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Cruelty
Cruelty
On a lonely stretch of deserted Texas highway, Will Longmire breaks down. But he's not alone.In the dead of night, Innis Blake hits someone - or something - with her car. The figure should not be getting up. But it is.An unstoppable force is after Will and Innis. And before the night is over, both strangers will know the face of Cruelty.Forgiveness is only a few miles down the road, but safety is nowhere in sight.Every monster has its origins.
393 pages, Paperback
Published November 30, 2017
11 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
About the author
Edward Lorn
63 books2,919 followersEdward Lorn (E. to most) is a reader, writer, and content creator. He's been writing for fun since the age of six, and writing professionally since 2011. He can be found haunting the halls of Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.
E. lives in Alabama with his wife and two children. He is currently working on his next novel.
E. lives in Alabama with his wife and two children. He is currently working on his next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 30, 2016
There were several things that I loved about this book, and a few things I didn’t love.
I loved how creepy the dolls are. My god! Dolls! IS there anything worse?! Anything more terrifying than the idea of life-size porcelain dolls coming to life and killing you after torturing you for days?
No. The answer is no. Dolls are fucking creepy. ‘Nough said.
I also enjoyed the writing. It felt natural. It felt as if the characters actually existed and I never had to question something they said or did. It made sense. Everything fit together nicely and the dialogue had a flow that didn't feel forced in any way.
The brutality was literally off the charts though. There were times I was gagging. I love horror and gore, so it really was up my alley. But MAN! It was rough at times!
One of my biggest “complaints” about this book was the split narration. Normally I don’t mind it at all. However, I did find that it made it difficult for me to align with one character or the other. There was just something missing that I couldn't put my finger on. I think had this been narrowed down to only a couple different points of view it would have given me a better chance at connecting with someone in the story.
Overall, it didn't hinder my reading/listening experience.
I wasn't a huge fan of the narrator but he wasn't the worst I have ever heard either.HORNS! YOU RUINED HORNS YOU FUCKER!!!
I have to say, for this being my first Edward Lorn book, I was quite impressed. The story was as creepy as I could have hoped for! It had a one-of-a-kind storyline that was easy to follow and a very satisfying ending.
3.5 stars for Cruelty. I look forward to reading more of your work, Edward! Thank you again for gifting me a copy of Cruelty!!
I loved how creepy the dolls are. My god! Dolls! IS there anything worse?! Anything more terrifying than the idea of life-size porcelain dolls coming to life and killing you after torturing you for days?
No. The answer is no. Dolls are fucking creepy. ‘Nough said.
I also enjoyed the writing. It felt natural. It felt as if the characters actually existed and I never had to question something they said or did. It made sense. Everything fit together nicely and the dialogue had a flow that didn't feel forced in any way.
The brutality was literally off the charts though. There were times I was gagging. I love horror and gore, so it really was up my alley. But MAN! It was rough at times!
One of my biggest “complaints” about this book was the split narration. Normally I don’t mind it at all. However, I did find that it made it difficult for me to align with one character or the other. There was just something missing that I couldn't put my finger on. I think had this been narrowed down to only a couple different points of view it would have given me a better chance at connecting with someone in the story.
Overall, it didn't hinder my reading/listening experience.
I wasn't a huge fan of the narrator but he wasn't the worst I have ever heard either.
I have to say, for this being my first Edward Lorn book, I was quite impressed. The story was as creepy as I could have hoped for! It had a one-of-a-kind storyline that was easy to follow and a very satisfying ending.
3.5 stars for Cruelty. I look forward to reading more of your work, Edward! Thank you again for gifting me a copy of Cruelty!!
September 28, 2015
This book was astonishing, just such a fantastic read. Set over a relatively short time period, where all hell breaks loose in a small town in Texas, where a scary, and I mean scary porcelain doll and a statue of the virgin Mary descend on a huge killing spree. What elevates this book is a fantastic back story, a rich tapestry of characters and none stop action. You need to read this book, it's just that good.
June 4, 2017
I have made a promise to myself that I will find the time to read some of my book purchases. So in addition to reviewing books that are soon to be published I am finally getting down to those that have waited unread on my kindle.
I have wanted to read this for quite some time, and before starting it I did not even know from the description or other reviews that it had anything at all to do with the "Dastardly Bastard" (another of my favorite Edward Lorn books) so that was a most welcome surprise.
It begins with a meth head hooker and a blind man which the author points out sounds a bit like a dirty joke, and then all hell breaks loose.
Cruelty, Regret, Forgiveness, Penance, none were what I expected, and I can't begin to describe them to you. There weren't many characters I could sympathize with but Merlo the dog stole my heart.
I have wanted to read this for quite some time, and before starting it I did not even know from the description or other reviews that it had anything at all to do with the "Dastardly Bastard" (another of my favorite Edward Lorn books) so that was a most welcome surprise.
It begins with a meth head hooker and a blind man which the author points out sounds a bit like a dirty joke, and then all hell breaks loose.
Cruelty, Regret, Forgiveness, Penance, none were what I expected, and I can't begin to describe them to you. There weren't many characters I could sympathize with but Merlo the dog stole my heart.
May 13, 2016
So, this was a struggle, and I'm not sure why. The writing was good, very descriptive, apt for a horror novel. The narration was good, and I had no problem understanding what was happening or who was speaking. I enjoyed the plot, which went back and forth between current and back story/flashbacks.
I think the problem I had was that I didn't connect with any of the characters, not a single one. The cops, the DEA agents, the deaf kid, mama and her boys, none of them. It felt like most were placed into the story so fodder for Cruelty.
This was an unusual book, that's for sure, an immense work. I may go back and read it (instead of listening to the Audiobook), just to see if I can get drawn in to the story with a different format.
I think the problem I had was that I didn't connect with any of the characters, not a single one. The cops, the DEA agents, the deaf kid, mama and her boys, none of them. It felt like most were placed into the story so fodder for Cruelty.
This was an unusual book, that's for sure, an immense work. I may go back and read it (instead of listening to the Audiobook), just to see if I can get drawn in to the story with a different format.
Want to read
August 13, 2016This is available for $0.99 if you buy it within 16 hours, after that the price goes up to $2.99 then back to the original $6.99! Such a steal for 0.99! I'll be doing a review of the novels individually because I don't think I'm going to finish everything right away.
October 21, 2015
4.5 rounding to 5. A damn fine story.
January 28, 2016
If you like your horror novels soft and gushy on the inside, your characters full of charm and redeemable qualities, and your plot lines strung along from point A to B to C, then go ahead and pass on this one. For anyone looking for something completely different, you've found your next read.
Cruelty is a magnus opus of a novel, with one of the most riveting openings I've read in a long time. Lorn wasn't on my radar back when he released these as serials, so my review will treat this as a complete work rather than its individual parts. The set-up is daunting, with the back splash of a psychotic killer wearing a baby doll's mask.
Or maybe it's not a mask.
And maybe that's not flesh beneath its clothing ...
Told from myriad perspectives all centered around a town as screwed up as this story, this is a tale where no one is safe, there are no "good guys" to root for (unless you count the dog), and the baddies are so much worse than you could imagine.
I loved the mythology behind Cruelty and Forgiveness, and found the Withering fascinating. I could have spent much more time there. My only complaint is that often I found too much information or dialogue being doled out. As originally told in serials, it might have worked differently, but all together in one tomb I felt there were parts that could have been trimmed down significantly without sacrificing story or character. Lorn's style of writing is so hypnotic that the infraction was easily overlooked, though I'm a big believer that cutting out the fat always leaves a better cut of meat.
All in all, a deliciously dark tale and one I would recommend to fellow macabre-loving souls. With this one, you won't be disappointed.
Cruelty is a magnus opus of a novel, with one of the most riveting openings I've read in a long time. Lorn wasn't on my radar back when he released these as serials, so my review will treat this as a complete work rather than its individual parts. The set-up is daunting, with the back splash of a psychotic killer wearing a baby doll's mask.
Or maybe it's not a mask.
And maybe that's not flesh beneath its clothing ...
Told from myriad perspectives all centered around a town as screwed up as this story, this is a tale where no one is safe, there are no "good guys" to root for (unless you count the dog), and the baddies are so much worse than you could imagine.
I loved the mythology behind Cruelty and Forgiveness, and found the Withering fascinating. I could have spent much more time there. My only complaint is that often I found too much information or dialogue being doled out. As originally told in serials, it might have worked differently, but all together in one tomb I felt there were parts that could have been trimmed down significantly without sacrificing story or character. Lorn's style of writing is so hypnotic that the infraction was easily overlooked, though I'm a big believer that cutting out the fat always leaves a better cut of meat.
All in all, a deliciously dark tale and one I would recommend to fellow macabre-loving souls. With this one, you won't be disappointed.
September 21, 2015
The full version of Cruelty, i.e. the collected episodes #1-10 is a roller-coaster ride of ideas and impressions that will take your breath away. The exquisite hardcover, with it's great illustrations enhances it even more to what may very well be the ultimate Cruelty.
For further elaborations of why this is not to be missed, please lend an eye to my previous reviews of the collected Episodes 1-5 and Episodes 6-10.
For further elaborations of why this is not to be missed, please lend an eye to my previous reviews of the collected Episodes 1-5 and Episodes 6-10.
May 13, 2016
Edward Lorn has written a ten episodic novel that gets better with each episode. I loved it. It's a strange novel and I had to keep my concentration cap on while reading it as there is a lot happening and a lot of characters but that just kept me more interested. This maybe the best book I've read this year and I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good creepy horror novel. It's not often I re read novels but I can see myself returning to this book in a couple of years. I enjoyed it that much. A really excellent read.
November 20, 2023
This is for the 2016 paperback edition, which is a nice one. Cover is great and the typography is good. What about the content then you ask? I have read it and reviewed it before, but on reading this format as well, I just wanted to get this in here. For details, please check my previous tries. Safe to say if you are going to read only one classic Lorn, this is it* (and highly likely it will make you revise that decision). It's a mind bending roller coaster ride of a highly entertaining and intelligent horror story.
* But it should definitely be prefaced with 'Dastardly Bastard'...
* But it should definitely be prefaced with 'Dastardly Bastard'...
March 4, 2016
In his afterword of the limited edition hardcover version of Cruelty, author Edward Lorn describes the preceding 684 pages as a "fever dream disguised as a novel".
Rarely have I agreed so whole-heartedly with an author's view of their work.
Originally conceived and released as a ten episode serial novel, Cruelty tells the story of a massive creature with a porcelain doll mask that goes around a town ... No, that's not quite right. It tells the story of a creature that takes the shape of people from character's pasts that then sucks the regret right out of the- Hmm. No that's not it either. Let's try this. Cruelty involves the gathering of several supernatural forces within a small town, and depicts the town's residents getting caught in the crossfire of these forces battling it out. ..
You know, even that does not do the novel justice.
The simple fact of the matter is Cruelty both thrilled and confused the shit out of me. There were moments when it was a fantastic blend of thrills, violence and memorable characters; but just as plentiful were the moments when I sat back scratching my head, having no idea what was going on. Now, this may just be because I'm not the brightest of light bulbs, but I suspect it has more to do with the fact that (while I've read most of Lorn's short stories and novellas) I have not read his previous novels, most notably Dastardly Bastard and Bay's End. Because it seemed as if this novel frequently alluded to or even straight out referenced events from those novels, so most of the time I was trying to join figurative dots with an equally figurative blindfold in place.
There are a bevy of colourful characters at play here, and Lorn gives most of them distinctive voices. He then proceeds to tear them (sometimes literally) limb from limb with a maniacal glee that I could not help but adore. It also helped recognising several of the people I've gotten to know through Goodreads appearing as minor characters within the book's pages. Lorn also writes wonderfully, interspersing flowing prose with eye-catching turns of phrase and witty observations.
So as much as I have very little idea what actually happened in Cruelty - at least through the final three or four episodes when Lorn goes back to fill in the back stories of some key characters - I do know that I liked what I read. And that the limited edition hardcover is a gorgeous book which will sit proudly in my slowly growing collection of such items.
3.5 Forgivable Cruel Regrets for Cruelty.
Rarely have I agreed so whole-heartedly with an author's view of their work.
Originally conceived and released as a ten episode serial novel, Cruelty tells the story of a massive creature with a porcelain doll mask that goes around a town ... No, that's not quite right. It tells the story of a creature that takes the shape of people from character's pasts that then sucks the regret right out of the- Hmm. No that's not it either. Let's try this. Cruelty involves the gathering of several supernatural forces within a small town, and depicts the town's residents getting caught in the crossfire of these forces battling it out. ..
You know, even that does not do the novel justice.
The simple fact of the matter is Cruelty both thrilled and confused the shit out of me. There were moments when it was a fantastic blend of thrills, violence and memorable characters; but just as plentiful were the moments when I sat back scratching my head, having no idea what was going on. Now, this may just be because I'm not the brightest of light bulbs, but I suspect it has more to do with the fact that (while I've read most of Lorn's short stories and novellas) I have not read his previous novels, most notably Dastardly Bastard and Bay's End. Because it seemed as if this novel frequently alluded to or even straight out referenced events from those novels, so most of the time I was trying to join figurative dots with an equally figurative blindfold in place.
There are a bevy of colourful characters at play here, and Lorn gives most of them distinctive voices. He then proceeds to tear them (sometimes literally) limb from limb with a maniacal glee that I could not help but adore. It also helped recognising several of the people I've gotten to know through Goodreads appearing as minor characters within the book's pages. Lorn also writes wonderfully, interspersing flowing prose with eye-catching turns of phrase and witty observations.
So as much as I have very little idea what actually happened in Cruelty - at least through the final three or four episodes when Lorn goes back to fill in the back stories of some key characters - I do know that I liked what I read. And that the limited edition hardcover is a gorgeous book which will sit proudly in my slowly growing collection of such items.
3.5 Forgivable Cruel Regrets for Cruelty.
August 20, 2018
Damn.
Cruelty by Ed Lorn is not a book I read. It is a book I experienced. I feel like this book enveloped me like a living organism. I know that may not make sense but that is how it felt. This story took over most of my thoughts and was a world that I didn’t want to leave. There were many characters and I feel like I know each one of them. This also is a book that I feel I will need to read again at some point to get the things I undoubtedly missed. This book has many layers and it is hard to take it all in in one read. The main feeling I feel is joy for this book was a joy to read. The pace of this novel was steady and the world and mythos felt right even though there were some things still hidden from view. In the end notes the author describes this book as a fever dream and I agree with that. However this was also an easy read that I believe a variety of readers can enjoy.
Cruelty by Ed Lorn is not a book I read. It is a book I experienced. I feel like this book enveloped me like a living organism. I know that may not make sense but that is how it felt. This story took over most of my thoughts and was a world that I didn’t want to leave. There were many characters and I feel like I know each one of them. This also is a book that I feel I will need to read again at some point to get the things I undoubtedly missed. This book has many layers and it is hard to take it all in in one read. The main feeling I feel is joy for this book was a joy to read. The pace of this novel was steady and the world and mythos felt right even though there were some things still hidden from view. In the end notes the author describes this book as a fever dream and I agree with that. However this was also an easy read that I believe a variety of readers can enjoy.
March 25, 2020
Been meaning to read Cruelty for some time, but seeing as it was such a big book I kept putting it off. The audiobook version has been staring at me for awhile, so instead of the paperback, which I also own, I decided to give that a go instead. Glad I did. It's lot of fun.
Ain't no dull moments, that's for sure.
Okay, there was a few times where I was wondering what was going on, but that's probably because my concentration isn't completely engaged at the moment. No fault of the book. I think it's just where my head is.
I'm blaming that bloody coronavirus. My mind is numb with all the talk.
But anyway, this is definitely worthy of your time.
Thoroughly enjoyed listening to this while traveling to and from work and walking around.
A solid four stars from me.
Great audiobook.
Ain't no dull moments, that's for sure.
Okay, there was a few times where I was wondering what was going on, but that's probably because my concentration isn't completely engaged at the moment. No fault of the book. I think it's just where my head is.
I'm blaming that bloody coronavirus. My mind is numb with all the talk.
But anyway, this is definitely worthy of your time.
Thoroughly enjoyed listening to this while traveling to and from work and walking around.
A solid four stars from me.
Great audiobook.
January 23, 2018
This is one heck of a read! Foul language, sexual references, cringeworthy characters (some human, some not) that make you laugh, and plenty of gore, all the ingredients needed for a perfect Lorn book!
I really had to concentrate while reading this one, I read it on kindle but if I had the book I would have been marking pages with all the different characters, the rolls they played in the story, and where they end up.
There are a lot of characters in this book but I say that as a good thing. It is a ten volume book, when talking about a specific character their section is titled, and even though this is a long book the story occurs overs a very short period of time.
Creep factor? Definitely a ten!!!
Although this book is mainly set in Texas, if you are a Lorn fan you will pick up on the mention of Bay’s End and also someone is reading a book by another little character that may seem familiar.
I can’t fault this book in any way. I highly recommend you buy it, read it, and enjoy all the sublties that will make you go ah-ha.
Best thing I’ve read by Lorn yet.
I really had to concentrate while reading this one, I read it on kindle but if I had the book I would have been marking pages with all the different characters, the rolls they played in the story, and where they end up.
There are a lot of characters in this book but I say that as a good thing. It is a ten volume book, when talking about a specific character their section is titled, and even though this is a long book the story occurs overs a very short period of time.
Creep factor? Definitely a ten!!!
Although this book is mainly set in Texas, if you are a Lorn fan you will pick up on the mention of Bay’s End and also someone is reading a book by another little character that may seem familiar.
I can’t fault this book in any way. I highly recommend you buy it, read it, and enjoy all the sublties that will make you go ah-ha.
Best thing I’ve read by Lorn yet.
July 19, 2017
Full disclosure, I was given a copy of this book by the author himself in exchange for an honest review.
You want to know what I always found creepy? Dolls. Seriously, dolls creep me the fuck out. Especially in horror movies and horror stories. There's just something chilling about dolls, something that makes you feel uneasy. Chucky is a good example, those first few Child's Play movies can be quite unsettling. Look at the success of Annabel, is the movie crap? Yes. However, the movie wouldn't have been a success if it wasn't for that creepy doll. Which brings me to Cruelty.
Cruelty is a hard book to review. But I will do my best. Cruelty was written in episodic form and released as ten episodes over the course of I believe a year. The book is about a small town in Texas, a deaf boy named Will Longmire who went to pick up a prostitute (things don't end well), a woman named Innis who has just broken up with her boyfriend and left, and a giant doll named Cruelty. What happens when people pass Cruelty's path? They die. They die violently, brutally, terribly, because the world is a cruel place and that cruel place Cruelty knows all too well.
Let's start with the positives. Cruelty is creepy as fuck. There's something unsettling about a 600 pound doll that rolls around, says "mah mah" in a child-like voice, and brutally kills anything it touches. Edward Lorn (or E. to his friends), made me scared of Cruelty, but also made me enthralled. E. Also has a gift for characters. All the characters in this book have time to shine, and they're all fantastic. I loved following their narrative and their story. I also love how nobody was safe. There was one character death that actually shocked me (trust me, that's hard to do), but E. has honestly written some fantastic characters here. E. also has a great narrative voice. Each character sounds different and unique, and I loved that about this book. It helped get me attached to the different characters E. created for this novel. And finally, this is a book that (for the most part), grabs you by the throat, puts fish hooks in your eyelids, and refuses to let you rest or close your eyes until it's over. By the time it's over you will understand what Cruelty is and what Cruelty wants.
There's not too many negatives here. The first thing that knocked this book down for me was the cast of characters at times seemed too big and I started to get character fatigue. This is a personal feeling though, and it doesn't hurt the book or the quality. Around the mid point of the book I hit character overload. Around the mid point of the book, the pacing slowed down a little bit. I feel that there's a case to be made for this, since it was an episodic release. I feel if I read this as the episodes were released, I wouldn't of minded that too much. However, in the form of a novel, it's something I noticed a bit more. But really those are the only negatives I have against this book.
Final thoughts: If you like horror and you haven't read Edward Lorn, you need to fix that. This is honestly a really fun and occasionally brutal book that I had trouble putting down. This was a very entertaining read. Also, if you see a 600 lb doll human thing, just begin praying now, because you're going to die horribly.
You want to know what I always found creepy? Dolls. Seriously, dolls creep me the fuck out. Especially in horror movies and horror stories. There's just something chilling about dolls, something that makes you feel uneasy. Chucky is a good example, those first few Child's Play movies can be quite unsettling. Look at the success of Annabel, is the movie crap? Yes. However, the movie wouldn't have been a success if it wasn't for that creepy doll. Which brings me to Cruelty.
Cruelty is a hard book to review. But I will do my best. Cruelty was written in episodic form and released as ten episodes over the course of I believe a year. The book is about a small town in Texas, a deaf boy named Will Longmire who went to pick up a prostitute (things don't end well), a woman named Innis who has just broken up with her boyfriend and left, and a giant doll named Cruelty. What happens when people pass Cruelty's path? They die. They die violently, brutally, terribly, because the world is a cruel place and that cruel place Cruelty knows all too well.
Let's start with the positives. Cruelty is creepy as fuck. There's something unsettling about a 600 pound doll that rolls around, says "mah mah" in a child-like voice, and brutally kills anything it touches. Edward Lorn (or E. to his friends), made me scared of Cruelty, but also made me enthralled. E. Also has a gift for characters. All the characters in this book have time to shine, and they're all fantastic. I loved following their narrative and their story. I also love how nobody was safe. There was one character death that actually shocked me (trust me, that's hard to do), but E. has honestly written some fantastic characters here. E. also has a great narrative voice. Each character sounds different and unique, and I loved that about this book. It helped get me attached to the different characters E. created for this novel. And finally, this is a book that (for the most part), grabs you by the throat, puts fish hooks in your eyelids, and refuses to let you rest or close your eyes until it's over. By the time it's over you will understand what Cruelty is and what Cruelty wants.
There's not too many negatives here. The first thing that knocked this book down for me was the cast of characters at times seemed too big and I started to get character fatigue. This is a personal feeling though, and it doesn't hurt the book or the quality. Around the mid point of the book I hit character overload. Around the mid point of the book, the pacing slowed down a little bit. I feel that there's a case to be made for this, since it was an episodic release. I feel if I read this as the episodes were released, I wouldn't of minded that too much. However, in the form of a novel, it's something I noticed a bit more. But really those are the only negatives I have against this book.
Final thoughts: If you like horror and you haven't read Edward Lorn, you need to fix that. This is honestly a really fun and occasionally brutal book that I had trouble putting down. This was a very entertaining read. Also, if you see a 600 lb doll human thing, just begin praying now, because you're going to die horribly.
April 4, 2019
This ended up being a pretty good story. It got better as it went along, and I really liked the ending so I’m glad I stuck it out. A lot of this is filled with some very disturbing stuff. It has a lot of gore and very extreme violence so be warned about that. There is way more of it in the beginning, and it can actually feel suffocating at times.
It is super, super, creepy though, and very well written. The monster/ killer is some fucked up baby doll thing. I’m surprised I’m saying this, but I actually liked it. I’ll say 3 1/2 stars but I can only really recommend to fans of extreme gore and violent horror.
So to sum it up, cool story, and pretty good writing but loads of gore, and violence, almost too much for my taste. Oh, and another plus, there’s a cool dog.
It is super, super, creepy though, and very well written. The monster/ killer is some fucked up baby doll thing. I’m surprised I’m saying this, but I actually liked it. I’ll say 3 1/2 stars but I can only really recommend to fans of extreme gore and violent horror.
So to sum it up, cool story, and pretty good writing but loads of gore, and violence, almost too much for my taste. Oh, and another plus, there’s a cool dog.
January 21, 2019
I wanted to think a day or so before I attempted a review. First, I didn’t realize this was a complete collection of a series of chapters previously released so once I found this out, closed a loop hole for me where I felt I was reading the same scene over again. This book is non stop horror, action and many a flash of what the F moments. Mr. Lorn has the ability to set a scene you can’t look away from even if you wanted too. He doesn’t care who he kills off, I’m routing for one person and crap shredded dead in an instant. The monsters are not what they appear to be and Lorn builds an amazing story inside a small town and outside of the world a story of magic and mystery. Yes, blood, guts, evil people, dirty cops, crazy monsters like Cruelty which backstory makes you change direction. The dog! No spoilers, but hands down my favorite character. Not many survive but those you do, are damn lucky they did. Humor in a book like this? Yes, plenty of it even if you smile and wonder if you should. Read now, read all of his books! I’m looking forward to completing all of his titles. This is not the first I’ve read of his and won’t be the last! Enjoy!
November 18, 2016
This was a reread of the entire ten part serial novel that I read (in episodes) between 2014 and 2015. Here is my review from Episode 10 which pretty much still sums up how I feel about the series.
All good things must come to an end...
I was lucky to be introduced to Edward Lorn's writing by a friend of mine (also another independent writer). It was because of those independent writers that I started reading books on the kindle. Cruelty: Episode One was the first kindle book I read. First, I want to say that I am not giving a high rating to this series because Edward Lorn knows my friend. I was also introduced to two other authors, and I found that their work either didn't suit me or was just ok (different strokes for different folks). I rated those books accordingly.
Cruelty is a serial horror novel in ten parts (so it's kind of like the podcast “Serial”, but not really :). I don't know how to review this installment without giving too much away about the previous nine, so I will just say what the overall story is about. Cruelty is a creature/monster/villain that wreaks havoc on a small Texas town. The series is about Cruelty's journey as well as the journey of the people left in it's wake. After my husband read episode one, I asked him if he was going to read the rest of the series, and his reply was “Yes, I need to know what Cruelty is.” My husband and other readers will not be disappointed. Edward Lorn wraps up the series beautifully and without over-explaining the “monsters”.
My biggest compliment about this series is that it has just as much goosebump-inducing moments as it has character development. This is not a series that scares, just to scare. It has depth and imagination in it's story.
Why are you still reading this review? Go download Cruelty!
Side Note: I am glad that I read the paperback version of Edward Lorn's Dastardly Bastard first. It is not necessary, but it was fun to recognize some of the references.
All good things must come to an end...
I was lucky to be introduced to Edward Lorn's writing by a friend of mine (also another independent writer). It was because of those independent writers that I started reading books on the kindle. Cruelty: Episode One was the first kindle book I read. First, I want to say that I am not giving a high rating to this series because Edward Lorn knows my friend. I was also introduced to two other authors, and I found that their work either didn't suit me or was just ok (different strokes for different folks). I rated those books accordingly.
Cruelty is a serial horror novel in ten parts (so it's kind of like the podcast “Serial”, but not really :). I don't know how to review this installment without giving too much away about the previous nine, so I will just say what the overall story is about. Cruelty is a creature/monster/villain that wreaks havoc on a small Texas town. The series is about Cruelty's journey as well as the journey of the people left in it's wake. After my husband read episode one, I asked him if he was going to read the rest of the series, and his reply was “Yes, I need to know what Cruelty is.” My husband and other readers will not be disappointed. Edward Lorn wraps up the series beautifully and without over-explaining the “monsters”.
My biggest compliment about this series is that it has just as much goosebump-inducing moments as it has character development. This is not a series that scares, just to scare. It has depth and imagination in it's story.
Why are you still reading this review? Go download Cruelty!
Side Note: I am glad that I read the paperback version of Edward Lorn's Dastardly Bastard first. It is not necessary, but it was fun to recognize some of the references.
January 22, 2019
I believe this was originally released as serials but I read this is as a complete novel.
This was a creepy, weird, bizzaar, and dark book with great horror and with lots of blood, gore, and violence.
Because the more Edward Lorn I read I went into this book with great expectations and I wasn't disappoined. This was a great read. I highly recommend this to anyone who's thirsty for the macabre. You won't be disappointed.
This was a creepy, weird, bizzaar, and dark book with great horror and with lots of blood, gore, and violence.
Because the more Edward Lorn I read I went into this book with great expectations and I wasn't disappoined. This was a great read. I highly recommend this to anyone who's thirsty for the macabre. You won't be disappointed.
November 3, 2019
I just finished this book so I haven't yet fully digested it. The first thing that comes to my mind is that it took me much longer to finish this book than most novels. There was constant action that held my attention but I only seemed to be able to read it sections. In many books I find a significant amount of padding/fluff that has no bearing on the story. This bores me to tears and I generally skim until the author decides to get back to the story. There wasn't anything to skim in Cruelty.
The story grabbed my attention from the start. I have read some every day and for once I really don't care that it took me a month to finish it. The concept of the character Cruelty was visually terrifying. As with all superior novels, that little movie projector ran in my imagination. Maybe that's why I read it slowly, so that it wouldn't over heat? It's the philosophical aspects that I am still contemplating but I can say that I loved this book. Oh and Merlo... I adored that dog. Next time my fur babies are driven (and I do mean driven) to destroy their toys, I am going to wonder... just wonder.
The story grabbed my attention from the start. I have read some every day and for once I really don't care that it took me a month to finish it. The concept of the character Cruelty was visually terrifying. As with all superior novels, that little movie projector ran in my imagination. Maybe that's why I read it slowly, so that it wouldn't over heat? It's the philosophical aspects that I am still contemplating but I can say that I loved this book. Oh and Merlo... I adored that dog. Next time my fur babies are driven (and I do mean driven) to destroy their toys, I am going to wonder... just wonder.
December 11, 2016
Dark and Demented
Wow...I mean wow. I am pretty speechless right now. Author Lorn either took some really nasty drugs while writing this or experienced night terrors and wrote them down when he woke up.
This was one creepy, dark book. The only other book I've ever read that came close is THE DRIVE-IN by Joe Lansdale. And I love Lansdale's writing so that's a huge compliment coming from me.
I didn't read this as a serialized book but read the whole thing pretty much straight through. I'm glad of this because I hate waiting for serialized chapters or next books in a series.
The story takes place in Texas and has quite a cast of characters - dead, alive and in-between. The Dastardly Bastard is in the story (if you haven't read that short story, you should) plus drugs plus voodoo plus just deranged people. And a dog.
Do be forewarned - when I write dark and demented, I mean it.
Now, off to read something lighter to cleanse my palate...whew.
Wow...I mean wow. I am pretty speechless right now. Author Lorn either took some really nasty drugs while writing this or experienced night terrors and wrote them down when he woke up.
This was one creepy, dark book. The only other book I've ever read that came close is THE DRIVE-IN by Joe Lansdale. And I love Lansdale's writing so that's a huge compliment coming from me.
I didn't read this as a serialized book but read the whole thing pretty much straight through. I'm glad of this because I hate waiting for serialized chapters or next books in a series.
The story takes place in Texas and has quite a cast of characters - dead, alive and in-between. The Dastardly Bastard is in the story (if you haven't read that short story, you should) plus drugs plus voodoo plus just deranged people. And a dog.
Do be forewarned - when I write dark and demented, I mean it.
Now, off to read something lighter to cleanse my palate...whew.
February 27, 2019
Cruelty is the last novel I have to read by Edward Lorn. It’s the book that’s, up to yet, considered his magnum opus. From the opening pages through to the finale it is full of death and destruction and doesn’t give you a minute to breathe. Not for a second. The pace is superb, the deaths ultra violent as expected, and all of the characters are great, and none of them are safe. The book has the feeling that anything can happen and many times I was shocked as characters I assumed would make it to the end certainly did not.
What starts as a pretty straightforward slasher soon morphs into something so much more as the episodes progress. Lorn has built his own world here, what you could say is his version of heaven and hell, and whilst it doesn’t always fully make sense, it remains fascinating throughout. It’s nice for a horror novel to have some balls and not hand every answer to you on a plate, and I’m looking forward to Lorns last novel in his bay’s end series, and the upcoming cruelty and joy. It’ll be nice to lose myself in this world once again.
What starts as a pretty straightforward slasher soon morphs into something so much more as the episodes progress. Lorn has built his own world here, what you could say is his version of heaven and hell, and whilst it doesn’t always fully make sense, it remains fascinating throughout. It’s nice for a horror novel to have some balls and not hand every answer to you on a plate, and I’m looking forward to Lorns last novel in his bay’s end series, and the upcoming cruelty and joy. It’ll be nice to lose myself in this world once again.
January 24, 2018
Here it is, Edward Lorn's serial epic, starring a sadistic behemoth with a baby doll mask for a face. Together, all ten episodes serve up a salmagundi of splatterpunk, crime fiction, cosmic horror and gallows humor. You can check out my reviews for each episode below:
Episode I
Episode II
Episode III
Episode IV
Episode V
Episode VI
Episode VII
Episode VIII
Episode IX
Episode X
Episode I
Episode II
Episode III
Episode IV
Episode V
Episode VI
Episode VII
Episode VIII
Episode IX
Episode X
January 9, 2018
I have a love/hate relationship with this book. By that, I mean I absolutely LOVED the way the book started and kind of hated the latter half of it. I'm sure this is on me, but the last quarter or so of the book seemed almost confusing. Cruelty/forgiveness/creator -- the whole concept just got kind of blurry and fuzzy. I found myself kind of dreading whenever I'd hit a chapter that showed anyone other than Randy, Natalie, Frank or Nell in the title. I guess some of the otherworldly figureheads of this book were just lost on me.
That said, it was still one HELL of a tale and well thought out. Edward has a way of making you feel what he writes in a way that other authors would kill to be able to do. I seriously think Lorn has made me wince and squirm in my seat more than any other author when describing one of his scenes of gore. He just has a knack for painting vivid reader imagery like no other.
Coming off of Bay's End and Life After Dane, I was really hoping to give this one high praise, but it just wasn't a home run for me. A solid double, maybe even a triple, just not a scoring run.
That said, it was still one HELL of a tale and well thought out. Edward has a way of making you feel what he writes in a way that other authors would kill to be able to do. I seriously think Lorn has made me wince and squirm in my seat more than any other author when describing one of his scenes of gore. He just has a knack for painting vivid reader imagery like no other.
Coming off of Bay's End and Life After Dane, I was really hoping to give this one high praise, but it just wasn't a home run for me. A solid double, maybe even a triple, just not a scoring run.
March 19, 2019
This novel is 564 pages (including a short afterword).
If you've read Edward Lorn before you'd know kind of what to expect. However, E out does himself here. With Easter Eggs for his ATLTTE series and for future novels, this is jam packed with call backs and things which elude to other things and this fits perfectly with in his Lornerverse.
The book it's self is compelling because, when you think it's gonna start dragging, we move to another character who forces you to keep the book in your hands.
As a slow reader, it took me two weeks to read this book but that's really fast for the length for me.
This novel would be a wonderful series for Netflix with its amazingly written horror, beautiful characters and well crafted comedy.
This novel made me laugh a lot. It freaked me out too.
The only reason I don't give it five stars is because the ending felt a bit rushed (last 30 pages or so) and I felt like we could have learned more about future characters such as JOY. I'm sure E has written and novel named Cruelty and Joy however I'm unable to get my hands on that as of yet.
All in all, one of my favourite Lorn books.
Probably my 3rd favourite, after The Bedding of Boys and Bay's End.
Btw, well done for putting up with all that pain, E, just to finish the book. Commendable!
If you've read Edward Lorn before you'd know kind of what to expect. However, E out does himself here. With Easter Eggs for his ATLTTE series and for future novels, this is jam packed with call backs and things which elude to other things and this fits perfectly with in his Lornerverse.
The book it's self is compelling because, when you think it's gonna start dragging, we move to another character who forces you to keep the book in your hands.
As a slow reader, it took me two weeks to read this book but that's really fast for the length for me.
This novel would be a wonderful series for Netflix with its amazingly written horror, beautiful characters and well crafted comedy.
This novel made me laugh a lot. It freaked me out too.
The only reason I don't give it five stars is because the ending felt a bit rushed (last 30 pages or so) and I felt like we could have learned more about future characters such as JOY. I'm sure E has written and novel named Cruelty and Joy however I'm unable to get my hands on that as of yet.
All in all, one of my favourite Lorn books.
Probably my 3rd favourite, after The Bedding of Boys and Bay's End.
Btw, well done for putting up with all that pain, E, just to finish the book. Commendable!
March 15, 2019
A grand, sprawling novel with one foot firmly in horror, the other in very dark fantasy. I felt a bit of a Barker-esque vibe in the surreal quality of some of the players and settings, while it still managed to maintain a solid, down-to-earth demeanor. I loved the interplay between the local cops and townsfolk dealing with a rampaging slasher type and violent drug dealers while ethereal beings and modified humans play out their own drama, both sides influencing the other until their inevitable confluence.
It seems that if one has read Dastardly Bastard, they may have an advantage into discerning the nature of what is going on at some points, since The Bastard has a significant part to play in Cruelty. Unfortunately Dastardly Bastard seems to be un-gettable at the moment. While that's kind of a bummer, it's not a hindrance to following the storyline.
My desire to be a completionist aside, this book has the kind of richness and depth that a lot of contemporary horror lacks. And while simpler fare can be fun in its own right, it always great to find a book you can really sink into, where the world flows and changes and has room to really breathe.
It seems that if one has read Dastardly Bastard, they may have an advantage into discerning the nature of what is going on at some points, since The Bastard has a significant part to play in Cruelty. Unfortunately Dastardly Bastard seems to be un-gettable at the moment. While that's kind of a bummer, it's not a hindrance to following the storyline.
My desire to be a completionist aside, this book has the kind of richness and depth that a lot of contemporary horror lacks. And while simpler fare can be fun in its own right, it always great to find a book you can really sink into, where the world flows and changes and has room to really breathe.
October 24, 2022
Cruelty is one cruel Hell of a ride!
The one key thing I love about this book is all the characters of Cruelty are fully fleshed out. Characters you love or start loving tend to bite the bullet unexpectedly. There's a sense of dread lingering about. All wonderful aspects of this book (apparently it was a serial novel, but I was lucky enough to get the entire volume collected in one momentous novel).
It does become a bit confusing by the end, just a smidget, and there's a bit of repetition after the first 250 pages. Still an awesome horror piece. Looking forward to more from Edward Lorn!
The one key thing I love about this book is all the characters of Cruelty are fully fleshed out. Characters you love or start loving tend to bite the bullet unexpectedly. There's a sense of dread lingering about. All wonderful aspects of this book (apparently it was a serial novel, but I was lucky enough to get the entire volume collected in one momentous novel).
It does become a bit confusing by the end, just a smidget, and there's a bit of repetition after the first 250 pages. Still an awesome horror piece. Looking forward to more from Edward Lorn!
September 28, 2022
E is such a talented writer!!! I’ve been watching his channel for a while and so far I would have to say this is my favorite out of all of his books! This is true horror at it’s best! Wow this book has me speechless
December 2, 2020
weird, creepy and with added dolls.
3 stars because I kept reading it even though I didn't want to.
3 stars because I kept reading it even though I didn't want to.
December 12, 2021
Once again I'm blown away!
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