C.A. Baynam's Blog, page 5

The Witches’ Book of the Dead by Christian Day ⭐⭐

 Let me start by saying that I wanted to love The Witches’ Book of the Dead. It has a fascinating premise and offers a lot of historical and ritualistic information about necromancy and working with spirits. Christian Day clearly has deep knowledge of the topic, but the book didn’t deliver in the way I’d hoped. While it’s an intriguing read for those passionate about witchcraft, it often felt bogged down by unnecessary tangents and repetitive points, making it hard to stay engaged.

🚨 Spoiler Alert 🚨
The book opens with a detailed explanation of witches' historical connections to the dead, which is actually quite captivating. Day weaves in the lore of figures like the Witch of Endor and Circe, grounding the text in myth and legend. One of the standout sections explains how ancient cultures revered skulls as tools for communication with the dead, which tied beautifully into Day’s instructions for crafting your own necromantic rituals.

However, things start to drag when the focus shifts to Day’s personal beliefs and practices. For example, the extensive detail about setting up an altar to the dead felt more like a drawn-out checklist than an inspiring guide. The chapter on tools, which includes items like skulls, spirit powder, and graveyard dirt, while informative, becomes repetitive and overly prescriptive.

One of the book’s strengths is its unapologetic approach to the darker aspects of witchcraft. Day’s ritual for “making a pact with the dead” is intense, involving blood offerings and burning parchment to seal your commitment. While some might find this thrilling and empowering, I found it overly theatrical and lacking nuance.

The writing style also detracts from the experience. It’s heavy on self-aggrandizing anecdotes and leans into a tone that feels more defensive than inviting. For instance, Day’s constant emphasis on his self-identification as a "Warlock" and his critiques of modern Wicca felt unnecessary and distracted from the main topic.

On the positive side, nuggets of practical advice are sprinkled throughout the book. The section on banishing unwanted spirits was particularly useful, offering clear, actionable steps for dealing with malevolent energies. Similarly, the appendix, which includes necromantic incense and spirit powder recipes, adds a nice touch of practicality.

Ultimately, while The Witches’ Book of the Dead has its moments, it wasn’t quite the spellbinding read I was hoping for. It’s a book for those deeply entrenched in the craft, but it might feel overwhelming or off-putting for casual readers or those looking for a more balanced exploration of necromancy.

#Witchcraft #Necromancy #ChristianDay #SpiritWork #OccultReads 🕯️💀

Human Soup by Y.M. Miller ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 Human Soup is a deliciously deranged concoction of terror, dark humor, and visceral storytelling. Y.M. Miller pulls no punches in this gore-soaked, extreme horror novel, blending grotesque imagery with a surprisingly engaging narrative. If you love your horror unapologetically wild and boundary-pushing, this book is for you. 🧟‍♂️💀🍲

The story centers on Liam, a down-on-his-luck nursing assistant who stumbles into a horrifying situation after taking a kitchen job at the suspiciously named "Leaky Ladle." What follows is a descent into madness, cannibalism, and mind-bending revelations that will make your stomach churn and your pulse race.

🚨 Spoiler Alert 🚨
The real horror begins when Liam discovers that the Leaky Ladle isn’t just serving soup—it’s serving people. The scene where Liam is forced to consume human flesh by the sadistic Abby is both grotesque and oddly captivating. Abby is a standout character—chilling, seductive, and absolutely unhinged. Her twisted games and the psychological torment she inflicts on Liam elevate the terror to a whole new level.

One of the most shocking moments comes when Liam realizes he’s not the first victim. The grim discovery of decayed corpses in the basement, each with their own horrific story, paints a picture of the restaurant’s horrifying legacy. And that final showdown between Liam and Abby? Let’s just say it’s bloody, brutal, and oh-so-satisfying.

Its blend of intense horror and dark comedy sets Human Soup apart. The humor is twisted, but it provides just enough levity to make the gore more palatable. Miller’s writing is sharp and vivid, and while the book is heavy on the blood and guts, it never loses sight of its characters.

This isn’t a story for the faint of heart. It’s extreme, graphic, and not afraid to get messy—literally. But Human Soup is a must-read if you’re looking for a horror novel that will leave you shocked, entertained, and maybe a little queasy. Just don’t read it while eating dinner. 😉

#ExtremeHorror #HumanSoup #YMMiller #Splatterpunk #GoryReads 🍲🩸🧟‍♂️

Review of Human Soup by Y.M. Miller ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 Human Soup is a deliciously deranged concoction of terror, dark humor, and visceral storytelling. Y.M. Miller pulls no punches in this gore-soaked, extreme horror novel, blending grotesque imagery with a surprisingly engaging narrative. If you love your horror unapologetically wild and boundary-pushing, this book is for you. 🧟‍♂️💀🍲

The story centers on Liam, a down-on-his-luck nursing assistant who stumbles into a horrifying situation after taking a kitchen job at the suspiciously named "Leaky Ladle." What follows is a descent into madness, cannibalism, and mind-bending revelations that will make your stomach churn and your pulse race.

🚨 Spoiler Alert 🚨
The real horror begins when Liam discovers that the Leaky Ladle isn’t just serving soup—it’s serving people. The scene where Liam is forced to consume human flesh by the sadistic Abby is both grotesque and oddly captivating. Abby is a standout character—chilling, seductive, and absolutely unhinged. Her twisted games and the psychological torment she inflicts on Liam elevate the terror to a whole new level.

One of the most shocking moments comes when Liam realizes he’s not the first victim. The grim discovery of decayed corpses in the basement, each with their own horrific story, paints a picture of the restaurant’s horrifying legacy. And that final showdown between Liam and Abby? Let’s just say it’s bloody, brutal, and oh-so-satisfying.

Its blend of intense horror and dark comedy sets Human Soup apart. The humor is twisted, but it provides just enough levity to make the gore more palatable. Miller’s writing is sharp and vivid, and while the book is heavy on the blood and guts, it never loses sight of its characters.

This isn’t a story for the faint of heart. It’s extreme, graphic, and not afraid to get messy—literally. But Human Soup is a must-read if you’re looking for a horror novel that will leave you shocked, entertained, and maybe a little queasy. Just don’t read it while eating dinner. 😉

#ExtremeHorror #HumanSoup #YMMiller #Splatterpunk #GoryReads 🍲🩸🧟‍♂️

Undead Plaything by Jerry Blaze ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 Undead Plaything by Jerry Blaze is an unrelenting, visceral exploration of extreme horror that doesn’t shy away from pushing every boundary imaginable. This is splatterpunk at its most graphic, blending gore, dark humor, and a twisted power dynamic between its two unforgettable characters. If you’re a fan of extreme horror and stories that keep you gasping, cringing, and glued to the page, this book is an absolute must-read.

🚨 Spoiler Alert 🚨
The story kicks off with Clyde, a cocky and morally bankrupt writer, moving into a centuries-old Hungarian castle. His smug attitude quickly sets the stage for a horrifying clash when he encounters Sybilla, an undead baroness hiding within the castle’s walls. Clyde’s initial fear quickly morphs into dominance as he captures and subjugates her, turning her into his “plaything.” What follows is a depraved spiral of cruelty, psychological torment, and shocking twists.

Clyde’s character is despicable but undeniably compelling. His creative methods of control—from using garlic and silver to psychological manipulation—make him a villain you can’t look away from. Sybilla, on the other hand, is a tragic and complex figure. Her initial attempts to resist devolve into reluctant submission, but her underlying hunger for vengeance simmers beneath the surface.

The turning point comes when Sybilla is attacked by a trespasser. Clyde’s failure to protect her gives her the strength to reclaim her power. The moment she drains the trespasser’s blood and regains her full strength is both cathartic and terrifying. By the time the tables turn and Sybilla chains Clyde up as her own undead slave, the story has come full circle in a brilliantly twisted way.

The writing is graphic, and the violence and explicit scenes are not for the faint of heart. Jerry Blaze masterfully balances the grotesque with moments of dark humor, creating a story that is as disturbing as it is captivating. The ending—where Sybilla takes full control and subjects Clyde to the same torment he inflicted on her—is deeply satisfying and leaves a lasting impression.

If you’re ready for a story that tests your limits and takes you on a rollercoaster of depravity and revenge, Undead Plaything is the book for you. Just be prepared—you won’t forget this one anytime soon.

#ExtremeHorror #Splatterpunk #JerryBlaze #UndeadPlaything #DarkRevenge 🩸🖤🔗

Review of Undead Plaything by Jerry Blaze ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 Undead Plaything by Jerry Blaze is an unrelenting, visceral exploration of extreme horror that doesn’t shy away from pushing every boundary imaginable. This is splatterpunk at its most graphic, blending gore, dark humor, and a twisted power dynamic between its two unforgettable characters. If you’re a fan of extreme horror and stories that keep you gasping, cringing, and glued to the page, this book is an absolute must-read.

🚨 Spoiler Alert 🚨
The story kicks off with Clyde, a cocky and morally bankrupt writer, moving into a centuries-old Hungarian castle. His smug attitude quickly sets the stage for a horrifying clash when he encounters Sybilla, an undead baroness hiding within the castle’s walls. Clyde’s initial fear quickly morphs into dominance as he captures and subjugates her, turning her into his “plaything.” What follows is a depraved spiral of cruelty, psychological torment, and shocking twists.

Clyde’s character is despicable but undeniably compelling. His creative methods of control—from using garlic and silver to psychological manipulation—make him a villain you can’t look away from. Sybilla, on the other hand, is a tragic and complex figure. Her initial attempts to resist devolve into reluctant submission, but her underlying hunger for vengeance simmers beneath the surface.

The turning point comes when Sybilla is attacked by a trespasser. Clyde’s failure to protect her gives her the strength to reclaim her power. The moment she drains the trespasser’s blood and regains her full strength is both cathartic and terrifying. By the time the tables turn and Sybilla chains Clyde up as her own undead slave, the story has come full circle in a brilliantly twisted way.

The writing is graphic, and the violence and explicit scenes are not for the faint of heart. Jerry Blaze masterfully balances the grotesque with moments of dark humor, creating a story that is as disturbing as it is captivating. The ending—where Sybilla takes full control and subjects Clyde to the same torment he inflicted on her—is deeply satisfying and leaves a lasting impression.

If you’re ready for a story that tests your limits and takes you on a rollercoaster of depravity and revenge, Undead Plaything is the book for you. Just be prepared—you won’t forget this one anytime soon.

#ExtremeHorror #Splatterpunk #JerryBlaze #UndeadPlaything #DarkRevenge 🩸🖤🔗

The Art of Human Hunting by Sea Caummisar ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 If you’re ready to dive into a disturbing, relentless, and utterly shocking world, The Art of Human Hunting is a brutal feast for extreme horror fans. Sea Caummisar masterfully delivers a violent and grotesque story while offering a biting commentary on human depravity and the lengths people will go to for sport and power. While this book isn’t for everyone, I couldn’t look away.

The premise is simple yet chilling: an annual tradition of hunting humans for sport, with an added grotesque twist of turning the victims into “art” after their capture. What sets this story apart is the layered structure, which unfolds through multiple perspectives, each hunter bringing their own twisted creativity to the table (literally).

🚨 Spoiler Alert 🚨
The book opens with a group of wealthy and powerful individuals—fathers and sons included—gathering for the annual hunt. Scott, a new participant and the youngest of the group, gets a front-row seat to the madness. His initial hesitation is quickly overridden as he takes his first life in the forest. The vivid description of his first kill, where he fires a revolver and watches as the victim’s head is splattered against a log, is horrifyingly graphic yet sets the tone for what’s to come.

A competition follows to see who can inflict the most pain and create the most “imaginative” art using their victims. Standout scenes include Wilbur dousing his victim’s open wounds with gasoline and setting them ablaze and Link crafting macabre “artwork” by mutilating his victim’s body into unrecognizable shapes. The level of detail is extreme, but it’s clear Caummisar is a writer who knows her audience and leans into the splatterpunk genre unapologetically.

The dynamics between the hunters add a layer of intrigue. Scott’s strained relationship with his father, Rick, who takes pride in mentoring him through this horrifying tradition, is both disturbing and fascinating. Scott’s journey from hesitant participant to fully engrossed hunter is a grim commentary on how power and peer pressure can corrupt even the most reluctant individuals.

While the book is relentless in its gore and depravity, it also touches on deeper themes, like generational cycles of violence and the moral ambiguity of tradition. The ending, which reveals the grim fate of the lone female victim who evades capture, ties the story together in a way that’s both satisfying and haunting.

This book isn’t for the faint of heart. The violence is graphic, the characters are unapologetically cruel, and the subject matter is deeply disturbing. But for those who enjoy extreme horror and aren’t afraid to explore the darkest corners of humanity, The Art of Human Hunting delivers a raw, unforgettable experience.

#ExtremeHorror #HumanHunting #SeaCaummisar #Splatterpunk #DarkTraditions 🩸🔪🎨

Review of The Art of Human Hunting by Sea Caummisar ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 If you’re ready to dive into a disturbing, relentless, and utterly shocking world, The Art of Human Hunting is a brutal feast for extreme horror fans. Sea Caummisar masterfully delivers a violent and grotesque story while offering a biting commentary on human depravity and the lengths people will go to for sport and power. While this book isn’t for everyone, I couldn’t look away.

The premise is simple yet chilling: an annual tradition of hunting humans for sport, with an added grotesque twist of turning the victims into “art” after their capture. What sets this story apart is the layered structure, which unfolds through multiple perspectives, each hunter bringing their own twisted creativity to the table (literally).

🚨 Spoiler Alert 🚨
The book opens with a group of wealthy and powerful individuals—fathers and sons included—gathering for the annual hunt. Scott, a new participant and the youngest of the group, gets a front-row seat to the madness. His initial hesitation is quickly overridden as he takes his first life in the forest. The vivid description of his first kill, where he fires a revolver and watches as the victim’s head is splattered against a log, is horrifyingly graphic yet sets the tone for what’s to come.

A competition follows to see who can inflict the most pain and create the most “imaginative” art using their victims. Standout scenes include Wilbur dousing his victim’s open wounds with gasoline and setting them ablaze and Link crafting macabre “artwork” by mutilating his victim’s body into unrecognizable shapes. The level of detail is extreme, but it’s clear Caummisar is a writer who knows her audience and leans into the splatterpunk genre unapologetically.

The dynamics between the hunters add a layer of intrigue. Scott’s strained relationship with his father, Rick, who takes pride in mentoring him through this horrifying tradition, is both disturbing and fascinating. Scott’s journey from hesitant participant to fully engrossed hunter is a grim commentary on how power and peer pressure can corrupt even the most reluctant individuals.

While the book is relentless in its gore and depravity, it also touches on deeper themes, like generational cycles of violence and the moral ambiguity of tradition. The ending, which reveals the grim fate of the lone female victim who evades capture, ties the story together in a way that’s both satisfying and haunting.

This book isn’t for the faint of heart. The violence is graphic, the characters are unapologetically cruel, and the subject matter is deeply disturbing. But for those who enjoy extreme horror and aren’t afraid to explore the darkest corners of humanity, The Art of Human Hunting delivers a raw, unforgettable experience.

#ExtremeHorror #HumanHunting #SeaCaummisar #Splatterpunk #DarkTraditions 🩸🔪🎨

The Crop Circle by Kevin Sweeney ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 Let’s get one thing straight: The Crop Circle is a trip. It’s dark, gory, and absolutely brimming with over-the-top moments that will either have you cringing or laughing nervously (sometimes both!). Kevin Sweeney knows how to take extreme horror to the edge and then push it even further. 

While it’s not without its flaws, this book delivers an intense, unforgettable read.

The story follows Robin and his childhood friends—Fat Andy, Dildo, and Shades—on what starts as a nostalgic reunion and turns into an unimaginable nightmare. Their plan? To create a crude crop circle as a final hurrah. But the field they choose isn’t just any ordinary field, and what unfolds is a chaotic blend of madness, gore, and deeply personal reckonings.

🚨 Spoiler Alert 🚨
One of the most shocking moments comes with Fat Andy’s horrifying descent into madness. His grotesque self-mutilation in the hotel kitchen (yes, involving his genitals and a pizza cutter!) is one of the most graphic, stomach-turning scenes I’ve ever read. It’s both horrifying and bizarrely comedic, a tone that Sweeney expertly balances throughout the book.

The interactions between the four friends are another standout. Their banter is crass and often hilarious, a bittersweet reminder of their deep bond. Robin’s terminal cancer diagnosis adds a layer of poignancy, making their reunion feel both desperate and meaningful. But as each of them begins to unravel—haunted by the consequences of their actions in the field—the story dives headfirst into pure horror.

The pacing is relentless, and the twists are genuinely surprising. The connection between the crop circle and a sinister biotech company adds an intriguing layer of conspiracy to the carnage. The ending, while satisfyingly brutal, leaves just enough ambiguity to keep you thinking about the story long after you’ve closed the book.

So, why not five stars? While I loved the intensity and creativity, some parts felt overindulgent, with the shock value occasionally overshadowing the story itself. But that’s just personal preference—it’s clear Sweeney wrote this for readers who thrive on the extreme.

If you’re a fan of splatterpunk and aren’t afraid to dive into the grotesque, The Crop Circle is a must-read. Just be prepared for a lot of blood, gore, and absolutely no mercy.

#ExtremeHorror #Splatterpunk #CropCirclesGoneWrong #KevinSweeney #GoryReads 🌾🩸🔪

Review of The Crop Circle by Kevin Sweeney ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 Let’s get one thing straight: The Crop Circle is a trip. It’s dark, gory, and absolutely brimming with over-the-top moments that will either have you cringing or laughing nervously (sometimes both!). Kevin Sweeney knows how to take extreme horror to the edge and then push it even further. 

While it’s not without its flaws, this book delivers an intense, unforgettable read.

The story follows Robin and his childhood friends—Fat Andy, Dildo, and Shades—on what starts as a nostalgic reunion and turns into an unimaginable nightmare. Their plan? To create a crude crop circle as a final hurrah. But the field they choose isn’t just any ordinary field, and what unfolds is a chaotic blend of madness, gore, and deeply personal reckonings.

🚨 Spoiler Alert 🚨
One of the most shocking moments comes with Fat Andy’s horrifying descent into madness. His grotesque self-mutilation in the hotel kitchen (yes, involving his genitals and a pizza cutter!) is one of the most graphic, stomach-turning scenes I’ve ever read. It’s both horrifying and bizarrely comedic, a tone that Sweeney expertly balances throughout the book.

The interactions between the four friends are another standout. Their banter is crass and often hilarious, a bittersweet reminder of their deep bond. Robin’s terminal cancer diagnosis adds a layer of poignancy, making their reunion feel both desperate and meaningful. But as each of them begins to unravel—haunted by the consequences of their actions in the field—the story dives headfirst into pure horror.

The pacing is relentless, and the twists are genuinely surprising. The connection between the crop circle and a sinister biotech company adds an intriguing layer of conspiracy to the carnage. The ending, while satisfyingly brutal, leaves just enough ambiguity to keep you thinking about the story long after you’ve closed the book.

So, why not five stars? While I loved the intensity and creativity, some parts felt overindulgent, with the shock value occasionally overshadowing the story itself. But that’s just personal preference—it’s clear Sweeney wrote this for readers who thrive on the extreme.

If you’re a fan of splatterpunk and aren’t afraid to dive into the grotesque, The Crop Circle is a must-read. Just be prepared for a lot of blood, gore, and absolutely no mercy.

#ExtremeHorror #Splatterpunk #CropCirclesGoneWrong #KevinSweeney #GoryReads 🌾🩸🔪

Feces of Death by Harrison Phillips ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 Let me just start by saying: Feces of Death is absolutely insane—in the best way possible. Harrison Phillips has once again proven that he’s the king of gore-soaked, over-the-top creature horror. 

This book is messy (pun intended), hilarious, horrifying, and weirdly addictive. If you’re into splatterpunk and creature features, you need to pick this one up! 🐀🩸

The premise is wild right from the start: a toxic chemical spill from a truck accident seeps into the sewer system, and, well, let’s just say the consequences are absolutely horrific. What follows is a parade of chaos, featuring monstrous sewer creatures that you do not want to meet in the dark.

🚨 Spoiler Alert 🚨
The story kicks off with Dwight, a disgruntled truck driver who accidentally causes the chemical spill that sets the nightmare in motion. From there, the book weaves multiple perspectives, including Martin, a plumber who just wants to finish his shift in one piece, and Jasper, a down-on-his-luck homeless man whose encounter with these mutated sewer creatures is equal parts tragic and grotesque. Jasper’s scene in the sewer tunnel? Let’s just say I’ll never look at a drain the same way again. The way his fate plays out—being dragged into the darkness by something that’s part rat, part God-knows-what—is nightmare fuel.

One of the standout moments is when the creatures begin invading the town. The attack on Sandra’s dog Toby is horrifying, but it’s the escalation—entire streets being overtaken by these flesh-eating monstrosities—that really amps up the tension. Phillips has a talent for writing gore that’s so vivid you can almost smell the stench (and trust me, you don’t want to).

What I loved most about this book was how wild it was. The pacing is relentless, the characters are surprisingly relatable, and the mix of dark humor and sheer terror keeps you hooked. The final act, with Martin leading a desperate attempt to stop the creatures from spreading further, is a bloody, explosive spectacle that had me glued to the pages.

This book isn’t for everyone—it’s graphic, gross, and definitely not for the squeamish—but if you’re a fan of extreme horror and aren’t afraid to get your hands dirty (figuratively), Feces of Death is a must-read. Just maybe don’t eat while you’re reading it.

#ExtremeHorror #CreatureFeature #Splatterpunk #FecesOfDeath #GoryGoodness 🐀💀🩸