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The Horror Collection #20
The Horror Collection: Splatterpunk Dreams
FEATURING A BRAND NEW NOVELLA BY EDWARD LEE.
Splatterpunk is a movement within horror fiction originating in the 1980s, distinguished by its graphic, often gory, depiction of violence, countercultural alignment and "hyperintensive horror with no limits." The term was coined in 1986 by David J. Schow at the Twelfth World Fantasy Convention in Providence, Rhode Island. Splatterpunk is regarded as a revolt against the "traditional, meekly suggestive horror story". Splatterpunk has been defined as a "literary genre characterised by graphically described scenes of an extremely gory nature."
These stories are a little bit of madness, brought to you by some of the best horror authors working in the industry, today, that wanted to show off their love for splatterpunk.
This book is dedicated to the late, great, Richard Laymon.
Splatterpunk is a movement within horror fiction originating in the 1980s, distinguished by its graphic, often gory, depiction of violence, countercultural alignment and "hyperintensive horror with no limits." The term was coined in 1986 by David J. Schow at the Twelfth World Fantasy Convention in Providence, Rhode Island. Splatterpunk is regarded as a revolt against the "traditional, meekly suggestive horror story". Splatterpunk has been defined as a "literary genre characterised by graphically described scenes of an extremely gory nature."
These stories are a little bit of madness, brought to you by some of the best horror authors working in the industry, today, that wanted to show off their love for splatterpunk.
This book is dedicated to the late, great, Richard Laymon.
277 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 11, 2024
70 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
Edward Lee
269 books1,456 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Edward Lee is an American novelist specializing in the field of horror, and has authored 40 books, more than half of which have been published by mass-market New York paperback companies such as Leisure/Dorchester, Berkley, and Zebra/Kensington. He is a Bram Stoker award nominee for his story "Mr. Torso," and his short stories have appeared in over a dozen mass-market anthologies, including THE BEST AMERICAN MYSTERY STORIES OF 2000, Pocket's HOT BLOOD series, and the award-wining 999. Several of his novels have sold translation rights to Germany, Greece, and Romania. He also publishes quite actively in the small-press/limited-edition hardcover market; many of his books in this category have become collector's items. While a number of Lee's projects have been optioned for film, only one has been made, HEADER, which was released on DVD to mixed reviews in June, 2009, by Synapse Films.
Lee is particularly known for over-the-top occult concepts and an accelerated treatment of erotic and/or morbid sexual imagery and visceral violence.
He was born on May 25, 1957 in Washington, D.C., and grew up in Bowie, Maryland. In the late-70s he served in the U.S. Army's 1st Armored Division, in Erlangen, West Germany, then, for a short time, was a municipal police officer in Cottage City, Maryland. Lee also attended the University of Maryland as an English major but quit in his last semester to pursue his dream of being a horror novelist. For over 15 years, he worked as the night manager for a security company in Annapolis, Maryland, while writing in his spare time. In 1997, however, he became a full-time writer, first spending several years in Seattle and then moving to St. Pete Beach, Florida, where he currently resides.
Of note, the author cites as his strongest influence horror legend H. P. Lovecraft; in 2007, Lee embarked on what he calls his "Lovecraft kick" and wrote a spate of novels and novellas which tribute Lovecraft and his famous Cthulhu Mythos. Among these projects are THE INNSWICH HORROR, "Trolley No. 1852," HAUNTER OF THE THRESHOLD, GOING MONSTERING, "Pages Torn From A Travel Journal," and "You Are My Everything." Lee promises more Lovecraftian work on the horizon.
Edward Lee is an American novelist specializing in the field of horror, and has authored 40 books, more than half of which have been published by mass-market New York paperback companies such as Leisure/Dorchester, Berkley, and Zebra/Kensington. He is a Bram Stoker award nominee for his story "Mr. Torso," and his short stories have appeared in over a dozen mass-market anthologies, including THE BEST AMERICAN MYSTERY STORIES OF 2000, Pocket's HOT BLOOD series, and the award-wining 999. Several of his novels have sold translation rights to Germany, Greece, and Romania. He also publishes quite actively in the small-press/limited-edition hardcover market; many of his books in this category have become collector's items. While a number of Lee's projects have been optioned for film, only one has been made, HEADER, which was released on DVD to mixed reviews in June, 2009, by Synapse Films.
Lee is particularly known for over-the-top occult concepts and an accelerated treatment of erotic and/or morbid sexual imagery and visceral violence.
He was born on May 25, 1957 in Washington, D.C., and grew up in Bowie, Maryland. In the late-70s he served in the U.S. Army's 1st Armored Division, in Erlangen, West Germany, then, for a short time, was a municipal police officer in Cottage City, Maryland. Lee also attended the University of Maryland as an English major but quit in his last semester to pursue his dream of being a horror novelist. For over 15 years, he worked as the night manager for a security company in Annapolis, Maryland, while writing in his spare time. In 1997, however, he became a full-time writer, first spending several years in Seattle and then moving to St. Pete Beach, Florida, where he currently resides.
Of note, the author cites as his strongest influence horror legend H. P. Lovecraft; in 2007, Lee embarked on what he calls his "Lovecraft kick" and wrote a spate of novels and novellas which tribute Lovecraft and his famous Cthulhu Mythos. Among these projects are THE INNSWICH HORROR, "Trolley No. 1852," HAUNTER OF THE THRESHOLD, GOING MONSTERING, "Pages Torn From A Travel Journal," and "You Are My Everything." Lee promises more Lovecraftian work on the horizon.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 25, 2025
Oooh! I love anthologies—and this collection is a feast for a Splatterpunk enthusiast like me!
Walter With an Axe
I’ve never laughed so hard reading Splatterpunk until this episode. OMG. The door scene was freaking hilarious—I forgot I was reading something dark and bloody. Steve Stred might’ve been high to come up with this stuff. Bat-shit craaazy!
Sister Silence and Lady Strange
Uh-oh. High and mighty, they say. That priest deserved every last bit of hell. An overly satisfying end.
Crazy Horse and Easy Money
Both have a similar premise. What would you do for money—oh, scratch that—how desperate and vile do you have to be for it?
Death by Pumpkin
Some bullies deserve a special place in hell. I mean, how miserable does your life have to be to inflict pain on others who did nothing to you? Whatever happened to these bad guys and girls was a long time coming.
Skin Games
Ugh. This one is freaking demented. Look away!
The Digger
OK—this felt like a classic zombie film.
Hard Headed
Wow. This was intense. Underground fights, violence, human enhancements? I’d love to see this turned into a full-blown novel.
Scratching That Itch
Ooh. This is spicy.
Overall, this collection is entertaining, morbid, bloody, and crazy all at the same time. Kudos to all these amazing writers!
Walter With an Axe
I’ve never laughed so hard reading Splatterpunk until this episode. OMG. The door scene was freaking hilarious—I forgot I was reading something dark and bloody. Steve Stred might’ve been high to come up with this stuff. Bat-shit craaazy!
Sister Silence and Lady Strange
Uh-oh. High and mighty, they say. That priest deserved every last bit of hell. An overly satisfying end.
Crazy Horse and Easy Money
Both have a similar premise. What would you do for money—oh, scratch that—how desperate and vile do you have to be for it?
Death by Pumpkin
Some bullies deserve a special place in hell. I mean, how miserable does your life have to be to inflict pain on others who did nothing to you? Whatever happened to these bad guys and girls was a long time coming.
Skin Games
Ugh. This one is freaking demented. Look away!
The Digger
OK—this felt like a classic zombie film.
Hard Headed
Wow. This was intense. Underground fights, violence, human enhancements? I’d love to see this turned into a full-blown novel.
Scratching That Itch
Ooh. This is spicy.
Overall, this collection is entertaining, morbid, bloody, and crazy all at the same time. Kudos to all these amazing writers!
January 7, 2025
THE HORROR COLLECTION: SPLATTERPUNK DREAMS
Book 20 of 20: The Horror Collection (2024) By Edward Lee (Author)
FEATURING A BRAND NEW NOVELLA By EDWARD LEE
Splatterpunk is a movement within horror fiction originating in the 1980s, distinguished by its graphic, often gory, depiction of violence, countercultural alignment and "hyperintensive horror with no limits." The term was coined in 1986 by David J. Schow at the Twelfth World Fantasy Convention in Providence, Rhode Island. Splatterpunk is regarded as a revolt against the "traditional, meekly suggestive horror story". Splatterpunk has been defined as a "literary genre characterized by graphically described scenes of an extremely gory nature."
These stories are a little bit of madness, brought to you by some of the best horror authors working in the industry, today, that wanted to show off their love for splatterpunk.
This book is dedicated to the late, great, Richard Laymon.
I purchased this Horror Anthology with enthusiasm for obvious reasons. I am providing this book review as promised. My method for rating both short story collections by a single author or anthologies comprised of stories by a number of authors the same way. I read each entry, rate it accordingly (meaning how well I liked it or the opposite) and then calculate an average rating.
Now a word about ratings in general. This is a new release, not published until the summer of this year, and predictably has few Amazon Customer Reviews. That said it garnered a 4.2 Star Rating from its small sample of readers. Interestingly, Goodreads is sporting a scant 61 Ratings and 15 Reviews with a Rating of 4.41 Stars. I have a strong suspicion that my review and rating of the anthology will be an outlier but here goes nothing.
You already know that it is Book 20 in The Horror Collection series. Between its covers is a collection of 14 stories by different authors, plus we know that the final tale “The Crew” is a brand new novella by the great Edward Lee.
The stories within this anthology are listed in order below:
Walter With an Axe by Steve Stred - Rated 2.5 Stars
Sister Silence and Lady Strange by Gord Rollo
A story about the wanton rape of a young woman in the Convent. But several of the rapists were inexplicably murdered. Patricia was admitted to an asylum for the insane. The woman is mute and called “Sister Silence”. She provides a confessional for her women who are confined to the Asylum. Then it is time for the annual visit by the bishop from the church she had been an aspiring nun. We meet her only friend and protector, Lady Strange. Outstanding contribution from author Gord Rollo. 5-Stars.
Crazy Horse by David Owain Hughes
The plot device is identical to one used by another author. A woman is performing increasingly more difficult challenges to earn the prize money. This premise could have been lifted straight out of the novel by another author. The specific challenges have been changed, but for one involving the dog. I allotted only 2 Stars because it was unoriginal.
Easy Money by P.J. Blakey-Novis
Perhaps not the most original concept for sure, but doggone I really loved the ending. It elevated the story to another level for me. I decided I really liked it. 5.0 Stars
Death By Pumpkin by Jason Nickey
Slow start but then brought the action and the gore. 4.0 Stars
Skin Game by Allen Millard
Arguably original and with gore to spare, primarily a tale of sibling rivalry. Truthfully, the plot made little sense to me, and I was not motivated to try to understand the punchline. I allotted 2 Stars
The Digger by D.W. Hitz
A story which is suggested to be about a man making a giant burial plot out of his land and using every available inch of space for the uninbalmed bodies. It doesn’t go too far before it reads like one big acid trip. I might add that it is what I imagine that an acid trip experience would be like. Parts of it had oodles of blood and other body substances. Rating 1 Star because I did wade through the muck.
Hard Headed by Kevin J. Kennedy
I liked it. 4 Stars.
Scratching That Itch by Veronica Smith
First female horror author in the anthology. Original storyline, quaint. A novel idea, really, who would believe that a massage unit so compact equipped with AI could be so handy, accommodating, and downright deadly. I liked it a lot. 4.5 Stars.
Hell on the Highway by Candace Nola
I have read Candace Nolan, and I know that she is good. My expectations were a solid 5 Stars irrespective of her topic. She did not disappoint with a truly unique tale of vigilantism featuring a gorgeous girl and big rigs. Well, there was also a sadistic psychopath. Super good. 5 Stars all day long.
Pig by Ryan Colley
Here’s a tale for discriminating splatterpunk enthusiasts. In my opinion it was an unusual but extraordinarily effective horror yarn. Two co-workers on the kill floor of a slaughterhouse become desensitized to the process of using the bolt gun, hanging the pig through the eye, and cutting its throat to bleed out. “What’s the difference between pigs and people?” The answer might surprise you. I was yanked into the slaughterhouse by this tale and it both shocked and gave me a chill. A rating of 5 has got to be deserved.
The Birderer by Christo Healey
You will have to read the story to find out how a vigilante became “The Birderer”. It was just a bit too “something”. It is not my idea of a horror tale. I did award 3.0 Stars for originality.
It’s a Good Day for a Sexorcism
This vulgar yarn is both literally sickening and is at best a tale of deviant sexual acts between alleged “sexorcists” trying to help someone afflicted and possessed. I was not impressed. 2 Stars may be “hellishly” generous.
THE CREW By EDWARD LEE
Naturally I had ridiculous expectations, but it was a sensational yarn of splatterpunk and featured the most unlikely of vigilantes. I do not want to spoil it with details. It was terrific and had a LOL ending that was great. 5 Stars.
OVERALL RATING FOR THIS ANTHOLOGY WAS 3.57 ROUNDED TO 3.6 STARS
SEVERAL STANDOUT SUBMISSIONS TO THIS ANTHOLOGY WITH (5) 5-STAR READS
Book 20 of 20: The Horror Collection (2024) By Edward Lee (Author)
FEATURING A BRAND NEW NOVELLA By EDWARD LEE
Splatterpunk is a movement within horror fiction originating in the 1980s, distinguished by its graphic, often gory, depiction of violence, countercultural alignment and "hyperintensive horror with no limits." The term was coined in 1986 by David J. Schow at the Twelfth World Fantasy Convention in Providence, Rhode Island. Splatterpunk is regarded as a revolt against the "traditional, meekly suggestive horror story". Splatterpunk has been defined as a "literary genre characterized by graphically described scenes of an extremely gory nature."
These stories are a little bit of madness, brought to you by some of the best horror authors working in the industry, today, that wanted to show off their love for splatterpunk.
This book is dedicated to the late, great, Richard Laymon.
I purchased this Horror Anthology with enthusiasm for obvious reasons. I am providing this book review as promised. My method for rating both short story collections by a single author or anthologies comprised of stories by a number of authors the same way. I read each entry, rate it accordingly (meaning how well I liked it or the opposite) and then calculate an average rating.
Now a word about ratings in general. This is a new release, not published until the summer of this year, and predictably has few Amazon Customer Reviews. That said it garnered a 4.2 Star Rating from its small sample of readers. Interestingly, Goodreads is sporting a scant 61 Ratings and 15 Reviews with a Rating of 4.41 Stars. I have a strong suspicion that my review and rating of the anthology will be an outlier but here goes nothing.
You already know that it is Book 20 in The Horror Collection series. Between its covers is a collection of 14 stories by different authors, plus we know that the final tale “The Crew” is a brand new novella by the great Edward Lee.
The stories within this anthology are listed in order below:
Walter With an Axe by Steve Stred - Rated 2.5 Stars
Sister Silence and Lady Strange by Gord Rollo
A story about the wanton rape of a young woman in the Convent. But several of the rapists were inexplicably murdered. Patricia was admitted to an asylum for the insane. The woman is mute and called “Sister Silence”. She provides a confessional for her women who are confined to the Asylum. Then it is time for the annual visit by the bishop from the church she had been an aspiring nun. We meet her only friend and protector, Lady Strange. Outstanding contribution from author Gord Rollo. 5-Stars.
Crazy Horse by David Owain Hughes
The plot device is identical to one used by another author. A woman is performing increasingly more difficult challenges to earn the prize money. This premise could have been lifted straight out of the novel by another author. The specific challenges have been changed, but for one involving the dog. I allotted only 2 Stars because it was unoriginal.
Easy Money by P.J. Blakey-Novis
Perhaps not the most original concept for sure, but doggone I really loved the ending. It elevated the story to another level for me. I decided I really liked it. 5.0 Stars
Death By Pumpkin by Jason Nickey
Slow start but then brought the action and the gore. 4.0 Stars
Skin Game by Allen Millard
Arguably original and with gore to spare, primarily a tale of sibling rivalry. Truthfully, the plot made little sense to me, and I was not motivated to try to understand the punchline. I allotted 2 Stars
The Digger by D.W. Hitz
A story which is suggested to be about a man making a giant burial plot out of his land and using every available inch of space for the uninbalmed bodies. It doesn’t go too far before it reads like one big acid trip. I might add that it is what I imagine that an acid trip experience would be like. Parts of it had oodles of blood and other body substances. Rating 1 Star because I did wade through the muck.
Hard Headed by Kevin J. Kennedy
I liked it. 4 Stars.
Scratching That Itch by Veronica Smith
First female horror author in the anthology. Original storyline, quaint. A novel idea, really, who would believe that a massage unit so compact equipped with AI could be so handy, accommodating, and downright deadly. I liked it a lot. 4.5 Stars.
Hell on the Highway by Candace Nola
I have read Candace Nolan, and I know that she is good. My expectations were a solid 5 Stars irrespective of her topic. She did not disappoint with a truly unique tale of vigilantism featuring a gorgeous girl and big rigs. Well, there was also a sadistic psychopath. Super good. 5 Stars all day long.
Pig by Ryan Colley
Here’s a tale for discriminating splatterpunk enthusiasts. In my opinion it was an unusual but extraordinarily effective horror yarn. Two co-workers on the kill floor of a slaughterhouse become desensitized to the process of using the bolt gun, hanging the pig through the eye, and cutting its throat to bleed out. “What’s the difference between pigs and people?” The answer might surprise you. I was yanked into the slaughterhouse by this tale and it both shocked and gave me a chill. A rating of 5 has got to be deserved.
The Birderer by Christo Healey
You will have to read the story to find out how a vigilante became “The Birderer”. It was just a bit too “something”. It is not my idea of a horror tale. I did award 3.0 Stars for originality.
It’s a Good Day for a Sexorcism
This vulgar yarn is both literally sickening and is at best a tale of deviant sexual acts between alleged “sexorcists” trying to help someone afflicted and possessed. I was not impressed. 2 Stars may be “hellishly” generous.
THE CREW By EDWARD LEE
Naturally I had ridiculous expectations, but it was a sensational yarn of splatterpunk and featured the most unlikely of vigilantes. I do not want to spoil it with details. It was terrific and had a LOL ending that was great. 5 Stars.
OVERALL RATING FOR THIS ANTHOLOGY WAS 3.57 ROUNDED TO 3.6 STARS
SEVERAL STANDOUT SUBMISSIONS TO THIS ANTHOLOGY WITH (5) 5-STAR READS
August 26, 2024
Damn, this collection of extremely brutal and graphic tales blew me away! From the cover art, to the authors, to stories- each page was a bloody adventure.
KJK Publishing has gathered some of the best names in the splatterpunk game as contributors for the 20th book in the Horror Collection anthology series; it was so awesome to see some new works from Ed Lee, Chisto Healy, Candace Nola, etc. Plus, as with many of Kevin’s anthologies, I found a few new-to-me writers that are now on my to-read list. Overall, this was a masterfully compiled book with a variety of horrifying stories to share.
Some of my fav tales were…
“The Digger” by DW Hitz- a man who buries bodies on his property gets more than he bargained for with this latest victim.
“Crazy Horse” by David Owain Hughes- a woman starts to play a weird game in a deserted mega store, with the stakes and payout getting higher and higher.
“Scratching that Itch” by Veronica Smith- a new back scratching device has more than just its advertised uses.
Definitely add this amazing collection to your TBR list!
KJK Publishing has gathered some of the best names in the splatterpunk game as contributors for the 20th book in the Horror Collection anthology series; it was so awesome to see some new works from Ed Lee, Chisto Healy, Candace Nola, etc. Plus, as with many of Kevin’s anthologies, I found a few new-to-me writers that are now on my to-read list. Overall, this was a masterfully compiled book with a variety of horrifying stories to share.
Some of my fav tales were…
“The Digger” by DW Hitz- a man who buries bodies on his property gets more than he bargained for with this latest victim.
“Crazy Horse” by David Owain Hughes- a woman starts to play a weird game in a deserted mega store, with the stakes and payout getting higher and higher.
“Scratching that Itch” by Veronica Smith- a new back scratching device has more than just its advertised uses.
Definitely add this amazing collection to your TBR list!
September 5, 2024
Bibliophilia Templum Review
The Horror Collection: Splatterpunk Dreams is book 20 in The Horror Collection series and collects 14 intense, brazen tales that defy the status quo in brutal and graphic fashion.
“Walter With an Axe” by Steve Stred is a bizarre and twisted story about a horror movie fetish gone horrifically sideways. “Sister Silence and Lady Strange” by Gord Rollo is next; a dark, intense, and riveting story about a woman in an asylum for the criminally insane (I loved the twist).
“Crazy Horse” by David Owain Hughes is a suspenseful and driving story that begs the question: how far would you be willing to go for money? That one is cleverly followed by “Easy Money” by P.J. Blakey-Novis, a grisly tale where easy money isn’t and the stakes are your humanity.
“Death by Pumpkin” by Jason Nickey is a blunt and brutal story about bullying, secrets, and consequences. Next is “Skin Game” by Adam Millard, a riveting and messed-up little tale that gets creepier and creepier with every turn of the page.
Then comes “The Digger” by D.W. Hitz, a wild and gruesome read where nothing is quite what it seems and the horrors just keep getting more horrifying. Next, “Hard Headed” by Kevin J. Kennedy follows a hard-headed man into the bizarre world of underground fighting, where the money is amazing but the opponents turn out to be more than expected.
“Scratching that Itch” by Veronica Smith is a wicked romp into the concerning future of AI devices, a very entertaining, eyebrow-raising read. It’s followed by Candace Nola’s “Hell on the Highway,” a vivid and bloody tale of atrocity and an unlikely trucker’s rage.
“Pig” by Ryan Colley is one of the most disturbing stories I have ever read, a graphic telling of a man working a slaughterhouse, the details and his perspective of the process, and the unsettling question bantered between him and his best bud. Then comes “The Birderer” by Chisto Healy, a gruesome story of vengeance that has truly poignant subtext in the tradition of excellent Splatterpunk. I was especially impressed by the voice the author used in the telling, as of a fable being told by Clive Barker.
“It’s a Good Day for a Sexorcism” by Matthew Vaughn is a twisted, gruesome, and completely irreverent story about a very specific type of exorcism. Then the anthology concludes with Edward Lee’s novella “The Crew,” a boundary-crossing tale of vigilantism that spits on triggers and trigger warnings.
While some of the stories lean more toward extreme horror than Splatterpunk, they all have something to say, even if it’s subtextually, and they are all excellent reads in their own ways. But Extreme Horror and Splatterpunk fans only, please. Some of these tales will turn your stomach and assault any sense of decency you might possess.
The Horror Collection: Splatterpunk Dreams is book 20 in The Horror Collection series and collects 14 intense, brazen tales that defy the status quo in brutal and graphic fashion.
“Walter With an Axe” by Steve Stred is a bizarre and twisted story about a horror movie fetish gone horrifically sideways. “Sister Silence and Lady Strange” by Gord Rollo is next; a dark, intense, and riveting story about a woman in an asylum for the criminally insane (I loved the twist).
“Crazy Horse” by David Owain Hughes is a suspenseful and driving story that begs the question: how far would you be willing to go for money? That one is cleverly followed by “Easy Money” by P.J. Blakey-Novis, a grisly tale where easy money isn’t and the stakes are your humanity.
“Death by Pumpkin” by Jason Nickey is a blunt and brutal story about bullying, secrets, and consequences. Next is “Skin Game” by Adam Millard, a riveting and messed-up little tale that gets creepier and creepier with every turn of the page.
Then comes “The Digger” by D.W. Hitz, a wild and gruesome read where nothing is quite what it seems and the horrors just keep getting more horrifying. Next, “Hard Headed” by Kevin J. Kennedy follows a hard-headed man into the bizarre world of underground fighting, where the money is amazing but the opponents turn out to be more than expected.
“Scratching that Itch” by Veronica Smith is a wicked romp into the concerning future of AI devices, a very entertaining, eyebrow-raising read. It’s followed by Candace Nola’s “Hell on the Highway,” a vivid and bloody tale of atrocity and an unlikely trucker’s rage.
“Pig” by Ryan Colley is one of the most disturbing stories I have ever read, a graphic telling of a man working a slaughterhouse, the details and his perspective of the process, and the unsettling question bantered between him and his best bud. Then comes “The Birderer” by Chisto Healy, a gruesome story of vengeance that has truly poignant subtext in the tradition of excellent Splatterpunk. I was especially impressed by the voice the author used in the telling, as of a fable being told by Clive Barker.
“It’s a Good Day for a Sexorcism” by Matthew Vaughn is a twisted, gruesome, and completely irreverent story about a very specific type of exorcism. Then the anthology concludes with Edward Lee’s novella “The Crew,” a boundary-crossing tale of vigilantism that spits on triggers and trigger warnings.
While some of the stories lean more toward extreme horror than Splatterpunk, they all have something to say, even if it’s subtextually, and they are all excellent reads in their own ways. But Extreme Horror and Splatterpunk fans only, please. Some of these tales will turn your stomach and assault any sense of decency you might possess.
August 15, 2024
I love splatterpunk, extreme horror, graphic gory tales, or whatever you want to call this gag-inducing horror genre! If you don't know what I mean, read THIS! Kennedy's Twentieth Volume of the Horror Collection, "Splatterpunk Dreams" (with a cover by Michael Bray) embodies everything that's good in this much-maligned genre: lusty hardcore scenes, off-the-wall twists, cheeky finales, authors with a deep understanding of the depravity of humanity, their dark humor always risking to veer off into social commentary - and, of course, buckets of blood and lots of pain and, why not, a few severed heads!
These are tales full of visceral and depraved imagery not for weak stomachs. Again, Ed Lee's new novella (the culmination of the volume), "The Crew", leads the way, with a terrific story of revenge and vigilante justice against bullies and rapists, a f**k you to all those kid psychopaths and sick kiddy fiddlers walking free after destroying a child's life. That was great fun to read! Candace Nola's "Hell on the Highway", another brilliant revenge story, combines incredible writing with the original idea of a female trucker going against a serial killer; this one shows clearly how teamwork and solidarity may articulate the concerns of splatterpunk better than conflict and hostility. Gord Rollo's "Sister Silence and Lady Strange" pushes the envelope a bit, by putting a nun in the center of a story about sexual violence, internalized rage, and carnage. On the other side of the mirror, Matthew Vaughn in "It’s a Good Day for a Sexorcism" takes another nun straight into satanic deliciousness, offering a new story in his "Sexorcism" series of tales. Another well-written story is "Pig" by Ryan Colley: it asks, “What’s the difference between pigs and people?”, and gives the shocking answer. "The Birderer" by Chisto Healy is another revenge story, though the premise is so good and vicious, you don't want the story to end. There are also great stories by Jason Nickey, D.W. Hitz, Adam Millard, and a brutally realistic one by the editor himself, Kennedy's "Hard Headed". And then there's Veronica Smith's "Scratching that Itch", a nicely-done tech horror story with a smart back scratcher; probably the only time a back scratcher gets to star in a story! (If, like me, you end up wondering about the lack of dildos in these stories, let me tell you that the device has other uses, too.) Last but not least, I mention the stories by Steve Stred, David Owain Hughes, and P.J. Blakey-Novis: these are all great tales, but I personally didn't like the endings - I wanted more!
In sum, this volume is certainly not for prudish readers; this is horror that comes hot and thick, punching, biting and screaming till the end - but you'll also laugh with the pitch black humor and enjoy the refreshing take on old themes. Even the most jaded fans will find a story to enjoy.
These are tales full of visceral and depraved imagery not for weak stomachs. Again, Ed Lee's new novella (the culmination of the volume), "The Crew", leads the way, with a terrific story of revenge and vigilante justice against bullies and rapists, a f**k you to all those kid psychopaths and sick kiddy fiddlers walking free after destroying a child's life. That was great fun to read! Candace Nola's "Hell on the Highway", another brilliant revenge story, combines incredible writing with the original idea of a female trucker going against a serial killer; this one shows clearly how teamwork and solidarity may articulate the concerns of splatterpunk better than conflict and hostility. Gord Rollo's "Sister Silence and Lady Strange" pushes the envelope a bit, by putting a nun in the center of a story about sexual violence, internalized rage, and carnage. On the other side of the mirror, Matthew Vaughn in "It’s a Good Day for a Sexorcism" takes another nun straight into satanic deliciousness, offering a new story in his "Sexorcism" series of tales. Another well-written story is "Pig" by Ryan Colley: it asks, “What’s the difference between pigs and people?”, and gives the shocking answer. "The Birderer" by Chisto Healy is another revenge story, though the premise is so good and vicious, you don't want the story to end. There are also great stories by Jason Nickey, D.W. Hitz, Adam Millard, and a brutally realistic one by the editor himself, Kennedy's "Hard Headed". And then there's Veronica Smith's "Scratching that Itch", a nicely-done tech horror story with a smart back scratcher; probably the only time a back scratcher gets to star in a story! (If, like me, you end up wondering about the lack of dildos in these stories, let me tell you that the device has other uses, too.) Last but not least, I mention the stories by Steve Stred, David Owain Hughes, and P.J. Blakey-Novis: these are all great tales, but I personally didn't like the endings - I wanted more!
In sum, this volume is certainly not for prudish readers; this is horror that comes hot and thick, punching, biting and screaming till the end - but you'll also laugh with the pitch black humor and enjoy the refreshing take on old themes. Even the most jaded fans will find a story to enjoy.
April 30, 2025
3.5 🌟 I enjoyed some of these short stories, but not all of them. Several were too over the top for me and I didn’t really enjoy the actual story. I do enjoy horror and splatter punk, but a lot of the stories just didn’t mesh well with me. There were however several that I did enjoy though.
I listened to the audio and the narrator was good!!
Definitely know what you are getting into with these short stories!!
This collection is out now!
I listened to the audio and the narrator was good!!
Definitely know what you are getting into with these short stories!!
This collection is out now!
August 13, 2024
Okay so here we go.
If you know me, you know I am not a splattergirl.
Nothing wrong with it, just not what I go for in horror. But if the story is good, splatter away.
But I ALWAYS read The Horror Collection release no matter what it's over, because it's like the Ellery Queen magazine for me, I find so many authors I've never heard of, I get a little sample and bam, I'm hooked lol
This edition was no different.
How do they always manage to grab such a good set of authors over and over again?
I have some Splatter Daddies ( is this even a term? If not maybe we need it to be, or maybe not that's Alot to think about ) I'm adding to my list to check out.
Honestly The KJK collections are a set I always buy when they release digitally because it's stupid not too, between this and anything that has Ellen Datlows name on it, it's like a sampler of amazing talent and the best way to find someone or something new to read.
Anyways 4/5 stars
Absolutely stellar as always
Woop woop
The End
If you know me, you know I am not a splattergirl.
Nothing wrong with it, just not what I go for in horror. But if the story is good, splatter away.
But I ALWAYS read The Horror Collection release no matter what it's over, because it's like the Ellery Queen magazine for me, I find so many authors I've never heard of, I get a little sample and bam, I'm hooked lol
This edition was no different.
How do they always manage to grab such a good set of authors over and over again?
I have some Splatter Daddies ( is this even a term? If not maybe we need it to be, or maybe not that's Alot to think about ) I'm adding to my list to check out.
Honestly The KJK collections are a set I always buy when they release digitally because it's stupid not too, between this and anything that has Ellen Datlows name on it, it's like a sampler of amazing talent and the best way to find someone or something new to read.
Anyways 4/5 stars
Absolutely stellar as always
Woop woop
The End
October 4, 2024
Splatterpunk Dreams offers a grotesque journey through the darker, bloodier corners of horror. This anthology is easily one of my favorites released by KJK Publishing. There is a wide array of talented authors that each bring their own unique style, so the book never feels repetitive. This collection is filled with shocking imagery and tons of violence. No highlighting standouts this time because each story was amazing. This is not for the faint of heart but for fans of the genre. You’re in for a wild and unsettling ride!
August 19, 2024
There is an unwritten agreement between a person and a book. The person agrees to read the book and in return, the book will satisfy the reader. If it is a horror book, then chills should travel down the spine during the story and afterward. There should be a sense of dread and the unexpected upon finishing each tale.
The splatter and carnage in each story was magnificent. For that alone, it is worth buying this book. Now let's look at the stories.
We begin with, “Walter with an Axe.” There is a fine line between what is reality and fantasy. After reading this story, I actually had to turn my head to ensure that what I saw on the television screen wasn't standing directly behind me.
Sister Silence and Lady Strange.
After reading Robert Bloch's, “ Lucy Comes To Stay,” the twist ending came as no surprise to me.
Crazy Horse.
Here is a story that held my interest. A woman receiving notes in a supermarket informing her to commit horrendous deeds for money, had me curious to find out how it ended. The ending certainly surprised me, and in a positive way. I expected quite a bit more than the ending, if you can call it that, provided.
Easy Money.
An old concept of last person standing wins. We have seen it a thousand times in movies and books. By the way the author built up the characters, the ending was quite obvious.
Death by Pumpkin
Bullies murder a teen by throwing a pumpkin at his head. It doesn't take much to figure out that he returns from the dead as some type of Pumpkin creature to exact vengeance.
Skin Game
A brilliant tale of a mother who sent her sons out to find materials for her to sew, the ending was masterfully done, with twist upon twist.
The Digger
A zombie story of a chemical that creates blood-thirsty zombies. It was told in a unique manner.
Hard Headed
In the world of underground fighting, this story gives new meaning to the word enhanced.
Scratching that Itch.
A very creative story about an itch scratcher that is more than meets the eye.
Hell on the Highway.
A group of truck drivers seek vengeance against a beast of a man who is decapitating his victims on their route. No twists in this one.
Pig
What's the difference between pigs and people? The answer wasn't worth going through the story.
The Birderer
They burnt down his house, killing his precious birds and now a new vigilante emerges to mete out justice in the most gory and depraved fashion.
It's a Good Day for a Sexorcism.
If you are looking to see priests exorcize a demon by having sex with it, you won't be disappointed.
The Crew
Every anthology has that one outstanding tale and this is it. These female vigilantes, wearing rubber President masks, reminding me of the film Point Break, have a no hold bars policy when it comes to enacting justice. For those of you who are sensitive and can't read about children being tortured, then this isn't for you. However, if you are thick skinned like me, I loved it.
The splatter and carnage in each story was magnificent. For that alone, it is worth buying this book. Now let's look at the stories.
We begin with, “Walter with an Axe.” There is a fine line between what is reality and fantasy. After reading this story, I actually had to turn my head to ensure that what I saw on the television screen wasn't standing directly behind me.
Sister Silence and Lady Strange.
After reading Robert Bloch's, “ Lucy Comes To Stay,” the twist ending came as no surprise to me.
Crazy Horse.
Here is a story that held my interest. A woman receiving notes in a supermarket informing her to commit horrendous deeds for money, had me curious to find out how it ended. The ending certainly surprised me, and in a positive way. I expected quite a bit more than the ending, if you can call it that, provided.
Easy Money.
An old concept of last person standing wins. We have seen it a thousand times in movies and books. By the way the author built up the characters, the ending was quite obvious.
Death by Pumpkin
Bullies murder a teen by throwing a pumpkin at his head. It doesn't take much to figure out that he returns from the dead as some type of Pumpkin creature to exact vengeance.
Skin Game
A brilliant tale of a mother who sent her sons out to find materials for her to sew, the ending was masterfully done, with twist upon twist.
The Digger
A zombie story of a chemical that creates blood-thirsty zombies. It was told in a unique manner.
Hard Headed
In the world of underground fighting, this story gives new meaning to the word enhanced.
Scratching that Itch.
A very creative story about an itch scratcher that is more than meets the eye.
Hell on the Highway.
A group of truck drivers seek vengeance against a beast of a man who is decapitating his victims on their route. No twists in this one.
Pig
What's the difference between pigs and people? The answer wasn't worth going through the story.
The Birderer
They burnt down his house, killing his precious birds and now a new vigilante emerges to mete out justice in the most gory and depraved fashion.
It's a Good Day for a Sexorcism.
If you are looking to see priests exorcize a demon by having sex with it, you won't be disappointed.
The Crew
Every anthology has that one outstanding tale and this is it. These female vigilantes, wearing rubber President masks, reminding me of the film Point Break, have a no hold bars policy when it comes to enacting justice. For those of you who are sensitive and can't read about children being tortured, then this isn't for you. However, if you are thick skinned like me, I loved it.
August 14, 2024
Like the previous anthologies put on by the publisher, a great set of stories.
August 26, 2024
This gory collection of short horror stories is bloody brilliant. This anthology leaves no detail out, which is how I like it. It's like reading Evil Dead or Tales from the Crypt graphic and creepy. My top 3 favorite stories were: Hell on the Highway, Sister Silence and Lady Strange & Crazy Horse.
May 25, 2025
I’m relatively new to splatterpunk, so I jumped at the opportunity to listen to this anthology with stories written by great authors.
Thanks to the narration by Todd Waites, I can say this was a great experience that not only entertained me, but taught me a lot about this subgenre. Some stories were more graphic than others, some had humour, but all had some message within and the gore and violence were not there just because.
I have to admit that I had to skip one of the stories “Pig” because of the description of the workings of a slaughterhouse and I just couldn’t.
I loved some stories more than others and I felt all the feelings. I felt sad and emotional, but I also felt satisfaction when the characters got what they deserved!
Every time Kevin J. Kennedy manages to give the readers such high quality collections!
If you, like me, want to explore splatterpunk more, I highly recommend this anthology, but I think those already familiar with this subgenre would love it too!
Thanks to the author for an audiobook and this is my honest opinion.
Thanks to the narration by Todd Waites, I can say this was a great experience that not only entertained me, but taught me a lot about this subgenre. Some stories were more graphic than others, some had humour, but all had some message within and the gore and violence were not there just because.
I have to admit that I had to skip one of the stories “Pig” because of the description of the workings of a slaughterhouse and I just couldn’t.
I loved some stories more than others and I felt all the feelings. I felt sad and emotional, but I also felt satisfaction when the characters got what they deserved!
Every time Kevin J. Kennedy manages to give the readers such high quality collections!
If you, like me, want to explore splatterpunk more, I highly recommend this anthology, but I think those already familiar with this subgenre would love it too!
Thanks to the author for an audiobook and this is my honest opinion.
August 15, 2024
Phenomenal collection of splatterpunk
I absolutely LOVED this collection of splatterpunk short stories from the splatterpunk masters!!! You will be amused. Disgusted.
There is gore and a sexorcist. Gotta love it!!
I absolutely LOVED this collection of splatterpunk short stories from the splatterpunk masters!!! You will be amused. Disgusted.
There is gore and a sexorcist. Gotta love it!!
September 5, 2024
Fantastic
These were some truly disturbing and horrific stories. I loved every one of them, but my favorite was the last one
These were some truly disturbing and horrific stories. I loved every one of them, but my favorite was the last one
September 24, 2024
This is one of the best horror series i've ever read and it keeps getting better.
April 27, 2025
So much violence! So much gore! So much penis biting! Splatterpunk Dreams is a delightfully depraved collection of horror stories from some of the best in the biz.
"Each story better than the last" doesn't apply here, as Steve Stred kicks off this collection with "Walter With an Axe" setting a standard for what to expect throughout this smattering of splatter. I love Steve's writing!
"Skin Game" by Adam Millard, in which brothers vie for the love of their mother, is a cut above.
"Hard Headed" by Kevin J Kennedy comes out swinging. At first, I wasn't sure why this story was in a splatterpunk collection, and then it hit me. I wanted to read more about this particular world of underground fighting.
"Hell on the Highway" by Candace Nola revs up the dread and cruises along continuing to instill an overwhelming sense of dread throughout. This one kept me on edge.
"Scratch that Itch" by Veronica Smith scratches the itch for some gruesome tech splatterpunk. This story contains some truly beautiful prose mixed with disgusting words.
"The Birderer" by Christo Healy is gross nonsense in the best way, and I'm here for it. Silly, but seriously splatteriffic. This is probably the most graphic story in the collection. And kudos to Healy for executing this feathery fella so well. I hope to see The Birderer on the silver screen someday.
These are just a few of my favorite stories in The Horror Collection: Splatterpunk Dreams
Thanks to KJK Publishing for the audiobook!
"Each story better than the last" doesn't apply here, as Steve Stred kicks off this collection with "Walter With an Axe" setting a standard for what to expect throughout this smattering of splatter. I love Steve's writing!
"Skin Game" by Adam Millard, in which brothers vie for the love of their mother, is a cut above.
"Hard Headed" by Kevin J Kennedy comes out swinging. At first, I wasn't sure why this story was in a splatterpunk collection, and then it hit me. I wanted to read more about this particular world of underground fighting.
"Hell on the Highway" by Candace Nola revs up the dread and cruises along continuing to instill an overwhelming sense of dread throughout. This one kept me on edge.
"Scratch that Itch" by Veronica Smith scratches the itch for some gruesome tech splatterpunk. This story contains some truly beautiful prose mixed with disgusting words.
"The Birderer" by Christo Healy is gross nonsense in the best way, and I'm here for it. Silly, but seriously splatteriffic. This is probably the most graphic story in the collection. And kudos to Healy for executing this feathery fella so well. I hope to see The Birderer on the silver screen someday.
These are just a few of my favorite stories in The Horror Collection: Splatterpunk Dreams
Thanks to KJK Publishing for the audiobook!
August 17, 2024
Kevin Kennedy kills it with an amazing splatterpunk anthology!
Note: Although I have a story in this anthology I am only reviewing the other stories, not my own.
You can't go wrong with a Kevin J. Kennedy book. I think I've read everything he has written and never been disappointed.
As I've gotten older, I've found I like my stories and books more extreme. I've read an occasional splatterpunk story but it's great to have a whole book of these stories. A lot of these stories focus on revenge and vigilante justice; both are favorites of mine. They are full of gore and violence but they are fun to read. I enjoyed them all but there were a few that stood out for me.
These were my favorite stories.
Sister Silence and Lady Strange by Gord Rollo
Hell on the Highway by Candace Nola
Pig by Ryan Colley
The Birderer by Chisto Healy
Crew by Edward Lee
These stories are brutal and bloody and if that is what you like to read, then you will enjoy the hell out of this book. I highly recommend Splatterpunk Dreams.
Veronica Smith - author of Salvation in the Wasteland, Nightmare on Indigo Street, & Chalk Outline
Note: Although I have a story in this anthology I am only reviewing the other stories, not my own.
You can't go wrong with a Kevin J. Kennedy book. I think I've read everything he has written and never been disappointed.
As I've gotten older, I've found I like my stories and books more extreme. I've read an occasional splatterpunk story but it's great to have a whole book of these stories. A lot of these stories focus on revenge and vigilante justice; both are favorites of mine. They are full of gore and violence but they are fun to read. I enjoyed them all but there were a few that stood out for me.
These were my favorite stories.
Sister Silence and Lady Strange by Gord Rollo
Hell on the Highway by Candace Nola
Pig by Ryan Colley
The Birderer by Chisto Healy
Crew by Edward Lee
These stories are brutal and bloody and if that is what you like to read, then you will enjoy the hell out of this book. I highly recommend Splatterpunk Dreams.
Veronica Smith - author of Salvation in the Wasteland, Nightmare on Indigo Street, & Chalk Outline
December 4, 2024
The Horror Collection: Splatterpunk Dreams presented by KJK Publishing is one of those books that comes along and challenges the limits of what I think I can stomach. This splatterpunk nightmare certainly pushed my personal boundaries and let me tell you, there were moments I found myself skimming through some of the really extreme parts. Despite the madness, I couldn’t put it down!
There’s such an awesome range here, but a range that goes far past my stopping point! The “worst” (for me) was saved for last! The last four in a row I had to skip or skim. Absolute all-out brutality!
My favorite tales:
Easy Money by P.J. Blakey-Novis
Hard Headed by Kevin J. Kennedy
Hell on the Highway by Candace Nola
Splatterpunk Dreams is a blood-soaked rollercoaster of horror that may just push readers to their limits, but if you’re willing to hang on, it’ll take you places few books dare to go! And honestly, as horror fans, would we have it any other way?
Check out my full review here: https://www.ericarobynreads.com/the-h...
There’s such an awesome range here, but a range that goes far past my stopping point! The “worst” (for me) was saved for last! The last four in a row I had to skip or skim. Absolute all-out brutality!
My favorite tales:
Easy Money by P.J. Blakey-Novis
Hard Headed by Kevin J. Kennedy
Hell on the Highway by Candace Nola
Splatterpunk Dreams is a blood-soaked rollercoaster of horror that may just push readers to their limits, but if you’re willing to hang on, it’ll take you places few books dare to go! And honestly, as horror fans, would we have it any other way?
Check out my full review here: https://www.ericarobynreads.com/the-h...
May 21, 2025
The Horror Collection is a collection of 14 short stories by various authors -- most of them new to me. It showcases a range of voices including my favorite Kevin J. Kennedy. But there are several others featured that I will be sure to follow.
The stories are pretty graphic and might be too much for some readers. I personally love the blood and guts, which I think is what horror novels should embody. Some of the stories were mild for me, and others made me delightfully cringe at the gore and extreme graphic nature. And I loved the narrator of the stories. He was able to capture and project the various personalities in the various stories. A plus for this audiobook.
The Horror Collection: Splatterpunk Dreams is best suited for seasoned fans of splatterpunk or extreme horror who crave graphic gore. For fans of such authors as Clive Barker or Duncan Ralston, this book is a must read that showcases both established and emerging voices in horror.
I received an audiobook from KJK Publishing. This review is my own and reflects my honest opinions.
The stories are pretty graphic and might be too much for some readers. I personally love the blood and guts, which I think is what horror novels should embody. Some of the stories were mild for me, and others made me delightfully cringe at the gore and extreme graphic nature. And I loved the narrator of the stories. He was able to capture and project the various personalities in the various stories. A plus for this audiobook.
The Horror Collection: Splatterpunk Dreams is best suited for seasoned fans of splatterpunk or extreme horror who crave graphic gore. For fans of such authors as Clive Barker or Duncan Ralston, this book is a must read that showcases both established and emerging voices in horror.
I received an audiobook from KJK Publishing. This review is my own and reflects my honest opinions.
September 27, 2025
This was a crazy but brilliant put together collection of splatterpunk! My favorite story out of this collection has got to be Crazy Horse by David Owain Hughes. After talking to him to see if he made this short story into a full length book. He told me where he got his inspiration from and let’s just say I added that book into my TBR. The other stories that I thought were great was Sister Silence and Lady Strange, Death by Pumpkin, Skin Game, The Digger, Hell on a Highway and the Birderer. Overall amazing book and can’t wait to read the other books in this amazing series.
July 15, 2025
The collection was literally a mixture of sex, gore, blood, with a complete lack of meaning and story.
In fact, there was only one or, at best, two stories that could be 3.5 or even 4 stars, but they were devalued by being put into this collection.
I think it is a sin to create something of this low quality. Like, what exactly did the editor wish to deliver and hope readers to learn from or be aware of from this collection?
Perhaps it is nightmare.
Two stars from me.
In fact, there was only one or, at best, two stories that could be 3.5 or even 4 stars, but they were devalued by being put into this collection.
I think it is a sin to create something of this low quality. Like, what exactly did the editor wish to deliver and hope readers to learn from or be aware of from this collection?
Perhaps it is nightmare.
Two stars from me.
October 22, 2025
Love love loved this book
This book was a fantastic horror
read. I love short stories and I read this one in one night. Delicious with every turn of the page. Im on to the next one. Please keep up the scary and gross work !!!
This book was a fantastic horror
read. I love short stories and I read this one in one night. Delicious with every turn of the page. Im on to the next one. Please keep up the scary and gross work !!!
December 19, 2024
Gran selección splatterpunk. He disfrutado de los cuentos de Candace Nola, Chisto Healy y, por supuesto, la novela de Edward Lee.
February 5, 2025
Had some great stories, but there were some that were painfully bad.
April 28, 2025
I really enjoyed all the stories in this collection. They were original and very dark. This isn’t my first collection from KJK publications but is now easily my favorite. Among the stories I enjoyed most were The Crew by Edward Lee, Walter With an Axe By Steve Stred and Sister Silence and Lady Strange By Gord Rollo.
I would recommend his to all fans of horror. However, if you are a more sensitive reader, tread carefully as there are potential triggers.
I would recommend his to all fans of horror. However, if you are a more sensitive reader, tread carefully as there are potential triggers.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews