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Free Burn
Love freaking hurts. Follow Triple-Six, an institutionalized, lovestruck outcast, as he fights to save the only girlfriend he's ever had from the reanimated clutches of her undead mother—the infamous pyromaniac serial killer he accidentally freed from Hell. Certain to please fans of Katherine Dunn and Jason Pargin, Free Burn is a darkly comic and surprisingly emotional horror story like nothing you've read before.
434 pages, Paperback
Published March 5, 2024
7 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 27, 2025
"Her eyes, stabbing into mine as she ripped his throat out and ate him. Black beyond shark-like. Black like an empty universe. They weren’t angry. They were ravenous. For what, I didn’t know. I didn’t want to know."
🔥🧨Free Burn is a dark, weird, horror‑fueled story with elements of body horror, supernatural horror, and tragic romance.
Raw..gory..unhinged..unpredictable.
Story gets weirder and wilder...Explores trauma and toxic relationships. Hell, demons, supernatural bargains: Supernatural elements like Hell, resurrected killers, and demonic structures are woven deeply into the plot.
The story does not shy from extreme violence, cruelty, and horror—but also attempts to find empathy, redemption, and meaning amid the terror.
🔥🧨Free Burn is a dark, weird, horror‑fueled story with elements of body horror, supernatural horror, and tragic romance.
Raw..gory..unhinged..unpredictable.
Story gets weirder and wilder...Explores trauma and toxic relationships. Hell, demons, supernatural bargains: Supernatural elements like Hell, resurrected killers, and demonic structures are woven deeply into the plot.
The story does not shy from extreme violence, cruelty, and horror—but also attempts to find empathy, redemption, and meaning amid the terror.
March 11, 2024
Review originally on
JamReads
Free Burn is an intense and fast-paced horror novel, a gory hell of a story, written by Drew Huff (I can't believe this is a debut), and published Dark Matter INK. An authentic rollercoaster of a story, disturbing and unsettling at many points, not shy of exploring the darker parts of nature, which follows Triple-Six as he tries to fight against the psychopathic pyromaniac ghost which he has freed from hell (and which incidentally is the mom of her sociopathic girlfriend).
Our two outcasts (Triple-Six and Mallory) are in a big danger after Triple-Six performs the ritual that frees Lorraine's ghost; literally, the whole hell breaks in the confusion created. All meanwhile Triple-Six and Mallory are suffering due to having their childhood marked by trauma and toxic relationships. And that's gets reflected in the own romantic relationship that is established between them, defined by the codependence and the manipulative behaviours that sometimes happen between them.
Huff has absolutely nailed the pacing and the structure of the own book, always maintaining the high-octane of the main plot, but sometimes introducing scenes that could be called more contemplative, a way of discharge the tension in the moment it touches the peak. It helps that her prose is excellent, really visual, nailing the task of creating discomfort while also opening the characters' thoughts to you.
Believe me when I tell you that reading Free Burn is a limit-pushing experience, taking you to the extreme with scenes that are incredibly gory and impactful; I would lie if I say it was a comfortable experience, being closer to spectating Hereditary, for example. (As a recommendation, check the content warnings before reading this book).
Free Burn is an excellent horror novel, which explores trauma and unhealthy relationships through its characters, with a incredibly fast pacing, and that was an absolute discovery. Drew Huff is a name to watch in the horror scene, especially after seeing the excellence of her prose at impacting the reader.
Free Burn is an intense and fast-paced horror novel, a gory hell of a story, written by Drew Huff (I can't believe this is a debut), and published Dark Matter INK. An authentic rollercoaster of a story, disturbing and unsettling at many points, not shy of exploring the darker parts of nature, which follows Triple-Six as he tries to fight against the psychopathic pyromaniac ghost which he has freed from hell (and which incidentally is the mom of her sociopathic girlfriend).
Our two outcasts (Triple-Six and Mallory) are in a big danger after Triple-Six performs the ritual that frees Lorraine's ghost; literally, the whole hell breaks in the confusion created. All meanwhile Triple-Six and Mallory are suffering due to having their childhood marked by trauma and toxic relationships. And that's gets reflected in the own romantic relationship that is established between them, defined by the codependence and the manipulative behaviours that sometimes happen between them.
Huff has absolutely nailed the pacing and the structure of the own book, always maintaining the high-octane of the main plot, but sometimes introducing scenes that could be called more contemplative, a way of discharge the tension in the moment it touches the peak. It helps that her prose is excellent, really visual, nailing the task of creating discomfort while also opening the characters' thoughts to you.
Believe me when I tell you that reading Free Burn is a limit-pushing experience, taking you to the extreme with scenes that are incredibly gory and impactful; I would lie if I say it was a comfortable experience, being closer to spectating Hereditary, for example. (As a recommendation, check the content warnings before reading this book).
Free Burn is an excellent horror novel, which explores trauma and unhealthy relationships through its characters, with a incredibly fast pacing, and that was an absolute discovery. Drew Huff is a name to watch in the horror scene, especially after seeing the excellence of her prose at impacting the reader.
June 21, 2025
Free Burn starts with promise, but fizzles out fast. I really struggled with the writing style. What could've been a searing descent into madness ends up feeling more like a disjointed fever dream without the payoff. The lack of reasonable resolution had me more than a little frustrated. The prose swings between gritty and an author trying too hard. There are moments of brilliance, but it's buried under too many instances of repetition.
I'll try the authors other work but this for me was a complete miss.
I'll try the authors other work but this for me was a complete miss.
July 5, 2024
Prose like a firecracker. So vital. So alive. This book whooped my ass.
February 22, 2024
"They can do anything they want, to your body l, but you're always safe inside your head."
Free Burn is about two outcasts, Mallory and Triple-Six who turn out to be in bigger danger than they initially thought. Having accidentally released Mallory's serial killer mother from hell, they need to find a way to put things to an end so they can have a "normal" life.
Both of these characters had an extremely rough childhood, especially considering they're "unusual" and can't exactly integrate in society the way other people do. Yet the misery doesn't end there — they have to revisit and experience a slew of new traumatic events. Mallory and Triple-Six have a complicated relationship, even more so once a plot-twist is revealed. The author uses very concise and graphic language, showing Triple-Six's erratic and staccato thoughts and feelings. Because of this it's personally a little frustrating for me to read, at times a lot is going on and too jumbled.
The moment Lorraine, Mallory's mother, gets released, the pace starts picking up and a disgusting history is unveiled about her. I found the part about the possessions the most interesting aspects of the book, and Lorraine is portrayed as an incredibly disturbing character that only gets worse throughout the book. Also trigger warning for SA because the scenes involving that are quite a lot and really graphic (while I personally didn't get triggered, I do think they get too gratuitous at times).
Unfortunately as fun as the premise sounds, I couldn't fully enjoy it as there's a lot of nonstop action involved and the writing style is not my cup of tea, which is simply not my preference as it loses momentum and becomes a little anti-climactic. There are certain twists that I liked and I'll give it credit for the unique storyline.
Free Burn is about two outcasts, Mallory and Triple-Six who turn out to be in bigger danger than they initially thought. Having accidentally released Mallory's serial killer mother from hell, they need to find a way to put things to an end so they can have a "normal" life.
Both of these characters had an extremely rough childhood, especially considering they're "unusual" and can't exactly integrate in society the way other people do. Yet the misery doesn't end there — they have to revisit and experience a slew of new traumatic events. Mallory and Triple-Six have a complicated relationship, even more so once a plot-twist is revealed. The author uses very concise and graphic language, showing Triple-Six's erratic and staccato thoughts and feelings. Because of this it's personally a little frustrating for me to read, at times a lot is going on and too jumbled.
The moment Lorraine, Mallory's mother, gets released, the pace starts picking up and a disgusting history is unveiled about her. I found the part about the possessions the most interesting aspects of the book, and Lorraine is portrayed as an incredibly disturbing character that only gets worse throughout the book. Also trigger warning for SA because the scenes involving that are quite a lot and really graphic (while I personally didn't get triggered, I do think they get too gratuitous at times).
Unfortunately as fun as the premise sounds, I couldn't fully enjoy it as there's a lot of nonstop action involved and the writing style is not my cup of tea, which is simply not my preference as it loses momentum and becomes a little anti-climactic. There are certain twists that I liked and I'll give it credit for the unique storyline.
March 23, 2024
A Dazzling, Frenetic Tale!
My first read by Huff, and this one blew me away. FREE BURN is mind-bending in scope and originality. I'm looking forward to anything Huff publishes. Highly recommended!
My first read by Huff, and this one blew me away. FREE BURN is mind-bending in scope and originality. I'm looking forward to anything Huff publishes. Highly recommended!
October 21, 2024
If you were looking for something to scratch the same itch as John Dies at the End, look no further than Free Burn. Huff doesn't let off the gas from beginning to end, and just when you think she's ran out of gears, she lurches into a fresh one, dredging up all sorts of new hell from under the hood of this devilish beast.
March 5, 2024
Humane monsters.
Monstrous humans.
And everyone in-between.
Free Burn is gut-churning splatterpunk to the max. Despite some very out-there elements that evoke B-movie horror antics, this is NOT that kind of story. Please heed the content warnings at the end of this review. I was uncomfortable during...pretty much the whole thing.
While the gross-out elements take center stage, Huff tackles some thought-provoking, heavy topics. Trauma blurs lines between love and codependence. Characters wrestle complex identities and question destinies. Morality and sanity are not as black-and-white as they seem.
Free Burn pushed my limits further than I'm usually comfortable with. I wouldn't call this a "fun" read, thought I recognize that it doesn't necessarily need to be.
MAJOR content warnings: Graphic gore (including eyes), graphic sexual violence and trafficking (including minors), suicide, mental illness, racial slurs, child abuse and neglect.
Thank you to the author and BookSirens for the chance to read an advance copy for free. I'm leaving this review of my own accord.
Monstrous humans.
And everyone in-between.
Free Burn is gut-churning splatterpunk to the max. Despite some very out-there elements that evoke B-movie horror antics, this is NOT that kind of story. Please heed the content warnings at the end of this review. I was uncomfortable during...pretty much the whole thing.
While the gross-out elements take center stage, Huff tackles some thought-provoking, heavy topics. Trauma blurs lines between love and codependence. Characters wrestle complex identities and question destinies. Morality and sanity are not as black-and-white as they seem.
Free Burn pushed my limits further than I'm usually comfortable with. I wouldn't call this a "fun" read, thought I recognize that it doesn't necessarily need to be.
MAJOR content warnings: Graphic gore (including eyes), graphic sexual violence and trafficking (including minors), suicide, mental illness, racial slurs, child abuse and neglect.
Thank you to the author and BookSirens for the chance to read an advance copy for free. I'm leaving this review of my own accord.
March 22, 2024
“In the end . . . all bodies are costumes. Make-believe that rots.”
📚
As Free Burn opens, Triple-Six is a 6’ 4” tall, 22-year-old mutating “freakshow” with superhuman characteristics and a sort-of girlfriend, Mallory Worner, daughter of the infamous Lorraine Worner, known as the “Barbecue Butcher” and the “Texan pyromaniac serial killer” prior to her capture and execution. Institutionalized since infancy, Triple-Six is lovestruck despite recently losing his mother and enduring a lifetime of inhumane treatment. And when he accidentally frees Lorraine from Hell and she goes after Mallory, he’s forced to fight for both of their lives while coming to terms with who and what he really is.
This novel is intense, raw, and emotion-fueled, immediately rocketing into unhinged territory and taking the reader on a wild, brutal, gory, outright insane ride filled with horrific, petrifying, gag-inducing, WTF-aplenty moments. Extreme in every sense of the word, the storyline is also deeply resonant and emotional; the world building is creative, complex, and immersive; the setting and atmosphere are visceral and fully developed (practically tangible in depth and detail); and the writing is sharp, propulsive, and page-turning to the max.
These elements combine to produce an intricate account of inescapable fear and brutality coupled with gnarly body horror and past terrors that refuse to die: representations of unattainable peace and elusive future and an exploration of monstrousness. Triple-Six, who’s actually transforming into something new and frightening, is more caring, empathetic, forgiving, and compassionate than any fully-fledged human in the story, even (and especially) toward those who have hurt him the most. He is humanity among chaos and evil; he strives to be better and do what’s right in spite of his terrible circumstances.
He and Mallory serve as beacons of self-sacrifice and self-acceptance, mistreatment and exploitation, objectification and dehumanization. What they endure is nothing short of horrifying, a tale of life and death, love and lust, violence and cruelty, trauma and abuse, murder and torture, bonds and anchors, lies and bargains, freedom and agency, Hell and Earth, bodies and souls, truth and dissociation, perception and reality, desire and loathing, humans and demons — literal and figurative, within and without — all fighting and killing, quelling and striving, torturing and haunting. It’s a violent, graphic, disturbing, shocking, seething, bizarre, harrowing, brilliant, appalling, and utterly fearless journey with immense heart and fully-fleshed characters for whom the reader heartily roots. It explores the permanence of change and impossibility of devolution, as well as acceptance — of self, others, and situations — and the realization that death may not be the worst or scariest thing possible. And, as an added bonus, the author’s own gruesome, black-and-white illustrations are interspersed throughout, the perfect accompaniment to and embodiment of the no-holds-barred text.
Thank you to BookSirens and Dark Matter INK for providing an eARC of this book for review consideration. It’s a ferocious and awe-inspiring debut that makes this reader beyond excited to see what Drew Huff writes next!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
📚
As Free Burn opens, Triple-Six is a 6’ 4” tall, 22-year-old mutating “freakshow” with superhuman characteristics and a sort-of girlfriend, Mallory Worner, daughter of the infamous Lorraine Worner, known as the “Barbecue Butcher” and the “Texan pyromaniac serial killer” prior to her capture and execution. Institutionalized since infancy, Triple-Six is lovestruck despite recently losing his mother and enduring a lifetime of inhumane treatment. And when he accidentally frees Lorraine from Hell and she goes after Mallory, he’s forced to fight for both of their lives while coming to terms with who and what he really is.
This novel is intense, raw, and emotion-fueled, immediately rocketing into unhinged territory and taking the reader on a wild, brutal, gory, outright insane ride filled with horrific, petrifying, gag-inducing, WTF-aplenty moments. Extreme in every sense of the word, the storyline is also deeply resonant and emotional; the world building is creative, complex, and immersive; the setting and atmosphere are visceral and fully developed (practically tangible in depth and detail); and the writing is sharp, propulsive, and page-turning to the max.
These elements combine to produce an intricate account of inescapable fear and brutality coupled with gnarly body horror and past terrors that refuse to die: representations of unattainable peace and elusive future and an exploration of monstrousness. Triple-Six, who’s actually transforming into something new and frightening, is more caring, empathetic, forgiving, and compassionate than any fully-fledged human in the story, even (and especially) toward those who have hurt him the most. He is humanity among chaos and evil; he strives to be better and do what’s right in spite of his terrible circumstances.
He and Mallory serve as beacons of self-sacrifice and self-acceptance, mistreatment and exploitation, objectification and dehumanization. What they endure is nothing short of horrifying, a tale of life and death, love and lust, violence and cruelty, trauma and abuse, murder and torture, bonds and anchors, lies and bargains, freedom and agency, Hell and Earth, bodies and souls, truth and dissociation, perception and reality, desire and loathing, humans and demons — literal and figurative, within and without — all fighting and killing, quelling and striving, torturing and haunting. It’s a violent, graphic, disturbing, shocking, seething, bizarre, harrowing, brilliant, appalling, and utterly fearless journey with immense heart and fully-fleshed characters for whom the reader heartily roots. It explores the permanence of change and impossibility of devolution, as well as acceptance — of self, others, and situations — and the realization that death may not be the worst or scariest thing possible. And, as an added bonus, the author’s own gruesome, black-and-white illustrations are interspersed throughout, the perfect accompaniment to and embodiment of the no-holds-barred text.
Thank you to BookSirens and Dark Matter INK for providing an eARC of this book for review consideration. It’s a ferocious and awe-inspiring debut that makes this reader beyond excited to see what Drew Huff writes next!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 11, 2024
Free Burn is a gory hellish freak show wrapped in a fever dream of nightmares and the kind of weird that makes you say, "What the hell did I just read!?". Needless to say, I loved it!
To begin describing this rip roaring rollercoaster ride is an exercise in futility. It's got a half demon man with lobster claws for hands which can paralyse people with a touch, a sociopathic girlfriend who is the daughter of an executed psychopath female serial killer, Hell Wardens, demons, sex, drugs, perversions, and more.
When Triple-Six (our protagonist) performs a ritual that brings back his girlfriend's psycho serial killer mother, all hell breaks loose (literally) and this story runs over you like a cement truck on acid.
A whirlwind of scenes assails your senses and you can't look away even if you wanted to. Written in a noir-ish style that fires on all cylinders, this is a fantastically grim and deliciously disgusting romp that you won't want to put down. I highly recommend it!
I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley with no consideration. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
To begin describing this rip roaring rollercoaster ride is an exercise in futility. It's got a half demon man with lobster claws for hands which can paralyse people with a touch, a sociopathic girlfriend who is the daughter of an executed psychopath female serial killer, Hell Wardens, demons, sex, drugs, perversions, and more.
When Triple-Six (our protagonist) performs a ritual that brings back his girlfriend's psycho serial killer mother, all hell breaks loose (literally) and this story runs over you like a cement truck on acid.
A whirlwind of scenes assails your senses and you can't look away even if you wanted to. Written in a noir-ish style that fires on all cylinders, this is a fantastically grim and deliciously disgusting romp that you won't want to put down. I highly recommend it!
I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley with no consideration. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
February 26, 2025
🦞🧨🔥Pulse, Pulse, Pulse🔥🧨🦞
JESUS H. CHRIST...
Ever jumped head first into a nightmare fueled burning building full of psychopaths, demons, and comedians? No? This is the closest you'll *hopefully* ever get.
First off, let's start with trigger warnings and buckle the f*ck up because there are many:
SA, extreme graphic descriptions of violence, suicide, cannibalism, incest, drug abuse, and more. So if you want to read this, just be aware that this one is EXTREME horror for a reason.
This was addictive, traumatic, tragic, disgusting, and so much fun!
This is the second novel by Drew I've read, and I can tell you, she is making a straight line to be one of my favorite extreme horror authors!
We start off with Project 0666, aka triple-six, a sad boy, who thinks no one would love him because his lobster hands and his girlfriend, Mallory, a psychotic sex crazed, don't-leave-your-drink-unnattended-around-her girlie. Our couple are on the run from Mallory's Mom, a psychotic serial killer pyromaniac ghost who decided to make everyone's life near he a truly living hell. Now, it is up to them to send her ass back to hell, where she belongs.
The imagery, descriptions, and narration Drew gave us with this book is truly out of this world. I absolutely fell in love with The Divne Flesh and now with Free Burn.
After reading the authors note, I thank Drew for not giving up on this book and for being the awesome person she is! Can't wait to see what you come up with next!
I would love to thank NetGalley, Drew Huff, and Dark Matter INK for the opportunity to read and review this amazing e-book ARC!
JESUS H. CHRIST...
Ever jumped head first into a nightmare fueled burning building full of psychopaths, demons, and comedians? No? This is the closest you'll *hopefully* ever get.
First off, let's start with trigger warnings and buckle the f*ck up because there are many:
SA, extreme graphic descriptions of violence, suicide, cannibalism, incest, drug abuse, and more. So if you want to read this, just be aware that this one is EXTREME horror for a reason.
This was addictive, traumatic, tragic, disgusting, and so much fun!
This is the second novel by Drew I've read, and I can tell you, she is making a straight line to be one of my favorite extreme horror authors!
We start off with Project 0666, aka triple-six, a sad boy, who thinks no one would love him because his lobster hands and his girlfriend, Mallory, a psychotic sex crazed, don't-leave-your-drink-unnattended-around-her girlie. Our couple are on the run from Mallory's Mom, a psychotic serial killer pyromaniac ghost who decided to make everyone's life near he a truly living hell. Now, it is up to them to send her ass back to hell, where she belongs.
The imagery, descriptions, and narration Drew gave us with this book is truly out of this world. I absolutely fell in love with The Divne Flesh and now with Free Burn.
After reading the authors note, I thank Drew for not giving up on this book and for being the awesome person she is! Can't wait to see what you come up with next!
I would love to thank NetGalley, Drew Huff, and Dark Matter INK for the opportunity to read and review this amazing e-book ARC!
March 19, 2024
QOTD: what's the strangest book you've ever read? When you finished it, did you think it was fun? Or just too much?
READ MY FULL REVIEW OF FREE BURN: (top link in my bio)
https://fanfiaddict.com/review-free-b...
"Free Burn by Drew Huff is a wonderful and bizarre story, that’s self aware and delightfully off-kilter. If Katherine Dunn’s “Geek Love,” was written with the irreverent humor of Netflix’s “Big Mouth,” it would probably result in a strange, outlandish and hilarious novel- well here you go. Upon receiving my copy in the mail, I was VERY excited (thank you again Dark Matter Ink) and then briefly confused. Despite having devoured Dark Matter titles such as Catherine McCarthy’s “Mosaic,” and “Our Love Will Devour Us,” by R.L Meza, as well as the extreme and darkly comedic works of Duncan Ralston, I can’t say I expected to see the author of “Woom,” and “Pedo Island Bloodbath,” on the blurb. Out of all of the horror authors, everywhere, this seemed like a bit of a random connection. Well, I set aside my confusion and dove straight in. Clarity dawned within moments… like after the first line. Free Burn is a whirlwind of unapologetic absurdity and gross out humor, and Ralston’s endorsement suddenly made a whole lotta sense- it’s vomit-inducing, stomach-churning splatter."
I was meant to read this as an ARC, but the postal service and life in general was against me! I regret not dropping everything now.
READ MY FULL REVIEW OF FREE BURN: (top link in my bio)
https://fanfiaddict.com/review-free-b...
"Free Burn by Drew Huff is a wonderful and bizarre story, that’s self aware and delightfully off-kilter. If Katherine Dunn’s “Geek Love,” was written with the irreverent humor of Netflix’s “Big Mouth,” it would probably result in a strange, outlandish and hilarious novel- well here you go. Upon receiving my copy in the mail, I was VERY excited (thank you again Dark Matter Ink) and then briefly confused. Despite having devoured Dark Matter titles such as Catherine McCarthy’s “Mosaic,” and “Our Love Will Devour Us,” by R.L Meza, as well as the extreme and darkly comedic works of Duncan Ralston, I can’t say I expected to see the author of “Woom,” and “Pedo Island Bloodbath,” on the blurb. Out of all of the horror authors, everywhere, this seemed like a bit of a random connection. Well, I set aside my confusion and dove straight in. Clarity dawned within moments… like after the first line. Free Burn is a whirlwind of unapologetic absurdity and gross out humor, and Ralston’s endorsement suddenly made a whole lotta sense- it’s vomit-inducing, stomach-churning splatter."
I was meant to read this as an ARC, but the postal service and life in general was against me! I regret not dropping everything now.
December 17, 2024
Our protagonist Triple-Six, an outcast who has lobster-like pincers for hands, lands in a cell with his crazy girlfriend, Mallory Worner, after she frames him for a murder. While trying to secure a deal, Triple-Six summons Lorraine Worner, Mallory's infamous pyromaniac serial killer mother back from the dead. While hell's wardens are trying to put Lorraine back where she belongs, she is trying to kill Triple-Six after making a bargain with him. Triple-Six gets out of this mess, and receives human hands instead of his pincers, that is if he can survive for three days without Lorraine killing him.
Free burn is without a doubt one of the best books I've read this year. The characters are unique, have their own voice, and despite not being good people, I loved them. The relationship between Triple-Six and Mallory throughout the book had its ups and downs, yet I always cheered for them to get out of this mess. The pacing was fast, but allowed for moments to breath, and develop the characters.
This book won't be for everyone. It's weird, funny, gory, has plenty of graphic content, but it's written with heart. I seriously hope everyone reads the author's notes. Rarely do I believe they add much to the story of the book, but the notes in Free Burn made me shed a tear, and revealed so much about these characters in the book, and how they came alive.
I want to thank the author for writting Free Burn, and will gladly look forward to their next work.
Free burn is without a doubt one of the best books I've read this year. The characters are unique, have their own voice, and despite not being good people, I loved them. The relationship between Triple-Six and Mallory throughout the book had its ups and downs, yet I always cheered for them to get out of this mess. The pacing was fast, but allowed for moments to breath, and develop the characters.
This book won't be for everyone. It's weird, funny, gory, has plenty of graphic content, but it's written with heart. I seriously hope everyone reads the author's notes. Rarely do I believe they add much to the story of the book, but the notes in Free Burn made me shed a tear, and revealed so much about these characters in the book, and how they came alive.
I want to thank the author for writting Free Burn, and will gladly look forward to their next work.
March 29, 2024
Wow what a wild ride! This book is fast paced, energetic and just gets weirder and wilder as it descends into full blown-mayhem and all hell breaking loose! There’s literally never a dull moment and there’s so many unsuspecting plot twists that had me gasping, laughing and cringing all at the same time. It’s Foul, raunchy, funny and gore-soaked, I can almost guarantee you’ve never read anything quite like this before.
The main character Triple-Six (aka Project 0666) was super intriguing and it’s not because he’s a demon-hybrid with paralyzing pincers for hands and the ability to teleport into hell - Theres many layers to him. Although some of his internal dialogue was a bit repetitive at times, I really enjoyed the uniqueness of his character as much as I equally enjoyed his unhinged and toxic girlfriend Mallory! Don’t even get me started on her undead serial killer mother Lorraine, who escaped from hell and is after them! There’s so many disgusting and disturbing moments that can trigger some sensitive readers so please read with caution & look up content warnings.
Only knocking off a star because the more you read on, the busier it becomes and there was too much going on to wrap my head around. But at the same time, that’s also what made for an exciting and unpredictable read. So if dark humor, demons, sex, serial killers and lots of gore is your thing, I definitely recommend giving this book a shot. Also be sure to read the authors note in the end, it made me appreciate this book even more. I can’t wait to read more by this amazing new to me author who btw also drew the incredible interior illustration you’ll find inside!
The main character Triple-Six (aka Project 0666) was super intriguing and it’s not because he’s a demon-hybrid with paralyzing pincers for hands and the ability to teleport into hell - Theres many layers to him. Although some of his internal dialogue was a bit repetitive at times, I really enjoyed the uniqueness of his character as much as I equally enjoyed his unhinged and toxic girlfriend Mallory! Don’t even get me started on her undead serial killer mother Lorraine, who escaped from hell and is after them! There’s so many disgusting and disturbing moments that can trigger some sensitive readers so please read with caution & look up content warnings.
Only knocking off a star because the more you read on, the busier it becomes and there was too much going on to wrap my head around. But at the same time, that’s also what made for an exciting and unpredictable read. So if dark humor, demons, sex, serial killers and lots of gore is your thing, I definitely recommend giving this book a shot. Also be sure to read the authors note in the end, it made me appreciate this book even more. I can’t wait to read more by this amazing new to me author who btw also drew the incredible interior illustration you’ll find inside!
November 17, 2024
For a dark, dark, PITCH BLACK comedy full of body horror, child abuse, brutal violence, eternal damnation, graphic sexuality (some of it nonconsensual), trauma, serial killers, self-harm, and other heavy elements…I found Drew Huff’s novel Free Burn to be surprisingly moving at times. Broken people in a broken world struggling to find meaning and connection while fighting for their lives. Despite all the supernatural elements and Cronenberg-y body horror, this story still managed to feel personal and relatable. While I personally have never had demonic claw hands or an undead serial killer pursuing me, I have often wondered if I’m worthy of love, much like Triple-Six.
While this can be an intense read for many, I do recommend sticking to it for those with the stomach for it. Even though there’s plenty of deranged demonic elements, at the end of the day, Free Burn is a very human story. Rage and grief are palpably felt throughout the novel, but there’s glimmers of hope and levity sprinkled in.
Definitely feel like I have to take a shower after all the nasty graphic imagery! Phew-ee! Well, it certainly was a hell of an adventure 😏
Even if Huff goes in a completely different direction with her next story, I’m pretty positive I’ll be giving it a look-see!
While this can be an intense read for many, I do recommend sticking to it for those with the stomach for it. Even though there’s plenty of deranged demonic elements, at the end of the day, Free Burn is a very human story. Rage and grief are palpably felt throughout the novel, but there’s glimmers of hope and levity sprinkled in.
Definitely feel like I have to take a shower after all the nasty graphic imagery! Phew-ee! Well, it certainly was a hell of an adventure 😏
Even if Huff goes in a completely different direction with her next story, I’m pretty positive I’ll be giving it a look-see!
January 2, 2025
So, this book? Buckle up. It’s all about Mallory and Triple Six—two lovable outcasts who somehow manage to accidentally spring Mallory’s mom, Lorraine, from hell. Oh, and did I mention Lorraine is a SERIAL KILLER? Yup, things escalate quickly. There are bad deals, demon shenanigans, and absolute chaos as they scramble to shove Lorraine’s soul back where it belongs.
Because, let’s be real, Lorraine loose in the world is not ideal.
Now, the concept? Chef’s kiss. I mean, who doesn’t love a hellish mother-daughter drama with a side of demonic mayhem? But here’s the thing—the execution didn’t quite click for me. The writing style was... let’s just say, living in Triple Six’s head was not my vibe. At all. And while I usually love horror, this one went hard. Like, nonstop and with way too much sexual (incest) violence. I barely had time to figure out what was going on before bam—something else crazy happened. A little breathing room would’ve gone a long way.
All in all, it’s got potential, but it just didn’t fully land for me. Still, if you’re into fast-paced chaos and don’t mind a wild ride, it might be your jam.
Because, let’s be real, Lorraine loose in the world is not ideal.
Now, the concept? Chef’s kiss. I mean, who doesn’t love a hellish mother-daughter drama with a side of demonic mayhem? But here’s the thing—the execution didn’t quite click for me. The writing style was... let’s just say, living in Triple Six’s head was not my vibe. At all. And while I usually love horror, this one went hard. Like, nonstop and with way too much sexual (incest) violence. I barely had time to figure out what was going on before bam—something else crazy happened. A little breathing room would’ve gone a long way.
All in all, it’s got potential, but it just didn’t fully land for me. Still, if you’re into fast-paced chaos and don’t mind a wild ride, it might be your jam.
February 9, 2024
Oh my God, this novel!
If you like horror that moves at a breakneck speed, doesn't shy away from "gory" or "disturbing," has so much heart, and maybe the most lovable MC I've read this year, all in a context that breaks your heart and has you rooting for him out loud so hard your throat goes dry, FREE BURN is for you.
If you like books that splatter the plot with LOL moments punctuated by all the WTF moments, it's definitely for you. I read a few passages aloud to my husband because I just wanted someone else to appreciate the sheer wit with me.
FREE BURN manages to be terrifyingly shocking, but also deeply moving. It's witty, heartbreaking, and intense. I was immediately invested.
Huff's imagination is limitless and her world-building is incredible. There's so much going on in this story, and SO MUCH of it felt fresh. Tropes subverted, expectations exceeded.
You have to get your hands on this one, and be sure to check triggers.
If you like horror that moves at a breakneck speed, doesn't shy away from "gory" or "disturbing," has so much heart, and maybe the most lovable MC I've read this year, all in a context that breaks your heart and has you rooting for him out loud so hard your throat goes dry, FREE BURN is for you.
If you like books that splatter the plot with LOL moments punctuated by all the WTF moments, it's definitely for you. I read a few passages aloud to my husband because I just wanted someone else to appreciate the sheer wit with me.
FREE BURN manages to be terrifyingly shocking, but also deeply moving. It's witty, heartbreaking, and intense. I was immediately invested.
Huff's imagination is limitless and her world-building is incredible. There's so much going on in this story, and SO MUCH of it felt fresh. Tropes subverted, expectations exceeded.
You have to get your hands on this one, and be sure to check triggers.
February 20, 2024
I was so pleased to receive an ARC of this book from BookSirens and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
I think this might be the perfect book for someone else, and I will say it read very quickly. It was engaging, the prose was excellent, and I like that it didn't shy away from darker materials, both as the focus of the plot and the histories of the characters.
I just wish there had been a little more meat on the bones. For horror stories generally, and especially for themes this dark, I prefer to linger longer in the discomfort and spend more time with the characters. That's obviously a personal preference, but FREE BURN felt a little rushed. There were no slow interludes or lingering moments, it was just breakneck pacing from the beginning.
I can see that being a huge draw for others, and this is one I'll definitely be recommending. I'd also like to see more from Huff, who is obviously very talented as a writer.
I think this might be the perfect book for someone else, and I will say it read very quickly. It was engaging, the prose was excellent, and I like that it didn't shy away from darker materials, both as the focus of the plot and the histories of the characters.
I just wish there had been a little more meat on the bones. For horror stories generally, and especially for themes this dark, I prefer to linger longer in the discomfort and spend more time with the characters. That's obviously a personal preference, but FREE BURN felt a little rushed. There were no slow interludes or lingering moments, it was just breakneck pacing from the beginning.
I can see that being a huge draw for others, and this is one I'll definitely be recommending. I'd also like to see more from Huff, who is obviously very talented as a writer.
January 3, 2025
This book is packed full of action and emotional trauma. These characters go through SO much and Drew really makes you feel for them. You can feel the anger and sadness seeping out of the pages. The whole thing felt like a waking nightmare. One of those ones you wake up from saying, “what the fuck?!”
I really, really enjoyed this. Such a unique story and unique and unforgettable characters. Just when you think it can’t possibly get worse OR grosser for Mallory and Triple Six you get smacked in the face with something even more intense.
The story takes a very cool and satisfying twist at the end and I couldn’t help thinking how cool this would look in a graphic novel form. It played out just like a movie with some great action scenes and you never knew what was going to happen next. Love!
I really, really enjoyed this. Such a unique story and unique and unforgettable characters. Just when you think it can’t possibly get worse OR grosser for Mallory and Triple Six you get smacked in the face with something even more intense.
The story takes a very cool and satisfying twist at the end and I couldn’t help thinking how cool this would look in a graphic novel form. It played out just like a movie with some great action scenes and you never knew what was going to happen next. Love!
March 8, 2025
Free Burn by Drew Huff is an absolutely chaotic wild ride of a horror novel. Definitely a must read for fans of dark and compelling novels.
Triple-Six is just a lovable outcast with lobster pinchers for hands. All he wants is to be loved. But when his crazy girlfriend Mallory frames him for murder, Triple-Six finds himself in jail. When Triple-Six accidentally summons Mallory's psychotic serial killer mother Lorraine, he and Mallory need to find a way to send her back to hell where she belongs.
What a ride! This is definitely extreme horror for a reason. There are graphic descriptions and imagery that is definitely not for the faint of heart. The fast-paced plot and sharp evocative writing really make Free Burn a standout horror novel. Definitely keep an eye on Drew Huff!
Thank you to NetGalley, Drew Huff, and Dark Matter INK for this ARC. Publication date is March 4th 2025.
Triple-Six is just a lovable outcast with lobster pinchers for hands. All he wants is to be loved. But when his crazy girlfriend Mallory frames him for murder, Triple-Six finds himself in jail. When Triple-Six accidentally summons Mallory's psychotic serial killer mother Lorraine, he and Mallory need to find a way to send her back to hell where she belongs.
What a ride! This is definitely extreme horror for a reason. There are graphic descriptions and imagery that is definitely not for the faint of heart. The fast-paced plot and sharp evocative writing really make Free Burn a standout horror novel. Definitely keep an eye on Drew Huff!
Thank you to NetGalley, Drew Huff, and Dark Matter INK for this ARC. Publication date is March 4th 2025.
November 23, 2025
Triple-Six has never been given a true name. On his birth certificate, his name is listed as Project 0666.
Raised in a dreary environment with a mentally unstable mother, Triple-Six has endured harrowing experiments on his body by the likes of Roy Pike and his lab assistants.
Probably because he has pincer-like claws instead of hands that cause him to paralyze anyone he touches.
For most of his life, Triple-Six has nurtured a deep simmering love for his neighbor, Mallory Worner, the daughter of a serial killer.
When he wakes up covered in blood and intertwined with Mallory, he wonders two critical things: did we have sex? …and did we kill someone?
If you think you know where this is going… no you don’t, champ.
Free Burn brings equal parts grit and style, dripping with bodily fluids. Wes Craven meets Chuck Palahniuk in this witty, funny, imaginative and totally fucked up wild ride.
Raised in a dreary environment with a mentally unstable mother, Triple-Six has endured harrowing experiments on his body by the likes of Roy Pike and his lab assistants.
Probably because he has pincer-like claws instead of hands that cause him to paralyze anyone he touches.
For most of his life, Triple-Six has nurtured a deep simmering love for his neighbor, Mallory Worner, the daughter of a serial killer.
When he wakes up covered in blood and intertwined with Mallory, he wonders two critical things: did we have sex? …and did we kill someone?
If you think you know where this is going… no you don’t, champ.
Free Burn brings equal parts grit and style, dripping with bodily fluids. Wes Craven meets Chuck Palahniuk in this witty, funny, imaginative and totally fucked up wild ride.
February 10, 2024
OK, this one was a bit silly, and not an entirely easy read, but it's really funny and genuinely entertaining at the same time. The main character, Project 0666 or Triple-Six, has all it takes to grow into your heart the way comic book heroes do: he's witty, insecure, a bit not all there, yet very relatable. The real villain of the piece, however, may end up upstaging him since she's been drawn in truly horrific and fascinating ways! And of course there's the plot: the imagination that went into this book is simply amazing. I loved the illustrations as well. Overall, this is a dark comedy to be enjoyed by true horror fans!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 10, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Dark Matter INK for the free eARC of this!
I’ll start by saying that this was a tough read. And I don’t mean that in a bad way at all. It’s heavy. There’s a lot going on. A lot of bad, vile, evil stuff. But goddamn was a lot of it and entertaining and funny! My first encounter with Drew Huff’s writing was “The Divine Flesh”. One of the most memorable books I’ve read recently, and “Free Burn” was just as memorable! Drew is quickly becoming one of my favorite writers!
If you’re into depraved, violent, sexually depraved love stories, this one should be right up your alley!
I’ll start by saying that this was a tough read. And I don’t mean that in a bad way at all. It’s heavy. There’s a lot going on. A lot of bad, vile, evil stuff. But goddamn was a lot of it and entertaining and funny! My first encounter with Drew Huff’s writing was “The Divine Flesh”. One of the most memorable books I’ve read recently, and “Free Burn” was just as memorable! Drew is quickly becoming one of my favorite writers!
If you’re into depraved, violent, sexually depraved love stories, this one should be right up your alley!
May 7, 2024
Inventive, gritty. A wild ride!
Warning! This book will grip your insides...and try to pull them right out. There is gore here, in ways never imagined in the average horror flick. But rest assured, the story will grip you by the nape of your neck and bring you along on a wild ride through some of the darkest imaginings you have ever encountered. If you are a horror buff or just a casual visitor to the genre, this Fun Park is marked Ride at Your Own Risk!
Warning! This book will grip your insides...and try to pull them right out. There is gore here, in ways never imagined in the average horror flick. But rest assured, the story will grip you by the nape of your neck and bring you along on a wild ride through some of the darkest imaginings you have ever encountered. If you are a horror buff or just a casual visitor to the genre, this Fun Park is marked Ride at Your Own Risk!
April 3, 2024
This thingamajig may well be the most bizarro horror novel that I have ever read, but I liked every second of it. It tells the twisted, demented love story of Project 0666 and Mallory Worner. Project 0666 is a weird-ass hybrid between a Middle-Eastern man and some lobster-like monstrosity. Mallory Worner is the daughter of Lorraine Worner, infamous female serial killer who is in hell and looking to get out and restart her killing spree. And this is just the approximate gist of it. This plot is actually such a hellfest that it is hard to sum up. But what I can guarantee you is that you will never forget any of it. This is a gore-fest, but it is also a strangely poignant examination of toxic relationships, whether romantic or familial, the personal hells that people carry within them, as much as actual Hell. Five out of five. Solid horror, done messed-up right.
May 10, 2024
Free Burn is very immersive! Drew Huff is way too good at creating disturbing/intriguing characters, situations, and settings. The content in this book is definitely Hannibal-Dexter-Squid Game level. Really enjoyed learning more about the main characters as the story progressed and enjoyed all of the plot twists. I am forever scarred by Lorraine...
May 6, 2025
The vibes of this book? Immaculate. The writing is some of the funniest shit I've read and has kept me very, very entertained. I'm not sure if the plot was really my thing, but the writing was so good I was still plenty amused.
August 9, 2024
The best debut I’ve read since … oh, probably Laurel Hightower’s Whispers in the Dark. A bit rough around the edges in places, but packed to the brim with enormously interesting characters, frenetic action, crazy set pieces, and fearless spirit. Drew Huff has the markings of a pure storyteller. I can’t wait to see her growth from here.
March 4, 2025
Wow! This was an incredible ride! The trauma these characters go through. This is a great horror/splatterpunk novel! Im definitely going to read this again.
August 14, 2025
An extreme and entertaining read
For a full review, please go to https://areviewerdarkly.blogspot.com/... and follow me on X @josenher
For a full review, please go to https://areviewerdarkly.blogspot.com/... and follow me on X @josenher
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