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Gaping Wound
Caden always knew that he was different and now he would stop at nothing to match who he is on the outside with who he is on the inside. With a mother who doesn’t share his ideologies, Caden begins research on the deep dark web, looking up do-it-yourself gender reassignment surgeries.
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 is a splatterpunk/extreme horror story. If you are not familiar with the genre, please note that this is extremely dark and twisted.
33 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2024
24 people are currently reading
235 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
November 11, 2025
I did not have a good experience here at all. I did not think the author did much research on any of the topics included as plot points, and everything was skimmed by, even the body horror elements. Which, for the latter, was shocking, as this was marketed as a splatterpunk story, which never came to fruition. But there was no real explanation of our lead, Caden, and the reasons for what he was doing, the internal and emotional struggling, etc. There was just a heavy information dump within the first few pages that was supposed to suffice. Everything felt very surface-level, rushed, and very underdeveloped, all on top of a writing style that really needed the help of a good editor. I think the premise was really great for this type of book, but the execution was done very poorly.
July 14, 2024
As a queer person this is pretty out of touch with how we actually are. I understand it’s a book but if you’re gunna write about a demographic maybe talk to people of said demographic. The writing was super juvenile but the character was a teenager so I felt that could be on purpose. Way too short with too little detail especially of the gore. The ending was really abrupt and odd.
Edited after the new final chapter- it is better, but the mom going to jail for misgendering seems genuinely mocking of the queer community and for that I can’t take the book seriously. Still just seems like actual trans people weren’t consulted with during writing this.
Edited after the new final chapter- it is better, but the mom going to jail for misgendering seems genuinely mocking of the queer community and for that I can’t take the book seriously. Still just seems like actual trans people weren’t consulted with during writing this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2024
I'll start by saying that I'm not a fan of using the concept of vaginoplasty as a chock factor. This is something that transphobic people do regularly, and frankly I'm not sure we need to add to it. The story is still well written, and it's interesting to focus on the dangers of refusing to listen to trans people or give them access to adequate care, but it gives the impression of being written by a cis person who has only a vague idea of what it's like to be trans. Not a bad book, but it could undoubtedly have benefited from more in-depth research into the community it is talking about.
Also, was it really necessary to deadname and misgender the main character in the synopsis?
Also, was it really necessary to deadname and misgender the main character in the synopsis?
July 7, 2024
Ooof!! This story definitely made me queasy!!! Many of the scenes are pretty extreme and bloody, so be prepared readers!
I also found it a sad story, that a teen doesn’t have the support from their family. However, I thought the relationship with the sister felt “off”; maybe the author could’ve explored the anger and sexual frustration the narrator had towards Candy.
I’m not sure if DIY gender surgeries are actually a real thing, but it honestly also wouldn’t surprise me in this internet age.
I also found it a sad story, that a teen doesn’t have the support from their family. However, I thought the relationship with the sister felt “off”; maybe the author could’ve explored the anger and sexual frustration the narrator had towards Candy.
I’m not sure if DIY gender surgeries are actually a real thing, but it honestly also wouldn’t surprise me in this internet age.
July 29, 2024
DO NOT READ.
I repeat DO NOT READ - especially if you are:
1. Queer or Trans : this will trigger and upset you (details below)
2. Are cis-het and know nothing of the Trans experience (details below).
Disclaimer: I have never DNF a book, but (for now at least) I did DNF this at 44%.
Disclaimer 2: I reached out to the author privately to attempt a removal/editing of this book before posting this review, however, admittedly impatiently decided upon posting it without an author response, because I am so, SO upset.
1. As a Trans person, I am shocked, appalled and horrified. No, not by the gore, but the total lack of etiquette shown in this book. The author takes clear time and care to research DIY surgery, but not to ensure that she uses the appropriate terminology? Sex reassignment surgery is a DATED and often times highly offensive term. Gender-affirming surgery or care is correct. I’m going to stop here, because I will detail more problematic behaviour/writing a little later. I am here as a trans person, married to a trans person for 14 years, with a trans child to say: save your sanity and skip this one!
2. Hi all my cis-het and so far mostly white earlier reviewers and potential new readers. You may find reviewers saying how eye opening and fantastic this novel is: which only goes to show that they truly know nothing of a queer struggle. If you are GENUINELY interested in trans voices and struggles, there are a PLETHORA of 2SLGBTQIA+ authors whose voices are yet to be heard! I beg you to rapidly turn back… this novel, is unfortunately NOT the right direction for a valid example of trans voices, or even appropriate language.
OK, here we go:
To start: I’ve pointed out ‘Sex reassignment surgery’ is offensive, here’s why: it negates the concept that the person is a) expressing their gender physically not altering their sex and b) negates that they’ve always been that gender… SO, gender-affirming surgery/care is the correct term.
Secondly, why does every f**king review AND the novel synopsis say this is about a teenage BOY? I assumed when reading the reviews and plot summary this teen was an AFAB character!!!! NOPE! You just literally wrote a book about the struggles of a young woman needing to be heard and seen as a young woman while referring to her as a male this entire time? What gross transphobia is this?????????? Puke.
Third, no trans person I know has ever enjoyed being referred to as, nor would they (even at 15) refer to themselves as “transgenders” ie) I don’t know why my mom hates transgenders .. or whatever that line was.
Ahh, ok, I’m getting worked up again, so regarding the content and wording of this novel, I’ll just say: it is grossly transphobic, under the guise of some heroic attempt at thought provoking light being shed on trans issues. Total garbage.
Let’s set politics aside a second!
The writing is unfortunately juvenile.
Seems rushed and unedited.
Sentences that start with “Basically”, after the word had already been over-used was annoying to me.
There are inconsistencies: why is there already dried blood on the desk, when the scene in which the blood happened, he had to peer into his briefs to see it?
Just a lot of confusing nonsense.
Overall, I’d handle the the mediocre writing if it came with a great, hook you in story, like this author under another pseudonym did in her first published novel, however, this was just outright poorly done.
If you are going to try and write a story on behalf of a demographic you are not a part of, perhaps reach out to those who are a part? Especially when you are literally friends with such people on social media.
End rant.
I repeat DO NOT READ - especially if you are:
1. Queer or Trans : this will trigger and upset you (details below)
2. Are cis-het and know nothing of the Trans experience (details below).
Disclaimer: I have never DNF a book, but (for now at least) I did DNF this at 44%.
Disclaimer 2: I reached out to the author privately to attempt a removal/editing of this book before posting this review, however, admittedly impatiently decided upon posting it without an author response, because I am so, SO upset.
1. As a Trans person, I am shocked, appalled and horrified. No, not by the gore, but the total lack of etiquette shown in this book. The author takes clear time and care to research DIY surgery, but not to ensure that she uses the appropriate terminology? Sex reassignment surgery is a DATED and often times highly offensive term. Gender-affirming surgery or care is correct. I’m going to stop here, because I will detail more problematic behaviour/writing a little later. I am here as a trans person, married to a trans person for 14 years, with a trans child to say: save your sanity and skip this one!
2. Hi all my cis-het and so far mostly white earlier reviewers and potential new readers. You may find reviewers saying how eye opening and fantastic this novel is: which only goes to show that they truly know nothing of a queer struggle. If you are GENUINELY interested in trans voices and struggles, there are a PLETHORA of 2SLGBTQIA+ authors whose voices are yet to be heard! I beg you to rapidly turn back… this novel, is unfortunately NOT the right direction for a valid example of trans voices, or even appropriate language.
OK, here we go:
To start: I’ve pointed out ‘Sex reassignment surgery’ is offensive, here’s why: it negates the concept that the person is a) expressing their gender physically not altering their sex and b) negates that they’ve always been that gender… SO, gender-affirming surgery/care is the correct term.
Secondly, why does every f**king review AND the novel synopsis say this is about a teenage BOY? I assumed when reading the reviews and plot summary this teen was an AFAB character!!!! NOPE! You just literally wrote a book about the struggles of a young woman needing to be heard and seen as a young woman while referring to her as a male this entire time? What gross transphobia is this?????????? Puke.
Third, no trans person I know has ever enjoyed being referred to as, nor would they (even at 15) refer to themselves as “transgenders” ie) I don’t know why my mom hates transgenders .. or whatever that line was.
Ahh, ok, I’m getting worked up again, so regarding the content and wording of this novel, I’ll just say: it is grossly transphobic, under the guise of some heroic attempt at thought provoking light being shed on trans issues. Total garbage.
Let’s set politics aside a second!
The writing is unfortunately juvenile.
Seems rushed and unedited.
Sentences that start with “Basically”, after the word had already been over-used was annoying to me.
There are inconsistencies: why is there already dried blood on the desk, when the scene in which the blood happened, he had to peer into his briefs to see it?
Just a lot of confusing nonsense.
Overall, I’d handle the the mediocre writing if it came with a great, hook you in story, like this author under another pseudonym did in her first published novel, however, this was just outright poorly done.
If you are going to try and write a story on behalf of a demographic you are not a part of, perhaps reach out to those who are a part? Especially when you are literally friends with such people on social media.
End rant.
Read
December 1, 2024As the author of this story, it just wouldn’t be fair if I rated this, so I’ll just state here, without any star ratings, that my Kindle marked it as reading and read because I was checking the final Kindle Unlimited version to make sure my final edits went through. They did! 😂 I hope everyone who reads this enjoys it, although I know that’s not what will really happen. Thank you to everyone who made my debut successful. ❤️
July 5, 2024
A short story about a boy transitioning into a girl DIY at home in all its gory details! A fantastic short read.
July 21, 2024
I have a lot of thoughts on this one.
There were genuinely things I loved in this novella and other things that left me feeling off. I understand this is fictitious, but some things were bothersome. I am not Trans nor do I speak on behalf of Trans individuals, but some parts are a bit problematic and could be taken as mockery.
I really enjoyed the blood and gore in this novella. And I absolutely was fascinated by the concept. Are self-induced gender surgeries really a thing? I wouldn't be shocked. No one should ever have to feel uncomfortable or unhappy in their bodies. My heart broke for the MC to feel so unseen and invalidated by their mother.
Breast's filled with pudding?? I just don't know. Seems like an absolutely stupid idea, but would a young naive person struggling with their identity consider something so incredibly dangerous and unbelievable... Maybe?!
Honestly, I wish this was fleshed out more. I wish the relationships had been explored in more depth, and I would have loved getting to know more about our MC. I think this could have benefited from being a bit longer.
I still have other thoughts, but I'm not sure if I will write them out yet or not. Penn seems like a genuine person, and I don't think she has any ill will in writing this, and I would definitely still read her future work.
I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
There were genuinely things I loved in this novella and other things that left me feeling off. I understand this is fictitious, but some things were bothersome. I am not Trans nor do I speak on behalf of Trans individuals, but some parts are a bit problematic and could be taken as mockery.
I really enjoyed the blood and gore in this novella. And I absolutely was fascinated by the concept. Are self-induced gender surgeries really a thing? I wouldn't be shocked. No one should ever have to feel uncomfortable or unhappy in their bodies. My heart broke for the MC to feel so unseen and invalidated by their mother.
Breast's filled with pudding?? I just don't know. Seems like an absolutely stupid idea, but would a young naive person struggling with their identity consider something so incredibly dangerous and unbelievable... Maybe?!
Honestly, I wish this was fleshed out more. I wish the relationships had been explored in more depth, and I would have loved getting to know more about our MC. I think this could have benefited from being a bit longer.
I still have other thoughts, but I'm not sure if I will write them out yet or not. Penn seems like a genuine person, and I don't think she has any ill will in writing this, and I would definitely still read her future work.
I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
April 7, 2025
A short read that made me quite queasy. With many extreme scenes that made my skin crawl. The plot was very interesting and gave us food for thought. Between the blood and mutilation there is lots of social commentary to be found. The book could use a few more chapters, as I felt like this story could use a little more depth. Overall a fun and quick read!
July 9, 2024
This is an incredibly difficult story to rate/review. The subject matter is something that is a sensitive subject for so many people, and this very short story really shows just how desperate some people are to truly feel like themselves. This story follows Caden, a teenage boy who is at war with the body he is in. With a mother set in her ways, refusing to get him the support he needs, he looks to the Internet, where he finds a way to do his own gender reassignment surgeries. While this was only a short story, it really gets to you, and it's truly heartbreaking that anyone ever has to feel the way Caden does.
This is a splatterpunk/body horror book, so please be aware that this is not for everyone.
This is a splatterpunk/body horror book, so please be aware that this is not for everyone.
August 3, 2024
What can I say? Just wow. The descent into madness due to feeling invalidated and misunderstood, the harm that’s done, the gory depiction of the whole thing. It’s all just devastatingly cringe worthy (in the best of ways. Seriously. My face was stuck in a look of disgust almost the entire time haha) I am ever grateful I got an ARC of this short story. It is short, but it packs one heck of a punch. It’s got this deep sadness amidst the graphic depictions and dark humour and I wouldn’t change anything about it.
July 5, 2024
This book centres on Caden, a teenager who doesn’t feel their body matches who they really are. In a bid to rectify this they start researching DIY surgeries.
This book is well written and I would think scratches the surface of how those questioning their gender identity feel. However, as a short story there isn’t the space to get too deeply into the psychology.
For the gore/horror personally I found it quite tame and not nearly as dark as it could have been, particularly when it’s a book covering self mutilation.
I didn’t really understand the need for the dynamic of the sister if I’m honest and the impact on Caden. I felt the story would have been the same without in particular the later descriptions.
One thing I do think to really envelop inclusion is more use of preferred pronouns. I think that could elevate the message of the challenge of being trans, particularly with the mother’s views being such an overarching theme.
As an incredibly short story this was a decent read for sure. I enjoyed the concept and inclusivity of the trans element. I also found it interesting to understand where the idea had come from for the novel.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. I will definitely keep an eye out for future work and look forward to seeing how the style develops.
This book is well written and I would think scratches the surface of how those questioning their gender identity feel. However, as a short story there isn’t the space to get too deeply into the psychology.
For the gore/horror personally I found it quite tame and not nearly as dark as it could have been, particularly when it’s a book covering self mutilation.
I didn’t really understand the need for the dynamic of the sister if I’m honest and the impact on Caden. I felt the story would have been the same without in particular the later descriptions.
One thing I do think to really envelop inclusion is more use of preferred pronouns. I think that could elevate the message of the challenge of being trans, particularly with the mother’s views being such an overarching theme.
As an incredibly short story this was a decent read for sure. I enjoyed the concept and inclusivity of the trans element. I also found it interesting to understand where the idea had come from for the novel.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. I will definitely keep an eye out for future work and look forward to seeing how the style develops.
July 5, 2024
"While looking for different methods, I find myself focusing on the healing processes and what kind of wounds I will have because I need to take this slow so my mother doesn't notice the changes before I am done. The last thing I want is for her to try and stop me or send me away.."
We follow Caden, agonisingly searching for answers online as to how gender reassignment surgery can be performed at home. Depressed and alone, nothing will come between him and his dream of finally being at peace with his identity..regardless of how painful it will be.
This short novelette emphasises just how heartbreakingly desperate people can get in their struggles to feel validated and comfortable in their own bodies, and how far they're willing to go to get that.
This was a really well written, solid debut. I could have done with a little more gore as an extreme horror lover, and I wish it had been much longer, but that's just me being picky! Great little story.
We follow Caden, agonisingly searching for answers online as to how gender reassignment surgery can be performed at home. Depressed and alone, nothing will come between him and his dream of finally being at peace with his identity..regardless of how painful it will be.
This short novelette emphasises just how heartbreakingly desperate people can get in their struggles to feel validated and comfortable in their own bodies, and how far they're willing to go to get that.
This was a really well written, solid debut. I could have done with a little more gore as an extreme horror lover, and I wish it had been much longer, but that's just me being picky! Great little story.
July 14, 2024
This is a remarkable short sad & happy story. The lengths that this teen, Caden, had to go to with his (her) body seem pretty horrifying. The book shows how completely desperate he(she) was, and how strongly they want to feel like who they were truly born to be, Delilah. It broke my heart reading what he(she) went through mentally and physically, and the lack of support from his(her) mom. This ultimately caused these drastic at home surgical measures. My mom heart was reaching out to this child!! Outside of this tough content, the story is very well written and I really enjoyed it.
Thank you to Iona Penn for an arc copy of this very deep and dark short story.
Thank you to Iona Penn for an arc copy of this very deep and dark short story.
July 5, 2024
I want to start by saying thank you to the author for letting me have an arc copy of this book 📖
I’m not sure how to write this review because although this is a splatterpunk/ horror book, I’m really left thinking about the topic of the book. Iv never been a person who looked to much into transgender people or who people identify as, although I do respect everyone’s choices. In saying that I truely never thought that much into this topic and the people it affects and I can honestly say this book really changes your outlook on it. Without spoiling the book I truely believe what happens within the book could happen to anyone.
I know this might not be the best review because I can’t find the right words to explain but this book although short has made me realise I have been a little ignorant about this topic, so thank you for opening my eyes 👀 as extreme as it is. And to me a book that makes me think and effects me emotionally after is an amazing book
I’m not sure how to write this review because although this is a splatterpunk/ horror book, I’m really left thinking about the topic of the book. Iv never been a person who looked to much into transgender people or who people identify as, although I do respect everyone’s choices. In saying that I truely never thought that much into this topic and the people it affects and I can honestly say this book really changes your outlook on it. Without spoiling the book I truely believe what happens within the book could happen to anyone.
I know this might not be the best review because I can’t find the right words to explain but this book although short has made me realise I have been a little ignorant about this topic, so thank you for opening my eyes 👀 as extreme as it is. And to me a book that makes me think and effects me emotionally after is an amazing book
July 5, 2024
I'll let the synopsis provide the summary on this one
As for my thoughts... I feel a lot after reading this material, chief among them, is heartbreak. The prose was beautiful, haunting, and sad. When we read extreme horror, the violence and brutality is almost always projected outward. Yet, this time, the blade points inward. Beyond the physicality, we're also exposed to the internal thoughts of the protagonist, and this path they're following, which is a slippery slope.
Thank you for providing me the opportunity to read what you've written, and also, as an opportunity to learn. Horror is a vehicle for those voices silenced, and their stories deserved to be told.
As for my thoughts... I feel a lot after reading this material, chief among them, is heartbreak. The prose was beautiful, haunting, and sad. When we read extreme horror, the violence and brutality is almost always projected outward. Yet, this time, the blade points inward. Beyond the physicality, we're also exposed to the internal thoughts of the protagonist, and this path they're following, which is a slippery slope.
Thank you for providing me the opportunity to read what you've written, and also, as an opportunity to learn. Horror is a vehicle for those voices silenced, and their stories deserved to be told.
September 6, 2024
Found this novella through a SYKD and thought it would be a quick read to get the book brain going
Interesting concept, terrible writing. I’m not expecting English degree literature writing, but this was just not good.
It is also glaringly apparent this was not written by, or with intense consultation with, someone with lived experience as a trans person. There’s an excellent breakdown in the reviews of why this book was Not Okay.
Splatterpunk as a genre is always interesting but this not it.
Interesting concept, terrible writing. I’m not expecting English degree literature writing, but this was just not good.
It is also glaringly apparent this was not written by, or with intense consultation with, someone with lived experience as a trans person. There’s an excellent breakdown in the reviews of why this book was Not Okay.
Splatterpunk as a genre is always interesting but this not it.
September 9, 2024
This was something else. Written through the pov of an MC trapped in the wrong body, with no one who believes or understands them, a plan is formed, researched and carried out. This felt too real; my heart broke for the MC over and over. We know how many approach this subject and it is well-described in this short, gut wrenching tale. The lengths one would go to in order to feel while is astounding, as is this story. Definitely recommend.
July 5, 2024
Ooo boy. This is a very short book that packs a huge punch in the gut. It shows the lengths some people are willing to go to when they are not being listened to. It’s sad, a little gross but extremely well written. So much so I had a dream about it after I read it.
Watch out of Iona she’s going to be big.
Watch out of Iona she’s going to be big.
July 5, 2024
Oh wow, this novella is fantastic, imagine not feeling like your body is your own and having no one who understands and supports you, taking matters into your own hands in order to feel sane. True horror exists in our minds and out of desperation.
July 5, 2024
This book is amazing and horrifying. Knowing there are people in the world going through this right now makes me so sad. I hope maybe this helps bring some knowledge to people who need it.
September 6, 2024
The premise of Gaping Wound was interesting, catching my attention immediately. Instead of back alley surgical transformation, our teen protagonist, Caden, literally takes the job into her own hands. However, the execution fell flat in nearly every aspect. The writing was awkward and lacked the depth usually necessary for a story of this nature. The descriptions were very vague and failed to create the kind of tension or atmosphere you would expect in extreme horror.
Caden’s perspective also felt overly juvenile, and the portrayal of her thoughts and actions made the narrative feel like a poorly written how-to guide than an actual story. This was the same for every “procedure,” which was presented in a way that was overly simplified and lacked any emotional or physical gravity such a situation would call for.
The extremes that horror often leans into should still have some grounding in reality, but this story’s absurdities (like performing a breast augmentation at home with numbing cream) broke any immersion and made it difficult to take anything seriously.
But, the most troubling aspect of this story I found was the portrayal of Caden’s experience as a transgender girl. While I am not trans myself, the story’s approach to this subject came across as reductive and stereotypical—bordering on mockery.
Overall, Gaping Wound was a total disappointment. What could have been a dark and provocative exploration of identity and body horror, this story instead came off as clumsy, poorly researched, and, in my opinion, disrespectful to the real struggles many face.
And don’t get me started on the sister thing! 🤢 I'm not grossed out by the content itself but by its portrayal and lack of awareness.
Caden’s perspective also felt overly juvenile, and the portrayal of her thoughts and actions made the narrative feel like a poorly written how-to guide than an actual story. This was the same for every “procedure,” which was presented in a way that was overly simplified and lacked any emotional or physical gravity such a situation would call for.
The extremes that horror often leans into should still have some grounding in reality, but this story’s absurdities (like performing a breast augmentation at home with numbing cream) broke any immersion and made it difficult to take anything seriously.
But, the most troubling aspect of this story I found was the portrayal of Caden’s experience as a transgender girl. While I am not trans myself, the story’s approach to this subject came across as reductive and stereotypical—bordering on mockery.
Overall, Gaping Wound was a total disappointment. What could have been a dark and provocative exploration of identity and body horror, this story instead came off as clumsy, poorly researched, and, in my opinion, disrespectful to the real struggles many face.
And don’t get me started on the sister thing! 🤢 I'm not grossed out by the content itself but by its portrayal and lack of awareness.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2024
I want to thank the author for allowing me the opportunity to review thia book.
The story is well written and I could imagine things as they were happening.
My only issue is regarding the procedures. My brain was thrown out of the story by the DIY procedures. I understand this is not medical fiction, but a couple times I re read those parts and wished for a bit more medical realism, but other than that, the rest of the story is well written and I can't wait to read the next story by this author. I also realize that many of the books in this genres are not known for being medically accurate also.
The story is well written and I could imagine things as they were happening.
My only issue is regarding the procedures. My brain was thrown out of the story by the DIY procedures. I understand this is not medical fiction, but a couple times I re read those parts and wished for a bit more medical realism, but other than that, the rest of the story is well written and I can't wait to read the next story by this author. I also realize that many of the books in this genres are not known for being medically accurate also.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2024
I’ll lay aside any political argument/opinion. I think this story is applicable to the whole mental health umbrella.
This is a thought-provoking, heavy read if you allow it to be. It’s a conversation about the lengths people are willing to go to to rid themselves of internal pain, to love and accept themselves when no one else will. What danger lies in accepting or not accepting people for who they are?
This worked well as a short story. It probably could have been even longer. Although I think it fell a bit in part 5, I enjoyed it overall. It’s a straightforward (even if not medically accurate) read.
This is a thought-provoking, heavy read if you allow it to be. It’s a conversation about the lengths people are willing to go to to rid themselves of internal pain, to love and accept themselves when no one else will. What danger lies in accepting or not accepting people for who they are?
This worked well as a short story. It probably could have been even longer. Although I think it fell a bit in part 5, I enjoyed it overall. It’s a straightforward (even if not medically accurate) read.
July 28, 2024
This is Iona's first book and it tackles a tough subject. I have to say it was a heavy read, but I know this is a reality plenty of young people face in today's world. There are plenty of gruesome scenes, so check your triggers.
However, Iona seemed to be going for a story that has a shock value but also displays the real-life horrors of DIY gender reassignment surgeries. The ending made me tear up, so bonus points for that. For the most part, the story is well-written.
4.5/5 stars, rounded up to 5, only because the subject matter was tough for me. Other than that, you should read this short story if you enjoy extreme horror/splatterpunk.
However, Iona seemed to be going for a story that has a shock value but also displays the real-life horrors of DIY gender reassignment surgeries. The ending made me tear up, so bonus points for that. For the most part, the story is well-written.
4.5/5 stars, rounded up to 5, only because the subject matter was tough for me. Other than that, you should read this short story if you enjoy extreme horror/splatterpunk.
September 8, 2024
Gaping Wound is a story about a young-ish boy who wishes to change sex so resorts to self- mutilation to achieve his goal when left alone with the coast all clear.
Plenty of bloody, gruesome DIY action is included that is guaranteed to make the eyes water, the voice scream and the organs shrivel.
A decent idea but too short, and a tale which would have benefitted from more background information and greater depth. Yep, all over in the blink of an eye, but for this young man maybe caution should have been the order of the day rather than simply yearning for his fantasy dreams to become an instant reality.
Rating: 3.4 pulsing blood-red stars of the cuttingly sharp variety.
Plenty of bloody, gruesome DIY action is included that is guaranteed to make the eyes water, the voice scream and the organs shrivel.
A decent idea but too short, and a tale which would have benefitted from more background information and greater depth. Yep, all over in the blink of an eye, but for this young man maybe caution should have been the order of the day rather than simply yearning for his fantasy dreams to become an instant reality.
Rating: 3.4 pulsing blood-red stars of the cuttingly sharp variety.
July 7, 2024
Have you ever wondered what was going through the mind of a teenager that didn’t want to be in the body they were in? They feel misgendered? Their body parts actually make the physically ill to look at or even touch?
These were things that never truly crossed my mind and now that I have read “Gaping Wound” I have an entirely new perspective on this topic.
Iona made me feel the mental and physical pain of this short story. If you haven’t read it, you definitely should! It’s worth the short time of your day.
These were things that never truly crossed my mind and now that I have read “Gaping Wound” I have an entirely new perspective on this topic.
Iona made me feel the mental and physical pain of this short story. If you haven’t read it, you definitely should! It’s worth the short time of your day.
July 8, 2024
Trapped in a body that you don’t want, you
tried multiple times to explain and express this to your family just to be told that you’re iLL and need to get over yourself
so the last resort
DIY time!!
This follows a boy who wants to be who he’s actually is a girl, no help from anyone and on the edge of committing suicide only one place to turn
The internet!
and let’s say the internet can solve a lot of problems:)
Thank you for the arc!
A very short read very detailed and written well, would 100% read more from the author
July 8, 2024
I was given the honor to read this and I was not let down. Caden's family life was very relatable in certain aspects. Caden desperately wanted to have gender reassignment surgery but his mom didn't believe in being transgendered. So Caden googled how to do it from home...what unfolds really reminds me of thos videos from like 10+ years ago, the pain Olympics. In the end, Caden was able to become Delilah and be truly happy. The banana pudding tits will live with me for the rest of my life lol.
July 28, 2024
Have you ever read a book and felt the physical pain the character was going through? Oh, that was just me? My bad! I was holding different parts of my body while I read this story, especially my breasts. This may be a short read, but it packed a lot in. Caden dealt with a lot just trying to be who she wanted to be.
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