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Splatterpunk's Basement of Horror
From the creator of Splatterpunk Zine, thirteen stories of classic splatterpunk by some of the finest voices in modern indie horror. Dare you go down into the basement of horror? J.F. Gonzalez, Jeff Strand & Bridgett Nelson, Glenn Rolfe, Wile E. Young, Robert Essig, Patrick Lacey, Lucas Mangum, Brendan Vidito, Candace Nola, Scott Cole, Kristopher Rufty, Carver Pike and Brian Keene.Edited by Jack Bantry.
180 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 25, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
December 26, 2023
Full review at The Mort Report:
https://www.uncomfortablydark.com/the...
The door opens slowly…creaaaaakkkkkkk…that fucker needs oil.
Descending into darkness, I make my way to the bottom and pull the cord hanging from the ceiling. A light comes on. And there it is…my worst nightmare…my bank manager and an IRS auditor, with stacks and stacks of papers in the EXPLAIN basket, discussing how we can get through everything in time for me to go to the DMV.
Different strokes.
Jack Bantry has brought together a bunch of really good authors to tell you scary stories in this charity anthology. I was not invited, so you can relax, they are better than the beginning of this review.
The strangest thing about this was just how diverse the stories turned out to be. And I’m not only referring to the ideas, but the writing itself. If you go from Brian Keene’s story (the final one) to Candace Nola’s story, they are worlds apart.
FRIDAY NIGHT IN DAMASCUS is absolutely horrifying and I would encourage you to read the story notes to really feel the clench in your sphincter, while SKINS is art. Yes, it is a fucked up canvas, but…
Let me try to put it this way. I am not a fan of abstract art. I have neither the culture nor the knowledge to “get it”. I don’t take anything away from the artists, but I am just too dense. However, I was in a sanatorium once, and there was this piece of art against the wall, completely abstract, however I not only knew exactly what it was meant to be, but actually felt the sadness. 100% true, this part.
So read SKINS with an open mind, because there’s a dreamlike quality to the story that says so much by saying so little. Well done, my friend, you should be proud of that one.
But, people, I do not really care what people think is the best story in a collection like this, but the collaboration between Strand and Nelson had me on the floor, and I think the best line in the book comes from that story, but you will have to read it yourself to really appreciate why I say that. The build up to this line is pure genius:
“So I took a picture of my own dick.”
I am going to rate this one 4.5 stars, simply because there was one story that really didn’t work for me, though it has more to do with personal taste than the writing.
Please, people, we are all looking for value for money, and you will get it here, plus the money is going for a good and necessary cause, so please support this one.
https://www.uncomfortablydark.com/the...
The door opens slowly…creaaaaakkkkkkk…that fucker needs oil.
Descending into darkness, I make my way to the bottom and pull the cord hanging from the ceiling. A light comes on. And there it is…my worst nightmare…my bank manager and an IRS auditor, with stacks and stacks of papers in the EXPLAIN basket, discussing how we can get through everything in time for me to go to the DMV.
Different strokes.
Jack Bantry has brought together a bunch of really good authors to tell you scary stories in this charity anthology. I was not invited, so you can relax, they are better than the beginning of this review.
The strangest thing about this was just how diverse the stories turned out to be. And I’m not only referring to the ideas, but the writing itself. If you go from Brian Keene’s story (the final one) to Candace Nola’s story, they are worlds apart.
FRIDAY NIGHT IN DAMASCUS is absolutely horrifying and I would encourage you to read the story notes to really feel the clench in your sphincter, while SKINS is art. Yes, it is a fucked up canvas, but…
Let me try to put it this way. I am not a fan of abstract art. I have neither the culture nor the knowledge to “get it”. I don’t take anything away from the artists, but I am just too dense. However, I was in a sanatorium once, and there was this piece of art against the wall, completely abstract, however I not only knew exactly what it was meant to be, but actually felt the sadness. 100% true, this part.
So read SKINS with an open mind, because there’s a dreamlike quality to the story that says so much by saying so little. Well done, my friend, you should be proud of that one.
But, people, I do not really care what people think is the best story in a collection like this, but the collaboration between Strand and Nelson had me on the floor, and I think the best line in the book comes from that story, but you will have to read it yourself to really appreciate why I say that. The build up to this line is pure genius:
“So I took a picture of my own dick.”
I am going to rate this one 4.5 stars, simply because there was one story that really didn’t work for me, though it has more to do with personal taste than the writing.
Please, people, we are all looking for value for money, and you will get it here, plus the money is going for a good and necessary cause, so please support this one.
May 4, 2025
SPLATTERPUNK BASEMENT OF HORROR [2023] Edited by Jack Bantry
My Review 4.2 Stars
This anthology is from the creator of Splatterpunk Zine which has an assortment of titles available on Amazon. It promises the reader thirteen (13) stories of “classic splatterpunk” which are written “by some of the finest voices in modern indie horror”. I was already aware of the impressive contributors and happier still that this fine charity anthology was a group read selection for March 2025 courtesy of the HGW Horror Book Club. I started reading this novel last month on the 11th of February and basically enjoyed a “bedtime story” many of the nights I was reading a novel. It was finished reading on March 3rd of this month and I miss it already.
I am taking advantage of my Status Updates as I compose this overall review. My approach to rating collections and anthologies is to rate the individual stories and then average the total points which yield the rating.
“Girls Dying in Lonely Places" by Brendan Vidito was the first story in this fine anthology of horror. I described it as imaginative, scary, and “taking male hatred of women for a fatal spin." It was well written, and I allotted 3.5 Stars.
The second story in order was “Skin”, a contribution by widely known horror author Candace Nola. I am a fan of hers and was really blown away by her story in a different anthology I read fairly recently. However, although “Skin” was not my favorite work of hers, it is an intense tale of a young woman whose gradual descent into madness left her concluding that no matter what costume, shell, or "skin" she used to disguise her real self it left her with hatred and self-loathing. Think Buffalo Bill from SOL on steroids. I rated it 4.0 Stars.
Third up to bat was a winner with me, or as I wrote at the time “Tonight’s story was “Mac & Millie” from the talented duo of Jeff Strand & Bridgett Nelson. It is the story of an online dating experience which resulted in the meeting of Mac & Millie. The narrative is unfolded in alternating first person narrators. I laughed so much my chest hurt. The first half of the story is absolutely hysterical. Black humor gave way to torture murder, explicit sex, and a flip the script ending. Top shelf." Solid 5.0 Stars.
The fourth story to be included was a little brick of dynamite, or as I said, “Tonight’s tale of terror (“GPS”) is from the twisted imagination of Glen Rolfe, the author of “Blood and Rain”. Like its title, it was a comparatively short entry but packed a powerful punch. The gist of this truly grisly story is that of three friends going fatally off course due to a faulty GPS. Rolfe’s imaginative monsters and deft delivery of torture, mutilation, and horrific deaths were A-1.” Rated 5 Stars.
The fifth contribution to the anthology “Blue-Plate" Special" By Wile E. Young was “on the menu” one night. Several regulars were patronizing the Juniper Flavor Diner, located in the southeastern US in California, on the evening our dismal tale unfolded. Everything is as normal as apple pie, the waitress taking orders, chatting with customers. Sci-Fi Horror story of how the world ends in the middle of eating a stack of pancakes." Rated 3.5 Stars.
Number six I must admit was a winning “recipe” for horror. I was still amused when I typed “"Our story tonight is about fine dining from respected horror author Robert Essig and is titled "Moches". Chef Fontaine has built a reputation of bold creations that serve to elevate the culinary dining experience. He will be serving his Moches to a famous food critic tonight and if the review is as great as he predicts, it will launch his name and new appetizer Moches like a super nova. This is a good one!!!" Rated 5 Stars.
In number 7 I stated that "Tonight's script was intended to be a horror movie and in particular "Unfound Footage" By Patrick Lacey. An enterprising young man was able to assemble all of the prerequisites for same and off to a haunted island they went. Cat Island was occupied by feral felines and lots of spooky atmosphere. It had been the home of Satan worshiping lepers. Our film crew learned the real truth was a killer plot." Rated 3.5 Stars.
The 8th contribution to the anthology "Something Pagan" by Lucas Mangum was an interesting short story about a young woman taking a taxi to an isolated gothic style dwelling in the middle of nowhere. She was uncertain what to expect but what she did not order happened to be on the menu. She also made some new friends and dinner companions." I liked this one and Rated it 4.0 Stars.
Number 9 “Eaten Alive” by the late J.F. Gonzalez is the story of Cyndi who loves spiders. Her pets include 17 Goliaths (Bird Eating Spiders). Authorities had stated they would not eat anything larger than themselves. Cyndi disproved this false conclusion using hubby's house cat. She was verbally abused and beaten over Betty. But he made it up to Cyndi by helping her disprove that the Goliaths would not attack really large prey". Loved it naturally. Give it a “High Five!”
In the 10th contribution to the anthology, we have ""A Little Something" by Scott Cole, a laid-back story about happily married Ellen and John. They are considerate and courteous to each other after many years of marriage. One day John comes home with a surprise gift. She loves it. Ellen has always wanted to be a mother and on that very night they decide to try. "Let's make a baby"." This story was very high on my “How damned clever scale” and I felt obliged to reward it with Rating 4.5 Stars.
Number 11 is ""Do You Have Splatterpunk" by Carver Pike. The story is confusing since the narrator's telling about a trip to a Coffee shop with a book section. He is hiding from crazed maniacs repeatedly posing the question Do you have Splatterpunk? The unkempt killer has an axe chopping everyone up in bloody pieces and the soup shop is even worse. What is really happening is senseless violence in the city." Rating 3.0 Stars.
The 12th short story was right up my alley. "Leave" By Christopher Ruffy is a variation on the greedy businessman wants to persuade a reluctant party to accept his monetary offer or else, the "else" being terror tactics or death threats. Absolutely loved this terrific example of flipping the script. In this bloody tale the boss sends his two sons and additional muscle, all four men armed and dangerous, to confront an old lady in her 90's." Rated 5.0 Stars all day long. I loved the tale enough to go online and pre-order Ruffy’s new novel which sounds like it is in the same vein. Ruffy is a “new author” to me, or I should say “was” since he will be featured on my figurative bookshelf in the future.
Unlucky number 13 is from the mind of the brilliant Bryan Keene. "Friday Night in Damascus" is a cleverly written story which explains the traditional wisdom that defines "Friday night" accompanied by well written examples of the way citizens all over enjoy it. The rhythm is broken when he inserts "Friday Night in Damascus" and examples of its stark horror. The notes by the author are a painful plot twist." Rated 4.0 Stars.
Finally, I will state my opinion that this is a splendid collection of some short stories that are truly outstanding. Overall rating yielding an impressive 4.2 Stars.
YOU CAN’T GO WRONG WITH THIS SUPERLATIVE CHARITY ANTHOLOGY
My Review 4.2 Stars
This anthology is from the creator of Splatterpunk Zine which has an assortment of titles available on Amazon. It promises the reader thirteen (13) stories of “classic splatterpunk” which are written “by some of the finest voices in modern indie horror”. I was already aware of the impressive contributors and happier still that this fine charity anthology was a group read selection for March 2025 courtesy of the HGW Horror Book Club. I started reading this novel last month on the 11th of February and basically enjoyed a “bedtime story” many of the nights I was reading a novel. It was finished reading on March 3rd of this month and I miss it already.
I am taking advantage of my Status Updates as I compose this overall review. My approach to rating collections and anthologies is to rate the individual stories and then average the total points which yield the rating.
“Girls Dying in Lonely Places" by Brendan Vidito was the first story in this fine anthology of horror. I described it as imaginative, scary, and “taking male hatred of women for a fatal spin." It was well written, and I allotted 3.5 Stars.
The second story in order was “Skin”, a contribution by widely known horror author Candace Nola. I am a fan of hers and was really blown away by her story in a different anthology I read fairly recently. However, although “Skin” was not my favorite work of hers, it is an intense tale of a young woman whose gradual descent into madness left her concluding that no matter what costume, shell, or "skin" she used to disguise her real self it left her with hatred and self-loathing. Think Buffalo Bill from SOL on steroids. I rated it 4.0 Stars.
Third up to bat was a winner with me, or as I wrote at the time “Tonight’s story was “Mac & Millie” from the talented duo of Jeff Strand & Bridgett Nelson. It is the story of an online dating experience which resulted in the meeting of Mac & Millie. The narrative is unfolded in alternating first person narrators. I laughed so much my chest hurt. The first half of the story is absolutely hysterical. Black humor gave way to torture murder, explicit sex, and a flip the script ending. Top shelf." Solid 5.0 Stars.
The fourth story to be included was a little brick of dynamite, or as I said, “Tonight’s tale of terror (“GPS”) is from the twisted imagination of Glen Rolfe, the author of “Blood and Rain”. Like its title, it was a comparatively short entry but packed a powerful punch. The gist of this truly grisly story is that of three friends going fatally off course due to a faulty GPS. Rolfe’s imaginative monsters and deft delivery of torture, mutilation, and horrific deaths were A-1.” Rated 5 Stars.
The fifth contribution to the anthology “Blue-Plate" Special" By Wile E. Young was “on the menu” one night. Several regulars were patronizing the Juniper Flavor Diner, located in the southeastern US in California, on the evening our dismal tale unfolded. Everything is as normal as apple pie, the waitress taking orders, chatting with customers. Sci-Fi Horror story of how the world ends in the middle of eating a stack of pancakes." Rated 3.5 Stars.
Number six I must admit was a winning “recipe” for horror. I was still amused when I typed “"Our story tonight is about fine dining from respected horror author Robert Essig and is titled "Moches". Chef Fontaine has built a reputation of bold creations that serve to elevate the culinary dining experience. He will be serving his Moches to a famous food critic tonight and if the review is as great as he predicts, it will launch his name and new appetizer Moches like a super nova. This is a good one!!!" Rated 5 Stars.
In number 7 I stated that "Tonight's script was intended to be a horror movie and in particular "Unfound Footage" By Patrick Lacey. An enterprising young man was able to assemble all of the prerequisites for same and off to a haunted island they went. Cat Island was occupied by feral felines and lots of spooky atmosphere. It had been the home of Satan worshiping lepers. Our film crew learned the real truth was a killer plot." Rated 3.5 Stars.
The 8th contribution to the anthology "Something Pagan" by Lucas Mangum was an interesting short story about a young woman taking a taxi to an isolated gothic style dwelling in the middle of nowhere. She was uncertain what to expect but what she did not order happened to be on the menu. She also made some new friends and dinner companions." I liked this one and Rated it 4.0 Stars.
Number 9 “Eaten Alive” by the late J.F. Gonzalez is the story of Cyndi who loves spiders. Her pets include 17 Goliaths (Bird Eating Spiders). Authorities had stated they would not eat anything larger than themselves. Cyndi disproved this false conclusion using hubby's house cat. She was verbally abused and beaten over Betty. But he made it up to Cyndi by helping her disprove that the Goliaths would not attack really large prey". Loved it naturally. Give it a “High Five!”
In the 10th contribution to the anthology, we have ""A Little Something" by Scott Cole, a laid-back story about happily married Ellen and John. They are considerate and courteous to each other after many years of marriage. One day John comes home with a surprise gift. She loves it. Ellen has always wanted to be a mother and on that very night they decide to try. "Let's make a baby"." This story was very high on my “How damned clever scale” and I felt obliged to reward it with Rating 4.5 Stars.
Number 11 is ""Do You Have Splatterpunk" by Carver Pike. The story is confusing since the narrator's telling about a trip to a Coffee shop with a book section. He is hiding from crazed maniacs repeatedly posing the question Do you have Splatterpunk? The unkempt killer has an axe chopping everyone up in bloody pieces and the soup shop is even worse. What is really happening is senseless violence in the city." Rating 3.0 Stars.
The 12th short story was right up my alley. "Leave" By Christopher Ruffy is a variation on the greedy businessman wants to persuade a reluctant party to accept his monetary offer or else, the "else" being terror tactics or death threats. Absolutely loved this terrific example of flipping the script. In this bloody tale the boss sends his two sons and additional muscle, all four men armed and dangerous, to confront an old lady in her 90's." Rated 5.0 Stars all day long. I loved the tale enough to go online and pre-order Ruffy’s new novel which sounds like it is in the same vein. Ruffy is a “new author” to me, or I should say “was” since he will be featured on my figurative bookshelf in the future.
Unlucky number 13 is from the mind of the brilliant Bryan Keene. "Friday Night in Damascus" is a cleverly written story which explains the traditional wisdom that defines "Friday night" accompanied by well written examples of the way citizens all over enjoy it. The rhythm is broken when he inserts "Friday Night in Damascus" and examples of its stark horror. The notes by the author are a painful plot twist." Rated 4.0 Stars.
Finally, I will state my opinion that this is a splendid collection of some short stories that are truly outstanding. Overall rating yielding an impressive 4.2 Stars.
YOU CAN’T GO WRONG WITH THIS SUPERLATIVE CHARITY ANTHOLOGY
August 19, 2024
I was so excited for this book, I've read a few of the contributing authors before and enjoyed their work, a few of my friends rated it very high too, so my expectations were perhaps a little too high.
My favorite story of the anthology was Mac and Millie by Jeff Strand and Bridgett Nelson (original and well executed torture scene and a splash of humor), followed by Girls Dying in Lonely places by Brendan Vidito (satisfying ending, great characters), Blue Plate Special by Wile E. Young (some body horror, radio horror and cosmic insignificance, of course I was going to like it!) and Friday Night in Damascus by Brian Keene (almost a poem). While there were quite a few duds for me in there I would still recommend it for the stories that I did enjoy and also for the fact that it is a charity anthology.
My favorite story of the anthology was Mac and Millie by Jeff Strand and Bridgett Nelson (original and well executed torture scene and a splash of humor), followed by Girls Dying in Lonely places by Brendan Vidito (satisfying ending, great characters), Blue Plate Special by Wile E. Young (some body horror, radio horror and cosmic insignificance, of course I was going to like it!) and Friday Night in Damascus by Brian Keene (almost a poem). While there were quite a few duds for me in there I would still recommend it for the stories that I did enjoy and also for the fact that it is a charity anthology.
December 30, 2023
This is a collection of stories by some of the finest authors in the genre, with proceeds going to the Herriot Hospice Homecare here in the UK. These stories are dark, brutal and dirty! A brilliantly disturbing, tantalisingly terrifying and torturous read. Saturated in blood, guts, abominations, abhorrations, pain and insanity. I dare you to enter the Splatterpunk’s Basement of Horror…. The only regret you'll have is that you didn't go sooner!
As always with collections and anthologies, I will do a short write up for each story. I enjoyed every single one, there wasn't a bad one in this bunch, but my standouts were, SKINS by Candace Nola, MAC & MILLIE by Jeff Strand & Bridgett Nelson, A LITTLE SOMETHING by Scott Cole, and FRIDAY NIGHT IN DAMASCUS by Brian Keene.
GIRLS DYING IN LONELY PLACES By Brendan Vidito…. Danielle feels threatened on her way home from a friends, and rightly so. Does the beast of a man that tries to attack her have something to do with her recent break up? Is he a manifestation of jilted men's minds, looking for retribution on their behalf?
Sometimes, an attempt at revenge can turn around and bite you on the ass!!
Brutal, yet cathartic!
SKINS By Candace Nola…. After an extremely abusive childhood, continuing on into adulthood, Cassandra has had enough. All she wanted was to belong, to be good enough, and to be loved. She sheds those old skins and tries to become someone who can fit in anywhere she wants, but maybe she tries too hard….
All consuming, heartbreaking and powerful. Chilling and visually brilliant!
MAC & MILLIE By Jeff Strand & Bridgett Nelson…. Told from each character's perspective, starting with Mac looking for the perfect woman whilst using a dating app. When he gets a message from Millie and both of them come to realise just how much they have in common, and how good they might be together…. Or not.
Darkly hilarious and savage!
GPS By Glenn Rolfe…. Jackson, Blake and Maggie are on a road trip, the GPS instructions deviating slightly from the expected route, until they are stranded in total darkness.
Creepy, unnerving.
BLUE-PLATE SPECIAL By Wile E. Young…. Leah works at the Juniper Flavor Diner. She's been there for years, with the same old diner and the same old customers, until one night, when something rather hypnotising and out of this world plays on the radio and changes things….
Utterly chilling.
MOCHES By Robert Essig…. Chef Fontaine is working his way up the culinary ladder with his innovative and tasty recipes, his latest dish is wowing even the best food critics….
Gives you real food for thought. And then….
AMORE A MOCHES By Horatio Stevenson…. Food critic Horatio, is reviewing his latest meal by Chef Fontaine, a meal by the name of MOCHES. And it's high praise indeed, for such a unique and fishy dish.
Fun, gross! Very gross!
UNFOUND FOOTAGE By Patrick Lacey,,,, On finding a strange skull when scouting for a location for a horror movie shoot in Cat Town, the skull soon has a much larger role to play in it all and the actor they got in to play the MC is truly something special….
SOMETHING PAGAN By Lucas Mangum…. Pola is amidst the darkness of West Ninth for the first time, after admiring it from a distance. She needs to pay this month's rent and this seems to be the best way. Only she gets much more than she bargained for from Lisa and her ‘friends’.... A real taste for revenge.
Hauntingly beautiful.
EATEN ALIVE By J.F. Gonzalez…. Cindy Jacobs loves spiders, she has a house full of them, from small, to giant Goliaths. She is currently conducting a rather sinister experiment with her Goliaths, trying to prove their ability to adapt to any diet to survive.
Horrifying.
A LITTLE SOMETHING By Scott Cole…. Ellen adores her husband John, and when he brings her home ‘a little something’ one evening, she's thrilled. It's such a beautiful, thoughtful gift, that goes perfectly with all her others….the final piece of the rather grisly puzzle.
Sad and creepy.
DO YOU HAVE SPLATTERPUNK? By Carver Pike…. New to Chicago, and spending time in a coffee/book shop seemed like the perfect idea, until a man named Holbrook walked in and things suddenly spiraled way out of control….
Do YOU have splatterpunk? You'd better! 😉
Brutal and thought provoking!
LEAVE By Kristopher Rufty…. An 80 year old woman is sitting on a lot of land, a lot of land that Lamont Wilson wants and he has sent his kids to make sure she knows it. But, the lady in question has history, and she wants to hold onto it, whatever happens….
A fun, high energy shoot-em up!
FRIDAY NIGHT IN DAMASCUS By Brian Keene…. Friday nights are for fun, whatever part of the world you're in, but in Damascus, the parties are a Hell of a lot wilder, and last a lot longer!
An eye-opening, sadistic tale of what goes on behind closed doors, at least, in Damascus….
*The story notes for this one are well worth a read, they are pretty mind blowing and shocking. Certainly something to think about….
As always with collections and anthologies, I will do a short write up for each story. I enjoyed every single one, there wasn't a bad one in this bunch, but my standouts were, SKINS by Candace Nola, MAC & MILLIE by Jeff Strand & Bridgett Nelson, A LITTLE SOMETHING by Scott Cole, and FRIDAY NIGHT IN DAMASCUS by Brian Keene.
GIRLS DYING IN LONELY PLACES By Brendan Vidito…. Danielle feels threatened on her way home from a friends, and rightly so. Does the beast of a man that tries to attack her have something to do with her recent break up? Is he a manifestation of jilted men's minds, looking for retribution on their behalf?
Sometimes, an attempt at revenge can turn around and bite you on the ass!!
Brutal, yet cathartic!
SKINS By Candace Nola…. After an extremely abusive childhood, continuing on into adulthood, Cassandra has had enough. All she wanted was to belong, to be good enough, and to be loved. She sheds those old skins and tries to become someone who can fit in anywhere she wants, but maybe she tries too hard….
All consuming, heartbreaking and powerful. Chilling and visually brilliant!
MAC & MILLIE By Jeff Strand & Bridgett Nelson…. Told from each character's perspective, starting with Mac looking for the perfect woman whilst using a dating app. When he gets a message from Millie and both of them come to realise just how much they have in common, and how good they might be together…. Or not.
Darkly hilarious and savage!
GPS By Glenn Rolfe…. Jackson, Blake and Maggie are on a road trip, the GPS instructions deviating slightly from the expected route, until they are stranded in total darkness.
Creepy, unnerving.
BLUE-PLATE SPECIAL By Wile E. Young…. Leah works at the Juniper Flavor Diner. She's been there for years, with the same old diner and the same old customers, until one night, when something rather hypnotising and out of this world plays on the radio and changes things….
Utterly chilling.
MOCHES By Robert Essig…. Chef Fontaine is working his way up the culinary ladder with his innovative and tasty recipes, his latest dish is wowing even the best food critics….
Gives you real food for thought. And then….
AMORE A MOCHES By Horatio Stevenson…. Food critic Horatio, is reviewing his latest meal by Chef Fontaine, a meal by the name of MOCHES. And it's high praise indeed, for such a unique and fishy dish.
Fun, gross! Very gross!
UNFOUND FOOTAGE By Patrick Lacey,,,, On finding a strange skull when scouting for a location for a horror movie shoot in Cat Town, the skull soon has a much larger role to play in it all and the actor they got in to play the MC is truly something special….
SOMETHING PAGAN By Lucas Mangum…. Pola is amidst the darkness of West Ninth for the first time, after admiring it from a distance. She needs to pay this month's rent and this seems to be the best way. Only she gets much more than she bargained for from Lisa and her ‘friends’.... A real taste for revenge.
Hauntingly beautiful.
EATEN ALIVE By J.F. Gonzalez…. Cindy Jacobs loves spiders, she has a house full of them, from small, to giant Goliaths. She is currently conducting a rather sinister experiment with her Goliaths, trying to prove their ability to adapt to any diet to survive.
Horrifying.
A LITTLE SOMETHING By Scott Cole…. Ellen adores her husband John, and when he brings her home ‘a little something’ one evening, she's thrilled. It's such a beautiful, thoughtful gift, that goes perfectly with all her others….the final piece of the rather grisly puzzle.
Sad and creepy.
DO YOU HAVE SPLATTERPUNK? By Carver Pike…. New to Chicago, and spending time in a coffee/book shop seemed like the perfect idea, until a man named Holbrook walked in and things suddenly spiraled way out of control….
Do YOU have splatterpunk? You'd better! 😉
Brutal and thought provoking!
LEAVE By Kristopher Rufty…. An 80 year old woman is sitting on a lot of land, a lot of land that Lamont Wilson wants and he has sent his kids to make sure she knows it. But, the lady in question has history, and she wants to hold onto it, whatever happens….
A fun, high energy shoot-em up!
FRIDAY NIGHT IN DAMASCUS By Brian Keene…. Friday nights are for fun, whatever part of the world you're in, but in Damascus, the parties are a Hell of a lot wilder, and last a lot longer!
An eye-opening, sadistic tale of what goes on behind closed doors, at least, in Damascus….
*The story notes for this one are well worth a read, they are pretty mind blowing and shocking. Certainly something to think about….
March 21, 2024
So, It's no lie that I love an anthology but a Splatter punk one? Bend me over and call me Sally, because that shit will have me gobbling it up like a starving man on thanksgiving. It had the turkey, the trimmings and all the pudding's you could eat.
Into blood and gore - It's got you.
An actual story to follow - yep, got it in spades.
Surprises along the way - Oh hell yes!
Now I had my favourites, of course I did. The story by Candace Nola was my first by the author and I was freaking hooked. Imaging a woman taking the skin of her victims and wearing it like a rendition to old leather face himself. The descriptions of the skin around her eyes hanging down made me physically gag. It's written in a way that makes you laugh and cringe at the same time. Being able to inject satire in a splatter punk novel is rare, and being able to do it convincingly is even rarer - rarer than rocking horse manure.
The other story that really stuck out to me was by Jeff Strand and Bridgett Nelson. A serial killer story with a spin. I had a really good time with this story. It's no secret that I enjoy a torture story and this one delivered shocks, twists and turns at every corner. A woman hating man looking for his next kill. A man hating female serial killer doing the same. What happens when they come face to face with the same intention? A throne that will turn you inside out. iykyk.
There isn't a bad story in the collection but those two just stood out the most to me. I need to find more anthologies that are more steeped in the splatter genre because its amazing when authors just left themselves go, no restrictions, balls to the wall fiction.
Into blood and gore - It's got you.
An actual story to follow - yep, got it in spades.
Surprises along the way - Oh hell yes!
Now I had my favourites, of course I did. The story by Candace Nola was my first by the author and I was freaking hooked. Imaging a woman taking the skin of her victims and wearing it like a rendition to old leather face himself. The descriptions of the skin around her eyes hanging down made me physically gag. It's written in a way that makes you laugh and cringe at the same time. Being able to inject satire in a splatter punk novel is rare, and being able to do it convincingly is even rarer - rarer than rocking horse manure.
The other story that really stuck out to me was by Jeff Strand and Bridgett Nelson. A serial killer story with a spin. I had a really good time with this story. It's no secret that I enjoy a torture story and this one delivered shocks, twists and turns at every corner. A woman hating man looking for his next kill. A man hating female serial killer doing the same. What happens when they come face to face with the same intention? A throne that will turn you inside out. iykyk.
There isn't a bad story in the collection but those two just stood out the most to me. I need to find more anthologies that are more steeped in the splatter genre because its amazing when authors just left themselves go, no restrictions, balls to the wall fiction.
November 25, 2023
“Do you have Splatterpunk?”
If not, this is the perfect place to start.
Not gonna lie, I got sucker punched by Jesus.
It was like 3am, and I’d somehow overlooked his name under the title. I absolutely loved it, and had to flip back to see who had written it. There it was: “J.F. Gonzales”. Hit me like a sack of bricks. Such an amazing author, taken too soon. His legacy will live on.
Ugh. Now I have a case of “the feels”, but I’ll save you all from reading the “FUCK Cancer!” rant I can feel welling up inside of me.
Anyhoo…
Every author in this anthology did an amazing job.
I genuinely believe this deserves a place on every horror fan’s bookshelf, regardless of subgenre proclivities.
If not, this is the perfect place to start.
Not gonna lie, I got sucker punched by Jesus.
It was like 3am, and I’d somehow overlooked his name under the title. I absolutely loved it, and had to flip back to see who had written it. There it was: “J.F. Gonzales”. Hit me like a sack of bricks. Such an amazing author, taken too soon. His legacy will live on.
Ugh. Now I have a case of “the feels”, but I’ll save you all from reading the “FUCK Cancer!” rant I can feel welling up inside of me.
Anyhoo…
Every author in this anthology did an amazing job.
I genuinely believe this deserves a place on every horror fan’s bookshelf, regardless of subgenre proclivities.
December 7, 2023
A great mixture of unique, gruesome, hilarious, strange and harrowing stories! An all star line up from some of the biggest names in Splatterpunk deliver an awesome collection and it’s all in the aid of charity. I couldn’t pick a favourite I did like all the stories but a couple that stood out for me were Mac & Millie, this one had me sniggering away to myself all the way through and then the finale story Friday Night In Damascus was a harrowing story, made even more so when you read the story notes to accompany this one. But as I said they are all great stories by great authors!
December 16, 2023
Enjoyed. A good mix of clever and just plain nasty stories. Par for the course. You may not be able to get some of these tales out of your head. For a good cause with some heavy hitters contributing along the way.
November 17, 2023
Absolute masterpiece (bar 2 stories)
I don't normally read Short stories but this one I'm so glad I did.
Each story is more wild than the last one. Honestly I couldn't put it down! 5⭐️
I don't normally read Short stories but this one I'm so glad I did.
Each story is more wild than the last one. Honestly I couldn't put it down! 5⭐️
January 29, 2025
Girls Dying in Lonely Places: amidst a series of women being killed, two best friends wonder if they have fallen victim to a serial killer, or if there is, perhaps, a more supernatural explanation. As one woman walks home from the others house one evening, little does she know she's going to find out exactly what happened to those girls, because as she realizes she's being followed by a deformed, masked man, she knows she's meant to be next.
Skins: the night she decides to commit suicide, a woman looks back on all the pain, anger and hurt she endured her entire life - just wanting to fit in and belong - she meets a man who she believes can finally give her that, but when he tells her she's not enough, she decides to change that, by turning herself into his dream woman - literally.
Mac & Millie: an incel trolls internet dating sites for his female victims, and when he lands a date for that weekend, he can't wait to extinguish the life of yet another disease-ridden whore - little does he know, his date is a serial killer trolling for her next victim too - and she's even more depraved than he is.
GPS: when a GPS takes three friends down the wrong road, they quickly find they have much bigger problems than being lost, when they see the short, big-headed creatures stalking them.
Blue-Plate Special: a crew of workers and customers at an overnight diner begin to hear strange sounds and noises broadcast on the radio, coming from something not of this world, and whoever should hear these insidious transmissions will become one of them.
Moches: a revered chef serves his newest "exotic" appetizer to a famous food critic, hoping this will be the dish that catapults him to culinary fame - but this mysterious dish has a truly rancid origin.
Unfound Footage: a horror fan and his friends go to the infamous "Cat Town," now abandoned besides for the stray cats, to film a "found footage" style horror movie, but it turns out the things lurking in the shadows may not be cats after all...
Something Pagan: a woman is invited to a mysterious mansion under the guise of being hired for a job - the pay too good to pass up - but when she meets the woman who hired her, along with all the other girls there, she finds out they're all actually there for a totally different reason, one that also may be too good to pass up.
Eaten Alive: a woman with an obsession with tarantulas begins experimenting with their food and decides to find out how big of a prey source they can actually consume.
A Little Something: after wanting to be a mother for so long, a woman's husband surprises her with the last thing they need to finally make a baby - just not in the traditional sense.
Do You Have Splatterpunk?: a doctor takes the children of Congress members hostage until they can reach a decision that tightens national border security. Throughout their captivity, he uses special simulations to torture the kids, forcing them to virtually live through their worst fears.
Leave: a greedy tycoon sends his sons and their friends out to the sticks to deal with the very last old lady who's refusing to sell out, giving her a choice to take the money, or die - but unfortunately for them, she's not willing to take that ultimatum lying down.
Friday Night in Damascus: based on real, documented cases from Syria, this story tells the numerous torture methods that more than 15k people have suffered through.
Skins: the night she decides to commit suicide, a woman looks back on all the pain, anger and hurt she endured her entire life - just wanting to fit in and belong - she meets a man who she believes can finally give her that, but when he tells her she's not enough, she decides to change that, by turning herself into his dream woman - literally.
Mac & Millie: an incel trolls internet dating sites for his female victims, and when he lands a date for that weekend, he can't wait to extinguish the life of yet another disease-ridden whore - little does he know, his date is a serial killer trolling for her next victim too - and she's even more depraved than he is.
GPS: when a GPS takes three friends down the wrong road, they quickly find they have much bigger problems than being lost, when they see the short, big-headed creatures stalking them.
Blue-Plate Special: a crew of workers and customers at an overnight diner begin to hear strange sounds and noises broadcast on the radio, coming from something not of this world, and whoever should hear these insidious transmissions will become one of them.
Moches: a revered chef serves his newest "exotic" appetizer to a famous food critic, hoping this will be the dish that catapults him to culinary fame - but this mysterious dish has a truly rancid origin.
Unfound Footage: a horror fan and his friends go to the infamous "Cat Town," now abandoned besides for the stray cats, to film a "found footage" style horror movie, but it turns out the things lurking in the shadows may not be cats after all...
Something Pagan: a woman is invited to a mysterious mansion under the guise of being hired for a job - the pay too good to pass up - but when she meets the woman who hired her, along with all the other girls there, she finds out they're all actually there for a totally different reason, one that also may be too good to pass up.
Eaten Alive: a woman with an obsession with tarantulas begins experimenting with their food and decides to find out how big of a prey source they can actually consume.
A Little Something: after wanting to be a mother for so long, a woman's husband surprises her with the last thing they need to finally make a baby - just not in the traditional sense.
Do You Have Splatterpunk?: a doctor takes the children of Congress members hostage until they can reach a decision that tightens national border security. Throughout their captivity, he uses special simulations to torture the kids, forcing them to virtually live through their worst fears.
Leave: a greedy tycoon sends his sons and their friends out to the sticks to deal with the very last old lady who's refusing to sell out, giving her a choice to take the money, or die - but unfortunately for them, she's not willing to take that ultimatum lying down.
Friday Night in Damascus: based on real, documented cases from Syria, this story tells the numerous torture methods that more than 15k people have suffered through.
January 25, 2025
'Truly one of the best anthology of shorts that I have ever read.'
A cleverly done collection of gore and blood-filled, pure splatterpunk short stories that ranged from excellent to good, with not one falling below these standards. I particularly enjoyed the strong opening stalker tale, but was also very impressed with the 'making of babies' coupled with 'eating bowlfuls of worms.' All three of these tales were outstanding for me.
I would have given this fine collection a 5 star rating, but a couple of them were based upon current, and highly sensitive political statements and, although they were still more than decent in themselves, I would prefer to read these pieces without elements of controversial politics woven into deliberately outrageous and OTT fictional storylines. A fine line indeed which admittedly works for some, but maybe not for others.
Overall: Highly recommended - 'adult horror, with some extreme content'.
Rating: 4.3 stars.
A cleverly done collection of gore and blood-filled, pure splatterpunk short stories that ranged from excellent to good, with not one falling below these standards. I particularly enjoyed the strong opening stalker tale, but was also very impressed with the 'making of babies' coupled with 'eating bowlfuls of worms.' All three of these tales were outstanding for me.
I would have given this fine collection a 5 star rating, but a couple of them were based upon current, and highly sensitive political statements and, although they were still more than decent in themselves, I would prefer to read these pieces without elements of controversial politics woven into deliberately outrageous and OTT fictional storylines. A fine line indeed which admittedly works for some, but maybe not for others.
Overall: Highly recommended - 'adult horror, with some extreme content'.
Rating: 4.3 stars.
November 30, 2023
Violent, brutal, but for a good cause! This Splatterpunk charity anthology brings together some amazing stories from top voices in the splattery scene!
The authors have a wide variety of tales to tell, but rest assured, they are all shocking and graphic! It’s actually impossible to pick a favourite as they were all equally disturbing and unique.
I’m really hoping that we see a second charity anthology in the future. This is a great book for both beginner and experienced readers in this horror genre.
The authors have a wide variety of tales to tell, but rest assured, they are all shocking and graphic! It’s actually impossible to pick a favourite as they were all equally disturbing and unique.
I’m really hoping that we see a second charity anthology in the future. This is a great book for both beginner and experienced readers in this horror genre.
December 3, 2023
A Horror Bookworm Recommendation
Basement Of Horror edited by Jack Bantry
https://horrorbookwormreviews.com/
- Two people who meet online have a peculiar thing in common, the uncontrollable desire to take human lives. Mac & Millie are a match made in horror hell. And to think, it all started with a repulsive dick pic. Who says chivalry is dead.
- A devoted husband and wife yearn to have a child of their own. Pregnancy or adoption, the couple have come up with their own alternate solution. With the help of a deep freezer and several large freezer bags, the blessing of a child just may come true for this callous couple.
- A woman attempts liberation from her trauma and abuser. When she is introduced to a way you can eat away your own suffering…an intervention is presented with unconventional cannibalistic results.
From the creator of Splatterpunk Zine comes Basement of Horror. This anthology of the extreme assembles some of the most imaginative authors writing today. Carver Pike, Jeff Strand, Glenn Rolfe, Bridgett Nelson, Brian Keene, Lucas Mangum, Robert Essig and yes even J.F. Gonzalez to name just a few. (good lord, even writing this review I’m still amazed at this all-star lineup)
Deriving from the “not quite right” mind of Kristopher Rufty…in a remote mountainside home lives an elderly lady that has forcibly been given an offer she can’t refuse, or can she?
From the distorted imagination of Candace Nola…wanting to feel more comfortable in her own skin, a woman’s creation for a better version of herself becomes a gruesome reality. Buffalo Bill ain’t got nothin’ on this seamstress.
Think of Tales From The Crypt on steroids and you have described this creepy publication from Splatterpunk Zine. Psychos, Tulpas, Cannibals and of course the South American Goliath Bird Eating Spiders…these unsettling offerings are the gifts that keep on giving. While some tales have a clever moral to the story, others pack a punch of raw savage brutality. All however hold a twisted individual representation of Splatterpunk and Extreme Fiction.
The signature dishes that identify and represent each unique flavor of author is quite the reading experience. Oh sure, you could choose to wear floaties and read King and Koontz, or you can prefer to swim out to the countercultural infested deep waters and explore uncharted territory. If your Feng Shui arrangement includes Plastic Wrap and XL Heavy Duty Glad Trash Bags, this five star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Horror Bookworm Recommendation is for you.
Basement Of Horror edited by Jack Bantry
https://horrorbookwormreviews.com/
- Two people who meet online have a peculiar thing in common, the uncontrollable desire to take human lives. Mac & Millie are a match made in horror hell. And to think, it all started with a repulsive dick pic. Who says chivalry is dead.
- A devoted husband and wife yearn to have a child of their own. Pregnancy or adoption, the couple have come up with their own alternate solution. With the help of a deep freezer and several large freezer bags, the blessing of a child just may come true for this callous couple.
- A woman attempts liberation from her trauma and abuser. When she is introduced to a way you can eat away your own suffering…an intervention is presented with unconventional cannibalistic results.
From the creator of Splatterpunk Zine comes Basement of Horror. This anthology of the extreme assembles some of the most imaginative authors writing today. Carver Pike, Jeff Strand, Glenn Rolfe, Bridgett Nelson, Brian Keene, Lucas Mangum, Robert Essig and yes even J.F. Gonzalez to name just a few. (good lord, even writing this review I’m still amazed at this all-star lineup)
Deriving from the “not quite right” mind of Kristopher Rufty…in a remote mountainside home lives an elderly lady that has forcibly been given an offer she can’t refuse, or can she?
From the distorted imagination of Candace Nola…wanting to feel more comfortable in her own skin, a woman’s creation for a better version of herself becomes a gruesome reality. Buffalo Bill ain’t got nothin’ on this seamstress.
Think of Tales From The Crypt on steroids and you have described this creepy publication from Splatterpunk Zine. Psychos, Tulpas, Cannibals and of course the South American Goliath Bird Eating Spiders…these unsettling offerings are the gifts that keep on giving. While some tales have a clever moral to the story, others pack a punch of raw savage brutality. All however hold a twisted individual representation of Splatterpunk and Extreme Fiction.
The signature dishes that identify and represent each unique flavor of author is quite the reading experience. Oh sure, you could choose to wear floaties and read King and Koontz, or you can prefer to swim out to the countercultural infested deep waters and explore uncharted territory. If your Feng Shui arrangement includes Plastic Wrap and XL Heavy Duty Glad Trash Bags, this five star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Horror Bookworm Recommendation is for you.
July 14, 2024
Wow. That was quite an extreme ride.
What particularly moved and really tugged at my heart was Skins by Candace Nola. I couldn't help but feel sad for the main character. My heart broke. If you ignore all the blood and carnage, you'd find it in your heart to sympathise and care.
Mac & Millie is sadistic and funny in a weird way. Millie is the devil incarnate and Mac is; well, he is so disappointing.
Blue Plate is scary. OMG. Imagine if that happened in real life. I don't even wanna think about it.
I wanted more from GPS. Haha. I wanted to know more.
Mochés is disgusting. Ugh, I can picture those maggots and it's making me squirm. And where they come from? Gross. (regurgitates uncontrollably.)
Eaten Alive, well Scott deserved it.
This is a memorable anthology of all things horror. Highly reccommended.
What particularly moved and really tugged at my heart was Skins by Candace Nola. I couldn't help but feel sad for the main character. My heart broke. If you ignore all the blood and carnage, you'd find it in your heart to sympathise and care.
Mac & Millie is sadistic and funny in a weird way. Millie is the devil incarnate and Mac is; well, he is so disappointing.
Blue Plate is scary. OMG. Imagine if that happened in real life. I don't even wanna think about it.
I wanted more from GPS. Haha. I wanted to know more.
Mochés is disgusting. Ugh, I can picture those maggots and it's making me squirm. And where they come from? Gross. (regurgitates uncontrollably.)
Eaten Alive, well Scott deserved it.
This is a memorable anthology of all things horror. Highly reccommended.
April 1, 2024
Such a great anthology with some pretty awesome stories! Two of my favourites will definitely be Skins by Candace Nola and Moche by Robert Essig. All stories were great but these 2 definitely stuck out to me!
Remember, if you buy this then you're giving to a charity. I thought that was awesome also! Highly recommend this anthology!
Remember, if you buy this then you're giving to a charity. I thought that was awesome also! Highly recommend this anthology!
December 14, 2023
This book contains 14 stories by different authors. The stories are:
🩸 Girls Dying in Lonely Places by Brendan Vidito
🩸 Skins by Candace Nola
🩸 Mac & Millie by Jeff Strand and Bridgett Nelson
🩸 GPS by Glenn Rolfe
🩸 Blue-Plate Special by Wile E. Young
🩸 Mochés by Robert Essig
🩸 Amore A Mochés by Horatio Stevenson
🩸 Unfound Footage by Patrick Lacey
🩸 Something Pagan by Lucas Magum
🩸 Eaten Alive by J.F. Gonzalez
🩸 A Little Something by Scott Cole
🩸 Do You Have Splatterpunk? by Carver Pike
🩸Leave by Kristopher Rufty
🩸 Friday Night in Damascus by Brian Keene
First of all wow what a line up that is, second of all the cover is creepy as sh*t and lastly if you love horror and all things creepy go get this because I was submerged in deep with this!
They are all brilliant stories!
Some of my favorites were: Girls Dying in Lonely Places, Mac & Millie, Unfound Footage, A Little Something, Do You Have Splatterpunk? And Leave. They all left me with my mouth open. I loved all the stories but they were my favorites.
🩸 Girls Dying in Lonely Places by Brendan Vidito
🩸 Skins by Candace Nola
🩸 Mac & Millie by Jeff Strand and Bridgett Nelson
🩸 GPS by Glenn Rolfe
🩸 Blue-Plate Special by Wile E. Young
🩸 Mochés by Robert Essig
🩸 Amore A Mochés by Horatio Stevenson
🩸 Unfound Footage by Patrick Lacey
🩸 Something Pagan by Lucas Magum
🩸 Eaten Alive by J.F. Gonzalez
🩸 A Little Something by Scott Cole
🩸 Do You Have Splatterpunk? by Carver Pike
🩸Leave by Kristopher Rufty
🩸 Friday Night in Damascus by Brian Keene
First of all wow what a line up that is, second of all the cover is creepy as sh*t and lastly if you love horror and all things creepy go get this because I was submerged in deep with this!
They are all brilliant stories!
Some of my favorites were: Girls Dying in Lonely Places, Mac & Millie, Unfound Footage, A Little Something, Do You Have Splatterpunk? And Leave. They all left me with my mouth open. I loved all the stories but they were my favorites.
January 14, 2024
DO YOU HAVE SPLATTERPUNK? YES, THEY CERTAINLY DO!!!
Wow! Great read. I chose this book because I have read works from almost all these authors. I was not disappointed. The theme of splatterpunk was evident throughout (there was only one story that did not fit the theme as well as the others, but still a great read).
Review of each story:
1. Girls Dying in Lonely Places By Brendan Vidito
Excellent story that was written by a man. Wow! Conjuring an urban legend with the reality that woman face daily. Perfectly written with jumps in time and tension throughout. Vidito is a Canadian and demonstrated his writing chops here. My final thought is: if only women would rewrite the rules in reality. 5/5
2. Skins by Candace Nola
Very well written. Disturbing and shocking imagery. A creepiness within the tragedy of an unloved soul. It begs the question of the evolution of evil. In this story, evil existed to create a monster. 4.5/5
3. Mac & Millie By Jeff Strand & Bridgett Nelson
LOL… this was wild! I’m going to go
Out on a limb and point out that Bridgette likely wrote Millie’s part and Jeff wrote Mac’s. I mean it could have been a complete collaboration but Mac sounded exactly like Jeff’s type of humour and Millie was just way more brutal than I have ever read from Strand. What made this funnier was that the woman was the more vicious serial killer. Super entertaining. 5/5
4. GPS by Glenn Rolfe
This felt like part of a bigger story and would have been a much more successful narrative, if you had a better sense of character for Jackson, Maggie, and Blake. Reminded me of a brutal Jack Ketchum story. 4/5
5. Blue-Plate Special By Wile E. Young
Unfortunately, this felt like a chapter in a longer saga and that makes it hard to judge. I felt like there was too much I did not know about the characters and that made it difficult to relate. It’s too bad because it was well written and I wanted to know the truth behind the invasion and what comes next. 3.5/5
6. Mochés By Robert Essig and Amore A Mochés
By Horatio Stevenson (if Horatio is a real author and the whole thing wasn’t written by Robert. You’ll understand after reading!)
This seemed to be a collaboration between Robert Essig and “Horatio Stevenson”. Although you can see where the story is going, you are still surprised when you hear the source of the “delicacy”. LOL… A commentary on fine dining culture and a terrific horror tale. 5/5
7. Unfounded footage by Patrick Lacey
Great horror tale! There was a dread that infused this short story. Conclusion was excellent. Lacey continues to impress. 5/5
8. Something Pagan By Lucas Mangum
This story took a turn I did not expect. Excellent plot and concept. I could even imagine this as a longer tale. 5/5
9. Eaten Alive by JF Gonzalez
This one was fine which is a shame because it is JF Gonzalez. I am trying to be impartial here because he is up there among my favorite authors. I am pretty positive that I read this short story before, so that could be the reason that I was not blown away? 3/5
10. A little something By Scott Cole
Funny, weird tale that was very readable but lacked a bit of credibility. There was also a mistake in the telling of the boy from the beach. 3.5/5
11. Do you Have Splatterpunk? by Carver Pike
Seemed like a bit of a vanity project for splatterpunk writers although I loved that Laymon was the first example given for the genre (kinda surprised that Bryan Smith was not included!). However, I felt this story missed the mark in terms of audience as I would imagine that anyone who picked up this anthology in the first place would be fans of splatterpunk and horror. I don’t think we need a lesson on the virtues of the genre and the actual depth of the tales that are told by the greats. 3/5
12. Leave By Kristopher Rufty
I like the way Kristopher writes but this just did not fit the rest of the anthology. However, if you are looking for a catchy Bonnie and Clyde sort of story, without Clyde, you may enjoy. 4/5 for story (lower score for not fitting with theme)
13. Friday Night in Damascus By Brian Keene
All I can say is : “Brutal!” Very effective way to showcase the fact that this atrocious violence and torture still taking place in the modern world. This is the scariest story of them all thanks to Keene’s story notes. 5/5
Wow! Great read. I chose this book because I have read works from almost all these authors. I was not disappointed. The theme of splatterpunk was evident throughout (there was only one story that did not fit the theme as well as the others, but still a great read).
Review of each story:
1. Girls Dying in Lonely Places By Brendan Vidito
Excellent story that was written by a man. Wow! Conjuring an urban legend with the reality that woman face daily. Perfectly written with jumps in time and tension throughout. Vidito is a Canadian and demonstrated his writing chops here. My final thought is: if only women would rewrite the rules in reality. 5/5
2. Skins by Candace Nola
Very well written. Disturbing and shocking imagery. A creepiness within the tragedy of an unloved soul. It begs the question of the evolution of evil. In this story, evil existed to create a monster. 4.5/5
3. Mac & Millie By Jeff Strand & Bridgett Nelson
LOL… this was wild! I’m going to go
Out on a limb and point out that Bridgette likely wrote Millie’s part and Jeff wrote Mac’s. I mean it could have been a complete collaboration but Mac sounded exactly like Jeff’s type of humour and Millie was just way more brutal than I have ever read from Strand. What made this funnier was that the woman was the more vicious serial killer. Super entertaining. 5/5
4. GPS by Glenn Rolfe
This felt like part of a bigger story and would have been a much more successful narrative, if you had a better sense of character for Jackson, Maggie, and Blake. Reminded me of a brutal Jack Ketchum story. 4/5
5. Blue-Plate Special By Wile E. Young
Unfortunately, this felt like a chapter in a longer saga and that makes it hard to judge. I felt like there was too much I did not know about the characters and that made it difficult to relate. It’s too bad because it was well written and I wanted to know the truth behind the invasion and what comes next. 3.5/5
6. Mochés By Robert Essig and Amore A Mochés
By Horatio Stevenson (if Horatio is a real author and the whole thing wasn’t written by Robert. You’ll understand after reading!)
This seemed to be a collaboration between Robert Essig and “Horatio Stevenson”. Although you can see where the story is going, you are still surprised when you hear the source of the “delicacy”. LOL… A commentary on fine dining culture and a terrific horror tale. 5/5
7. Unfounded footage by Patrick Lacey
Great horror tale! There was a dread that infused this short story. Conclusion was excellent. Lacey continues to impress. 5/5
8. Something Pagan By Lucas Mangum
This story took a turn I did not expect. Excellent plot and concept. I could even imagine this as a longer tale. 5/5
9. Eaten Alive by JF Gonzalez
This one was fine which is a shame because it is JF Gonzalez. I am trying to be impartial here because he is up there among my favorite authors. I am pretty positive that I read this short story before, so that could be the reason that I was not blown away? 3/5
10. A little something By Scott Cole
Funny, weird tale that was very readable but lacked a bit of credibility. There was also a mistake in the telling of the boy from the beach. 3.5/5
11. Do you Have Splatterpunk? by Carver Pike
Seemed like a bit of a vanity project for splatterpunk writers although I loved that Laymon was the first example given for the genre (kinda surprised that Bryan Smith was not included!). However, I felt this story missed the mark in terms of audience as I would imagine that anyone who picked up this anthology in the first place would be fans of splatterpunk and horror. I don’t think we need a lesson on the virtues of the genre and the actual depth of the tales that are told by the greats. 3/5
12. Leave By Kristopher Rufty
I like the way Kristopher writes but this just did not fit the rest of the anthology. However, if you are looking for a catchy Bonnie and Clyde sort of story, without Clyde, you may enjoy. 4/5 for story (lower score for not fitting with theme)
13. Friday Night in Damascus By Brian Keene
All I can say is : “Brutal!” Very effective way to showcase the fact that this atrocious violence and torture still taking place in the modern world. This is the scariest story of them all thanks to Keene’s story notes. 5/5
January 16, 2024
Bibliophilia Templum Review
https://bibliophiliatemplum.wordpress.com/2024/01/16/splatterpunks-basement-of-horror/
Within the pages of Splatterpunk’s Basement of Horror are some of the most disturbing stories you will ever read. Perhaps not the most gory or graphic or scary, but definitely some of the most disturbing (it’s in the title; this is billed as Splatterpunk, not Extreme Horror). Even the darkly funny “Mac & Millie” by Jeff Strand (so of course it’s funny) and Bridgette Nelson (so yeah, graphic) is disturbing—on so many levels.
“Girls Dying in Lonely Places” by Brendan Vidito brutally and evocatively speaks to the terrors faced by women everywhere (I really felt this one), while “Skins” by Candace Nola speaks to a woman’s (person’s, really) internal torment in a story both horrifying and moving. “GPS” by Glenn Rolfe is a harrowing backroads creature horror tale, and “Blue-Plate Special” by Wile E. Young is a gruesome and character-driven sci-fi horror story with a subtle underlying theme reflecting indoctrination.
Robert Essig’s “Mochés” is a shocking culinary horror short that speaks to narcissistic obsession and the darkness at the heart of fads and the critically acclaimed, while Patrick Lacey’s suspenseful story “Unfound Footage” speaks to the drive for recognition and social relevance in a profoundly different, more gruesome way. Lucas Mangum’s compelling and impactful tale “Something Pagan” explores a theme of desperation while also making a profound statement about consequence and those deserving of it who escape it, and this is followed by J.F. Gonzalez’s “Eaten Alive,” a horrifying short about obsession and a very real breed of giant spider.
“A Little Something” by Scott Cole is one of the most disturbing stories in the anthology … or anywhere. Next is “Do You Have Splatterpunk?” by Carver Pike, a complex, violent, and bloody tale about perceptions and pain (both physical and emotional). And then there is “Leave” by Kristopher Rufty, a brutal but kind of fun story that ultimately is reflective of corporate greed.
The anthology concludes with Brian Keene’s “Friday Night in Damascus,” a rather poetic narrative on torture, but the true horror lies in the Story Notes at the end. I can’t get this out of my head.
Splatterpunk’s Basement of Horror is not only an incredible journey of disturbing horror, it is also a charity anthology benefitting Herriot Hospice Homecare, who help people with terminal cancer. Get it for the cause as well as the stories.
https://bibliophiliatemplum.wordpress.com/2024/01/16/splatterpunks-basement-of-horror/
Within the pages of Splatterpunk’s Basement of Horror are some of the most disturbing stories you will ever read. Perhaps not the most gory or graphic or scary, but definitely some of the most disturbing (it’s in the title; this is billed as Splatterpunk, not Extreme Horror). Even the darkly funny “Mac & Millie” by Jeff Strand (so of course it’s funny) and Bridgette Nelson (so yeah, graphic) is disturbing—on so many levels.
“Girls Dying in Lonely Places” by Brendan Vidito brutally and evocatively speaks to the terrors faced by women everywhere (I really felt this one), while “Skins” by Candace Nola speaks to a woman’s (person’s, really) internal torment in a story both horrifying and moving. “GPS” by Glenn Rolfe is a harrowing backroads creature horror tale, and “Blue-Plate Special” by Wile E. Young is a gruesome and character-driven sci-fi horror story with a subtle underlying theme reflecting indoctrination.
Robert Essig’s “Mochés” is a shocking culinary horror short that speaks to narcissistic obsession and the darkness at the heart of fads and the critically acclaimed, while Patrick Lacey’s suspenseful story “Unfound Footage” speaks to the drive for recognition and social relevance in a profoundly different, more gruesome way. Lucas Mangum’s compelling and impactful tale “Something Pagan” explores a theme of desperation while also making a profound statement about consequence and those deserving of it who escape it, and this is followed by J.F. Gonzalez’s “Eaten Alive,” a horrifying short about obsession and a very real breed of giant spider.
“A Little Something” by Scott Cole is one of the most disturbing stories in the anthology … or anywhere. Next is “Do You Have Splatterpunk?” by Carver Pike, a complex, violent, and bloody tale about perceptions and pain (both physical and emotional). And then there is “Leave” by Kristopher Rufty, a brutal but kind of fun story that ultimately is reflective of corporate greed.
The anthology concludes with Brian Keene’s “Friday Night in Damascus,” a rather poetic narrative on torture, but the true horror lies in the Story Notes at the end. I can’t get this out of my head.
Splatterpunk’s Basement of Horror is not only an incredible journey of disturbing horror, it is also a charity anthology benefitting Herriot Hospice Homecare, who help people with terminal cancer. Get it for the cause as well as the stories.
November 21, 2023
I knew these stories would be great going in given the authors included but wow!
I think everything was covered in here. Torture, skin suits, a leper colony, aliens, incels, a hilarious take on the stereotype of people who read splatterpunk and a Frankenstein baby.
There was not a bad story and I think my favourite was GPS. It has always been a fear of mine to be driving on a dark country road and see something skitter across the headlights. Even though there was a lot of blood and violence in these stories there were also a lot of moments where I regretted reading late at night alone as the spooky factor was turned way up.
As always Jack Bantry you hit it out of the park!
I think everything was covered in here. Torture, skin suits, a leper colony, aliens, incels, a hilarious take on the stereotype of people who read splatterpunk and a Frankenstein baby.
There was not a bad story and I think my favourite was GPS. It has always been a fear of mine to be driving on a dark country road and see something skitter across the headlights. Even though there was a lot of blood and violence in these stories there were also a lot of moments where I regretted reading late at night alone as the spooky factor was turned way up.
As always Jack Bantry you hit it out of the park!
March 22, 2024
My review is for the eBook.
This Splatterpunk anthology has short stories written by various authors.
This is just my opinion about some Splatterpunk & Extreme horror books, eBooks, I don't think it's always necessary for any short stories, novellas, that are the Splatterpunk & Extreme Horror genre to have themes/scenes of domestic violence, sexism, misogyny, rape or animal torture/abuse & cruelty/murder of animals.
𝐆𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐬 𝐃𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬-𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐨:
I loved reading the first short story, it had a unique and interesting plot, I liked the characters, the plot about the incels, neckbeards creating a tulpa, or thought form and manifesting it into reality with their negative energy, intention and purpose of punishing women that are "selfish cold bitches"
The serial killer that maybe either a tulpa or a thought form, both require energy from you to give it life, the more it is believed to be real, the more tangible in reality it becomes until it manifests into reality, it is a physical manifestation of all the rage, hatred, sexism, misogyny that incels, neckbeards, loners, losers that are rejected by women feel, because they can't handle the fact that not all women would be interested in them,or find them attractive, so they reject them, but these men have a very fragile pride and ego so they can't handle being rejected, they interpret being rejected by women as a personal attack to their fragile pride and ego, so they are a butthurt, immature manchild about women not being interested in them, or rejecting them.
It's not the fault of ALL WOMEN if a minority of men are rejected by women in a fictional extreme horror short story or in real-life.
Toxic masculinity sexism, misogyny and intolerance of women is why there are real-life incels that murdered women like Elliot Rodger just because he was a poor rich, boy virgin and was rejected by a woman.
Wesley is a toxic, narcissist, he also seems like he would be emotionally and verbally coercive and manipulative of his now ex girlfriend Danielle, he seems like he is suffering from intermittent explosive disorder-men that have a frequent uncontrollable rage and they become violent.
Danielle chose to fight against her toxic, abusive ex, to stand up for herself, she was unfortunately unable to help or save her friend Margie but she stood up for herself, good for her.
I always like and appreciate strong, but damaged female characters that stand up for themselves and fight back in extreme horror or splatterpunk eBooks.
𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐬-𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐥𝐚:
I really hate this vile, disgusting short story.
The very graphic, triggering descriptions of a child, that was physically beaten up raped by one person at 7 years old then, held down, tortured and gag-raped and pissed on at the age of 10 is absoutely fucking disgusting.
It's fucking depressing to read, it's makes me feel physically sick, what is the point of this short story?? 😖
Men have been abusive to me in my life and non consensual things have happened in my life involving men that I didn't want to happen, so this was triggering for me to read.
I like the Victor Frankenstein aspect of this short story, but unfortunately like the girl in the short story i've been bullied my whole life, so I can relate to never feeling good enough, not being respected, fully accepted for who you genuinely are as a person, not fitting in. & feeling like you don't fit in or belong anywhere, even among like-minded people, your still a unwanted outcast.
I've never felt more depressed while reading a shory short 😥
The poor girl just wanted to be loved, to fit in, to belong, to be accepted, wanted, needed, for someone, anyone to show her any kindness, compassion and empathy but people just treated her like a disposable, plaything to be used, abused and discarded like she is a piece of unwanted rubbish- my life has been the same, so I can relate, it's depressing and it makes me feel angry.
𝐌𝐚𝐜 & 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐞-𝐉𝐞𝐟𝐟 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐭 𝐍𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐨𝐧:
I like the dynamic between the two murderers Mac & Millie in this short story, it's funny that they are both judging the other person and both characters have the intention to murder the other person.
Mac says & thinks conflicting, confusing things about women so it's hard to tell what their genuine opinion of women is.
He claims to not be a misogynist, but at the same time women deserve what happens to them if they reply to his message online & want to meet him in-person.
It's confusing 🙃
This short story has a dark humour which is funny, I like the way the short story is written.
𝐆𝐏𝐒-𝐆𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐧 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐟𝐞:
This short story was okay, t wasn't really that interesting to me to be honest.
𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞-𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥-𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐄. 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠:
This short story was really cool, interesting, I liked that it was based in a diner, in the desert.
It reminded me of the Roswell, Alien crash landing into America, and of old fashioned Sci-Fi films and H.G. Well's the War of the Worlds and the mass hysteria when Orson Well's read a dramatic play of the story on the radio and American's believe they were being invaded by Aliens 🤣
𝐌𝐨𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬-𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐭 𝐄𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐠:
This short story is fucking disgusting 🤢🤮
𝐀𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐀 𝐌𝐨𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬-𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐧:
Chef Fountaine wants to ruin the reputation and career of a food critic that he absolutely hate-Horatio Stevenson, although his ingenious plan, backfires and turns him into a culinary God instead.
This short story proves just how disgusting humanity is and what they are willing to do just to eat gourmet food.
𝐔𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞-𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐋𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐲:
I really liked this short story, it was unique I liked that the town is called "Cat Town" and the horde of stray cats that roam freely in the spooky town with a history of it being a Leprosy colony.
Did Lexi really feed a horde of stay cats r were they shape-shifting demons or entities that took the form of cats to lure people to Cat Town?
What happened to the crew member for their production team while they were there to record their found footage horror film?
Who stole their camera and gear for set dressing?
Who was watching and stalking them the whole time they were there?
I liked that some things were explained and let you figure things out & frm your own opinion about it. I liked the plot twist at the end of the story, either the person became a demon, a humanoid animal-human hybrid or something else.
I curious what people think about the ending of this short story.
I think there are a horde of stray cats in Cat Town but also shape-shifting demons as well, that take the form of cats to lure people to Cat Town.
𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐧-𝐋𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐦:
This short story was interesting, I don't know if the Pagan Goddess Fernalina is a real or fictional Goddess, but it's interesting the Pagan Coven of female witches help each other heal from sexual trauma involving men.
Eating your trauma so you can overcome it is symbolic and a metaphor, to consume what has destroyed or broken you as a act of cathartic revenge is satisfying especially if your a woman and have experienced that same/similar type of real-life trauma unfortunately.
I hope any woman that has experienced that which includes myself, heals from it and overcomes it, you deserve to be happy.
𝐄𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐀𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞-𝐉.𝐅.𝐆𝐨𝐧𝐳𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐳:
This short story is gross, I have Arachnophobia-(I am specifically afraid of spiders) they creep me out and make my skin crawl 😱
I don't like the animal cruelty in the story, poor Betty, it's not the cat's fault that Scott was abusive.
Why did the female character hate the cat? Why have a pet cat then if you hate cats? Wtf? 🤨
𝐀 𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠-𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐭𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐞:
This short story is sick and bizarre-tearing off the limbs of helpless babies is fucking disgusting and I don't fully understand the motivation of the married couple, why is doing this better than adopting a child? 🤨🤢🤮 Wtf?
This short story was disturbing, disgusting and gut-wrenching to read.
𝐃𝐨 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐮𝐧𝐤?-𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐢𝐤𝐞:
A man is trying to peacefully read his book in a bookstore/coffee shop when he is interrupted by a psychotic, murderer.
Holbrook Johns is a psychopath and a murderer that is obsessed with the Splatterpunk genre of books, he goes with the man to see his collection of Splatterpunk books in his home.
I can understand why the man believes Holbrook Johns has ruined his life or traumatized him, due to he witness seeing various innocent people that were brutally murdered right in front of him.
I like the plot twist, the use of the Splatterpunk simulation and experimentation on their unsuspecting victims. Maybe Holbrook Johns was one of the victims of the Splatterpunk simulation.
𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞-𝐊𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐮𝐟𝐭𝐲:
The elderly woman was a unexpected badass in this short story which was really cool, she was relentless, I liked this short story.
𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐍𝐈𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬-𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐞:
This sort story was strange, I don't know what the significance of Damascus is or where that is in America, since i'm British.
I didn't like all the short stories due to animal abuse/murder of animals, sexual abuse/rape that was excessively detailed in very graphic detail it made me feel sick 😖🤮
I didn't like the short story about the married couple ripping off the limbs of babies so they can "make a baby" Wtf? 🤢🤮
Why is there a trigger warning for animal abuse? 🤮
My favourite short stories:
𝐆𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐬 𝐃𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬-𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐨
𝐌𝐚𝐜 & 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐞-𝐉𝐞𝐟𝐟 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝 & 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐭 𝐍𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐨𝐧
𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞-𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥-𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐄. 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠
𝐔𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞-𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐋𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐲
𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐧-𝐋𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐦
𝐃𝐨 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐮𝐧𝐤?-𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐢𝐤𝐞
This Splatterpunk anthology has short stories written by various authors.
This is just my opinion about some Splatterpunk & Extreme horror books, eBooks, I don't think it's always necessary for any short stories, novellas, that are the Splatterpunk & Extreme Horror genre to have themes/scenes of domestic violence, sexism, misogyny, rape or animal torture/abuse & cruelty/murder of animals.
𝐆𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐬 𝐃𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬-𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐨:
I loved reading the first short story, it had a unique and interesting plot, I liked the characters, the plot about the incels, neckbeards creating a tulpa, or thought form and manifesting it into reality with their negative energy, intention and purpose of punishing women that are "selfish cold bitches"
The serial killer that maybe either a tulpa or a thought form, both require energy from you to give it life, the more it is believed to be real, the more tangible in reality it becomes until it manifests into reality, it is a physical manifestation of all the rage, hatred, sexism, misogyny that incels, neckbeards, loners, losers that are rejected by women feel, because they can't handle the fact that not all women would be interested in them,or find them attractive, so they reject them, but these men have a very fragile pride and ego so they can't handle being rejected, they interpret being rejected by women as a personal attack to their fragile pride and ego, so they are a butthurt, immature manchild about women not being interested in them, or rejecting them.
It's not the fault of ALL WOMEN if a minority of men are rejected by women in a fictional extreme horror short story or in real-life.
Toxic masculinity sexism, misogyny and intolerance of women is why there are real-life incels that murdered women like Elliot Rodger just because he was a poor rich, boy virgin and was rejected by a woman.
Wesley is a toxic, narcissist, he also seems like he would be emotionally and verbally coercive and manipulative of his now ex girlfriend Danielle, he seems like he is suffering from intermittent explosive disorder-men that have a frequent uncontrollable rage and they become violent.
Danielle chose to fight against her toxic, abusive ex, to stand up for herself, she was unfortunately unable to help or save her friend Margie but she stood up for herself, good for her.
I always like and appreciate strong, but damaged female characters that stand up for themselves and fight back in extreme horror or splatterpunk eBooks.
𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐬-𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐥𝐚:
I really hate this vile, disgusting short story.
The very graphic, triggering descriptions of a child, that was physically beaten up raped by one person at 7 years old then, held down, tortured and gag-raped and pissed on at the age of 10 is absoutely fucking disgusting.
It's fucking depressing to read, it's makes me feel physically sick, what is the point of this short story?? 😖
Men have been abusive to me in my life and non consensual things have happened in my life involving men that I didn't want to happen, so this was triggering for me to read.
I like the Victor Frankenstein aspect of this short story, but unfortunately like the girl in the short story i've been bullied my whole life, so I can relate to never feeling good enough, not being respected, fully accepted for who you genuinely are as a person, not fitting in. & feeling like you don't fit in or belong anywhere, even among like-minded people, your still a unwanted outcast.
I've never felt more depressed while reading a shory short 😥
The poor girl just wanted to be loved, to fit in, to belong, to be accepted, wanted, needed, for someone, anyone to show her any kindness, compassion and empathy but people just treated her like a disposable, plaything to be used, abused and discarded like she is a piece of unwanted rubbish- my life has been the same, so I can relate, it's depressing and it makes me feel angry.
𝐌𝐚𝐜 & 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐞-𝐉𝐞𝐟𝐟 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐭 𝐍𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐨𝐧:
I like the dynamic between the two murderers Mac & Millie in this short story, it's funny that they are both judging the other person and both characters have the intention to murder the other person.
Mac says & thinks conflicting, confusing things about women so it's hard to tell what their genuine opinion of women is.
He claims to not be a misogynist, but at the same time women deserve what happens to them if they reply to his message online & want to meet him in-person.
It's confusing 🙃
This short story has a dark humour which is funny, I like the way the short story is written.
𝐆𝐏𝐒-𝐆𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐧 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐟𝐞:
This short story was okay, t wasn't really that interesting to me to be honest.
𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞-𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥-𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐄. 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠:
This short story was really cool, interesting, I liked that it was based in a diner, in the desert.
It reminded me of the Roswell, Alien crash landing into America, and of old fashioned Sci-Fi films and H.G. Well's the War of the Worlds and the mass hysteria when Orson Well's read a dramatic play of the story on the radio and American's believe they were being invaded by Aliens 🤣
𝐌𝐨𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬-𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐭 𝐄𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐠:
This short story is fucking disgusting 🤢🤮
𝐀𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐀 𝐌𝐨𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬-𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐧:
Chef Fountaine wants to ruin the reputation and career of a food critic that he absolutely hate-Horatio Stevenson, although his ingenious plan, backfires and turns him into a culinary God instead.
This short story proves just how disgusting humanity is and what they are willing to do just to eat gourmet food.
𝐔𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞-𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐋𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐲:
I really liked this short story, it was unique I liked that the town is called "Cat Town" and the horde of stray cats that roam freely in the spooky town with a history of it being a Leprosy colony.
Did Lexi really feed a horde of stay cats r were they shape-shifting demons or entities that took the form of cats to lure people to Cat Town?
What happened to the crew member for their production team while they were there to record their found footage horror film?
Who stole their camera and gear for set dressing?
Who was watching and stalking them the whole time they were there?
I liked that some things were explained and let you figure things out & frm your own opinion about it. I liked the plot twist at the end of the story, either the person became a demon, a humanoid animal-human hybrid or something else.
I curious what people think about the ending of this short story.
I think there are a horde of stray cats in Cat Town but also shape-shifting demons as well, that take the form of cats to lure people to Cat Town.
𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐧-𝐋𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐦:
This short story was interesting, I don't know if the Pagan Goddess Fernalina is a real or fictional Goddess, but it's interesting the Pagan Coven of female witches help each other heal from sexual trauma involving men.
Eating your trauma so you can overcome it is symbolic and a metaphor, to consume what has destroyed or broken you as a act of cathartic revenge is satisfying especially if your a woman and have experienced that same/similar type of real-life trauma unfortunately.
I hope any woman that has experienced that which includes myself, heals from it and overcomes it, you deserve to be happy.
𝐄𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐀𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞-𝐉.𝐅.𝐆𝐨𝐧𝐳𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐳:
This short story is gross, I have Arachnophobia-(I am specifically afraid of spiders) they creep me out and make my skin crawl 😱
I don't like the animal cruelty in the story, poor Betty, it's not the cat's fault that Scott was abusive.
Why did the female character hate the cat? Why have a pet cat then if you hate cats? Wtf? 🤨
𝐀 𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠-𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐭𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐞:
This short story is sick and bizarre-tearing off the limbs of helpless babies is fucking disgusting and I don't fully understand the motivation of the married couple, why is doing this better than adopting a child? 🤨🤢🤮 Wtf?
This short story was disturbing, disgusting and gut-wrenching to read.
𝐃𝐨 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐮𝐧𝐤?-𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐢𝐤𝐞:
A man is trying to peacefully read his book in a bookstore/coffee shop when he is interrupted by a psychotic, murderer.
Holbrook Johns is a psychopath and a murderer that is obsessed with the Splatterpunk genre of books, he goes with the man to see his collection of Splatterpunk books in his home.
I can understand why the man believes Holbrook Johns has ruined his life or traumatized him, due to he witness seeing various innocent people that were brutally murdered right in front of him.
I like the plot twist, the use of the Splatterpunk simulation and experimentation on their unsuspecting victims. Maybe Holbrook Johns was one of the victims of the Splatterpunk simulation.
𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞-𝐊𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐮𝐟𝐭𝐲:
The elderly woman was a unexpected badass in this short story which was really cool, she was relentless, I liked this short story.
𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐍𝐈𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬-𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐞:
This sort story was strange, I don't know what the significance of Damascus is or where that is in America, since i'm British.
I didn't like all the short stories due to animal abuse/murder of animals, sexual abuse/rape that was excessively detailed in very graphic detail it made me feel sick 😖🤮
I didn't like the short story about the married couple ripping off the limbs of babies so they can "make a baby" Wtf? 🤢🤮
Why is there a trigger warning for animal abuse? 🤮
My favourite short stories:
𝐆𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐬 𝐃𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬-𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐨
𝐌𝐚𝐜 & 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐞-𝐉𝐞𝐟𝐟 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝 & 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐭 𝐍𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐨𝐧
𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞-𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥-𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐄. 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠
𝐔𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞-𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐋𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐲
𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐧-𝐋𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐦
𝐃𝐨 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐮𝐧𝐤?-𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐢𝐤𝐞
February 18, 2024
Splatterpunk’s Basement of Horror features fourteen stories from a fantastic lineup of authors. My favorites include Mac & Millie by Jeff Strand and Bridgett Nelson, Something Pagan by Lucas Mangum, A Little Something by Scott Cole, Do You Have Splatterpunk by Carver Pike, Leave by Kristopher Rufty and Friday Night in Damascus by Brian Keene. The variety offered is impressive, and each story is disturbing. For anyone that enjoys splatter, this should be on your TBR.
April 5, 2024
Decent mix
Some stories were great. Yet others were barely a complete story. For a collection claiming to be splatter it was not as graphic as I expected.
There were some 5 stars stories in this collection. I'm glad I read it.
Some stories were great. Yet others were barely a complete story. For a collection claiming to be splatter it was not as graphic as I expected.
There were some 5 stars stories in this collection. I'm glad I read it.
June 14, 2024
This book consists of many short stories. I enjoyed some more than others. It was definitely an interesting read.
March 4, 2025
Not the forbidden worms. 💀
February 29, 2024
All the stories was different leaving me wanting a whole novel from each. Great book highly enjoyed it!
January 12, 2024
Each story was engaging and got different reactions from me. Enjoyed reading it
January 3, 2024
This was a great collection of stories. I pretty much knew this collection would be phenomenal based on the table of contents. There isn’t a bad story in the bunch of this anthology. If you love, horror and buckets of blood, give this a read.
June 21, 2024
Thank you to the editor for providing a review copy.
Splatterpunk's Basement of Horror should have something to please every splatterpunk fan. There are some real heavy hitters included in the collection, and I enjoyed all but one of the stories.
Girls Dying in Lonely Places by Brendan Vidito ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Skins by Candace Nola ⭐⭐
Mac & Millie by Jeff Strand and Bridgett Nelson ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
GPS by Glenn Rolfe ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Blue-Plate Special by Wile E. Young ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mochés by Robert Essig ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Unfound Footage by Patrick Lacey ⭐⭐⭐.75
Something Pagan by Lucas Mangum ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Eaten Alive by J.F. Gonzalez ⭐⭐⭐
A Little Something by Scott Cole ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Do You Have Splatterpunk? by Carver Pike ⭐⭐⭐⭐.75
Leave by Kristopher Rufty ⭐⭐⭐.5
Friday Night in Damascus by Brian Keene ⭐⭐⭐
Splatterpunk's Basement of Horror should have something to please every splatterpunk fan. There are some real heavy hitters included in the collection, and I enjoyed all but one of the stories.
Girls Dying in Lonely Places by Brendan Vidito ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Skins by Candace Nola ⭐⭐
Mac & Millie by Jeff Strand and Bridgett Nelson ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
GPS by Glenn Rolfe ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Blue-Plate Special by Wile E. Young ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mochés by Robert Essig ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Unfound Footage by Patrick Lacey ⭐⭐⭐.75
Something Pagan by Lucas Mangum ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Eaten Alive by J.F. Gonzalez ⭐⭐⭐
A Little Something by Scott Cole ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Do You Have Splatterpunk? by Carver Pike ⭐⭐⭐⭐.75
Leave by Kristopher Rufty ⭐⭐⭐.5
Friday Night in Damascus by Brian Keene ⭐⭐⭐
December 4, 2023
A fantastic creepy and gore filled book that also has the bonus of all proceeds being donated to charity so you not only get 13 of the best splatterpunk stories going around by some of the best horror authors out there, you also get to help out for an important cause.
There’s a wide variety of stories here, the Jeff Strand and Bridgette Nelson story being my pick of the bunch for being hilarious and disgusting but every one of them is a more than a worthy read.
There’s a wide variety of stories here, the Jeff Strand and Bridgette Nelson story being my pick of the bunch for being hilarious and disgusting but every one of them is a more than a worthy read.
February 9, 2024
This collection has it all: tulpas, otherworldly phenomenon, and plenty of gratifying gore. My favorite story is by far Mac and Millie by Jeff Strand and Bridgett Nelson. This story strikes the perfect balance between dark humor and supremely messed up.
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