MUKBANG

by Alyanna Poe

What happens when online fantasy becomes a bloody reality?

Genres: Horror, Splatterpunk

207 pages, Paperback

Published October 14, 2023

About the author

I was just a lonely teenager with a notebook and a pen when I wrote my first novel EATEN. Little did I know it would become my career to write thrilling tales of horror and macabre. I love entertaining and reading has been close to my heart since I was a young child.

One thing will remain the same about each of my books for all of eternity: there’s a little piece of my soul within every page. From Amelia to Abigail to Rebel to Mia, each of my characters carries a part of me with them, for better or for worse. From my skin picking disorder to the loss of my brother to the haunted house I grew up in to my severe OCD and intrusive thoughts, my characters are cursed to live a fate with something from my own twisted life.

As I started my career, social media turned to videos as the main source of entertainment, and so I learned how to write and record my own skits with my cousin BoB. BoB dislikes the gothic, the macabre, the horrific, meanwhile my special interests include poisons, cannibalism, and medieval medical practices.

Reviews

[Peter Topside · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not familiar with Alyanna Poe, but this was a very strong showing. Jack and Mia are such traumatized and damaged lead characters. Reading them was akin to watching a car accident. You didn't want to watch it play out, but part of you yearned for it. And it's also no secret that I am a big time foodie, so this entire concept called out to me, and did not disappoint. One of the best words to describe this was vile. Tons of moments that will make your stomach do somersaults and question whether you'll be eating for the rest of the day. But there was a really good, developed, and original plot here, too. It didn't just depend on being extreme and gross to skate by. This explored relationship dynamics, abuse, psychosis, marital issues, obsession, trauma, and loads of other themes that played out beautifully. Just a really great experience from an author that I hope to see much more of.

[Stitching Ghost · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm going to be very honest here, I was hesitant to start this one, not only do videos of people eating gross the heck out of me I'm also generally not keen on stories that involve someone eating themselves into a disability because they often come with a generous helping of gratuitous fatphobia which I find profoundly tedious. I'm happy to report that while the eating part was absolutely abject (like if Rubber by Rob Ulitski hadn't utterly broken my brain I might not have made it through abject) it is far from being the core of the story and that while there is a fair bit about Jack's body I didn't feel like Poe used fatphobic rhetoric to move the story along or fill the page.

There's a gross out aspect that's sometimes over the top but there's an actual story too which was pretty bleak and gritty.

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was so gross it was amazing! Lol I'll definitely be reading more from alyanna poe!

[Paige Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm surprised that I had never heard of this story prior to seeing it advertised in a well known FB horror book group page. I'm so glad that I picked this one up because it turned out to be such a crazy story and had all the elements that make a story great! I was expecting to be grossed out but I didn't expect the crazy plot and separate character stories entwining into one. I was really impressed with this book and I can't wait to read more from this author.

MUKBANG follows social media influencers Jack and Mia. Jack is an overweight man who does Mukbang videos for a living. Jack didn't use to be this heavy though, in fact he used to be quite the catch before his gluttony and ultimate attention seeking took over his entire life. His followers are everything to him. One day, Mia gets fed up and decides she has had enough of this lifestyle and is done taking care of Jack. She hires a nurse to take care of him while she figures out her life but she runs into quite the turn of events that really shaped the story into something totally different and really unique.

I highly recommend reading this one if you haven't yet. It's so good!!

[Alex Boast · Rating 5 out of 5]

long-term fan of Miss Poe's and this book delivers: it's grim, gritty and gripping in every way. Hihgly recommend.

[Phoenix Mendoza · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this because I love gross out horror AND social media horror and specifically have been wanting to see mukbang explored through the lens of horrific potential, but alas this was just SO badly written. Weak and amateurish prose, inconsistent and two dimensional characters, a meandering nonsense plot that didn’t gain momentum until the last 20%, ineffective pacing, and for splatterpunk, a weird lack of commitment. I felt like this author really pulled her punches and could have made this concept so much darker and nastier but was afraid to, maybe. In fact I felt like the author was mostly just really disgusted by fatness and fat people as most of the horror surrounded Jack’s body and eating. Which like—yeah is gonna be central to mukbang but I don’t know I really would have loved to see the social media/parasocial relationships leading to self destruction explored through a more psychological lens, and gross shit that wasn’t just “ew fat rolls!!” The whole time. It could have been a lot more horrific.

I also felt like Mia, the main character’s very sad wife and Carl, the guy who jumps her car during a snowstorm, existed in their own seperate story that didn’t fit in the novel and deviated tremendously from what the book was supposed to be about and their whole story was almost entirely unnecessary. It felt out of place which was emphasized by the fact the book is written in omniscient third and jumps heads CONSTANTLY and rapidly and abruptly every few paragraphs and often in odd unexpected places, but the segment where Mia’s car breaks down and she meets Carl is really long and entirely from her pov. Very weird and jarring particularly for a comparatively unimportant moment in the novel that has nothing to do with mukbang or social media. It was just such a distractingly lengthy interlude I kept forgetting what I was reading and wondering what the hell was happening.

Anyway. I will say the concept was awesome and there were some decent descriptions. I want to support female authors writing weird shit so I will keep buying this authors books and I hope she improves!! Super potential and I respect her hustle and hope she maybe starts working with beta readers or an editor because I think the substance is there and just needs further development.

[Angel Medina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was more than just a splatterpunk story. Mukbang is a realistic look at what could happen if one lets social media fame get to their head. It's also a look at what happens when a vlogger lets their audience dictate what they do instead of thinking for themselves. The characters in the story are all relatable. I admit I found myself rolling my eyes through some of the disgusting scenes, but in a good way.

Let's just say this story exposes the idea that social media can be a dangerous place. Well done, Alyanna! Enjoyed this one.

[Kate Victoria RescueandReading · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was honestly scared to start this story. I thought it’d be plain disgusting with no plot, only shocking and vile things being consumed.

I was dead wrong. Yes, it gets pretty gross and gnarly at times, but there’s soooo much more to this tale. It was perfect! Splattery, slashery, horrifyingly wonderful! I really hope this does turn into a series!

“Noodles entered his mouth like an endless river, pooling in his gut like mating snakes.”

Mia and Jack are a couple who are used to their lives being shared all over social media. Now it’s turned into a nightmare as Jack obsesses with Mukbang videos and steadily gains weight. He can’t walk or take care of himself and Mia begins to lose her mind. These two spiral apart, but will love prevail and bring them back together?

[🥀TheBookWyrm🥀 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn’t your normal splatter punk novel. It has some decent story, an a great plot. What if social media has become your every day life? Where you can’t live without your following? Knowing what you’re doing just ISNT enough anymore? Jack has taken this to a whole new level with mukbangs, treating his wife like a slave. Between the shocking elements of a well known Mukbanger, Nikocadoavacado, and the stark reality of what could happen…you just need to read it.

[Avery Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

It presented and it delivered. The entire time I was reading this story I was on edge the whole time and sick to my stomach. It was actually hard to feel sympathy for any of the characters because they only thought of themselves and not how their actions would hurt other people.

[Cindy Marcelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I consumed in one sitting like the delicious meal it is.

Like the pie eating contest in Stand by Me or the rice scene in The Lost Boys, this story exploits the gross parts of macabre while celebrating the humanity of it's flawed, selfish characters.

This book left my skin crawling and my husband politely asking me to "stop telling me about this book why are you reading that?!"

Alyanna Poe has created a beautiful and complex commentary on consumption and parasocial relationships, crafting train wreck level circumstances that I could not turn away from.

I cared about the world she created and am invested in seeing what's next for them and for the author.

[Ryan Rains · Rating 2 out of 5]

With an overall community rating of four stars and an author who claims she was "born to write horror," I couldn't have been more disappointed; this book was more "gross out" than horror.

The first half of the book appeared to be dedicated to plot development. Near the three-quarter mark, the plot seemed to veer off course, with Mia embarking on her own adventure that did not seem to connect with the novel. I get what the author was attempting to do by bringing Mia back into the picture, but it was poorly executed. The most interesting aspect of this book came near the end, although it wasn't particularly memorable.

Overall, the book has an intriguing concept but falls short on execution. The idea of delving into the world of an online eating show is intriguing, but the book's pacing feels uneven, and character development is weak. While certain scenes are entertaining, they are frequently overwhelmed by awkward dialogue and disappointing story developments.

[Tony Anuci · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not sure what I was expecting from this book, but I can say I received way more. This was such a fun read! I refuse to give spoilers, so I am limited in what I can say. I will say a certain man out on the road was an awesome character… and a surprise at that. I recommend this one highly. Go get it!

[M.J. Mars · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve loved Alyanna Poe’s work for a long while and Mukbang delivered in so many ways. This is true splatterpunk in that the situation that befalls the characters has some tragedy behind it, there is a redemption for some, punishment for others.
Jack and Mia used to have a successful travel channel before Covid hit. When Jack tried to find another way to make revenue, he descended down a path Mia could never have imagined. Former model Mia is left taking care of someone who is a shadow of the man she married. She doesn’t know how she let this happen. But, while she plans her escape, someone else is working out how to worm their way in…
I loved this story and how it spun out of control so believably for these characters. There was tragedy and love at the heart of their decisions, which makes this more splatterpunk than extreme.
It went into areas I never guessed (mega bonus points!) especially with Mia’s story.
Alyanna wrote a very intriguing afterward where she explained how she felt toward the end of the story, and I think this may resonate with so many writers out there. Thank f*ck Alyanna ignored that doubting voice as always, and delivered exactly what we wanted. Keep in ignoring that voice, AP

[Socrates19999 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Took a chance and it paid off

I saw an ad plugging this book and needed a distraction. With October fast approaching and not wanting too long of a distraction I checked my digital credits and sure enough had them to cover so it was a risk free opportunity. The pacing of the book was amazing. I did get confused in parts, but that was probably because of being tired and reading at the same time as well as playing with the font sizes and background colors. The characters were quite believable and made sense. I could picture them as people walking around in society. I’m not convinced that is a great thing though, but it worked for the horror aspect. The level of detail and the twists were amazing. In the end, give the book a shot. It will definitely get inside your head and make you think.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one lost me a bit about 2/3 in, but overall I enjoyed it.
I had never heard of Mukbang content before, but I love horror about Social Media, so this was right up my street. I loved the first half, where we see Jack and Mia's relationship and how social media has affected it. There are plenty of brilliantly disgusting descriptions of the food Jack eats on camera and how he shovels it down, but this extreme horror story has a heart to it. It's about the repulsive things a person can do to themselves for the likes, and how the engagement on socials can consume someone, and how it can affect a relationship.
Things slowed down a bit later in the book, and the Rochelle character wasn't as interesting as I thought she'd be, but this was a good social media horror story.

[Simeon Elkjær · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Would give 3,5.. But no half stars *

What Would happen if someone like "nikocado avocado", had kept binging and turning ever more glutonous (in mind and body)....

This book, shows you what Would happen...

This story has or shows :
Pitfalls of narrow, all consuming fame.
Written example of mukbang extremes..
Dark unintended third wheel situation.
Power of money, over what really should matter.

Was a deeper plot and more "character building", than the horrors i normally read i think thats partally why it did not Get full 5/5.

Mukbang is a niche, and the niche just didnt scratch all the ice cream boxes. So to speak....

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is DISGUSTINGLY GOOD!!
5 out of 5 stars
If you like horror, you should read this book!
Jack and Mia were vloggers, but Jack wanted to do something more ... well he did.. he decided to do live shows where all he did was stuff his face aka Mukbang... became a disgusting obese man, Mia stayed by his side for it all... he even had a fan that was wanting to be with him... did Mia finally get tired of Jack's disgusting ways and leave? Did his fan iheartjack and Jack finally meet?
Wanna know what happens?? You gotta read it for yourself.. but MY only warning is, if your stomach can't handle it, just push through, you won't be disappointed!!!

[Kimberly Spookybookwurm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one!
I really liked the style of the author's writing.
This made it super easy to visualize what was happening in the story.
There were so many disgusting scenes. I liked how poetic the descriptions were while still making me cringe in certain parts.

I enjoyed the majority of the characters.
I think Mia and Carl were my favorites.
I think the author did a great job of using as many as she did in the number of pages used.
I felt like you got just enough of each one to make you want to root for each one.
It felt very easy to pick up on each character's emotions.

I really liked the ending!

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gross. I loved this book. From someone who lost her career, and practically all other identifying parts of my life, due to Covid, I related with both of the main characters in this book (on a far more scaled-down level, obviously.) There's no fairy tale ending. There are no heroes. Just brutal, utter heartbreak. I love the ending (no spoilers) and I'm glad there's a note in the end about how it came to be. I am thankful it was windy in SoCal that day, I think it's perfect.

[Sarah DeRosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This work leads the reader into the lives of a toxic social media driven couple as they navigate through a shockwave that sent the world into peril. Mukbang is the first book I have read with a plot indirectly discussing the after effects of COVID and how it forever impacted those with certain careers. I also appreciated the deep dive into underlying themes of mental health, dependency, and self-worth. A very well written and thought provoking story shining through a creative concept.

[Beatrix Starling · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fascinating story of a couple's toxic affair with social media.
The story was interesting, disgusting and disturbing, i really enjoyed it. It took a turn I wasn't expecting but it was fun.
I do think the story itself got shakey towards the end, things started making less sense and it got a bit disjointed with an abrupt ending, but regardless i still enjoyed it a lot and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a brilliant disgusting horror book.

[Crystal Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bloody Fantastic!

I grabbed this off kindle unlimited because I kept seeing her promote the book on reels over different platforms. Finally, I had a dream about it and when I woke up it was the ONLY book I wanted to read. Thankfully I found it and began devouring it. You want a book that’s going to psychoanalyze social media and the toxic relationship we have formed with sad and angry people. I’m now going to find her other books.

[Emle H · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re new to splatterpunk or looking to brand into it, this is a great book to start with. It’s gross but not excessive. It has violence but not straight up detailed gore. The story line is great and it really makes you feel for Mia the whole time and I was absolutely rooting for Carl at the end. Overall, great read!

[Rachal Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first read from this Alyanna Poe and I throughly enjoyed it. The characters are well written, the action is nonstop, scenes are visually descriptive and lots of vile moments. Perfect read for extreme horror and splatterpunk fans.

[Dean Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very clever, the the writing was top notch. I don't want to give any spoilers, but it's possible that after reading this, you will never eat Ramen again.
I like Poe's writing style, I think that after reading this I definitely want to read more of her work.

[Randall James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this book expecting an entertaining gross-out. But what I got was a really great story, fascinating characters (that I NEED MORE OF), and a desire to keep the party going. Read this, follow Alyanna on social media, and prepare for great writing that will have you begging for more

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is top 2 most vile books I've ever read. I'm impressed and distubed.The descriptions of things just wouldn't stop. Definitely catogorizing this as extreme horror. I do prefer the fork cover on KU. This was a jump scare. lol

[Crystal DeBoard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disgusting, vile, a wtf did I just read?! But in a good way. This book keeps you hooked. This was my first read by Alyanna Poe, but I will definitely be on the lookout for more.

[st · Rating 2 out of 5]

i feel like this would have worked more if the characters didnt keep acquiring characteristics out of nowhere and changing personalities every chapter, but pretty good for what i expected tbh