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Insects of the Damned
Many strange things happen in a small town, but for local law enforcement and an eccentric scientist, this was more than they bargained for in their town of Mintonka, Minnesota. An insect invasion in a small farming town cuts a swath of gruesome terror. A group of locals join forces to locate the cause of how these insects are alive, how their carnivorous tendencies came about, and what can be done to destroy them.
"Grammatico's debut is a slick and slimy fusion of horror and sci-fi that will leave you both afraid for our future and hungry to devour every SyFy Channel movie ever made."
Nathan D. Ludwig – Author of Love Potion #666.
“Grammatico serves up a pulpy slice of the 70s/80s style eco-horror that is sure to please fans of nature run amok classics like Squirm & The Nest!”
Mike Lombardo – Writer/Director of I’m Dreaming of a White Doomsday & Author of Please Don’t Tap on the Glass.
“Grammatico crafts a detailed story of savage zombified insects that will have you rushing to the local hardware store to buy out their entire stock of Raid and hope like hell it’s enough!”
Chad Farmer – Author of Earth Truckers are Easy.
"Grammatico's debut is a slick and slimy fusion of horror and sci-fi that will leave you both afraid for our future and hungry to devour every SyFy Channel movie ever made."
Nathan D. Ludwig – Author of Love Potion #666.
“Grammatico serves up a pulpy slice of the 70s/80s style eco-horror that is sure to please fans of nature run amok classics like Squirm & The Nest!”
Mike Lombardo – Writer/Director of I’m Dreaming of a White Doomsday & Author of Please Don’t Tap on the Glass.
“Grammatico crafts a detailed story of savage zombified insects that will have you rushing to the local hardware store to buy out their entire stock of Raid and hope like hell it’s enough!”
Chad Farmer – Author of Earth Truckers are Easy.
169 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2024
6 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 15, 2024
Paul has written a graphic & gross creature feature to give readers new nightmares!
A small town is unprepared for swarms of genetically mutated creepy crawlies. The carnage is absolute and was hard to read at times.
This was a fairly fast paced novel with some interesting characters, decent dialogue, & descriptive scenes. At times I did feel a bit confused with the narrative, and felt some parts didn’t make total sense, not a huge deal breaker though. Overall this was a fun, brutal story.
A small town is unprepared for swarms of genetically mutated creepy crawlies. The carnage is absolute and was hard to read at times.
This was a fairly fast paced novel with some interesting characters, decent dialogue, & descriptive scenes. At times I did feel a bit confused with the narrative, and felt some parts didn’t make total sense, not a huge deal breaker though. Overall this was a fun, brutal story.
April 14, 2024
Scientists rarely get it right 😂 in this case they manage to let loose flesh eating insects that wreak havoc in a small town.
February 25, 2025
This was my second book by Paul Grammatico and I was absolutely entertained!
We follow a couple of characters, a cop, a scientist, and a family man in a small town where insects are out of control and have developed a taste for human flesh. They must find out the mystery behind what's happening and save themselves and the town!
This story was written extremely well! Honestly, I'm not the biggest fan of creature stories or bug/insects stories, but I was definitely captivated from beginning to end. The author did an amazing job with keeping you asking questions, the dialogue is intriguing and intelligent, you feel so emotional for certain characters, and not to mention, the gore and violence!
I loved the shift between POVs between all of our characters, as it makes the story more enjoyable and satisfying when you see them all come together.
Without spoiling anything, I have a huge fear of roaches, so I was definitely uneased at certain parts of the book. With that being said, my only complaint is I wish there were more different types of insects, as there is only a couple told here! I hope there will be a sequel, because I can see this story going on for plenty as a franchise!
4/5
I received this book from BookSirens and I am more than proud to write this review for them and the author!
We follow a couple of characters, a cop, a scientist, and a family man in a small town where insects are out of control and have developed a taste for human flesh. They must find out the mystery behind what's happening and save themselves and the town!
This story was written extremely well! Honestly, I'm not the biggest fan of creature stories or bug/insects stories, but I was definitely captivated from beginning to end. The author did an amazing job with keeping you asking questions, the dialogue is intriguing and intelligent, you feel so emotional for certain characters, and not to mention, the gore and violence!
I loved the shift between POVs between all of our characters, as it makes the story more enjoyable and satisfying when you see them all come together.
Without spoiling anything, I have a huge fear of roaches, so I was definitely uneased at certain parts of the book. With that being said, my only complaint is I wish there were more different types of insects, as there is only a couple told here! I hope there will be a sequel, because I can see this story going on for plenty as a franchise!
4/5
I received this book from BookSirens and I am more than proud to write this review for them and the author!
March 13, 2024
This was a mostly fun read that while I did enjoy it, at times had a hard time getting through the writer’s narrative style. I did enjoy the extremely different take on the at times overdone zombie sub-genre, so it was great to see a fresh take. It is a fast-paced, easy read, with some good characters, the mentioned fresh ideas, and decent carnage. If you’re looking for a decent creature feature, then check it out.
March 16, 2024
Really enjoyable creature feature with insects. This was a different take on insects killing machines but one that I definitely liked.
March 4, 2024
A small town in Minnesota has a problem. The insects have changed, and they have teeth and are very hungry . Flesh crawling read.
April 7, 2024
As a child, probably between the ages of six to eight, I was forced to watch a school-sanctioned film called The Helstrom Chronicles, which basically taught about every kind of insect right down to the most microscopic ones that live in drops of water, on your skin, and even in your eyelashes. With my skin-crawling, I suffered through that film two or three times in various classrooms, and was terrified for weeks afterward, as well as completely grossed out by the thought of bugs living on my body. Decades have passed, and I still haven't gotten over the trauma inflicted on me by the New York State Board of Education. Now here comes Paul Grammatico with a book that makes The Helstrom Chronicles look like an early incarnation of the movie A Bug's Life.
I went into this book knowing the title and the premise, but was completely unprepared for what I experienced within these pages. A small town is terrorized when a scientific experiment meant to improve crops goes horribly wrong, causing monster-sized, skull-faced insects to attack with deadly consequences. Grammatico does not stint on the horrific details as monster cockroaches transform and wreak havoc on the town, while simultaneously resurrecting and transforming other insects such as carpenter bees. There is one particular scene where a horse is attacked so violently and disturbingly I may never forget it, and this is exactly what the author intended! This book is a wild ride, not for the squeamish, or for anyone who suffers from a fear of insects. A hard-earned and well deserved 5-Stars for this book!
I went into this book knowing the title and the premise, but was completely unprepared for what I experienced within these pages. A small town is terrorized when a scientific experiment meant to improve crops goes horribly wrong, causing monster-sized, skull-faced insects to attack with deadly consequences. Grammatico does not stint on the horrific details as monster cockroaches transform and wreak havoc on the town, while simultaneously resurrecting and transforming other insects such as carpenter bees. There is one particular scene where a horse is attacked so violently and disturbingly I may never forget it, and this is exactly what the author intended! This book is a wild ride, not for the squeamish, or for anyone who suffers from a fear of insects. A hard-earned and well deserved 5-Stars for this book!
January 12, 2025
In the small town of Mintonka, Minnesota, strange things are happening. The town has often been the testing ground for experimental crops and seedlings, but when the latest batch creates undead insects that crave flesh, mayhem and death will ensue.
I know I've only given this two stars, but don't let that put you off reading it. I have a weird brain that can easily get stuck on a sentence that doesn't feel right. It's an unconscious and pedantic side of my thought process that can hinder my reading process.
Sadly, it's something I encountered when reading Insects of the Damned. The story has all the hallmarks of a fun creature feature, a low-budget budget-horror movie that focuses primarily on the human side of the story. However, the style made me (at times) feel as if I was reading a script or screenplay due to how many descriptive parts were presented. There was something about it which caused my brain to stumble over the structure to the point where it was becoming a chore to read. It was no surprise when the story ended that I noticed the author has written a number of screenplays. For me, that mix of novel and screenplay feel to the story caused me to struggle. The ending felt very abrupt as well.
That may not be an issue for others, though, so if you like the premise, then by all means, give it a read.
It just wasn't for me, but as it's a debut from writer Paul Grammatico, I'm interested in seeing how his writing develops and what other stories he has to tell.
I know I've only given this two stars, but don't let that put you off reading it. I have a weird brain that can easily get stuck on a sentence that doesn't feel right. It's an unconscious and pedantic side of my thought process that can hinder my reading process.
Sadly, it's something I encountered when reading Insects of the Damned. The story has all the hallmarks of a fun creature feature, a low-budget budget-horror movie that focuses primarily on the human side of the story. However, the style made me (at times) feel as if I was reading a script or screenplay due to how many descriptive parts were presented. There was something about it which caused my brain to stumble over the structure to the point where it was becoming a chore to read. It was no surprise when the story ended that I noticed the author has written a number of screenplays. For me, that mix of novel and screenplay feel to the story caused me to struggle. The ending felt very abrupt as well.
That may not be an issue for others, though, so if you like the premise, then by all means, give it a read.
It just wasn't for me, but as it's a debut from writer Paul Grammatico, I'm interested in seeing how his writing develops and what other stories he has to tell.
March 11, 2024
If You're a Creature Feature Fan, You Will Love This!!
Insects of the Damned centers around a small town plagued by the most pesky of the pests. Cockroaches, hornets, and more beset a cast of characters as they unknowingly are all affected by some insects that have become even harder to kill!
If you're a fan of the classic creature feature genre, then this is the book for you! I truly enjoyed getting to devour these pages and watch this colorful cast of humans attempt to survive some very terrifying insects. I think this book kept me hooked all the way through. The points of view rotate and the weave together to build a story you're going to want to know the ending to.
Not to mention this novel had me actually laughing out loud at several points. (Paul Grammatico, you are hysterically witty)! The writing in combination with some scary scenes had me truly hooked! I really enjoyed this story and know that readers everywhere are going to love it too!
PS - this cover is absolutely stunning! So if my review doesn't convince you to read it, judge this book by its cover and pick it up!
Insects of the Damned centers around a small town plagued by the most pesky of the pests. Cockroaches, hornets, and more beset a cast of characters as they unknowingly are all affected by some insects that have become even harder to kill!
If you're a fan of the classic creature feature genre, then this is the book for you! I truly enjoyed getting to devour these pages and watch this colorful cast of humans attempt to survive some very terrifying insects. I think this book kept me hooked all the way through. The points of view rotate and the weave together to build a story you're going to want to know the ending to.
Not to mention this novel had me actually laughing out loud at several points. (Paul Grammatico, you are hysterically witty)! The writing in combination with some scary scenes had me truly hooked! I really enjoyed this story and know that readers everywhere are going to love it too!
PS - this cover is absolutely stunning! So if my review doesn't convince you to read it, judge this book by its cover and pick it up!
September 25, 2025
I like the concept of this book. Genetic mutant bugs taking over a town and causing massive destruction struck me as original and unique. The style was a bit difficult at times and it really needs some good editing. There are incomplete sentences (for example "As Jenny and her team slowly leave the meeting room. She catches up with Nick, who goes towards the door."), characters with changing spellings (sometimes in the same sentence), and a character who only exists for one sentence. I'm assuming that Molly was the original name of one of the characters that was later changed, and one spot missed getting changed. There was a lot of good gore, but a lot of the style and editing issues pulled me out of the book. Since I liked the concept I would considering giving the author another chance.
February 10, 2025
I'm 77. Been reading SiFi for over 70 of those years. Gave the book a 5 star rating because it was entertaining. That simple. The premise and outcome have been presented hundreds of times since the 50's (nuclear, not gene manipulation).
As with a murder mystery, you already know the basics , the nuances the story teller uses are what make it a very worthwhile read.
If new to this type of story, it will probably be even more entertaining.
As with a murder mystery, you already know the basics , the nuances the story teller uses are what make it a very worthwhile read.
If new to this type of story, it will probably be even more entertaining.
March 13, 2024
📚Book review 📚
A debut novel
Paul Grammatico
Insects of the Damned
4 🪳🐝🪳🐝
This is a fantastic creepy crawly insect invasion horror story. Now it hit my trigger warnings right in the face, lol... I hate 🪳. Ugh, I hate them so much... This was well written and very interesting. My only complaint is that it felt the ending was a little rushed. But I enjoyed the story.
A debut novel
Paul Grammatico
Insects of the Damned
4 🪳🐝🪳🐝
This is a fantastic creepy crawly insect invasion horror story. Now it hit my trigger warnings right in the face, lol... I hate 🪳. Ugh, I hate them so much... This was well written and very interesting. My only complaint is that it felt the ending was a little rushed. But I enjoyed the story.
January 22, 2025
As soon as I knew it was about bugs (one of my special interests) I knew I had to read this. Loved it. Writing was a bit “off” in places but easily read through. I do wish there were other insects involved- spiders maybe? It would be fun to do a spinoff of this with other insects. It was the perfect horror read for insect lovers like myself! Well done for a unique plot.
April 27, 2024
Grammatico's debut is a slick and slimy fusion of horror and sci-fi that will leave you both afraid for our future and hungry to devour every SyFy Channel movie ever made.
Like Phenomena meets The Birds with extra cockroaches. Lots of extra cockroaches. I hate cockroaches.
Like Phenomena meets The Birds with extra cockroaches. Lots of extra cockroaches. I hate cockroaches.
January 3, 2025
Killer bugs is a great fear for most. How can something so small be so deadly? Great storytelling and character development. Gives off "Them" vibes.
March 14, 2025
Originally posted on the book blog Creature From the Book Lagoon.
*Trigger Warning: Animal Death
*Thank you BookSiren for providing a me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I LOVE the vibe of this book! It is clearly from an author who loves B-movies and creature feature horror of the 1970s and 80s. The plot is pretty fun. How can you NOT love a killer insect story?? ❤ The bugs are creepy and gnarly. Ick! So much great bug carnage.
That’s why it’s such a bummer that a few problems really took me right out of the story. :/ First, the conversations flow oddly. There is no “he said” or “she said” in the conversations. Just line after line of dialogue. It got a little confusing a few times. Who is talking? Who said what? :/
Another big problem is some things and or people got waaaaaaaaayyyyy too detailed. Example: a homeless man was introduced but we all know he is gonna be bug chow in a few seconds. For some reason we get this guys whole backstory. 😐 It was seriously too long and took up too much space! He is bug fodder! We don’t need that much backstory on someone who is going to die instantly! Just introduce the guy, have him stumble on to the bugs and die.
I wanted to love Insects of the Damned. The plot is right up my alley. The 1970s horror vibe is spot on. However there are some odd writing choices that take me right out of the story. :/
*Trigger Warning: Animal Death
*Thank you BookSiren for providing a me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I LOVE the vibe of this book! It is clearly from an author who loves B-movies and creature feature horror of the 1970s and 80s. The plot is pretty fun. How can you NOT love a killer insect story?? ❤ The bugs are creepy and gnarly. Ick! So much great bug carnage.
That’s why it’s such a bummer that a few problems really took me right out of the story. :/ First, the conversations flow oddly. There is no “he said” or “she said” in the conversations. Just line after line of dialogue. It got a little confusing a few times. Who is talking? Who said what? :/
Another big problem is some things and or people got waaaaaaaaayyyyy too detailed. Example: a homeless man was introduced but we all know he is gonna be bug chow in a few seconds. For some reason we get this guys whole backstory. 😐 It was seriously too long and took up too much space! He is bug fodder! We don’t need that much backstory on someone who is going to die instantly! Just introduce the guy, have him stumble on to the bugs and die.
I wanted to love Insects of the Damned. The plot is right up my alley. The 1970s horror vibe is spot on. However there are some odd writing choices that take me right out of the story. :/
August 13, 2024
This book is about as scary as they come. It brought back feelings I haven't had since I watched the movie Hostel almost 20 years ago. It's a book to take your time reading because you'll need to take your time to read it. Unless you are as deranged as the author apparently is. :-)
I know 5-star reviews can be over-the-top and full of hyperbole so I'll stop here.
I know 5-star reviews can be over-the-top and full of hyperbole so I'll stop here.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews