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Mother's Boys

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Natalie has strived to be different her whole life. She's dedicated her attitude, fashion, and very being to standing out from the crowd. After witnessing a brutal attack, Natalie becomes entangled in an escalating battle between a violent street gang and a strange tribe of sewer dwellers. Now she's about to learn just how much being different can mean.

341 pages, Paperback

First published February 14, 2014

32 people are currently reading
107 people want to read

About the author

Daniel I. Russell

53 books151 followers
Australian Shadows Award finalist D.l I. Russell has been featured publications such as The Zombie Feed from Apex, Pseudopod and Andromeda Spaceways Inflight Magazine #43. Author of Samhane, Come Into Darkness, Critique, Mother's Boys, The Collector and Tricks, Mischief and Mayhem, D. I. Russell is also the former vice-president of the Australian Horror Writers' Association and was a special guest editor of Midnight Echo.

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5 stars
27 (35%)
4 stars
26 (34%)
3 stars
20 (26%)
2 stars
2 (2%)
1 star
1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Char.
1,949 reviews1,873 followers
June 23, 2014
3.5 stars!
When I saw this book come up for review on Horror After Dark, I claimed it for my own. See, back in 2012 I read this short story titled "Fluffs" and I loved it. I immediately purchased another book by this author,"Samhane", but as so often happens these days, I haven't had time yet to read it. I was excited to sit down with this one.

This was a nasty tale...not nasty like porno nasty, but nasty like EWWWW nasty. It was not completely original, but there were some surprising turns, and that definitely had an effect on my rating.

Most horror lovers have encountered tales of mutant, scary, underground dwellers before and I dare say most of us have read plenty about psychopathic rapists and killers as well. The difference in this book is the reader is rooting for one of these groups. Which group? You will need to read this to find out.

Mr. Russell creates some interesting characters and a couple of cliche ones. A few of the underground scenes were not believable to my mind, however, the creativity of the author's imagination mostly made up for that. (Yeah, you will remember that baby pram for a long time!) The quality of the prose was okay and the pacing of this tale was rather quick. I wouldn't have minded a little more originality, but I did end up enjoying this book as a whole.
Recommended for fans of underground mutant horror!

There is currently a giveaway for Mother's Boys at Horror After Dark Giveaways! Don't miss your chance to read Mother's Boys for free!
Profile Image for Corrina Morse.
815 reviews125 followers
March 24, 2021
After a pretty brutal opening, this was a great horror story about people getting their rightful comeuppance. I couldn't put it down.
Profile Image for Deb Soward.
93 reviews16 followers
May 4, 2021
Natalie is a woman who embraces her differences. She has no intentions in fitting in. Everything changes for Natalie the night she bares witness to a violent attack. A gang of psychopaths are on the loose, wreaking havoc on the streets. But, that is not all. There are a group of mysterious sewer dwellers that have crossed Natalie's path. Will Natalie escape the dangers that lurk on the streets? Read the book and you will find out.

This book was a non stop adrenaline packed ride from beginning to end. You have a mix of human monsters, monsters, survival horror, and Splatterpunk all coming together in a perfect storm.I also enjoyed seeing how Natalie's character transformed from beginning to end. As for me, I always prefer the monsters that are not human. 4.5 bloody stars. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Horror Reads.
912 reviews323 followers
August 23, 2024
This is a novel with mostly bad people doing horrific things and, eventually, two distinct groups will stop at nothing to kill one another.

Above ground, a group of younger men kidnap, rape, and torture women for fun. It's as grim as it sounds. Their motivation seems to just be "because women are horrible".

In the sewer system beneath the city lives a family who are quite different. Although human, they are monsterous in their appearance and live below so nobody bothers them. They are killers and sometimes cannibals when they can't obtain food to eat. One communicates with birds, another is an extremely large Hulk-like man with a violent streak, and another is simply the most human looking and he begs for money and food to bring back to his brothers. There are others as well.

One night the group of women haters attack and kill an older prostitute. This is going to lead to a bloody revenge plan as these two groups will be hunting one another through the sewers.

Our main protagonist is caught up between these groups and she tries to keep the bloodshed to a minimum. But her boyfriend has dark secrets and this will also come into play.

The scenes of violence are pretty gruesome and the cat and mouse games in the sewers are claustrophobic and thrilling.

The main issue I had, personally, was with the motivations for these groups. We're meant to be on the side of the sewer family but there's really no clear reason for rooting on a group of murderous cannibals. "We get mocked" is basically it.

There are some changes in different characters later in the novel which, again, aren't really explained enough to warrant those changes.

That being said, if you're looking for a bloodily violent book with some extreme horror elements, I would recommend this book. There's more to like than not and once we get underground the action and suspense really kicks in.
Profile Image for Dion Smith.
503 reviews3 followers
February 25, 2024
This was my first extreme horror book, and the first death was extreme, and I almost didn't keep reading, but I'm glad that I stuck with it.

I really enjoyed it. I liked the little details that the characters had, it gave them a bit more depth.

As this is my first extreme horror, I don't know where on the scale of extreme this book fits, but apart from the first bit, I didn't find the rest if the book extreme.

since reading this book I have went on to read Scream Ride by Daniel I Russell and loved it.
Profile Image for Krystelle.
1,102 reviews45 followers
September 17, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

A well-developed splatterpunk novel, this book is a really wild ride from start to finish, although it does feel somewhat underdeveloped in places. None of the characters are particularly well fleshed out, but the development comes in from the story and the action itself. It's so fast-paced that it feels a bit out of place in terms of the things that happen so quickly, and some with little to no explanation.

I did appreciate that this book did its utmost to think outside the box, and to give something that you don't often see. New concepts are integral to horror, and it was good to see a book that did something totally left field. I did think this was a fabulous book conceptually - I just wish that it was extrapolated on a bit more to be more than just a concept.

Hoping to see more in future in this sort of vein, but with just a little bit more development and heart in the characters.
Profile Image for Frankie Yates.
211 reviews11 followers
February 19, 2016
I know I say this about every Daniel I Russell book that I review, but this is literally one of the most incredible novels I have ever read.
It was sad, infuriating, eye opening and addictive. At some points I found myself shouting in frustration and squealing with happiness (much to the dismay of my housemates).

Every time I start to read one of Russell's books I seriously struggle to put it down. When it's over I find myself wanting to read more of his excellent work.

I loved all of the characters in their own ways (especially Max) and Johan's OCD was such a great touch although I do wonder if there was some sort of hidden meaning to this...
I had vivid images in my head throughout the entire book and have come to the conclusion that this absolutely needs to be made into a movie.

I will 100% be recommending this to all of my fellow book worms.
Profile Image for Brittney.
950 reviews41 followers
September 15, 2024
Mother’s Boys by Daniel I. Russell is a gruesome, gritty ride that tests the boundaries of extreme horror. If you're a fan of underground mutant tales mixed with psychopathic gangs, this book will pull you in—and not let go!

The story follows Natalie, who’s always prided herself on being different. But when she witnesses a brutal murder and escapes into the sewers, she finds herself trapped between two deadly groups: sewer-dwelling mutants and a sadistic gang of murderers. The question of who to root for becomes more complex than you'd expect, and that’s part of the twisted fun of this book.

The opening is intense, and the violence is relentless, but if you can stomach it, the story delivers moments of both horror and unexpected heart. I appreciated the unique, if sometimes unbelievable, underground scenes (and trust me, you'll never forget that baby pram!). Russell does a great job creating memorable characters, though a few slip into cliché territory.

One of the most fascinating parts of this story is how it flips the typical horror script—forcing you to side with one of the groups, despite neither being truly "good." The sewer family of monstrous outcasts is strangely compelling, even as they commit horrific acts. Meanwhile, the above-ground gang is as vile as they come, making the eventual clash between these two groups both thrilling and gruesome.

While I had some issues with the motivations of the characters and a few underdeveloped changes in the later chapters, overall, Mother’s Boys is a wild, bloody ride. If you're into intense horror with dark, underground themes, this one’s for you!

#MothersBoys #DanielIRussell #HorrorFiction #ExtremeHorror #BookReview #GrimReads #UndergroundHorror
Profile Image for Jamie Young.
237 reviews17 followers
August 31, 2024
Nat and Simon just wanted to spend their one year anniversary together. In the middle of their anniversary celebration, Simon gets an unwanted guest from his past. Johan and Simon used to be friends and they did horrible things together. Simon wants to forget and close the door now that he has Nat. But this night is going to change all of their paths, forever.

A woman is dead. Another is missing. A group of sadistic serial rapists and killers are on the hunt and have no idea that a group of sewer dwelling cannibalistic mutants want revenge just a much as they do. Nat is stuck in the middle of it all.

This book was fun! Gory and unsettling horror with a dash of sci-fi wrapped in layers of fast paced action. A book full of characters you love to hate and others you learn to love as you watch their stories play out.

Check your triggers: This book opens with a graphic and detailed sexual assault. It was uncomfortable but was a key part into understanding how vile some of the characters are.

The writing is well done but one thing I had a hard time with the consistent fat shaming of one of the characters. It has zero relevance to the story.

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫(3.5 stars, rounding up to 4).

📚 I received this ARC for free from NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntary.
269 reviews1 follower
July 11, 2021
I enjoy a good horror story ... but this really isn't one. It was one of those books I really should have stopped reading, but I am usually very committed to finishing a book once I have started, so I reluctantly kept reading. I was not at all happy with the story, how it developed and the numerous holes in the story itself.

The author seems to delight in violence for violence's sake. The opening story involves the brutal torture, rape and murder of a girl. The author goes into great detail describing the horrific sexual and brutal acts inflicted on the girl. It was simply too much information, much of which truly wasn't needed.

While there are other holes, the biggest is just how an entire "family" of grossly and outrageously deformed creatures, each with widely different deformities, were somehow birthed by one woman. How did that happen? No explanation was ever provided ... as if there could be one in the first place. This was completely outlandish and unbelievable.

The story itself is just so unbelievable and outlandish. This truly was one of the worst books I have read in years.
Profile Image for Ky.
219 reviews29 followers
November 9, 2024
There’s a lot to unpack here, Mother’s Boys was an absolute ride from start to finish. Full of horror, blood, guts and… a little bit of heart? It was weird and wonderful; definitely a story that was hard to put down.

We had two “sides” to this story, and it was strange empathizing with either of them, as they both were horrific in their own ways. I definitely was rooting for the underground, and honestly I love seeing the monsters win sometimes!

I definitely enjoyed this weird novel, I thought it was a great mix of extreme horror, some “Evil Dead II” kind of over the top gore, and a story that was unique. I’d definitely recommend this one!

Thank you to NetGalley and Blood Bound Books for the review opportunity!

Profile Image for Waheela.
200 reviews1 follower
June 27, 2021
The violence didn't brother me and overall I found it a solid horror flick...just like the one you watch a sunday afternoon because you are bored.

However, the interesting premise kind of fell flat in the execution. The suspense was there but the action was very uneven to the point where I did skim a little since I didn't care that much for characters.

The action-reaction felt out of place even with the belief suspended. I think the story would have worked better over a long er period of time. As it was I felt a bit trapped between a psyhcological horror and a splatter film without the book shining in either genre.

I was entertained though 🙂
Profile Image for Alfredo.
129 reviews10 followers
April 22, 2021
A fast paced book.
Despicable characters
Hardcore Violence

For me there was too unnecessary violence and description of such, but not a good story behind it. The main evil character didn't give enough reasons for what he did or why. Maybe there'll be a sequel?. This is what i'd call a fast sunday read, sit down on your couch, after a busy week, and just read a somewhat interesting story with interesting characters that have no real explanation or origin story (which it sucks). You could even see at as a modern take on Teenage Mutant Ninja "Homeless People".
Profile Image for Monica L..
401 reviews6 followers
December 31, 2024
Love my Occult Horror

I absolutely love my occult horror books! I read this a while ago and I guess I got sidetracked and forgot to review it.

With that being said, I remember this book. This is one of those books you will NEVER forget (in a good way unless you don’t like horror.) I would highly recommend this book to my horror junkies!
Profile Image for Lottie.
65 reviews
August 26, 2021
An enjoyable story but gratuitous at times. Felt very clockwork orange. Wanted more explanation behind the thugs actions, it seemed too drastic for their reasoning. Absolutely loved the epilogue. I hope the chef caters at Nat and Max's wedding
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for AgoraphoBook  Reviews.
458 reviews8 followers
January 6, 2025
Mother's Boys
Daniel I. Russell

3.5

Intense opening and visceral writing.
A solid book about a band of bad guys getting their due.

Would recommend if it sounds like something you're interested in. Familiar concepts but an interesting approach.

3.5
Profile Image for David.
Author 12 books148 followers
November 16, 2019
This has an interesting concept. The story is good and the characters are solid. I enjoyed it.
Profile Image for LORRIE.
3,535 reviews63 followers
April 15, 2021
Dark and creepy

This was a very, dark, creepy and at time gross. I l9ved the strange cast of characters. This was a great book
28 reviews
August 13, 2021
horrifyingly delectable

i was hooked and could'nt put it down
the author has a way with words that gives me goosebumps and nightmarish images bravissimo
Profile Image for Cathy.
260 reviews1 follower
July 12, 2016
I was given a copy of this book by the writer in return for an honest review.

I had completely forgotten that I had this book at all and it sat on my Kindle for two weeks before I had a look at it, not holding out much hope that it would be anything to write home about. However, a day or two later, I am trawling through Amazon in the hopes of finding more from Mr Russell! I even took this book to Alton Towers with me, hoping to be left alone for half an hour, while the kids and hubby awaited to go on one of the bigger rides. I was actually cursing the lack of queues for once!!

I completely agree that there is a very Laymon-esque influence apparent in Daniel Russell's writing, although some of Richard Laymon's more sordid leanings are missing, which was disappointing, as is the lack of vividly described bloodshed but in it's place, we are treated to what is actually a very well thought out story, in which we are left questioning who are the actual monsters in this tale.

I loved Russell's characters. He has an amazing way of drawing you into their world and their environment that you feel like you know them all so intimately by the end of the book. The story was well crafted, a true masterpiece of horror fiction. The pace is fast and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. There were lots of atmospheric moments, actually placing you in the scene being described.

I will resume looking up Daniel Russell's other work now. Thanks for an amazing read!
Profile Image for Stephen Glover.
30 reviews1 follower
April 19, 2014
What isn't there to love about a book involving sewer dwelling mutants and a group of psychotic kidnapping delinquents? This is a book about fitting in with the crowd, or NOT as the case maybe with this story.

The main story arc centres around Natalie who is an alternate Gothic chick who finds herself in the middle of a feud between the mutants and psycho's. It's not a clichéd storyline by any means as the mutants are portrayed as the good guys even though they have been forced to kidnap and eat people off the streets to survive. The psycho's are like a bunch of grown up kids who were always bullied at school and are taking out their worldly frustrations mainly on the women folk who stumble across their path.

There are enough gory scenes to keep hardcore horror fans happy but it is not as visceral as it could have been. There is a nice twist at the end and the book ticks along at a very good pace which is quite an accomplishment for a 330+ page story. Almost half the book is based in the sewer systems which is described so well that it almost made me feel like I was in the scene.

It all leads to a final battle between the psycho's and the mutants which is absolutely excellent - I could quite easily visualize a film being made around the end scene alone. Overall this is an impressive addition to the horror scene and fans of the genre should check out Daniel I. Russell's work immediately!
Profile Image for Sherie.
1 review2 followers
December 6, 2015
I have absolutely enjoyed reading Mother's Boys so much that I have read it 4 times now. It is fast paced, and exciting and keeps you wanting to read the whole way through. It is hard to tell who are the bad guys and good guys in this story, but makes it all the more exciting to read.
Profile Image for Mkittysamom.
1,467 reviews53 followers
May 26, 2017
One character in particular really made me mad. So I'm thinking if I got that emotionally involved...The author succeeded :). I have more to write...to be cont.
Profile Image for Pyropatty.
154 reviews17 followers
October 9, 2021
Extreme

Boy's will be boys and these boy's have an extreme dislike for woman. But the family will set them straight. Sex and violence, two things I love.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews

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