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Apex Prey #1
Apex Prey: Polly: The prequel to Apex Prey
"While I lay in my crib, snuggling a filthy, torn teddy bear with blood stains, my father would punish my mother for birthing another whore he had to deal with. Another temptation that roamed around the house, as if he hadn’t had enough sorrow."
From the moment Polly is born, she is subjected to misogyny and abuse.
Brainwashed to stay young and beautiful, forced to witness her father's abuse of her older sister.
Her mother? Useless, prioritizing her own safety over that of her two daughters.
But how long can someone withstand such unrelenting abuse?
This is extreme horror. All warnings apply. 18+
From the moment Polly is born, she is subjected to misogyny and abuse.
Brainwashed to stay young and beautiful, forced to witness her father's abuse of her older sister.
Her mother? Useless, prioritizing her own safety over that of her two daughters.
But how long can someone withstand such unrelenting abuse?
This is extreme horror. All warnings apply. 18+
- GenresHorrorSplatterpunk
64 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 7, 2025
25 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Lesley A. Camphouse
24 books266 followersLesley lives secluded in the Netherlands with her husband and five cats. She enjoys writing Extreme Horror, Splatterpunk, and Dark Romantasy.
Besides writing, she likes to read, and those exact categories are the ones she devours.
She's also a hoarder of trinkets and cool things and collects a lot of stuff, from oddities and curiosities to manga, comics, and figurines.
Besides writing, she likes to read, and those exact categories are the ones she devours.
She's also a hoarder of trinkets and cool things and collects a lot of stuff, from oddities and curiosities to manga, comics, and figurines.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
June 14, 2025
Just… yeah. Every trigger warning. Every. Single. One.
This is the origin of Polly. And it’s as sickening, devastating, and infuriating as you’d imagine. Her father? Disgusting. Her neighbor? Disgusting. The men around her? Disgusting.
And yet, what makes this even more effective and maddening is how Camphouse captures Polly’s voice.
If you’ve read Camphouse's other work, you know this isn’t her usual writing style. But that’s what makes it SO GOOD. This is Polly’s POV, but it’s also her voice, unfiltered, raw, and unflinching.
We get a glimpse of Hazel again (angel), and it hurts. Even in this dark, repulsive spiral, there remains a tiny flicker of innocence, love for her sister, and desire to protect her.
You might read some parts and think, “Okay, that’s over the top” or “That wouldn’t happen.” But here’s the thing: it does. Every day. Maybe not in this exact way, but abuse, complicity, and silence are real.
And if you’ve played Borderlands 2? Polly is Tiny Tina with purple hair and a vendetta against pedos. And I support her GoFundMe.
November 7, 2025
This story is under 100 pages but it pulls no punches. I am heartbroken for Polly and Hazel. Absolutely disgusting fictional story about abuse that I wish I could say doesn't actually happen.
This is a pre-quel that is meant to give the reader a deeper glimpse into why Polly does what she does. And I won't lie, I get it girl. Make them all suffer.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
This is a pre-quel that is meant to give the reader a deeper glimpse into why Polly does what she does. And I won't lie, I get it girl. Make them all suffer.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
June 21, 2025
Polly and her humble beginnings. Dexter in the making.
Lesley did her big one with this book!
This book talks about Polly and her upbringing. We are introduced to a young Polly and we witness the events in her life that has shaped her. This book was very tough to read as it’s sick to think there are people in the world like this, but nowadays nothing surprises me.
While reading this book I felt all of the emotions hurt, pain, disappointment, heartbreak, and the main one fear. You’re supposed to feel safe with your parents in addition to that love but what happens when you’re not offered that? But the polar opposite?
Three words to describe this book: Dark, Scary and Tragic.
While reading this book I had a better understanding for Polly and really do empathize with her. Definitely read this book if you’ll like something quick and entertaining. Please make sure you take heed to the triggers.
Oh before I forget F*^k you Dad.
Thank you Lesley, for being so kind with providing me an ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily and all opinions are my own.
Lesley did her big one with this book!
This book talks about Polly and her upbringing. We are introduced to a young Polly and we witness the events in her life that has shaped her. This book was very tough to read as it’s sick to think there are people in the world like this, but nowadays nothing surprises me.
While reading this book I felt all of the emotions hurt, pain, disappointment, heartbreak, and the main one fear. You’re supposed to feel safe with your parents in addition to that love but what happens when you’re not offered that? But the polar opposite?
Three words to describe this book: Dark, Scary and Tragic.
While reading this book I had a better understanding for Polly and really do empathize with her. Definitely read this book if you’ll like something quick and entertaining. Please make sure you take heed to the triggers.
Oh before I forget F*^k you Dad.
Thank you Lesley, for being so kind with providing me an ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily and all opinions are my own.
June 22, 2025
Polly, Apex Prey and The Reaping - Lesley A. Camphouse @authorlacamphouse
This whole trilogy gets published on the 7th of July, 2025 so put this date on your calendar. 🤩
My heart goes out to Polly and her older sister Hazel who are being born in the vile family of a useless mother and a monstrosity as a father. Let me tell you that life didn’t treat them well, to put it extremely mild. This is the story of Polly, how she became the revengeful woman she is nowadays and her sense of justice towards minors being assaulted.
Hooked from chapter one, book one where Polly sees the light of day and meets her parents. I was so cringed by how Polly’s father treated his newborn child. Lesley always knows how to shock me to the core and it’s the best feeling hehe. We follow her through her earliest years and it was really interesting to learn more about it.
In book two Polly goes on a killing spree to hunt a specific ingredient she extracts from human bodies only to maintain a youthful appearance.
In book three Polly awakes from a coma in a hospital/asylum. She needs to break free from it to fulfill her promise to Dylan. That doesn’t happen without a few hitches getting in the way, but Polly is perfectly capable of dealing with that.
Brutally, bloody and wild!! 🔥🔥🔥I devoured everything Lesley came up with and the pacing is perfect as always. I’ve read each book in one sitting. Amazing how other storylines came together with Polly’s and my feeling says there’s more to come! Or is it just pure longing from my side? 😁🖤
Three more gems from Lesley A Camphouse’s brilliant mind. It almost gets monotone, but all the books in the trilogy get 5 stars from me.
This whole trilogy gets published on the 7th of July, 2025 so put this date on your calendar. 🤩
My heart goes out to Polly and her older sister Hazel who are being born in the vile family of a useless mother and a monstrosity as a father. Let me tell you that life didn’t treat them well, to put it extremely mild. This is the story of Polly, how she became the revengeful woman she is nowadays and her sense of justice towards minors being assaulted.
Hooked from chapter one, book one where Polly sees the light of day and meets her parents. I was so cringed by how Polly’s father treated his newborn child. Lesley always knows how to shock me to the core and it’s the best feeling hehe. We follow her through her earliest years and it was really interesting to learn more about it.
In book two Polly goes on a killing spree to hunt a specific ingredient she extracts from human bodies only to maintain a youthful appearance.
In book three Polly awakes from a coma in a hospital/asylum. She needs to break free from it to fulfill her promise to Dylan. That doesn’t happen without a few hitches getting in the way, but Polly is perfectly capable of dealing with that.
Brutally, bloody and wild!! 🔥🔥🔥I devoured everything Lesley came up with and the pacing is perfect as always. I’ve read each book in one sitting. Amazing how other storylines came together with Polly’s and my feeling says there’s more to come! Or is it just pure longing from my side? 😁🖤
Three more gems from Lesley A Camphouse’s brilliant mind. It almost gets monotone, but all the books in the trilogy get 5 stars from me.
June 11, 2025
The origin of an amazing preteen Femme Fatale!
This is where we begin we find out exactly why Polly is the fantastic character she is in Apex Prey
At the start I really felt for the mother but in true Lesley fashion everyone apart from the main character is awful and you soon find out why!
The glimmer of hope in this book is Pollys older sister who tries to protect her but with a father like theirs in all honesty they never stood a chance.
The pacing to this book is incredible I was honoured to Beta Read this but my thoughts and feelings are my own
This is where we begin we find out exactly why Polly is the fantastic character she is in Apex Prey
At the start I really felt for the mother but in true Lesley fashion everyone apart from the main character is awful and you soon find out why!
The glimmer of hope in this book is Pollys older sister who tries to protect her but with a father like theirs in all honesty they never stood a chance.
The pacing to this book is incredible I was honoured to Beta Read this but my thoughts and feelings are my own
June 22, 2025
Oh maaaaan this was rough and it’s so sad to know that even tho all of this seems extreme.. it actually happens to kids in real life. I♥️Polly!
July 27, 2025
➡️ɢʀᴀʙ ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ:
° Like your horror raw and unflinching
° Want to know what shapes a monster
° Know female rage stories fuel your dark heart
° Prefer quick, gut-punch reads over drawn-out plots
➡️ɪᴛ'ꜱ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ:
Polly is born into hell. A father who sees his daughters as sin, a mother who looks the other way, and a home soaked in fear. Violence, control, and obsession with beauty shape her childhood—and something inside Polly finally snaps. This is how monsters are made.
➡️ᴛʜʀɪʟʟ-ᴏ-ᴍᴇᴛᴇʀ: 🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵
Okay, let’s talk about Lesley A Camphouse for a sec—because this author gets it. No fluff. No wasted pages. Just pure story that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go. This one is short but devastating, and I mean that in the best way.
This isn’t just shock horror. It’s a deep dive into how trauma breeds rage—and what happens when someone finally takes control in the most brutal way possible. Yes, it’s uncomfortable. Yes, it’s extreme. But it’s also real. Sadly, what Polly went through isn’t fantasy for so many kids.
What hit me hardest? How her pain morphed into this obsessive need for control over her body and image—because when the world takes everything, you cling to what you can. It broke my heart and fired me up all at once.
If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if *Dexter* was a woman who turned her trauma into something dark and violent, this is your book. I inhaled it in one sitting and now I need the rest of this series like yesterday.
° Like your horror raw and unflinching
° Want to know what shapes a monster
° Know female rage stories fuel your dark heart
° Prefer quick, gut-punch reads over drawn-out plots
➡️ɪᴛ'ꜱ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ:
Polly is born into hell. A father who sees his daughters as sin, a mother who looks the other way, and a home soaked in fear. Violence, control, and obsession with beauty shape her childhood—and something inside Polly finally snaps. This is how monsters are made.
➡️ᴛʜʀɪʟʟ-ᴏ-ᴍᴇᴛᴇʀ: 🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵
Okay, let’s talk about Lesley A Camphouse for a sec—because this author gets it. No fluff. No wasted pages. Just pure story that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go. This one is short but devastating, and I mean that in the best way.
This isn’t just shock horror. It’s a deep dive into how trauma breeds rage—and what happens when someone finally takes control in the most brutal way possible. Yes, it’s uncomfortable. Yes, it’s extreme. But it’s also real. Sadly, what Polly went through isn’t fantasy for so many kids.
What hit me hardest? How her pain morphed into this obsessive need for control over her body and image—because when the world takes everything, you cling to what you can. It broke my heart and fired me up all at once.
If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if *Dexter* was a woman who turned her trauma into something dark and violent, this is your book. I inhaled it in one sitting and now I need the rest of this series like yesterday.
June 20, 2025
Polly is one of my favourite extreme horror characters and I was absolutely ecstatic to find out she was getting a prequel!
In Apex Prey, we learn that she had a dark childhood, but in Polly, we learn just how horrific it really was.
Her sister, Hazel, is an absolute saint, a light in Polly’s terrible life, and her story is heartbreaking.
This prequel is raw and emotional, it still has the level of gore you would expect from one of Lesley’s books, but this time it’s not the main event. Polly has always been a morally ambiguous character, and this book serves as a way to tip the scale further into the direction of sympathy.
*I was kindly gifted an ARC from the author*
In Apex Prey, we learn that she had a dark childhood, but in Polly, we learn just how horrific it really was.
Her sister, Hazel, is an absolute saint, a light in Polly’s terrible life, and her story is heartbreaking.
This prequel is raw and emotional, it still has the level of gore you would expect from one of Lesley’s books, but this time it’s not the main event. Polly has always been a morally ambiguous character, and this book serves as a way to tip the scale further into the direction of sympathy.
*I was kindly gifted an ARC from the author*
July 5, 2025
I went in expecting loads of violence (and Camphouse delivered). What I didn't expect was for this to be so emotional. Like, this is proper fucking sad. I really love Hazel; her protectiveness was a bit of a stab in the heart.
This sure is one hell of an origin story. We really got a fucked up one on every single aspect. I'm very excited to be reading more of Polly's revenge!
This sure is one hell of an origin story. We really got a fucked up one on every single aspect. I'm very excited to be reading more of Polly's revenge!
June 19, 2025
Again a novella packed a punch. Full of all the triggers.
I just didn’t find it as good as the first. Maybe as it repeated itself a bit.
I just didn’t find it as good as the first. Maybe as it repeated itself a bit.
June 14, 2025
While I lay in my crib, snuggling a filthy, torn teddy bear with blood stains my father punishes my mother for birthing another whore he had to deal with…”
Yep, and with a line like that, if its written by Lesley Camphouse you know its gonna be LIT
The prequel to end all prequels...and boy did lesley give us a treat with Apex Prey Polly! God damn I devoured this novella all within one sitting, loved it, and wanted more!!! You guys, this story is the "birth of a nightmare"
Polly is the long-awaited prequel to Apex Prey, and let me tell you, I inhaled this novella like it was my last meal on death row. Honestly, after reading it, I feel like I belong on death row, too.
From the moment baby Polly opens her eyes, the world around her is nothing but pain, blood, manipulation, and mascara-streaked betrayal.
Her dad? Human trash that needs to be doused with gasoline and set on fire.
Her mom? She's about as useless as tits on a fkn bull!
And pls whatever you do, DONT GET ME STARTED ON THE SISTER TRAUMA. You would wish you were dead if you came out Ugly...
But... buried beneath all this depravity, death, and mayhem was something that truly gripped me.
It broke my heart. It was grotesque. It was so messed up that I couldn’t look away. I kept thinking to myself “What the hell, Lesley?” while simultaneously flipping pages like a demon at a buffet.
💀 Warning: This book is not for the fainthearted, the easily offended, or anyone who’s ever said “I don’t like horror, but I liked The Haunting of Hill House.” Haha, no chance.
This is for all the unhinged readers who read Apex Prey and said “Yes lesley, I’ll have seconds.”
Polly is raw, relentless, and absolutely unforgettable. A solid 5 ⭐️ to Lesley, who’s quickly becoming one of my favourite extreme indie horror authors of the century.
Yep, and with a line like that, if its written by Lesley Camphouse you know its gonna be LIT
The prequel to end all prequels...and boy did lesley give us a treat with Apex Prey Polly! God damn I devoured this novella all within one sitting, loved it, and wanted more!!! You guys, this story is the "birth of a nightmare"
Polly is the long-awaited prequel to Apex Prey, and let me tell you, I inhaled this novella like it was my last meal on death row. Honestly, after reading it, I feel like I belong on death row, too.
From the moment baby Polly opens her eyes, the world around her is nothing but pain, blood, manipulation, and mascara-streaked betrayal.
Her dad? Human trash that needs to be doused with gasoline and set on fire.
Her mom? She's about as useless as tits on a fkn bull!
And pls whatever you do, DONT GET ME STARTED ON THE SISTER TRAUMA. You would wish you were dead if you came out Ugly...
But... buried beneath all this depravity, death, and mayhem was something that truly gripped me.
It broke my heart. It was grotesque. It was so messed up that I couldn’t look away. I kept thinking to myself “What the hell, Lesley?” while simultaneously flipping pages like a demon at a buffet.
💀 Warning: This book is not for the fainthearted, the easily offended, or anyone who’s ever said “I don’t like horror, but I liked The Haunting of Hill House.” Haha, no chance.
This is for all the unhinged readers who read Apex Prey and said “Yes lesley, I’ll have seconds.”
Polly is raw, relentless, and absolutely unforgettable. A solid 5 ⭐️ to Lesley, who’s quickly becoming one of my favourite extreme indie horror authors of the century.
October 15, 2025
Everyone but Polly and Hazel... Fuck you.
It begins with Triggers warnings that are... TRIGGER WARNINGS
Just.. Yeah.
I read them and paused to see if I'm ready for this and clearly I took the leap and despite how I hated all the adults and how everything was just so sad (despite future revenge or retribution) I flew through this short read.
We get Pollys origin through Pollys pov. And it's sickening and infuriating and gut wrenching to read about these kids being surrounded by disgusting... Everyone.
Father? Disgusting. Mother? Disgusting.
Neighbour? Disgusting.
The men around her? Can you guess...Disgusting
Which might be too simple a word to describe them..
Begins with Pollys birth and for this fucked up 'family' instead of celebrating the new member, father aka flesh bag of crap take this moment to be misogynistc and pedophilic towards newborn Polly that is continued throughout her entire upbringing.
The casual cruelty from birth was so shocking like a slap to face it opened the novella well yet at the same time I can picture these.. Words coming from a man with a pulse.
You can feel alot reading this especially as the thoughts about this unfortunately taking place in the real world is in the back of your head throughout.
I felt a little sympathy at first towards the mother but it was hard to hold onto literally only a few pages later...
. A mother who looks the other way
. And also holds hateful thoughts and behaviours
Oh god.. Hazel..
Her scenes felt so devasting to read (of course so did every other scene) but you could tell despite being twisted to a mauled frail thing never seen as a child who deserves to be protected and loved she did however love her younger sister and desired to protect her.
Finally Polly takes control in the way she she knows how by using the trauma her parents forced upon her to her aid which ends brutally and fatally for others.
Yet despite being away from the sick fuck, she is stuck with some of his 'teachings' regarding youth and appearance morphing into an obsessive need for control over her body and image.
When Polly did make her first kills, there was something so sad about it, not because I care about the perverted monsters but personally I thought there were moments that despite the violence were childlike. A strange contrast.
Or perhaps the actions were just moments of further crumbling mind so it just feels abit misplaced in the moment when in control.
A good level of gore as I expected.
It begins with Triggers warnings that are... TRIGGER WARNINGS
Just.. Yeah.
I read them and paused to see if I'm ready for this and clearly I took the leap and despite how I hated all the adults and how everything was just so sad (despite future revenge or retribution) I flew through this short read.
We get Pollys origin through Pollys pov. And it's sickening and infuriating and gut wrenching to read about these kids being surrounded by disgusting... Everyone.
Father? Disgusting. Mother? Disgusting.
Neighbour? Disgusting.
The men around her? Can you guess...Disgusting
Which might be too simple a word to describe them..
Begins with Pollys birth and for this fucked up 'family' instead of celebrating the new member, father aka flesh bag of crap take this moment to be misogynistc and pedophilic towards newborn Polly that is continued throughout her entire upbringing.
The casual cruelty from birth was so shocking like a slap to face it opened the novella well yet at the same time I can picture these.. Words coming from a man with a pulse.
You can feel alot reading this especially as the thoughts about this unfortunately taking place in the real world is in the back of your head throughout.
I felt a little sympathy at first towards the mother but it was hard to hold onto literally only a few pages later...
. A mother who looks the other way
. And also holds hateful thoughts and behaviours
Oh god.. Hazel..
Her scenes felt so devasting to read (of course so did every other scene) but you could tell despite being twisted to a mauled frail thing never seen as a child who deserves to be protected and loved she did however love her younger sister and desired to protect her.
Finally Polly takes control in the way she she knows how by using the trauma her parents forced upon her to her aid which ends brutally and fatally for others.
Yet despite being away from the sick fuck, she is stuck with some of his 'teachings' regarding youth and appearance morphing into an obsessive need for control over her body and image.
When Polly did make her first kills, there was something so sad about it, not because I care about the perverted monsters but personally I thought there were moments that despite the violence were childlike. A strange contrast.
Or perhaps the actions were just moments of further crumbling mind so it just feels abit misplaced in the moment when in control.
A good level of gore as I expected.
June 18, 2025
Apex Prey Polly by Lesley A. Camphouse
4.5/5 ⭐ (rounded up)
Jesus Christ, what a wild ride.
This is a prequel story, but the third in a trilogy and my first foray into the character (minus 1 or 2 cameos) and I am glad I got to start at her start.
From page 1, we meet Polly in the delivery room and the depravity, debauchery and disgust begins and it doesn't let up. I had to set it down a couple of times and question who I was as an individual, but that's what extreme horror is supposed to do; Yet, in a subgenre that is - in my opinion - extremely oversaturated at the moment, Lesley creates characters you feel for with her masterfully crafted prose that I just can't seem to get enough. All I wanted to do the entire time was give Polly the biggest fucking hug.
This is my third reading of Lesley Camphouse and I have to say, where have you been? Lesley has sliced her way into the extreme horror scene like a straight razor and I absolutely cannot get enough of her. If you like extreme horror and you haven't read Lesley Camphouse, what the fuck are you doing with your life.
If anyone has watched the show How I Met Your Mother they may be familiar with an episode where Barney Stinson talks about his Get Psyched Mix which is his "perfect playlist" of songs. Most people think the perfect mix has rise and fall, but Barney argues that the perfect playlist is all rise. That it starts high and and keeps going. I am forever thinking of this episode when I read her books.
No wasted words, just non-stop violent progression and I have not tired of it one bit.
Definietly grabbing the other 2 ASAP
Don't fucking sleep on Camphouse.
4.5/5 ⭐ (rounded up)
Jesus Christ, what a wild ride.
This is a prequel story, but the third in a trilogy and my first foray into the character (minus 1 or 2 cameos) and I am glad I got to start at her start.
From page 1, we meet Polly in the delivery room and the depravity, debauchery and disgust begins and it doesn't let up. I had to set it down a couple of times and question who I was as an individual, but that's what extreme horror is supposed to do; Yet, in a subgenre that is - in my opinion - extremely oversaturated at the moment, Lesley creates characters you feel for with her masterfully crafted prose that I just can't seem to get enough. All I wanted to do the entire time was give Polly the biggest fucking hug.
This is my third reading of Lesley Camphouse and I have to say, where have you been? Lesley has sliced her way into the extreme horror scene like a straight razor and I absolutely cannot get enough of her. If you like extreme horror and you haven't read Lesley Camphouse, what the fuck are you doing with your life.
If anyone has watched the show How I Met Your Mother they may be familiar with an episode where Barney Stinson talks about his Get Psyched Mix which is his "perfect playlist" of songs. Most people think the perfect mix has rise and fall, but Barney argues that the perfect playlist is all rise. That it starts high and and keeps going. I am forever thinking of this episode when I read her books.
No wasted words, just non-stop violent progression and I have not tired of it one bit.
Definietly grabbing the other 2 ASAP
Don't fucking sleep on Camphouse.
July 5, 2025
4.5 rounded down
From the day Polly was born, she was doomed. An abusive father who ran the household and a mother who looked the other way, Polly was exposed to horrible people and behaviors. But as Polly grows up, she finds her voice and tries to find a way to get out.
MY THOUGHTS
This book was so messed up. Lots of child abuse, sexual abuse, violence, etc. Since we know how Polly ended up later in life, it’s no surprise to learn she had a shitty ass childhood from the day she was born.
I liked that the book began with her birth. I liked hearing Polly’s thoughts as a newborn and infant just because it’s a different and interesting POV giving conscious adult thoughts to a small human who doesn’t know anything yet and is just observing the world around her.
Getting some insight to her sister Hazel was really sad. It really showed the messed up dynamic of the home between the three women: the mom, Hazel and Polly. Everybody ruled by and terrified by the father.
I kind of think Polly’s parents got off east as far as what happens with them. After the years of abuse and neglect and psychological damage, I would want the parents to suffer.
I think the ending was kind of abrupt, but I loved seeing Polly escalate and change over the years and also learning how she channeled all her trauma. She survived her childhood and turned into such a predator herself. She’s a vigilante of sorts which then ties in perfectly with Apex Prey. Another disturbingly great little novella by Camphouse completed! Now I need to read Reaping to finish out the trilogy!
From the day Polly was born, she was doomed. An abusive father who ran the household and a mother who looked the other way, Polly was exposed to horrible people and behaviors. But as Polly grows up, she finds her voice and tries to find a way to get out.
MY THOUGHTS
This book was so messed up. Lots of child abuse, sexual abuse, violence, etc. Since we know how Polly ended up later in life, it’s no surprise to learn she had a shitty ass childhood from the day she was born.
I liked that the book began with her birth. I liked hearing Polly’s thoughts as a newborn and infant just because it’s a different and interesting POV giving conscious adult thoughts to a small human who doesn’t know anything yet and is just observing the world around her.
Getting some insight to her sister Hazel was really sad. It really showed the messed up dynamic of the home between the three women: the mom, Hazel and Polly. Everybody ruled by and terrified by the father.
I kind of think Polly’s parents got off east as far as what happens with them. After the years of abuse and neglect and psychological damage, I would want the parents to suffer.
I think the ending was kind of abrupt, but I loved seeing Polly escalate and change over the years and also learning how she channeled all her trauma. She survived her childhood and turned into such a predator herself. She’s a vigilante of sorts which then ties in perfectly with Apex Prey. Another disturbingly great little novella by Camphouse completed! Now I need to read Reaping to finish out the trilogy!
June 24, 2025
(3.5 rounded up because Polly earned it)
ARC provided via Facebook—and wow, I was not ready.
Apex Prey: Polly is the kind of book that sinks its teeth in and doesn’t let go, even when you’re clawing to come up for air. It tells the story of Polly and her older sister, two girls enduring the absolute worst humanity has to offer—until Polly decides to fight back.
Let me be real: the first two-thirds were brutal. I almost DNF’d—not because of bad writing (it’s actually really well-written and the characterization is solid!), but because the subject matter is heavy as hell. Like, heavier than The Girl Next Door by Jack Ketchum heavy. That’s saying something.
But here’s the thing: it never felt gratuitous. The author cuts away at key moments of sexual violence, focusing instead on the psychological damage of growing up in a world where no one protects you. And damn, does that hit hard. I had to keep reminding myself, Polly gets revenge. Just hold on. She’s coming.
And then—oh baby—the final third? Cathartic, grim, a little feral. I loved it.
This is apparently a prequel, so yes, I read the series out of order. But now I’m all in. Polly’s out here cleaning house, and I cannot wait to read more as she takes out the trash one evil man at a time.
Just…maybe don’t read it before bed. Or on a bad mental health day. Or with your dad in the room. You’ve been warned.
ARC provided via Facebook—and wow, I was not ready.
Apex Prey: Polly is the kind of book that sinks its teeth in and doesn’t let go, even when you’re clawing to come up for air. It tells the story of Polly and her older sister, two girls enduring the absolute worst humanity has to offer—until Polly decides to fight back.
Let me be real: the first two-thirds were brutal. I almost DNF’d—not because of bad writing (it’s actually really well-written and the characterization is solid!), but because the subject matter is heavy as hell. Like, heavier than The Girl Next Door by Jack Ketchum heavy. That’s saying something.
But here’s the thing: it never felt gratuitous. The author cuts away at key moments of sexual violence, focusing instead on the psychological damage of growing up in a world where no one protects you. And damn, does that hit hard. I had to keep reminding myself, Polly gets revenge. Just hold on. She’s coming.
And then—oh baby—the final third? Cathartic, grim, a little feral. I loved it.
This is apparently a prequel, so yes, I read the series out of order. But now I’m all in. Polly’s out here cleaning house, and I cannot wait to read more as she takes out the trash one evil man at a time.
Just…maybe don’t read it before bed. Or on a bad mental health day. Or with your dad in the room. You’ve been warned.
July 5, 2025
ARC REVIEW “APEX PREY:POLLY” 💟🌪️ Book 1 from Apex Prey Trilogy
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book follows Polly’s life since birth until 18 years old. She is growing up in a traumatic and sick household, the dad is sick in his head and abuse his children and his wife. He is a misogynist and I wanted everytime to hit his head. He is doing terrible things to his family and Polly is growing sick with his ass. She is smart, planning all the things calculated, researching on website her plan to get rid of her abusive father and jealous and ignorant mother and she succeed. But they raised a beast with pure hatred in her veins.
This book was so disturbing, but only Lesley could write this kind of books with heavy topics but funny and sassy thoughts. Her writing style is purely amazing and I love how deep she is describing the character’s feelings, actions and contexts. Even it is extreme horror genre and I am still not 100% familiar with it I still read so fast Lesley’s books. The storyline makes me to still read the books and curious about what will happen next.
After reading The Communion Duet this one is more… okay. I dived blind in those books and one trigger warning for the list made me not eating the whole day but it’s okay that’s how we realize how intense the books are and perfect for horror fans.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book follows Polly’s life since birth until 18 years old. She is growing up in a traumatic and sick household, the dad is sick in his head and abuse his children and his wife. He is a misogynist and I wanted everytime to hit his head. He is doing terrible things to his family and Polly is growing sick with his ass. She is smart, planning all the things calculated, researching on website her plan to get rid of her abusive father and jealous and ignorant mother and she succeed. But they raised a beast with pure hatred in her veins.
This book was so disturbing, but only Lesley could write this kind of books with heavy topics but funny and sassy thoughts. Her writing style is purely amazing and I love how deep she is describing the character’s feelings, actions and contexts. Even it is extreme horror genre and I am still not 100% familiar with it I still read so fast Lesley’s books. The storyline makes me to still read the books and curious about what will happen next.
After reading The Communion Duet this one is more… okay. I dived blind in those books and one trigger warning for the list made me not eating the whole day but it’s okay that’s how we realize how intense the books are and perfect for horror fans.
June 30, 2025
Alex Prey: Polly by Lesley A. Camphouse
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is the prequel to Alex Prey, and now I have to hurry and read books 2&3, because this one blew me away!!
This is definitely a brutal and extreme short horror story! Lots of devastating scenes that left me emotionally raw and drained from reading this book.
Polly was brought into this world with a sad and horribly twisted family. The abuse Polly and her sister, Hazel, endured was inexcusable. This type of abuse and trauma can often lead a child to wither away in despair, but not Polly. Polly decided that she would make changes in her life and make the world a better place. This story is told from Polly’s POV from just coming out of the womb, and as she grows up.
Thank you to Lesley Camphouse for an arc of this crazy and dark book. There’s a lot that’s packed into 64 pages! The way that Lesley can write and tell such deep, dark and intense stories is amazing!
Books-
Apex Prey: Polly
Apex Prey
Apex Prey: The Reaping
All 3 books come out July 7th! I’m so excited to read 2 & 3! I’m totally invested in Polly!
💉🩸🔨*check for triggers!* 🔨🩸💉
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is the prequel to Alex Prey, and now I have to hurry and read books 2&3, because this one blew me away!!
This is definitely a brutal and extreme short horror story! Lots of devastating scenes that left me emotionally raw and drained from reading this book.
Polly was brought into this world with a sad and horribly twisted family. The abuse Polly and her sister, Hazel, endured was inexcusable. This type of abuse and trauma can often lead a child to wither away in despair, but not Polly. Polly decided that she would make changes in her life and make the world a better place. This story is told from Polly’s POV from just coming out of the womb, and as she grows up.
Thank you to Lesley Camphouse for an arc of this crazy and dark book. There’s a lot that’s packed into 64 pages! The way that Lesley can write and tell such deep, dark and intense stories is amazing!
Books-
Apex Prey: Polly
Apex Prey
Apex Prey: The Reaping
All 3 books come out July 7th! I’m so excited to read 2 & 3! I’m totally invested in Polly!
💉🩸🔨*check for triggers!* 🔨🩸💉
June 16, 2025
Ooooft!!!!!!
Well that was just intense, insane, and down right crazy.
Apex Prey: Polly is the prequel the world has been waiting for.
‘Polly is a fucking whore’s name’….the opening line sets the stall out early and just continues to build as we learn the origins of Polly’s rage.
Dragged up (you can’t really call it raised) by a deplorable father, and a mother who you initially feel sorry for; Polly is subject to the most sickening and depraved childhood…one that you can’t possibly imagine. However as she turns to adulthood she starts to plot her revenge on her parents. She preys on her father’s infatuation with her and he finds himself inadvertently being groomed by his own flesh and blood.
The sad reality of this book is that the situations discussed actually happen in some households and when you think about that it makes for quite a sad story as well.
Take heed of the trigger warnings. This really isn’t for the faint hearted.
Lesley, you’ve done it again with aplomb. Bring on part 3!!!!
5⭐️
Well that was just intense, insane, and down right crazy.
Apex Prey: Polly is the prequel the world has been waiting for.
‘Polly is a fucking whore’s name’….the opening line sets the stall out early and just continues to build as we learn the origins of Polly’s rage.
Dragged up (you can’t really call it raised) by a deplorable father, and a mother who you initially feel sorry for; Polly is subject to the most sickening and depraved childhood…one that you can’t possibly imagine. However as she turns to adulthood she starts to plot her revenge on her parents. She preys on her father’s infatuation with her and he finds himself inadvertently being groomed by his own flesh and blood.
The sad reality of this book is that the situations discussed actually happen in some households and when you think about that it makes for quite a sad story as well.
Take heed of the trigger warnings. This really isn’t for the faint hearted.
Lesley, you’ve done it again with aplomb. Bring on part 3!!!!
5⭐️
June 17, 2025
This is the origin story to eviscerate all other origin stories! It reanimated my cold dead heart then ripped it clear out of my chest and stomped all over it.
Polly doesn’t stand a chance from the literal moment she’s born; degraded, abused and used for others pleasure, especially her sick father. Her unbelievably cruel and deeply disturbing upbringing twists her into an incendiary ball of feminine fury, determined to take from men way more than they ever took from her.
Lesley Camphouse has the ability to get into your brain and make it their new home. Like all of their books; every scene is a white knuckle ride I’m never fully prepared for. I could feel the terror radiating from the pages and wrapping round me like a toxic embrace I never wanted to end. I’m a relatively new Camphouse reader but I can say, with all certainty, that I’m here to stay!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
Polly doesn’t stand a chance from the literal moment she’s born; degraded, abused and used for others pleasure, especially her sick father. Her unbelievably cruel and deeply disturbing upbringing twists her into an incendiary ball of feminine fury, determined to take from men way more than they ever took from her.
Lesley Camphouse has the ability to get into your brain and make it their new home. Like all of their books; every scene is a white knuckle ride I’m never fully prepared for. I could feel the terror radiating from the pages and wrapping round me like a toxic embrace I never wanted to end. I’m a relatively new Camphouse reader but I can say, with all certainty, that I’m here to stay!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
June 20, 2025
Lesley Camphouse is quickly becoming a favorite extreme horror author of mine! I was honored to receive an ARC of this little book. This is the prequel to Apex Prey. This details Polly's horrific childhood, shaping her into the person she is today. Make sure to read the trigger warnings because this book is very graphic. A few times I stopped and read something milder as a "palette cleanser" before getting back to it. Polly is a very strong character and you'll find yourself rooting for her and cheering her on.
June 22, 2025
Heartbreakingly Brutal and Intensely Inflaming!
Polly is the apple of her daddy Rex’s eye, worthy of his sick twisted ‘love.’ Hazel is the “sore spot” of her daddy Rex’s eye, worthy of his loathing. Polly and Hazel are both subjected to vicious abuses by those who were supposed to protect and nurture them. Vile birds of a feather flock together! The extreme trauma embeds itself into the recesses of Polly’s mind, unleashing an APEX PREY.
Lesley Camphouse’s writing grabs me by the trachea, forbidding breath intake, then releasing the hold shortly before I pass out, only to do it over and over again! Yet, I will continue to enter Camphouse’s world with awe and caution.🖤 And..I am obsessed with the cover!💜💖
Polly is the apple of her daddy Rex’s eye, worthy of his sick twisted ‘love.’ Hazel is the “sore spot” of her daddy Rex’s eye, worthy of his loathing. Polly and Hazel are both subjected to vicious abuses by those who were supposed to protect and nurture them. Vile birds of a feather flock together! The extreme trauma embeds itself into the recesses of Polly’s mind, unleashing an APEX PREY.
Lesley Camphouse’s writing grabs me by the trachea, forbidding breath intake, then releasing the hold shortly before I pass out, only to do it over and over again! Yet, I will continue to enter Camphouse’s world with awe and caution.🖤 And..I am obsessed with the cover!💜💖
October 3, 2025
Lesley Camphouse pulls no punches in this gritty, unapologetic prequel. Polly lays the foundation for the Apex Prey trilogy, setting the stage with a chilling blend of psychological darkness, raw survival, and human vulnerability that will stick in your bones.
Polly’s story is 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁. From the very beginning, it drags you into the shadows of her world a place riddled with control, brutality, and the fight to claw back even a sliver of freedom. It’s a haunting glimpse into the trauma that shapes her, the choices she’s forced to make, and the resilience that starts to burn inside her like a spark waiting to ignite.
This prequel works so well because it humanizes Polly before the storm of the trilogy fully breaks loose. You feel her fear, her rage, her despair and by the end, you’re left with that tight, breathless anticipation of what’s to come when the hunt of Apex Prey truly begins.
🥀 Dark, psychological intensity
A raw, emotional deep-dive into Polly’s backstory
The perfect setup for Book 1 of the trilogy
⚠️ Warning: Please check all trigger warnings before diving it, this one gets dark and heavy, and it does not shy away from brutality.
A gripping, unnerving read that primes you for the full brutality and brilliance of Apex Prey. Camphouse doesn’t coddle her readers, she prepares you for war.
Polly’s story is 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁. From the very beginning, it drags you into the shadows of her world a place riddled with control, brutality, and the fight to claw back even a sliver of freedom. It’s a haunting glimpse into the trauma that shapes her, the choices she’s forced to make, and the resilience that starts to burn inside her like a spark waiting to ignite.
This prequel works so well because it humanizes Polly before the storm of the trilogy fully breaks loose. You feel her fear, her rage, her despair and by the end, you’re left with that tight, breathless anticipation of what’s to come when the hunt of Apex Prey truly begins.
🥀 Dark, psychological intensity
A raw, emotional deep-dive into Polly’s backstory
The perfect setup for Book 1 of the trilogy
⚠️ Warning: Please check all trigger warnings before diving it, this one gets dark and heavy, and it does not shy away from brutality.
A gripping, unnerving read that primes you for the full brutality and brilliance of Apex Prey. Camphouse doesn’t coddle her readers, she prepares you for war.
December 7, 2025
A brutal, unflinching descent into extreme horror.
From the moment Polly enters the world—cradling a filthy, bloodstained teddy bear while her father punishes her mother for giving birth to “another temptation”—you know this book isn’t holding anything back. What follows is a harrowing, deeply disturbing portrait of misogyny, control, and generational abuse.
Polly and Hazel suffer in different ways, and the story makes you question whether Hazel’s fate is truly the lesser of two evils. Brainwashed to stay young and beautiful, forced to witness her father’s violence, and abandoned emotionally by a mother who chooses her own safety over her daughters', Polly grows up trapped in a nightmare she’s expected to survive quietly.
But Polly doesn’t stay quiet. Her strength, resilience, and determination to expose and take down child predators becomes the heartbeat of the story—dark, powerful, and impossible to look away from.
This is extreme horror in every sense. It’s graphic, triggering, and emotionally punishing, but also gripping and unforgettable.
*****Please read all trigger warnings before reading*****
From the moment Polly enters the world—cradling a filthy, bloodstained teddy bear while her father punishes her mother for giving birth to “another temptation”—you know this book isn’t holding anything back. What follows is a harrowing, deeply disturbing portrait of misogyny, control, and generational abuse.
Polly and Hazel suffer in different ways, and the story makes you question whether Hazel’s fate is truly the lesser of two evils. Brainwashed to stay young and beautiful, forced to witness her father’s violence, and abandoned emotionally by a mother who chooses her own safety over her daughters', Polly grows up trapped in a nightmare she’s expected to survive quietly.
But Polly doesn’t stay quiet. Her strength, resilience, and determination to expose and take down child predators becomes the heartbeat of the story—dark, powerful, and impossible to look away from.
This is extreme horror in every sense. It’s graphic, triggering, and emotionally punishing, but also gripping and unforgettable.
*****Please read all trigger warnings before reading*****
June 12, 2025
OH MY GAWWWW. I finished this early ARC and Polly did not just crawl into my mind—she burned it down, rearranged the ashes, and whispered, "See me now?"
This prequel… It tore into me. Lesley had the audacity—the poetic, blood-stained guts—to write trauma with a blade so sharp it glints in the moonlight. This isn’t just backstory. This is a reckoning.
Polly’s origin is brutal, unflinching, and deeply uncomfortable. The misogyny, the manipulation, the insidious way trauma ferments in a house that smells of secrets and silence—every page made me want to time-travel and throw hands on Polly’s behalf.
💥 Polly is NOT a victim trope. She is forged. She is simmering. She is the final girl you pray doesn’t turn around and see you watching. And this prequel is the key that unlocks her madness, her fire, her inevitable snap!
Lesley, you are a BADASS. Your stories crawl under my skin and make a nest there and I am a willing host. Just pure, feral brilliance.
This prequel… It tore into me. Lesley had the audacity—the poetic, blood-stained guts—to write trauma with a blade so sharp it glints in the moonlight. This isn’t just backstory. This is a reckoning.
Polly’s origin is brutal, unflinching, and deeply uncomfortable. The misogyny, the manipulation, the insidious way trauma ferments in a house that smells of secrets and silence—every page made me want to time-travel and throw hands on Polly’s behalf.
💥 Polly is NOT a victim trope. She is forged. She is simmering. She is the final girl you pray doesn’t turn around and see you watching. And this prequel is the key that unlocks her madness, her fire, her inevitable snap!
Lesley, you are a BADASS. Your stories crawl under my skin and make a nest there and I am a willing host. Just pure, feral brilliance.
June 28, 2025
Truly i can’t imagine a life so horrible from birth, and the only thing saving her, if you can call it as such is her beauty?
I feel bad for Hazel😭 seriously she didn’t deserve any of what happened to her, she’s the loveliest, always there for her sister, Polly unlike their mother who should’ve been there for both of them from the start.
I can’t stand the father, he’s disgusting. Talk way too much, upholding ‘men’ degrading women like incels. the men in this book are DISGUSTING,I HATE THEM🔪
What I love? Hazel and Polly’s sisterly bond, not shown much but just enough to really see how much both mean to each other😭
The doomed siblings plot is definitely my weakness
I feel bad for Hazel😭 seriously she didn’t deserve any of what happened to her, she’s the loveliest, always there for her sister, Polly unlike their mother who should’ve been there for both of them from the start.
I can’t stand the father, he’s disgusting. Talk way too much, upholding ‘men’ degrading women like incels. the men in this book are DISGUSTING,I HATE THEM🔪
What I love? Hazel and Polly’s sisterly bond, not shown much but just enough to really see how much both mean to each other😭
The doomed siblings plot is definitely my weakness
June 11, 2025
If you’ve read Apex Prey and enjoyed it, this is a must, as it will be part of a trilogy!
If you haven’t read Apex Prey, I would suggest reading this one first when the trilogy is out! You get back story on our main character Polly. Who is FULL of (valid) feminine rage. Things from her childhood mold her into the young woman she is now!
I don’t think I will ever not like something Lesley writes. She is an amazing author and storyteller. The horror/splatterpunk genre is lucky to have her!
If you haven’t read Apex Prey, I would suggest reading this one first when the trilogy is out! You get back story on our main character Polly. Who is FULL of (valid) feminine rage. Things from her childhood mold her into the young woman she is now!
I don’t think I will ever not like something Lesley writes. She is an amazing author and storyteller. The horror/splatterpunk genre is lucky to have her!
June 20, 2025
This is a raw, brutal, and unforgettable origin story. Lesley dives deep into the making of feminine rage, and Polly is its storm. Degraded, abused, and discarded from birth,
she grows into something fierce—something terrifying and unhinged. Her transformation isn’t just compelling; it’s inevitable. And as disturbing as her upbringing is, you understand her. You root for her. You fear her. Her fury isn’t just justified; it’s inevitable.
she grows into something fierce—something terrifying and unhinged. Her transformation isn’t just compelling; it’s inevitable. And as disturbing as her upbringing is, you understand her. You root for her. You fear her. Her fury isn’t just justified; it’s inevitable.
June 30, 2025
Horror isn’t my favorite genre but give me Lesley's books and you loose me!
I am obsessed with her way of writing horror stories.
The details are truly impressive and the storyline well-thought too. The characters are wonderfully thought and written as well. Complex, either lovable or so bad you hate them straight away!
I was disturbed, disgusted and angry during my reading of Polly's story!
I cannot wait to start book 2 and 3 to know what happens next, but also to enjoy more of Lesley's talent with words!
*I was gifted an advance review copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
I am obsessed with her way of writing horror stories.
The details are truly impressive and the storyline well-thought too. The characters are wonderfully thought and written as well. Complex, either lovable or so bad you hate them straight away!
I was disturbed, disgusted and angry during my reading of Polly's story!
I cannot wait to start book 2 and 3 to know what happens next, but also to enjoy more of Lesley's talent with words!
*I was gifted an advance review copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
September 28, 2025
Apex Prey Polly is an extreme horror book which has many content warnings so please read those close before reading the book!
This book was gripping from start to finish and reading it gave me so many feelings good and bad which just added to the layers of the main character Polly. This book is a prequel to the other 2 books in the series and serves as her beginning.
The characters are clear on what their roles are in good and evil until a certain point when you can't help but root for Polly, even when she starts taking her revenge.
The layers in which the author was able to tell this story and such a heavy topic in a factual and yet fictitious way shows how much care and respect she has in telling these stories without making a joke out of it.
Overall I absolutely enjoyed this and have already started the next book and can't wait to get to book 3.
This book was gripping from start to finish and reading it gave me so many feelings good and bad which just added to the layers of the main character Polly. This book is a prequel to the other 2 books in the series and serves as her beginning.
The characters are clear on what their roles are in good and evil until a certain point when you can't help but root for Polly, even when she starts taking her revenge.
The layers in which the author was able to tell this story and such a heavy topic in a factual and yet fictitious way shows how much care and respect she has in telling these stories without making a joke out of it.
Overall I absolutely enjoyed this and have already started the next book and can't wait to get to book 3.
June 11, 2025
The prequel to Apex Prey shows us exactly how and why Polly becomes so unhinged!
I found this such an emotional read as I’m so invested in Polly’s character! The build up of feminine rage and revenge!
This book is extremely well written, short and fast paced!
I found this such an emotional read as I’m so invested in Polly’s character! The build up of feminine rage and revenge!
This book is extremely well written, short and fast paced!
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