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Aphotic #1
Bad Blood: The First Book of the Aphotic
Sometimes, the ties that bind can break you.
It’s 1975, and nine-year-old Talia is not happy. Everything has been different since her little sister Alex came along. Since her dad left. Since all her mother’s attention has been focused on anyone and everything but Talia.
It’s definitely all Alex’s fault. Talia hates Alex. She just wants things to be like they used to be. When her dad was home. When everyone cared about her. When there was no Alex.
Then she’s given a book. One that’s special. One that seems only for her. One that can help her take all her anger and frustration and rage and … unleash it.
Now, Talia will make them all pay.
But everything comes with a price. And some things must be paid in blood.
"Seriously. F*ck this kid!" - Jennifer Dinsmore, editor of The Aphotic series
"Delightfully disturbing." - Eric Leland, author of Inhuman: A Supernatural Thriller
It’s 1975, and nine-year-old Talia is not happy. Everything has been different since her little sister Alex came along. Since her dad left. Since all her mother’s attention has been focused on anyone and everything but Talia.
It’s definitely all Alex’s fault. Talia hates Alex. She just wants things to be like they used to be. When her dad was home. When everyone cared about her. When there was no Alex.
Then she’s given a book. One that’s special. One that seems only for her. One that can help her take all her anger and frustration and rage and … unleash it.
Now, Talia will make them all pay.
But everything comes with a price. And some things must be paid in blood.
"Seriously. F*ck this kid!" - Jennifer Dinsmore, editor of The Aphotic series
"Delightfully disturbing." - Eric Leland, author of Inhuman: A Supernatural Thriller
103 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 6, 2022
5 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Tobin Elliott
22 books178 followersTobin was destined for horror. This became obvious when, in the span of two weeks, he built a working model of a guillotine out of popsicle sticks and a razor blade — which his Grade Five teacher didn't seem to appreciate as much as he did — and he also learned to tie a noose and proudly hung one from their apartment balcony — which his mother and the superintendent didn't seem to appreciate as much as he did.
Eventually, he learned to focus the horror into stories. His friends and neighbours likely appreciated the lesser PDH (Public Displays of Horror).
Besides writing ugly stories about bad people doing horrible things, Tobin also
- taught Creative Writing at both Durham College and Trent University (Oshawa Campus) for two decades
- was a founding board member of the Writers' Community of Simcoe County (WCSC)
- was a member of the Writers' Community of Durham Region (WCDR)
- for five crazy years, took part in the annual Muskoka Novel Marathon, a three-day writing marathon to raise money for adult literacy programs in the Simcoe/Muskoka region.
Tobin has been lucky enough to see quite a few works published in the past decade or so...
- his first published work, a horror novella called Vanishing Hope, was through Burning Effigy Press
- Stealing Corey was a semi-finalist in the Whispered Words contest and was published in the subsequent Whispered Words anthology, published by Piquant Press
- the third novella-length installment of the Sam Truman Mysteries, Soft Kiss Hard Death, was published by Abattoir Press
- this, along with the first two novellas, were later collected into the The Sam Truman Mysteries Omnibus Volume 1
- his novella, The Wrong was the final book published by Burning Effigy before they went into extended hibernation (Tobin tends to have that effect on people and publishers)
- Prison Break was published in the Nancy Kilpatrick-edited anthology, Expiration Date, published by Edge SF & Fantasy Publishing, and was singled out by Ellen Datlow in The Best Horror of the Year Volume Eight as one of the standout stories
- Fight or Flight was published in Purgatorium: The Element of Horror anthology, by ID Press
- Nightingale was published in Allucinor: The Element of Romance anthology, by ID Press
- The Riff was published in Nefariam: The Element of Crime anthology, by ID Press
- Horse Guts Horse Guts was published in Released: A Horror Anthology, by No Bad Books Press
- Giving Up The Ghost was published in Doors of Darkness, by Terrorcore Publishing
- possibly his weirdest bit of writing, "EGR 181: Cyclopean Architecture" was published in Nafallen University 2022-2023 Course Catalog, by Madness Heart Press
Since COVID-19 pressed the great pause button, Tobin managed to complete his six-book APHOTIC horror series (which he's delighted to be able to call a "hexalogy") and are being released at two-month intervals.
The Six Books of the Aphotic
- Bad Blood
- Out For Blood
- Blood Loss
- Blood Pact
- Blood Relations
- Flesh and Blood
Tobin has been married for 33 years, and has one son and one daughter, and one relatively brainless dog. He's retired from a large Canadian telecom company where he was a Communications Specialist.
Tobin counts embarrassing his wife and kids, pointing out the stupidities of others, being dumb to kind animals and killing plants among his hobbies.
Finally, Tobin loves feedback, either positive or negative, on his writing. You can find all his links here
Eventually, he learned to focus the horror into stories. His friends and neighbours likely appreciated the lesser PDH (Public Displays of Horror).
Besides writing ugly stories about bad people doing horrible things, Tobin also
- taught Creative Writing at both Durham College and Trent University (Oshawa Campus) for two decades
- was a founding board member of the Writers' Community of Simcoe County (WCSC)
- was a member of the Writers' Community of Durham Region (WCDR)
- for five crazy years, took part in the annual Muskoka Novel Marathon, a three-day writing marathon to raise money for adult literacy programs in the Simcoe/Muskoka region.
Tobin has been lucky enough to see quite a few works published in the past decade or so...
- his first published work, a horror novella called Vanishing Hope, was through Burning Effigy Press
- Stealing Corey was a semi-finalist in the Whispered Words contest and was published in the subsequent Whispered Words anthology, published by Piquant Press
- the third novella-length installment of the Sam Truman Mysteries, Soft Kiss Hard Death, was published by Abattoir Press
- this, along with the first two novellas, were later collected into the The Sam Truman Mysteries Omnibus Volume 1
- his novella, The Wrong was the final book published by Burning Effigy before they went into extended hibernation (Tobin tends to have that effect on people and publishers)
- Prison Break was published in the Nancy Kilpatrick-edited anthology, Expiration Date, published by Edge SF & Fantasy Publishing, and was singled out by Ellen Datlow in The Best Horror of the Year Volume Eight as one of the standout stories
- Fight or Flight was published in Purgatorium: The Element of Horror anthology, by ID Press
- Nightingale was published in Allucinor: The Element of Romance anthology, by ID Press
- The Riff was published in Nefariam: The Element of Crime anthology, by ID Press
- Horse Guts Horse Guts was published in Released: A Horror Anthology, by No Bad Books Press
- Giving Up The Ghost was published in Doors of Darkness, by Terrorcore Publishing
- possibly his weirdest bit of writing, "EGR 181: Cyclopean Architecture" was published in Nafallen University 2022-2023 Course Catalog, by Madness Heart Press
Since COVID-19 pressed the great pause button, Tobin managed to complete his six-book APHOTIC horror series (which he's delighted to be able to call a "hexalogy") and are being released at two-month intervals.
The Six Books of the Aphotic
- Bad Blood
- Out For Blood
- Blood Loss
- Blood Pact
- Blood Relations
- Flesh and Blood
Tobin has been married for 33 years, and has one son and one daughter, and one relatively brainless dog. He's retired from a large Canadian telecom company where he was a Communications Specialist.
Tobin counts embarrassing his wife and kids, pointing out the stupidities of others, being dumb to kind animals and killing plants among his hobbies.
Finally, Tobin loves feedback, either positive or negative, on his writing. You can find all his links here
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
December 14, 2025
I've had my books on my "currently reading" shelf forever.
I'm not one of those authors who's going to review my own book. I'm biased. I wrote the damn thing. I like it.
However, now that I'm getting them done as audiobooks, I can sing the praises of these stories from an entirely different perspective.
Jenn Johnson is the narrator of these audio versions. And on this first one, she absolutely nails it. The narration is absolutely incredible.
So...for the book, I'll let the readers decide...but for the narration? Five full well-deserved stars.
I'm not one of those authors who's going to review my own book. I'm biased. I wrote the damn thing. I like it.
However, now that I'm getting them done as audiobooks, I can sing the praises of these stories from an entirely different perspective.
Jenn Johnson is the narrator of these audio versions. And on this first one, she absolutely nails it. The narration is absolutely incredible.
So...for the book, I'll let the readers decide...but for the narration? Five full well-deserved stars.
May 7, 2023
This was a very unnerving read. Something extremely chilling about a violent especially when she has terrifying powers. I really enjoyed the pacing in this book and the authors ability to create such a creepy atmosphere. Talia’s narcissism and sociopathic tendencies make for an evil little girl especially when she finds enjoyment in hurting/killing people and animals.
Definitely excited to get into the next book in the series, was not expecting the ending but I love how it left the door open for book 2. If you’re looking for a past-paced, disturbing horror read, then I would definitely recommend this one. A chilling, wild ride from front to back.
Definitely excited to get into the next book in the series, was not expecting the ending but I love how it left the door open for book 2. If you’re looking for a past-paced, disturbing horror read, then I would definitely recommend this one. A chilling, wild ride from front to back.
November 15, 2022
Oh this novella! How can you adore a book while simultaneously despising yet eventually admiring the Protagonist? I don't like to ever despise a child, but let's face it: this girl started out a Bad Seed. The Book didn't create a meanie out of whole cloth; the clay was already present. However, way at the end of the story (almost the end) I was cheering!! This awful little "monster" took the evil within her, and twisted it for good! For safety! For protection! For vengeance! [Of course, there was bound to be collateral damage. You know, by-product of messing with evil.]
Before you leap at my recommendation, integrity compels me to caution: much of the content here is going to offend sensitive or easily triggered readers: animals, small children, and adults with perverse and illegal interests [and other immoralities]. So be aware, before you leap. I too am a sensitive and often easily-triggered reader, but despite metaphorically gritting my teeth and closing my eyes, I persevered and finished with satisfaction and the compulsion to continue with the Series.
Before you leap at my recommendation, integrity compels me to caution: much of the content here is going to offend sensitive or easily triggered readers: animals, small children, and adults with perverse and illegal interests [and other immoralities]. So be aware, before you leap. I too am a sensitive and often easily-triggered reader, but despite metaphorically gritting my teeth and closing my eyes, I persevered and finished with satisfaction and the compulsion to continue with the Series.
February 29, 2024
I was captivated from the very beginning of this story. The narrator did an AMAZING job. I can honestly say that I can’t wait to read the rest of this series. I’m not sure why but children seem to always make the best horror characters.
January 26, 2023
This was a lethal nibble of the gnawing, spine-tingling variety. Picture Matilda, whose mind and soul being completely infiltrated and defiled by the most depraved, foulest version of Miss Trunchbull! The author knows fully well where to strike, and when to twist the knife. This book draws something rare out of me, a yearning for a sequel.
January 25, 2023
A great quick read which functions as a solid introduction to the aphotic world. A solid plot that traces the story of a main character that takes you through a roller coaster of being disturbed by her and then eventually rooting her on (to some extent). Would definitely recommend to any readers that enjoy their horror and seek to be disturbed in a good way.
October 13, 2022
Hypnotic, disturbing, impeccable, but with some trigger warnings needed
Okay let's do this. SEMI-SPOILERS. No plot summaries here I'll let the book do the talking. You'll get why that's funny later.
How's your stomach for animal murder? Good?
That's warning number 1.
How's your tolerance for depictions of sexual abuse of a minor?
That's warning number 2.
Unfortunately, those two are precisely my Hell No's. Both were written stomach churningly well, but I had to take a star off for them because Jesus, I'm only human and it's going to ruin some unsuspecting reader's whole evening.
Still here? Well let me tell you why I finished this book. The writing is that.damn.good. Author Elliot takes you into the mind of a child psychopath with such disarming ease and effortless skill that you get the impression that you're reading a master at work. I felt as comfortable being discomforted as I would reading a King or Koontz or watching Francis Ford Coppola turn Jack Nicholson insane. You know what's happening to Talia (retaliation - as Elliot states - nice) and you're disturbed by it but Bad Blood's narrative momentum is so strong that I finished it despite the 2 things I hate... Instead of SLEEPING. And y'all, I love my sleep.
It's impeccable in its writing, characterization of characters, and mood. The plot is good, if a little open-ended, as it's only book 1.
I'd be interested to see where the Book goes next. And to what happens to Talia. Author Elliot has promised us answers to both, so sign me up!
Should you read it? No, you whackjob -- did you see the warnings??
Ok yeah, read it but don't hold me responsible, I did warn you!
It's good, about very bad things.
Okay let's do this. SEMI-SPOILERS. No plot summaries here I'll let the book do the talking. You'll get why that's funny later.
How's your stomach for animal murder? Good?
That's warning number 1.
How's your tolerance for depictions of sexual abuse of a minor?
That's warning number 2.
Unfortunately, those two are precisely my Hell No's. Both were written stomach churningly well, but I had to take a star off for them because Jesus, I'm only human and it's going to ruin some unsuspecting reader's whole evening.
Still here? Well let me tell you why I finished this book. The writing is that.damn.good. Author Elliot takes you into the mind of a child psychopath with such disarming ease and effortless skill that you get the impression that you're reading a master at work. I felt as comfortable being discomforted as I would reading a King or Koontz or watching Francis Ford Coppola turn Jack Nicholson insane. You know what's happening to Talia (retaliation - as Elliot states - nice) and you're disturbed by it but Bad Blood's narrative momentum is so strong that I finished it despite the 2 things I hate... Instead of SLEEPING. And y'all, I love my sleep.
It's impeccable in its writing, characterization of characters, and mood. The plot is good, if a little open-ended, as it's only book 1.
I'd be interested to see where the Book goes next. And to what happens to Talia. Author Elliot has promised us answers to both, so sign me up!
Should you read it? No, you whackjob -- did you see the warnings??
Ok yeah, read it but don't hold me responsible, I did warn you!
It's good, about very bad things.
July 28, 2023
A VERY INTRIGUING TALE THAT LEFT ME WITH QUESTIONS THAT NEED ANSWERS, WILL DEFINITELY BE PURCHASING THE NEXT BOOK IN THE SERIES
July 3, 2023
I give this 4.5, but am giving the full five for analytics.
This book just hops right in to the discomfort and doesn't let go. From the moment it starts, you know Talia is a terrible little girl.
I loathed this main character, but what I loved - and is evidence of Tobin's skill as an author - is that I actually kind of cared for the character. Not that she's lovable, but part of me just really wanted to give her a hug so bad. Maybe it would have made everything better, but maybe not.
I am super excited and hope to hear more of her story.
If this has been on your shelf or in your cart and you've been himming and hawwing about it, pull the trigger. It's a short read, but an engrossing one and you'll be wanting another page to turn to as soon as the last one has turned.
This book just hops right in to the discomfort and doesn't let go. From the moment it starts, you know Talia is a terrible little girl.
I loathed this main character, but what I loved - and is evidence of Tobin's skill as an author - is that I actually kind of cared for the character. Not that she's lovable, but part of me just really wanted to give her a hug so bad. Maybe it would have made everything better, but maybe not.
I am super excited and hope to hear more of her story.
If this has been on your shelf or in your cart and you've been himming and hawwing about it, pull the trigger. It's a short read, but an engrossing one and you'll be wanting another page to turn to as soon as the last one has turned.
September 16, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
Bad Blood
By: Tobin Elliot
TWs: See below
When I met Tobin at DreadCon, he described "Bad Blood" and the main character Talia as, "Carrie, but half the age and twice the rage." I was immediately intrigued.
He was right. Bad Blood was everything I had hoped for and more. I can't wait to read more of this universe and more of Tobin Elliot's books. Wow!
Content Warnings/ Trigger Warnings: Death of animals/ pets, child abuse, child sexual abuse, gore
Bad Blood
By: Tobin Elliot
TWs: See below
When I met Tobin at DreadCon, he described "Bad Blood" and the main character Talia as, "Carrie, but half the age and twice the rage." I was immediately intrigued.
He was right. Bad Blood was everything I had hoped for and more. I can't wait to read more of this universe and more of Tobin Elliot's books. Wow!
Content Warnings/ Trigger Warnings: Death of animals/ pets, child abuse, child sexual abuse, gore
April 25, 2023
Riveting!
My first read from Elliott, but certainly not my last. He's a great writer, to be sure, but he also knows how to tell an amazing story. I'm looking forward to more from Elliott. Highly recommended!
My first read from Elliott, but certainly not my last. He's a great writer, to be sure, but he also knows how to tell an amazing story. I'm looking forward to more from Elliott. Highly recommended!
November 27, 2025
What in the holy HELL did I just read!! Boy, Talia definitely was a disturbed girl and some of the things she did to animals LITERALLY made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up and at one point I felt a little nauseous. But, did I LOVE it anyways….ABSOLUTELY! This was my first time reading a book by this author and now I’m intrigued to read more from Tobin…Question- Anybody else wondering if Tobin is a serial killer after reading this book, or is it just me?!? 😆
January 6, 2023
Tobin, Tobin, Tobin... what have you done my friend.
Found the author after reading a demolishing review of R. Chizmar / St. King - Gwendy's Magic Feather. As I could very much relate to this review I though "well, see what Tobin can do". He is good in writing reviews already.
And hell, the book is good. Not all-too gory like Blake Crouch but a very nice little horror story with the occasional WTF-moments. Super fast reading (1 day) but I was still able to put it away to do something else. Now unfortunately I also have to get book 2 of the series and can't wait for beginning of Feb 2023 for part 3. So shit, what has he done...
Write faster Tobin. Please.
Found the author after reading a demolishing review of R. Chizmar / St. King - Gwendy's Magic Feather. As I could very much relate to this review I though "well, see what Tobin can do". He is good in writing reviews already.
And hell, the book is good. Not all-too gory like Blake Crouch but a very nice little horror story with the occasional WTF-moments. Super fast reading (1 day) but I was still able to put it away to do something else. Now unfortunately I also have to get book 2 of the series and can't wait for beginning of Feb 2023 for part 3. So shit, what has he done...
Write faster Tobin. Please.
August 24, 2023
I loved this introduction to the Aphotic, and the renaissance of Thalia! Having met Tobin a number of years ago, reading his work and having the luck to have him as an editor, I remember Thalia when she saw her first 'wish' come true. Very excited to dig into the rest of this series as it has been a long time coming. Thalia speaks to that little evil in a lot of us; then opportunism and skill clashes with temptation and warped creed.
July 17, 2024
If you are into torture of animals and children, this is your book.
Sickening, sadistic, and its only redemption is it being only a novella.... This is not horror but simply sadism running wild...Will.not be reading this author again!
Sickening, sadistic, and its only redemption is it being only a novella.... This is not horror but simply sadism running wild...Will.not be reading this author again!
June 21, 2023
If you like dark & disturbing, heavy themes and evil children you’ll love this. Definitely recommend for lovers of the twisted. However if you are sensitive to abuse of any kind (people or animal) proceed with caution ⚠️
But most of my book friends who like the disturbing, I think you’ll be into it. And the best part is there’s a whole series so if you finish this book and you’re first thought is “I want more!” then you’re in luck!
But most of my book friends who like the disturbing, I think you’ll be into it. And the best part is there’s a whole series so if you finish this book and you’re first thought is “I want more!” then you’re in luck!
January 13, 2023
Loved it! Very dark and creepy. I'm immediately following with the next book in the series!
January 7, 2023
Very well written, great story line and some very intense spots. On to book two!
February 7, 2023
Very excited to read Tobin's new series and it did not disappoint. Creepy horror at its best, with twists and turns. Peaked my curiosity and re-ignited a fascination with the macabre and unexplained. From a reader perspective, very satisfying. As a previous horror writer who has not taken fingers to keyboard for in a while - this story sent a thrill down my back that I had almost forgotten.
Cannot wait for the next one!
Cannot wait for the next one!
September 10, 2023
Showcasing the most diabolical child antagonist since six-year-old Anthony Fremont tormented the townsfolk of Peaksville, Ohio in the classic "It's a Good Life" episode of THE TWILIGHT ZONE, Tobin Elliott's "The Bad Blood" leaves its mark on the reader's psyche.
Elliott writes with such visceral prose that it's hard not to squirm during the frequent moments of mayhem. But there's also a dark wit to the whole proceeding, with carefully drawn out characters and a real sense of the time period that the novella unfolds in. (Special kudos for the "Killdozer" reference.)
"Bad Blood" is the impressive first entry in the "Book of the Aphotic" series. This is definitely one reader who is in it for the long haul.
Elliott writes with such visceral prose that it's hard not to squirm during the frequent moments of mayhem. But there's also a dark wit to the whole proceeding, with carefully drawn out characters and a real sense of the time period that the novella unfolds in. (Special kudos for the "Killdozer" reference.)
"Bad Blood" is the impressive first entry in the "Book of the Aphotic" series. This is definitely one reader who is in it for the long haul.
August 23, 2024
While on a very dedicated search for a different book that I could not find in the book store, i was talking with the employee that was helping me as we searched. I was saying I wanted either sci/fi or horror if it had not turned up. She recommended this to me as she knew the author.
I like to support locals as much as I can so I bought it without hesitation.
If you’re looking for a book that is extremely dark with a sick twist, you have come to the right place! I am actually upset I didn’t grab another from the series. I now have a lot of questions that NEED answers!
Great Read! (But not for everyone)
I like to support locals as much as I can so I bought it without hesitation.
If you’re looking for a book that is extremely dark with a sick twist, you have come to the right place! I am actually upset I didn’t grab another from the series. I now have a lot of questions that NEED answers!
Great Read! (But not for everyone)
June 23, 2023
This is a re-read, but I didn't review the first time, plus a double read of a novella is never a bad idea.
In fact, reading Bad Blood for the second time allowed me to view the events a little differently. What Talia does – the horrors that constitute the meat of the story – could be done without The Book. Of course, the way she does them requires supernatural aid, but the results (dead animals, broken families, etc...) are sadly and terrifyingly common. To me, that's the real horror here. The Book simply enables Talia to fulfill her desires, and any corruption, at least in my view, is actually clarity in disguise; She always was a little terror on the inside and now can she truly express herself.
I think my biggest issue (the issue that would lead me to give a 4.5 star rating if Good Reads allowed it) is that the other characters (e.g. the Kovacs and McDonald) held enough sway in the story that a little more characterization would've been nice. Of course, this could be a case of "less is more", but I do feel like something was left out.
That being said, this is the beginning of a series, and it's entirely possible – actually, probable – that what I called a lack of characterization is Elliott's way of subtly world-building without spoon-feeding the reader. I don't know. Guess I'll have to read the rest of the series to find out.
Overall, 4.5. My expectations are high.
In fact, reading Bad Blood for the second time allowed me to view the events a little differently. What Talia does – the horrors that constitute the meat of the story – could be done without The Book. Of course, the way she does them requires supernatural aid, but the results (dead animals, broken families, etc...) are sadly and terrifyingly common. To me, that's the real horror here. The Book simply enables Talia to fulfill her desires, and any corruption, at least in my view, is actually clarity in disguise; She always was a little terror on the inside and now can she truly express herself.
I think my biggest issue (the issue that would lead me to give a 4.5 star rating if Good Reads allowed it) is that the other characters (e.g. the Kovacs and McDonald) held enough sway in the story that a little more characterization would've been nice. Of course, this could be a case of "less is more", but I do feel like something was left out.
That being said, this is the beginning of a series, and it's entirely possible – actually, probable – that what I called a lack of characterization is Elliott's way of subtly world-building without spoon-feeding the reader. I don't know. Guess I'll have to read the rest of the series to find out.
Overall, 4.5. My expectations are high.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 29, 2024
I received an audio review copy of this book, and it was a captivating two-an-a-half hours.
Elliott masterfully captures the raw intensity of Talia's emotions, painting a vivid portrait of a child struggling to cope with feelings of abandonment and isolation. As her resentment festers, she receives a mysterious book that promises an outlet for her pent-up anger and frustration. In this book, she discovers a power that allows her to unleash her rage in ways she never imagined.
What makes "Bad Blood" truly captivating is Elliott's skilful exploration of the complexities of human nature. As Talia grapples with her inner demons, readers are confronted with themes of anger, resentment, and the corrosive effects of unchecked emotions.
This is a must-listen that will keep you captivated until the very end. Jenn Johnson is an excellent narrator. I'm definitely looking forward to where The Book goes next.
Elliott masterfully captures the raw intensity of Talia's emotions, painting a vivid portrait of a child struggling to cope with feelings of abandonment and isolation. As her resentment festers, she receives a mysterious book that promises an outlet for her pent-up anger and frustration. In this book, she discovers a power that allows her to unleash her rage in ways she never imagined.
What makes "Bad Blood" truly captivating is Elliott's skilful exploration of the complexities of human nature. As Talia grapples with her inner demons, readers are confronted with themes of anger, resentment, and the corrosive effects of unchecked emotions.
This is a must-listen that will keep you captivated until the very end. Jenn Johnson is an excellent narrator. I'm definitely looking forward to where The Book goes next.
May 31, 2024
I listened to the audio book. I thought Jenn Johnson did a great job with the narration.
This story centers around a young girl who gets a book that gives her the ability to control living things structurally. It mainly focuses on the young girl's psychological state of mind processing her father having abandoned their family & her blaming her younger sibling for all the problems.
I enjoy stories that explore the inner workings in the mind of troubled people, especially children. It can be so interesting to explore the psychology of someone dealing with such dark thoughts & emotions to see how they process those issues. I found that aspect of the story very engaging.
The things I wasn't as fond of is that the story didn't seem to give us much understanding of the origins of the powers the girl was using. This is a long series, so I assume that comes up later, but as a reader I felt more likely was owed to the reader to develop the storyline. I won't know for sure without reading the rest of the books, but sometimes an audience struggles without enough information early in a story.
My biggest problem with the story (This could be somewhat of a spoiler but only mildly) is I am not a fan of many horror writers depending on very graphic animal abuse & using traumatic child abuse for their stories. These seem in books I find to be overly used tropes. I get that these can be popular things in linking psychological behavior in horror, but it seems to be a crutch authors are using for cheap gross thrills. Many might not mind the graphic descriptions of torture, but for me, there are ways to use the theme without focusing on it so heavily. To each their own on this matter.
Overall, I really enjoyed the POV of the troubled child & mostly was held captivated to see where the story went. I wish we were given more to the complete storyline, but I would be interested to read more of these books to see if they can build on the mystery.
Thank you, Tobin, for making this twisted & intriguing story.
This story centers around a young girl who gets a book that gives her the ability to control living things structurally. It mainly focuses on the young girl's psychological state of mind processing her father having abandoned their family & her blaming her younger sibling for all the problems.
I enjoy stories that explore the inner workings in the mind of troubled people, especially children. It can be so interesting to explore the psychology of someone dealing with such dark thoughts & emotions to see how they process those issues. I found that aspect of the story very engaging.
The things I wasn't as fond of is that the story didn't seem to give us much understanding of the origins of the powers the girl was using. This is a long series, so I assume that comes up later, but as a reader I felt more likely was owed to the reader to develop the storyline. I won't know for sure without reading the rest of the books, but sometimes an audience struggles without enough information early in a story.
My biggest problem with the story (This could be somewhat of a spoiler but only mildly) is I am not a fan of many horror writers depending on very graphic animal abuse & using traumatic child abuse for their stories. These seem in books I find to be overly used tropes. I get that these can be popular things in linking psychological behavior in horror, but it seems to be a crutch authors are using for cheap gross thrills. Many might not mind the graphic descriptions of torture, but for me, there are ways to use the theme without focusing on it so heavily. To each their own on this matter.
Overall, I really enjoyed the POV of the troubled child & mostly was held captivated to see where the story went. I wish we were given more to the complete storyline, but I would be interested to read more of these books to see if they can build on the mystery.
Thank you, Tobin, for making this twisted & intriguing story.
February 26, 2023
Talia’s life has never been the same since her baby sister, Alex, joined the family. Alex made her father go away, and now Alex just sits around doing stupid childish things. Talia thinks things will never get better until she discovers the Book. The Book teaches Talia how to make life better, how to punish people who wrong her, or are just stupid. What harm could a nine year old do anyway? I mean all she has is her mind and the Book.
“Bad Blood” is a novella that is the perfect blend of a nine year old “Carrie” and Chuck Wendig’s “The Book of Accidents.” I have never hated a child so much until reading this book, and Elliot does a great job articulating the thoughts and feelings of Talia. “Bad Blood” is very well written and there’s A LOT of dark scenes for such a short book. Despite the story taking place in 1976, it has more of a modern feel than “Carrie,” which I enjoyed. I highly recommend this book and cannot wait to read the rest of the series.
TW: depictions of SA & harm to children: cruelty to animals
“Bad Blood” is a novella that is the perfect blend of a nine year old “Carrie” and Chuck Wendig’s “The Book of Accidents.” I have never hated a child so much until reading this book, and Elliot does a great job articulating the thoughts and feelings of Talia. “Bad Blood” is very well written and there’s A LOT of dark scenes for such a short book. Despite the story taking place in 1976, it has more of a modern feel than “Carrie,” which I enjoyed. I highly recommend this book and cannot wait to read the rest of the series.
TW: depictions of SA & harm to children: cruelty to animals
December 28, 2022
Talia is an angry 9 year-old with a new baby sister. She blames her sister for everything, including their father leaving. When Talia finds a book that helps her focus her rage, things quickly start going wrong. She’s stealing teeth from her kills, and her little sister. Her mother is blamed Talia’s mind rages and is arrested. Talia will find out why her father really left. Hating someone whilst cheering them on is hard, but you will find yourself doing it too. Interested to see where the book goes next. This was a great start to a series.
December 13, 2022
We follow Talia, a young girl. Her parents are divorced, and she hates her little sister Alex, whom she blames for her father leaving.
One day, she’s gifted with a book. One that seems normal to everyone around her, but isn’t quite as normal as it seems.
A book that can help her unleash all her anger and rage. A book that comes with a price.
This novella was… amazing. As a mother, this kid gave me the creeps, and made me want to check my kids books 😂
It was absolutely disturbing, and creepy.
The writing was impeccable & made me feel like I was living inside it all. It was incredibly descriptive, as well.
I found myself sitting down reading this unable to tear my eyes away from the absolute catastrophe this little girl was causing.
This is the first in the Aphotic books and I cannot wait to read the rest.
One day, she’s gifted with a book. One that seems normal to everyone around her, but isn’t quite as normal as it seems.
A book that can help her unleash all her anger and rage. A book that comes with a price.
This novella was… amazing. As a mother, this kid gave me the creeps, and made me want to check my kids books 😂
It was absolutely disturbing, and creepy.
The writing was impeccable & made me feel like I was living inside it all. It was incredibly descriptive, as well.
I found myself sitting down reading this unable to tear my eyes away from the absolute catastrophe this little girl was causing.
This is the first in the Aphotic books and I cannot wait to read the rest.
December 28, 2022
*BOOK REVIEW*
BAD BLOOD by Tobin Elliott
🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩 (5 stars)
This is the story of Talia and the Book.
The Book was given to her as a gift, originally thought to be completely innocent.
Turns out, the Book talks to her.
The Book "helps" her through her some difficult times.
This story was very well written. Amazing character development.
Fantastic editing. And all around a solid 5 stars from me.
I cannot wait to read the next book in the series, so I'm starting it now instead of folding laundry ;)
BAD BLOOD by Tobin Elliott
🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩 (5 stars)
This is the story of Talia and the Book.
The Book was given to her as a gift, originally thought to be completely innocent.
Turns out, the Book talks to her.
The Book "helps" her through her some difficult times.
This story was very well written. Amazing character development.
Fantastic editing. And all around a solid 5 stars from me.
I cannot wait to read the next book in the series, so I'm starting it now instead of folding laundry ;)
June 6, 2023
Very engaging and gory so far with part one of this series. Left on an interesting note, waiting to see what will happen next with Talia.
March 5, 2024
What is scarier than a creepy kid? Maybe a creepy kid with a haunted object? 9 year old Talia is given a book. But this book is not what it seems. It mesmerizes, it whispers, it teaches. And bitter, unforgiving Talia is listening, with her whole dark heart. It helps Talia channel her hatred & anger to cause harm.
Elliot has created a concise & gripping horror novella. Well-written with compounding tension. We breathlessly follow Talia’s journey into darkness, as she grows into a cold little killer.
And that ending! Hot damn! Pitch perfect!
Elliot has created a concise & gripping horror novella. Well-written with compounding tension. We breathlessly follow Talia’s journey into darkness, as she grows into a cold little killer.
And that ending! Hot damn! Pitch perfect!
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