What do you think?
Rate this book
Benjamin
FOLLOW BENJAMIN
In the city of fear, money holds dominion over all. With a new designer drug numbing the population, a rash of mysterious disappearances, and a murder rate rising higher than the tallest skyscraper, the only people with the means to distance themselves from the corruption are the ones fostering it.
Enter Benjamin—a lone hundred-dollar bill caught in the middle. In a storm of pills, bullets, and bloodshed, Benjamin passes through the hands of several desperate criminals. Will this bill be the missing piece that finally solves their problems, or a witness to their final moments?
There’s only one way to find out: follow Benjamin.
IMMERSIVE ENTERTAINMENT This volume contains 6 QR codes—over 14 minutes of complementary animated video—and 6 interior illustrations. The immersive videos are designed to give the reader a sense of the story's atmosphere before beginning the experience. These nightmarish fever dreams are laced with symbolism open to the viewer's interpretation. Can you find the deeper meaning?
This book contains graphic content. Reader discretion is advised.
In the city of fear, money holds dominion over all. With a new designer drug numbing the population, a rash of mysterious disappearances, and a murder rate rising higher than the tallest skyscraper, the only people with the means to distance themselves from the corruption are the ones fostering it.
Enter Benjamin—a lone hundred-dollar bill caught in the middle. In a storm of pills, bullets, and bloodshed, Benjamin passes through the hands of several desperate criminals. Will this bill be the missing piece that finally solves their problems, or a witness to their final moments?
There’s only one way to find out: follow Benjamin.
IMMERSIVE ENTERTAINMENT This volume contains 6 QR codes—over 14 minutes of complementary animated video—and 6 interior illustrations. The immersive videos are designed to give the reader a sense of the story's atmosphere before beginning the experience. These nightmarish fever dreams are laced with symbolism open to the viewer's interpretation. Can you find the deeper meaning?
This book contains graphic content. Reader discretion is advised.
- GenresHorror
452 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 27, 2024
61 people are currently reading
521 people want to read
About the author
Aron Beauregard
86 books3,375 followersAron Beauregard was born and raised in Central Falls, Rhode Island. He's been writing horror since the 6th grade and has now released over 25 books. An avid supporter of horror art and illustration, Aron has made it his standard to hire illustrators for every book that he puts out under his brand AB Horror.
His writing is dark and without boundaries. Known for creating a stir, his work has gone viral on several occasions. He's won the Splatterpunk Award twice after garnering four total nominations. As an independent artist, Beauregard's book "Playground" has achieved #1 Bestseller status under the category of horror on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Additionally, his work has been translated to multiple languages.
To get the latest updates about upcoming releases, signed books and merchandise, film news, and so much more, visit his website:
www.ABHorror.com
To subscribe to his free newsletter, join the AB Horror Maggot Mailing List at:
https://aronbeauregard.substack.com/
His writing is dark and without boundaries. Known for creating a stir, his work has gone viral on several occasions. He's won the Splatterpunk Award twice after garnering four total nominations. As an independent artist, Beauregard's book "Playground" has achieved #1 Bestseller status under the category of horror on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Additionally, his work has been translated to multiple languages.
To get the latest updates about upcoming releases, signed books and merchandise, film news, and so much more, visit his website:
www.ABHorror.com
To subscribe to his free newsletter, join the AB Horror Maggot Mailing List at:
https://aronbeauregard.substack.com/
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
March 1, 2025
This was the quality that I have come to expect for Aron. A good amount of gore and character growth. I really appreciate the extra length to this book compared to most of his other book. It wall nice to be able to enjoy the twisted world Aron created for an extended period of time. It’s looks like that make me a big fan of his.
If you haven’t written any books before this is a great place to start. And it comes with a multimedia opinion that was a nice treat for the reader.
If you haven’t written any books before this is a great place to start. And it comes with a multimedia opinion that was a nice treat for the reader.
October 20, 2024
A Horror Bookworm Recommendation
Benjamin by Aron Beauregard & Shane McKenzie
https://horrorbookwormreviews.com/
In the heartbeat of a delinquent city, a disturbing trend of gruesome mass murders have been perpetrated by an individual known as “The Artist.” Street survival, new starts, well-orchestrated retribution and through it all lies a hundred-dollar bill, also known as…Benjamin. This is its story.
Ya might wanna prepare for this one. Benjamin is a hefty full-length novel written by none other than Aron Beauregard and Shane McKenzie. From both pleasure and pain to absolute deviant betrayals, decadence is on full display as this duo hits on all depraved cylinders. Drugs, greed, envy, murder and mutilation all give Benjamin that well-known gritty “Seven” movie vibe. I felt like I should be handing out missing person flyers at the end of every chapter.
Beauregard and McKenzie have opened up a portal to the horrors of humanity. Add groans of pain and screams of terror to their morbid exhibit of goriness and you have a writing style that is profoundly “artistic.” Benjamin has aspects similar to that of “Pulp Fiction” as well as “Snatch” with a fleshy Clive Barker feel to it. Bring your own roll of yellow crime scene tape, you’re gonna need it.
These two authors have come together to combine their tortuous visions of gorific imagery. From crotch to cranium, both writers have vile track records that speak for themselves. Less you forget their creepy unpredictable displays of depravity. Within these pages there are many cringe-worthy scenes of sadistic pleasures that tap into the readers sounds, smells, flavors and textures.
I have to mention the QR Codes located throughout the novel. They lead to a number of gore-soaked short videos enhancing an all new reading experience. Strong visual depictions of sick scenarios add to the creepiness of what this novel is about. The deranged mind of Jorge Jaramillo is the one responsible for these eerie AF videos. It really is a polished presentation of a macabre art decor. A five star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Horror Bookworm Recommendation.
Benjamin by Aron Beauregard & Shane McKenzie
https://horrorbookwormreviews.com/
In the heartbeat of a delinquent city, a disturbing trend of gruesome mass murders have been perpetrated by an individual known as “The Artist.” Street survival, new starts, well-orchestrated retribution and through it all lies a hundred-dollar bill, also known as…Benjamin. This is its story.
Ya might wanna prepare for this one. Benjamin is a hefty full-length novel written by none other than Aron Beauregard and Shane McKenzie. From both pleasure and pain to absolute deviant betrayals, decadence is on full display as this duo hits on all depraved cylinders. Drugs, greed, envy, murder and mutilation all give Benjamin that well-known gritty “Seven” movie vibe. I felt like I should be handing out missing person flyers at the end of every chapter.
Beauregard and McKenzie have opened up a portal to the horrors of humanity. Add groans of pain and screams of terror to their morbid exhibit of goriness and you have a writing style that is profoundly “artistic.” Benjamin has aspects similar to that of “Pulp Fiction” as well as “Snatch” with a fleshy Clive Barker feel to it. Bring your own roll of yellow crime scene tape, you’re gonna need it.
These two authors have come together to combine their tortuous visions of gorific imagery. From crotch to cranium, both writers have vile track records that speak for themselves. Less you forget their creepy unpredictable displays of depravity. Within these pages there are many cringe-worthy scenes of sadistic pleasures that tap into the readers sounds, smells, flavors and textures.
I have to mention the QR Codes located throughout the novel. They lead to a number of gore-soaked short videos enhancing an all new reading experience. Strong visual depictions of sick scenarios add to the creepiness of what this novel is about. The deranged mind of Jorge Jaramillo is the one responsible for these eerie AF videos. It really is a polished presentation of a macabre art decor. A five star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Horror Bookworm Recommendation.
March 9, 2025
One of the best extreme horror books I’ve ever read!
I can totally see this being made into a movie.
I can totally see this being made into a movie.
September 16, 2025
In a corrupt and dying city, a new wave of destruction is spreading. A new drug called Lobotozine, or lobo, is quickly becoming a heavy seller amongst the lonely and depressed. There is also a man by the name of "The Artist" who has caused fear in everyone. Killing people in very unique and sinister ways, nobody feels safe. With multiple POVs, what do they all have in common? Benjamin.
Benjamin is passed along throughout the night by people who get themselves into some crazy messes. He is passed around among the homeless, strippers, addicts, gang members, and even a family man. Seeing so much carnage, being stained by the night's gruesome events, Benjamin shows us a night we'll never forget.
This book is one hell of an experience! The barcodes throughout give us visuals of the characters without giving away too much. So much character development within! The Artist has to be a top favourite villain for me. He's ruthless, sinister, great in his craft of killing, but also has a heartbreaking story. Not all villains are born. I love the full circle Benjamin gives us. This city is full of grimy people and you can feel it on your skin while reading about it. I absolutely loved this book!
Benjamin is passed along throughout the night by people who get themselves into some crazy messes. He is passed around among the homeless, strippers, addicts, gang members, and even a family man. Seeing so much carnage, being stained by the night's gruesome events, Benjamin shows us a night we'll never forget.
This book is one hell of an experience! The barcodes throughout give us visuals of the characters without giving away too much. So much character development within! The Artist has to be a top favourite villain for me. He's ruthless, sinister, great in his craft of killing, but also has a heartbreaking story. Not all villains are born. I love the full circle Benjamin gives us. This city is full of grimy people and you can feel it on your skin while reading about it. I absolutely loved this book!
December 29, 2024
This book blew my freaking mind. Aron Beauregard and Shane McKenzie killed it!
Benjamin follows a $100 bill as it makes its way through the hands of many criminals and delinquents. As the bill progresses on to the next person it continues to get filthier. The QR codes in the book really painted the story even further and made for one hell of an experience as a reader. I’ve never read a book like this before and I’ll never forget this one. It deserves all the recognition. These two authors poured their hearts and souls into this one and all of their hard work really paid off!
If you haven’t read this one yet, I highly recommend you do so.
Benjamin follows a $100 bill as it makes its way through the hands of many criminals and delinquents. As the bill progresses on to the next person it continues to get filthier. The QR codes in the book really painted the story even further and made for one hell of an experience as a reader. I’ve never read a book like this before and I’ll never forget this one. It deserves all the recognition. These two authors poured their hearts and souls into this one and all of their hard work really paid off!
If you haven’t read this one yet, I highly recommend you do so.
September 30, 2024
Benjamin is a masterpiece! This book provides an unforgettable reading experience with a very unique story. The QR codes greatly enhanced the novel's context by providing visual insight into the coming chapters. You follow a $100 bill as it passes through desperate criminals in a city full of fear. The five segments are all equally intriguing and well-blended, allowing the story to flow easily to the end. The authors did an excellent job combining their writing styles throughout the book. I hope they get to make this into a movie!
October 20, 2024
This book was a hell of a ride. So many stories and points of view. Watching the $100 Bill get filthier and filthier as the story went on was insane. What the characters in the story would do for money...each one of them having a troubling backstory and only trying to make their lives better. Aron and Shane did a fantastic job on this. Loved it
September 29, 2024
Bibliophilia Templum
https://bibliophiliatemplum.wordpress.com/2024/09/29/benjamin/
Benjamin is a dark and captivating Splatterpunk experience masterfully written and produced by renowned Extreme Horror and Splatterpunk authors Aron Beauregard and Shane McKenzie. The reader follows as the authors send Benjamin on a deep dive into the dark and horrifying sides of both humanity and society, a gruesome expedition into and through real-world and (hopefully) fanciful atrocities.
The writing is exquisitely vivid, brutal, and provocative. The authors’ styles blend in such a way one can’t tell whose pen crafted which words, making it a literary creation unique to this collaboration. But true to both authors, this is a no-holds-barred story, with every emotion, grotesquerie, and body fluid in your face and etched into your being.
The magnificent and encompassing cover, thoughtful-provoking illustrations, and impactful QR code videos add a spectacular dimension to both the story and the experience. This is a Splatterpunk journey like no other.
https://bibliophiliatemplum.wordpress.com/2024/09/29/benjamin/
Benjamin is a dark and captivating Splatterpunk experience masterfully written and produced by renowned Extreme Horror and Splatterpunk authors Aron Beauregard and Shane McKenzie. The reader follows as the authors send Benjamin on a deep dive into the dark and horrifying sides of both humanity and society, a gruesome expedition into and through real-world and (hopefully) fanciful atrocities.
The writing is exquisitely vivid, brutal, and provocative. The authors’ styles blend in such a way one can’t tell whose pen crafted which words, making it a literary creation unique to this collaboration. But true to both authors, this is a no-holds-barred story, with every emotion, grotesquerie, and body fluid in your face and etched into your being.
The magnificent and encompassing cover, thoughtful-provoking illustrations, and impactful QR code videos add a spectacular dimension to both the story and the experience. This is a Splatterpunk journey like no other.
October 30, 2024
Welcome to the Pandemonium.
Where everyone is a terrible person.
Meet Benjamin, follow the chaos as it unfolds. Follow the only god this city ever knew.
The animations were fantastic, that dark gritty vibe was everything. The QR codes for the animations were a genius move, the idea behind the novel too.
Do I consider this book extreme ? Yes and no. Transgressive fiction had sunk his teeth's in this story. Despair is dripping from the pages.
You can almost smell the fear, the hate and every shade of desperation ever known to man.
I really loved to follow "The Artist" he was a pretty believable character as dark and deranged as he was.
Where everyone is a terrible person.
Meet Benjamin, follow the chaos as it unfolds. Follow the only god this city ever knew.
The animations were fantastic, that dark gritty vibe was everything. The QR codes for the animations were a genius move, the idea behind the novel too.
Do I consider this book extreme ? Yes and no. Transgressive fiction had sunk his teeth's in this story. Despair is dripping from the pages.
You can almost smell the fear, the hate and every shade of desperation ever known to man.
I really loved to follow "The Artist" he was a pretty believable character as dark and deranged as he was.
September 30, 2024
This book leads me to believe that Aron has revealed the upcoming story mode for GTA VI!
"Benjamin" is a masterfully produced novel that captures your attention from the first page. The unusual premise of tracking a single hundred-dollar bill in a city of fear and greed made for a gripping and thrilling experience. The authors not only wrote a visceral experience full of tension, unexpected turns, and intriguing characters, but they also used immersive videos. The book concludes with an ultimate study of morality and consequence, which raises thought-provoking questions regarding the value of money. Highly recommended!
"Benjamin" is a masterfully produced novel that captures your attention from the first page. The unusual premise of tracking a single hundred-dollar bill in a city of fear and greed made for a gripping and thrilling experience. The authors not only wrote a visceral experience full of tension, unexpected turns, and intriguing characters, but they also used immersive videos. The book concludes with an ultimate study of morality and consequence, which raises thought-provoking questions regarding the value of money. Highly recommended!
January 13, 2025
Benjamin is a brilliantly unique reading experience. You always get great illustrations with Beauregard books, but although you still get the illustrations, this time, on his team up with McKenzie, it's a whole new and completely immersive experience. With QR codes, and creepy as fuck, disturbing, yet genius animations, and an exclusive short film at the end, youre entertained and enthralled along the way. The experience adding cleverly to the chilling, sinister atmosphere.
Short snappy chapters make for a fast, addictive and unputdownable read. Theres some really great dark humour in there too, to lighten the depravity, just a little bit, making it a really fun read. If your idea of fun is sick, twisted and gore filled.... 😉
The narration is incredibly descriptive, down to the finest detail. This will have you reliving this story in all its gory glory, for a long, long time to come...the images etched in blood on your very soul. Beauregard and McKenzie make a hell of a team. This story flowed seamlessly, the horror and insanity getting progressively worse throughout. And I fucking love when that happens! 😁
The way in which we followed Benjamin on his journey, and the stories that came with it, the way they all connected, was genius. This was an emotional read too, it really hit you in the feels. With an underlying theme of love, loss, betrayal abuse, addiction, and desperation....about the choices u make in life and ultimately, the consequences, twists and turns those actions create.
Absolutely saturated with gore, blood, and viscera, the visuals were so good it felt like you were watching a movie, (which this absolutely needs to be). Benjamin on the big screen would be an INSANE blockbuster!! An absolute masterpiece! (Interesting to read Shane's afterword, because this NEEDS to be made into a movie! And the story of how this book came to be is awesome, absolutely fate at work there!!)
Absolutely everything about this book is incredible! From the conception, to the twists of fate that brought the authors together, the animations, the final animation, just everything!!!!
I'm pretty sure I left my jaw on the floor at the end too!!!!
THE FINGER SCANNER!!!! 🤢
THE ARTIST!! Fucked up, but incredibly fascinating. His creations are true nightmare fuel!
And yeah, money really is the root of all evil….
Short snappy chapters make for a fast, addictive and unputdownable read. Theres some really great dark humour in there too, to lighten the depravity, just a little bit, making it a really fun read. If your idea of fun is sick, twisted and gore filled.... 😉
The narration is incredibly descriptive, down to the finest detail. This will have you reliving this story in all its gory glory, for a long, long time to come...the images etched in blood on your very soul. Beauregard and McKenzie make a hell of a team. This story flowed seamlessly, the horror and insanity getting progressively worse throughout. And I fucking love when that happens! 😁
The way in which we followed Benjamin on his journey, and the stories that came with it, the way they all connected, was genius. This was an emotional read too, it really hit you in the feels. With an underlying theme of love, loss, betrayal abuse, addiction, and desperation....about the choices u make in life and ultimately, the consequences, twists and turns those actions create.
Absolutely saturated with gore, blood, and viscera, the visuals were so good it felt like you were watching a movie, (which this absolutely needs to be). Benjamin on the big screen would be an INSANE blockbuster!! An absolute masterpiece! (Interesting to read Shane's afterword, because this NEEDS to be made into a movie! And the story of how this book came to be is awesome, absolutely fate at work there!!)
Absolutely everything about this book is incredible! From the conception, to the twists of fate that brought the authors together, the animations, the final animation, just everything!!!!
I'm pretty sure I left my jaw on the floor at the end too!!!!
THE FINGER SCANNER!!!! 🤢
THE ARTIST!! Fucked up, but incredibly fascinating. His creations are true nightmare fuel!
And yeah, money really is the root of all evil….
January 6, 2025
I'm normally a huge fan of Beauregard's work, but this just didn't do anything for me. I've been following the build-up from TikTok, and I feel like the hype built my expectations a little too high and I didn't enjoy it as much as I might have if I went in blind. The promise of multi-media immersion with the story was incredibly intriguing, but I found the added videos between sections of the book to add nothing to the reading experience (apart from the epilogue of sorts, that one was interesting and really evoked dread and emotion)
I normally devour splatterpunk books, but this dragged on for me. Incredible concept, I just feel bummed for not absolutely loving the execution.
I normally devour splatterpunk books, but this dragged on for me. Incredible concept, I just feel bummed for not absolutely loving the execution.
December 16, 2024
Benjamin by Aron Beauregard and Shane McKenzie grips you from the first page. This novel follows a $100 bill as it weaves through the hands of desperate criminals in a gritty, delinquent city, showcasing the darkest sides of humanity. The authors' vivid and descriptive writing style creates an immersive experience that is both disturbing and captivating.
The innovative inclusion of QR codes leading to gruesome short videos enhances the reading experience, making it truly unique. Each character is intricately crafted, with their own haunting backstories that deepen the narrative. The intertwining tales culminate in a powerful exploration of morality and the value of money.
With its cinematic feel and relentless tension, "Benjamin" is an unforgettable journey through depravity and desperation. This book is a perfect example of splatterpunk.
The innovative inclusion of QR codes leading to gruesome short videos enhances the reading experience, making it truly unique. Each character is intricately crafted, with their own haunting backstories that deepen the narrative. The intertwining tales culminate in a powerful exploration of morality and the value of money.
With its cinematic feel and relentless tension, "Benjamin" is an unforgettable journey through depravity and desperation. This book is a perfect example of splatterpunk.
October 8, 2025
I really enjoyed this multimodal approach to horror! Having the videos to complement the story is a great way to be more engaged. Some of the stories surrounding Benjamin I found to be a bit slow (compared to other works of Aron) but the end with The Artist and Diego was my absolute favourite. I really like when there is someone to root for. Hoping for more multimedia projects like this in the future!
December 14, 2024
The inclusion of videos for each part was amazing. So unique and a great (gruesome) story!
October 9, 2024
This is my favorite book of the year. The innovation and hard work poured into this work shines through brilliantly. There are multiple stories all intertwined by one common denominator told with the artistry reminiscent of Tarantino movie. Yet it possesses an unrivaled amount of depravity and horror through every twist and turn.
As a reader, you are taken on a journey following a $100 billion, AKA Benjamin, as it passes through the hands of some shady characters in a city on the brink of ruin. There are several elements that come together to make this book as powerful as it is, including a QR code based experience that encourages the reader to find the deeper meaning of each part without giving away the storyline.
Overall, I highly recommend this book, as it is truly unforgettable.
As a reader, you are taken on a journey following a $100 billion, AKA Benjamin, as it passes through the hands of some shady characters in a city on the brink of ruin. There are several elements that come together to make this book as powerful as it is, including a QR code based experience that encourages the reader to find the deeper meaning of each part without giving away the storyline.
Overall, I highly recommend this book, as it is truly unforgettable.
October 11, 2024
An immersive splatterpunk?!? Sign me up please. The gross combination of artwork and storytelling, along with the short videos, made this to be one disgusting SOB. You get drawn into this fucked up town with these fucked up characters, and you truly start to see the meaning of “morally grey”.
October 5, 2024
Excellent, disturbing, and chaotic. This book is full of depravity and it never stops. It has whores, drugs, gangs, crooked politicians. The path of a $100 through various criminals is a plus. And to top it off it has insane interactive videos you can watch to heighten your experience.
September 28, 2024
There is absolutely no book like Benjamin. It’s such N innovative book. The QR codes are a trip and further amplify your expirences reading Benjamin as if the story wasn’t already descriptive enough.
Aron and Shane really just completely changed how we read and expirenceread and enjoying books. I have friends who don’t even enjoy reading who are estate to read this book
1000% worth the read.
Aron and Shane really just completely changed how we read and expirenceread and enjoying books. I have friends who don’t even enjoy reading who are estate to read this book
1000% worth the read.
September 26, 2024
An absolute BANGER!
Follow Benjamin through the hands of multiple people in the city of fear.
This was an absolutely spectacular multimedia experience unlike anything I have ever read before!
The QR codes that lead to short animations that coincide with the story just elevated this absolutely phenomenal writing!
DO NOT HESITATE to pick this one up guys! You will NOT regret it
Follow Benjamin through the hands of multiple people in the city of fear.
This was an absolutely spectacular multimedia experience unlike anything I have ever read before!
The QR codes that lead to short animations that coincide with the story just elevated this absolutely phenomenal writing!
DO NOT HESITATE to pick this one up guys! You will NOT regret it
October 29, 2024
If Gotham City was Rated R and didn’t give a fuck about anything The Artist was my favorite character he was some how less violent then all the rest😭
March 27, 2025
This novel is very unique and unpredictable in the best way. It has great characters and an interesting plot. The videos that you can watch along with the book creeped my life out of me. Loved it!
February 25, 2025
This was a great read! I think it falls solidly in the top 3 most brutal series I've read so far and is an easy recommend for anyone that enjoys horror.
The twists and turns the different plot lines take has a Greek or Roman tragedy quality about them which I felt was very smartly done. The scene descriptions were vivid and detailed throughout the entire story, which really brings to life the horror elements and drives character reactions. There is also the interconnections of all the players of the Benjamin (community / economy) which put many unique qualities of society on display in a new meaningful way. The theming throughout was also strong and stayed on message which can be rare to find at times.
By the end of the story all of my questions had been answered and loose ends tied up. The biggest being "how did things get like this?". There were also early on points in the book where i was wondering if we are actually viewing the world through these characters eyes or if the world is being viewed through the lens of Benjamin. I also thought that the addition of videos to prep the reader for the next part of the story was very novel. I don't think I've come across anything quite like that in the past. I'm really curious if other adaptations of this story end up in the form of a movie or TV show. I think the concept could lend itself to a Tales From the Crypt style of storytelling. It may dilute the complete thought that this book represents however. It might be interesting to explore how Benjamin moves into new and different elements of society.
The twists and turns the different plot lines take has a Greek or Roman tragedy quality about them which I felt was very smartly done. The scene descriptions were vivid and detailed throughout the entire story, which really brings to life the horror elements and drives character reactions. There is also the interconnections of all the players of the Benjamin (community / economy) which put many unique qualities of society on display in a new meaningful way. The theming throughout was also strong and stayed on message which can be rare to find at times.
By the end of the story all of my questions had been answered and loose ends tied up. The biggest being "how did things get like this?". There were also early on points in the book where i was wondering if we are actually viewing the world through these characters eyes or if the world is being viewed through the lens of Benjamin. I also thought that the addition of videos to prep the reader for the next part of the story was very novel. I don't think I've come across anything quite like that in the past. I'm really curious if other adaptations of this story end up in the form of a movie or TV show. I think the concept could lend itself to a Tales From the Crypt style of storytelling. It may dilute the complete thought that this book represents however. It might be interesting to explore how Benjamin moves into new and different elements of society.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2025
My first finished book of the year & it was great! This is my third AB book and first Shane McKenzie book. Both authors came together and brought us this incredible, insane, horrifying, and disgusting story. Each different storyline blended together perfectly, I loved the idea of a new story beginning each time Benjamin was transferred. I think my favorite characters were Sierra and Diego.
This book has plenty of twists and turns, and there was never a dull moment. And I have the mention the QR code videos. Those were so fun! It gives you a glimpse into what that section holds for you, but without giving away major plot points. I loved the longer video for the last QR code. A lot of work went into this story, and it absolutely paid off!
This book has plenty of twists and turns, and there was never a dull moment. And I have the mention the QR code videos. Those were so fun! It gives you a glimpse into what that section holds for you, but without giving away major plot points. I loved the longer video for the last QR code. A lot of work went into this story, and it absolutely paid off!
December 30, 2024
What an interesting & unique ride! This book kept me on my toes after the first half, it took a bit for the ball to get rolling. It isn’t Beauregard’s best work but it is still interesting, fun, disgusting, & shocking as ever. McKenzie’s added perspectives & writing style give this book a fresh feeling, for the more Beauregard connoisseurs. All in all, good narrative & at times characters that make you root for them or against them. It definitely reads more like a screenplay rather than a book, & I recommend the audiobook & to ensure to watch the immersive videos! The immersive videos really leap the story off the page.
December 22, 2024
I didn't nearly love this as much as I thought I would. Let me preface this by saying the graphics are AMAZING and such a wonderful and creepy experience; the writing is great; and the plot is amazingly interwoven. But I just didn't love it. It kind of became a drag as I found scenes just taking WAYYY too long, I just wanted to get it over with. The last two parts were different though. It was still a tad bit of a drag, but The Artist was such an awesome character, and I loved him so much more than I thought I would; and the final part just straight up fucked me up.
January 18, 2025
This was such a unique story. I loved the QR codes with the short films. They were very unsettling and creepy. The entire premise of this was so fun and there was a lot of depth to the plot along with the gore. Benjamin ultimately reminds us that our society is always controlled by money. It truly is the root of all evil and a lot of tragedies come due to greed or lack of money. All of these criminals were unique and I was not bored at any point. Diego was my favorite and I was rooting for him the entire time. I also loved Gorghi and the banter between her, Ivory, and Sierra was hilarious.
October 31, 2024
Loved the idea for this story. Was super cool that there were video elements incorporated.
It was bloody and fun. I enjoyed the parts with Diego and the Artist out of all the character side quests we were sent on. The Artist had the most fleshed out story line.
For splatterpunk grossness, I’d put this one on more the mild side. If you are looking to get into splatter, this might be a good place to start.
It was bloody and fun. I enjoyed the parts with Diego and the Artist out of all the character side quests we were sent on. The Artist had the most fleshed out story line.
For splatterpunk grossness, I’d put this one on more the mild side. If you are looking to get into splatter, this might be a good place to start.
November 27, 2024
Although this one took me a while to get through, I did really enjoy it. This was one of the most well constructed plots amongst Aaron's projects that I've read so far. Everything about this was creative and packed a strong message while still maintaining all the scary, shocking and in your face elements of a splatter punk novel and the clips to go with it added a whole extra layer to the story. Well done Aaron and Shane!
January 1, 2025
More than a book, Benjamin is a multi-media experience with QR codes at the beginning of each chapter which link to abstract videos full of metaphors and easter eggs. The story itself follows a $100 bill ("Benjamin") as it exchanges hands in the city of fear, through a series of interconnected stories of crime and degeneracy. This really surpassed my expectations with its creativity, and honestly it just fills me with hope for future of the genre.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews