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EUSECT
The end is scary. The perpetual is scarier.
A suicidal house mate’s property regresses in ownership. A father is tormented by his immortal infant son. A school of fish offers communion with the heavens. A woman’s dead body multiplies across the world. These fourteen stories of terror, gore, and dissociation present people facing themselves and the infinite―often both at their worst. Featuring collage illustrations from artist Florian S. Fauna.
A suicidal house mate’s property regresses in ownership. A father is tormented by his immortal infant son. A school of fish offers communion with the heavens. A woman’s dead body multiplies across the world. These fourteen stories of terror, gore, and dissociation present people facing themselves and the infinite―often both at their worst. Featuring collage illustrations from artist Florian S. Fauna.
132 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 16, 2025
3 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
C.L. Methvin
4 books16 followersRarely feels human. Sometimes writes. Author of the transgressive Southern Gothic horror collection EUSECT (tRaum Books, 2025), queer social horror Biting Silence (Sinister Stoat Press, 2022), and an array of pseudonymous short stories scattered about. Queer, horror, Chicago-based, has a dog (woof).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
January 9, 2025
Despite containing fourteen stories, C.L. Methvin's debut collection clocks in at a brisk 82 pages. Most of these stories are short enough to arguably qualify as flash fiction, and they really shine: little parables, anecdotes, and shockers. The longer stories, in my opinion, are a bit uneven by comparison. Some are very strong; a couple have shakier prose that makes me think they were probably written earlier than the rest.
I liked the breadth of genre, style, and subject in the collection. There are overarching themes: all of these stories could be described as "horror," most contain elements of body horror specifically, and, as Methvin points out in a thoughtful afterword, they all deal with ideas of stasis or perpetuity in some way. But in addition to horror/body horror, some stories are sci-fi, fantasy, allegories, or non-supernatural psychological thrillers. Some, like "Ximena's Fall," feel like lost episodes of The Twilight Zone or The Outer Limits. Some were originally published as furry fiction, and I found myself slightly regretting that they were not kept furry fiction just to round out this eclectic approach! It can be hard to balance cohesion and variety in a collection, but EUSECT nails it. The cover and illustrations help add to its sense of unity; they accompany the prose incredibly well.
My favorites in the collection were "My Roommate's Locks," "Need Only Be Closer," "Eusect," and "Ximena's Fall."
I received an ARC of EUSECT in exchange for writing an honest review.
I liked the breadth of genre, style, and subject in the collection. There are overarching themes: all of these stories could be described as "horror," most contain elements of body horror specifically, and, as Methvin points out in a thoughtful afterword, they all deal with ideas of stasis or perpetuity in some way. But in addition to horror/body horror, some stories are sci-fi, fantasy, allegories, or non-supernatural psychological thrillers. Some, like "Ximena's Fall," feel like lost episodes of The Twilight Zone or The Outer Limits. Some were originally published as furry fiction, and I found myself slightly regretting that they were not kept furry fiction just to round out this eclectic approach! It can be hard to balance cohesion and variety in a collection, but EUSECT nails it. The cover and illustrations help add to its sense of unity; they accompany the prose incredibly well.
My favorites in the collection were "My Roommate's Locks," "Need Only Be Closer," "Eusect," and "Ximena's Fall."
I received an ARC of EUSECT in exchange for writing an honest review.
January 22, 2025
Got this for review from booksirens.
I liked the writing and the some stories was definitely intense and I could see what other reviewers has said. Unfortunately none of the story stood out to me, so whole I enjoyed I have no favourites. But non that I disliked either.
I liked the writing and the some stories was definitely intense and I could see what other reviewers has said. Unfortunately none of the story stood out to me, so whole I enjoyed I have no favourites. But non that I disliked either.
January 16, 2025
DISCLAIMER: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
EUSECT is haunting and revolting, but intriguing in the ways it will disturb you. C.L. Methvin offers a collection of short horror, some in bursts of bizarre concept that leave you mulling over the how and why --oh hell, why? The collection twists itself around genres, with tinges of Splatterpunk, Bizzaro, and Giallo as it bursts with body horror, extreme disgust, blood and gore; yet it remains existential. You may be left with a mouthful of questions, but they writhe persistently on your tongue. I felt a thrumming undercurrent that hoped to interrogate the human identity, carving a place out for oneself or being carved out by other forces. Questions of morality and meaning loom as threatening shadows over each narrative. It was not a collection that seemed to serve only to shock the reader, there is a clear transgressive nature behind the use of intense subjects. At least two of the tales had me nauseated ("Tender Writhing" and the namesake, "Eusect"), breaking my iron temperament. "Stay" had me seeing too much of my own life with it's piercing of family dynamics, manipulation, and control. Tender Writhing is one of the darkest stories, but it serves as a threat in the descent it showcases, an extreme bad end as the character frays from othering, grief, and abandonment. My favorite stories were "Aurozoa Sleep", and "We, the Water, the Stars." The stories "A Stagnant Song" and "My Roommate's Locks" keep visiting me in moments of quiet, when my thoughts wander. The internal artworks by Florian S. Fauna are just as powerful as the writing, with esoteric, disorienting collages echoing the body horror and erosion the characters often experience. They further enervate the book's untethering effect with art that occupies a niche somewhere between Witkin's photographs and the scrawled journal of a mad naturalist trapped in VanderMeer's Area X. I found this an overall strong collection of work, and I give it a 4.5 rounded up. At times I considered the imagery lacking or the language too succinct, but after further thought, I think for the medium these choices work; any vaguery adds to the disorienting experience. I feel the reader is meant to have more questions than answers, to be spun to dizziness a hundred times over, and to feel lost in an abyss when finished. I am looking forward to seeing Methvin continue to grow and hone the craft, and to create more work that bites out Lovecraft's tongue.
EUSECT is haunting and revolting, but intriguing in the ways it will disturb you. C.L. Methvin offers a collection of short horror, some in bursts of bizarre concept that leave you mulling over the how and why --oh hell, why? The collection twists itself around genres, with tinges of Splatterpunk, Bizzaro, and Giallo as it bursts with body horror, extreme disgust, blood and gore; yet it remains existential. You may be left with a mouthful of questions, but they writhe persistently on your tongue. I felt a thrumming undercurrent that hoped to interrogate the human identity, carving a place out for oneself or being carved out by other forces. Questions of morality and meaning loom as threatening shadows over each narrative. It was not a collection that seemed to serve only to shock the reader, there is a clear transgressive nature behind the use of intense subjects. At least two of the tales had me nauseated ("Tender Writhing" and the namesake, "Eusect"), breaking my iron temperament. "Stay" had me seeing too much of my own life with it's piercing of family dynamics, manipulation, and control. Tender Writhing is one of the darkest stories, but it serves as a threat in the descent it showcases, an extreme bad end as the character frays from othering, grief, and abandonment. My favorite stories were "Aurozoa Sleep", and "We, the Water, the Stars." The stories "A Stagnant Song" and "My Roommate's Locks" keep visiting me in moments of quiet, when my thoughts wander. The internal artworks by Florian S. Fauna are just as powerful as the writing, with esoteric, disorienting collages echoing the body horror and erosion the characters often experience. They further enervate the book's untethering effect with art that occupies a niche somewhere between Witkin's photographs and the scrawled journal of a mad naturalist trapped in VanderMeer's Area X. I found this an overall strong collection of work, and I give it a 4.5 rounded up. At times I considered the imagery lacking or the language too succinct, but after further thought, I think for the medium these choices work; any vaguery adds to the disorienting experience. I feel the reader is meant to have more questions than answers, to be spun to dizziness a hundred times over, and to feel lost in an abyss when finished. I am looking forward to seeing Methvin continue to grow and hone the craft, and to create more work that bites out Lovecraft's tongue.
January 11, 2025
EUSECT made my stomach churn and I could not get enough! The journey through this gory, heartbreaking, surreal collection was thrilling and unforgettable.
There were some tales that felt more polished than others - some feeling more like vague recollections of a nightmare rather than a full feature horror, but I appreciate the unique and varied paces/lengths. The creeping anticipation of not knowing what type of story would be next had me on the edge of my seat in dread and excitement.
Methvin does an incredible job with imagery pulling you *into* the moment (for better or worse sometimes.)
Fauna's collage illustrations are a phenomenal addition that gave each tale a thrill that I haven't experienced since I was a young child reading Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark for the first time.
Several times I had to put the book down and walk around my home to digest what I had just witnessed (and a few times to let my stomach settle) which left me with a great appreciation for even the heaviest in the collection.
There are no pulled punches within EUSECT's pages - do take serious heed to the trigger warnings.
If you are a fan of horror with the occasional “YUCK!” - and a side of existential dread, EUSECT is a great little collection for you!
I kindly received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my own honest review! :)
There were some tales that felt more polished than others - some feeling more like vague recollections of a nightmare rather than a full feature horror, but I appreciate the unique and varied paces/lengths. The creeping anticipation of not knowing what type of story would be next had me on the edge of my seat in dread and excitement.
Methvin does an incredible job with imagery pulling you *into* the moment (for better or worse sometimes.)
Fauna's collage illustrations are a phenomenal addition that gave each tale a thrill that I haven't experienced since I was a young child reading Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark for the first time.
Several times I had to put the book down and walk around my home to digest what I had just witnessed (and a few times to let my stomach settle) which left me with a great appreciation for even the heaviest in the collection.
There are no pulled punches within EUSECT's pages - do take serious heed to the trigger warnings.
If you are a fan of horror with the occasional “YUCK!” - and a side of existential dread, EUSECT is a great little collection for you!
I kindly received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my own honest review! :)
January 17, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed Eusect! This collection of short stories is masterfully crafted, offering just the right length to leave me feeling disgusted, surprised, and in utter disbelief. Each tale delves into a fascinating morbidity that kept me hooked, and the sense of helplessness some of the stories evoke is nothing short of chilling.
What makes Eusect stand out is how difficult it is to fully articulate its impact—it’s less about what happens and more about the visceral experience. It’s the kind of book you need to read for yourself to truly appreciate its full effect. Any attempt to describe it feels inadequate because the emotions it provokes are so deeply personal.
Ultimately, I liked Eusect for what it is: a dark, evocative, and unforgettable anthology that leaves you grappling with your own reactions. Highly recommended for fans of stories that explore the macabre and unexpected.
Received ARC from #BookSirens for a honest review.
@BookSirens
What makes Eusect stand out is how difficult it is to fully articulate its impact—it’s less about what happens and more about the visceral experience. It’s the kind of book you need to read for yourself to truly appreciate its full effect. Any attempt to describe it feels inadequate because the emotions it provokes are so deeply personal.
Ultimately, I liked Eusect for what it is: a dark, evocative, and unforgettable anthology that leaves you grappling with your own reactions. Highly recommended for fans of stories that explore the macabre and unexpected.
Received ARC from #BookSirens for a honest review.
@BookSirens
December 16, 2024
There's brilliance within these pages! And some very wild tales, full of triggers for the unwary (from baby death to unaliving). Each story, indifferent of length, surprised me with its originality and great writing, but most of all with its uncanny imagery - totally unexpected visuals creating a variety of unfamiliar emotions, from delightful shock to sad anger. (The stunning drawings/collages by Florian S. Fauna are not half bad either!) The characters are very well done, and though the author in the afterword seems to priviledge his last few stories in the collection (the one about the insane mum, especially), I think these are too obviously nasty, and I prefer the more subtle ones of body horror in the beginning. That said, all the stories are to be praised highly for playing with the reader's expectations and destroying them one by one. Highly recommended!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 8, 2025
Some pieces are short and vague, bordering the sense of dread one might anticipate from Brian Evenson; others are especially filled with gore or detailed descriptions of bodily violence; some focus on body horror and disgust as one would find in Vidito's work.
I wrote the book so it goes without saying that I'm partial. With that, maybe it's cheating to leave five stars, but if I introspect honestly: I'm proud of this collection. It's short and sweet, and represents the culmination of what little free time I had among multiple jobs, academia, and a desire to create. For many of the stories, I strived to push discomfort in body horror: I love gore, blood, the associated terror, and so on, and so many of these stories linger in those elements. Content warnings are included in the book, but included are themes of , and many more.
I won't pretend every reader will undoubtedly love every story, but if you're a fan of the unsettling, the violent, or the sad, this mix of stories will certainly have something for you.
I wrote the book so it goes without saying that I'm partial. With that, maybe it's cheating to leave five stars, but if I introspect honestly: I'm proud of this collection. It's short and sweet, and represents the culmination of what little free time I had among multiple jobs, academia, and a desire to create. For many of the stories, I strived to push discomfort in body horror: I love gore, blood, the associated terror, and so on, and so many of these stories linger in those elements. Content warnings are included in the book, but included are themes of , and many more.
I won't pretend every reader will undoubtedly love every story, but if you're a fan of the unsettling, the violent, or the sad, this mix of stories will certainly have something for you.
December 16, 2024
Disclaimer: I received an ARC copy by the publisher in exchange for a review.
Trigger warnings for this review for discussions of gore!
This is a short story collection with a focus on the gorey, the messy, the dark things. If you like horror and gore, I don’t think you will need a lot of convincing after enjoying the gorgeous cover to pick this book up. But if you need some more convincing, let me tell you that this is an incredibly well written and very intriguing collection of horror short stories (& it features some great art inside as well!). It includes multiple genres of horror and from cosmic horror to deep sea horror to gruesome body horror, there’s something here for everybody who enjoys the macabre. Most stories feature gore or other forms of body horror, but some focus on more interpersonal horror and for that I just want to mention that I loved the way this book handled trigger warnings. They are provided at the end of the book, but mentioned in the beginning. This makes them easy to check out, without running into the risk of accidentally spoilering yourself, if you choose to skip them.
Besides the cover setting the mood for the stories included here, there’s another cool aspect that I enjoyed at the beginning of the book: It includes a word definition for the title and if you’re a gorehound like me, I think you can understand the giddy joy I felt when reading “to cut something purely for the enjoyment of cutting; generally understood to be enacted upon something living or once living”. Just lovely!
While not every short story was perfectly suited to me, I really enjoyed most of them and felt that most managed to really work with the genre of short story well. Only one story was too short for me to fully enjoy it and I still adored all the concepts presented here and found them to be explored in interesting ways and with some great detailed and gruesome imagery. There’s a roommate with a dangerous curse, deep-sea scientists, self-inflicted amputations, women with weird fixations on corpses and more. My personal favorite stories were “Eusect” (the self-amputation story), “Aurozoa Sleep” (the deep-sea scientist horror), “In Miriam’s Arms” (the corpse-obsessed woman), “We, the Water, the Stars” (a scholar of the cosmic embarks on a sea voyage, but his plans there are sinister) and “Tender Writhing” (a man wrecked by grief over the loss of his partner cannot let him go). As I already mentioned the stories tend to be intimate, exploring character’s reactions to facing the horrors or their descent into depravity or desperation. Despite being very short, these stories managed to provide great character (and world) building and I found myself deeply intrigued by most of them.
All in all, this is an incredible short story collection and if you enjoy your horror gorey, queer and with a variety of bodily fluids, check it out. For myself I definitely have found a new author whose work I will be keeping an eye on!
My Roommate’s Locks: Living with roommates can be tough in the best of times. Living with a roommate, whose name you cannot remember and who keeps losing things, is worse. Really tense, but intriguing story and I really liked the ending. It’s short, but very unsettling.
Tw: violence, suicide
*FAV* Eusect: The main character of this story decides that today they will cut off their leg. We follow through a gruesome but methodical depiction of the process using a variety of knives and this story absolutely deserves the title it got. Very gorey, very enjoyable and I really liked the end.
Tw: dismemberment, self-mutilation, violence towards animals
*FAV* Aurozoa Sleep: Deep Sea Horror my most beloved! Science Horror my also very beloved! This story follows two women as they investigate the life cycle of the lion mane’s jellyfish, when one of them begins to sleepwalk. Haunting and filled with despair, this is an incredible story that I adored!
Tw: animal death, hypnotism, ocean/deep water, gore, body horror
Doors and Dead Men: A horror short about a haunting, interesting, but not as intriguing as the rest of the stories so far. A bit too short to reveal its full terrifying potential to me, but still a cool concept.
Tw: death
An Account of Five Hundred and Nine, or Sower’s Descent: A short story about a really fucked up prison and a person with the ability to grant an immortality of the worst kind called in to get some information out of people, deeply unsettling and one of the stories I would love to have more of!
Tw: body horror, death, mention of suicide
Ximena’s Fall: A story investigating the unsolved case of a woman’s corpses appearing all across the globe with her face beaten to a bloody pulp. Very interesting and I liked it quite a lot and especially the end was unsettling!
Tw: suicide, domestic abuse, gore, body horror
Need Only Be Closer: A concert ends up with two friends getting separated in the crowd. As a not that tall person this takes a fear I have and just makes it so much scarier. Really well done and with some quite fun body horror, fans of the Lonely from TMA will love this one! Loved the very hopeless end.
*FAV* In Miriam’s Arms: An elderly woman rediscovers her younger self’s passion when she accidentally hits and kills a dog on her way home from work. Incredible depictions of gore, embracing the intimacy of getting to touch something’s insides in the best way. Loved it!
Tw: gore, murder, animal death, child death, disembowelment
Mouths: A woman returns from her shopping trip with lots of meat to feed the many hungry mouths in her home. Kind off sweet, despite the weirdness. Very short, but I like the concept!
Tw: mention of possible future suicide
*FAV* We, the Water, the Stars: A scholar of stars convinces a captain to let him set out to sea with him. Shortly before their voyage starts an unfortunate accident causes two more sailors to join their little crew. Thankfully the scholar has means to deal with that unfortunate distraction. Very fun, I love cosmic horror, and as I already mentioned I love oceanic horror and this combines these two in wonderful ways. If you enjoy this one, I would also definitely recommend “From the Belly” by Emmett Nahil to you.
Tw: murder, gore, dissociation, ocean
*FAV* Tender Writhing: A man arrives home to find his boyfriend dead on the floor. Unable to let go and knowing that reporting his death would mean his boyfriend’s family cutting him out from any funeral proceedings, he simply leaves him there. And that’s when things really start to spiral out of control. Very messy, very gross, very good, I loved it. Queer horror and bugs my beloved!
Tw: death, homophobia, necrophilia, bugs, insects, suicide
The Firetender: A person finds a little fire and takes it home, soon watching their life become devoured by the flames. Interesting analogy for domestic abuse.
Tw: domestic abuse, fire
A Stagnant Song: A father struggling with his child that stopped aging as it turned one year old tries to find a solution to his problem. Messy, but interesting.
Tw: infanticide, death due pregnancy complications, abusive father
Stay: A mom unable to deal with her son leaving for college tries to find a way to make him stay. Really fucked up and again, with some incredibly great gore! Enjoyable, in a heartbreaking way.
Tw: abusive parents, poisoning, violence, murder
Trigger warnings for this review for discussions of gore!
This is a short story collection with a focus on the gorey, the messy, the dark things. If you like horror and gore, I don’t think you will need a lot of convincing after enjoying the gorgeous cover to pick this book up. But if you need some more convincing, let me tell you that this is an incredibly well written and very intriguing collection of horror short stories (& it features some great art inside as well!). It includes multiple genres of horror and from cosmic horror to deep sea horror to gruesome body horror, there’s something here for everybody who enjoys the macabre. Most stories feature gore or other forms of body horror, but some focus on more interpersonal horror and for that I just want to mention that I loved the way this book handled trigger warnings. They are provided at the end of the book, but mentioned in the beginning. This makes them easy to check out, without running into the risk of accidentally spoilering yourself, if you choose to skip them.
Besides the cover setting the mood for the stories included here, there’s another cool aspect that I enjoyed at the beginning of the book: It includes a word definition for the title and if you’re a gorehound like me, I think you can understand the giddy joy I felt when reading “to cut something purely for the enjoyment of cutting; generally understood to be enacted upon something living or once living”. Just lovely!
While not every short story was perfectly suited to me, I really enjoyed most of them and felt that most managed to really work with the genre of short story well. Only one story was too short for me to fully enjoy it and I still adored all the concepts presented here and found them to be explored in interesting ways and with some great detailed and gruesome imagery. There’s a roommate with a dangerous curse, deep-sea scientists, self-inflicted amputations, women with weird fixations on corpses and more. My personal favorite stories were “Eusect” (the self-amputation story), “Aurozoa Sleep” (the deep-sea scientist horror), “In Miriam’s Arms” (the corpse-obsessed woman), “We, the Water, the Stars” (a scholar of the cosmic embarks on a sea voyage, but his plans there are sinister) and “Tender Writhing” (a man wrecked by grief over the loss of his partner cannot let him go). As I already mentioned the stories tend to be intimate, exploring character’s reactions to facing the horrors or their descent into depravity or desperation. Despite being very short, these stories managed to provide great character (and world) building and I found myself deeply intrigued by most of them.
All in all, this is an incredible short story collection and if you enjoy your horror gorey, queer and with a variety of bodily fluids, check it out. For myself I definitely have found a new author whose work I will be keeping an eye on!
My Roommate’s Locks: Living with roommates can be tough in the best of times. Living with a roommate, whose name you cannot remember and who keeps losing things, is worse. Really tense, but intriguing story and I really liked the ending. It’s short, but very unsettling.
Tw: violence, suicide
*FAV* Eusect: The main character of this story decides that today they will cut off their leg. We follow through a gruesome but methodical depiction of the process using a variety of knives and this story absolutely deserves the title it got. Very gorey, very enjoyable and I really liked the end.
Tw: dismemberment, self-mutilation, violence towards animals
*FAV* Aurozoa Sleep: Deep Sea Horror my most beloved! Science Horror my also very beloved! This story follows two women as they investigate the life cycle of the lion mane’s jellyfish, when one of them begins to sleepwalk. Haunting and filled with despair, this is an incredible story that I adored!
Tw: animal death, hypnotism, ocean/deep water, gore, body horror
Doors and Dead Men: A horror short about a haunting, interesting, but not as intriguing as the rest of the stories so far. A bit too short to reveal its full terrifying potential to me, but still a cool concept.
Tw: death
An Account of Five Hundred and Nine, or Sower’s Descent: A short story about a really fucked up prison and a person with the ability to grant an immortality of the worst kind called in to get some information out of people, deeply unsettling and one of the stories I would love to have more of!
Tw: body horror, death, mention of suicide
Ximena’s Fall: A story investigating the unsolved case of a woman’s corpses appearing all across the globe with her face beaten to a bloody pulp. Very interesting and I liked it quite a lot and especially the end was unsettling!
Tw: suicide, domestic abuse, gore, body horror
Need Only Be Closer: A concert ends up with two friends getting separated in the crowd. As a not that tall person this takes a fear I have and just makes it so much scarier. Really well done and with some quite fun body horror, fans of the Lonely from TMA will love this one! Loved the very hopeless end.
*FAV* In Miriam’s Arms: An elderly woman rediscovers her younger self’s passion when she accidentally hits and kills a dog on her way home from work. Incredible depictions of gore, embracing the intimacy of getting to touch something’s insides in the best way. Loved it!
Tw: gore, murder, animal death, child death, disembowelment
Mouths: A woman returns from her shopping trip with lots of meat to feed the many hungry mouths in her home. Kind off sweet, despite the weirdness. Very short, but I like the concept!
Tw: mention of possible future suicide
*FAV* We, the Water, the Stars: A scholar of stars convinces a captain to let him set out to sea with him. Shortly before their voyage starts an unfortunate accident causes two more sailors to join their little crew. Thankfully the scholar has means to deal with that unfortunate distraction. Very fun, I love cosmic horror, and as I already mentioned I love oceanic horror and this combines these two in wonderful ways. If you enjoy this one, I would also definitely recommend “From the Belly” by Emmett Nahil to you.
Tw: murder, gore, dissociation, ocean
*FAV* Tender Writhing: A man arrives home to find his boyfriend dead on the floor. Unable to let go and knowing that reporting his death would mean his boyfriend’s family cutting him out from any funeral proceedings, he simply leaves him there. And that’s when things really start to spiral out of control. Very messy, very gross, very good, I loved it. Queer horror and bugs my beloved!
Tw: death, homophobia, necrophilia, bugs, insects, suicide
The Firetender: A person finds a little fire and takes it home, soon watching their life become devoured by the flames. Interesting analogy for domestic abuse.
Tw: domestic abuse, fire
A Stagnant Song: A father struggling with his child that stopped aging as it turned one year old tries to find a solution to his problem. Messy, but interesting.
Tw: infanticide, death due pregnancy complications, abusive father
Stay: A mom unable to deal with her son leaving for college tries to find a way to make him stay. Really fucked up and again, with some incredibly great gore! Enjoyable, in a heartbreaking way.
Tw: abusive parents, poisoning, violence, murder
January 22, 2025
This was my first book by C.L. Methvin, a collection of short stories that definitely delivers!
Just like with any collection of stories, some will be very short while others are longer. Some are more graphic than others. Some stories are better than others, depending on what appeals to you. There is a theme with most of these tales, like mentioned in the Afterword, they have a lot of mystery with the idea that you can't escape the situation you are trapped in.
As always, I will be highlighting the stories that were the best to me, while leaving the others a surprise!
"My Roommate's Locks" - We follow our main character through his POV of the strangeness that is going on with his roommate. This is the first tale and absolutely the perfect one to introduce you to the collection you will be experiencing! Mysterious, intriguing, and amazing for such a short story.
"Eusect" - Our main character has a very certain liking that only he can do himself. This one is the title of the book, and for good reason. If you love blood and gore, this will be right up your alley! The description and details are written so well, I was uncomfortable the whole way through!
"Aurozoa Sleep" - Two woman who are working in an underwater submarine uncover something they did not expect. I definitely loved this one! The mystery behind what's going on will keep you on your toes, and the ending was superb!
"We, the Water, the Stars" - We follow a man who joins a captain on a boat, in hopes of studying the stars at night, but he may have other intentions. This one was so unique, the dialogue and characters were written well, and the ending was fantastic!
"Stay" - Our main character is a young man leaving for college, but his mother will do anything in her power to keep him at home. This is the final story in the collection, and definitely goes out with a bang! I was rooting for this guy the whole time, it's just a very bleak and depressing tale about loneliness and fear of losing your loved ones.
It was so hard to pick my favorites, because ALL of these stories are amazing! There is so much more mystery and uniqueness I haven't went into, so check out this book as soon as you can!
4/5
I received this book from Booksirens and I am proud to review it for them and the author!
Just like with any collection of stories, some will be very short while others are longer. Some are more graphic than others. Some stories are better than others, depending on what appeals to you. There is a theme with most of these tales, like mentioned in the Afterword, they have a lot of mystery with the idea that you can't escape the situation you are trapped in.
As always, I will be highlighting the stories that were the best to me, while leaving the others a surprise!
"My Roommate's Locks" - We follow our main character through his POV of the strangeness that is going on with his roommate. This is the first tale and absolutely the perfect one to introduce you to the collection you will be experiencing! Mysterious, intriguing, and amazing for such a short story.
"Eusect" - Our main character has a very certain liking that only he can do himself. This one is the title of the book, and for good reason. If you love blood and gore, this will be right up your alley! The description and details are written so well, I was uncomfortable the whole way through!
"Aurozoa Sleep" - Two woman who are working in an underwater submarine uncover something they did not expect. I definitely loved this one! The mystery behind what's going on will keep you on your toes, and the ending was superb!
"We, the Water, the Stars" - We follow a man who joins a captain on a boat, in hopes of studying the stars at night, but he may have other intentions. This one was so unique, the dialogue and characters were written well, and the ending was fantastic!
"Stay" - Our main character is a young man leaving for college, but his mother will do anything in her power to keep him at home. This is the final story in the collection, and definitely goes out with a bang! I was rooting for this guy the whole time, it's just a very bleak and depressing tale about loneliness and fear of losing your loved ones.
It was so hard to pick my favorites, because ALL of these stories are amazing! There is so much more mystery and uniqueness I haven't went into, so check out this book as soon as you can!
4/5
I received this book from Booksirens and I am proud to review it for them and the author!
March 10, 2025
This short macabre selection of stories felt to me like the literary equivalent of David Cronenberg's early body horror work. They are in places shocking, disturbing and difficult to read. These short stories of human's at the edge, often pushed by loneliness and the search for warmth, are all striking and memorable, but my personal favourite stories were 'In Miriam's Arms' and 'Stay'.
Particular mention has to go to how wonderful the layout and art of the book is, this selection of stories fits perfectly into the pocket book design of tRaum Books. There is something somehow appropriate about holding such horrific visions of broken bodies in the palm of your hand.
Particular mention has to go to how wonderful the layout and art of the book is, this selection of stories fits perfectly into the pocket book design of tRaum Books. There is something somehow appropriate about holding such horrific visions of broken bodies in the palm of your hand.
January 12, 2025
EUSECT is a fever dream and I didn't want to wake up. This collection is undeniably splatterpunk. Methvin dissects humanity's inner darkness, often quite literally.
I loved the blend of shock and splatter with more creeping, gothic horror. My favorite stories were on very different ends of the spectrum. Doors and Dead Men is short and quiet, evoking a feeling of dawning dread. In Miriam's Arms is nasty, full of unhindered morbid curiosity. The same story explores how we often dismiss older adults, as if they are invisible.
EUSECT's illustrations made my reading experience feel interactive. These collages prompted me to speculate where each story would lead. I found myself flipping back at the end of each story to study the collage and appreciate narrative details I initially missed.
I'm grateful for the chance to check out an ARC of this book for free. I'm leaving this review of my own accord.
I loved the blend of shock and splatter with more creeping, gothic horror. My favorite stories were on very different ends of the spectrum. Doors and Dead Men is short and quiet, evoking a feeling of dawning dread. In Miriam's Arms is nasty, full of unhindered morbid curiosity. The same story explores how we often dismiss older adults, as if they are invisible.
EUSECT's illustrations made my reading experience feel interactive. These collages prompted me to speculate where each story would lead. I found myself flipping back at the end of each story to study the collage and appreciate narrative details I initially missed.
I'm grateful for the chance to check out an ARC of this book for free. I'm leaving this review of my own accord.
March 30, 2025
I can't remember the last time I've read a horror anthology that genuinely unsettles me and leaves me unsure of what the next plot twist will be. It is heartily appreciated.
January 25, 2025
Most of us hate change (or at least, I know that I do).---Methvin plays with the idea of be careful what you wish for. These stories are varied and harrowing, following ordinary people stuck in some Mobius strip of terror or wicked yearning: young kids who can never leave the concert; your local kind n' kooky elderly lady who can't stop looking for roadkill; that closet full of hungry, gaping maws you are doomed to forever keep throwing expensive food into (you know? That one??) Nobody is spared, housewives, young queer couples, old men confronted with their lack of eternal rest. I personally loved how with each story, the author's camera would swing to capture a completely new type of person in a lurid, literary snapshot. I also enjoyed the variety of story lengths: some, really a few brushstrokes, with one or two going almost novelette length. There's tingly Twilight Zone-esque retro creepiness and bile-rising-in-your-throat revoltingly detailed self-torture. Methvin had hooked me from their novella 'Biting Silence,' and this collection definitely delivered what I came back for! Special mention to the illustrations---I love this style of collage and the artist, Florian Fauna, really nails the mood of the tails with her images. [Personal favorites being the images for 'A Stagnant Song,' 'Stay,' and 'We, the Water, the Stars.']
March 14, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was intrigued by the cover art and a friend's suggestion that this was some new transgressive fiction I might enjoy. It's well-written and doesn't shy away from sex & violence & perversion. I think many people will find the stories extreme and challenging in a very enjoyable way. I'm not sure why the book didn't quite work for me. I wasn't moved emotionally. The element of weirdness that takes a book to another level for me was absent. That said, most people don't want too much weirdness, and will probably enjoy the way that these stories are easy to grasp rather than mixing up perversion with philosophy. It's also possible I was just in a bad mood, so don't hesitate to pick this one up and find out for yourself. It's worth it for the gorgeous cover art and illustrations, for sure.
I was intrigued by the cover art and a friend's suggestion that this was some new transgressive fiction I might enjoy. It's well-written and doesn't shy away from sex & violence & perversion. I think many people will find the stories extreme and challenging in a very enjoyable way. I'm not sure why the book didn't quite work for me. I wasn't moved emotionally. The element of weirdness that takes a book to another level for me was absent. That said, most people don't want too much weirdness, and will probably enjoy the way that these stories are easy to grasp rather than mixing up perversion with philosophy. It's also possible I was just in a bad mood, so don't hesitate to pick this one up and find out for yourself. It's worth it for the gorgeous cover art and illustrations, for sure.
February 10, 2025
I'm a horror fiend, especially with gore and body horror, and this was LOVELY.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I didn't finish the second short story as it got to be too much for me, but in a good way. The writing was so good that it made me too uncomfortable to finish.
What I loved about all of these was the endings. They were either slowly dawning realizations of terror, or blunt blows to the gut.
One story was a bit too heavy handed and obvious with its allegory, but it was still well written.
Over all, a solid collection of short stories, will be recommending it to my fellow horror lovers!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I didn't finish the second short story as it got to be too much for me, but in a good way. The writing was so good that it made me too uncomfortable to finish.
What I loved about all of these was the endings. They were either slowly dawning realizations of terror, or blunt blows to the gut.
One story was a bit too heavy handed and obvious with its allegory, but it was still well written.
Over all, a solid collection of short stories, will be recommending it to my fellow horror lovers!
January 23, 2025
I'm always impressed when a book manages to be truly revolting. This is the queer shock horror that many authors have promised but failed to deliver, like if Poppy Z Brite focused less on plot and more on maggots. The roadkill story will haunt me.
December 28, 2024
(I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)
I'm a little puzzled by the publisher's description of 'queer horror' for this collection when only one of the stories was queer. I expected (and hoped) for more than that. The gore in some of these stories was absolutely excellent and squirm-inducing, and I would have loved to see what this author could do with a heavier queer spin. But as it is, I would not personally call this a 'queer collection'.
Regardless, I still enjoyed a majority of the stories (Eusect, Tender Writhing, and A Stagnant Song were my favorites). It takes a lot to genuinely gross me out with fiction and Eusect had me downright recoiling in the very best way. But with it situated near the start of the book, I struggled to feel as strongly for the next few stories that followed. They were still good, just nowhere near the level of intensity that captivated and revolted me so dearly. I think that's the biggest reason why I can't give more than three stars. There are some five-star individual stories in here, some very good gore scenes that truly give it their all, but as a whole this collection sadly did not land very strongly for me.
I'm a little puzzled by the publisher's description of 'queer horror' for this collection when only one of the stories was queer. I expected (and hoped) for more than that. The gore in some of these stories was absolutely excellent and squirm-inducing, and I would have loved to see what this author could do with a heavier queer spin. But as it is, I would not personally call this a 'queer collection'.
Regardless, I still enjoyed a majority of the stories (Eusect, Tender Writhing, and A Stagnant Song were my favorites). It takes a lot to genuinely gross me out with fiction and Eusect had me downright recoiling in the very best way. But with it situated near the start of the book, I struggled to feel as strongly for the next few stories that followed. They were still good, just nowhere near the level of intensity that captivated and revolted me so dearly. I think that's the biggest reason why I can't give more than three stars. There are some five-star individual stories in here, some very good gore scenes that truly give it their all, but as a whole this collection sadly did not land very strongly for me.
December 23, 2024
These stories are brilliant, bloody, gross and shocking. Be sure to look at the trigger warnings because we are also talking about child unaliving and pet unaluving. I think the book fits more into the splatterpunk category than horror. Taking that into account, a very good collection of stories
February 7, 2025
EUSECT is beautifully written, with each story delivering a different kind of reaction—ranging from dread to pure shock. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, never knowing what to expect next.
Doors and Dead Men and My Roommate’s Locks were my favorites, but every story had something unique to offer. I also loved how varied they were—no two felt the same. And the illustrations? Absolutely stunning.
If you’re a fan of unsettling, gripping horror, this is one to check out.
DISCLAIMER: Received ARC from BookSirens for a honest review
December 26, 2024
Check trigger warnings for this one! It is EXTREMELY well written, but also shocking, visceral, brutal, gory.....and most of all, FUN! I will most definitely be on the lookout for more from this amazing author!
February 17, 2025
This was a really strong collection of short stories. I've always been of the opinion that the worst fate would be to never die, and this collection shows us a variety of terrible ways that could play out. I couldn't stop thinking about this book once I started it, and I ended up flying through it in just over a day. The vast majority of the stories packed a massive gut punch in a very short space. The illustrations are also awesome and fit the stories perfectly.
October 21, 2025
These stories are so good, horrifying, disturbing, and stressful to read. I did not exactly enjoy them but I was very much engaged while I read them. I would recommend this collection to anyone who likes horror.
January 10, 2025
It's just so good! Absolutely brutal, disturbing stories. The author's originality is as admirable as it is sinister 🫣🖤. A perfect book for horror and collage lovers (since each story has its own collage, all of them hauntingly amazing). I was lucky enough to be able to collaborate with the author as a reader, so thank you so much for the incredible experience!.
September 2, 2025
"So here, the backspace key sees attention, and in kindness, these characters see an end."
Spice - 2/5 for one scene specifically. (Looking at you Richard you nasty)
Dark - 4/5 for a shopping list of trigger warnings.
Time Read - The stories range from very short to mildly longer but by no means are any really long. Meaning it is super easy to simply fly through this book.
Thoughts - I saw this cover on a list another Bookstagramer made a while back and had to have it immediately. It is horror done WELL. You're going to cringe, you're going to gag, you're going to get lost in thinking about the nothingness around you as you stare at your ceiling. Good times all around.
Some of my favorite stories feature a man who really can't seem to control where his stuff disappears to, or himself. There's a man who has decided he has too many parts (and wait until you get to the ending of this one). A woman's dead body keeps appearing all over the world, which is super strange for her to watch because she can't explain it. There is the feeling of crowd crush x1000. There are mouths, so many mouths. There is a man who really REALLY loves his husband. There's a baby who just... does baby things but like extremely, x1000, never-ending.
Overall - Absolutely loved this book. But taking it a step further the author is simply lovely and the publisher is amazing. Highly suggest checking out both of their other books.
And I cannot forget to mention that each story has art that goes along with it that you just have to see for yourself 👀.
Spice - 2/5 for one scene specifically. (Looking at you Richard you nasty)
Dark - 4/5 for a shopping list of trigger warnings.
Time Read - The stories range from very short to mildly longer but by no means are any really long. Meaning it is super easy to simply fly through this book.
Thoughts - I saw this cover on a list another Bookstagramer made a while back and had to have it immediately. It is horror done WELL. You're going to cringe, you're going to gag, you're going to get lost in thinking about the nothingness around you as you stare at your ceiling. Good times all around.
Some of my favorite stories feature a man who really can't seem to control where his stuff disappears to, or himself. There's a man who has decided he has too many parts (and wait until you get to the ending of this one). A woman's dead body keeps appearing all over the world, which is super strange for her to watch because she can't explain it. There is the feeling of crowd crush x1000. There are mouths, so many mouths. There is a man who really REALLY loves his husband. There's a baby who just... does baby things but like extremely, x1000, never-ending.
Overall - Absolutely loved this book. But taking it a step further the author is simply lovely and the publisher is amazing. Highly suggest checking out both of their other books.
And I cannot forget to mention that each story has art that goes along with it that you just have to see for yourself 👀.
February 13, 2025
This was a great collection of transgressive and horrific stories. The stories varied quite a bit but they were all about people who existed outside of society's norms facing life and it's tribulations.
Ranging from flash fiction (which were super well done and packed a punch) to longer works that had greater explorations of circumstances the stories were even and entertaining.
The illustrations certainly added to the experience.
My favorite stories were Miriam's Arms and Ximena's Fall which is kind of two sides of the same coin, but saying what that coin is would be a spoiler so I suggest you read and find out yourself.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Ranging from flash fiction (which were super well done and packed a punch) to longer works that had greater explorations of circumstances the stories were even and entertaining.
The illustrations certainly added to the experience.
My favorite stories were Miriam's Arms and Ximena's Fall which is kind of two sides of the same coin, but saying what that coin is would be a spoiler so I suggest you read and find out yourself.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 3, 2025
This grimy anthology series was an absolute ride from front to back. The writing was engaging, the stories were thought provoking (and nightmare inducing ((in a good way)) and the ARTWORK. The artwork was stunning!
Honestly, I only have good things to say about this mini book of horrors. I kept wishing for some of the stories to keep going on, I was THAT into it. I definitely recommend this to any horror book enthusiast!
Honestly, I only have good things to say about this mini book of horrors. I kept wishing for some of the stories to keep going on, I was THAT into it. I definitely recommend this to any horror book enthusiast!
June 8, 2025
This book is based on the concept that the infinite is scarier than endings are, and it does work really well. It's creepy as hell. I also loved the illustrations
My favourite short stories are:
My Roommate's Locks (I love the concept of this one!) and Eusect
Bonus points to Aurozoa Sleep and Doors and Dead Men for making me incredibly uncomfortable
My favourite short stories are:
My Roommate's Locks (I love the concept of this one!) and Eusect
Bonus points to Aurozoa Sleep and Doors and Dead Men for making me incredibly uncomfortable
January 7, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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Here, before I start talking about the book please hold this *hands the reader a soggy burlap sack*.
What's in the bag? Yes I am aware it's moving.. OK fine... In that bag is EUSECT by C.L. Methvin. Go ahead and peek in the sack. You'll see that EUSECT is a tense roiling mass of meat, once you start digging below the flesh you'll be in for more than a few surprises, and plenty of Blood. Speaking of, that's quite a puddle forming under the sack...you may want to find somewhere to stow that. I've said many times in the past, that Good Horror will make you uncomfortable. Judging from the look on your face, you agree with me. Well as you work down to veins and bones of EUSECT you're going to find many surprises, and perhaps even be faced with some stories that make you uncomfortable. It's an excellent short story collection..all though. Ive what's in that sack is what Methvin calls a short story collection...I'm not sure I want to see the size and shape of a full length novel. Best be on your way with your sack...and Enjoy reading EUSECT!
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Here, before I start talking about the book please hold this *hands the reader a soggy burlap sack*.
What's in the bag? Yes I am aware it's moving.. OK fine... In that bag is EUSECT by C.L. Methvin. Go ahead and peek in the sack. You'll see that EUSECT is a tense roiling mass of meat, once you start digging below the flesh you'll be in for more than a few surprises, and plenty of Blood. Speaking of, that's quite a puddle forming under the sack...you may want to find somewhere to stow that. I've said many times in the past, that Good Horror will make you uncomfortable. Judging from the look on your face, you agree with me. Well as you work down to veins and bones of EUSECT you're going to find many surprises, and perhaps even be faced with some stories that make you uncomfortable. It's an excellent short story collection..all though. Ive what's in that sack is what Methvin calls a short story collection...I'm not sure I want to see the size and shape of a full length novel. Best be on your way with your sack...and Enjoy reading EUSECT!
April 24, 2025
Enjoyed this collection of shorts. Come caught me off guard: beautiful and dark in their telling as they showcased the darker side than anticipated.
January 4, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book is definitely extreme horror. It went to lengths I wasn't expecting and I will definitely say to check trigger warnings for this prior to reading it if you don't want to be blindsided. I enjoyed this book, though in a few of the stories I was surprised with how far things went,, but it was written well and absolutely met the horror genre well. The variety of stories in this collection impressed me and I definitely think this is worth the read if you're an avid horror fan.
This book is definitely extreme horror. It went to lengths I wasn't expecting and I will definitely say to check trigger warnings for this prior to reading it if you don't want to be blindsided. I enjoyed this book, though in a few of the stories I was surprised with how far things went,, but it was written well and absolutely met the horror genre well. The variety of stories in this collection impressed me and I definitely think this is worth the read if you're an avid horror fan.
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