Featuring new stories by Judith Sonnet, Mique Watson, Stephanie E. Jensen, Ruth Anna Evans, Cassandra Daucus, Harrison Phillips, Chaz WIlliams, and MORE . . . SCRAPS is an obscene, absurd, and disturbing anthology of splatterpunk and extreme horror. Curated by Judith Sonnet, each story is designed to shock, sicken, and surprise! If you like your horror raw and unflinching, then this anthology is for you!
This is extreme horror and splatterpunk. Don't like being grossed out? Don't read it!
If you love splatterpunk and body horror, you will relish this book. It's so sick. Thanks to Judith Sonnet, Otis Bateman, and all of the great imaginations included. Four bloody organs and one nervous system under extreme duress. 👍
Every single story deserves ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I’m going to be honest, I’ve never been a fan of anthologies but Scraps blew me away. Also the narration between the stories was such a nice added bonus. I want to talk about a few stories that will stick with me for a bit : Judith Sonnet - Oral Fixations This anthology starts off with Judith telling a sick and twisted tale that made someone who has dentophobia cry. It’s me, I am that someone. Judith ends the book with her banned book ‘Fetal Backwash’. I read this when it first came out on Godless, it was fantastic to read through it again. RE Shambrook - Filth. This story was the absolute shit! Literally. Chaz Williams - Sober. How far would you go to seek justice for your child who was killed by a drunk driver? This had an excellent plot, great story, and the twist was perfection. Jayson Dawn - Wet Hair. Holy hell this author sure knows how to write the most descriptive nasty shit. I don’t think he even knows the word subtle. He has this way of detail that is so goddamn vivid, you can swear you witnessed the story firsthand. Also, fuck my clogged drains. You will not ever see me pulling anything out of them ever again. Otis Bateman - Regurgitating Menstrual Seepage At The Spittoon Saloon. 😐 Bro, I could have went my whole life without googling ‘munging’. This story takes place in a ‘wild west’ setting, and fucking wild it is. It will make you laugh and gag at the same time. Kudos to every single author!
ARC Review: SCRAPS, brought to you by Judith Sonnet and Danielle Yeager, with stories by Judith Sonnet, Cassandra Daucaus, RE Shambrook, Chaz Williams, Ruth Anna Evans, Brian G Berry, Jayson Dawn, Harrison Phillips, Otis Bateman, Mique Watson, and Stephanie E Jensen. SCRAPS also features the novella, Fetal Backwash, by Judith Sonnet.
Who do I need to send the bill for my therapy to? The emotional damage this anthology gave me surely warrants it. 😂
I absolutely loved the little blurbs between the stories, it was a great little addition that kind of connected them in a way, despite their vast differences. You get suckerpunched from the get go with Judith's short, Oral Fixations, and continued being pummelled by story after story, before finally ending with the beautiful novella that is Fetal Backwash. I mean, who *doesn't* love revenge stories with demons?
Also, I'm not one to kinkshame, but I'm definitely giving a couple of you authors the side eye. 🥴
Overall, this was a page turner that I couldn't put down. I finished it in 4 hours.
I am a sucker for a good anthology. This book was NUTS. So many disgusting stories. The short transitions between stories was a nice touch. This book is definitely not for everyone. If you have any triggers, it’s probably in here. Just vile. If you don’t know what extreme horror or splatterpunk is then do your research before diving into this bad boy. Otherwise, I give it 5 bloody, gore-filled stars.
So, horror is horror, but not all horror is for everyone. This one’s a prime example of that. Now, splatterpunk, extreme/hardcore, gross out, and transgressive fiction tend to get lumped together, as they all teeter precariously over that threshold that forewarns, “Abandon all hope, ye who enter here”.
This is an exceptional selection of stories, curated by our favourite gore cherub, Judith Sonnet, and just like Jack Bantry’s Splatterpunk’s Basement of Horror that dropped a couple of month back, it definitely explores the diversity of the subgenre (maybe with a touch more nihilism than the aforementioned…)
As an added bonus, Judith takes a very unique-to-genre, pseudo-meta approach to introducing each story, reminiscent of campfire tales, which I found really added to its charm.
While we’re on the topic of bonus features: Included as a post-anthology is Judith Sonnet’s novella Fetal Backwash, dubbed “The One Amazon Had to Draw the Line For”, which incorporates aspects of another favourite “extreme” umbrella’d subgenre of mind: Bizarro! (Which I will be reviewing separately, as it is also available as a standalone via Godless, but ONLY available on paperback by buying this anthology)
Okay, I’m gonna start going off on tangents, so time to call it.
If you choose to read this, just remember: you, and you alone, are responsible for your triggers. This is an EXTREME anthology. That’s is the only content warning you’re going to get from me.
Get ready, because Scraps: A Horror Anthology by Judith Sonnet is a collection of VERY disturbing stories that will have you gagging, cringing, and questioning your sanity throughout the entire book! 🤢😱 Every story kept me on the edge of my seat, and yes, I absolutely wanted MORE! 🤷🏽♀️🖤 I’m keeping a VERY close eye on some of you writers. ALL EYES ON YOU!!! 👀🤣 Seriously, how in the world do you come up with this sick, disgusting, nauseating stuff?! I love it, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little concerned about what goes on inside those brilliant, twisted minds of yours while you’re writing! What kind of mindset do you have to be in to create stories like these?! I have QUESTIONS! 😂🤢
I can honestly say I loved all the stories in this anthology, and I can’t choose just one or two favorites! Every author brought something different to the table, and BOY, DID THEY DELIVER! 🔥 Some stories made me gag, others shocked me, and a few had me feeling all kinds of emotions. There were moments when I had to stop reading for a bit because my stomach simply couldn’t handle what my eyes were taking in. 🤮🤣 The writing was engaging, the descriptions were vivid, and these stories definitely accomplished what they set out to do: disturb, disgust, shock, and keep me reading! I’ll absolutely be checking out more books by the authors featured in this collection because they ALL did their thing. If you’re a horror reader who enjoys extreme, twisted, and stomach-churning stories, this anthology deserves a spot on your reading list. Just make sure your stomach is ready for the ride! 😈📚
Judith Sonnet and the rest of these authors, I applaud you! 👏🖤 You managed to give me a little bit of everything: disgust, shock, sadness, anger, and that irresistible need to keep turning the pages even when I wanted to scream, “WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE?!” 😂🤢 This anthology reminded me why I love extreme horror so much. It pushes boundaries, gets under your skin, and leaves you wondering what on earth you just read. I’m definitely looking forward to exploring more work from these authors, although I might need to prepare myself mentally and emotionally first! 🤣 If you enjoy horror that is graphic, disturbing, and unapologetically disgusting, Scraps is one anthology you should check out. Five stars for a collection that made me gag, cringe, and STILL ask for more! ⭐🖤
1. “Oral Fixations” by Judith Sonnet I didn’t expect anything less from Judith! 🖤 This story was AMAZING. She is an absolute beast when it comes to writing horror, and once again, she delivered the kind of disturbing story that keeps me coming back for more. She knows exactly how to pull me in and keep me hooked!
2. “The Book of Revenge” by Cassandra Daucus DAMN!!! 😈 Revenge is sweet, isn’t it? I absolutely loved this story! It grabbed my attention and gave me a satisfying, twisted ride. Cassandra definitely did her thing with this one!
3. “Filth” by R.E. Shambrook WHAT DID I JUST READ?! 🤢 This is one of the most disturbing and disgusting stories I’ve ever read. I was gagging for HOURS just thinking about it! This story definitely accomplished its mission, and I’m not sure whether to applaud the author or question what goes on in their mind. 😂 Absolutely revolting—in the way extreme horror readers sometimes love!
4. “Sober” by Chaz Williams How far would you go to get justice for your child? 😱 That question alone makes this story hit hard. OMG, Chaz! You’re becoming another one of my favorite authors with every story of yours that I read. You know how to get my attention, pull me into a story, and keep me invested. I can’t wait to read more from you!
5. “Rita” by Ruth Anna Evans This was such a sad story. 💔 I genuinely felt bad for the main character, and the emotional impact stayed with me. Sometimes a story doesn’t need to rely only on shock and gore to get to you; it can hurt your heart, too. This one definitely brought out my emotions.
6. “FF” by Brian G. Berry HOLY MOLY!!! 😱 The detailed descriptions in this story were phenomenal. I could picture every single thing being described, and let me tell you, that was both a blessing and a curse! 🤢 I had to stop reading a couple of times because I was nauseated, shocked, and MAD. The writing was incredibly vivid, and the story really got to me. I thought “Filth” by R.E. Shambrook was bad, but THIS ONE?! I was not prepared!
7. “Wet Hair” by Jayson Dawn Well, THANK YOU VERY MUCH! 😭🤣 Now I’m going to think twice before cleaning out my drain. Something as ordinary as dealing with a clogged drain shouldn’t leave me feeling suspicious of my own bathroom! Jayson, you’ve officially made a simple household chore a whole lot creepier. 🚿😱
8. “Bonemeal” by Harrison Phillips YOU BETTER FEED THAT LAWN!!! 🌱💀 That’s all I’m saying! This story left me with a whole new appreciation for keeping up with the yard. Harrison definitely gave me something to think about the next time I look at a patch of grass. 😂
9. “Regurgitating Menstrual Seepage at the Spittoon Saloon” by Otis Bateman OMG!!! 🤢🤮 This story completely grossed me out, and I mean COMPLETELY! I was gagging throughout the whole thing. Otis, you knew exactly what you were doing with this title and story! It was disgusting, nauseating, and absolutely committed to making me regret having an imagination. Mission accomplished! 😂
10. “Amateur Surgery” by Mique Watson OMG!!! What an emotional roller coaster! 😱 I felt so bad for the main character from beginning to end. This story had me feeling all kinds of emotions, and just when I thought I knew what to expect, THAT ENDING!!! I was not ready! Mique managed to get me emotionally invested and then hit me with a conclusion that left me reeling. Definitely one that got a reaction out of me!
11. “Putrefying Malediction” by Stephanie E. Jensen Well, well, well… cheating may come with consequences! 😈 This story serves up a dark reminder that actions can have repercussions. Stephanie brought the horror, and I was here to see how things would unfold. Sometimes revenge and punishment come in forms you never see coming!
12. “Fetal Backwash” by Judith Sonnet I actually read and reviewed this story last year, and I absolutely LOVE how Judith can take something so disgusting and disturbing and somehow make me want MORE! 🤢🖤 She has a talent for pulling me in with every word, and no matter how gross things get, I’m completely sucked into the story. Judith is an absolute powerhouse when it comes to extreme horror, and this is another example of why she’s one of my favorite authors!
I love anthologys and I love splatterpunk and if you mix the two together, you get this great collection through and through. All of the stories were not only creative but were able to suck you in from the start. The Novella at the end was so much fun and crazy in all the ways I want my splatterpunk.
OMG… I loved this collection so much! The BEST of the best short stories in one book that I read in a couple of hours. Judith Sonnet has got to be aware of her talent, not only in writing, but also in putting together something so brilliant! The authors chosen were some of my favorites…Judith starts off full throttle, and it doesn’t let up until the end. I would give more than five ⭐️ if I could!
I have been excited about this book since it was first announced and it so worth the wait. A great collection of stories written by some the best splatterpunk authors that will have you feeling like a creep for enjoying such depravity
A masterclass in splatterpunk and extreme horror. Each author brings their A game. Otis Bateman’s story almost made me tap out. The variety of stories presented is a true gift to any fans of the genre. Thank you to each author and especially Judith who curated this nasty collection!
Oral Fixations by Judith Sonnet: I've read a few of Judith's books and she never disappoints in the extreme and depraved department. We meet a couple teens who are heading to a party but the night doesn't go as planned. They wake up in an unknown location and try and figure out every possible way they can to survive. This one actually hurt my heart a bit. So good job, Judith!
I also love Judith's introductions, narrations? to each story. It's like a story within a story.
The Book of Revenge by Cassandra Draucus: Cassandra Draucus is a new author for me but one I definitely want to read more of. This little story was so well written and was a bloody mess of fun! I felt like I was actually there. I could picture things clearly and really enjoyed that. While I have seen horror movies based in the 13th century, I've never read a horror book that had it in it until now.
Filth by RE Shambrook: This was the grossest little story I've ever read and I am absolutely here for it. When I finished, I was like "WTF WAS THAT?!" I couldn't stop reading. But man oh man. I feel like the author thought to himself, "Hmm...what's the grossest bodily function and I'm going to write a book about it?" This is definitely not for those with weak stomachs.
Sober by Chaz Williams: Richard and Susan are helping a certain person who hurt their daughter, detox. If that's what you can even call it. When they complete their mission, they show her what it's like to live with the pain of losing someone while sober. Disturbing, extreme and on point with the theme of this anthology!
Rita by Ruth Anna Evans: I love books like this where you think it's going one way and then it goes another, throwing you off. Clearly I am not on my game, because I should have predicted this ending.
FF by Brian G Berry: Um...wow. I have no words for this one.
Wet Hair by Jayson Dawn: Wow...can't say I've ever read a story like this one. I hate pulling hair from the drain and get my husband to do it. Now I'm going to be thinking of this story every time he does.
Bonemeal by Harrison Phillips: Well I wasn't expecting that in the least but did I love it? Yes. Yes I did.
Amateur Surgery by Mique Watson: First, I have to say that this my favourite horror author, so I was super excited to read his story! Mique never disappoints and this one was a doozy. All I gotta say is poor Teddy.
Putrefying Malediction by Stephanie E Jensen: This one was awesome and gross. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned!
Fetal Back Wash by Judith Sonnet: Well this was something that I did not expect to like but really did! Not sure what that says about me. And again, hell hath no fury like a woman scorned! Flo really got her revenge with this one.
Set up as a collection of campfire tales, that opening by Judith Sonnet does more than just set the mood. It also serves as a reminder that splatterpunk and extreme horror still, for the most part, exists in the shadows. It will never be mainstream, but isn't that the whole idea of this genre, to buck against the mainstream?
This huge collection of disgusting and repulsive tales were all five star reads! A quick rundown:
Oral Fixations by Judith Sonnet: A group of teens are terrorized by the Missouri Tooth Fairy, who has an odd fixation on teeth...and other body parts. True, visceral fear and gore throughout with a truly cruel ending.
The Book of Revenge by Cassandra Daucus: Religious horror that features a mystery manuscript found in a medieval monastery. What could possibly go wrong? Um, everything.
Filth by RE Shambrook: A man visits a BDSM club to fulfill his kinks and fetishes. I gagged a few times while reading this because it was SO vile and I could smell some of the descriptions.
Sober by Chaz Williams: A young woman's life is cruelly cut short by a drunk driver, but some people close to her are going to make sure she gets justice.
Rita by Ruth Anna Evans: A couple with a newborn argue about keeping the dog, Rita, who is acting aggressively. A true heartbreaker
FF by Brian G. Berry: If you have the money, you can get a special toy. This one was revolting, and I loved it!
Wet Hair by Jayson Dawn: That clog in the drain turns out to be a real...nuisance. Loved the characterization in this one!
Bonemeal by Harrison Phillips: A newly wealthy couple finds themselves in a Shirley Jackson-esque world where the neighbors are VERY concerned with their lawns.
Regurgitating Menstrual Seepage at the Spittoon Saloon by Otis Bateman: So outrageous and over the top, this one had me cackling like a witch. Two idiots try to spend time with the "ladies of the night" with $30 between them. Good thing they can pay another way!
Amateur Surgery by Mique Watson: A snuff film goes so very wrong in this twisted tale!
Putrefying Malediction by Stephanie E. Jensen: A cheater finds that if the guilt doesn't eat away at him, something else will!
Fetal Backwash by Judith Sonnet: The novella that was banned by Amazon is included in its entirety. I read and reviewed the original when it was released.
A great collection of highly sordid, disturbing tales that will please any lover of the genre!
This semester & the daily horrors persist, but so do I. Scraps helped me get through a rough week & took my mind off Statistics with depravity, gore, and immense sadness?? I welcomed the distractions tho. So I have been chomping at the bit to get to Scraps since Judith Sonnet announced the glorious cover. *pause for adoration* We start and end with Sonnet doing what she does best. Making us feel sympathy pain for someone getting the top of their skull blown off and then wince at just how bad a fart scene can get? I can’t make mention of all of the stories in Scraps but I will applaud everyone who made it in to the anthology & all of those to attempted to get in, cuz there were some doozies in here!
Honorable mentions: Jayson Dawn, why are you like this. Mique Watson is so Mique Watson, effortlessly & that takes gusto. 🤌🏽 Brian G Berry, just reporting in so I get my “I know what FF means” merit badge. & last but not least, I must reach out to Ruth Anna Evans for one of the most sad, brutal, and emotionally damaging stories I have EVER read. For you to have achieved what you did in such a restricted space…bravo. 👏🏽 But also how dare you make me, a grown man shed a tear. (Yes, I’m a Pisces and yes it’s been less than a half hour since I last cried but still.) Some great stories in here from some very talented authors. Yes, even the 💩 in the 🍯 guy…but you’re getting a stare down from me. 🤨 Pick this one up ASAP if you think you have the guts.
This was my 1st anthology book and I must say, I throughly enjoyed this collection of stories. It turned out to be well-written and even had short intro sections for each author which made it feel like more than an anthology series. It tired all of the stories together.
My least favorite stories were definitely Filth and FF. My favorite stories were Rita and Sober. Fetal Backwash was such a ridiculously fun ride. I really enjoy how Judith Sonnet writes.
Between these 450+ pages there's something for everyone who loves their stories sticky, vile, and depraved. And one or two might make you throw up in your mouth just a little bit! 😁
My faves were Regurgitating Menstrual Seepage at the Spittoon Saloon (I ❤️ the Periplaneta americana), Fetal Backwash (sweet, sweet revenge) and FF (you want to find out what FF stands for, trust me).
A very graphic and often very funny collection of extreme horror and splatterpunk. Judith Sonnet has put together a decent range of different styles to please and disgust a variety of readers.
Some of the stories at the start I found a bit boring or confusing or felt they needed to be longer but the final story I actually really enjoyed, it was weird but also funny HOWEVER the ended seemed rushed
A very disturbing book with a lot of vile and gross things that make even the hardest horror enthusiasts grab their stomachs and run for the toilet. I can't image any book topping this one. And I read Cows! Multiple authors come together for this anthology and write the most disturbing anyone can ever stomach. This book is not for the weak minded. Cudos to all who participated.