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HellBound Books Anthology of Splatterpunk: Volume 2
splat ter punk noun informal noun, splatterpunk
"A literary genre characterized by graphically described scenes of an extremely gory nature."
Welcome once again, fellow gore lovers, to HellBound Books' second foray into the deliciously bloody, innards-strewn world of splatterpunk!
Death, dismemberment, and destruction abound within these pages, as we bring to you nineteen perfectly ghoulish tales of terror that are definitely not to be read while eating!
Go on, we dare you!
You have short tales Shannon Blake Skelton, Juan Ozuna, Sarah Moon, Seaton Kay-Smith, S.C. Vincent, S. Michael Wilson, Carson Demmans, Diana Parrilla, Michael Errol Swaim, John Schlimm, P.J. Verfall, Karly Foland, W.L. Lewis, Caleb James K., Brian J. Smith, D.J. Tuskmor, Terry Grimwood, Dave Davis, and Paul Allih.
"A literary genre characterized by graphically described scenes of an extremely gory nature."
Welcome once again, fellow gore lovers, to HellBound Books' second foray into the deliciously bloody, innards-strewn world of splatterpunk!
Death, dismemberment, and destruction abound within these pages, as we bring to you nineteen perfectly ghoulish tales of terror that are definitely not to be read while eating!
Go on, we dare you!
You have short tales Shannon Blake Skelton, Juan Ozuna, Sarah Moon, Seaton Kay-Smith, S.C. Vincent, S. Michael Wilson, Carson Demmans, Diana Parrilla, Michael Errol Swaim, John Schlimm, P.J. Verfall, Karly Foland, W.L. Lewis, Caleb James K., Brian J. Smith, D.J. Tuskmor, Terry Grimwood, Dave Davis, and Paul Allih.
303 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2025
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October 8, 2025
HellBound Books returns with another blood-drenched collection that pushes boundaries and dares readers to keep their stomachs steady. Splatterpunk: Volume 2 is not for the faint-hearted, nor is it meant to be. It’s a full-frontal assault on polite horror — a collection that thrives in its own depravity, artistry, and audacity.
A Symphony of Carnage and Creativity
This second volume sharpens what the first promised: not just gore for gore’s sake, but gore with vision. The editors clearly understand that splatterpunk isn’t merely about viscera — it’s about the rebellion of horror, the refusal to sanitize the grotesque. The stories here amplify discomfort and shock until they start feeling strangely poetic. There’s rhythm in the cruelty, and meaning in the mayhem.
The anthology features a wide range of voices — some established, others emerging — all united by an unapologetic fascination with the body, decay, and the limits of pain. What stands out most is how distinct each piece feels. Some authors take a raw, grindhouse approach; others flirt with dark absurdity or psychological despair. The result is a twisted mosaic of fear that feels chaotic yet strangely cohesive.
Highlights Worth Bleeding Over
Shannon Blake Skelton’s story opens the collection with a jolt. It’s visceral but smart, turning a simple revenge plot into an examination of what drives people to embrace violence as ritual. Juan Ozuna follows with something quieter — but only for a page or two. His piece slides from melancholy into madness with one of the most effective tonal pivots in the book.
Sarah Moon and Seaton Kay-Smith both bring cinematic flair: their stories feel like lost reels from 1980s underground horror films, full of color, screaming faces, and wet sound effects. S.C. Vincent plays with body horror in a way that feels fresh — the kind that leaves you unsure whether to gag or applaud.
One of the standout entries is Carson Demmans’ grotesque love story, which somehow manages to be tender amid the viscera. It’s the kind of story that reminds readers that splatterpunk, when done right, can carry real emotional weight. Diana Parrilla and Michael Errol Swaim crank up the chaos with tales that are both vulgar and imaginative — unapologetically macabre but crafted with a storyteller’s discipline.
John Schlimm and P.J. Verfall push the anthology toward psychological territory. Their stories are reminders that true horror often lies in the human mind — the gore is simply its language. Karly Foland and W.L. Lewis inject humor without softening the blows. Their use of irony keeps the reader uneasy, laughing in one sentence and grimacing the next.
Caleb James K. delivers one of the collection’s most disturbing endings — not because of the carnage, but because of how ordinary it feels. It’s a reminder that splatterpunk doesn’t always need monsters; sometimes humanity is monstrous enough.
The closing stories by Brian J. Smith, D.J. Tuskmor, Terry Grimwood, Dave Davis, and Paul Allih end the anthology on a furious note. These final pages leave the reader exhausted — in a good way — with their relentless energy, unfiltered violence, and occasional bursts of bleak poetry.
Why This Anthology Works
HellBound Books understands that anthologies live or die by pacing. Volume 2 avoids the pitfall of monotony; there’s variety in tone, style, and structure. It alternates between frenetic bursts of gore and slower, dread-filled tales that build tension before exploding. The editors knew when to let readers breathe — and when to rip that breath away.
The prose across the collection is surprisingly elegant in places. Even the most depraved scenes are written with precision. There’s a confidence to the writing — a sense that the authors aren’t competing to shock, but to outdo one another in how meaningful their shock can be. The stories bleed philosophy: power, obsession, decay, faith, revenge — each theme dissected with a blade both literal and metaphorical.
The Experience of Reading It
Reading Splatterpunk: Volume 2 feels like watching late-night horror on a scratched VHS tape — the kind of thing you’re sure your parents would’ve banned. It’s loud, grotesque, and oddly nostalgic. There’s something transgressive about turning each page, knowing you’re about to see something you can’t unsee. But that’s exactly what makes it exhilarating.
The anthology doesn’t just entertain — it tests your boundaries. It asks: How much can you take before you flinch? But underneath the gore, it also asks why you flinch. What does it say about our comfort with sanitized violence versus the real, human ugliness we pretend doesn’t exist?
Final Thoughts
This second installment solidifies HellBound Books as one of the most fearless indie horror publishers out there. Splatterpunk: Volume 2 is shocking, yes — but it’s also intelligent, mischievous, and darkly beautiful. It’s an anthology that reminds us why splatterpunk matters: because it doesn’t just show blood; it shows truth, however brutal that truth might be.
For horror fans who crave rawness and artistry in equal measure, this book is an event. For the squeamish — consider this your warning. But for the rest of us, it’s a carnival of filth and genius worth every scream.
Rating: 5/5
A visceral, thought-provoking, gloriously disgusting celebration of what horror can be when it stops pretending to behave.
A Symphony of Carnage and Creativity
This second volume sharpens what the first promised: not just gore for gore’s sake, but gore with vision. The editors clearly understand that splatterpunk isn’t merely about viscera — it’s about the rebellion of horror, the refusal to sanitize the grotesque. The stories here amplify discomfort and shock until they start feeling strangely poetic. There’s rhythm in the cruelty, and meaning in the mayhem.
The anthology features a wide range of voices — some established, others emerging — all united by an unapologetic fascination with the body, decay, and the limits of pain. What stands out most is how distinct each piece feels. Some authors take a raw, grindhouse approach; others flirt with dark absurdity or psychological despair. The result is a twisted mosaic of fear that feels chaotic yet strangely cohesive.
Highlights Worth Bleeding Over
Shannon Blake Skelton’s story opens the collection with a jolt. It’s visceral but smart, turning a simple revenge plot into an examination of what drives people to embrace violence as ritual. Juan Ozuna follows with something quieter — but only for a page or two. His piece slides from melancholy into madness with one of the most effective tonal pivots in the book.
Sarah Moon and Seaton Kay-Smith both bring cinematic flair: their stories feel like lost reels from 1980s underground horror films, full of color, screaming faces, and wet sound effects. S.C. Vincent plays with body horror in a way that feels fresh — the kind that leaves you unsure whether to gag or applaud.
One of the standout entries is Carson Demmans’ grotesque love story, which somehow manages to be tender amid the viscera. It’s the kind of story that reminds readers that splatterpunk, when done right, can carry real emotional weight. Diana Parrilla and Michael Errol Swaim crank up the chaos with tales that are both vulgar and imaginative — unapologetically macabre but crafted with a storyteller’s discipline.
John Schlimm and P.J. Verfall push the anthology toward psychological territory. Their stories are reminders that true horror often lies in the human mind — the gore is simply its language. Karly Foland and W.L. Lewis inject humor without softening the blows. Their use of irony keeps the reader uneasy, laughing in one sentence and grimacing the next.
Caleb James K. delivers one of the collection’s most disturbing endings — not because of the carnage, but because of how ordinary it feels. It’s a reminder that splatterpunk doesn’t always need monsters; sometimes humanity is monstrous enough.
The closing stories by Brian J. Smith, D.J. Tuskmor, Terry Grimwood, Dave Davis, and Paul Allih end the anthology on a furious note. These final pages leave the reader exhausted — in a good way — with their relentless energy, unfiltered violence, and occasional bursts of bleak poetry.
Why This Anthology Works
HellBound Books understands that anthologies live or die by pacing. Volume 2 avoids the pitfall of monotony; there’s variety in tone, style, and structure. It alternates between frenetic bursts of gore and slower, dread-filled tales that build tension before exploding. The editors knew when to let readers breathe — and when to rip that breath away.
The prose across the collection is surprisingly elegant in places. Even the most depraved scenes are written with precision. There’s a confidence to the writing — a sense that the authors aren’t competing to shock, but to outdo one another in how meaningful their shock can be. The stories bleed philosophy: power, obsession, decay, faith, revenge — each theme dissected with a blade both literal and metaphorical.
The Experience of Reading It
Reading Splatterpunk: Volume 2 feels like watching late-night horror on a scratched VHS tape — the kind of thing you’re sure your parents would’ve banned. It’s loud, grotesque, and oddly nostalgic. There’s something transgressive about turning each page, knowing you’re about to see something you can’t unsee. But that’s exactly what makes it exhilarating.
The anthology doesn’t just entertain — it tests your boundaries. It asks: How much can you take before you flinch? But underneath the gore, it also asks why you flinch. What does it say about our comfort with sanitized violence versus the real, human ugliness we pretend doesn’t exist?
Final Thoughts
This second installment solidifies HellBound Books as one of the most fearless indie horror publishers out there. Splatterpunk: Volume 2 is shocking, yes — but it’s also intelligent, mischievous, and darkly beautiful. It’s an anthology that reminds us why splatterpunk matters: because it doesn’t just show blood; it shows truth, however brutal that truth might be.
For horror fans who crave rawness and artistry in equal measure, this book is an event. For the squeamish — consider this your warning. But for the rest of us, it’s a carnival of filth and genius worth every scream.
Rating: 5/5
A visceral, thought-provoking, gloriously disgusting celebration of what horror can be when it stops pretending to behave.
June 14, 2025
Thanks to HellBound Books for reaching out with the opportunity to review a digital Copy of this book. All views and opinions are my own.
-
Author and publisher Ira Rat in the intro to the FilthyLoot published title "BodyPunk" (go read it)
provides what I feel is the most succinct definition of Splatterpunk as a genre. During a conversation with an author friend of his, at VOID CON, when asked by Ira what the difference between broad term Extreme Horror, Splatterpunk. The author explains that real Splatterpunk is explicitly *Political*. Personally I find this explanation succinct, and one that still allows for flexible interpretation by the authors crafting Splatterpunk stories.
So what does that mean for the reader exactly? Well that is a great question dear reader, and this is the moment where we have the Reading Rainbow "Don't Take My Word For It!" moment...except by reading this review, you're sort of taking my word for it?....just go along with me here , it'll makes sense..at least it does to me.
HellBound Books Anthology of Splatterpunk Vol.2 is an excellent starting point for horror fans curious about Splatterpunk, but not sure if it's a corner of Horror Lit that they would be interested in.
If you're new to reading my reviews (first off, HI!) know that Anthology as a format for horror, scifi etc has been a point of enjoyment for me since childhood. Anthologies, well done well, provide the reader with a diverse sampling of stories, tones and styles. Anthology curator Samantha Hawkins seems to understand this, delivering a selection of stories and authors, each of whom play with the color palette of Splatterpunk, and bringing their own perspective to the genre.
I did not go into reading this anthology with any specific expectations, although I did keep in mind that simple definition of Splatterpunk, cited above. Reading from this publisher was new for me, and the authors included were each voices whose craft I had not been exposed to before. No two stories in this book will hit you the same way, but make no mistake, they will get you. Each reader will find stories here that will will make them chuckle, haunt their thoughts for a time after reading. Those stories that jump out, those authors that hook you, seek out their other work. If you are asking "but are these stories *political*?" I'll simply say yes, it's up to my fellow readers to discern the messages, the critique, the satires that each author chooses to weave into their tales. HellBound Books Anthology of Splatterpunk is a massive sample bag of different kinds of Halloween Candy, lots of fun and a few surprises for your horror ready tastebuds.
-
Author and publisher Ira Rat in the intro to the FilthyLoot published title "BodyPunk" (go read it)
provides what I feel is the most succinct definition of Splatterpunk as a genre. During a conversation with an author friend of his, at VOID CON, when asked by Ira what the difference between broad term Extreme Horror, Splatterpunk. The author explains that real Splatterpunk is explicitly *Political*. Personally I find this explanation succinct, and one that still allows for flexible interpretation by the authors crafting Splatterpunk stories.
So what does that mean for the reader exactly? Well that is a great question dear reader, and this is the moment where we have the Reading Rainbow "Don't Take My Word For It!" moment...except by reading this review, you're sort of taking my word for it?....just go along with me here , it'll makes sense..at least it does to me.
HellBound Books Anthology of Splatterpunk Vol.2 is an excellent starting point for horror fans curious about Splatterpunk, but not sure if it's a corner of Horror Lit that they would be interested in.
If you're new to reading my reviews (first off, HI!) know that Anthology as a format for horror, scifi etc has been a point of enjoyment for me since childhood. Anthologies, well done well, provide the reader with a diverse sampling of stories, tones and styles. Anthology curator Samantha Hawkins seems to understand this, delivering a selection of stories and authors, each of whom play with the color palette of Splatterpunk, and bringing their own perspective to the genre.
I did not go into reading this anthology with any specific expectations, although I did keep in mind that simple definition of Splatterpunk, cited above. Reading from this publisher was new for me, and the authors included were each voices whose craft I had not been exposed to before. No two stories in this book will hit you the same way, but make no mistake, they will get you. Each reader will find stories here that will will make them chuckle, haunt their thoughts for a time after reading. Those stories that jump out, those authors that hook you, seek out their other work. If you are asking "but are these stories *political*?" I'll simply say yes, it's up to my fellow readers to discern the messages, the critique, the satires that each author chooses to weave into their tales. HellBound Books Anthology of Splatterpunk is a massive sample bag of different kinds of Halloween Candy, lots of fun and a few surprises for your horror ready tastebuds.
May 23, 2025
HellBound Books Anthology of Splatterpunk: Volume 2
By: A whole squad of bloodthirsty maniacs (19 authors, to be precise)
Publisher: HellBound Books Publishing LLC
Release Date: April 1, 2025
Length: 303 pages
Triggers: Uh… where do we start? Gore, guts, mutilation, body horror, graphic violence, basically everything your mom warned you about.
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Dread Factor: 💀💀💀
Blood, Guts, and "Did That Just Happen?"
What Did I Just Walk Into?
It’s a splatterpunk buffet and everyone brought their most unhinged casserole. HellBound Books Anthology of Splatterpunk: Volume 2 doesn’t tiptoe into horror—it dropkicks you into a meat grinder and laughs as you ask for a napkin. These nineteen stories are dripping with viscera, steeped in sadism, and absolutely not suitable for lunchtime reading. (Or breakfast. Or human consumption, really.)
Here’s What Slapped:
There’s no filler here—unless you count someone’s intestines being used as actual filler. Each author showed up swinging, delivering stories soaked in arterial spray and soaked again just for fun.
Cannibals? Check.
DIY demon summoning gone wrong? Check.
Shocking, stomach-turning, genre-defying gore that makes you question your own reading choices? Double check.
It's the literary equivalent of watching a horror movie through your fingers while also kind of rooting for the monster. And yes, that’s a compliment.
Could’ve Been Better:
Look, it’s splatterpunk. If you’re looking for subtlety, try the Anne of Green Gables section. That said, a few stories leaned more “shock for shock’s sake” than substance, but even then, the blood-soaked creativity made up for it.
Perfect for Readers Who Love:
📖 Horror with no brakes
📖 Short stories that slap you in the face, then gnaw your ankle
📖 Anthologies where every story is a different flavor of nightmare
📖 The phrase “don’t read this while eating” as a glowing endorsement
Vibe Check:
Like if Tales from the Crypt, Saw, and a haunted butcher shop all teamed up for story time. Bring a tarp.
Reviewed by Robin’s Review
Book Series:
HellBound Books' Anthology of Splatterpunk (Book 1)
HellBound Books Anthology of Splatterpunk: Volume 2
By: A whole squad of bloodthirsty maniacs (19 authors, to be precise)
Publisher: HellBound Books Publishing LLC
Release Date: April 1, 2025
Length: 303 pages
Triggers: Uh… where do we start? Gore, guts, mutilation, body horror, graphic violence, basically everything your mom warned you about.
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Dread Factor: 💀💀💀
Blood, Guts, and "Did That Just Happen?"
What Did I Just Walk Into?
It’s a splatterpunk buffet and everyone brought their most unhinged casserole. HellBound Books Anthology of Splatterpunk: Volume 2 doesn’t tiptoe into horror—it dropkicks you into a meat grinder and laughs as you ask for a napkin. These nineteen stories are dripping with viscera, steeped in sadism, and absolutely not suitable for lunchtime reading. (Or breakfast. Or human consumption, really.)
Here’s What Slapped:
There’s no filler here—unless you count someone’s intestines being used as actual filler. Each author showed up swinging, delivering stories soaked in arterial spray and soaked again just for fun.
Cannibals? Check.
DIY demon summoning gone wrong? Check.
Shocking, stomach-turning, genre-defying gore that makes you question your own reading choices? Double check.
It's the literary equivalent of watching a horror movie through your fingers while also kind of rooting for the monster. And yes, that’s a compliment.
Could’ve Been Better:
Look, it’s splatterpunk. If you’re looking for subtlety, try the Anne of Green Gables section. That said, a few stories leaned more “shock for shock’s sake” than substance, but even then, the blood-soaked creativity made up for it.
Perfect for Readers Who Love:
📖 Horror with no brakes
📖 Short stories that slap you in the face, then gnaw your ankle
📖 Anthologies where every story is a different flavor of nightmare
📖 The phrase “don’t read this while eating” as a glowing endorsement
Vibe Check:
Like if Tales from the Crypt, Saw, and a haunted butcher shop all teamed up for story time. Bring a tarp.
Reviewed by Robin’s Review
Book Series:
HellBound Books' Anthology of Splatterpunk (Book 1)
HellBound Books Anthology of Splatterpunk: Volume 2
October 13, 2025
Splatterpunk Volume 2 is a collection of short tales that will leave you questioning yourself all while your brain rots in the best possible way. These 19 absolutely disturbing and twisted tales will leave your stomach turning.
Those who know me, know I'm an absolute hoe for an anthology and splatterpunk, so this novel was my own personal disturbing heaven. It had everything you could ever want, brutality, gore, blood, guts, necrophilia, cannibalism! This book is not for the faint of heart as it drags you into the minds of the most depraved and evil people (but of course in the most enjoyable and well written way!)
One story that I enjoyed very much was 'The Cost of Christmas' which had one of the wildest and disgusting uses of human intestines that I have ever read. Lets just say, if you're ever short on money for decorating this festive season, your intestines make some nice little string decorations, are the perfect colour for the season, and free!! The writing was wonderfully descriptive and unsettling, leaving goosebumps across my body! "His intestines spilled out, slipping over each other like wet silk" *chefs kiss*
Unfortunately, not all stories fit the splatterpunk genre in my opinion, which is why I decided to rate this anthology four stars. One example is 'One Night Stand' where the tale is more of a horror, and missing out on that brutal and horrifically cruel and gory side of splatterpunk. It will however leave me with a fear of meeting people on a night out, because you never know what kind of person (or creature) you may be going home with. Even if these stories weren't exactly up to the splatterpunk standards, they still left your skin crawling with their nightmare fueled tales.
Overall, a wonderfully horrifying and terrifying read, with many stories that will sit with readers for a long while! There is something for every kind of sick and twisted individual reader out there, myself included!
I am very thankful and grateful to have been gifted a copy of this arc. All opinions are mine and have been left voluntarily.
Those who know me, know I'm an absolute hoe for an anthology and splatterpunk, so this novel was my own personal disturbing heaven. It had everything you could ever want, brutality, gore, blood, guts, necrophilia, cannibalism! This book is not for the faint of heart as it drags you into the minds of the most depraved and evil people (but of course in the most enjoyable and well written way!)
One story that I enjoyed very much was 'The Cost of Christmas' which had one of the wildest and disgusting uses of human intestines that I have ever read. Lets just say, if you're ever short on money for decorating this festive season, your intestines make some nice little string decorations, are the perfect colour for the season, and free!! The writing was wonderfully descriptive and unsettling, leaving goosebumps across my body! "His intestines spilled out, slipping over each other like wet silk" *chefs kiss*
Unfortunately, not all stories fit the splatterpunk genre in my opinion, which is why I decided to rate this anthology four stars. One example is 'One Night Stand' where the tale is more of a horror, and missing out on that brutal and horrifically cruel and gory side of splatterpunk. It will however leave me with a fear of meeting people on a night out, because you never know what kind of person (or creature) you may be going home with. Even if these stories weren't exactly up to the splatterpunk standards, they still left your skin crawling with their nightmare fueled tales.
Overall, a wonderfully horrifying and terrifying read, with many stories that will sit with readers for a long while! There is something for every kind of sick and twisted individual reader out there, myself included!
I am very thankful and grateful to have been gifted a copy of this arc. All opinions are mine and have been left voluntarily.
June 4, 2025
🔥 BRO vs. SPLATTERPUNK VOL. 2 💉🪓
🥊 The Book: Nineteen tales of gut-slicked terror, flesh-ripping chaos, and grotesqueries galore. From self-cannibal artists to black-eyed demons to some seriously twisted body horror, this anthology is not for the faint of stomach.
💪 The Bro: I like my horror nasty, but not edgelord for the sake of it nasty. Give me the grindhouse gore with a side of brains (sometimes literal). Let’s see who leaves this cage match bloodied and bruised—in the best way.
⸻
🥊 ROUND 1: First Impressions
• Kicks off with “The Starving Artist Type” and holy hell—what a banger. One of the most disturbing, original short stories I’ve read in a while. Self-mutilation, performance art, and existential dread? Chef’s kiss.
• Love the vibe here—grimy, weird, but fun. You get gore, but also that ‘70s/‘80s video nasty energy: dirty but not dumb.
• Every story brings its own flavor, even when it makes you gag. Respect.
⸻
🥊 ROUND 2: In the Thick of It
• Standouts? Oh yeah. “Hollow Eyes” is a black-eyed children riff that goes full splatter, no brakes.
• “Bumping Uglies” is straight-up vile—but also creative. Not usually my jam, but I admired the sheer nerve.
• Even the slight misfires (though still good!) like “BooDoo” and “The Stone Man” leave a mark.
⸻
🥊 ROUND 3: The Home Stretch
• This thing doesn’t really drop off, but it’s hard to top “The Starving Artist Type” as an opening act.
• Would I read another volume? In a heartbeat—and maybe on an empty stomach.
• Bonus: a few stories actually sneak in depth beneath the gore. Some metaphor, some meaning—hell, even some feels. Not bad for a genre known for shock over substance.
⸻
🔥 FINAL BELL: The ARC Bro Scorecard 🔥
🥊 Total Knockout – Splatterpunk Volume 2 is gross, grisly, and giddy with gore—but smart enough to never be boring. If you like your horror loud, proud, and bleeding, this one absolutely earns its place in the winner’s circle.
🥊 The Book: Nineteen tales of gut-slicked terror, flesh-ripping chaos, and grotesqueries galore. From self-cannibal artists to black-eyed demons to some seriously twisted body horror, this anthology is not for the faint of stomach.
💪 The Bro: I like my horror nasty, but not edgelord for the sake of it nasty. Give me the grindhouse gore with a side of brains (sometimes literal). Let’s see who leaves this cage match bloodied and bruised—in the best way.
⸻
🥊 ROUND 1: First Impressions
• Kicks off with “The Starving Artist Type” and holy hell—what a banger. One of the most disturbing, original short stories I’ve read in a while. Self-mutilation, performance art, and existential dread? Chef’s kiss.
• Love the vibe here—grimy, weird, but fun. You get gore, but also that ‘70s/‘80s video nasty energy: dirty but not dumb.
• Every story brings its own flavor, even when it makes you gag. Respect.
⸻
🥊 ROUND 2: In the Thick of It
• Standouts? Oh yeah. “Hollow Eyes” is a black-eyed children riff that goes full splatter, no brakes.
• “Bumping Uglies” is straight-up vile—but also creative. Not usually my jam, but I admired the sheer nerve.
• Even the slight misfires (though still good!) like “BooDoo” and “The Stone Man” leave a mark.
⸻
🥊 ROUND 3: The Home Stretch
• This thing doesn’t really drop off, but it’s hard to top “The Starving Artist Type” as an opening act.
• Would I read another volume? In a heartbeat—and maybe on an empty stomach.
• Bonus: a few stories actually sneak in depth beneath the gore. Some metaphor, some meaning—hell, even some feels. Not bad for a genre known for shock over substance.
⸻
🔥 FINAL BELL: The ARC Bro Scorecard 🔥
🥊 Total Knockout – Splatterpunk Volume 2 is gross, grisly, and giddy with gore—but smart enough to never be boring. If you like your horror loud, proud, and bleeding, this one absolutely earns its place in the winner’s circle.
October 9, 2025
This collection of short stories was a glorious feast of splatterpunk in all different shapes and forms. There are definitely some very dark and depraved tales in this anthology, with the intersection between gore and sex very clear in nearly every story, so it's not for a general audience. If you're a fan of splatterpunk, though? There's something in here for you.
All the stories are vastly different, so here's my highlights:
'The Starving Artist Type' starts the anthology off with a bang. We join our narrator as he witnesses a special, secretive act at the travelling show where he works, but it turns out the starving artist isn't only an act; it's a tent of retribution. There are horrifying implications to this story, enough to leave me staring out the window of a bus for an hour after reading it.
'The Greatest Show On Earth' is another circusesque story—I have a type—in which our narrator finds himself taking part in a gruesome show in a locked theatre. I loved that this tale addressed the need for more intense and extreme content and the numbness experienced during constant content consumption, and I also loved that, despite a lot of splatterpunk leaning into the glee of dishing out torture, this story showed the audience's backlash to the gore.
'Bumping Uglies' was, I think, my favourite of the anthology. It's a longer story but worth the extra words. I was already aware of the parasite this story is based on, so I found it incredibly satisfying to read about the human experience of a similar creature. It was brilliantly written, and the twist at the end was the cherry on top of the cake.
As I said, splatterpunk in general is not for everyone, but this anthology is for all splatterpunk fans.
I was gifted a copy of this book with a request to post my thoughts.
All the stories are vastly different, so here's my highlights:
'The Starving Artist Type' starts the anthology off with a bang. We join our narrator as he witnesses a special, secretive act at the travelling show where he works, but it turns out the starving artist isn't only an act; it's a tent of retribution. There are horrifying implications to this story, enough to leave me staring out the window of a bus for an hour after reading it.
'The Greatest Show On Earth' is another circusesque story—I have a type—in which our narrator finds himself taking part in a gruesome show in a locked theatre. I loved that this tale addressed the need for more intense and extreme content and the numbness experienced during constant content consumption, and I also loved that, despite a lot of splatterpunk leaning into the glee of dishing out torture, this story showed the audience's backlash to the gore.
'Bumping Uglies' was, I think, my favourite of the anthology. It's a longer story but worth the extra words. I was already aware of the parasite this story is based on, so I found it incredibly satisfying to read about the human experience of a similar creature. It was brilliantly written, and the twist at the end was the cherry on top of the cake.
As I said, splatterpunk in general is not for everyone, but this anthology is for all splatterpunk fans.
I was gifted a copy of this book with a request to post my thoughts.
October 11, 2025
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – I’m a sucker for a good anthology. There’s just something about diving into a mix of stories and authors that makes my little horror heart happy, and honestly, what better time to devour one than spooky season?
Splatterpunk isn’t normally my go-to (I like my gore with a side of plot), and there were definitely a few moments that had me pulling that face – you know the one – but I ended up enjoying this way more than I expected to. The last time I dipped into this genre was No One Rides for Free, so this was a pretty fun change-up. We’ve got everything from creepy carnival chaos to messed-up art shows and even a little necrophilia thrown in for good measure. It’s wild. It’s gross. It’s a vibe.
Not a single story I felt the need to skip, which is rare in a collection like this. Hats off to Hellbound Books for putting together another solid anthology – disturbing in all the best ways.
Splatterpunk isn’t normally my go-to (I like my gore with a side of plot), and there were definitely a few moments that had me pulling that face – you know the one – but I ended up enjoying this way more than I expected to. The last time I dipped into this genre was No One Rides for Free, so this was a pretty fun change-up. We’ve got everything from creepy carnival chaos to messed-up art shows and even a little necrophilia thrown in for good measure. It’s wild. It’s gross. It’s a vibe.
Not a single story I felt the need to skip, which is rare in a collection like this. Hats off to Hellbound Books for putting together another solid anthology – disturbing in all the best ways.
October 12, 2025
I read this as part of Black Tide Book Tours
Within this anthology are 19 stories told from the darker places of the mind. We all have it, in various degrees, but it's there, and with this book we're able to take a peek into each mind and indulge in the horrors laid out before us.
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Welcome HellBound Books Anthology of Splatterpunk Volume 2 ... Do you dare bear witness to the depraved and terror?
This anthology offers varied writing styles and themes, all of which did not disappoint me, some I enjoyed more than others.
I will admit I went into this book thinking it would've been an utterly messed up blood fest, but it wasn't, and this is not a bad thing! It's not all about being made to feel utterly shocked and nauseated to the point you cannot take it anymore. These stories also offer depth.
I definitely recommend this to newcomers to Splatterpunk, it's a good place to start! And of course all the way up to the hardcore readers 🤘🏻
Within this anthology are 19 stories told from the darker places of the mind. We all have it, in various degrees, but it's there, and with this book we're able to take a peek into each mind and indulge in the horrors laid out before us.
× × ×
Welcome HellBound Books Anthology of Splatterpunk Volume 2 ... Do you dare bear witness to the depraved and terror?
This anthology offers varied writing styles and themes, all of which did not disappoint me, some I enjoyed more than others.
I will admit I went into this book thinking it would've been an utterly messed up blood fest, but it wasn't, and this is not a bad thing! It's not all about being made to feel utterly shocked and nauseated to the point you cannot take it anymore. These stories also offer depth.
I definitely recommend this to newcomers to Splatterpunk, it's a good place to start! And of course all the way up to the hardcore readers 🤘🏻
October 11, 2025
Hellbound Books' Anthology of Splatterpunk Volume II
Thank you @booktoktours for the ebook.
Splatterpunk is the genre of horror dealing with blood, guts and gore. Not for the squeamish.
I started off thinking the collection may be too extreme for me as the first story made me feel sick but there's actually a good mix of story types with some very inventive ideas (a soul catching camera!) and a little humour (actual boy scouts and their badges for learning the ropes) and all kinds of surprises (a haiku writing detective).
303 pages, featuring 19 stories from 19 authors.
It's a gruesomely great way of trying their writing which is full of destruction and dastardly deeds, soul-screaming scares and body parts literally all over the place.
Short, sharp frights of terrifying tales.
I think I'll sleep with the lights on and my eyes open 👀😳
Thank you @booktoktours for the ebook.
Splatterpunk is the genre of horror dealing with blood, guts and gore. Not for the squeamish.
I started off thinking the collection may be too extreme for me as the first story made me feel sick but there's actually a good mix of story types with some very inventive ideas (a soul catching camera!) and a little humour (actual boy scouts and their badges for learning the ropes) and all kinds of surprises (a haiku writing detective).
303 pages, featuring 19 stories from 19 authors.
It's a gruesomely great way of trying their writing which is full of destruction and dastardly deeds, soul-screaming scares and body parts literally all over the place.
Short, sharp frights of terrifying tales.
I think I'll sleep with the lights on and my eyes open 👀😳
October 11, 2025
I’ve read Splatterpunk before.. I honestly sometimes use it as a palate cleanser (yeah I know weird way to refresh 🤣), and this did not disappoint! I am surprised too honestly because short story anthologies in general are very hit or miss with me and can be inconsistent throughout with keeping my interest.
While there were some stories that weren’t for me, overall there were plenty of solid stories in this book for any of my book friends that have the vibe of “that’s gross.. I love it.. tell me more”.
It made my dark weirdo heart happy.
My top five favorite stories in this anthology are as follows:
☠️ The Starving Artist Type by Shannon Blake Shelton
☠️ The Greatest Show on Earth by Seaton K. Smith
☠️One night stand by Caleb James K.
☠️The Cost of Christmas by D.J. Tuskmor
☠️Breaking News by Brian J. Smith
Some of these actually made me nauseated so bravo! 🤩 🤣🤣
While there were some stories that weren’t for me, overall there were plenty of solid stories in this book for any of my book friends that have the vibe of “that’s gross.. I love it.. tell me more”.
It made my dark weirdo heart happy.
My top five favorite stories in this anthology are as follows:
☠️ The Starving Artist Type by Shannon Blake Shelton
☠️ The Greatest Show on Earth by Seaton K. Smith
☠️One night stand by Caleb James K.
☠️The Cost of Christmas by D.J. Tuskmor
☠️Breaking News by Brian J. Smith
Some of these actually made me nauseated so bravo! 🤩 🤣🤣
October 8, 2025
Mercy, I had to set my sweet tea down more than once!
Now, I don’t usually go for stories that throw blood around like confetti, but I have to hand it to these writers—they sure can spin a wild yarn. Some parts nearly turned my stomach, but the creativity? Lord, it’s undeniable. Each story is a strange, gruesome kind of art. If you’re the type who likes to peek through your fingers during a scary movie, this collection’s for you. Just don’t read it before supper.
Now, I don’t usually go for stories that throw blood around like confetti, but I have to hand it to these writers—they sure can spin a wild yarn. Some parts nearly turned my stomach, but the creativity? Lord, it’s undeniable. Each story is a strange, gruesome kind of art. If you’re the type who likes to peek through your fingers during a scary movie, this collection’s for you. Just don’t read it before supper.
October 13, 2025
I love an anthology, especially when it's gross, creepy and spooky. Just like this one.
There were so many wonderful authors in this book and some I am very happy I got introduced to, so I am delighted to look up their work and see what else they have done. There were 19 different tales to get the creeps from!
So many stories stuck out that I haven't been able to choose any favorites because I liked them all as much.
Another great read for the chilly nights!
There were so many wonderful authors in this book and some I am very happy I got introduced to, so I am delighted to look up their work and see what else they have done. There were 19 different tales to get the creeps from!
So many stories stuck out that I haven't been able to choose any favorites because I liked them all as much.
Another great read for the chilly nights!
October 9, 2025
I really enjoyed this anthology, ive always enjoyed horror, gore, and short stories , and every story in this book was amazing, they all had me losing sleep & not wanting to stop reading 😂 My favorites were The Starving Artist & BooDoo for sure! I highly recommend this book to any horror or gore fans out there, it wont disappoint. I cant wait for more 🖤
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2025
I loved this gory,bloody,shocking anthology with plenty of gross out moments with heart pounding terror. Well written stories, but do check your trigger warnings as it is a splatterpunk anthology not a king novel. So if you’re a fan of splatterpunk what are you waiting for go pick yourself up a copy.
May 12, 2025
once again this was a really good anthology, I really enjoyed most if not all of the shorts in this omce
my favourite though was boodoo but I also really enjoyed bumping uglies and the starving artist type
my favourite though was boodoo but I also really enjoyed bumping uglies and the starving artist type
July 19, 2025
This might be my favourite read from Hellbound Books 💀 a solid 5 stars
This book of short stories is something else. Not every story was a banger, but every story was enjoyable.
Sometimes I forget about splatter punk, and just how gorey and nasty it can be.
I had to remind myself a few times while reading that I was meant to be horrified and disgusted with the actions that were happening, lol.
That being said I felt like all of these stories were well written, well thought out in their plots, and really engaging all the way through.
Give it a read, if you have the stomach for it 😊
This book of short stories is something else. Not every story was a banger, but every story was enjoyable.
Sometimes I forget about splatter punk, and just how gorey and nasty it can be.
I had to remind myself a few times while reading that I was meant to be horrified and disgusted with the actions that were happening, lol.
That being said I felt like all of these stories were well written, well thought out in their plots, and really engaging all the way through.
Give it a read, if you have the stomach for it 😊
October 16, 2025
I loved how this anthology offered different writing styles and themes. I thought these stories were well written and fun reads! I loved how short these stories and easy they were to get through as well. I was entrained by each of the stories and they were darkly beautiful!
June 6, 2025
This was such a great anthology! if you like horror movies then definitely check this out.
June 18, 2025
*reveiw to follow*
October 8, 2025
Now this—this—is what Splatterpunk is supposed to be.
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