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Taking Melody: A Splatterpunk Novella
Taking Melody is all rage and no romance. This is a love story gone deadly wrong.
Russell told Melody that if she ever left him, he would hunt her down across the world. Nowhere would be safe, she’d have nowhere to hide, no one would be able to help her. Taking her chance, Melody left him and never looked back...
Except for the growing dread that he would do what he had promised, always causing her to look over her shoulder; wondering, waiting...
One day, she finds herself trapped, imprisoned and awaiting a horrific ordeal at his hands. Except Melody knows that no matter what happens, he won’t be walking out alive, but she will.
Taking Melody is a splatterpunk, extreme horror novella of abuse, revenge and a phoenix rising from the ashes.
If you thought Beware the Rosemond Ripper was extreme or bloody, this novella takes feminine rage to bigger, more gruesome heights.
Russell told Melody that if she ever left him, he would hunt her down across the world. Nowhere would be safe, she’d have nowhere to hide, no one would be able to help her. Taking her chance, Melody left him and never looked back...
Except for the growing dread that he would do what he had promised, always causing her to look over her shoulder; wondering, waiting...
One day, she finds herself trapped, imprisoned and awaiting a horrific ordeal at his hands. Except Melody knows that no matter what happens, he won’t be walking out alive, but she will.
Taking Melody is a splatterpunk, extreme horror novella of abuse, revenge and a phoenix rising from the ashes.
If you thought Beware the Rosemond Ripper was extreme or bloody, this novella takes feminine rage to bigger, more gruesome heights.
81 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 21, 2025
About the author
T.L. MacRae
15 books30 followersT. L. MacRae is a fairy warrior princess from Fife, Scotland. Told too often that her head was in the clouds, she lost touch with reality somewhere around tea parties and chasing unicorns & faeries. She created realms of her own and lives there instead.
She writes unhinged horror, spicy romance, devastating poetry and a little non-fiction. As a survivor she wants to raise awareness of domestic abuse and mental health issues. She believes that writing gives her a voice otherwise silenced by those who benefited from that quiet in the past.
Find her on social media @tlmacraeauthor
She writes unhinged horror, spicy romance, devastating poetry and a little non-fiction. As a survivor she wants to raise awareness of domestic abuse and mental health issues. She believes that writing gives her a voice otherwise silenced by those who benefited from that quiet in the past.
Find her on social media @tlmacraeauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
August 27, 2025
The blurb says it all, it's all rage, no romance here.
I appreciated that MacRae made it nearly impossible to really feel sorry for the "victims" in this one, though she really nailed the impulse we have to feel sorry for the people who do us the most harm, she knows how the story goes and it shows.
It's vile and while the story is a bit bare boned if you're in the market for a gross out fest and female rage it would be a pretty good pick.
I appreciated that MacRae made it nearly impossible to really feel sorry for the "victims" in this one, though she really nailed the impulse we have to feel sorry for the people who do us the most harm, she knows how the story goes and it shows.
It's vile and while the story is a bit bare boned if you're in the market for a gross out fest and female rage it would be a pretty good pick.
May 25, 2025
Extreme female rage at its finest! This book may be short, but it packs a punch. For anyone who has experienced DV/SA, this is the perfect revenge story (with a good old sprinkle of blood and gore!)
July 3, 2026
A great short splatterpunk novella! Please check your trigger warnings before reading.
This little one packs a punch and is great for reading between heavier books or breaking up a series.
It’s a female revenge plot and it’s beautifully written! I have been through trauma and I found it to be quite gratifying to read.
Loved it!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
No spice so zero chillies
This little one packs a punch and is great for reading between heavier books or breaking up a series.
It’s a female revenge plot and it’s beautifully written! I have been through trauma and I found it to be quite gratifying to read.
Loved it!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
No spice so zero chillies
July 30, 2026
Wow that was gory but badass FMC getting revenge ? Sign me up
July 4, 2026
Splatterpunk? Eh... Yes!
I thought this would be a rip-off of "I Spit on your Grave".
Not even!
I give the author a major "A+" for imagination, there are some very creative things in this story!
I've been told that Splatterpunk sends a message. Well, this story sends a message....
"Dear Reader, Hold On Tight because I'm gonna F*ck up you mind for a little while."
***This story is EXTREME, not for children or those who are easily triggered.***
I thought this would be a rip-off of "I Spit on your Grave".
Not even!
I give the author a major "A+" for imagination, there are some very creative things in this story!
I've been told that Splatterpunk sends a message. Well, this story sends a message....
"Dear Reader, Hold On Tight because I'm gonna F*ck up you mind for a little while."
***This story is EXTREME, not for children or those who are easily triggered.***
July 23, 2026
The tables have turned, and Melody is ready for revenge. Everything she’s been through has lit a fire in her belly, and she’s ready to take over and make them pay.
This is a short, straight to the action story that left me wanting to know more about Melody. It’s gory, satisfying, and kept me hooked from start to finish. My only complaint is that I wish it had been longer.
3.5 ⭐️
This is a short, straight to the action story that left me wanting to know more about Melody. It’s gory, satisfying, and kept me hooked from start to finish. My only complaint is that I wish it had been longer.
3.5 ⭐️
July 22, 2025
Taking Melody may feature a dramatic pink cover that is every alt girls dream, it might even lure in the unsuspecting reader, but don't be deceived—within its 60 pages lies a pulse-pounding extreme horror story that's as unhinged as it is captivating.
From the moment I started reading, I was hooked by the sheer intensity of the narrative. This book packs an exhilarating punch despite its brief length. The revenge plot surrounding the main character, Melody, is not only satisfying but expertly crafted, making you root for her for all she endured before this point. The gory, extreme elements add a layer of thrill that kept me eager to turn the pages.
I can confidently say that I was left wanting more. If the author ever expands this into a longer format, I would eagerly dive into it without hesitation. For anyone seeking a quick, binge-worthy read that delivers a satisfying blend of horror and juicy revenge, Taking Melody is a must-read.
I loved every bit of it and look forward to exploring more from T.L. MacRae!
From the moment I started reading, I was hooked by the sheer intensity of the narrative. This book packs an exhilarating punch despite its brief length. The revenge plot surrounding the main character, Melody, is not only satisfying but expertly crafted, making you root for her for all she endured before this point. The gory, extreme elements add a layer of thrill that kept me eager to turn the pages.
I can confidently say that I was left wanting more. If the author ever expands this into a longer format, I would eagerly dive into it without hesitation. For anyone seeking a quick, binge-worthy read that delivers a satisfying blend of horror and juicy revenge, Taking Melody is a must-read.
I loved every bit of it and look forward to exploring more from T.L. MacRae!
May 24, 2025
4.5*
CHECK TWs
Wow What a ride this Novella was!!!
It may be short but it defo packs a punch!
It was Gross and Brutal but I loved it 😅
CHECK TWs
Wow What a ride this Novella was!!!
It may be short but it defo packs a punch!
It was Gross and Brutal but I loved it 😅
May 24, 2025
is it wrong that I enjoyed this? probably 🤣 Mel is badass, pure female rage at its finest.
September 24, 2025
Brutal. Violent. Female rage. True splatterpunk. Not for the faint of heart AT. ALL. This book holds every trigger warning you could think of. 🥲🥲
October 16, 2025
Love a good fast paced feminine rage novella. Sometimes short, sweet, and to the point is great and this novella is that.
December 30, 2025
✨ Female rage with all the trigger warnings ✨
April 26, 2026
Pure female rage! It was so graphic but i was rooting for her after what she was put through. I love an fmc giving man what they deserve. Listened to this one and i think its a new narrator and she did a great job! Loved the sarcasm in her voice at times.
August 5, 2025
That was intense! hooked from the beginning, definitely check the trigger warnings. This is no for everyone. Feminine rage at full force, gruesome and captivating.
June 4, 2025
3.5 stars so close to being 4 stars. I just wasn't convinced on how she got hold of the 2 other guys so easily, but saying that I did enjoy the story behind the revenge and why she did it.
March 11, 2026
I've finished reading 'Taking Melody' written by T. L. MacRae. This is a splatterpunk novella that could also be categorized as extreme horror.
"I want them to think they have won. That I am nothing but a vulnerable, little baby animal caught in their trap."
I've read a splatterpunk/horror of MacRae before, that was a full sized book and not a novella like this. I loved that book (Beware the Rosemund Ripper), so I had high hopes for this one as well.
I wasn't dissapointed, although it doesn't have much depth in the most part. It's mostly gore, with mainly the epilogue and the prologue that sets the tone for why the gore happens.
"I've always thrown myself towards danger and wondered why I got hurt. I don't know how to stop. It's not bravery, it's stupidity."
The story is about Melody. It's written from her pov except for one chapter. That chapter is written from the pov of her abusive ex. It sets the tone for what gruesome things Melody had to endure before she got away. In this story she gets to get back at him and his abusive friends.
"One thing I have learned about violent men, they only learn through bigger acts of violence."
This story is about the marks both visible and invisible abuse leaves behind. It's about fighting back and finally being able to take matters into your own hands. It's a story about empowerment combined with a lot of bodily fluids. I would advice everybody to check the trigger warnings before reading, because this story really isn't for everyone.
I think it's a strong story, but could have had some more depth and an extra check for mistakes. So for me it's a 3,5/4 stars.
"I want them to think they have won. That I am nothing but a vulnerable, little baby animal caught in their trap."
I've read a splatterpunk/horror of MacRae before, that was a full sized book and not a novella like this. I loved that book (Beware the Rosemund Ripper), so I had high hopes for this one as well.
I wasn't dissapointed, although it doesn't have much depth in the most part. It's mostly gore, with mainly the epilogue and the prologue that sets the tone for why the gore happens.
"I've always thrown myself towards danger and wondered why I got hurt. I don't know how to stop. It's not bravery, it's stupidity."
The story is about Melody. It's written from her pov except for one chapter. That chapter is written from the pov of her abusive ex. It sets the tone for what gruesome things Melody had to endure before she got away. In this story she gets to get back at him and his abusive friends.
"One thing I have learned about violent men, they only learn through bigger acts of violence."
This story is about the marks both visible and invisible abuse leaves behind. It's about fighting back and finally being able to take matters into your own hands. It's a story about empowerment combined with a lot of bodily fluids. I would advice everybody to check the trigger warnings before reading, because this story really isn't for everyone.
I think it's a strong story, but could have had some more depth and an extra check for mistakes. So for me it's a 3,5/4 stars.
March 9, 2026
Taking Melody by Matt Shaw is one of those splatterpunk reads that is exactly as brutal and uncomfortable as you expect—but somehow still manages to hook you emotionally. Going in, I knew it would be graphic (it is a Splatterpunk novel after all), but I was surprised by how much tension and unease the story builds around Melody as a character.
What really worked for me was the way the story makes you feel the vulnerability of the situation. Melody isn’t just a name in a shocking premise—she feels like a real person caught in something terrifying, and that makes the horror hit harder. The book doesn’t shy away from the darkness, but it also keeps the focus on the fear, desperation, and the psychological weight of what’s happening.
That said, it’s definitely not a book for everyone. The violence and disturbing moments are very explicit, and there are scenes that are meant to make the reader uncomfortable. If you’re familiar with Matt Shaw’s work or enjoy splatterpunk, you probably already know what you’re getting into.
Overall, I gave this 4 stars because it’s a strong entry in the genre—tense, disturbing, and memorable. It’s not an easy read, but if you’re a fan of extreme horror, it definitely delivers.
What really worked for me was the way the story makes you feel the vulnerability of the situation. Melody isn’t just a name in a shocking premise—she feels like a real person caught in something terrifying, and that makes the horror hit harder. The book doesn’t shy away from the darkness, but it also keeps the focus on the fear, desperation, and the psychological weight of what’s happening.
That said, it’s definitely not a book for everyone. The violence and disturbing moments are very explicit, and there are scenes that are meant to make the reader uncomfortable. If you’re familiar with Matt Shaw’s work or enjoy splatterpunk, you probably already know what you’re getting into.
Overall, I gave this 4 stars because it’s a strong entry in the genre—tense, disturbing, and memorable. It’s not an easy read, but if you’re a fan of extreme horror, it definitely delivers.
April 19, 2026
There’s a very specific kind of horror that doesn’t just unsettle you it stares you down, dares you to flinch, and then punishes you when you do. Taking Melody lives in that space.This isn’t just splatterpunk. This is feminine rage sharpened into a weapon.From the first page, you feel it: the suffocating dread, the quiet terror of being watched, owned, hunted. Melody isn’t just running from a man she’s running from a system of control, obsession, and violence that feels terrifyingly real. And when the story pivots? When the fear turns into fury?
Yeah… that’s when it gets dangerous.
The brutality here isn’t just for shock (though it will shock you). It serves something deeper a transformation. A reclamation. A warning.
This is a story where:
* Love rots into possession
* Fear mutates into power
* And survival demands blood
By the end, it’s not about whether Melody escapes.
It’s about what she becomes when she stops trying to.
If you like your horror feral, uncomfortable, and fueled by vengeance, this one doesn’t just hit it hunts.
Yeah… that’s when it gets dangerous.
The brutality here isn’t just for shock (though it will shock you). It serves something deeper a transformation. A reclamation. A warning.
This is a story where:
* Love rots into possession
* Fear mutates into power
* And survival demands blood
By the end, it’s not about whether Melody escapes.
It’s about what she becomes when she stops trying to.
If you like your horror feral, uncomfortable, and fueled by vengeance, this one doesn’t just hit it hunts.
November 13, 2025
This is one of those stories that hits a little harder than you expect it to. It’s brutal, gory, and completely unflinching; but beneath all the blood and chaos, there’s something real there. Something that hurts.
There were moments that felt uncomfortably familiar, which made it hard to read at times, but I think that’s part of what makes it work. It doesn’t sugarcoat anything. It’s raw and angry, and you can feel every ounce of that in the writing.
That said, it’s not perfect; there are a few rough spots in the prose, and some parts could’ve been fleshed out more. But overall, it’s a solid, gut-punch of a story that sticks with you after you close the book.
Not for the faint of heart, and definitely not something I’d call “enjoyable,” but it made me feel something; and that counts for a lot.
There were moments that felt uncomfortably familiar, which made it hard to read at times, but I think that’s part of what makes it work. It doesn’t sugarcoat anything. It’s raw and angry, and you can feel every ounce of that in the writing.
That said, it’s not perfect; there are a few rough spots in the prose, and some parts could’ve been fleshed out more. But overall, it’s a solid, gut-punch of a story that sticks with you after you close the book.
Not for the faint of heart, and definitely not something I’d call “enjoyable,” but it made me feel something; and that counts for a lot.
April 7, 2026
as splatterpunk books go, this was a more tame one, in my opinion.
don't get me wrong, the whole severing cocks part(s) were delicious, in a non-unnaturally pink smoothie kind of way. but i just usually expect a little bit more.
that being said, the fact that melody had this in her, after fleeing and living on borrowed time for the last 5 years was pretty astounding. it's clearly not her first foray with abusive people, but to take 3 on, one who is described as a 6 foot tall, 6 foot wide brick shithouse, because of what they did to her and what they clearly planned on doing. well done. a vigilante crime i can get on board with.
if melody ever needs an alibi, let me know.
don't get me wrong, the whole severing cocks part(s) were delicious, in a non-unnaturally pink smoothie kind of way. but i just usually expect a little bit more.
that being said, the fact that melody had this in her, after fleeing and living on borrowed time for the last 5 years was pretty astounding. it's clearly not her first foray with abusive people, but to take 3 on, one who is described as a 6 foot tall, 6 foot wide brick shithouse, because of what they did to her and what they clearly planned on doing. well done. a vigilante crime i can get on board with.
if melody ever needs an alibi, let me know.
August 13, 2025
Do NOT read this book if you are squeamish. You have been warned.
Dude. This was so twisty.
Everything that has ever happened to Melody was absolutely heartbreaking. No one should ever have to go through any of that, or made to feel the way she was forced to because of someone else. That said…
Bitch. Yaasssss!!! Take back your life!
It was gory as hell, but it didn’t stop me from enjoying it. Have you seen the movie Promising Young Woman? This was that but with more vengeance. It was marvelous.
Dude. This was so twisty.
Everything that has ever happened to Melody was absolutely heartbreaking. No one should ever have to go through any of that, or made to feel the way she was forced to because of someone else. That said…
Bitch. Yaasssss!!! Take back your life!
It was gory as hell, but it didn’t stop me from enjoying it. Have you seen the movie Promising Young Woman? This was that but with more vengeance. It was marvelous.
October 31, 2026
Feminine rage!!!! Yes!!!! Men getting what they deserve?? YESSSS!!!!
Definitely gory and gruesome which I enjoyed.
I did have some ehh moments because things jumped so quickly that it was hard to keep up or I kept saying to myself “wait, wtf just happened” (not a plot twist, just things going from one thing to another in a blink of an eye), and also how things were getting repeated a lot.
Quick little gory read!
I maybe recommend this. Reading is subjective, so I encourage you to give this a read yourself! You might throughly enjoy it ❤️
Rating: 2.75
Definitely gory and gruesome which I enjoyed.
I did have some ehh moments because things jumped so quickly that it was hard to keep up or I kept saying to myself “wait, wtf just happened” (not a plot twist, just things going from one thing to another in a blink of an eye), and also how things were getting repeated a lot.
Quick little gory read!
I maybe recommend this. Reading is subjective, so I encourage you to give this a read yourself! You might throughly enjoy it ❤️
Rating: 2.75
November 1, 2026
If you want a book that will make you scream "good for her!" this is the book for you! I had such a fun time with this one! The violence is brutal, the gore is off the charts, and the punishments given to those who assaulted Melody were beautiful! These assholes deserved every bit that they got! The only problem I had was that the wording got a little redundant because it felt repeated at points, but that didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story! I can't wait to read more from this author!
October 11, 2025
Melody's abusive ex-boyfriend and his friends kidnap her with the intent to torture and kill her, but she ends up torturing them instead. This is not fun to read but it's short, brutal, and very satisfying. The few typos were distracting and I didn't like that the epilogue was in third person but I really do like this novella, and although I am in no hurry to read it again, I would be interested in reading more from T.L. MacRae.
October 27, 2025
TAKING MELODY
A SPLATTERPUNK NOVELLA BY T. L. MACRAE.
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s.
Blooming heck that's a trigger warning page and I dove straight in.
Trigger warning central right here.
This is a fast and quick read.
I do love myself a revenge story and this one had it all.
Do not let the pink cover deceive you this is a gory and sick splatterpunk and there's no pink or cute about it.
This book is NOT for the faint hearted.
Any extreme horror or splatterpunk fan will love this.
A SPLATTERPUNK NOVELLA BY T. L. MACRAE.
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s.
Blooming heck that's a trigger warning page and I dove straight in.
Trigger warning central right here.
This is a fast and quick read.
I do love myself a revenge story and this one had it all.
Do not let the pink cover deceive you this is a gory and sick splatterpunk and there's no pink or cute about it.
This book is NOT for the faint hearted.
Any extreme horror or splatterpunk fan will love this.
January 22, 2026
I went in blind and I'm glad I did. Make sure to check your trigger warnings! This novella kicks off in chaos and never lets up.
It's pure female rage, brutal and raw, with zero romance and all revenge. Melody doesn't just survive she burns the whole thing down. Pulled me right out of my book slump.
It's pure female rage, brutal and raw, with zero romance and all revenge. Melody doesn't just survive she burns the whole thing down. Pulled me right out of my book slump.
August 18, 2026
Extreme female rage at its finest!!
The book is short, but it packs a damn punch.
A story of revenge, that was cathartic to read. It’s a splatterpunk, no love, no spice, just trauma and revenge!
It’s gross and brutal and I loved it!! Melody is a badass fmc who gets her revenge in the most gratifying way 🤣
The book is short, but it packs a damn punch.
A story of revenge, that was cathartic to read. It’s a splatterpunk, no love, no spice, just trauma and revenge!
It’s gross and brutal and I loved it!! Melody is a badass fmc who gets her revenge in the most gratifying way 🤣
October 17, 2026
Listened to the audiobook version!!!!
NARRATION AND WRITING ARE PHENOMENAL!!!!!!
I won’t say too much but if you LOVE feminine wrath you NEED to read this one!! Revenge is best served…into a smoothie??
Also I loved how MacRae dissected the psychology of predator “friendships”, perfection!!
Super cathartic and gorey, perfect for a short read (or listen!)
NARRATION AND WRITING ARE PHENOMENAL!!!!!!
I won’t say too much but if you LOVE feminine wrath you NEED to read this one!! Revenge is best served…into a smoothie??
Also I loved how MacRae dissected the psychology of predator “friendships”, perfection!!
Super cathartic and gorey, perfect for a short read (or listen!)
November 1, 2026
What a read! Gory, bloody, nauseating, all wrapped with female revenge on the ones who have made her life a living hell. Check those trigger warnings and get ready to dive into a space where abuse, meets torture, meets vile acts and some people don't make it out alive.
The authors note definitely had me feeling sad knowing what they endured.
The authors note definitely had me feeling sad knowing what they endured.
June 29, 2025
You're thrown right in the middle of the action, so to speak, and this was a fun read.
Melody is abducted by her former lover, who wants to hurt her, together with his two best friends, but then the tables turn...
Melody is abducted by her former lover, who wants to hurt her, together with his two best friends, but then the tables turn...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews