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Split Scream #5
Split Scream Volume Five
“I devoured ACE doubles back in the day, and SPLIT SCREAM feels like a sleek, bullet-sized iteration of those beauties.”
Laird Barron, author of The Imago Sequence and The Beautiful Thing That Awaits Us All
The SPLIT SCREAM series returns with a brand new double serving of New Weird Horror!
The Girl with Barnacles for Eyes - Lyndsey Croal
Every year, the enigmatic Curator sails into Evie’s coastal town to display his wonders from beneath the ocean. Each time, Evie is drawn by the fascinating sights. But this year, he’s brought something a captive girl with barnacles for eyes. Evie risks everything to free her, ignoring her Ma’s warnings to stay away from the freak of nature. But is the Girl truly a monster, or is there more than meets the eye.
The Ballad of Horse Girl - Bitter Karella
California, 1860. The corrupt judge and snake oil baron, Lazarus Dives, murdered her family; now the nameless drifter known only as the Horse Girl is out for revenge. But can a man who’s sold his soul to the devil for eternal life be killed? It’ll be no easy task; but with extra motivation in the form of a bounty on the judge by Death herself, the Horse Girl plans to collect—even if it costs her soul. A classic Western tale of retribution meets supernatural horror.
Laird Barron, author of The Imago Sequence and The Beautiful Thing That Awaits Us All
The SPLIT SCREAM series returns with a brand new double serving of New Weird Horror!
The Girl with Barnacles for Eyes - Lyndsey Croal
Every year, the enigmatic Curator sails into Evie’s coastal town to display his wonders from beneath the ocean. Each time, Evie is drawn by the fascinating sights. But this year, he’s brought something a captive girl with barnacles for eyes. Evie risks everything to free her, ignoring her Ma’s warnings to stay away from the freak of nature. But is the Girl truly a monster, or is there more than meets the eye.
The Ballad of Horse Girl - Bitter Karella
California, 1860. The corrupt judge and snake oil baron, Lazarus Dives, murdered her family; now the nameless drifter known only as the Horse Girl is out for revenge. But can a man who’s sold his soul to the devil for eternal life be killed? It’ll be no easy task; but with extra motivation in the form of a bounty on the judge by Death herself, the Horse Girl plans to collect—even if it costs her soul. A classic Western tale of retribution meets supernatural horror.
113 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 23, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 15, 2024
Review originally on JamReads
Split Scream is a series of volumes featuring two novelettes, under the edition of Alex Ebenstein, and currently being published by Tenebrous Press. It's an excellent way to get a taste of the authors, and to enjoy different proposals to what we would read usually. In this review, we are covering Volume Five, scheduled for July, and featuring novelettes by Lindsey Croal and Bitter Karella.
In The Girl with Barnacles for Eyes, by Lindsey Croal, we have a story built around melancholy and lack of liberty; a girl trapped in a boat that became an attraction that earns money for an abusive man. And Evie, a girl from the village that gets absolutely obsessed with the girl; an obsession that not only puts her in danger, but that eventually comes to reveal the truth about her family. A story full of tension with a fairytale feeling that is concluded in a bittersweet manner.
In comparison, in The Ballad of Horse Girl, by Bitter Karella, we have a piece of weird western with horror elements; a story with an incredible potential and a world and characters that perfectly could stand in a longer form. The quest for vengeance of Horse Girl will take her on a journey through California in order to take down the cruel Judge, a man who has reached an agreement with Death. Killing him is the only way she will get retribution, but at which price? An action packed novelette with enigmatic characters that I would love to see taken into other pieces.
A book that I devoured, with two different stories, but showcasing the talent of both authors; perfect if you are looking for something short and full of the weird elements that have become the Tenebrous Press trademark.
Split Scream is a series of volumes featuring two novelettes, under the edition of Alex Ebenstein, and currently being published by Tenebrous Press. It's an excellent way to get a taste of the authors, and to enjoy different proposals to what we would read usually. In this review, we are covering Volume Five, scheduled for July, and featuring novelettes by Lindsey Croal and Bitter Karella.
In The Girl with Barnacles for Eyes, by Lindsey Croal, we have a story built around melancholy and lack of liberty; a girl trapped in a boat that became an attraction that earns money for an abusive man. And Evie, a girl from the village that gets absolutely obsessed with the girl; an obsession that not only puts her in danger, but that eventually comes to reveal the truth about her family. A story full of tension with a fairytale feeling that is concluded in a bittersweet manner.
In comparison, in The Ballad of Horse Girl, by Bitter Karella, we have a piece of weird western with horror elements; a story with an incredible potential and a world and characters that perfectly could stand in a longer form. The quest for vengeance of Horse Girl will take her on a journey through California in order to take down the cruel Judge, a man who has reached an agreement with Death. Killing him is the only way she will get retribution, but at which price? An action packed novelette with enigmatic characters that I would love to see taken into other pieces.
A book that I devoured, with two different stories, but showcasing the talent of both authors; perfect if you are looking for something short and full of the weird elements that have become the Tenebrous Press trademark.
June 2, 2024
Each book in the Split Scream series focuses on two novelette/novella length stories from two different authors.
This volume has two different but fantastic stories and your favorite will really depend on your particular taste. But you really can't go wrong either way!
The Girl With Barnacles For Eyes is a melancholy tale about a trapped girl aboard a boat. She's being used as an attraction for her owner to make money and he's an abusive non-caring man. A girl from the local village where the boat is docked becomes obsessed with this girl with barnacles for eyes and this will lead to danger for her. It's a beautiful, bittersweet story that has an almost fairytale/fantasy feel to it.
The Ballad Of Horse Girl is a weird western horror and it's one of those stories that you wish was longer because the author created these offbeat characters and a supernaturally charged narrative that you want more of! When a woman raised by horses seeks vengeance against an evil man known as The Judge, secrets are going to be revealed about her search, about the Judge, and about herself and what's really going on in her quest. It's creepy, suspenseful, and has that great old west vibe.
These two stories are awesome and I highly recommend this book.
I received an ARC of this book through Tenebrous Press with no consideration. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
This volume has two different but fantastic stories and your favorite will really depend on your particular taste. But you really can't go wrong either way!
The Girl With Barnacles For Eyes is a melancholy tale about a trapped girl aboard a boat. She's being used as an attraction for her owner to make money and he's an abusive non-caring man. A girl from the local village where the boat is docked becomes obsessed with this girl with barnacles for eyes and this will lead to danger for her. It's a beautiful, bittersweet story that has an almost fairytale/fantasy feel to it.
The Ballad Of Horse Girl is a weird western horror and it's one of those stories that you wish was longer because the author created these offbeat characters and a supernaturally charged narrative that you want more of! When a woman raised by horses seeks vengeance against an evil man known as The Judge, secrets are going to be revealed about her search, about the Judge, and about herself and what's really going on in her quest. It's creepy, suspenseful, and has that great old west vibe.
These two stories are awesome and I highly recommend this book.
I received an ARC of this book through Tenebrous Press with no consideration. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
July 10, 2024
Special thanks to Tenebrous Press for the ARC copy they provided.
It’s always a privilege to read a Tenebrous Press book. Like seriously. Everytime. And while Split Scream Volume Five might not be my favorite 10p title, it’s still a good one.
This volume in the Split Scream series isn’t my top pick among the delightful bunch of double feature novelettes, but it remains an intriguing read. And, let’s face it, my personal taste isn’t yours and you shouldn’t read that much into it. Just because I liked other volumes in this series a tiny bit more than this one doesn’t mean you won’t have the complete opposite opinion.
Read the damn book. Decide for yourself. You won’t regret it (in my opinion) because this is still one hell of a good ride and a fine double feature. I just happen to be biased and in love with this one particular volume of Split Scream that I just don’t think can be topped, okay?
The first novelette in Split Scream Volume Five, The Girl With Barnacles For Eyes by Lyndsey Croal, struck me as a sad, wistful tale of injustice against those socially seen as weaker. Both the main characters are taken advantage of, one as a side show, and the other as free manual labor, until they mutually determine to not be used anymore.
That decision to respect each other’s agency and cultivate their own independence was a glorious one to see, and I enjoyed every moment of it.
Of the two tales in this book, though, I think I enjoyed The Ballad of Horse Girl by Bitter Karella most. This one reminded me of the westerns I used to watch with my father, and while I didn’t appreciate them at the time, those movies have become fond memories. I think my father would have enjoyed this novelette.
Yes, yes I do.
Dishonest priests, deals with the devil, weird happenings and unexpected twists, characters coming back from the dead to fulfill their revenge. Yeah, my dad would have loved this, and I did too.
Well done Tenebrous and Karella. Well done indeed.
I might not be of the opinion any upcoming Split Scream can top my favorite of the bunch, but I’m here to be proven wrong. I can’t wait to see what 10p will put together next.
It’s always a privilege to read a Tenebrous Press book. Like seriously. Everytime. And while Split Scream Volume Five might not be my favorite 10p title, it’s still a good one.
This volume in the Split Scream series isn’t my top pick among the delightful bunch of double feature novelettes, but it remains an intriguing read. And, let’s face it, my personal taste isn’t yours and you shouldn’t read that much into it. Just because I liked other volumes in this series a tiny bit more than this one doesn’t mean you won’t have the complete opposite opinion.
Read the damn book. Decide for yourself. You won’t regret it (in my opinion) because this is still one hell of a good ride and a fine double feature. I just happen to be biased and in love with this one particular volume of Split Scream that I just don’t think can be topped, okay?
The first novelette in Split Scream Volume Five, The Girl With Barnacles For Eyes by Lyndsey Croal, struck me as a sad, wistful tale of injustice against those socially seen as weaker. Both the main characters are taken advantage of, one as a side show, and the other as free manual labor, until they mutually determine to not be used anymore.
That decision to respect each other’s agency and cultivate their own independence was a glorious one to see, and I enjoyed every moment of it.
Of the two tales in this book, though, I think I enjoyed The Ballad of Horse Girl by Bitter Karella most. This one reminded me of the westerns I used to watch with my father, and while I didn’t appreciate them at the time, those movies have become fond memories. I think my father would have enjoyed this novelette.
Yes, yes I do.
Dishonest priests, deals with the devil, weird happenings and unexpected twists, characters coming back from the dead to fulfill their revenge. Yeah, my dad would have loved this, and I did too.
Well done Tenebrous and Karella. Well done indeed.
I might not be of the opinion any upcoming Split Scream can top my favorite of the bunch, but I’m here to be proven wrong. I can’t wait to see what 10p will put together next.
May 30, 2024
Notes from a Decaying Millennial:
I received an ARC of this collection from the publisher, with the understanding to post an honest review
This is not a paid review
-
This wonderful little book was my first dip into the publishing waters of TenebrousPress.
By design a quick read, these novellettes in Split Scream Volume Five are a wonderful way to be introduced to the writings of two fantastic authors. Like a Saturday double feature, both included stories are different, but hold a few threads of connection .
The Girl with Barnacles for Eyes - by Lyndsey Croal
First off I love seeing Scottish authors in the Weird Fiction and Horror genre space. This is a tales infused with the chill of the sea air and he dampness of he Fog that rolls in with the tide. A dark and melancholy Tale that manages to keep the embers of love and compassion burning. Until at last they blaze forth, balancing with the gripping cold of the ocean.
The Ballad of Horse Girl - by Bitter Karella
A Parable of the West, it's a place infused with Magic and Sorrow. A darkly fantastical tale where Death gets its due. Follow Horse Girl on her journey of revenge, and closure. Hers is an America where man's hunger to control the wild things, and profit from all he sees is taken to Great and Terrible extremes. While not directly related to the writings of Michael Tichy, The Ballad of Horse Girl is certainly a recommendation for readers who enjoyed Tichy's The Winnowing Draw.
I received an ARC of this collection from the publisher, with the understanding to post an honest review
This is not a paid review
-
This wonderful little book was my first dip into the publishing waters of TenebrousPress.
By design a quick read, these novellettes in Split Scream Volume Five are a wonderful way to be introduced to the writings of two fantastic authors. Like a Saturday double feature, both included stories are different, but hold a few threads of connection .
The Girl with Barnacles for Eyes - by Lyndsey Croal
First off I love seeing Scottish authors in the Weird Fiction and Horror genre space. This is a tales infused with the chill of the sea air and he dampness of he Fog that rolls in with the tide. A dark and melancholy Tale that manages to keep the embers of love and compassion burning. Until at last they blaze forth, balancing with the gripping cold of the ocean.
The Ballad of Horse Girl - by Bitter Karella
A Parable of the West, it's a place infused with Magic and Sorrow. A darkly fantastical tale where Death gets its due. Follow Horse Girl on her journey of revenge, and closure. Hers is an America where man's hunger to control the wild things, and profit from all he sees is taken to Great and Terrible extremes. While not directly related to the writings of Michael Tichy, The Ballad of Horse Girl is certainly a recommendation for readers who enjoyed Tichy's The Winnowing Draw.
July 26, 2024
A stunning (perfectly) pair(ed) of novelettes taking shovel and pickax to New Weird mountain and striking the mother lode.
Lydnsey Croal's "The Girl with Barnacles for Eyes" is a darkly beautiful journey. Her brand of coastal horror has a rich salt-brine throughout, and the emotional themes of found family really deliver. I'm a sucker for the carnival/sideshow/roadside attraction narratives and Lyndsey managed to capture their strangeness and their weaponized objectification in ways that make the skin crawl.
Bitter Karella's "The Ballad of Horse Girl" brings a heap of western serial pulp and turns it into a campfire stew of the fantastical wild west, both clever and refreshing. It adds the spice of medieval alchemy, vengeance quests, and Satan to create the kind of thinking-man's grunge I love in Karella's work. The characters here are larger than life, like Buffalo Bill himself is selling you on them, but their struggles are human and believable. The story is skillfully plotted and delivers on everything it sets up, which means it's a total page turner.
I can't recommend Split Scream 5 enough. Check it out!
Lydnsey Croal's "The Girl with Barnacles for Eyes" is a darkly beautiful journey. Her brand of coastal horror has a rich salt-brine throughout, and the emotional themes of found family really deliver. I'm a sucker for the carnival/sideshow/roadside attraction narratives and Lyndsey managed to capture their strangeness and their weaponized objectification in ways that make the skin crawl.
Bitter Karella's "The Ballad of Horse Girl" brings a heap of western serial pulp and turns it into a campfire stew of the fantastical wild west, both clever and refreshing. It adds the spice of medieval alchemy, vengeance quests, and Satan to create the kind of thinking-man's grunge I love in Karella's work. The characters here are larger than life, like Buffalo Bill himself is selling you on them, but their struggles are human and believable. The story is skillfully plotted and delivers on everything it sets up, which means it's a total page turner.
I can't recommend Split Scream 5 enough. Check it out!
July 28, 2024
“The Girl with Barnacles for Eyes” ~ 4 ⭐
“The Ballad of Horse Girl” ~ 4 ⭐
🧜♀️ A fun retelling of the captured mermaid/siren story
🧜♀️ Had kind of an abrupt ending
🧜♀️ Wish some of the plot holes were remedied. For example, how exactly did the Curator steal Maira from the sea and from her family? If Maira was a siren along with her family, wouldn’t the Curator be fearful of the open ocean and constantly sailing on it?
“The Ballad of Horse Girl” ~ 4 ⭐
🐴 Was interesting and fast-paced
🐴 Have some questions: Did Horse Girl kill the pastor in the beginning and that is why they both were able to meet La Muerte? How exactly was the Hangin’ Judge killed?
🐴 I was not a fan of the Hangin’ Judge being unable to be killed by “any man born of woman.” For me, it copied Macbeth too much and needed more originality
🐴 The ending felt a little flat to me and less cathartic than I was expecting
October 9, 2024
Both entries in this collection are obviously well-written. I didn't finish The Girl With Barnacle Eyes because I realized it wasn't the type of horror story I was looking for, not because of any shortage of skill on the part of the writer.
But The Ballad of Horse Girl makes the whole thing worth the price of admission anyway. Excellent addition to the Weird Western genre, and I give bonus points for a non-spoilery mention of the Devil's Grandmother. Horse Girl is a compelling heroine and her quest for revenge feels like a fresh one. It's also nice to see the use of Christian forces in a world that feels so fundamentally agnostic and cosmically busy. I kept wondering what the next chapter would hold, and the sense of mystery is strong here. The author does a lot of world-building very quickly and can really bring up a strong atmosphere when she wants to.
But The Ballad of Horse Girl makes the whole thing worth the price of admission anyway. Excellent addition to the Weird Western genre, and I give bonus points for a non-spoilery mention of the Devil's Grandmother. Horse Girl is a compelling heroine and her quest for revenge feels like a fresh one. It's also nice to see the use of Christian forces in a world that feels so fundamentally agnostic and cosmically busy. I kept wondering what the next chapter would hold, and the sense of mystery is strong here. The author does a lot of world-building very quickly and can really bring up a strong atmosphere when she wants to.
September 2, 2024
The Split Scream series continues to deliver. The two new stories in this volume might just be the best two yet.
Croal's The Girl With Barnacles for eyes was such a sweet yet very sad tale about a captive girl who has barnacles for eyes who is being used as a sort of sideshow attraction. A young girl with some family issues sees the show and becomes enamored with her and her plight. Heart breaking but oh so good.
Then you have Karella's The Ballad of Horse Girl which is a weird almost bizarre western revenge horror. This one you just need to go into blind. Really unique characters and an absolutely amazing story.
Croal's The Girl With Barnacles for eyes was such a sweet yet very sad tale about a captive girl who has barnacles for eyes who is being used as a sort of sideshow attraction. A young girl with some family issues sees the show and becomes enamored with her and her plight. Heart breaking but oh so good.
Then you have Karella's The Ballad of Horse Girl which is a weird almost bizarre western revenge horror. This one you just need to go into blind. Really unique characters and an absolutely amazing story.
September 14, 2024
Thank you to Tenebrous Press for the opportunity to read this book. The first of two novellas in this book is about a girl with barnacle eyes. She is on display as a sort of sideshow, and caught the attention of a local girl. I enjoyed this story, but was confused by the end. How does the captor of the barnacle girl suddenly disappear?
The second novella is about a horse girl. I’m not quite sure if she is part horse? You learn that she is traveling to kill a man called the Judge. The Judge, unbeknownst to the horse girl has wed her sister. At the end of this story, I’m not expecting the two sisters to end up dying to together. Very tragic, but not all stories need a happy ending.
The second novella is about a horse girl. I’m not quite sure if she is part horse? You learn that she is traveling to kill a man called the Judge. The Judge, unbeknownst to the horse girl has wed her sister. At the end of this story, I’m not expecting the two sisters to end up dying to together. Very tragic, but not all stories need a happy ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2024
SO very grateful to #goodreadsgiveaways for popping this into my collection - I will hunt down the rest of the series, I enjoyed it so much. The concept of the novelette double feature is perfect for subway riding and investing a bit more than a short story collection. These two had great overlaps of complex and engaging women protagonists, and otherworldy/eerie and beautifully rendered spaces. Big fan of both and looking forward to more discoveries in the Split Scream series.
August 3, 2025
Both stories are not even remotely what I would consider horror. The first is a weird seaside carny tale. The second is a weird western revenge tale. Neither are horror and don't seem to fit the series - this is the 3rd volume of Split Screams for me. Both well-written and sort of interesting. 3.5/5
June 30, 2024
Review to follow.
July 23, 2024
My ebook preorder came in as a surprise. I forgot I was getting this. I loved both stories. Excellent selections for this volume.
February 17, 2025
Heck yeah.
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