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In the Hands of the Heathens
STUPID SUPERSTITION?
When a group of college students set out to a remote jungle in Madagascar to study a nocturnal endangered species for their thesis, things don’t quite go as planned. After being saturated with supernatural folklore, an unexpected act of violence forces them to abandon their study immediately. In the midst of the chaos and terror, one of them doesn’t make it back…
Upon returning, things seem different. It’s not just the anonymous calls and messages that they’re starting to receive blaming them for the death of their friend, it’s also the feeling that something may have followed them home. That something is watching them and waiting for the right moment to make them pay.
Is it a mixture of trauma and paranoia, or is there a more carnal explanation for the evil stalking them?
WARNING: This book contains graphic content. Reader discretion is advised.
When a group of college students set out to a remote jungle in Madagascar to study a nocturnal endangered species for their thesis, things don’t quite go as planned. After being saturated with supernatural folklore, an unexpected act of violence forces them to abandon their study immediately. In the midst of the chaos and terror, one of them doesn’t make it back…
Upon returning, things seem different. It’s not just the anonymous calls and messages that they’re starting to receive blaming them for the death of their friend, it’s also the feeling that something may have followed them home. That something is watching them and waiting for the right moment to make them pay.
Is it a mixture of trauma and paranoia, or is there a more carnal explanation for the evil stalking them?
WARNING: This book contains graphic content. Reader discretion is advised.
188 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 20, 2021
33 people are currently reading
617 people want to read
About the author
Aron Beauregard
87 books3,452 followersAron Beauregard was born and raised in Central Falls, Rhode Island. He's been writing horror since the 6th grade and has now released over 25 books. An avid supporter of horror art and illustration, Aron has made it his standard to hire illustrators for every book that he puts out under his brand AB Horror.
His writing is dark and without boundaries. Known for creating a stir, his work has gone viral on several occasions. He's won the Splatterpunk Award twice after garnering four total nominations. As an independent artist, Beauregard's book "Playground" has achieved #1 Bestseller status under the category of horror on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Additionally, his work has been translated to multiple languages.
To get the latest updates about upcoming releases, signed books and merchandise, film news, and so much more, visit his website:
www.ABHorror.com
To subscribe to his free newsletter, join the AB Horror Maggot Mailing List at:
https://aronbeauregard.substack.com/
His writing is dark and without boundaries. Known for creating a stir, his work has gone viral on several occasions. He's won the Splatterpunk Award twice after garnering four total nominations. As an independent artist, Beauregard's book "Playground" has achieved #1 Bestseller status under the category of horror on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Additionally, his work has been translated to multiple languages.
To get the latest updates about upcoming releases, signed books and merchandise, film news, and so much more, visit his website:
www.ABHorror.com
To subscribe to his free newsletter, join the AB Horror Maggot Mailing List at:
https://aronbeauregard.substack.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
May 28, 2021
FULL DISCLOSURE: I helped Aron with some last minute revisions – basically just checked if there were any grammar mistakes I could pick up. However, since I had absolutely nothing to do with the development and writing of this story, I can still do a review on the story itself.
IN THE HANDS OF THE HEATHENS is a change of pace for the author. For this one, he did research about myths and legends about the Aye-Aye in Madagascar. (Yip, thanks to the animated movie, a lot of people discovered this place actually exist and wasn’t just made up for a Star Trek episode. And, no, for those who don’t like to look shit up – King Julian is a ring-tailed lemur. Maurice is actually the Aye-Aye.)
It is usually fascinating to hear about all the different myths in lesser known cultures. For example:
- Have you ever heard of a creature called Jerboas? Well, they are quite small, but they looked like a creature which came from an orgy between a kangaroo, rat and hare. They are fast and, in Northern Africa, it is believed that if they cross your path while hunting, you will meet your death by wild animal.
- Then there is a bird called the Potoo, which you will find in the Amazon rainforest. They disguise themselves by standing like a statue on a dead tree branch, and they are almost impossible to spot until they move. One of the native myths about this bird is if they were to poop on your head while you were passing under them, you will be infertile for the rest of your life.
- The Peanut Head Bug – even if I could describe what they looked like, you wouldn’t believe me, so just Google it yourself – is a moth-like creature, also form the Amazon. It is believed that if they land on your hand, you will never be happily married. The only way to break this “curse”, is to eat that particular bug and, since they are highly poisonous, your chances of survival are slim.
Now, Aron did much better research than that for this book…while the creatures are real, I totally made up the myths. Just wanted to see if I could sound more intelligent than I actually am.
Enough of that! Moving on...
This story is about a group of students who go to Madagascar to study the Aye-Aye for their thesis. Once there, they will learn about the superstitions the natives have about the creature and, since this is a Beauregard book, the shit will hit the fan.
Don’t think CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST, though. Nearly all of them make it out of there alive. Back in the States, however, it seems like the superstitious curse might have followed them home.
Will this be like FINAL DESTINATION?
Will anybody survive?
Only one way to find out, son, so get your ass in gear and read this story. Can I get a oooh hell yeah!?
There is a huge amount of restraint shown by the author – there was a lot of story before the dying began. And, while the story does go over into splatterpunk, this one went in a direction I didn’t think it would go.
For reasons I can’t explain without revealing a pivotal plot point, things move in the direction of a movie I loved, and I’m sure the readers will be able to say exactly which movie I’m referring to at the end of the book.
But that ending – man, I just fucking LOVED the way he ended this one. This will probably be my favorite Aron Beauregard book after THE SLOB.
Highly recommended to horror fans who likes a great story with some gore.
IN THE HANDS OF THE HEATHENS is a change of pace for the author. For this one, he did research about myths and legends about the Aye-Aye in Madagascar. (Yip, thanks to the animated movie, a lot of people discovered this place actually exist and wasn’t just made up for a Star Trek episode. And, no, for those who don’t like to look shit up – King Julian is a ring-tailed lemur. Maurice is actually the Aye-Aye.)
It is usually fascinating to hear about all the different myths in lesser known cultures. For example:
- Have you ever heard of a creature called Jerboas? Well, they are quite small, but they looked like a creature which came from an orgy between a kangaroo, rat and hare. They are fast and, in Northern Africa, it is believed that if they cross your path while hunting, you will meet your death by wild animal.
- Then there is a bird called the Potoo, which you will find in the Amazon rainforest. They disguise themselves by standing like a statue on a dead tree branch, and they are almost impossible to spot until they move. One of the native myths about this bird is if they were to poop on your head while you were passing under them, you will be infertile for the rest of your life.
- The Peanut Head Bug – even if I could describe what they looked like, you wouldn’t believe me, so just Google it yourself – is a moth-like creature, also form the Amazon. It is believed that if they land on your hand, you will never be happily married. The only way to break this “curse”, is to eat that particular bug and, since they are highly poisonous, your chances of survival are slim.
Now, Aron did much better research than that for this book…while the creatures are real, I totally made up the myths. Just wanted to see if I could sound more intelligent than I actually am.
Enough of that! Moving on...
This story is about a group of students who go to Madagascar to study the Aye-Aye for their thesis. Once there, they will learn about the superstitions the natives have about the creature and, since this is a Beauregard book, the shit will hit the fan.
Don’t think CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST, though. Nearly all of them make it out of there alive. Back in the States, however, it seems like the superstitious curse might have followed them home.
Will this be like FINAL DESTINATION?
Will anybody survive?
Only one way to find out, son, so get your ass in gear and read this story. Can I get a oooh hell yeah!?
There is a huge amount of restraint shown by the author – there was a lot of story before the dying began. And, while the story does go over into splatterpunk, this one went in a direction I didn’t think it would go.
For reasons I can’t explain without revealing a pivotal plot point, things move in the direction of a movie I loved, and I’m sure the readers will be able to say exactly which movie I’m referring to at the end of the book.
But that ending – man, I just fucking LOVED the way he ended this one. This will probably be my favorite Aron Beauregard book after THE SLOB.
Highly recommended to horror fans who likes a great story with some gore.
January 26, 2025
So this was not at all what I expected. The cover of the book, and description, lead me to believe that it was going to be a creature feature. The first half of the book definitely went that route, but then sharply pivoted into a revenge slasher story. It was a little unexpected, and I honestly felt like it was two different stories meshed together, but it kept my interest. The violence was done well and was just not kept to the standard ‘killer suddenly appears, kills, disappears’ kind of set up. There was some nicely done gore in there that is definitely Topsider approved! I did enjoy how the author kept his character base to the four girls, and developed them fully. The side characters, most notable Scotty, also had some nice time for themselves to shine, too. I would have liked to hear more about Pascal after the trip concluded, and I felt that the Aye-Ayes being discarded after the first portion of the book was a missed opportunity. Again, the slasher twist wasn’t a terrible thing, but it definitely created a large disconnect in the story’s flow. The killer’s reveal, and ending sequence, also felt like a series of letdowns, too. There could have been other characters who would’ve made the story more cohesive and sensible, by taking that role. But the story was entertaining, well written, and despite having some flaws, is worth the time of any horror fan.
June 3, 2021
Green Inferno meets Friday the 13th
Extreme horror and Splatterpunk award nominated author Aron Beauregard has delivered something a little different with his latest novel, which combines African folklore with his own unique brand of gory mayhem.
Madison and Scarlett are going on the trip of a lifetime. Studying for their thesis in Natural Science, the two friends are travelling to Madagascar to study the Aye Aye, a nocturnal primate native to the region. They are accompanied by the quiet, reserved Elizabeth and their rowdy party-girl friend Lillian. The girls are excited to spend time in one of the remotest places on earth, learning about and studying this fascinating creature.
When an unexpected and violent tragedy occurs whilst on the trip, the group must make a hasty exit, returning home shaken and disturbed by their experience. Their troubles are only just beginning, however, as they find the events of their journey into deepest Africa have horrifying repercussions for them that follow them across continents to enact a terrible revenge.
‘In the Hands of Heathens’ almost reads like two separate, related stories combined into one novel. The books first half, set in the jungles of Madagascar tells the story of an ill-fated expedition, steeped in atmosphere and building tension with creepy tales of local folklore. Once the book moves away from this setting, back to something more familiar, that familiarity bleeds over into the books’ direction and a lot of what follows is more typical slasher fare. Still, there is a lot of action in the books second half following the slow burn of the opening and while very different, both sections have a lot to offer.
The early chapters set in Madagascar were, for me at least, by far the strongest of the book. The vivid scene-setting and unique premise had me hooked from page one and it promised to be something genuinely different. While I did miss this when the plot moved the girls back to their home and normal life, a lot of Beauregard’s trademark gore scenes came into play in the latter half and while the book got somewhat more predictable, it was undeniably fun and bound to please fans of extreme horror.
Where I struggled somewhat was Beauregard’s unusual writing style. He is clearly a passionate and talented writer and certainly knows how to turn a phrase. His dialogue between the girls, in particular, feels very genuine and authentic, however, it took me a while to get accustomed to his use of some rather odd descriptions and jarring word choices. Once the story had me gripped I noticed it less, as I got swept away, but it took some getting used to.
‘In the Hands of Heathens’ has a fantastic and genuinely intriguing premise that makes for a tense and unpredictable read. Its later chapters may switch things up, but have plenty of twists and turns as well as some memorable and gruesome scenes that make this a page-turner ideal for fans who like their horror hardcore.
You can read more reviews of new and upcoming horror releases at https://www.myindiemuse.com/richard-m...
I also promote indie horror via Twitter and Instagram - @RickReadsHorror
Extreme horror and Splatterpunk award nominated author Aron Beauregard has delivered something a little different with his latest novel, which combines African folklore with his own unique brand of gory mayhem.
Madison and Scarlett are going on the trip of a lifetime. Studying for their thesis in Natural Science, the two friends are travelling to Madagascar to study the Aye Aye, a nocturnal primate native to the region. They are accompanied by the quiet, reserved Elizabeth and their rowdy party-girl friend Lillian. The girls are excited to spend time in one of the remotest places on earth, learning about and studying this fascinating creature.
When an unexpected and violent tragedy occurs whilst on the trip, the group must make a hasty exit, returning home shaken and disturbed by their experience. Their troubles are only just beginning, however, as they find the events of their journey into deepest Africa have horrifying repercussions for them that follow them across continents to enact a terrible revenge.
‘In the Hands of Heathens’ almost reads like two separate, related stories combined into one novel. The books first half, set in the jungles of Madagascar tells the story of an ill-fated expedition, steeped in atmosphere and building tension with creepy tales of local folklore. Once the book moves away from this setting, back to something more familiar, that familiarity bleeds over into the books’ direction and a lot of what follows is more typical slasher fare. Still, there is a lot of action in the books second half following the slow burn of the opening and while very different, both sections have a lot to offer.
The early chapters set in Madagascar were, for me at least, by far the strongest of the book. The vivid scene-setting and unique premise had me hooked from page one and it promised to be something genuinely different. While I did miss this when the plot moved the girls back to their home and normal life, a lot of Beauregard’s trademark gore scenes came into play in the latter half and while the book got somewhat more predictable, it was undeniably fun and bound to please fans of extreme horror.
Where I struggled somewhat was Beauregard’s unusual writing style. He is clearly a passionate and talented writer and certainly knows how to turn a phrase. His dialogue between the girls, in particular, feels very genuine and authentic, however, it took me a while to get accustomed to his use of some rather odd descriptions and jarring word choices. Once the story had me gripped I noticed it less, as I got swept away, but it took some getting used to.
‘In the Hands of Heathens’ has a fantastic and genuinely intriguing premise that makes for a tense and unpredictable read. Its later chapters may switch things up, but have plenty of twists and turns as well as some memorable and gruesome scenes that make this a page-turner ideal for fans who like their horror hardcore.
You can read more reviews of new and upcoming horror releases at https://www.myindiemuse.com/richard-m...
I also promote indie horror via Twitter and Instagram - @RickReadsHorror
June 2, 2021
Different for this author, but still the awesomeness we continue to receive from Mr. Beauregard!
You know those nasty tales that you always hear happen to a friend or your mothers uncles aunts cousin...people swear it really happened. Are they true, totally made up, or maybe some have been twisted through the multiple times they have been told? Who doesn’t love a good urban legend story.
This book was a lot of fun, and I highly recommend it!
You know those nasty tales that you always hear happen to a friend or your mothers uncles aunts cousin...people swear it really happened. Are they true, totally made up, or maybe some have been twisted through the multiple times they have been told? Who doesn’t love a good urban legend story.
This book was a lot of fun, and I highly recommend it!
June 1, 2021
Another great one from Aron. I like to see an author flex their range. It's different from his other work, and in this case, different is good. Really good.
August 4, 2021
My second Beauregard book and I loved it. Great story teller!
Great idea, great legend, great ending. You can tell a lot of thought and research went into this project. Aron is quickly becoming a favourite author!
Great idea, great legend, great ending. You can tell a lot of thought and research went into this project. Aron is quickly becoming a favourite author!
May 20, 2021
This was a little bit different from Arons usual blood soaked books, don't get me wrong though, there's still plenty of it! 😉 This was based more on folklore and what happens when you don't take it seriously!
There was an eerie, tense, feeling throughout the book, that kept me hooked from the very beginning.
I LOVED the inventive ways the 'curse' got its revenge on each character and I loved that Arons sense of humor was still present (King Cock 3000 especially made me Chuckle! 😉)
I was riveted from start to finish, read it in one sitting and I'm only sad that it had to come to an end!
Brilliant, gory, suspenseful, revengeful fun! 🖤
And I still think Aye Ayes are cute, deadly maybe, but cute!! 😍
🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
There was an eerie, tense, feeling throughout the book, that kept me hooked from the very beginning.
I LOVED the inventive ways the 'curse' got its revenge on each character and I loved that Arons sense of humor was still present (King Cock 3000 especially made me Chuckle! 😉)
I was riveted from start to finish, read it in one sitting and I'm only sad that it had to come to an end!
Brilliant, gory, suspenseful, revengeful fun! 🖤
And I still think Aye Ayes are cute, deadly maybe, but cute!! 😍
🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
August 3, 2021
A great addition to the growing library of Beauregard gore and splatter. Aron once again nails a killer story wrapped in blood. Love the nod to 'The Slob' later in the book. Five skulls! Highly recommended!
May 29, 2021
Another home run from Aron. I love all his books. This book was a lot different than his other books. I didn't know what to expect while reading the story. Had a lot of different elements of horror. Really liked the ending. Now I'm patiently waiting for his next book.
May 25, 2021
I admit it, I bought it because of the cover... well, and because I read Aron's Scary Bastard and really enjoyed it.
A group of obnoxious college girls go on a trip to Madagascar to study the habits and superstitions of a rarely seen species of lemur called an Aye-Aye. Things do not go well and they have to get the hell out of dodge before shit gets real. One of them doesn't make it out. Once they return home, things just don't go back to normal and something is out for blood.
I didn't even read the synopsis, and because of that, I assumed this was going to be a straight-up creature feature. It was so much more though. It had a little supernatural going on, and revenge. It sucked me in right from the start, then had so many twists and turns, I didn't want to stop reading. I even read this thing while I was at the grocery store waiting in line on my phone.
This was only my 2nd Aron Beauregard book. I love, hate and love to hate his characters, they are so relatable and down to earth. You know the type, and sometimes you just want them to die. 🤷
It started out quite tame, then kicked into full gore mode. WARNING: This book contains graphic content. Reader discretion is advised. You will like this if you watch movies like this:
A group of obnoxious college girls go on a trip to Madagascar to study the habits and superstitions of a rarely seen species of lemur called an Aye-Aye. Things do not go well and they have to get the hell out of dodge before shit gets real. One of them doesn't make it out. Once they return home, things just don't go back to normal and something is out for blood.
I didn't even read the synopsis, and because of that, I assumed this was going to be a straight-up creature feature. It was so much more though. It had a little supernatural going on, and revenge. It sucked me in right from the start, then had so many twists and turns, I didn't want to stop reading. I even read this thing while I was at the grocery store waiting in line on my phone.
This was only my 2nd Aron Beauregard book. I love, hate and love to hate his characters, they are so relatable and down to earth. You know the type, and sometimes you just want them to die. 🤷
It started out quite tame, then kicked into full gore mode. WARNING: This book contains graphic content. Reader discretion is advised. You will like this if you watch movies like this:
June 24, 2021
Aron managed to tie in many of the assumptions I had about what was really going on. I was hoping to read more about the Aye Aye, which really is one of the awesomest creatures in the animal kingdom. Like a meth-addled mogwai. But this is a great silly-girls-going-on-safari tale that progresses very quickly into an even better revenge tale.
May 27, 2021
Oh Aron you've done it again. An absolutely fantastic novel of a research trip to Madagascar gone awry. This novel takes its time setting up its splattery goodness, but the tension still drips off the pages and by the time the novel reaches its conclusion it is at a breakneck pace. Aron is showing that he is not a one-trick pony (already evident in all of his work, specifically his collection Hallucinations) but this novel is something completely different in terms of tone than his previous novels and I loved it! Aron's descriptions, characters, dialogue, and prose set him apart from all of his peers and I genuinely believe that he is a master of not only the splatter genre, but of literature itself. He just keeps getting better and better. The ending of this novel gave me goose-bumps (toad-bumps?) and was perfectly executed to leave a huge grin on my face. Also, is this a real-life horror or a supernatural horror? This question is left open-ended imo and is great for thinking about once the novel is over. Another perfect addition to Aron's catalogue. Should you read it? That is a definite Aye-Aye!
5 out of 5 Capri-Suns
5 out of 5 Capri-Suns
May 25, 2021
I've been toying with the idea of picking up one of Aron's books for a while but i couldn't decide which one...then i saw this had just come out. I do love an urban legend/folklore style horror book.
The writing was good and descriptions detailed - maybe a bit too much in some cases! I really liked there were no chapter numbers, it was a heading instead, along with a small graphic - i thought that was pretty cool.
Story wise - i liked the idea of everything that happened, but i didnt quite get Lillian's plight. How did that come about? Well, i can guess, but how did it affect everyone else? (trying not to spoil it for folks). Also, was disappointed the Aye-Ayes didnt play more of a part.
Overall, it was a fun, blood soaked ride and i certainly won't hesitate to pick up anymore of Aron's books. I've got my eye on a couple already.
The writing was good and descriptions detailed - maybe a bit too much in some cases! I really liked there were no chapter numbers, it was a heading instead, along with a small graphic - i thought that was pretty cool.
Story wise - i liked the idea of everything that happened, but i didnt quite get Lillian's plight. How did that come about? Well, i can guess, but how did it affect everyone else? (trying not to spoil it for folks). Also, was disappointed the Aye-Ayes didnt play more of a part.
Overall, it was a fun, blood soaked ride and i certainly won't hesitate to pick up anymore of Aron's books. I've got my eye on a couple already.
March 19, 2025
Books read & reviewed: 1️⃣1️⃣2️⃣🥖4️⃣0️⃣0️⃣
╔⏤⏤⏤╝❀╚⏤⏤⏤╗
2️⃣🌟, sorry aron, I truly feel like "Playground" is the only good book that you've ever wrote. When I try to read more books Of your work It's all so bad, Maybe I'll find one that is remotely as good As that
——————————————————————
➕➖0️⃣1️⃣2️⃣3️⃣4️⃣5️⃣6️⃣7️⃣8️⃣9️⃣🔟✖️➗
(Bulk review March 18 Since i read 7 books today, all of it's pretty short so it's not really that revolutionary review #4)
Sorry not sorry, There is absolutely zero redeeming qualities In this Novella, It just talks about a group of friends going somewhere For their thesis And then have Disturbing things happen to them and Then some people survive, some don't and then bam That's it the end. Idgaf About the characters because the characters Doesn't even have any Depth and doesn't have any character developments at all.
✦•······················•✦•······················•✦
Date Read: Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Book Length: 44k words: shorty
Disturbingness scale: boring out of 1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ potatoes 🥔: 1️⃣8️⃣
My 26th read of splatterpunk march ✨
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*Pre-Read✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*
will THIS BE THE BOOK THAT WILL CHANGE MY MIND ABOUT RON BEAUREGARD'S WRITING ??????
╔⏤⏤⏤╝❀╚⏤⏤⏤╗
2️⃣🌟, sorry aron, I truly feel like "Playground" is the only good book that you've ever wrote. When I try to read more books Of your work It's all so bad, Maybe I'll find one that is remotely as good As that
——————————————————————
➕➖0️⃣1️⃣2️⃣3️⃣4️⃣5️⃣6️⃣7️⃣8️⃣9️⃣🔟✖️➗
(Bulk review March 18 Since i read 7 books today, all of it's pretty short so it's not really that revolutionary review #4)
Sorry not sorry, There is absolutely zero redeeming qualities In this Novella, It just talks about a group of friends going somewhere For their thesis And then have Disturbing things happen to them and Then some people survive, some don't and then bam That's it the end. Idgaf About the characters because the characters Doesn't even have any Depth and doesn't have any character developments at all.
✦•······················•✦•······················•✦
Date Read: Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Book Length: 44k words: shorty
Disturbingness scale: boring out of 1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ potatoes 🥔: 1️⃣8️⃣
My 26th read of splatterpunk march ✨
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*Pre-Read✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*
will THIS BE THE BOOK THAT WILL CHANGE MY MIND ABOUT RON BEAUREGARD'S WRITING ??????
dnf
October 4, 2022dnf @ 9%
I wanted to read some good horror, but this one was a no-go for me. It was my first and probably last book by Aron Beauregard, because his writing style is definitely not for me.
I may be getting oversensitive in my old age, but these made me grind my teeth. Nope, thank you.
I wanted to read some good horror, but this one was a no-go for me. It was my first and probably last book by Aron Beauregard, because his writing style is definitely not for me.
‘[…] took a deep breath of the unpolluted oxygen momentarily, then with sarcasm oozing from her eyes, said […]’
‘ […] the personality that infected Lillian […]’
‘[…] She didn’t want to distract from their mission with drunken foolery or the college clichés that were embedded in Lillian’s DNA. […]’
‘[…] as long as Lillian wasn’t annihilated nightly […]’
‘[…] As the HD video of the Aye-Aye hunting completed abruptly […]’
I may be getting oversensitive in my old age, but these made me grind my teeth. Nope, thank you.
July 22, 2021
In the hands of a lesser writer, Aron Beauregard's latest work would look like an author working out too many plot points on paper. But, as an ultimately clever story deftly woven together, this one winds up working out well enough to sit strongly amongst the rest of the writer's oeuvre. Rolling out slightly slower than his previous tales, this twisted take on foreign folklore led me to believe I was being dropped into "Cannibal Ferox" territory, before veering into "I Know What You Did Last Summer" town. Without reiterating other reviews, Beauregard's group of girls gone into the wild tick off all the boxes of competitive college-aged beyotches, but serve their purpose when it comes to being picked off by a vengeful boogey-person as part of a non-telegraphed plot twist. At times a digression from his previous work, this one still manages to make enough of an impression as a mashup of multiple horror genres with just enough gore and grossness to make you feel the need to wipe yourself down afterwards.
June 1, 2021
It’s not a secret that I’ve fallen head over heels for Aron Beauregard’s work, and this new addition is a perfect example of why. There is so much wonderful horror and story in this book, teamed with the usual nastiness and gore, and once again I finished the book in a day. I actually think this is a great gateway to Aron’s work, and if you enjoy it I can guarantee you will be hooked.
What sets this book aside from Aron’s others is the folklore element throughout, and I LOVED the atmosphere and setting this created in the whole book. It took a slightly different turn to what I was expecting, and I loved how my vision of the story was completely turned around into what it actually became. Brilliant from start to finish, and I genuinely did not want it to end.
A definite 5 star from me, pleaseeeee know I am ready for more! (I am aware this came out VERY recently but I’m greedy and having too much fun).
What sets this book aside from Aron’s others is the folklore element throughout, and I LOVED the atmosphere and setting this created in the whole book. It took a slightly different turn to what I was expecting, and I loved how my vision of the story was completely turned around into what it actually became. Brilliant from start to finish, and I genuinely did not want it to end.
A definite 5 star from me, pleaseeeee know I am ready for more! (I am aware this came out VERY recently but I’m greedy and having too much fun).
May 23, 2021
This is the first book I've read by Aron Beauregard and it was a blast. I'm not going to lie. I bought it because the cover art was way too good to pass up. The story inside is well worthy of it too. It's about a trip to Madagascar that is way less family friendly than the movie Madagascar. Don't say Aye-Aye didn't warn you.
May 13, 2023
Well I've just come to the conclusion that Aron Beauregard can't write anything bad... Like at all everything I've read so far from him is just awesome and this one is no exception. This was way different than I thought it was going to be. I was thinking it was going to be some crazy ass animal on a rampage but it was way more than that. This story has a little bit of everything some folklore, some supernatural, little revenge and some slasher mixed in its just one hell of a ride written by one awesome fucking storyteller. I highly recommend this. It reminded me of a story that'd be told by a campfire.... Just awesome.
June 11, 2021
Great!
I highly recommend this horror tale. I sat down to start it a short while after arriving home from work, then I never got up until I had finished it. (To the annoyance of my dog who is ready to walk)
We start off with four female college students on a trip to a remote area to study nearly extinct lemurs. A guide has arranged for them to stay with a outcast tribe of sorts who are near the lemurs. Their local legends state the lemurs are demonic forces. Whether this is superstition or reality is something the group internally debate over. What happens here will forever alter the course of their lives.
This book has solid buildup in introducing its characters and setting the stage for all that will follow later. Within the confines of these pages our time is devoted to a much smaller cast of characters than in Scary Bastard or Wedding Day Massacre. That makes for a much more personal experience when shit hits the fan.
I’ve always wanted to write more, particularly in horror, and I find
Aron’s work to be very high on the list of motivating pieces since I first found SB looking for “brutal horror stories” online. Awesome work.
Anything I wish to say further I will just refrain from, definitely a story to read without gleaning too many details from reviews that may hint at too much.
I highly recommend this horror tale. I sat down to start it a short while after arriving home from work, then I never got up until I had finished it. (To the annoyance of my dog who is ready to walk)
We start off with four female college students on a trip to a remote area to study nearly extinct lemurs. A guide has arranged for them to stay with a outcast tribe of sorts who are near the lemurs. Their local legends state the lemurs are demonic forces. Whether this is superstition or reality is something the group internally debate over. What happens here will forever alter the course of their lives.
This book has solid buildup in introducing its characters and setting the stage for all that will follow later. Within the confines of these pages our time is devoted to a much smaller cast of characters than in Scary Bastard or Wedding Day Massacre. That makes for a much more personal experience when shit hits the fan.
I’ve always wanted to write more, particularly in horror, and I find
Aron’s work to be very high on the list of motivating pieces since I first found SB looking for “brutal horror stories” online. Awesome work.
Anything I wish to say further I will just refrain from, definitely a story to read without gleaning too many details from reviews that may hint at too much.
June 4, 2021
Superstition, Lore, and So Much More!
When I started In the Hands of the Heathens by Aron Beauregard I was not surprised that it was a very different type of story than his usual extreme horror. I can honestly say I have enjoyed all of the works I have read of Aron’s, and this book was not any different. He shows his readers with this book that he has depth, and more creativity flowing than just on the extreme side. On with my review!
Madison, Scarlet, Elizabeth, and Lillian are on a trip to Madagascar in order to observe, research, and hopefully write a career starting thesis on the Aye-Aye. Well, except for Lillian. She is simply along to try and keep things not so odd. Elizabeth is an oddball, and Madison and Scarlet decided that bringing Lillian along may help curb awkwardness between them. After all, Lillian is “the life of the party girl”, and that is all she has on her mind. She could not care less about the stupid Aye-Aye.
As the girls are ushered to their destined village their guide Pascal informs them of the culture, the people, and the superstitions. However, with every superstition or rumor a grain of truth has to be there. Right? Well, maybe, but Elizabeth is one who buys it completely.
On their return journey, after their research project doesn’t go quite as planned, the story takes a bit of a shift. Following the lives of the girls, the curse of the Aye-Aye, and some mysterious events that keep occurring. This part of the story was fantastic, and reminded me of a particular horror movie. I will not say because it will spoil it. At the very end Aron pulls another turn out! The ending was splendid, and very unexpected. Is the Aye-Aye curse a real thing? Are all the girls doomed? Or is it simply a case of overactive imagination?
I really had to let this story stew for quite some time. I kept going back and forth on my rating I was going to give it. Possibly because it was different from Aron’s other work, but I think more so that there was a lot to digest and think over. I’ve heard people state they felt like this book was two stories in one. I would almost take that a step further and say three! The last portion is in itself another narrative. The characters were fantastic! Nicely fleshed out, some unlikable, and some a love/hate type of bond. Of course, Beauregard’s writing is always phenomenal. His use of written language to paint images in the mind is amazing!
Overall, I have to give In the Hands of the Heathens by Aron Beauregard four and a half Aye-Aye fingers out of five. As I stated I kept wavering on my rating, but as I really digested this piece I realized there were actually three events (or stories) occurring. For those who have read the book I suggest you take another look. I would really enjoy a follow up to In the Hands of the Heathens! For the plot, characters, writing style, and the thought that Aron put into this book is how I came to my conclusion. I only deducted half a star because I feel like there is another story to be had here. Without spoilers, I believe it would be an amazing story picking up where this novel left off. I also think it would be extremely scary because it would involve fear that we all have to have. Until next time, my friends.
When I started In the Hands of the Heathens by Aron Beauregard I was not surprised that it was a very different type of story than his usual extreme horror. I can honestly say I have enjoyed all of the works I have read of Aron’s, and this book was not any different. He shows his readers with this book that he has depth, and more creativity flowing than just on the extreme side. On with my review!
Madison, Scarlet, Elizabeth, and Lillian are on a trip to Madagascar in order to observe, research, and hopefully write a career starting thesis on the Aye-Aye. Well, except for Lillian. She is simply along to try and keep things not so odd. Elizabeth is an oddball, and Madison and Scarlet decided that bringing Lillian along may help curb awkwardness between them. After all, Lillian is “the life of the party girl”, and that is all she has on her mind. She could not care less about the stupid Aye-Aye.
As the girls are ushered to their destined village their guide Pascal informs them of the culture, the people, and the superstitions. However, with every superstition or rumor a grain of truth has to be there. Right? Well, maybe, but Elizabeth is one who buys it completely.
On their return journey, after their research project doesn’t go quite as planned, the story takes a bit of a shift. Following the lives of the girls, the curse of the Aye-Aye, and some mysterious events that keep occurring. This part of the story was fantastic, and reminded me of a particular horror movie. I will not say because it will spoil it. At the very end Aron pulls another turn out! The ending was splendid, and very unexpected. Is the Aye-Aye curse a real thing? Are all the girls doomed? Or is it simply a case of overactive imagination?
I really had to let this story stew for quite some time. I kept going back and forth on my rating I was going to give it. Possibly because it was different from Aron’s other work, but I think more so that there was a lot to digest and think over. I’ve heard people state they felt like this book was two stories in one. I would almost take that a step further and say three! The last portion is in itself another narrative. The characters were fantastic! Nicely fleshed out, some unlikable, and some a love/hate type of bond. Of course, Beauregard’s writing is always phenomenal. His use of written language to paint images in the mind is amazing!
Overall, I have to give In the Hands of the Heathens by Aron Beauregard four and a half Aye-Aye fingers out of five. As I stated I kept wavering on my rating, but as I really digested this piece I realized there were actually three events (or stories) occurring. For those who have read the book I suggest you take another look. I would really enjoy a follow up to In the Hands of the Heathens! For the plot, characters, writing style, and the thought that Aron put into this book is how I came to my conclusion. I only deducted half a star because I feel like there is another story to be had here. Without spoilers, I believe it would be an amazing story picking up where this novel left off. I also think it would be extremely scary because it would involve fear that we all have to have. Until next time, my friends.
October 7, 2021
This is definitely something different when compared to Aron's previous work as this one is a serious slow burn. The writing, the suspense, and the tension in this book practically drips off the pages so you will have a lot of trouble putting this one down. I would describe this as a combination between Cannibal Holocaust and Friday the 13th. While there isn't as much gore and depravity in this story as in the remainder of Aron's catalog, there is definitely enough to keep my appetite sated.
April 13, 2022
Superstition, creepy cute animals, psychedelic toad tea, revenge, bloody great kills all combine to create a story that will keep you turning the pages. I think this book may have just took over for my favorite book by Beauregard. I can envision this as a movie and I'd be first in line on opening night.
July 16, 2021
Four college girls go to a remote jungle location. What could possibly go wrong?
I was almost going to ditch this book at about 20%, but the author's excellent writing style kept me going. As you might have guessed, there is a bucket-load of gore in this story, perhaps, too much for some. Nevertheless...it's a gripping tale...with cool little pictures too.
Don't ignore the curse of the Aye Aye; and that's nothing to do with sailors.
I was almost going to ditch this book at about 20%, but the author's excellent writing style kept me going. As you might have guessed, there is a bucket-load of gore in this story, perhaps, too much for some. Nevertheless...it's a gripping tale...with cool little pictures too.
Don't ignore the curse of the Aye Aye; and that's nothing to do with sailors.
May 27, 2021
Another awesome read by Aron Beauregard. He is quickly becoming my favorite author. This tale begins with a group of friends on a college trip for research after they return home they have to fight to survive. I really enjoyed this book.
July 3, 2021
As usual Aron paints a wonderfully depraved picture and takes his work in a million different turns you never expect and keeps you hanging on u til the very last page. I’ve read a few of his works so far and recently got his whole catalog that I am going to happily be working my way through. If you’re into crazy and extreme horror with a fun plot, I would highly suggest checking out his work
May 25, 2021
Do you believe in curses and spirits? Well i don't, but i sure as hell enjoyed this book!!! I was going crazy when i heard that Aron was writing a different kind of book. I am a huge fan of his very gorey and very extreme work and to be honest i didn't know how i would feel reading anything else by him. To my surprise he brought it in the way of storytelling and interesting characters. You are presented with a choice while reading Heathens, is the supernatural real or is it just in their heads? Aron makes you consider each view point and decide for yourself. The girls in the story were interesting and Aron spent a lot of time developing individual personalities. It is also a who-done-it type story, which i love in all it's forms. The book held me right up until the end, so check it out!
June 20, 2021
What a wild ride
Ok first of all I am a huge fan of Aron Beauregard’s, I have read The Slob, Yellow, and Wedding Day Massacre and loved all of them. So when this beauty came out I purchased it right away.
With this book he went a little different. It’s not the normal in your face gory absolute disgusting fun ride as in his previous books. This one leads you wondering what is going to happen next and keep you on the edge of your seat.
Four college girls go to Madagascar to study an animal there buy the name of the Aye- Aye, and nothing goes as planned. After the disastrous trip and they are home, they thought the terror was left behind. They couldn’t have been more wrong!! Check this out, the mystery and the killings are fantastic, and the ending......an ending that only Aron Beauregard could write! Was perfect!!! Can’t get enough of his work, definitely check this one out!!!!
Ok first of all I am a huge fan of Aron Beauregard’s, I have read The Slob, Yellow, and Wedding Day Massacre and loved all of them. So when this beauty came out I purchased it right away.
With this book he went a little different. It’s not the normal in your face gory absolute disgusting fun ride as in his previous books. This one leads you wondering what is going to happen next and keep you on the edge of your seat.
Four college girls go to Madagascar to study an animal there buy the name of the Aye- Aye, and nothing goes as planned. After the disastrous trip and they are home, they thought the terror was left behind. They couldn’t have been more wrong!! Check this out, the mystery and the killings are fantastic, and the ending......an ending that only Aron Beauregard could write! Was perfect!!! Can’t get enough of his work, definitely check this one out!!!!
March 9, 2022
If you're interested in splatterpunk but worried it might be too much then In The Hands of The Heathens is a perfect entry point. A creepy story with some gruesome deaths that's not quite as extreme as some of his other work.
June 22, 2021
Great read
Well worth a read! Very quick, short and gruesome. Wish it were a bit longer but all good things come to an end.
Well worth a read! Very quick, short and gruesome. Wish it were a bit longer but all good things come to an end.
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