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Rotting F*cks #1
Rotting Dead F*cks
WARNING: This is an extreme horror novel. There are sexually explicit scenes, along with numerous gory (or just downright) disturbing sections which some people may find shocking and offensive. If of a sensitive nature, please do not purchase this book. It is intended for a mature audience only.
One Psychopath, one Doctor, one Father, a f*ck load of rotting dead f*cks and one Hell of a couple of days. Told through the eyes of the three mains characters trying to survive the first few days of an unknown outbreak - only one thing is guaranteed: This is Matt Shaw at his darkest and most depraved.
One Psychopath, one Doctor, one Father, a f*ck load of rotting dead f*cks and one Hell of a couple of days. Told through the eyes of the three mains characters trying to survive the first few days of an unknown outbreak - only one thing is guaranteed: This is Matt Shaw at his darkest and most depraved.
170 pages, Paperback
First published August 8, 2014
153 people are currently reading
705 people want to read
About the author
Matt Shaw
529 books2,191 followersBiography
MATT SHAW was born, quite by accident (his mother tripped, he shot out) September 30th 1980 in Winchester hospital where he was immediately placed on the baby ward and EBay. Some twelve years later (wandering the corridors of the hospital and playing with road kill when he was on day release), the listing closed and he remained unsold, he was booted out of the hospital to start his life as a writer and hobbit – beginning with writing screenplays and short stories for his own amusement before finally getting published when he was twenty-seven years and forty-five seconds old.
Once Published weekly in a lad's magazine with his photography work, Matt Shaw is also a published author and cartoonist. Has to be said, can be a bit of a flirt and definitely, without a shadow of a doubt, somewhat of a klutz.
Favourite books
"Roald Dahl's Collection of Short Stories"
Tim Burton's Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy
Anything, really, written by himself. Because he is that good.
MATT SHAW was born, quite by accident (his mother tripped, he shot out) September 30th 1980 in Winchester hospital where he was immediately placed on the baby ward and EBay. Some twelve years later (wandering the corridors of the hospital and playing with road kill when he was on day release), the listing closed and he remained unsold, he was booted out of the hospital to start his life as a writer and hobbit – beginning with writing screenplays and short stories for his own amusement before finally getting published when he was twenty-seven years and forty-five seconds old.
Once Published weekly in a lad's magazine with his photography work, Matt Shaw is also a published author and cartoonist. Has to be said, can be a bit of a flirt and definitely, without a shadow of a doubt, somewhat of a klutz.
Favourite books
"Roald Dahl's Collection of Short Stories"
Tim Burton's Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy
Anything, really, written by himself. Because he is that good.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
October 29, 2015
Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/
"When Hell is full, the dead shall walk the Earth. I’m pretty sure it’s a quote from the Bible. Maybe not word for word, but something similar. And if not then it is definitely a quote from a George A. Romero film and - right now – those films should be our new Bible.”
You might think Rotting Dead F*cks to be yet another standard zombie fare. Things in the world were going along swimmingly when . . .
Zombie apocalypse. Per usual there’s no explanation why. Poop simply hit the fan. This is the story of several non-brain-nommers and their efforts to keep said brains un-nommed during the immediate aftermath of the zombie breakout. Of course, since this is a Matt Shaw story it takes things to a totally new level of discomfort. What begins with . . .
Quickly morphs into . . .
and then . . .
(Just replace that newspaper with a Kindle.)
Thar be triggers. Consider yourself warned.
If you can stomach the really-not-okay parts of the storyline, you’ll find yourself reading a real adrenaline rush of a novella. I read pretty fast, but this one left me cursing myself because there was no way for me to go faster, leaving me hyperventilating and nothing but a bundle of nerves ready to lash out at anyone who dared pull me away from my reading trance.
Good thing Shaw knows to keep his stuff short. He also continues to impress me with his horrifying brand of debauchery. Mitchell has already requested my assistance in making friendship bracelets for them to share . . .
Probably a good thing you live across the pond, Mr. Shaw. Just sayin’
"When Hell is full, the dead shall walk the Earth. I’m pretty sure it’s a quote from the Bible. Maybe not word for word, but something similar. And if not then it is definitely a quote from a George A. Romero film and - right now – those films should be our new Bible.”
You might think Rotting Dead F*cks to be yet another standard zombie fare. Things in the world were going along swimmingly when . . .
Zombie apocalypse. Per usual there’s no explanation why. Poop simply hit the fan. This is the story of several non-brain-nommers and their efforts to keep said brains un-nommed during the immediate aftermath of the zombie breakout. Of course, since this is a Matt Shaw story it takes things to a totally new level of discomfort. What begins with . . .
Quickly morphs into . . .
and then . . .
(Just replace that newspaper with a Kindle.)
Thar be triggers. Consider yourself warned.
If you can stomach the really-not-okay parts of the storyline, you’ll find yourself reading a real adrenaline rush of a novella. I read pretty fast, but this one left me cursing myself because there was no way for me to go faster, leaving me hyperventilating and nothing but a bundle of nerves ready to lash out at anyone who dared pull me away from my reading trance.
Good thing Shaw knows to keep his stuff short. He also continues to impress me with his horrifying brand of debauchery. Mitchell has already requested my assistance in making friendship bracelets for them to share . . .
Probably a good thing you live across the pond, Mr. Shaw. Just sayin’
January 13, 2022
Rating: wtf did I just read/5
EDIT: Let me note that the behaviour I described below was not glorified. Because I can see you all judging me for giving it 3 stars.
Wow this book was offensive on so many levels💀who said writing it would be a good idea and why was it so hilarious??
This story is about
Yea, that's all. Pretty self-explanatory if you ask me.
Now when I said this book is offensive, what I really meant was... this book is OFFENSIVE
The main reason for that was Ted. He was one of the three main characters and definitely the most colourful of the bunch.
Probably because he was a schizophrenic, rapist, pervert, murderer, racist, xenophobe, Islamophobe, pedophile, psychopath and every single other word to describe an insane person. I mean he liked to fuck rotting corpses for christ's sake.
He can keep an erection for a rotting zombie he killed only a moment ago, but gets put off by his dead "friend" he murdered like 2 minutes before that.
Aside from being literally the worst human being to walk this planet, Ted was also a comedian.
I know. I KNOW he was horrible, and not in a way that makes him likeable, or in a love to hate him sort of way. NO. He was just genuinely so disgusting, I oftentimes felt physically nauseous from reading his thoughts. But then all the other times I was laughing my ass off.
Ted was hilarious. I'm SORRY, but he was. In the most pathetically idiotic way possible.
We just read a long ass scene of the guy slaughtering a whole bunch of walking corpses and all this time, in his tiny, delusional brain he thought he was fighting off Muslims😭😭😭
This book was....something else.
It was the least gory & shocking from the black covers so far (from what I've read). Understandably it was my least favourite too. I think the things Ted kept spewing was the only thing that made this a horror novel.
Overall:
I didn't hate this book and I didn't love it. Hell I don't think I even liked it. It just exists in my head and I don't know what to do with it.
EDIT: Let me note that the behaviour I described below was not glorified. Because I can see you all judging me for giving it 3 stars.
Wow this book was offensive on so many levels💀who said writing it would be a good idea and why was it so hilarious??
This story is about
“Lots of fucking Rotting Dead Fucks”
Yea, that's all. Pretty self-explanatory if you ask me.
Now when I said this book is offensive, what I really meant was... this book is OFFENSIVE
The main reason for that was Ted. He was one of the three main characters and definitely the most colourful of the bunch.
I lifted the bat again over the top of her head. So easily I could just bring it down onto her and end the stupid whore’s life and it’s pretty tempting to do so. Not as though she deserves to be in our country, using our resources…Doesn’t even speak my fucking language
Probably because he was a schizophrenic, rapist, pervert, murderer, racist, xenophobe, Islamophobe, pedophile, psychopath and every single other word to describe an insane person. I mean he liked to fuck rotting corpses for christ's sake.
Colin. With him so close, watching, I felt weirded out. Not sure I could have maintained an erection with him there - practically breathing on us (so to speak). I opened her legs and was hit with another waft of rotten cunt. Not enough to put me off.
He can keep an erection for a rotting zombie he killed only a moment ago, but gets put off by his dead "friend" he murdered like 2 minutes before that.
Aside from being literally the worst human being to walk this planet, Ted was also a comedian.
I know. I KNOW he was horrible, and not in a way that makes him likeable, or in a love to hate him sort of way. NO. He was just genuinely so disgusting, I oftentimes felt physically nauseous from reading his thoughts. But then all the other times I was laughing my ass off.
Ted was hilarious. I'm SORRY, but he was. In the most pathetically idiotic way possible.
“What exactly do you think is going on out there?”
“Sharia Law I’m guessing.”
The man frowned at me. A split second later he was laughing. “You think they’re like that because they’re Muslim? Are you really that stupid and ignorant?”
We just read a long ass scene of the guy slaughtering a whole bunch of walking corpses and all this time, in his tiny, delusional brain he thought he was fighting off Muslims😭😭😭
This book was....something else.
It was the least gory & shocking from the black covers so far (from what I've read). Understandably it was my least favourite too. I think the things Ted kept spewing was the only thing that made this a horror novel.
Overall:
I didn't hate this book and I didn't love it. Hell I don't think I even liked it. It just exists in my head and I don't know what to do with it.
August 14, 2024
I love zombies so even though the genre has been done to death I'm here for it. Gory and shocking it is both realistic, bleak and sad.
August 22, 2014
**** 4 1/2 Pedo-zombie Stars ****
What can I say? Matt Shaw is a fucking genius when it comes to horrifying his readers. Not only can he make you squirm from his words of gore and horror but he nails it with the squirms of distaste of a character.
In this book - that character happens to be Ted - when you first meet Ted, he seems a bit off the wall, crazy, and sex starved. But the more you read about Ted's story the more you will shudder with revulsion and hatred for the things he continues to think and do. Racist comments that will have you laughing and then feeling guilty about getting a kick out of it. Then we have the pedophile tendencies which by Ted's standards...he hits the nail on the head when he says that it will be the fucked up, crazies that will rule the end of the world ---- he will be King!
I can't praise Matt enough with his writing style and imagination when thinking these stories up - he is definitely a KING of HORROR!!
What can I say? Matt Shaw is a fucking genius when it comes to horrifying his readers. Not only can he make you squirm from his words of gore and horror but he nails it with the squirms of distaste of a character.
In this book - that character happens to be Ted - when you first meet Ted, he seems a bit off the wall, crazy, and sex starved. But the more you read about Ted's story the more you will shudder with revulsion and hatred for the things he continues to think and do. Racist comments that will have you laughing and then feeling guilty about getting a kick out of it. Then we have the pedophile tendencies which by Ted's standards...he hits the nail on the head when he says that it will be the fucked up, crazies that will rule the end of the world ---- he will be King!
I can't praise Matt enough with his writing style and imagination when thinking these stories up - he is definitely a KING of HORROR!!
August 17, 2014
Some call them the Walking Dead, others call them Zombie’s, Ted, now he’s of the slightly sick and twisted variety and prefers Rotting Dead Fucks, more of an impact and even a small chuckle you see, when you use the words ‘Rotting Dead Fucks’ and the words ‘lots of’ in one sentence, along with a scream.
Rotting Dead Fucks just rolls off the tongue, the more you say it, the more you’ll use it and if that’s not the best name for a book I’ve ever heard, then maybe I need my head examining.
First chapter to Rotting Dead Fucks (can’t stop saying it now) takes us to the end of the story and Ted just about to do something, well he’s hearing voices and they are influencing his actions somewhat and he’s just about to Fuck, yes proper Fuck, a Rotting Dead Fuck (ok think it’s out of my system now).
We then go back to the start of the outbreak and Michael with his daughter travelling to school, traffic stops and things are happening in the distance, it’s getting closer and people are attacking other people, they’re biting them, eating them and everything just goes mental. Michael does an about turn and heads for home with immediate plans to get out of the city.
The infection and the speed it took for the victim to change reminded me of World War Z, this passage described it perfectly –
‘An agonised expression on his face; twisted and tormented as though he was desperately trying to fight the infection killing his body as it surged through his bloodstream. And then the man went still - Deadly still - Stood bolt-upright. A second or two later and he moved again – jarred movements.’
Dr Platt is with a patient, a particularly worrying patient named Ted, he tells of his fantasies, his anger issues and he’s definitely one sick dude. Ted, however might just be the best person to cope with what’s about to erupt in this city and he’s the character who provides the laughs, the violence, he’s the character you sort of want to hear more about even though you know you shouldn't.
The final character is Dr Platt herself and we see what happens when the infected reach her doorstep, the argument’s within the group as they turn on each other and when it comes down to it, escape is the only option left to them.
It’s intriguing to see how these characters cope with the outbreak and you just know they’re all going to meet at some point and it’s not going to be pretty.
Rotting Dead Fucks is another of the ‘extreme horror’ series that is now a definite must read, the next is out in October called Psychopath For Hire and I can’t wait. If you’ve not read any of these then what are you waiting for.
Recommended.
http://paulnelson.booklikes.com/post/...
Rotting Dead Fucks just rolls off the tongue, the more you say it, the more you’ll use it and if that’s not the best name for a book I’ve ever heard, then maybe I need my head examining.
First chapter to Rotting Dead Fucks (can’t stop saying it now) takes us to the end of the story and Ted just about to do something, well he’s hearing voices and they are influencing his actions somewhat and he’s just about to Fuck, yes proper Fuck, a Rotting Dead Fuck (ok think it’s out of my system now).
We then go back to the start of the outbreak and Michael with his daughter travelling to school, traffic stops and things are happening in the distance, it’s getting closer and people are attacking other people, they’re biting them, eating them and everything just goes mental. Michael does an about turn and heads for home with immediate plans to get out of the city.
The infection and the speed it took for the victim to change reminded me of World War Z, this passage described it perfectly –
‘An agonised expression on his face; twisted and tormented as though he was desperately trying to fight the infection killing his body as it surged through his bloodstream. And then the man went still - Deadly still - Stood bolt-upright. A second or two later and he moved again – jarred movements.’
Dr Platt is with a patient, a particularly worrying patient named Ted, he tells of his fantasies, his anger issues and he’s definitely one sick dude. Ted, however might just be the best person to cope with what’s about to erupt in this city and he’s the character who provides the laughs, the violence, he’s the character you sort of want to hear more about even though you know you shouldn't.
The final character is Dr Platt herself and we see what happens when the infected reach her doorstep, the argument’s within the group as they turn on each other and when it comes down to it, escape is the only option left to them.
It’s intriguing to see how these characters cope with the outbreak and you just know they’re all going to meet at some point and it’s not going to be pretty.
Rotting Dead Fucks is another of the ‘extreme horror’ series that is now a definite must read, the next is out in October called Psychopath For Hire and I can’t wait. If you’ve not read any of these then what are you waiting for.
Recommended.
http://paulnelson.booklikes.com/post/...
June 11, 2014
Wow!!! That was some disturbing shit I just read and.... I love it!! Another hit from Matt Shaw, I just know when I buy a Matt Shaw book I'm never disappointed. If you like your books on the gory side then pick this up!
July 16, 2014
Matt Shaw is relatively new on my reading radar. After reading Sick B*stards, I was morbidly impressed. Here's an author who pushes the boundaries of taste and violence, and seems to enjoy doing it. With passion comes great writing and this is one of the most obvious things I get from Shaw's books. It might not be everyone's cup of tea but there's no doubt the man can write a great horror novel.
When I read Rotting Dead F*cks, I wasn't disappointed either.
Sick B*stards took some normal, everyday taboos and utilised them to great, disgusting effect. Did he offend people? Probably, but he warned them about the content. But surely any horror writer can scribble about incest and cannibalism, right? I mean, some people can jump on the exploitation band wagon just for shits and giggles, to cash in on the topic itself. See, with Matt Shaw, I don't think this is the case. True, he uses topics that garner interest for possibly the wrong reasons but they never seem forced or shoved in just for the sake of it. They have a purpose in the story.
The reason I say this is simple: Rotting Dead F*cks has content that people will find offensive. Even I winced at one particular scene which borders on extremely indecent and taboo, particularly in today's society where Facebook and Twitter expose our children to all kinds of terrible people. Incest and cannibalism are out - if you discount the zombies - and racism and human/zombie sex (yep, you heard that right) are in. As well as a few other topics best discovered for yourself. But none of them are forced, all have a place in this story about a particularly nasty zombie outbreak enveloping a town. We get swept up into the utter chaos along with the characters.
Now, sure, you're thinking: Zombies? Urgh, not again. Right? It's an easy decision to make since they've been saturated in books and movies in modern times, but Shaw tackles it from a new angle...or multiple angles. After an explosive beginning that has you begging to read more, five characters weave effortlessly as they traverse the new-born apocalypse. All are flawed - Ted in particular, an amazing character, hate-filled and all too real - and just want nothing but to get back to their normal lives (except Ted, a psychotic who revels in the chaos). It's been done before but Shaw writes the characters with mature conviction and social commentary that seems...well, relatable. At times I wanted to punch one character and cheer for another. If this isn't evidence of solid, interesting writing, I don't know what is.
Some of the material will have your eyes widening. Some of the content is offensive - and in the UK, these particularly taboos rule the headlines on a daily basis - but it suits the tone of the horror expertly. In a zombie outbreak, nothing would be out of bounds. There would be no law, no justice. Matt ushers in some issues that other films and shows are just to nervous to introduce. It's refreshing to see the rules shattered and the result paints a stark, scary picture of a scenario all too familiar to horror readers.
5* - Bold, brazen, gory, boundary pushing - come on, it's Matt Shaw - and quite original considering the concept, Rotting Dead F*cks is a breath of fresh air. A zombie story with a bit of everything, this book deserves to be read. Shaw has a knack for writing about crumbling societies - as he did with Sick B*stards - and this lives up to the hype. If the name doesn't hook you, well, you must be dead inside. Great stuff!
When I read Rotting Dead F*cks, I wasn't disappointed either.
Sick B*stards took some normal, everyday taboos and utilised them to great, disgusting effect. Did he offend people? Probably, but he warned them about the content. But surely any horror writer can scribble about incest and cannibalism, right? I mean, some people can jump on the exploitation band wagon just for shits and giggles, to cash in on the topic itself. See, with Matt Shaw, I don't think this is the case. True, he uses topics that garner interest for possibly the wrong reasons but they never seem forced or shoved in just for the sake of it. They have a purpose in the story.
The reason I say this is simple: Rotting Dead F*cks has content that people will find offensive. Even I winced at one particular scene which borders on extremely indecent and taboo, particularly in today's society where Facebook and Twitter expose our children to all kinds of terrible people. Incest and cannibalism are out - if you discount the zombies - and racism and human/zombie sex (yep, you heard that right) are in. As well as a few other topics best discovered for yourself. But none of them are forced, all have a place in this story about a particularly nasty zombie outbreak enveloping a town. We get swept up into the utter chaos along with the characters.
Now, sure, you're thinking: Zombies? Urgh, not again. Right? It's an easy decision to make since they've been saturated in books and movies in modern times, but Shaw tackles it from a new angle...or multiple angles. After an explosive beginning that has you begging to read more, five characters weave effortlessly as they traverse the new-born apocalypse. All are flawed - Ted in particular, an amazing character, hate-filled and all too real - and just want nothing but to get back to their normal lives (except Ted, a psychotic who revels in the chaos). It's been done before but Shaw writes the characters with mature conviction and social commentary that seems...well, relatable. At times I wanted to punch one character and cheer for another. If this isn't evidence of solid, interesting writing, I don't know what is.
Some of the material will have your eyes widening. Some of the content is offensive - and in the UK, these particularly taboos rule the headlines on a daily basis - but it suits the tone of the horror expertly. In a zombie outbreak, nothing would be out of bounds. There would be no law, no justice. Matt ushers in some issues that other films and shows are just to nervous to introduce. It's refreshing to see the rules shattered and the result paints a stark, scary picture of a scenario all too familiar to horror readers.
5* - Bold, brazen, gory, boundary pushing - come on, it's Matt Shaw - and quite original considering the concept, Rotting Dead F*cks is a breath of fresh air. A zombie story with a bit of everything, this book deserves to be read. Shaw has a knack for writing about crumbling societies - as he did with Sick B*stards - and this lives up to the hype. If the name doesn't hook you, well, you must be dead inside. Great stuff!
September 9, 2023
4 stars!
The writing was great! World War Z on acid!
I was taken aback at how soft it was for a Matt Shaw. Of course it had its moments of gore and paraphilia, but it was more about the story than the shock factors.
Would have liked to know why the zombie apocalypse started, it was mentioned briefly but only a thought from the main character. I needed more details from outside the perspective of our 3 main protagonist.
The writing was great! World War Z on acid!
I was taken aback at how soft it was for a Matt Shaw. Of course it had its moments of gore and paraphilia, but it was more about the story than the shock factors.
Would have liked to know why the zombie apocalypse started, it was mentioned briefly but only a thought from the main character. I needed more details from outside the perspective of our 3 main protagonist.
February 2, 2021
What the actual fuck.
Why are authors becoming lazier about spelling and grammar? Why is editing going down the shithole? And why aren't readers noticing?
Where the fuck is the character development?
Ted can go fuck an empty skull with a broken dildo. I've encountered more horrific villains in a Harry Potter book.
Why are authors becoming lazier about spelling and grammar? Why is editing going down the shithole? And why aren't readers noticing?
Where the fuck is the character development?
Ted can go fuck an empty skull with a broken dildo. I've encountered more horrific villains in a Harry Potter book.
Want to read
October 29, 2015Why I want to read this book:
1. Look at the title.
2. Read the blurb.
3. Zombies.
4. Zombies.
5. Zombies.
6. Kelly gave it a 4 star.
1. Look at the title.
2. Read the blurb.
3. Zombies.
4. Zombies.
5. Zombies.
6. Kelly gave it a 4 star.
June 25, 2023
I think it's mostly the writing style, but this was such a chore to read.
February 6, 2024
This book was about zombies, it was set in the pov of 4 different settings and people. The beginning of the book was pretty wild. It was a pretty alright book, I’m just use to Matt Shaw being nasty with his books and this one wasn’t it for me. Not a bad story, but needed more gore for me.
September 8, 2014
I'm a little disappointed in this book. I was looking for blood and Gore but I didn't feel like it really caught my attention with that. Was expecting a lot more from the book with all of the really good reviews.
January 6, 2023
Matt Shaw writes a very convincing story about zombies. I love the way it ended. It's grim, gory and all around vile. Exactly what you can expect from a Matt Shaw book.
March 22, 2024
Human eating Zombie book with plenty of gore and mayhem.
May 10, 2018
Wow! Yep, this was an extreme horror/living dead story that was twisted, sick, violent, full of colorful characters, and hard to put down. Also, as sick as they are, some scenes are really difficult to get out of your head cause you'll be like, "Did I just really read that!" I think if Matt Shaw and Quentin Tarantino got together, a film of this would be really special.
July 6, 2018
Just a tad tame for Matt Shaw, yet it still had some gore and suspense to it. Typical zombie book.
January 26, 2024
LOVED this book but what a rushed shit ending
April 23, 2025
Extreme horror isnt that scary and I hate the sex scenes so much ... but the story in between in this book, I did like. I'm obsessed with anything zombie.
May 20, 2025
Ted deserved his ending
Just a wild ride - I have no words… be sure to check triggers- like for real check them.. I only read this with a friend..
Just a wild ride - I have no words… be sure to check triggers- like for real check them.. I only read this with a friend..
September 8, 2021
Reviewed by PussnBooks.net
Review by Puss’n’Books. Reviewing the darkest, most erotic and taboo books we can find. Click HERE for your next disturbingly sexy read.
Well, well, well. This is interesting, lol!
This is the first time I’ve read anything by Matt Shaw and I gotta say...it was kinda refreshing and very enjoyable...(not sure that these are really appropriate words to use but I’m going with it).
It’s not the way I would normally describe an extremely dark and fucked up horror novel but I say it like I see it.
It’s different from my usual dark & erotic books and I think I just needed something a little...off, to freshen up my wee twisted brain cells.
I feel that with the inevitable zombie apocalypse coming one day (stop laughing! It’s gonna happen!) this is invaluable advice from Ted.
Don’t look back. Don’t go back for those who have fallen or been left behind. Don’t put ourselves in the bite zone. Just fucking run.
And when the main character starts off with this wee gem
“It wasn’t the first time I had heard voices in my head.”
You know shit’s about to go down.
And then when you realise these voices are telling him to fuck the smelly, rotten zombies I was like “Alllllrighty then” (< insert Jim Carey voice here, lol)
TED
Wow….Ted. Where do I start with you, huh? Bro...you got issues.
Initially, I kinda liked him, fucked up wee man that he was, he was entertaining and I was morbidly curious as to what he was going to do next.
Like watching a train crash and knowing you're going to see things you can never unsee but not being able to look away.
But then I was like “Nooooo, I was wrong about Ted. So wrong.”
Also, not sure what to think of myself after realising that I am more upset over the racism in this book than I am about the violence, rape and mental illness...but that’s a battle for another day.
Anyway, onward to the story!
Basically, it’s the zombie apocalypse (I’m tellin’ ya, it’s coming! Mark my words) and it hit sudden and hard.
People be out there chompin’ oan a buddy and it really is survival of the fittest and meanest.
In the beginning, Ted is in therapy, which is a really good thing because bro…
And even the therapist is uncomfortable around him.
It’s almost as though he isn’t here to get ‘fixed’ as he initially put it, on our first meeting, but rather to brag and sound off about his violent fantasies.[...]Another session wasted listening to how he likes to follow pretty, young girls whilst playing rape scenarios out in his head. And they don’t think he is a danger to anyone. Who are they kidding? In my professional opinion - it is only a matter of time before he takes his first steps into acting upon his wants.
So now that you get a picture of what Ted is like we can talk about the rest of the characters.
You get the story from a few different perspectives and although they seem completely separate they all tie up rather cleverly in the end.
There was one in particular that actually made me a little emotional *gasps in shock*.
I know, right!!? Since when do I get emotional???
I’m not going to say why because it’ll give it away but I will say this: I would likely do exactly what that father did if we were in the same situation.
It was such an unusual thing to feel ‘refreshed’ by this book while it has such dark and violent content.
And that content includes:
Rape, murder, extreme gore, violence, zombies, a racist character, panic, a wee touch of necrophilia and mental illness.
In short, it was brutal but totally worth a read.
DARK & FUCKED UP SCENES
!!*TRIGGER WARNINGS FOR THE FOLLOWING EXCERPT**!!
Guys, I was snorting and gagging at the same time and anyone who can make me do that has a rare and unique talent...and a seriously fucked up mind. *fist bumps Matt* Fam!
So PSA: If you don’t like gory shit then do NOT read this book, lol.
I’ll give you a wee teaser to see if ye can handle it, ok?
My body knew it wanted this before my brain did - not that my brain was that far behind… I freed my penis before I reached the dead girl. I reached down to her and pulled at her legs, dragging her away from Colin. With him so close, watching, I felt weirded out. Not sure I could have maintained an erection with him there - practically breathing on us (so to speak). I opened her legs and was hit with another waft of rotten cunt. Not enough to put me off. It’s a shame she is contaminated with whatever the fuck poisons them. I could sure do with a juicy taste of pussy right about now; a long time since I had tasted such goodness. I pulled her knickers down and all thoughts of licking her soon evaporated from my mind. Not surprising considering the black tar- like ooze dripping from her vagina; the same stuff which pissed from her mouth when I withdrew the blade of the machete from her pretty little head. “Just think of it as lubrication,” she said. She rubbed her clitoris with one hand (in my mind) and took a hold of my penis with her other hand (again, in my mind). She didn’t hesitate in guiding me in. Damn soft. Wet. Surprisingly warm despite the look of her suggesting she’d been dead for more than a few days. Fuck. They should bottle this shit and sell it via online sex shops. That is, after they’ve figured out how to get the Internet back online again. Priorities and all that. “How is it?” she purred. “Fucking good.” I couldn’t contain my excitement as I started to build into a steady rhythm. To think, after I had killed her, I had collapsed with tiredness. Must be having my second wind. “What about you?” I asked her. “Good?”“The best,” she smiled at me with her dead face. I looked down at my cock as it pushed in and pulled out of her sopping cunt. Strings of black tar clinging to it. In my mind it wasn’t black tar or anything as sick. In my mind it was her juicy cunt batter sticking to my cock. I couldn’t contain myself and withdrew quickly before I moved down her body until I was mouth to pussy. My brain was screaming ‘no’ somewhere inside but my body (my tongue in particular) chose to ignore it and I found myself greedily lapping at her sour milk despite a gagging reflex. Don’t care. So fucking horny and so… I stopped. My tongue was numb. Numb, that is, other than a strange tingling sensation as though it were trying to wake up. A burning feeling scalding the back of my throat. Eyes and nose streaming. What the fuck is this?
Final thoughts on ROTTING DEAD F*CKS by Matt Shaw
Well, it was disgusting, perverted, sick, disturbing, depraved, atrocious, violent, gag-inducing and so, so wrong...which means I loved it, lol.
If you have a rock-solid stomach and no morals, dig in my pretties!
GET IT FROM AMAZON HERE
July 17, 2023
This book was a lot of fun for me. It was one of those where there are different characters, or groups, who are in separate scenarios at the beginning but then some eventually cross paths making them related in one way or another. I love that type of story, where it’s just a collection of interactions like that. There was plenty of action in this book, but less storyline structure is maybe what I’m trying to say??
The book is about the beginning throws of a zombie outbreak, following good & bad people and how they handle themselves in good & bad ways. The ultimate goal is human survival, and humans are capable of some ghastly things when they believe their lives are at stake - or, if there’s no repercussions for the things that they do now that the world around them is chaos.
I always loved a good tale about human survival VS an individual’s humanity. It was a nice change of pace with this quick and easy read, right after finishing a book where I was more emotionally invested in the characters and storyline. I felt like I was a higher power, looking down at the beginning of the outbreak and thinking “Let’s see what these human are gonna do to save their asses.” And then sitting back, relaxed, and watching as it all unfolds.
Only doing 4 stars because it ended too soon!
The ended was great, “full circle,” and I wouldn’t change a thing about it. I just wanted to see all the characters in a little more in action before saying goodbye and finishing the book!
The book is about the beginning throws of a zombie outbreak, following good & bad people and how they handle themselves in good & bad ways. The ultimate goal is human survival, and humans are capable of some ghastly things when they believe their lives are at stake - or, if there’s no repercussions for the things that they do now that the world around them is chaos.
I always loved a good tale about human survival VS an individual’s humanity. It was a nice change of pace with this quick and easy read, right after finishing a book where I was more emotionally invested in the characters and storyline. I felt like I was a higher power, looking down at the beginning of the outbreak and thinking “Let’s see what these human are gonna do to save their asses.” And then sitting back, relaxed, and watching as it all unfolds.
Only doing 4 stars because it ended too soon!
The ended was great, “full circle,” and I wouldn’t change a thing about it. I just wanted to see all the characters in a little more in action before saying goodbye and finishing the book!
June 9, 2014
This is the story of Ted. He is the worst type of racist bigot ever to walk the earth and has psychopathic tendencies on top of that. One day the world goes to hell literally when a virus is unleashed and the dead start to walk again. For most people this would be a nightmare, but for someone like Ted it is an opportunity for him to indulge in his darker side without fear of repercussion.....
I really enjoyed this. Matt clearly had great fun writing it, and it shows in the standard of the writing. For those familiar to Matt's work, I would say Ted is a lot like Peter but without any of his likeable qualities - Ted really is an odious character. Be warned, some of the things he does may upset some readers. But then that's why Matt has included a warning on the front of the book! The story flowed well, going from one characters story to the next by chapter. The ending was brilliant, with one character receiving a richly deserved come-uppance! I recommend this for fans of extreme horror.
I really enjoyed this. Matt clearly had great fun writing it, and it shows in the standard of the writing. For those familiar to Matt's work, I would say Ted is a lot like Peter but without any of his likeable qualities - Ted really is an odious character. Be warned, some of the things he does may upset some readers. But then that's why Matt has included a warning on the front of the book! The story flowed well, going from one characters story to the next by chapter. The ending was brilliant, with one character receiving a richly deserved come-uppance! I recommend this for fans of extreme horror.
June 15, 2014
Another job well done by Matt Shaw.
Gruesome, sickening, disturbing at times, but definitely extreme, as the cover says.
The world goes to hell, and Ted seems to be in the middle of it all. He is a disturbed individual who seems to thrive in an environment full of zombies and death.
If you are into zombies, gore, and the disturbing, then this is the book for you.
Gruesome, sickening, disturbing at times, but definitely extreme, as the cover says.
The world goes to hell, and Ted seems to be in the middle of it all. He is a disturbed individual who seems to thrive in an environment full of zombies and death.
If you are into zombies, gore, and the disturbing, then this is the book for you.
April 8, 2015
Disgusting - and I really enjoyed it. I just needed something like that at the time. Very gruesome in parts - just like I like 'em! I'm already reading another book by Matt Shaw, and enjoying it as well.
November 21, 2024
Am I wrong to admire Ted? 🤔.
I know the zombie trope has been done to death, but I still found this a compelling read.
Mostly I like how we got invested in the characters only for them to die. No bullshit Hollywood happy endings here.
Looking forward to reading the sequel next.
I know the zombie trope has been done to death, but I still found this a compelling read.
Mostly I like how we got invested in the characters only for them to die. No bullshit Hollywood happy endings here.
Looking forward to reading the sequel next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2022
I came for disturbing, and that's what I got. What I didn't expect was to get a really addictive Zombie story ONTOP of that.
Yes, this book is disgusting, but it has a lot of factors that make me really adore it. The shifting perspectives from characters who eventually intertwine into each others stories was what made it particularly gripping. You'd hear details about something in one characters story and theorise how they'd slot into another as you'd read along. On top of this, every couple of average chapters, you get the perspective of a completely new character, usually a one off, and the context of the scene only makes sense once you get further in to another characters chain of events.
Oh yea, the timeline is a bit ambiguous because it jumps from character to character, but it's really easy to follow! It was so addictive, I read it in a day (which is a big accomplishment for me)
On top of that, this book explores many different people surviving the Zombie apocalypse, with MANY different mindsets. Some of the characters are leaders working in groups, some are duos who are so inexperienced it hurts, some are psychotic assholes who fuck up everything (Fuck you Ted). However, one thing that is nice about the book is that all character's endings feel realistic. The buildup to and cause of their ending surely is not,
I do have to address the disgusting bits of this book. There is gore, but it's pretty easy to read through. The bad parts really have to do with Also trigger warnings for like everything, but in particular, gore, SA, necrophilia (kinda? it's a zombie so ig it counts), xenophobia (all from Ted-) etc etc.
There are a few gripes I have with the book (other than Ted's overbearing xenophobia which got super boring), there seems to be a lack of proofreading, typos and lack of grammar (commas were needed!!). But it still didn't damage the experience of reading it, again I read it all in one go.
All in all, I came in wanting some depraved and disgusting shit that is expected of Matt Shaw, and I ended up getting a lot more. I'd say due to the comparison of different characters mental state that it is as much of an exploration of psychology and Matt Shaw's *Woom* managed to be.
I can't say which of the two I liked more, but I'm sure as hell reading this books sequal!
Yes, this book is disgusting, but it has a lot of factors that make me really adore it. The shifting perspectives from characters who eventually intertwine into each others stories was what made it particularly gripping. You'd hear details about something in one characters story and theorise how they'd slot into another as you'd read along. On top of this, every couple of average chapters, you get the perspective of a completely new character, usually a one off, and the context of the scene only makes sense once you get further in to another characters chain of events.
Oh yea, the timeline is a bit ambiguous because it jumps from character to character, but it's really easy to follow! It was so addictive, I read it in a day (which is a big accomplishment for me)
On top of that, this book explores many different people surviving the Zombie apocalypse, with MANY different mindsets. Some of the characters are leaders working in groups, some are duos who are so inexperienced it hurts, some are psychotic assholes who fuck up everything (Fuck you Ted). However, one thing that is nice about the book is that all character's endings feel realistic. The buildup to and cause of their ending surely is not,
I do have to address the disgusting bits of this book. There is gore, but it's pretty easy to read through. The bad parts really have to do with Also trigger warnings for like everything, but in particular, gore, SA, necrophilia (kinda? it's a zombie so ig it counts), xenophobia (all from Ted-) etc etc.
There are a few gripes I have with the book (other than Ted's overbearing xenophobia which got super boring), there seems to be a lack of proofreading, typos and lack of grammar (commas were needed!!). But it still didn't damage the experience of reading it, again I read it all in one go.
All in all, I came in wanting some depraved and disgusting shit that is expected of Matt Shaw, and I ended up getting a lot more. I'd say due to the comparison of different characters mental state that it is as much of an exploration of psychology and Matt Shaw's *Woom* managed to be.
I can't say which of the two I liked more, but I'm sure as hell reading this books sequal!
January 29, 2023
Read the title?
Good. You don't need this review. If you think, "This is so immature and stupid", you are correct. If you think, "This is gonna be insanely crazy", you are also correct.
I read this twice, originally when it came out, and a few years later after purchasing "None More Black" a compilation of Matt Shaw's "black cover" books (which was cheaper than picking up the ones I hadn't read separately).
This is Matt Shaw at his most gleefully humorous as well as explicitly depraved. As you probably guessed from the title, we're in a Zombie Apocalypse. The beginning of one at least. Multiple characters are followed, each chapter changing perspectives while the story narrows to points where their lives meet.
Like most stories of this type, some characters are more interesting to read than others. By far, Ted, a schizophrenic racist, is the most...erm... unique. As the world goes further into hell, he becomes more fit to excel in it. No conscience to hold him back, he's a force of nature. Despicable, ghoulish, and a perfect foil to fit the "who is the real monster" that every zombie story needs. Shaw writes his chapters from a first person perspective, so we see him say/do terrible things from a perspective where he thinks everything he does is "right". It's a unique take that makes for a great way to show there still can be some life left (no pun intended) in the zombie genre.
The other main characters are a father/daughter duo and a therapist, whose office was full of waiting patients and employees at the time of the lockdown. These feel a little more "standard" for the genre, but certainly aren't written poorly. You have to have some normalcy for the madness to really sink in, I guess.
What we've got here is an offensive, gross, gleefully dark accounting of a zombie apocalypse. If you've got 2 hours or so to kill and this sounds fun to you, go for it.
Good. You don't need this review. If you think, "This is so immature and stupid", you are correct. If you think, "This is gonna be insanely crazy", you are also correct.
I read this twice, originally when it came out, and a few years later after purchasing "None More Black" a compilation of Matt Shaw's "black cover" books (which was cheaper than picking up the ones I hadn't read separately).
This is Matt Shaw at his most gleefully humorous as well as explicitly depraved. As you probably guessed from the title, we're in a Zombie Apocalypse. The beginning of one at least. Multiple characters are followed, each chapter changing perspectives while the story narrows to points where their lives meet.
Like most stories of this type, some characters are more interesting to read than others. By far, Ted, a schizophrenic racist, is the most...erm... unique. As the world goes further into hell, he becomes more fit to excel in it. No conscience to hold him back, he's a force of nature. Despicable, ghoulish, and a perfect foil to fit the "who is the real monster" that every zombie story needs. Shaw writes his chapters from a first person perspective, so we see him say/do terrible things from a perspective where he thinks everything he does is "right". It's a unique take that makes for a great way to show there still can be some life left (no pun intended) in the zombie genre.
The other main characters are a father/daughter duo and a therapist, whose office was full of waiting patients and employees at the time of the lockdown. These feel a little more "standard" for the genre, but certainly aren't written poorly. You have to have some normalcy for the madness to really sink in, I guess.
What we've got here is an offensive, gross, gleefully dark accounting of a zombie apocalypse. If you've got 2 hours or so to kill and this sounds fun to you, go for it.
May 16, 2025
Depraved, Sick, and Twisted and Honestly, Pretty good
Rotting Dead Fcks* is a gut-punch of a novel that doesn’t just dip its toes into the depraved it collapses straight into the deep end. It’s sick, twisted, and unapologetically brutal. However, beneath all that filth and fury is a well written, intensely gripping story that actually sticks with you. Let me be absolutely clear: I do not condone or support the actions or behavior depicted in this book. The characters commit truly horrifying acts, and some scenes are deeply unsettling. This is extreme horror designed to provoke, shock, and disturb and it absolutely succeeds. That said, Matt Shaw’s writing is tight, the pacing is relentless, and the tension never lets up. The story, while morally repulsive, is incredibly effective. Ted is one of the most vile characters I’ve ever read and that’s exactly what makes him memorable. Shaw doesn’t pull punches, and the book is better for it, even when it makes you want to look away, and it does...a lot. I’m giving it 4 stars not because I “enjoyed” it in the traditional sense, but because it delivers exactly what extreme horror fans look for with skill, purpose, and zero hesitation. It’s not for everyone. Hell, I’m not even sure it was for me. But I can’t deny how well it’s done.
Rotting Dead Fcks* is a gut-punch of a novel that doesn’t just dip its toes into the depraved it collapses straight into the deep end. It’s sick, twisted, and unapologetically brutal. However, beneath all that filth and fury is a well written, intensely gripping story that actually sticks with you. Let me be absolutely clear: I do not condone or support the actions or behavior depicted in this book. The characters commit truly horrifying acts, and some scenes are deeply unsettling. This is extreme horror designed to provoke, shock, and disturb and it absolutely succeeds. That said, Matt Shaw’s writing is tight, the pacing is relentless, and the tension never lets up. The story, while morally repulsive, is incredibly effective. Ted is one of the most vile characters I’ve ever read and that’s exactly what makes him memorable. Shaw doesn’t pull punches, and the book is better for it, even when it makes you want to look away, and it does...a lot. I’m giving it 4 stars not because I “enjoyed” it in the traditional sense, but because it delivers exactly what extreme horror fans look for with skill, purpose, and zero hesitation. It’s not for everyone. Hell, I’m not even sure it was for me. But I can’t deny how well it’s done.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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