From Jason Nickey, author of ‘Slush Pile’ and ‘Rural Decay’ comes a new story collection to stain your soul. A strange sexual encounter with a humanoid fungus, a weekend getaway where privacy doesn’t seem to be an option, a family’s last moments before an apocalyptic event, a closeted man with a violent temper forced to face the sins of his past, an alien invasion happening just outside the bathroom door, and more.
I freaking loved this so much, Nickey always promises a crazy fucked up time, and his short story collections are some of my favorite.
When I read his collections, I honestly cannot tell how they are going to end, even though this is multiple books of his I have read now, he can sill mislead me, I don't know if I'm going to be wiping up a few stray tears, or screaming fuck yes because some absolutely horrid character is dead .
Every single time I see a new collection up, its an auto buy for me now, freaking fantastic.
The Lines Begin to Blur, went above and beyond for what the fuck did i just read, I stopped, and read it a second time.
Just check this out, its not a long read, but its one that sticks to your ribs.
I ended 2024 with one of Jason’s collections, and I’m excited that I was able to begin 2025 with the newest collection he published! Like I said in my last review, each time I read a short story collection by him… I deem it my favorite. And sigh… this time is no different. 🫣
Jason’s stories always stand out to me in anthologies, so I was already familiar with some of the 11 stories in this book. They’re all phenomenal and the entire collection gives such a range. There’s a couple that will make you gag, lol. And there’s a couple that definitely made me cry… and everything else in between. 👏🏼
The Lines Begin To Blur was definitely a standout story for me and one that is new. The vibe is such a psychological mindfuck and style of writing that I LOVE from Jason. Drink Before the War absolutely broke me and is again, one of my favorite styles of writing by him. Beware the Blowjob has always been a standout favorite story of mine, and I also loved Spores. That being said, the entire collection is Jason at his best and this is something that can be enjoyed by everyone. 🫶🏼
If this is how he is starting the year, I truly can’t wait to see what else he has in store for us because this one was top notch. 🤌🏼
I am a huge fan of all of Jason’s work. This anthology has such a vast array of stories. From an abused wife who gets the revenge that she so desperately seeks, a man who is being followed, but things may not be what they seem, a child born out of something not from this world, a Christmas ghost, an impossible decision to be made during an apocalypse, an encounter with new neighbors, a man who hasn’t come to terms with his sexuality, an unexpected trip to the bathroom, a pumpkin prank gone wrong, a one night stand that turns into a deadly obsession and a snow storm that leads a man to the wrong house. Each of these stories are so unique yet all of them are so spectacular.
Decent collection of stories that kind of set me at unease, but certainly seemed to shy the line of "extreme." This is most assuredly not a bad thing, but didnt really scratch the itch.
I will say that the one about IBS had me chuckling entirely too much.
I wasnt upset with spending my time reading this, but I don't feel any sort of pull to go back and read it again or seek out more of Mr. Nickey's work. It was fine, but nothing special.