What do you think?
Rate this book
Sewer Rat
Ben Jansen has been bullied relentlessly since the third grade by his ex-best friend, Jimmy Norton, after he spills an important secret that destroys not only each of their families but also their friendship.
In an odd twist of fate, Ben finds friendship and comfort in a new and unlikely ally under the city streets. His new friend, Henry encourages Ben to stand up for himself.
Armed with newfound confidence, Ben seeks revenge on Jimmy and his Goon Squad, one by one.
This is a splatterpunk/extreme horror story. If you are not familiar with the genre, please note that this is extremely dark and twisted.
This story, only available digitally, is the second of many that will appear in an upcoming collection entitled Somebody Please Think of the Children by Meera Masen. Once all stories have been published, they will be formatted for print.
In an odd twist of fate, Ben finds friendship and comfort in a new and unlikely ally under the city streets. His new friend, Henry encourages Ben to stand up for himself.
Armed with newfound confidence, Ben seeks revenge on Jimmy and his Goon Squad, one by one.
This is a splatterpunk/extreme horror story. If you are not familiar with the genre, please note that this is extremely dark and twisted.
This story, only available digitally, is the second of many that will appear in an upcoming collection entitled Somebody Please Think of the Children by Meera Masen. Once all stories have been published, they will be formatted for print.
81 pages, Paperback
Published October 21, 2024
35 people are currently reading
214 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
August 31, 2024
I was hoping Sewer Rat would be a gross and gore-filled novella. It certainly delivered buckets of blood and a strange little tale.
What I struggled with was the plot (it felt like two stories mashed together as the main character is a nice kid and then all of a sudden seems like a well versed serial killer), the dialogue (it felt very amateurish and awkward at times), and the inconsistencies in the story (a fireplace in the sewer? The reader is told the other rats can’t speak but then they are chanting? A character is specifically noted to have their wrists bound, but is then told to grab a different character, etc), the frequent use of deus ex machina to move the story forward….
I definitely get the author had to come back to the story a few times to solidify the ending, but it felt very disjointed.
The ending, while interesting, still felt a bit like the fastest way to get things wrapped up.
What I struggled with was the plot (it felt like two stories mashed together as the main character is a nice kid and then all of a sudden seems like a well versed serial killer), the dialogue (it felt very amateurish and awkward at times), and the inconsistencies in the story (a fireplace in the sewer? The reader is told the other rats can’t speak but then they are chanting? A character is specifically noted to have their wrists bound, but is then told to grab a different character, etc), the frequent use of deus ex machina to move the story forward….
I definitely get the author had to come back to the story a few times to solidify the ending, but it felt very disjointed.
The ending, while interesting, still felt a bit like the fastest way to get things wrapped up.
August 29, 2024
Signing up for an ARC of Sewer Rat might just be one of the best decisions I've ever made. Initially going into this I thought "Oh, is this like a middle grade horror?" I shit you not, I was very wrong. Not that I'm shitting on middle grade horror but I was enjoying it none the less. The guts of the story is very much a fuck around and find out type scenario. I was very glad I fucked about.
MC Benny is having an awful time at school. After discovering his mom and his ex-best friend's dad playing a bit of "find the sausage" Benny tells his dad what he saw and his family falls apart, Jimmy has never forgiven Benny for destroying his family too. What Ben likes to call the Goon squad, led by Jimmy, they like to beat him up on the daily, but when he discovers a broken storm drain to escape to, he'll find an unlikely ally and oh boy does the proverbial shit hit the ever spinning fan.
Even though Sewer Rat was a short read- a little over 50 pages, Iona Penn has managed to create enough layers to the characters that I had no choice but to see them in their entirety. I also couldn't get enough of the author's dissection of a topic that is relevant to school age children-bullying. The differences between how we should deal with it and the intrusive thoughts of how we'd love to take care of it. All of it was dreadfully, realistically drawn.
I cannot wait to read more from Iona Penn.
MC Benny is having an awful time at school. After discovering his mom and his ex-best friend's dad playing a bit of "find the sausage" Benny tells his dad what he saw and his family falls apart, Jimmy has never forgiven Benny for destroying his family too. What Ben likes to call the Goon squad, led by Jimmy, they like to beat him up on the daily, but when he discovers a broken storm drain to escape to, he'll find an unlikely ally and oh boy does the proverbial shit hit the ever spinning fan.
Even though Sewer Rat was a short read- a little over 50 pages, Iona Penn has managed to create enough layers to the characters that I had no choice but to see them in their entirety. I also couldn't get enough of the author's dissection of a topic that is relevant to school age children-bullying. The differences between how we should deal with it and the intrusive thoughts of how we'd love to take care of it. All of it was dreadfully, realistically drawn.
I cannot wait to read more from Iona Penn.
September 3, 2024
I recieved this as an ARC to review and Well this one sure was a whacky little tale, not gonna lie, I had an inkling of how this story would end from fairly early on but I still really enjoyed the book and the ending! I thought it was a pretty entertaining read with some pretty grim moments, I would definitely recommend this book to the right people.
August 25, 2024
Okay. When I say this is so not what I was expecting. It’s SOO not what I was expecting. I knew it’d be good. But this was like an acid trip with psychological warfare and some solid extreme scenes. 🙌🏼
It’s a really hard story without giving too much away, but I was fully invested from beginning to the end. I read the entire thing in one sitting. My notes changed drastically from the time I started to the time I finished. The ending had my jaw dropped. 🤌🏼
One of my notes said:
When you fall down the rabbit hole of your own intrusive thoughts against those who have done you wrong.
Basically… f*ck around and find out… but make it extreme and psychotic. This story was really well executed and one I’m excited to see people talk about. Especially the ending. 🫣
It’s a really hard story without giving too much away, but I was fully invested from beginning to the end. I read the entire thing in one sitting. My notes changed drastically from the time I started to the time I finished. The ending had my jaw dropped. 🤌🏼
One of my notes said:
When you fall down the rabbit hole of your own intrusive thoughts against those who have done you wrong.
Basically… f*ck around and find out… but make it extreme and psychotic. This story was really well executed and one I’m excited to see people talk about. Especially the ending. 🫣
Read
October 24, 2024Hey, I wrote this too! Yay me! 🤣
You should read it! 🙏
Send me a DM with your email and I will send you an ARC. Please let me know if y0u consent to being added to my newsletter in your message.
You should read it! 🙏
Send me a DM with your email and I will send you an ARC. Please let me know if y0u consent to being added to my newsletter in your message.
February 9, 2025
The ending was quite unexpected 🫢
August 31, 2024
Ben has been bullied since the third grade. Even worse, the biggest bully is his former best friend. When the boys were younger, something unfortunate happened, and it not only ruined their friendship but also their families.
While seeking refuge under the city streets, Ben stumbles upon an unlikely friend, and together, they begin plotting his revenge.
From this point forward, things escalate quickly and turn deadly.
This is a very short and fast-paced novella. I liked the inclusion of Henry the talking rat, but it also had me questioning the reliability of our MC. Which brings me to the ending, I had a feeling it was headed in that sort of direction. However, I was still pleased by the ending.
As someone who was bullied, I definitely felt sorry for Ben. Bullying is a very real issue, and thankfully, most cases don't end this way! Mental health is also a very huge issue, and this book touches on that briefly as well.
Sewer Rat tells a horrifying tale of bullying gone wrong and what could happen when the victim fights back...or does it?
I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
While seeking refuge under the city streets, Ben stumbles upon an unlikely friend, and together, they begin plotting his revenge.
From this point forward, things escalate quickly and turn deadly.
This is a very short and fast-paced novella. I liked the inclusion of Henry the talking rat, but it also had me questioning the reliability of our MC. Which brings me to the ending, I had a feeling it was headed in that sort of direction. However, I was still pleased by the ending.
As someone who was bullied, I definitely felt sorry for Ben. Bullying is a very real issue, and thankfully, most cases don't end this way! Mental health is also a very huge issue, and this book touches on that briefly as well.
Sewer Rat tells a horrifying tale of bullying gone wrong and what could happen when the victim fights back...or does it?
I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2024
What a fun little read this was!
I’m really enjoying this series of dreadful tales thus far.
It’s a delightful little story about life, love and everything else, that you can smash out in next to no time, so why not check it out
I’m really enjoying this series of dreadful tales thus far.
It’s a delightful little story about life, love and everything else, that you can smash out in next to no time, so why not check it out
August 25, 2024
Ahhhhhh this was such a unique and creative story! I read this one so quick. Meera/Iona you have become quite the delight to read; your writing style had me in a chokehold once again, completely immersed and left wondering what would happen next. Lemme just say this, THAT ENDING?! Yeah totally unexpected and one big mindfuck. I should’ve known better.
Sewer Rat is a story about the darkness of bullying and how it can drive a person to extreme lengths that can’t be escaped from. I was left reeling after finishing this one. My soul has been bruised.
Side note: I feel honored to have made the acknowledgements. I totally forgot about your competition and I’m so happy that I was able to fulfill your expectations🤣
Sewer Rat will be available on August 31st, 2024. Preorder today! 🐀🩸
Sewer Rat is a story about the darkness of bullying and how it can drive a person to extreme lengths that can’t be escaped from. I was left reeling after finishing this one. My soul has been bruised.
Side note: I feel honored to have made the acknowledgements. I totally forgot about your competition and I’m so happy that I was able to fulfill your expectations🤣
Sewer Rat will be available on August 31st, 2024. Preorder today! 🐀🩸
August 25, 2024
Sewer Rats is a fantastic short horror story about bullying, revenge and some life lessons! I love the originality of it and it’s very well written. It’s a super fast and entertaining reed. The author knows how to tell a story! There’s suspense, and lots of gore!
When Ben is in need of a friend, Henry appears to help him out and become his “special” friend. The surprises at the end are shocking!
Thank you to Meera Masen/Iona Penn for an arc copy of this awesome book!
*Another fabulous contender for the Books Of Horror Short Smack Brawl! This book comes out August 31st*
When Ben is in need of a friend, Henry appears to help him out and become his “special” friend. The surprises at the end are shocking!
Thank you to Meera Masen/Iona Penn for an arc copy of this awesome book!
*Another fabulous contender for the Books Of Horror Short Smack Brawl! This book comes out August 31st*
September 5, 2024
This was a fun read. I enjoyed the storyline and the twist had me like wait… what?? It definitely surprised me, the ending. The MC is sick and tired of his former best friend making his life absolutely miserable. He makes a new friend one day when escaping from Jimmy and his Goons, and soon a great partnership is formed and a plan is hatched to exact revenge. Will our MC have his revenge? Or will the bullies pull one over on him once again? I definitely recommend this quick, creepy read. I look forward to reading more by this author given how enjoyable and well thought out this one was.
August 25, 2024
This book is amazing and not like anything else I’ve read! The twists, the turns, and an heck of an ending that was totally unexpected! Such a good read and I would DEFINITELY recommend it. It grabs hold of you right from the start and you won’t put it down until it’s finished, honestly. The absolute mindf*ck that is this book is just amazing. Do it, do it!
August 25, 2024
I didn't really know what to expect going into this one, all I knew is a revenge story involving rats. I got more than I expected for sure.
This was a quick, one sitting read but still, had me glued to the pages.
This was a quick, one sitting read but still, had me glued to the pages.
September 8, 2024
Fantastic short story! This is my second book by this author and I am thoroughly impressed. I honestly have nothing negative to say about this short story. I was initially put off by the talking rat, but as the plot progressed, I became more interested and engaged. I enjoyed the twist at the end!
February 8, 2025
A pretty average horror story. A kid gets bullied and goes full wacko with the aid of a sewer rat. Based on what the character describes themselves like it was unrealistic that they go from 0 to 100 like that so quick. I wasn't quite as disturbed by this one as I was gaping wound even though this one should be more "shocking" with it's descriptions of violence and gore. I was disappointed by this one as it doesn't have a solid plot, and the conclusion kinda came from nowhere.
2/5
2/5
Read
December 29, 2024DNF @ 15%
A talking sewer rat = not my jam.
A talking sewer rat = not my jam.
January 7, 2025
this was a read for sure..
January 29, 2025
This was awful and now in a good way.
January 30, 2025
If you combine a troubled young lad + Ratatouille then this is what you get.
October 28, 2024
Oh Rats!!!! That was nuts!
Wow I did not see that coming!!
When a teenage boy befriend a rat in the sewer after running away from bullies, he and said rat plans on killing each and every one of his bullies.
I can't go into detail without ruining it with spoilers.
Just know it's a fantastic revenge story with an amazing twist and gory scenes.
Wow I did not see that coming!!
When a teenage boy befriend a rat in the sewer after running away from bullies, he and said rat plans on killing each and every one of his bullies.
I can't go into detail without ruining it with spoilers.
Just know it's a fantastic revenge story with an amazing twist and gory scenes.
October 28, 2024
Wow I did not see that coming!!
When a teenage boy befriend a rat in the sewer after running away from bullies, he and said rat plans on killing each and every one of his bullies.
I can't go into detail without ruining it with spoilers.
Just know it's a fantastic revenge story with an amazing twist and gory scenes.
When a teenage boy befriend a rat in the sewer after running away from bullies, he and said rat plans on killing each and every one of his bullies.
I can't go into detail without ruining it with spoilers.
Just know it's a fantastic revenge story with an amazing twist and gory scenes.
November 13, 2024
Thought this was was going to be a retribution style story but boy was I wrong. Great little fast paced read
August 29, 2024
I started this book thinking I had a fairly good grasp on what would happen. A young boy is being mercilessly bullied and seeks revenge on the group that has tortured him for years. Whilst yes, in the very basic sense that is true, this story and in particular the ending will have you mind blown.
I’ll admit to begin with I wasn’t sure the story was going to be for me but I found myself continuing to read anyway and I’m really glad I did because it ended up being an excellent read.
This book has some dark elements but not so far that it’s uncomfortable to read (in my opinion, others may have a differing view!). There is also an element of “what?” “What’s happening?!” As well as a sort of YA feel in parts which suits the story being as it’s set on children.
The ending is fantastic and really brings the story together. I didn’t expect it in the slightest which is what makes it such a fantastic ending.
An excellent short read that will give you a twist you’ve been craving.
*thank you to the author for providing an arc copy of this book to review as I chose.
I’ll admit to begin with I wasn’t sure the story was going to be for me but I found myself continuing to read anyway and I’m really glad I did because it ended up being an excellent read.
This book has some dark elements but not so far that it’s uncomfortable to read (in my opinion, others may have a differing view!). There is also an element of “what?” “What’s happening?!” As well as a sort of YA feel in parts which suits the story being as it’s set on children.
The ending is fantastic and really brings the story together. I didn’t expect it in the slightest which is what makes it such a fantastic ending.
An excellent short read that will give you a twist you’ve been craving.
*thank you to the author for providing an arc copy of this book to review as I chose.
August 31, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Okay, WOW. The ending had my jaw on the floor!
Sewer Rat delves deep into the dark corridors of the human psyche. From start to finish, I was completely invested in this story, which expertly weaves together themes of bullying, revenge, and intrusive thoughts. The narrative centers around Ben, who has been pushed to his limits by relentless bullying. Iona Penn skillfully portrays the toll this takes, not only physically but also mentally, as Ben’s intrusive thoughts grow increasingly dark and consuming. The raw depiction of these internal struggles is both harrowing and relatable, making for a powerful reading experience.
Just when I thought I knew where the story was headed, the plot takes a shocking twist that left my jaw on the floor. It’s a conclusion that challenges your expectations and forces you to rethink everything you’ve read. Despite its brevity, this book packs an emotional punch!!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Okay, WOW. The ending had my jaw on the floor!
Sewer Rat delves deep into the dark corridors of the human psyche. From start to finish, I was completely invested in this story, which expertly weaves together themes of bullying, revenge, and intrusive thoughts. The narrative centers around Ben, who has been pushed to his limits by relentless bullying. Iona Penn skillfully portrays the toll this takes, not only physically but also mentally, as Ben’s intrusive thoughts grow increasingly dark and consuming. The raw depiction of these internal struggles is both harrowing and relatable, making for a powerful reading experience.
Just when I thought I knew where the story was headed, the plot takes a shocking twist that left my jaw on the floor. It’s a conclusion that challenges your expectations and forces you to rethink everything you’ve read. Despite its brevity, this book packs an emotional punch!!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 1, 2024
This is the second book from Iona Penn and I was pleased with the read. It's a classic tale of a boy named Ben getting bullied in school and plots his revenge. However, there's a twist. He meets a talking rat in the sewer who helps him get revenge. I felt sorry for Ben as it's never fun to be bullied, so I started cheering for him. I was like rats teaming up and helping someone, sign me up. I have a soft spot for rodents, so I had to keep reading with glee.
This is a story of what happens when the victim of bullying decides to fight back. At least, I thought that was the idea. However, the ending ends up twisting everything I just read. All I can say is that Ben wasn't completely innocent and actually did something really bad to instigate all this. I can't spoil it. You just have to read for yourself. It's a short read, but one that hits hard as it tackles bullying and the dangers of spreading rumors.
Henry the rat did win me over I admit lol.
This is a story of what happens when the victim of bullying decides to fight back. At least, I thought that was the idea. However, the ending ends up twisting everything I just read. All I can say is that Ben wasn't completely innocent and actually did something really bad to instigate all this. I can't spoil it. You just have to read for yourself. It's a short read, but one that hits hard as it tackles bullying and the dangers of spreading rumors.
Henry the rat did win me over I admit lol.
December 29, 2024
Ben Jansen’s life spirals into chaos when he befriends an imaginary sewer dweller named Henry, because apparently, his coping skills are as developed as the author’s plot structure. Henry, our imaginary antihero, whispers all the wrong advice into Ben’s ear, leading him down a revenge path so poorly executed it’s hard to tell who’s suffering more—Jimmy’s Goon Squad or the reader slogging through this mess.
Marketed as ‘extreme psychological horror,’ this book is more like ‘Flat Stanley does vengeance’ with writing so lackluster it makes Goosebumps feel like high art. The prose is uninspired, the dialogue stilted, and the plot twists are about as shocking as a dead battery.
As for Ben? Watching him take life advice from a figment of his imagination is less horrifying and more like a PSA on why kids need therapists. If you want psychological horror, look elsewhere. If you want flat, poorly written revenge fan fiction with imaginary friends, congrats, you’ve found your next read.
Marketed as ‘extreme psychological horror,’ this book is more like ‘Flat Stanley does vengeance’ with writing so lackluster it makes Goosebumps feel like high art. The prose is uninspired, the dialogue stilted, and the plot twists are about as shocking as a dead battery.
As for Ben? Watching him take life advice from a figment of his imagination is less horrifying and more like a PSA on why kids need therapists. If you want psychological horror, look elsewhere. If you want flat, poorly written revenge fan fiction with imaginary friends, congrats, you’ve found your next read.
August 26, 2024
Finally got my hands on Sewer Rat, and let me tell you this was one wild ride. The story follows Ben who has been bullied since 3rd grade by his ex best friend and his ex best friends friends and girlfriend. It goes on to describe how he deals with them. Ben also ends up making a non-human friend in this story. He becomes friends with a rat named Henry. Who helps him with his bullies. It made me want to get a pet rat and name it Henry! I related a lot with Ben, as I was bullied from elementary all the way through high school. It also goes into how he loses his best friend and I can resonate how he lost him. If you loved Gaping Wound by Meera Masen, then let me tell you. You haven’t read anything yet!
September 1, 2024
Forgive me for the lack of ARC review this time around. Just went ahead and purchased it anyway 'cause after reading Gaping Wound, I knew
After finishing this tonight, it reaffirms what I believe is another moment in the author's journey that showcases not just the existing talent, but further potential. The pivot in the end, more gruesome than the story that built up to it. It was, however, a welcoming curveball to the face.
You have an undeniable ability, and it's beautiful to see it start to flourish. There is no glass ceiling above your head, so I hope you'll continue to show us what you got.
After finishing this tonight, it reaffirms what I believe is another moment in the author's journey that showcases not just the existing talent, but further potential. The pivot in the end, more gruesome than the story that built up to it. It was, however, a welcoming curveball to the face.
You have an undeniable ability, and it's beautiful to see it start to flourish. There is no glass ceiling above your head, so I hope you'll continue to show us what you got.
September 1, 2024
This book woke me up out of my reading slump. It is a short read, with a few twists at the end that will make some readers' corn flakes yellow. Ben is a kid being bullied by his former best friend, Jimmy, and Jimmy's Goon Squad. Ben can't understand why telling a secret when they were in the third grade made Jimmy hate him. Every day, Ben must get home without The Goon Squad getting him first. Unfortunately, one day, he has to find a hiding place when he is chased by The Goon Squad. It is in this hiding place that Ben meets Henry and a bloody new friendship begins.
August 31, 2024
I can’t express how well written this is. While I was reading it, I had questions. I had a lot of questions. But by the end of the book, it all came together in the most perfect way!
I went in completely blind and had no idea what the book was about. Rats I guessed. Sewer Rat was a quick, easy and fun read. The characters seemed realistic and the story sucked me in from the first page to the last page. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I went in completely blind and had no idea what the book was about. Rats I guessed. Sewer Rat was a quick, easy and fun read. The characters seemed realistic and the story sucked me in from the first page to the last page. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews