his word. In one chapter, he’s a brutal monster destroying demons. In the next, he’s gentle and loving to his wife, Josie. You feel for Hank and root for him the entire story.

The Characters

Other than Hank, the main characters are Josie, her father Wallace, and the Sheriff. We meet various other characters, but these three are Hank’s support system.

As you’ll learn, Hank is a damned man and doesn’t experience much joy in life. With Josie, her family, and the people of Protection, Kansas, Hank found a community that loves him unconditionally. He needed that support system, given the deeds that God forces upon him.

Is This Story Really Violent?

Absolutely! Hank Flynn isn’t for the faint of heart. As stated previously, the journeys that God takes him on are brutal. Hank gets into fights with demons, who usually possess souls. This also means that Hank kills people.

Speaking of which, Hank has his own version of punishment. If a scoundrel is causing problems in town, Hank takes them to his underground torture chamber. And those scenes are some of the best!

I also really appreciate God’s role in this story. God doesn’t come to Hank in a loving manner — he’s maniacal, coming to Hank in a series of lighting bolts. God penetrates Hank’s mind, causing him severe migraines. God is wrathful in this book, though you wonder if he’s only wrathful to Hank.

Things to Keep in Mind When Reading

The story moves very quickly. Years pass by between chapters; Nola only focuses on the most important details. Keep this in mind when reading. For example, we meet Josie at 16 years old and then she is suddenly in her 20s and is married to Hank. These little tidbits confused me at first; fortunately, Nola is good about informing the reader about the time period.

Where Can You Read Hank Flynn?

I purchased Hank Flynn on Amazon. It’s available in Kindle, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook.

Follow Candace Nola

https://www.uncomfortablydark.com/

https://www.amazon.com/Candace-Nola/e/B07YYW4T7N?ref_=dbs_p_ebk_r00_abau_000000

https://www.instagram.com/cnola.author/?hl=en

https://twitter.com/candace_nola?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19707718.Candace_Nola

https://www.audible.com/author/Candace-Nola/B07YYW4T7N

Follow Stephanie E. Jensen/Infernal Horror:

www.infernalhorror.com

www.instagram.com/stephanieinfernal

www.instagram.com/infernal_horror

www.twitter.com/sej_infernal

www.twitter.com/infernalhorror3

Please support the Mothers of Mayhem podcast! Marian and Christina are hilarious and they do so much for the indie horror community. I watch their podcast on YouTube but it’s available on a variety of platforms.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_VI...

https://www.audible.com/pd/Mothers-of...

I know I’m posting this blog in April and it’s no longer Women in Horror month. But still, please support women in horror all year, not just in March.

Review: Idol by Regina Watts

It’s rare to come across a horror novel that’s truly unique AND unsettling. Plus, it’s always nice reading a book with a lot of suspense. Especially one that makes you think.

Regina Watts’ Idol offers all of this and more. I’ve been wanting to read her books for a long time and I’m glad Idol was my introduction to her writing.

Regina and I were guests on Mothers of Mayhem’s Women in Horror panel. It was an honor to not only be on the podcast but to be there with other notorious writers. I reviewed Lucy Leitner first, I’m obviously reviewing Watts now, and my review of Candace Nola’s Hank Flynn will be next (loving it so far).

Back to Idol. While I definitely recommend this book, this isn’t a simple read. The story goes in so many twists and turns; when you think you understand what’s happening and can predict what’s next, Watts takes a turn in the opposite direction. She writes unreliable narrator in such a good way to where the reader is constantly questioning what is real and what isn’t. And giving everyone a heads up: you’ll have even more questions.

What’s Going on Here?

Regina Watts doesn’t give away the storyline immediately in this thriller. She brings the reader in for the ride, which I respect and enjoyed. But I do want to disclose some non-spoiler details because I was confused at the beginning of the book.

We first meet Melba and her cousin, Becky June. Melba has…a plan. That’s the best way to summarize it. That plan is more intricate than anything you can ever imagine. Until shit hits the fan, the first few chapters unveil tiny details about the plan. You get a good idea of what will happen, but you can’t predict everything that will occur.

There are some details that seem out-of-place but will make sense at the end of the book. For example, in the first chapter, Melba gets a tattoo. Watts continues to bring up the tattoo throughout the story. I kept wondering what was so significant about that tattoo until Melba answered my question at the very end. Watts has a method to her madness so trust the story and hang in there for the ride.

Who Are the Characters?

There are four main characters: Melba, Becky June, Rex Virgil, and the Gray Man. There are also a few secondary characters: Taylor, Candy, and Daisy.

Melba

I don’t want to give too much about Melba away because it would ruin part of the story. What I can say now is Melba is mentally sick in many ways. While she may seem like a “redneck,” she’s highly intelligent. She also used to have a successful career as an esthetician.

Becky June

Becky June (called “Junie” by Melba) is Melba’s cousin. Junie reminds me of your stereotypical sweet southern belle. She’s wholesome. Even though Junie is a nervous rut and hates what Melba is doing, she always sticks by Melba’s side and has unconditional love for her. Unconditional love. You’ll discover how far she’s willing to go for Melba.

Rex Virgil

Rex Virgil is a fictional famous actor. We first meet him as he “speaks” to Melba in her “thoughts.” It doesn’t take long to meet the real Rex. Rex’s character is an enigma throughout the entire story; you have no idea who he really is. What you do know is his relationship to Melba is very traumatic and unhealthy, which will explain her erratic behavior throughout the book.

The Gray Man

The Gray Man is an ominous character who Melba hallucinates. She’s acting out her “plan” to give sacrifices to The Gray Man. Yeah, you can guess what Melba is up to. Trust me, it’s so much more than what you’re thinking.

Taylor

Taylor is a redneck douche they meet at the lake they’re staying at. I couldn’t stand him throughout the book, so I’m not going to describe him anymore. Just know he gets what he deserves.

Candy and Daisy

Taylor’s family members who are staying with him on the lake. You don’t learn much else about them.

Reality vs Melba’s Mind

The big theme here is going back-and-forth between the real world and what’s occurring in Melba’s mind. Melba has schizophrenia. She hallucinates, hears voices, thinks people say things when they’re not, is paranoid, and has a warped view of people, religion, and more.

As the reader, it’s kind of sad. Melba is sick and no one is helping her. Becky June only enables her. You receive tidbits about her life; Melba also hallucinates about her father (she hints she was abused by her father) and you learn the whole story between her and Rex. These traumas just add to the sadness of the whole situation. And her mental state explains why she has a “plan.”

This is why you’re not sure if you should feel bad for Melba or hate her. You know she’s sick and needs help, but she’s doing these terrible things and always finds reasons for it. Throughout the book, you wonder if this is what evil is. If all of the terrible killers, rapists, abusers, and molestors also have their own justifications for the violent actions they commit.

Regina Watts gives us glimpses inside Melba’s mind but isn’t too literal about it. The entire book is written in third-person limited, so you’re stuck wondering what is in Mel’s mind and what is real. When you think you have it figured out, Watts throws a curveball. While I appreciate the complexity of this story, I’m left with more questions than answers — especially at the end of the book.

Is This Book Really Violent?

I have to say, this book isn’t as violent as I expected. There are some rough scenes, but it’s nowhere near as violent as other books I regularly read. This book is more unsettling than anything. I would consider this more psychological horror than splatterpunk. That and it’s just sad, based on what I said previously about Melba’s mental state.

Is There Anything I Didn’t Like?

My biggest complaint is one I already mentioned — I have more questions than answers. That’s not due to Regina Watts’ writing but the complexity of the story. Melba is a sick person and most of what goes on in her head doesn’t make sense. Inevitably, the reader gets confused. It doesn’t take away from the story or the enjoyment of the book, but if you want a fun and simple read, this isn’t the book for you.

There are some details that also don’t make sense. This one is kind of a spoiler so don’t read this part if you haven’t read the book. But I still don’t understand why Melba wanted to make a snuff film. The sacrifices I understand, but I kept getting lost during the parts where they tried to film. I tried to understand the significance of the snuff film — maybe it symbolizes Melba’s mind (how fantasy bleeds into reality) or maybe it represents her love of film and Rex?

The beginning was also a little slow, which is normal for books. Trust me, when shit happens then shit happens!

Where Can You Buy Idol?

I bought Idol on Amazon. I can’t find it on Godless, which is pretty shocking.

Overall, Idol is an unsettling horror novel. Regina Watts is a skilled writer that makes the reader question what really is going on. Let’s just hope you never cross paths with Melba …or Rex…or The Gray Man.

Follow Regina Watts:

https://hrhdegenetrix.com/

https://www.amazon.com/Regina-Watts/e/B088F2FC3V%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share

https://twitter.com/WritesWatts?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

https://www.facebook.com/HRHDegenetrix/

https://www.audible.com/author/Regina-Watts/B088F2FC3V

https://www.instagram.com/hrhdegenetrix/?hl=en

https://godless.com/products/regina-watts

Follow Stephanie E. Jensen/Infernal Horror

www.infernalhorror.com

www.instagram.com/stephanieinfernal

www.instagram.com/infernal_horror

www.twitter.com/sej_infernal

www.twitter.com/infernalhorror3

Please support the Mothers of Mayhem podcast! Marian and Christina are hilarious and they do so much for the indie horror community. I watch their podcast on YouTube but it’s available on a variety of platforms.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_VIqGUn6ssun4bPXYSOXzA

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-mothers-of-mayhem-an-extre-90979269/

https://www.audible.com/pd/Mothers-of-Mayhem-An-Extreme-Horror-Podcast-Podcast/B09PC7YDBR

And don’t forget to support women in horror — all year, not just in March.

Review: Icon by Regina Watts

It’s rare to come across a horror novel that’s truly unique AND unsettling. Plus, it’s always nice reading a book with a lot of suspense. Especially one that makes you think.

Regina Watts’ Icon offers all of this and more. I’ve been wanting to read her books for a long time and I’m glad Icon was my introduction to her writing.

Regina and I were guests on Mothers of Mayhem’s Women in Horror panel. It was an honor to not only be on the podcast but to be there with other notorious writers. I reviewed Lucy Leitner first, I’m obviously reviewing Watts now, and my review of Candace Nola’s Hank Flynn will be next (loving it so far).

Back to Icon. While I definitely recommend this book, this isn’t a simple read. The story goes in so many twists and turns; when you think you understand what’s happening and can predict what’s next, Watts takes a turn in the opposite direction. She writes unreliable narrator in such a good way to where the reader is constantly questioning what is real and what isn’t. And giving everyone a heads up: you’ll have even more questions.

What’s Going on Here?

Regina Watts doesn’t give away the storyline immediately in this thriller. She brings the reader in for the ride, which I respect and enjoyed. But I do want to disclose some non-spoiler details because I was confused at the beginning of the book.

We first meet Melba and her cousin, Becky June. Melba has…a plan. That’s the best way to summarize it. That plan is more intricate than anything you can ever imagine. Until shit hits the fan, the first few chapters unveil tiny details about the plan. You get a good idea of what will happen, but you can’t predict everything that will occur.

There are some details that seem out-of-place but will make sense at the end of the book. For example, in the first chapter, Melba gets a tattoo. Watts continues to bring up the tattoo throughout the story. I kept wondering what was so significant about that tattoo until Melba answered my question at the very end. Watts has a method to her madness so trust the story and hang in there for the ride.

Who Are the Characters?

There are four main characters: Melba, Becky June, Rex Virgil, and the Gray Man. There are also a few secondary characters: Taylor, Candy, and Daisy.

Melba

I don’t want to give too much about Melba away because it would ruin part of the story. What I can say now is Melba is mentally sick in many ways. While she may seem like a “redneck,” she’s highly intelligent. She also used to have a successful career as an esthetician.

Becky June

Becky June (called “Junie” by Melba) is Melba’s cousin. Junie reminds me of your stereotypical sweet southern belle. She’s wholesome. Even though Junie is a nervous rut and hates what Melba is doing, she always sticks by Melba’s side and has unconditional love for her. Unconditional love. You’ll discover how far she’s willing to go for Melba.

Rex Virgil

Rex Virgil is a fictional famous actor. We first meet him as he “speaks” to Melba in her “thoughts.” It doesn’t take long to meet the real Rex. Rex’s character is an enigma throughout the entire story; you have no idea who he really is. What you do know is his relationship to Melba is very traumatic and unhealthy, which will explain her erratic behavior throughout the book.

The Gray Man

The Gray Man is an ominous character who Melba hallucinates. She’s acting out her “plan” to give sacrifices to The Gray Man. Yeah, you can guess what Melba is up to. Trust me, it’s so much more than what you’re thinking.

Taylor

Taylor is a redneck douche they meet at the lake they’re staying at. I couldn’t stand him throughout the book, so I’m not going to describe him anymore. Just know he gets what he deserves.

Candy and Daisy

Taylor’s family members who are staying with him on the lake. You don’t learn much else about them.

Reality vs Melba’s Mind

The big theme here is going back-and-forth between the real world and what’s occurring in Melba’s mind. Melba has schizophrenia. She hallucinates, hears voices, thinks people say things when they’re not, is paranoid, and has a warped view of people, religion, and more.

As the reader, it’s kind of sad. Melba is sick and no one is helping her. Becky June only enables her. You receive tidbits about her life; Melba also hallucinates about her father (she hints she was abused by her father) and you learn the whole story between her and Rex. These traumas just add to the sadness of the whole situation. And her mental state explains why she has a “plan.”

This is why you’re not sure if you should feel bad for Melba or hate her. You know she’s sick and needs help, but she’s doing these terrible things and always finds reasons for it. Throughout the book, you wonder if this is what evil is. If all of the terrible killers, rapists, abusers, and molestors also have their own justifications for the violent actions they commit.

Regina Watts gives us glimpses inside Melba’s mind but isn’t too literal about it. The entire book is written in third-person limited, so you’re stuck wondering what is in Mel’s mind and what is real. When you think you have it figured out, Watts throws a curveball. While I appreciate the complexity of this story, I’m left with more questions than answers — especially at the end of the book.

Is This Book Really Violent?

I have to say, this book isn’t as violent as I expected. There are some rough scenes, but it’s nowhere near as violent as other books I regularly read. This book is more unsettling than anything. I would consider this more psychological horror than splatterpunk. That and it’s just sad, based on what I said previously about Melba’s mental state.

Is There Anything I Didn’t Like?

My biggest complaint is one I already mentioned — I have more questions than answers. That’s not due to Regina Watts’ writing but the complexity of the story. Melba is a sick person and most of what goes on in her head doesn’t make sense. Inevitably, the reader gets confused. It doesn’t take away from the story or the enjoyment of the book, but if you want a fun and simple read, this isn’t the book for you.

There are some details that also don’t make sense. This one is kind of a spoiler so don’t read this part if you haven’t read the book. But I still don’t understand why Melba wanted to make a snuff film. The sacrifices I understand, but I kept getting lost during the parts where they tried to film. I tried to understand the significance of the snuff film — maybe it symbolizes Melba’s mind (how fantasy bleeds into reality) or maybe it represents her love of film and Rex?

The beginning was also a little slow, which is normal for books. Trust me, when shit happens then shit happens!

This also isn’t a criticism, but I’m not sure why the book is titled “icon.” Maybe as a reference to Rex? He’s Melba’s icon? I always like knowing where book titles come from, so this would be interesting to find out.

Where Can You Buy Icon?

I bought Icon on Amazon. I can’t find it on Godless, which is pretty shocking.

Overall, Icon is an unsettling horror novel. Regina Watts is a skilled writer that makes the reader question what really is going on. Let’s just hope you never cross paths with Melba …or Rex…or The Gray Man.

Follow Regina Watts:

https://hrhdegenetrix.com/

https://www.amazon.com/Regina-Watts/e/B088F2FC3V%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share

https://twitter.com/WritesWatts?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

https://www.facebook.com/HRHDegenetrix/

https://www.audible.com/author/Regina-Watts/B088F2FC3V

https://www.instagram.com/hrhdegenetrix/?hl=en

https://godless.com/products/regina-watts

Follow Stephanie E. Jensen/Infernal Horror

www.infernalhorror.com

www.instagram.com/stephanieinfernal

www.instagram.com/infernal_horror

www.twitter.com/sej_infernal

www.twitter.com/infernalhorror3

Please support the Mothers of Mayhem podcast! Marian and Christina are hilarious and they do so much for the indie horror community. I watch their podcast on YouTube but it’s available on a variety of platforms.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_VIqGUn6ssun4bPXYSOXzA

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-mothers-of-mayhem-an-extre-90979269/

https://www.audible.com/pd/Mothers-of-Mayhem-An-Extreme-Horror-Podcast-Podcast/B09PC7YDBR

And don’t forget to support women in horror — all year, not just in March.

Review: “Get Me Out of This Shimmering Oasis” by Lucy Leitner

I love indie horror books that focus on modern-day topics — especially when they take non-horror situations and make them extreme. That’s one of the many reasons why I love Lucy Leitner’s “Get Me Out of This Shimmering Oasis.”

Lucy and I were both guests on Mother of Mayhem’s Women in Horror Panel (titled Morbid Mavens). This podcast was so much fun and I’m thankful that Marian asked me to be a part of it. It was also the best way to celebrate Women in Horror month!

I was originally going to review her book Outrage Level 10. Then “Shimmering Oasis” came up in the conversation, and I was so intrigued about a horror story based on Instagram influencers. I hopped onto Godless and bought it. Finished it quickly and absolutely loved it.

The Story and Characters

There are two main characters. Our main character is @wellnesswarrior497 and she’s at an ominous “wellness” retreat with another influencer, @lululunges (her real name is Kinsey). The entire story is written through a series of Instagram posts.

The story centers on @wellnesswarrior497 as she’s staying at Lunabonne Wellness Retreat. She’s receiving a complimentary stay in exchange for social media promotion and a review. @wellnesswarrior497’s experience is documented through these Instagram posts.

As you can already gauge, everything about this story centers around stereotypical influencer culture. The way that @wellnesswarrior497 talks (self-diagnosing herself, toxic positivity and wellness, etc.), everyone’s names (Lunabonne Wellness Retreat literally sounds like a real place), and the fact that the reader is only getting enough information at face value — the same way influencers convey their lifestyles. I absolutely love it because these are themes that are so prevalent in reality, though aren’t seen in traditional horror.

What’s So Horrific About the Story?

Another guest on the panel (I think Jeanna Aarhus? I can’t remember) had a good point when this story came up in conversation: people hate influencers and they love hating on them. I really think that’s what is so horrific about this story. The terrible things that happen but also how obnoxiously positive @wellnesswarrior497 is trying to be. A part of you doesn’t feel bad that these awful circumstances are happening to influencers.

I won’t go into specifics because I don’t want to give away the story. I will try and explain this as best as I can.

The story starts off normally. @wellnesswarrior497 is posting about the retreat, her room, and gushing about meeting the Instagram booty babe @lululunges (if that already isn’t an Instagram handle then I will be shocked).

Then, things start to get crazier. @wellnesswarrior497 is put through…questionable treatments. Again, she’s being so positive about her torture to where it’s extremely toxic. A part of you can’t help but judge her.

Things get worse after @wellnesswarrior497 sees what’s happening to @lululunges. Again, not going into specifics. Even so, the reader doesn’t fully understand what is happening and why. Leitner only gives us small breadcrumbs to understand the situation is dire but leaves the majority of the details to the imagination.

The True Horror Isn’t the Torture

I suspect the true horror here lies within the toxic social media culture. @wellnesswarrior497 keeps self-diagnosing herself, discussing these crazy “wellness” therapies that have no stake in science and research, and dismisses medical professionals. @wellnesswarrior497 even calls out one medical professional in one of her posts; the medical professional claimed that the influencer doesn’t suffer from any ailments and is making them up to seek attention (kind of what we all assume is really going on here).

Social media gives everyone an outlet to express themselves. While this is positive in many regards, it also has its disadvantages. As we have seen these past couple of years, social media is the prime place for spewing misinformation. And again, as we have seen these past couple of years, this misinformation largely has to do with medicine. Self-diagnosing and alternative treatments have been all over the place. It’s difficult to weed out what’s legitimate and what’s an over-exaggeration.

 But this isn’t what bothers me the most. Leitner conveys her characters as oblivious, irrationally positive, and downright ignorant. @wellnesswarrior497 knows something terrible is occurring, yet isn’t reaching out for help. Instead, she posts on social media and lets @lululunges suffer — possibly knowing she’s next in the suffering.

Where Can You Read “Get Me Out of This Shimmering Oasis”?

I purchased this story on Godless. Not sure if it’s available anywhere else.

Leitner takes the most horrific parts of influencer culture and shoves them into one short. Because of this, it’s not your stereotypical horror story. The true horror lies within toxic influencer and social media culture — and just how far it can go.

It’s a very short story. I finished it in less than an hour. But trust me, this is one you don’t want to miss.

Follow Lucy Leitner:

https://lucyleitner.com/

https://twitter.com/thelucyleitner

https://www.instagram.com/lucy.leitner/?hl=en

https://godless.com/collections/lucy-leitner

Follow Stephanie E. Jensen/Infernal Horror:

www.infernalhorror.com

www.instagram.com/stephanieinfernal

www.instagram.com/infernal_horror

www.twitter.com/sej_infernal

www.twitter.com/infernalhorror3

Please support the Mothers of Mayhem podcast! Marian and Christina are hilarious and they do so much for the indie horror community. I watch their podcast on YouTube but it’s available on a variety of platforms.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_VIqGUn6ssun4bPXYSOXzA

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-mothers-of-mayhem-an-extre-90979269/

https://www.audible.com/pd/Mothers-of-Mayhem-An-Extreme-Horror-Podcast-Podcast/B09PC7YDBR

And don’t forget to support women in horror — all year, not just in March.

Review: Paula D. Ashe “Mother of Monsters” and Felix I.D. Dimaro “Bug Spray”

For this review, I’m promoting black horror writers since this is Black History Month. But I want to first say a disclaimer: we should be reading books by black writers ALL YEAR LONG, not just in the month of February.

It was tough choosing writers to review. There are so many amazing POC horror writers. I first had my eye on Paula D. Ashe, but “The Mother of All Monsters” is a short story and I wanted to include either a novel or novella. Fortunately, I had Felix I.D. Dimaro’s Bug Spray on my TBR, so that gave me an excuse to start reading it.

“The Mother of All Monsters”

As a writer myself, I actually struggle with writing short stories. I want to go more into detail, describe my characters a bit more, include backstories, etc. And what do you know, I have a novella! So when I find a really good short, it leaves a lasting impression.

That was certainly the case with Paula D. Ashe’s “The Mother of All Monsters.” The story follows a woman who’s son is in town from college. During his visit, she discovers his terrible secret. But instead of justifying his actions or standing up for him, she creates a brutal punishment.

This is a concept that has been interesting me lately. How parents respond when their child, whether young or grown up, does something awful. But too often we see parents sticking up for their child and supporting their actions. So I appreciate this twist, about a mother who can’t stand to see her son getting away with the terrible crimes he’s committing.

As you can see, the story revolves around two characters: the mother and son. They’re from a small town where the mother is a successful dentist — this detail is very important. I actually love this tidbit. There’s so much depravity in teeth and gums, so I appreciate the dental aspect in horror.

In just a few pages, Ashe creates an intense story. You read it quickly; not because it’s short but because you can’t take your eyes off the pages. First, you read descriptions about the son. How he’s the absolute sunshine in his mom’s life — as all children are. She cooked his favorite meal. Trusts him with her credit card. He may be growing up but he’s still mom’s little boy. But there’s something off. The reader knows it, and you’re just waiting for the truth to unfold.

One thing I notice with both stories I’m reviewing is they’re not terrifying in the typical horror sense, but the reader is drowning in despair. About the unspeakable actions of a son and his mother. That maybe your child, the child you see as absolute perfect, could be a monster. And it’s up to the parents if they will tame the beast.

This is definitely not your normal brand of horror, which is why I highly recommend this story.

Bug Spray

If there’s one word I can use to describe this story, it’s heartbreaking. From the moment the story begins to the point where it ends, the reader is just not having a good time. Not because the story or writer is bad — Dimaro is a skilled author who crafted an exceptional story. But because everything about this story is just so unsettling, specifically the characters. And it’s very realistic.

I’m sure we have all had toxic bosses at one point in time. I certainly did. And that’s where Tybalt Ward comes in. He’s your stereotypical go-getter, though he makes it apparent that he’s a complete sociopath.

He’s beyond a bad boss, though he certainly doesn’t seem like the type of boss you want to work under. He works to get his fill and will leave everyone else — including his workers — in this dust. But a part of you does feel for Tybalt. He struggled with racism in the professional world, his father died of doing unjust things (won’t give this detail away), and it seemed he lived in poverty his entire life. Tybalt was determined to make a name for himself. However, he quickly realizes this comes with sacrifices — lots of them.

But deep down, Tybalt is a piece of shit and Dimaro makes that apparent. He gets sucked into this cult-like group associated with the insurance company he manages. This is really what I was talking about when I said there are many unsettling aspects about this book. I won’t go into detail about this group, but they do terrible things and you can’t help but wonder how many corporate groups are like this in the world. It’s apparent they inducted Tybalt because the insurance company’s CEO knew he was as slimy as the rest of his executives. He was the perfect addition.

Tybalt’s treatment of women is also what pinpointed this characteristic. He’s an absolute womanizer, even going as far as seducing women in his office. He has a “maid” who’s an Asian-American, yet he renames her and forces her to speak in a Japanese accent (though he doesn’t know if she really is of Japanese descent). There’s more, but I would give too much of the story away, so I will just say his behavior throughout the book isn’t very respectful of women at all. I’ve met men like this before; not ones who go as far as Tybalt, but the typical womanizers who will crush their partner’s life in order to get laid. So these parts hit home for me.

If there is one complaint I have about this book, is that the story starts a little slow at first. We focus on Tybalt’s relationship with one of his employees, Bethany. I will say, all of the details here are important and really bring out Tybalt’s character, albeit slowly. But trudge through this part — I promise it gets good.

Once we get to the good stuff, we realize Tybalt’s life is turning around. He was once at the top of the world and now he’s going crazy. The culprit? Flies. I absolutely HATE bugs and I avoid any horror with bugs (and where animals are killed). But Dimaro actually conveys the bugs well. He doesn’t talk about them as bugs in the literal sense, but almost as a metaphor. That when you commit so many heartless actions, they will come back to bite you. And in this sense, the flies make up for a lack of conscience.

I think why I love this story is you really can’t predict it. There are so many twists and turns as well as fantasy elements. The book is so exciting in many ways — the unsettling corporate America vibes, watching a romance go wrong, and seeing the downfall of Tybalt Ward.

The one thing I will say is this book does a suicidal theme. I learned very recently that this is a trigger warning for some (and I feel bad because I wrote a book with themes of suicide and had no idea), so I want to point that out.

Where to Read

You can read “The Mother of All Monsters” and Bug Spray on Amazon.

Screaming Streets Is Out Now!

The Dissecting House sequel, Screaming Streets, is out now! You can order it on Amazon and Godless. Available in print and digital formats.

“The Order of Eternal Sleep” Review

There were few books I anticipated more than the sequel to the extreme horror book The City. Fortunately, S.C. Mendes sent me an advanced reading copy (ARC) of the sequel, The Order of Eternal Sleep.

I do have to say, this sequel took a turn I wasn’t expecting at all. There’s some good and some aspects I wish were different. For example, there were hardly any scenes in the City itself. I loved the underground Mara-ville, it was one of my favorite aspects of The City.

However, the good triumphed the bad. For example, the reader now has more insight into the characters as well as the Mara themselves. Many previous questions are answered in this book. I also love the character development, and I really warmed up to John McCloud (he was my least favorite character in the previous book).

Just know that even though I received an unpublished copy of the book, the review, opinion, and thoughts are very much my own and this is an honest review.

Obviously, I won’t give away any The Order of Eternal Sleep spoilers in this review, but I will give spoilers away from the first book. It’s the only way to make the story and character transitions make sense. If you haven’t read The City yet, please do. You can buy it on Amazon and Godless.

So, let’s begin!

Re-Introduction to the Characters

In this book, the characters we see again include:

MaxMingDetective John McCloudLieutenant HarrisValbas

I’m sure I’m missing some, but those are the key characters.

As I stated in the intro, I absolutely love the character development here. The Order of Eternal Sleep takes place a few years after the end of The City, so the characters did lots of growing in the meantime.

Ming by far has the best development. I won’t give too much away, but she’s almost like a badass assassin now. She was one of my favorite characters in the first book, and now I love her even more.

McCloud is the character who surprised me the most. In The City, he was an ambitious detective wanting to take on murder cases. In only a few years, he’s burnt out yet stuck on the most difficult case next to the Chinatown Surgeon.

Max didn’t undergo as much development. But this shouldn’t surprise anyone — *spoiler alert from the first book* but he was imprisoned by The Mara for all of these years.

You also meet new creatures in the brief time that makes place in The City. These creatures are recycled puppets that The Mara use as servants. They look like Frankenstein monsters, all stitched up and creepy looking. But there’s more to them, Mendes hints that in the book. I really hope the recycled puppets are introduced again, I loved them.

The Beginning

The beginning of The Order of Eternal Sleep is similar to that of The City. The San Francisco police gets called in to investigate arson and murder. As they’re investigating the scene, they find the basement (because the basement is really where the magic happens). Cryptic designs and odd sculptures surround the room. But what’s really alarming is the tortured child in the cage.

What’s Going on Here?

Okay, I’m not giving too much away. In short, The Mara want to rise to the surface and abandon their underground City. I’m obviously not going to give away how they’re going to do that.

Remember how I said this book answers some questions I had? If you read my review of The City, one of the questions I asked was whether The Mara were inherently evil or if they’re profiting off of the evil of humans. The Order of Eternal Sleep answered this question: The Mara are evil. They will shed as much bloodshed as they can to emerge to the surface.

That’s all I’m going to say about this topic.

Was the Sequel Better Than the Original?

Yes and no. There are aspects I love about the sequel; however, I don’t think it’s overall better than the original. What I like about The Order of Eternal Sleep is it answered many questions I had when reading the first book. Mendes’ world now makes so much more sense. I have a better sense of who The Mara are, why they built The City, and why human criminals flock there.

I also love watching the character progressions. They all change in such interesting ways, even if they’re predictable. For example, I knew Ming would be nothing short of a badass, but I fell in love with her character even more in this book.

In addition, this book is great on its own. Creepy cults, sketchy people, corruption, nightmares, murder, violence, and plenty of twists and turns will keep any reader entranced by this book. That’s all you need in horror books, right? I definitely ate this book up, regardless of whether or not it was the sequel to The City.

But there are things I didn’t like. First and foremost, there are a lot more characters and various other scenarios going on in this book. Trust me when I say it all makes sense at the end. But while I was reading the book, I lost track of certain characters and who they were. I had to flip back and re-read some sections to get a better view of what was going on.

I also wish more of this book would take place in The City. I loved The City and all of the scenes depicting the depravity and torture that went on down there. That and the idea of a secret underground world is such a cool concept. I understand why most of this book took place on the surface, but I still missed The City.

Will There Be a Third Book?

Read The Order of Eternal Sleep and decide for yourself! I think (more like hope) there will be a third.

Buy The Order of Eternal Sleep

Overall, The Order of Eternal Sleep continues the story from The City in an unexpecting way.

While I wish there were some of the more bizarre and fantasy elements from the first book, I enjoyed it and I think fans of The City will, too.

I have a feeling that as the saga will continue (and I truly hope it does), I will learn more about these characters and The Mara. My good side is rooting for Max, Ming, and McCloud, but my sadistic side wants The Mara to take over the entire world.

The Order of Eternal Sleep will be released on January 31. You can preorder it at Barnes and Noble and you can preorder a signed hardback copy on Etsy. This book will be released by one of my favorite indie horror publishers, Blood Bound Books.

Hellraiser (Film) vs. Hellbound Heart (Book)

Hellraiser has been one of my favorite movies for as long as I can remember. The film features everything a horror movie should have: murder, gore, family drama, and of course, the Cenobites —extradimensional beings who torture humans.

I always knew that Hellrasier was based on the novel The Hellbound Heart by Clive Barker. However, I never read it until recently. If you never read the book but have seen the movie, rest assured you aren’t missing much. The movie follows the novella extremely well. No core details have been removed, though both have different endings.

Here, I will compare The Hellbound Heart to Hellraiser. I will say, I don’t like one more than the other. Reading a book and watching a film are different experiences, especially here. Both the book and movie have their own strengths. I will also point out that there is a Hellraiser remake expected this year, so I will probably release another blog comparing the book, Hellraiser (1987), and Hellraiser (2022).

The Movie Follows the Book Well

In all honesty, there aren’t too many differences between the movie and the book. Both have the same premise: from Frank solving the Lemarchand Box to Kirsty meeting the Cenobites.

Even with this being said, I suggest everyone read the book if you haven’t yet. C’mon, why pass up Clive Barker’s amazing writing?

But the Ending Was Slightly Different

The biggest difference between the book and movie is the ending. Both endings are different, but I’m honestly not sure which is better. I think the movie’s ending was more authentic, as in I think the Cenobites would have reacted that way toward Kirsty. But my boyfriend said he felt the ending of the film was rushed and I agree.

I’m not going to completely give away the ending of the book and movie. I’m sure everyone reading this has seen the movie Hellraiser, though I’m not sure how many fans read the book. If you haven’t read the book, I suggest you check it out and see which ending you like better.

The Book Focuses More on Sexual Exploitation

Another difference I see between the Hellraiser film and Hellbound Heart book is the sexual exploitation aspect.

The movie was brutal. You can’t forget the sadistic scenes of Frank Cotton being torn apart by chains and the overall idea of killing people to bring Frank back to life.

All of these scenes occurred in the book, too. However, the book explored more of the exploitative aspects – specifically with the character Frank.

You see, Frank is a nymphomaniac. He was conveyed that way in the film, too, but more so in the book. Here’s a section of The Hellbound Heart, taken from the moment when Frank first lays eyes on the Cenobites.

“…he had expected something different…He thought they would come with women…women shaved and muscled for the act of love; their lips perfumed, their thighs trembling to spread, their buttocks weighty, the way he liked them. He had expected sighs, and languid bodies spread underfoot like a living carpet; he had expected virgin whores whose every crevice was his for the asking and whose skills would press him—upward, upward—to undreamed-of ecstasies…He would be exalted by lust, instead of despised for it.

“But no. No women, no sighs. Only these sexless things, with their corrugated flesh.”

As we all know, the Cenobites are sadistic beings that torture humans in another dimension. Frank expected nothing but pleasure in this only world. Instead, he received suffering. There’s more to this scene, especially when he first enters the dimension where the Cenobites live, but let’s focus on Frank and his narcissistic/sex addicted ways.

In the next chapter, we learn that Frank had a “wild” lifestyle. He would speak of his “tales of adventures in the shadows of criminality”, specifically about “whores and petty theft.”

This is one of the many reasons why Frank seduced Julia. If you saw the movie, you know that Julia slept with Frank right before her wedding to his brother, Larry (his name is Rory in the book). However, in the book, her affair with Frank left her transfixed by him for years. Again, this occurs in the movie, but we don’t see the true extent of Julia’s infatuation with Frank.

What is Barker saying here? Is it a warning to people like Julia, to not engage yourself in people like Frank? Or is it a warning to Frank, to not revel in lust? Or maybe a little bit of both?

The Cenobites in the Book vs. Movie

I personally think the Cenobites in the book are creepier than in the movie. While there is a Pinhead-looking one, the other three are even creepier.

A quote from the book, and from Frank’s POV:

“Why then was he so distressed to set eyes upon them? Was it the scars that covered every inch of their bodies, the flesh cosmetically punctured and sliced and infibulated…”

The Cenobites were described as being disfigured, with hooks and chains running through their skin. All of them were severely scarred, so much so to where their features were almost manipulated.

The film does have do an accurate job of depicting them. There was a character similar to Pinhead, though slightly different (I will explain this Cenobite in the next section), there’s a Cenobite similar to Chatterer (described as having a disfigured mouth), and another one similar to Deep Throat (described as having hooks through the lower lips).

However, I can’t find a similar Cenobite to Butterball (he’s my least favorite Cenobite anyway). And then there’s the Engineer, who barely makes an appearance in the book. The Engineer is the scorpion-like Cenobite who tries to attack Kirsty in the film. While the book conveys The Engineer in a similar manner, with its head on the bottom and a cone-line thing on top, The Engineer in the book seems godlier. A quick trip to the Cenobite Wiki will tell you that The Engineer made the torture devices that the Cenobites use and is also said to have been the human who first opened Hell’s Gates.

Was Pinhead Originally a Female?

After trans actress Jamie Clayton was cast as Pinhead for the Hellraiser remake, many people were saying that Pinhead was originally a woman in the book.

This isn’t really clear. Barker describes the Cenobites more as androgenous, though he does explain that Pinhead has a female-like voice. Here’s the closest Cenobite to Pinhead, in Barker’s words:

“Its voice…was light and breathy—the voice of an excited girl. Every inch of its head had been tattooed with an intricate grid, and at every intersection of horizontal and vertical axes a jeweled pin driven through the bone. Its tongue was also similarly decorated.”

Also, Deep Throat is often described as female by fans. It’s even called Female Cenobite. However, in the book, Deep Throat (or the closest Cenobite to Deep Throat) was also not assigned a gender.

However, there is a female Cenobite. But no Cenobite, other than maybe Angelique, fits this description. In Barker’s words:

“Not it he now saw: but she…The woman beneath was gray yet gleaming, her lips bloody, her legs parted so that the elaborate scarification of her pubis was displayed.”

Keep in mind, the Cenobites didn’t really receive any identities until after the first film was released. So the comparisons I’m making are ones from my own perspective as a fan.

Overall Review: Hellraiser vs. The Hellbound Heart

If you’re a Hellraiser or general Clive Barker fan, I highly suggest you read The Hellbound Heart if you haven’t yet. However, if you don’t, know the film and book are very similar. The main difference is the ending.

There are many aspects I like about the book better. We learn more about Frank and why he was so drawn to the Cenobites. We also learn that Julia’s feelings for him went way deeper than the film conveyed, which is why she was willing to help him murder random men. The Cenobites in the book are also way creepier than in the movie.

After writing this review, it makes me anticipate the remake even more. It should be out this year, so I’m anxiously anticipating it.

“Full Brutal” Review

As you can guess, I love stories that feature female killers. Hello, have you read Dissecting House? Now, more psychopathic female murderers are starting to become more popular as opposed to women killing in revenge horror, which is where we previously saw most female killers in horror. I absolutely love this trend, so I’m always on the hunt for a good crazy female serial killer story.

A friend/colleague of mine recommended I check out Full Brutal by Kristopher Triana. And right when I started reading, I was hooked!

As you can see, the author nor the publisher asked me to review the book. I spent my own money on the book and all of the thoughts I’m sharing here are 100% my own.

Who Is Kim?

Kim is the main character here. She’s about the age of 16, very pretty, popular, and a cheerleader. On the outside, she seems like the typical teenager. She hangs out with friends, hosts house parties, is devoted to cheerleading, and balances all of this while attending school and making good grades. She’s not only popular with students but also with teachers, as she’s a good student. Kim also lives in a typical suburban town, one where people flip their shit if anything happens — especially murder.

However, she hates the banality of high school life. When she starts obsessing over losing her virginity, she discovers porn — and quickly moves onto the BDSM porn. Her sadistic urges overtake her and she starts torturing and murdering those around her. And that’s only the beginning of the book.

The Last Person You Would Suspect

Criminals, in general, are often the last person you would expect. So I enjoy Triana’s main psychopathic character being a popular, high school cheerleader. She commits all of these atrocities and no one suspects it was her. The best part? Others get framed.

Kim is beyond sadistic — she’s coldly calculated. She plans all of her murders and depravities in a clever way. She’s even smart about her random murders, being careful to not only ensure that the murder wouldn’t get traced back to her but that someone else will get framed.

Because of this, I enjoyed going into Kim’s head. Not only to learn about the crazy bitch she really is but also to get a glimpse of her double life — high school cheerleader by day and sadistic killer by night. And she knew how clever she was and that no one would catch her.

Triana Writes Women Well

One of the reasons why my friend recommended Full Brutal is how well Triana conveys Kim. While Kim is a psychopath, she’s a teenager going through all of the typical womanly crap. And he conveys these whirlwinds of emotions and gross female body stuff well.

My problem with men writing female characters is how most of the characters aren’t realistic and are often over-sexualized.

Now, Triana doesn’t convey Kim as an ugly nobody. She’s a popular cheerleader and is absolutely gorgeous. However, she is still a teenager. While she conveys typical teenager behavior, such as obsessing over losing her virginity, Triana mentions some of the details to make Kim’s character realistic. She talks about her period, compares herself to her best friend (something all women do, no matter how attractive we are), and discusses her weird meat cravings, which yes us women get crazy cravings.

Her first-time having sex also wasn’t anything amazing. Triana describes her first time as awkward, gross, and not a life-changing experience at all. The “first-time” is often fetishized and Triana described a scenario that many of us can relate to.

The High School Drama Got Boring

My only real complaint about this book was the high school drama was bland. I don’t want to give any of the book away, but before Kim starts killing, she manipulates everyone around her. She has a way of getting into everyones’ heads, which is interesting, but all of the high school drama made the book slightly stale.

If you’re reading Full Brutal for the first time and you’re at this part, force your way through it. First off, those scenes are integral to the story. They give insight into how fucked up Kim really is. We tend to forget how manipulative criminals are, which is largely why they’re able to get away with their atrocities. These scenes seem boring but as you finish the book, you understand why Triana included them.

How to Read Full Brutal

Full Brutal is available in print, ebook, and audiobook formats.

You can read Full Brutal on any one of these platforms:

AmazonAudibelBarnes & NobleApple Books

I personally read it on Apple Books. If you have any Apple device, Apple Books is pre-installed on your device and you can purchase books directly on the platform.

Have you already read Full Brutal and want a similar recommendation? I wrote Dissecting House about a female serial. The sequel, Screaming Streets, will be released on February 4th.

“The City” Review

So I read a lot. And other avid readers know there are two different types of books: ones that are so-so yet you read anyway, and the ones that engross you so intensely to where nothing else in life matters except what is in the pages of that book. The second type of book is the rarest to come by, but they are unforgettable.

The latest book like this for me was The City by S.C. Mendes. The book follows Detective Max Elliot as he’s investigating a series of brutal murders — ones that have an eerie similarity to the one that took his wife. And with his daughter still missing, Elliot is determined to find the killer.

However, finding the killer would require Elliot to trace back an unknown drug that will lead him to an underground world. The denizens of this world? Humanoid lizards who have lived on this planet long before human beings.

And little does Max know, finding the killer is only the beginning.

Here’s my in-depth yet spoil-free review. I’m not being compensated for this nor was I given the book for free or even asked to do a review at all. I purchased it with my own money — so when I say I love this book, I absolutely mean it.

Brief Overview

The story takes place in San Francisco around 1910. Max Elliot is called back to the force to solve a murder case, one that is eerily similar to his wife’s murder.

While solving this murder and the disappearance of his daughter, Max finds The City, an underground world that literally has no limits.

Sex, gambling, drugs, torture, and murder are commonplace here. And it’s all run by these ancient humanoids called The Mara. And Max learns solving the murders and the disappearance of his daughter is only the beginning.

This book is the perfect blend of noir with extreme horror and plenty of fantasy elements. I get some serious Graham Masterton vibes with Mendes’ writing, but in all honesty, you will never read another book like The City.

About the BookWho Is Max Elliot?

First things first, who is Max Elliot? At the beginning of the book, we meet him in an opium den. He’s a retired detective who left the force after his family’s tragedy. This left him miserable, for obvious reasons, and he takes all of his anguish out on opium.

However, Elliot gets called back on the force after another murder. This one was very similar to what happened to his wife — the victims were all skinned, their organs clumped together, and the bones were missing entirely.

However, there was one odd piece of evidence at the crime scene — a mysterious drug (you’ll learn this is called si fen). Since Elliot is quite the unorthodox detective, the force knew he would be the only one for the job. And that he was.

Don’t worry guys, I’m not giving anything away. This literally all happens in the first chapter. I guess it’s safe to say Mendes knows how to start a book!

The other thing to mention is Max definitely changes. While for the better overall, you definitely see the evil in The City rubbing off on him. It honestly makes his character even more likable.

The City

Elliot’s sketchy dealings in drugs and crime lead him to discover The City. Far below the earth lives a different universe. One where you can get away with any depravity your sickened heart desires; gambling, drugs, rape, torture, murder…

The City is literally an underground city, located underneath the city of San Francisco. It’s run by The Mara, amphibian humanoids that have existed long before humans.

Because of the perversion that occurs, not just anyone can enter The City; you have to be branded with an ouroboros before even entering. And if you really want to see the gruesome shows? Well, you have to be branded again.

There are two areas of The City: the East and West. They’re both sketchy, but the West is where the most brutal stuff happens. Specifically in an area called Gehanna, which is the deepest of the west end.

Throughout the book, you question the integrity of The Mara and the sick world they created. Are they themselves at fault? Or are they simply profiting off of the humans’ darkest desires?

Who’s Ming?

The other main character in this book is Ming. Max meets Ming when he first arrives. Let’s say Ming is somewhat of The City’s weird tour guide. She shows Max all he needs to know about the city, where to go, and how to help him out. But things quickly go sour and Ming finds herself in trouble. And Max is the only one who can help her.

Si Fen and Mogjiu

In The City, everyone consumes si fen and mogjiu. Mogjiu is kind of like alcohol. It’s a drink that makes you feel loose, confident, and all-around good.

Si fen seems somewhat like an acid trip, but it’s more than just hallucinations. Rather, it takes you to new worlds and expands your horizons. However, most come out of their si fen trip with more questions than anything.

While not super integral to the story, these substances do appear throughout the book. And oh yes, Max does dabble in them.

Si fen is technically a real thing, but it’s not what you think. A simple search shows me “luo si fen,” which is river snails rice noodle soup. Eww. But mogjiu isn’t a real thing, just made up in the book.

How Does Max Solve His Mystery?

I won’t get too detailed into this part. Again, you have to read the book and find out what happens. But yes, every mystery gets solved (even though Mendes still leaves you with a big cliffhanger at the end).

So, how does Max do it? Well, how else would he? He succumbs to the lowest level of depravity in order to learn about The Mara, The City, and to understand what people want to see. And yes, through this monstrosity he finds what he’s looking for. So you, as the reader, will join Max in the sickest journey ever imagined.

What Makes The City Stand Out?

At this point, you probably realized that The City is unlike anything you have ever read. But an error I see with lots of horror and splatterpunk writers is they just focus on “going there.” Shoving as much sick shit into their book for shock value.

But not Mendes. Yes, you’ll read some of the most disturbing and graphic content in your life. However, there’s so much more depth. You fall in love with the characters. You get lost in the labyrinth that is The City. You feel like you’re there, in this weird cavernous world filled with the sickest human beings that ever lived.

Again, throughout this book, you’re questioning. Are The Mara inherently bad beings? Or are humans inherently bad beings, and The Mara are only profiting off of this sick shit? I absolutely love horror books that make me think and contemplate life. And the fantasy elements of this book make it so much more interesting.

The Brutality

There’s a lot in horror I can handle. But there are still the times where I re-read a part and think “holy fuck, did that just happen?” Well, I did that a lot with this book. It’s been a long time since I read this much filth in one book.

In order to find the murderer and his daughter, Max attended various “shows,” if you would call them that. Shows where slaves would get attacked by these animals called “feeders” (yeah you can see where I’m going with this), half-dead zombies they call “skin puppets,” child brothels, sex and torture shows, and yes —humans being skinned alive.

Mendes gives excellent descriptions. His writing is very disturbing but he describes every scene so intricately, it’s almost beautiful. He doesn’t simply say, “she stabbed him in the chest with the dagger,” rather he says “she twirled the tip of the blade into the skin around his nipples.” As a horror writer myself, I appreciate the beauty behind the choice of words.

But don’t get me wrong, Mendes doesn’t hold back. If what I have typed hasn’t proved it enough, these are some of the most intense scenes I have ever read. Every torturous scene is different, Mendes makes his characters go through the extreme, and the reader is left flinching in their chair. Definitely don’t read this book unless you like reading this extent of graphic and torturous violence in books.

A Story Within a Story

As I said, you think you know what the story is about but it totally becomes a different monster. Even though you discover the killer and the person behind Max’s daughter’s disappearance, the novel is far from over. A bigger story unfolds, and that story is what will leave you aching for more.

Mendes doesn’t slow things down in this book. Ever. Even the scenes where the focus was on the other officers were the ones I found the most boring, though the scenes were still intense.

Read The City

You can find The City on Amazon and Godless. I personally purchased it on Godless.