What do you think?
Rate this book
Broken Hearts & Other Horrors
Everyone gets their heart broken at least once. Whether you're a mercenary in 17th-century Hungary or a transplant to Missouri in 2019, we've all been there. But in some universes, love's aftermath is a tad more gruesome. From crunching bones on midnight asphalt to burning flesh in an ashen snowfall, everyone has to learn some way-there are horrors worse than a broken heart ... right?
280 pages, Paperback
Published May 25, 2023
2 people want to read
About the author
Xavier Poe Kane
3 books10 followersStill not a best-selling author, Xavier Poe Kane is a former door gunner on the International Space Station. When not making the galaxy safe for democracy, he writes whatever weirdness comes to mind. He currently lives in the woods with his wife, Morticia, in a state of mutual weirdness with their dogs Chuck Norris and the three-legged Jabba the Hutt. Thanks to the GI Bill, he has a MFA in Popular Fiction Writing & Publishing from Emerson College.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
June 12, 2023
I’m privileged to have been the editor of this collection! This is my second book collaborating with Xavier Poe Kane, and I’m super proud of the work we’ve done!
My favorite story of the bunch is “The Last Bride,” and I can’t wait to see what readers pick as their favorite!
My favorite story of the bunch is “The Last Bride,” and I can’t wait to see what readers pick as their favorite!
June 16, 2023
In Broken Hearts & Other Horrors, readers embark on an extraordinary journey that delves into the devastating aftermath of heartbreak. Through a skillful interplay of diverse timelines and universes, this book offers a profound exploration of the universal experience of having one’s heart shattered, while venturing into chilling realms where the consequences of love’s demise take an unsettling turn.
Within the pages of this captivating work, Xavier Poe Kane artfully transports us to 17th-century Hungary, where hardened mercenaries grapple with the anguish of lost love amidst a backdrop of violence and chaos. Simultaneously, in present-day Missouri, a transplant embarks on a treacherous path towards healing, only to discover that heartbreak can manifest in unimaginable and gruesome ways.
Kane’s writing style is utterly captivating, further enriched by the inclusion of eerie drawings throughout the various sections and chapters. This unconventional approach to storytelling seamlessly weaves together multiple narratives that explore personal horrors spanning years, even decades. Such a refreshing approach effectively captivated my interest, keeping me enthralled until the very last page. The array of diverse stories serves as a testament to the author’s ingenuity, continually captivating the reader’s attention and leaving them yearning for more. Kane’s vivid details expertly painted vivid pictures in my mind, reminiscent of watching a compelling and spine-chilling movie. Although the stories are concise and conclude abruptly, they are meticulously crafted, offering a terrifying glimpse into the depths of heartbreak and horror. The author’s decision to incorporate several short stories into a single volume, each brimming with heartbreak and terror, showcases an unparalleled stroke of creativity. The unpredictable nature of the stories, always taking unexpected turns, adds an element of excitement and anticipation to this thrilling read.
By spanning different eras and centuries, Broken Hearts & Other Horrors masterfully keeps the reader engrossed, eagerly yearning to uncover more spine-chilling tales. The author’s unique writing style, combined with the chilling images throughout the book, breathes life into each story, further enhancing their impact. Undoubtedly, this book is a true masterpiece that merits revisiting, and I eagerly await future works from this talented author.
Within the pages of this captivating work, Xavier Poe Kane artfully transports us to 17th-century Hungary, where hardened mercenaries grapple with the anguish of lost love amidst a backdrop of violence and chaos. Simultaneously, in present-day Missouri, a transplant embarks on a treacherous path towards healing, only to discover that heartbreak can manifest in unimaginable and gruesome ways.
Kane’s writing style is utterly captivating, further enriched by the inclusion of eerie drawings throughout the various sections and chapters. This unconventional approach to storytelling seamlessly weaves together multiple narratives that explore personal horrors spanning years, even decades. Such a refreshing approach effectively captivated my interest, keeping me enthralled until the very last page. The array of diverse stories serves as a testament to the author’s ingenuity, continually captivating the reader’s attention and leaving them yearning for more. Kane’s vivid details expertly painted vivid pictures in my mind, reminiscent of watching a compelling and spine-chilling movie. Although the stories are concise and conclude abruptly, they are meticulously crafted, offering a terrifying glimpse into the depths of heartbreak and horror. The author’s decision to incorporate several short stories into a single volume, each brimming with heartbreak and terror, showcases an unparalleled stroke of creativity. The unpredictable nature of the stories, always taking unexpected turns, adds an element of excitement and anticipation to this thrilling read.
By spanning different eras and centuries, Broken Hearts & Other Horrors masterfully keeps the reader engrossed, eagerly yearning to uncover more spine-chilling tales. The author’s unique writing style, combined with the chilling images throughout the book, breathes life into each story, further enhancing their impact. Undoubtedly, this book is a true masterpiece that merits revisiting, and I eagerly await future works from this talented author.
February 10, 2024
"Broken Hearts & Other Horrors" by Xavier Poe Kane is a captivating anthology of short stories that seamlessly blend elements of horror, suspense, and the supernatural. Each tale in this collection is meticulously crafted to evoke a range of emotions, from the eerie chill of paranormal encounters to the deep, resonant pain of heartbreak.
Kane's writing style is evocative and richly descriptive, allowing readers to immerse themselves fully in each unique narrative. The stories are diverse in setting and character, yet they are ingeniously linked by the underlying themes of love, loss, and the often-terrifying unknown. This thematic connection adds depth and cohesiveness to the anthology, making it more than just a collection of individual tales.
The author's ability to create a sense of atmosphere is particularly noteworthy. Whether it's the haunting loneliness of a remote location or the oppressive dread of a supernatural presence, Kane's vivid descriptions and well-paced narratives keep the reader engaged and on edge. The characters are well-developed and relatable, with their struggles and emotions resonating with the reader, adding a layer of poignancy to the horror elements.
One of the strengths of "Broken Hearts & Other Horrors" is its balance of traditional horror tropes with fresh, imaginative concepts. Kane doesn't shy away from exploring the darker aspects of the human (and non-human) psyche, making for some genuinely unsettling moments. However, these are balanced with moments of beauty and introspection, giving the stories a well-rounded feel.
In summary, Xavier Poe Kane's "Broken Hearts & Other Horrors" is a standout work in the realm of horror fiction. It's a compelling read for fans of the genre and for those who appreciate stories that delve into the complexities of the human heart. The collection is a testament to Kane's talent as a storyteller and his ability to weave tales that are as thought-provoking as they are chilling.
Kane's writing style is evocative and richly descriptive, allowing readers to immerse themselves fully in each unique narrative. The stories are diverse in setting and character, yet they are ingeniously linked by the underlying themes of love, loss, and the often-terrifying unknown. This thematic connection adds depth and cohesiveness to the anthology, making it more than just a collection of individual tales.
The author's ability to create a sense of atmosphere is particularly noteworthy. Whether it's the haunting loneliness of a remote location or the oppressive dread of a supernatural presence, Kane's vivid descriptions and well-paced narratives keep the reader engaged and on edge. The characters are well-developed and relatable, with their struggles and emotions resonating with the reader, adding a layer of poignancy to the horror elements.
One of the strengths of "Broken Hearts & Other Horrors" is its balance of traditional horror tropes with fresh, imaginative concepts. Kane doesn't shy away from exploring the darker aspects of the human (and non-human) psyche, making for some genuinely unsettling moments. However, these are balanced with moments of beauty and introspection, giving the stories a well-rounded feel.
In summary, Xavier Poe Kane's "Broken Hearts & Other Horrors" is a standout work in the realm of horror fiction. It's a compelling read for fans of the genre and for those who appreciate stories that delve into the complexities of the human heart. The collection is a testament to Kane's talent as a storyteller and his ability to weave tales that are as thought-provoking as they are chilling.
July 4, 2023
⭐️ ⭐️
Critical Score: C
Personal Score: D
Reading Experience: 📘📘(2/5)
This is an eclectic mix of fun stories that, with Kane’s welcoming and cozy prose, fly by. But the unremarkable plots did not engage me, and I could not emotionally click with the characters because of how hetero-horny this book is…nothing wrong wrong that, but it’s not something of interest to me.
Also, the wide array of settings across the stories make this an aesthetically clunky collection. It was jarring to see a contemporary mental health story alongside an early 17th century vampire story. But one could say that makes the book quirky?
I’m sure for the right reader, this is a delightful way to pass some free time.
Critical Score: C
Personal Score: D
Reading Experience: 📘📘(2/5)
This is an eclectic mix of fun stories that, with Kane’s welcoming and cozy prose, fly by. But the unremarkable plots did not engage me, and I could not emotionally click with the characters because of how hetero-horny this book is…nothing wrong wrong that, but it’s not something of interest to me.
Also, the wide array of settings across the stories make this an aesthetically clunky collection. It was jarring to see a contemporary mental health story alongside an early 17th century vampire story. But one could say that makes the book quirky?
I’m sure for the right reader, this is a delightful way to pass some free time.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews