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The Havoc Tree
by
“Words, thoughts and manic rantings under the influence of strong drink and fine smoky treats.”
ebook, 51 pages
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Hedonistic
The short story structure of The Havoc Tree is really a composition of hedonistic, macabre and sexually explicit tales. Each element in this surreal book is cryptically poetic and the writing is uncompromising in its rampage through violence, sexual depravity, madness, and imprisonment. I couldn’t get the Eagles song Hotel California out of my head.
The short story structure of The Havoc Tree is really a composition of hedonistic, macabre and sexually explicit tales. Each element in this surreal book is cryptically poetic and the writing is uncompromising in its rampage through violence, sexual depravity, madness, and imprisonment. I couldn’t get the Eagles song Hotel California out of my head.
“And she said, ‘we are all just prisoners here, of our own device’...more
And in the master’s chambers,
They gathered for the feast
They stab it

Robinson has this certain type of madness in his writing that is the right level of creepy, cool, wow and yuk. All at the same time. How could I not enjoy something that is so totally different? Sure, many would not agree with me. So, The Havoc Tree for example- some of these stories have stuff in there that could easily irritate a reader of certain beliefs. Not me. In this world that takes offense at everything, I take this collection of short stories for what it is: a work of fiction. The Havo
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If you require genre/subgenre labels to define your reading experience, the best label for Layden Robinson's THE HAVOC TREE might be Lovecraftian bizarro. A little Lovecraft, a little Book of Revelation, and a little Jim Steinman combine with a flourish in this short collection of horrific vignettes to paint your eyeballs with vivid hellish and sexual landscapes.
Robinson's tales are not standard three-act stories. In fact, some of these vignettes have hardly any story at all. Often, they are all ...more
Robinson's tales are not standard three-act stories. In fact, some of these vignettes have hardly any story at all. Often, they are all ...more

A more readable William S. Burroughs. Add to him Bukowski, Henry Miller and all the delicious bad boys of literature, and you have the modern Layden Robinson. A mixed bag of anecdotes and poetry and poetic prose passed through a rebel lens. If you want your tropes smashed and language pulled screaming out of a rusty incubator to be given new life, read this madness, and enjoy.

Horror/ erotica all in one.
This book goes in a direction I've never seen in that it combines erotica with horror and does it very well. It makes you take a whole other look at both ...more
This book goes in a direction I've never seen in that it combines erotica with horror and does it very well. It makes you take a whole other look at both ...more

I have to say there could not be a better name for this book. These stories seem chaotic in thought an action. I've read through this book and I think, "geez, that's disgusting!" , but I keep reading because I have to know if the next story is just as bad, better, worse? Then, there is the story that may have some "disgusting", has a deeper meaning.
This compilation of short horror stories runs the gambit of chaos, yuk, love, sexual deviance, and pure lust. I think this is a bonus for the horror ...more
This compilation of short horror stories runs the gambit of chaos, yuk, love, sexual deviance, and pure lust. I think this is a bonus for the horror ...more

The Havoc Tree is a cross between Stephen King and William S. Burroughs. It has everything a horror/psychological thriller lover could ever want and more. Layden is obviously gifted and skilled at what he does. Check it out for yourself. Just make sure you have the lights on and you're not alone in the house....
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The Havoc Tree is an exploration into the human psyche, exposing the uncivilized and reckless beast that exist behind the composed demeanor presented on the surface.
The book consists of a series of short stories connected through the themes of addiction, lust, desire depravity and love. Each story tells the tale of a character thrown into a world of unrestricted temptation. A place where appeal to reason is frivolous in the face of pure lust and unrequited hedonism.
Behind the scenes (and somet ...more
The book consists of a series of short stories connected through the themes of addiction, lust, desire depravity and love. Each story tells the tale of a character thrown into a world of unrestricted temptation. A place where appeal to reason is frivolous in the face of pure lust and unrequited hedonism.
Behind the scenes (and somet ...more

Robinson’s collection is exactly what the title implies: havoc. Ten short stories are compiled to form some great horror tales. The writing is good and you can move along with the stories; though it can be confusing at times, the reader can tell Robinson doesn’t force complexity, he simply entertains, and if that’s what you’re looking for in a story, The Havoc Tree is a good addition to your horror collection. He is very descriptive and creative, and he uses a barrage of elements to really reach
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If you read this, prepare for quite an interesting experience. This isn't your normal short-story collection. Rather than belonging to any mainstream genre, the author created a trip through the lesser-known type of stories called "weird fiction." It's exactly as it sounds.
Rather than traditional plots and traditional characters, this collection brings you into brief, close contact with interesting characters with odd experiences combining both the erotic and the macabre. Ranging from a detectiv ...more
Rather than traditional plots and traditional characters, this collection brings you into brief, close contact with interesting characters with odd experiences combining both the erotic and the macabre. Ranging from a detectiv ...more

If Chuck Palahniuk snorted a bunch of cocaine and downed a bunch of booze and then sat down in the 70's to write down an anthology novella........this is that.
I couldn't really figure out most of it but I did enjoy a serial killer who chloroformed people to death and the dead guy's shoes. Lots of bdsm in here like an erotica serial killer renaissance fair.
...more
I couldn't really figure out most of it but I did enjoy a serial killer who chloroformed people to death and the dead guy's shoes. Lots of bdsm in here like an erotica serial killer renaissance fair.
...more

I'm not even sure what I just read, but I loved it. I'm guessing this was a journey into the author's intoxicated imagination. I'm not gonna lie, a few of the stories didn't even make much sense, but the way they were written made them beautiful. It's just a bizarre collection of short stories. The ones that I did 'get' were fabulous! Thanks to the author for providing me with this delightful sample of macabre!
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What an assault on the senses that was, plenty of quick fire stories some better than others and all little disturbing and uncomfortable to read.
If the author was truly inebriated when writing these then I take my hat off to them, whilst at times it can get a little jumbled they are always descriptive, at times poetically so.
I'd like to read something where Layden stands back and takes his time with a story, some of them were on the verge of having me gripped and then all too quickly they would ...more
If the author was truly inebriated when writing these then I take my hat off to them, whilst at times it can get a little jumbled they are always descriptive, at times poetically so.
I'd like to read something where Layden stands back and takes his time with a story, some of them were on the verge of having me gripped and then all too quickly they would ...more

Prepare yourself for a blitzkrieg-style onslaught to your senses.
A collection of wonderfully dark stories. Layden Robinson's prose is wickedly poetic, weaving dazzling imagery, hellish characters, and shocking events. Mischievious and macabre in equal doses. An assault of sex, violence, wordplay, and what the hell. It reminded me of Clive Barker's Books of Blood series but dialled up to eleven. These stories are not for the faint-hearted. ...more
A collection of wonderfully dark stories. Layden Robinson's prose is wickedly poetic, weaving dazzling imagery, hellish characters, and shocking events. Mischievious and macabre in equal doses. An assault of sex, violence, wordplay, and what the hell. It reminded me of Clive Barker's Books of Blood series but dialled up to eleven. These stories are not for the faint-hearted. ...more

Imagine going out with your best girl in 1955 to see the new movie at the local cinema. The curtain goes up, you take a bite of popcorn and wonder whether you’ll work up the courage to hold her hand. Then, the music starts and you get the “Don’t Dream It, Be It” swimming pool sequence from the Rocky Horror Picture Show. No intro, no context – just a group of people dressed in fishnet stockings and corsets (men and women) having an orgy in the pool while Frank-N-Furter sings. Then, when that’s ov
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The Havoc Tree by Layden Robinson is a collection of short stories that by its own admission are promising to be a bit absurd. Produced under the "influence of strong drink and fine smoky treats" Robinson carves out ten stories of varying themes and ideas in the genre of paranormal horror. The stories are all robust in length, however the concepts themselves may not be more than a simple offering of a single basic idea. Some are genuinely frightening, such as battling a bloodthirsty murderer on
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The Havoc Tree
By Layden Robinson
Genre - Fiction/Dark Fantasy Horror/Mindfuckery
Pages - 45
Publication Information - Independently Published, October 31, 2017
ASIN: B0764H9XS8
Format - Digital (PDF)
Reviewed by: William C. Bitner, Jr., https://booksinmylibraryblog.wordpres...
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Every now and again you come across a book that defies any particular genre and is defined as genre-busting. “The Havoc Tree” by Layden Robinson fits the latter definition better than any book I’ve read in some time. ...more
By Layden Robinson
Genre - Fiction/Dark Fantasy Horror/Mindfuckery
Pages - 45
Publication Information - Independently Published, October 31, 2017
ASIN: B0764H9XS8
Format - Digital (PDF)
Reviewed by: William C. Bitner, Jr., https://booksinmylibraryblog.wordpres...
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Every now and again you come across a book that defies any particular genre and is defined as genre-busting. “The Havoc Tree” by Layden Robinson fits the latter definition better than any book I’ve read in some time. ...more

*I received a free ARC of this book, with thanks to the author. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
The Havoc Tree consists of ten short stories of howling into the uncaring abyss madness.
Serial killers, suited sex-slaves, handcuffed paranoiacs and hopeless-shoed addicts jostle, hack and spurt through these stream-of-consciousness pages, as Layden Robinson unleashes the darker corners of his mind into random written form.
The almost-poetic style of writing contrasts starkly with th ...more
The Havoc Tree consists of ten short stories of howling into the uncaring abyss madness.
Serial killers, suited sex-slaves, handcuffed paranoiacs and hopeless-shoed addicts jostle, hack and spurt through these stream-of-consciousness pages, as Layden Robinson unleashes the darker corners of his mind into random written form.
The almost-poetic style of writing contrasts starkly with th ...more

Firstly, I have to say that The Havoc Tree is very aptly named. Layden Robinson’s up-hazard and descriptive way of writing does not make for easy or quick reading. There has been a lot of thought put into these stories and the author really expects the same kind of commitment from his readers.
The stories are variable but even in this crazy world of horror, there were some elements of calm. This lulls you into a false sense of security as you expect the story to continue in much the same way. How ...more
The stories are variable but even in this crazy world of horror, there were some elements of calm. This lulls you into a false sense of security as you expect the story to continue in much the same way. How ...more

I had just gotten home and was exhausted. I worked over twelve hours at my job that day and wanted some light reading to relax before going to bed. I picked up The Havoc Tree, a horror short story collection, by Layden Robinson expecting to be creeped out. What I got was an unforgettable ride.
I really enjoyed “A Moment With An Unmarried Man”. It has just the right amount vagueness to be deeply unsettling, and makes you want more. In “The Shoes”, we have a fun, bloody romp with a kid who gets a ...more
I really enjoyed “A Moment With An Unmarried Man”. It has just the right amount vagueness to be deeply unsettling, and makes you want more. In “The Shoes”, we have a fun, bloody romp with a kid who gets a ...more

4 Stars
The title of this book alone was enough to lure me. I grabbed a copy and dove in- and the title was certainly very apt for this read. The Havoc Tree by Layden Robinson is an absolutely trippy read- made up of a (very short) collection of some of his thoughts and musings. It is definitely crazy- and at times thought provoking. There is an “artistic’ and somewhat lyrical undertone to the whole thing. And we get a window to the authors personality through it all.
It is poetic, shocking, cree ...more
The title of this book alone was enough to lure me. I grabbed a copy and dove in- and the title was certainly very apt for this read. The Havoc Tree by Layden Robinson is an absolutely trippy read- made up of a (very short) collection of some of his thoughts and musings. It is definitely crazy- and at times thought provoking. There is an “artistic’ and somewhat lyrical undertone to the whole thing. And we get a window to the authors personality through it all.
It is poetic, shocking, cree ...more

A fever dream I didn’t want to get out of!!
This collection of short stories was a totally bizarro roller coaster ride of some violence, some sex, and ultimately, a pretty good time.
The idea of The Havoc Tree is great, but it lost me a few times in the grammar and punctuation. Someone like that is beyond horrifying. Something beyond us. Sometimes, things happen very vaguely. Others, the words drip purple. The flow returns to normal in the other stories, which are well worth the read.
I can see my ...more
This collection of short stories was a totally bizarro roller coaster ride of some violence, some sex, and ultimately, a pretty good time.
The idea of The Havoc Tree is great, but it lost me a few times in the grammar and punctuation. Someone like that is beyond horrifying. Something beyond us. Sometimes, things happen very vaguely. Others, the words drip purple. The flow returns to normal in the other stories, which are well worth the read.
I can see my ...more

Despite what I might generally read, rate or review, I have to give this collection of short stories a four-star review. Robinson has an amazing way of writing macabre tales, and catching the reader off guard. Aside from situations or depravities that one may call offense too, the author accurately puts human nature on full display with often brilliant wording.
“My hand continued to burn with enraged resentment from the brutal mistake I had made. In the doorway leading to a room of mayhem and ri ...more
“My hand continued to burn with enraged resentment from the brutal mistake I had made. In the doorway leading to a room of mayhem and ri ...more

** I was invited by the author to read his work, for an objective review. I am receiving no kickback for the read or review and read it on Kindle-Unlimited.**
I am not part of the target audience for this collection, however, each story was high quality writing as a combination of Vignette and Prose.
As the author states, the writings are manic, and to me at least I felt it could be read as Misogynist, with a lot of venom directed at not just females but at sex and relationships. It has a darkly p ...more
I am not part of the target audience for this collection, however, each story was high quality writing as a combination of Vignette and Prose.
As the author states, the writings are manic, and to me at least I felt it could be read as Misogynist, with a lot of venom directed at not just females but at sex and relationships. It has a darkly p ...more

Thank you to the author for gifting me this book for review.
This is my personal opinion of what I read. And my complete honest review.
First off I want to say that this type of story telling isn’t for everyone. While I enjoyed being thrusted into the middles of the stories, I didn’t understand everything that I was reading. It made me feel a bit disoriented. Which isn’t a bad thing if that’s what you like. I did see a Clive Barker influence which I enjoyed.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t for me. I wo ...more
This is my personal opinion of what I read. And my complete honest review.
First off I want to say that this type of story telling isn’t for everyone. While I enjoyed being thrusted into the middles of the stories, I didn’t understand everything that I was reading. It made me feel a bit disoriented. Which isn’t a bad thing if that’s what you like. I did see a Clive Barker influence which I enjoyed.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t for me. I wo ...more

I am a horror fan. While this little gem offers enough horror to fill that appetite for a week or two , the sex and drugs were and rarely are that interesting to me. However, if it is your cup of tea, I might say if you took Jack Kerouac , Allen Ginsberg, Stephen King, Clive Barker, Shirley Jackson, Lewis Caroll, and put them in a room with old 1980s Eddie Murphy or Richard Pryor and let Dr Ruth serve them tea, you might just come out with a book like this. Horrific, with a lot of sex and drugs
...more

Disclaimer: I read this book through my own Kindle Unlimited subscription, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Havoc Tree is the perfect name for this book of ten short stories by Layden Robinson. The stories had very little in way of a coherent path to follow. It is a collection of bizarro, rapid-fire poetic prose that at times left me at times wondering what the hell I just read and wondering what kind of acid trip hedonism I would find in the next story. I can honestly say I've never rea ...more
The Havoc Tree is the perfect name for this book of ten short stories by Layden Robinson. The stories had very little in way of a coherent path to follow. It is a collection of bizarro, rapid-fire poetic prose that at times left me at times wondering what the hell I just read and wondering what kind of acid trip hedonism I would find in the next story. I can honestly say I've never rea ...more

Wow!!! How is it that I am just now hearing about this Layden Robinson? I just finished this book and I have to say I have never read anything more fun or more thought-provoking. This guy is a crazy mix of Edgar Allan Poe, Timothy Leary, and I don't know, Mark Twain? Such a unique style and such intensity, yet in all the disturbing explorations there is a sarcastic streak of humor. I can't help but think this is one of those geniuses who will not be appreciated in his time. I hope not, keep it u
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