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Incel Retribution
356 pages, Paperback
Expected publication February 14, 2026
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About the author
Matthew A. Clarke
60 books185 followersMatthew A. Clarke is a British horror and bizarro author.
He has published fifteen books at the time of writing, and has countless short stories lurking in the darkest corners of the library.
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Bizarro fiction is a contemporary literary genre, which often uses elements of absurdism, satire, and the grotesque, along with pop-surrealism and genre fiction staples, in order to create subversive, weird, and entertaining works. We read that stuff (someone has to) and then write publicly to one another here about the experience of reading it. If you join this group, you can too.
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Website: www.matthewaclarkeauthor.co.uk
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He has published fifteen books at the time of writing, and has countless short stories lurking in the darkest corners of the library.
Bizarro
112 members
Bizarro fiction is a contemporary literary genre, which often uses elements of absurdism, satire, and the grotesque, along with pop-surrealism and genre fiction staples, in order to create subversive, weird, and entertaining works. We read that stuff (someone has to) and then write publicly to one another here about the experience of reading it. If you join this group, you can too.
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View this group on Goodreads »
Share book reviews and ratings with Bizarro, and even join a book club on Goodreads.
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Website: www.matthewaclarkeauthor.co.uk
Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/~/e/B082WJJPQ3
Facebook: www.facebook.com/matthewaclarkeauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
January 18, 2026
“ I am a man
in his early fifties who has never so much as tasted the sweet nectar of the goddess's”
Wayne Cabel entered prison as a teenager . Eric Davison is who emerges some years later . Wayne is dead, metaphorically speaking that is. Eric has started completely over new home, new job and a possible relationship on the rise . Only problem is Wayne wants back in and he’s seeking RETRIBUTION!
“She knows I'll come for her.
If anything, she'll probably be wondering what took me so damn long .”
Clarke has out done himself in this sequel. Although I am highly partial to Incel this story has taken the reins . This is set to release on FEB 14TH. Thanks so much to the author for the early read .
in his early fifties who has never so much as tasted the sweet nectar of the goddess's”
Wayne Cabel entered prison as a teenager . Eric Davison is who emerges some years later . Wayne is dead, metaphorically speaking that is. Eric has started completely over new home, new job and a possible relationship on the rise . Only problem is Wayne wants back in and he’s seeking RETRIBUTION!
“She knows I'll come for her.
If anything, she'll probably be wondering what took me so damn long .”
Clarke has out done himself in this sequel. Although I am highly partial to Incel this story has taken the reins . This is set to release on FEB 14TH. Thanks so much to the author for the early read .
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review: Matthew A Clarke - Incel Retribution
There is no doubting that this subculture is a scary one. It takes the evils of misogyny to a whole new level that puts down, degrades, deliberately injures and murders woman for no reason other than because they can. Clarke carefully researched these books, and understands the horror and depravity of it all.
This is the follow up to Incel where we're first introduced to the awful Wayne Cabal. Here, in Incel Retribution, Wayne is now fifty, and recently released from prison. He tries to be a better person, but no matter how hard he tries, he feels woman are teasing and manipulating him, and his old self comes back.
For me, this book is slightly different from the first. Incel hit us hard with the reality of this subculture. It opened our eyes and made us watch in utter disbelief, whereas Incel Retribution, is more about person growth and understanding. A man acknowledging his actions are wrong, before giving in to his demons, and justifying that he cannot be anything other than the monster he is. This shows that this whole Incel scene is built around a community of like mineded people, who on their own would just be sad loners rejected by women, but when they come together, they get competitive, the motivate each other, and soon they get bold enough to act out their boasts and fantasies to the detriment of others.
Clarke is a great writer - he has a whole back catalogue of fantastic books behind him - and he highlights the danger, and fear these people possess. It's a really solid and important book.
There is no doubting that this subculture is a scary one. It takes the evils of misogyny to a whole new level that puts down, degrades, deliberately injures and murders woman for no reason other than because they can. Clarke carefully researched these books, and understands the horror and depravity of it all.
This is the follow up to Incel where we're first introduced to the awful Wayne Cabal. Here, in Incel Retribution, Wayne is now fifty, and recently released from prison. He tries to be a better person, but no matter how hard he tries, he feels woman are teasing and manipulating him, and his old self comes back.
For me, this book is slightly different from the first. Incel hit us hard with the reality of this subculture. It opened our eyes and made us watch in utter disbelief, whereas Incel Retribution, is more about person growth and understanding. A man acknowledging his actions are wrong, before giving in to his demons, and justifying that he cannot be anything other than the monster he is. This shows that this whole Incel scene is built around a community of like mineded people, who on their own would just be sad loners rejected by women, but when they come together, they get competitive, the motivate each other, and soon they get bold enough to act out their boasts and fantasies to the detriment of others.
Clarke is a great writer - he has a whole back catalogue of fantastic books behind him - and he highlights the danger, and fear these people possess. It's a really solid and important book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Clarke once again crept into the mind of incels, and this time delivering a terrifying novel of a guy convinced he's one of the good ones. Untillllll he's not.
This genuinenly got me feeling anxious, because this novel just shows a reality that is out there. Clarke did an amazing job at portraiting it. This sequel might be less gorey, but holy shit, it did not dissapoint!
This genuinenly got me feeling anxious, because this novel just shows a reality that is out there. Clarke did an amazing job at portraiting it. This sequel might be less gorey, but holy shit, it did not dissapoint!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Incel was a book I absolutely loved, and my heartfelt thanks to the author for letting me devour the sequel ahead of time.
This was a very difficult read.
Because it's too well written.
In lesser hands, this story of the worst of incel culture could have turned into a hate riddled misogynistic shouty bloodied romp. And that would have been so much easier to read...
Instead we have the super talented Matt Clarke who writes fairly impartially, making the characters somewhat understandable (in a very VERY twisted way) while battling the hatred and disgust towards them.
Our Wayne, the pimpled teen who got radicalised against women in the first book, is now 50 and runs by the name of Erik. He's fresh out of prison, wanting a fresh start, but life has a way of challenging us - he meets young fans of his, and a gorgeous woman who actually likes him.
You can take the boy out of incel culture, but can you take the incel out of the boy? Throughout the whole book I wanted him to do better for once, be the changed man he thought himself to be - and every step of the way he betrayed himself with paranoid nasty thoughts that can be denied for only so long. I hoped to the very end that he'll make the right choices.... but i guess you need to read it for yourself to find out what happens.
Excellent book, you want to read them.
This was a very difficult read.
Because it's too well written.
In lesser hands, this story of the worst of incel culture could have turned into a hate riddled misogynistic shouty bloodied romp. And that would have been so much easier to read...
Instead we have the super talented Matt Clarke who writes fairly impartially, making the characters somewhat understandable (in a very VERY twisted way) while battling the hatred and disgust towards them.
Our Wayne, the pimpled teen who got radicalised against women in the first book, is now 50 and runs by the name of Erik. He's fresh out of prison, wanting a fresh start, but life has a way of challenging us - he meets young fans of his, and a gorgeous woman who actually likes him.
You can take the boy out of incel culture, but can you take the incel out of the boy? Throughout the whole book I wanted him to do better for once, be the changed man he thought himself to be - and every step of the way he betrayed himself with paranoid nasty thoughts that can be denied for only so long. I hoped to the very end that he'll make the right choices.... but i guess you need to read it for yourself to find out what happens.
Excellent book, you want to read them.
January 22, 2026
Following the harrowing events of Incel, Wayne has spent decades in prison, being punished in ways he never could have imagined. Newly released and now in his early fifties, he reinvents himself as Eric, determined to put his old Incel life behind him.
But old habits are hard to break.
Wayne is back and he’s worse than ever. Self-righteous fury and non-existent morality fuel his every move as he manipulates and judges the characters around him. This isn’t just an extreme horror set in the dark side of the internet and real world, Wayne creates a whole new universe around himself.
Matt Clarke has an incredible writing style that keeps you hooked, and this story in three parts has you hanging in every word, with twists and gasp-inducing scenes ramping up the tension and suspense until you reach the blood-soaked conclusion.
Sequels are always tricky, but Incel: Retribution is in many ways better than the first, and is a must-read for any fans of the genre or author.
But old habits are hard to break.
Wayne is back and he’s worse than ever. Self-righteous fury and non-existent morality fuel his every move as he manipulates and judges the characters around him. This isn’t just an extreme horror set in the dark side of the internet and real world, Wayne creates a whole new universe around himself.
Matt Clarke has an incredible writing style that keeps you hooked, and this story in three parts has you hanging in every word, with twists and gasp-inducing scenes ramping up the tension and suspense until you reach the blood-soaked conclusion.
Sequels are always tricky, but Incel: Retribution is in many ways better than the first, and is a must-read for any fans of the genre or author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Man, this book was disgusting - and I mean this as a compliment! It's about one of the most revolting subcultures out there, the incels, who deliberately degrade and objectify women in terms of both vocabulary and attitude: building their personalities around anything that might hurt women, from sordid and repulsive humor to dark and violent urges towards the opposite sex, these males manifest cultish behaviors and draw on the basest human instincts in order to inflate their ego while unable to handle romantic and sexual rejection - real or imagined. Thinking of themselves as forced into celibacy involuntarily, they've infected online spaces with misogynistic ideology, foul resentment, and poor theatrics of collective victimhood. But as the first volume of "Incel" abundantly showed, they can certainly make good villains in a story - especially since, in this case, this villain is indeed "the hero of his own story"! And his name is Wayne Cabel. Or rather it was; now, in his fifties, that is decades after "Incel," he goes by Erik, and he's just been released from prison.
Is Erik a new man? Apparently he is. He has a cat and a good job, and has established for himself a comfy, daily life. Then a letter arrives at his doorstep (in fact, it's hand delivered by a stunning woman in her forties), and Erik's life deteriorates rapidly into a whole mess of sick romance, perverted sexuality, and violent murder. His world is literally going to the dogs - the dogs being a couple of teenage incels idolizing him and ready to give him a helping hand in case he needs... - yep, you guessed it: RETRIBUTION.
I found the second book far sicker than the first, despite its keeping a tighter leash on the gore overall, stressing characterization and plot twists far more instead. The attitudes portrayed in detail, thanks to Clarke's skillful storytelling, hit harder as they appear raw, as part of an adult incel's ordinary life. Character growth is very important in most of this book, as Erik finds himself constantly challenged by his old beliefs; yet when all that growth proves itself to amount to nothing the moment it is called to respond to reality, the sickness inevitably wins and the real story begins.
This is definitely not a character you sympathize with; his morality is garbage and his ideology belongs to the trash, no doubt. But Clarke shows how it all makes sense in his head, he makes Erik understood, an actual person, and in that case, it takes real talent to avoid making him in fact the hero of his story rather than the monstrous villain that he is. And this is a hell of a story, trust me: its focus widens and widens, the surprises messing up everyone's well-considered plans, till the explosive finale! What an achievement!
Just one question: what happened to Mr. Kibbles?
Is Erik a new man? Apparently he is. He has a cat and a good job, and has established for himself a comfy, daily life. Then a letter arrives at his doorstep (in fact, it's hand delivered by a stunning woman in her forties), and Erik's life deteriorates rapidly into a whole mess of sick romance, perverted sexuality, and violent murder. His world is literally going to the dogs - the dogs being a couple of teenage incels idolizing him and ready to give him a helping hand in case he needs... - yep, you guessed it: RETRIBUTION.
I found the second book far sicker than the first, despite its keeping a tighter leash on the gore overall, stressing characterization and plot twists far more instead. The attitudes portrayed in detail, thanks to Clarke's skillful storytelling, hit harder as they appear raw, as part of an adult incel's ordinary life. Character growth is very important in most of this book, as Erik finds himself constantly challenged by his old beliefs; yet when all that growth proves itself to amount to nothing the moment it is called to respond to reality, the sickness inevitably wins and the real story begins.
This is definitely not a character you sympathize with; his morality is garbage and his ideology belongs to the trash, no doubt. But Clarke shows how it all makes sense in his head, he makes Erik understood, an actual person, and in that case, it takes real talent to avoid making him in fact the hero of his story rather than the monstrous villain that he is. And this is a hell of a story, trust me: its focus widens and widens, the surprises messing up everyone's well-considered plans, till the explosive finale! What an achievement!
Just one question: what happened to Mr. Kibbles?
Review of advance copy received from Author
𝐃𝐨 𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐬? 𝐈'𝐯𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐨𝐧𝐞. 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧'𝐭 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐣𝐨𝐛 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞.
This is a sequel that wastes no time reestablishing its stakes. Wayne Cabel is dead. The boy that once was is now a rehabilitated man, released into society with a new outlook on life. Relocated and living under a new alias, Eric Davison is content to live out his remaining days on his terms, completely celibate. However, fate has different plans. It isn’t long before Eric is attracting attention, both good and bad, and his new mindset is tested to its limits. Clarke drops the reader directly into this uneasy aftermath as the consequences of the first book ripple outward.
What makes this sequel especially effective is the clear depth of research behind it. The author explores uncomfortable ideologies and the language used to justify harm, and he does so without exploiting the material. The beliefs explored here are disturbing because they are grounded in reality, and the author’s willingness to examine them closely gives the story its weight. This is not an easy read, nor is it meant to be, and that discomfort is what gives the book its power.
This is easily a five star read. Fiction like this is important because it forces us to look at belief systems we would rather ignore and to consider how easily they can evolve, mutate, and reenter the world under new names. If you read the first book, this sequel is mandatory. If you haven't read the first book are willing to engage with challenging and uncomfortable subject matter, pick it up before the sequel releases on February 14, 2026. Thank you to the author for the early copy and for my place on his ARC team.
This is a sequel that wastes no time reestablishing its stakes. Wayne Cabel is dead. The boy that once was is now a rehabilitated man, released into society with a new outlook on life. Relocated and living under a new alias, Eric Davison is content to live out his remaining days on his terms, completely celibate. However, fate has different plans. It isn’t long before Eric is attracting attention, both good and bad, and his new mindset is tested to its limits. Clarke drops the reader directly into this uneasy aftermath as the consequences of the first book ripple outward.
What makes this sequel especially effective is the clear depth of research behind it. The author explores uncomfortable ideologies and the language used to justify harm, and he does so without exploiting the material. The beliefs explored here are disturbing because they are grounded in reality, and the author’s willingness to examine them closely gives the story its weight. This is not an easy read, nor is it meant to be, and that discomfort is what gives the book its power.
This is easily a five star read. Fiction like this is important because it forces us to look at belief systems we would rather ignore and to consider how easily they can evolve, mutate, and reenter the world under new names. If you read the first book, this sequel is mandatory. If you haven't read the first book are willing to engage with challenging and uncomfortable subject matter, pick it up before the sequel releases on February 14, 2026. Thank you to the author for the early copy and for my place on his ARC team.
February 8, 2026
Incel Retribution: releasing 14th Feb 👏🏼
So I may of pestered Matt for the last 6 months on when this was coming 🤣 and it finally paid off, it’s here & the wait was soooo worth it 😮👏🏼🤎
“Do I have any regrets? Only one. That I didn’t finish the job the first time”
Wayne is free, after his stint in prison he’s come out a changed man! Under the name of Eric he’s worked hard to change not only his image but the way he thinks & sees the world.
He believes he truly has changed & when Destiny catches his eye he thinks this may be his chance at finally being with a woman & getting his happy ever after!
But things don’t quite go to plan, he takes everything too literal, tries too hard & eventually crosses boundaries that lead him to being dumped!
And this is where the old Wayne Cabel comes out to play, no matter how hard he tries to be Eric he’ll always be Wayne at heart & Wayne wants retribution 🫣
😯😨😱
This was an INCREDIBLE sequel!! I absolutely loved Incel but this, oh this was just perfection!!! It’s very rare a sequel gets me more excited than the first too!
Wayne was unhinged, brutal & another level of delusional! Reading this was like a comfort read though, I waited so long for it that I devoured every page & loved every single minute of it!!
It was everything I expected & more! Releasing 14th Feb, get those pre-orders in, I already have 👏🏼 but do check those triggers!
Thank you so much for the ARC Matt, seeing my name in the afterword made my little black heart swell, I appreciate you always 🫶🏻🤎
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
So I may of pestered Matt for the last 6 months on when this was coming 🤣 and it finally paid off, it’s here & the wait was soooo worth it 😮👏🏼🤎
“Do I have any regrets? Only one. That I didn’t finish the job the first time”
Wayne is free, after his stint in prison he’s come out a changed man! Under the name of Eric he’s worked hard to change not only his image but the way he thinks & sees the world.
He believes he truly has changed & when Destiny catches his eye he thinks this may be his chance at finally being with a woman & getting his happy ever after!
But things don’t quite go to plan, he takes everything too literal, tries too hard & eventually crosses boundaries that lead him to being dumped!
And this is where the old Wayne Cabel comes out to play, no matter how hard he tries to be Eric he’ll always be Wayne at heart & Wayne wants retribution 🫣
😯😨😱
This was an INCREDIBLE sequel!! I absolutely loved Incel but this, oh this was just perfection!!! It’s very rare a sequel gets me more excited than the first too!
Wayne was unhinged, brutal & another level of delusional! Reading this was like a comfort read though, I waited so long for it that I devoured every page & loved every single minute of it!!
It was everything I expected & more! Releasing 14th Feb, get those pre-orders in, I already have 👏🏼 but do check those triggers!
Thank you so much for the ARC Matt, seeing my name in the afterword made my little black heart swell, I appreciate you always 🫶🏻🤎
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Incel: Retribution by Matthew A. Clarke.
I can sum up my reaction to Matt's upcoming latest in three words:
Sad. Sympathetic. Disturbing.
Given the title & blurb I don't think I'm given spoilers here but Wayne was so nearly out. Released from prison with a new mindset & a new attitude you're really rooting for him to take his place in society & live out a quiet life in Seaford. You're on his side, until you're not.
The clarity with which Matt writes Wayne's point of view is concerning. He's eloquent in his thought process & decision making, sliding back with such reluctance that with each slip or bad choice you're yelling in frustration at him to take a breath & a step back.
At every turn he's trying to stop himself but setting his "if only" so unrealistically that to his mindset he's left no choice.
As with the first story, the horror here is 100% in how realistic this is. Being local these are all places I know & the characters are people you've seen in the pub, or supermarket and everything has a grubby, greasy sheen that sticks to you and won't allow you to not watch. You can see it all coming but are powerless to help.
And you're horribly afraid that this could well be happening next door.
Solidly recommended, but it'll not leave you easily.
I can sum up my reaction to Matt's upcoming latest in three words:
Sad. Sympathetic. Disturbing.
Given the title & blurb I don't think I'm given spoilers here but Wayne was so nearly out. Released from prison with a new mindset & a new attitude you're really rooting for him to take his place in society & live out a quiet life in Seaford. You're on his side, until you're not.
The clarity with which Matt writes Wayne's point of view is concerning. He's eloquent in his thought process & decision making, sliding back with such reluctance that with each slip or bad choice you're yelling in frustration at him to take a breath & a step back.
At every turn he's trying to stop himself but setting his "if only" so unrealistically that to his mindset he's left no choice.
As with the first story, the horror here is 100% in how realistic this is. Being local these are all places I know & the characters are people you've seen in the pub, or supermarket and everything has a grubby, greasy sheen that sticks to you and won't allow you to not watch. You can see it all coming but are powerless to help.
And you're horribly afraid that this could well be happening next door.
Solidly recommended, but it'll not leave you easily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Decades have passed and infamous incel, Wayne Cabel, is a free man! Now going by the name Eric Davison, he's determined to put his past behind him and be a productive member of society. He even has a girlfriend now! But all his progress is tested when a superfan comes calling....
Retribution, like its predecessor, was a very hard book to get through. Clarke takes readers on a deeper dive through an extremist incel's psyche and the struggle between knowing your thoughts are wrong and giving in when it's easier than fighting. He even had me going there for a minute, thinking that maybe Wayne could turn over a new leaf after all, but alas.....it was not to be.
What was the most interesting part to me was wondering what would have happened to Wayne had he not met his superfan groupies. Could he have continued to grow and leave old ideals behind without such a stark reminder of his past being shoved in his face, or was it inevitable that he would return to violence and hateful vitriol?
I really have to admire Clarke for being so diligent in researching this book. The care he took with it and the attention to detail really drove home how scary these ideals are when pushed to the extreme. Another fantastic book written by an author who is happily becoming a must buy.
Retribution, like its predecessor, was a very hard book to get through. Clarke takes readers on a deeper dive through an extremist incel's psyche and the struggle between knowing your thoughts are wrong and giving in when it's easier than fighting. He even had me going there for a minute, thinking that maybe Wayne could turn over a new leaf after all, but alas.....it was not to be.
What was the most interesting part to me was wondering what would have happened to Wayne had he not met his superfan groupies. Could he have continued to grow and leave old ideals behind without such a stark reminder of his past being shoved in his face, or was it inevitable that he would return to violence and hateful vitriol?
I really have to admire Clarke for being so diligent in researching this book. The care he took with it and the attention to detail really drove home how scary these ideals are when pushed to the extreme. Another fantastic book written by an author who is happily becoming a must buy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If I ever thought young Wayne might be somehow only misguided and innocent in his youth and lack of life experience, going back to his life story proved to me that that wasn't the case. Prison life didn't do him any favours and he came back a broken man, who only wanted to be loved. But what happens when that man is also a psycho, perv and stalker type?
This book should be called "The psycho guide into chasing women (or foids, as Wayne likes to call them)". The exquisite details and the way the author managed to get into Wayne's mind as a troubled character is terrifying, grotesque and makes me think twice before getting close to Matt (just joking, we're good friends and I know he doesn't have a bone in him that would feel similar to Wayne). But still, this story is not going to fail into scaring you in such ways that you'll look twice at every man on the street, thinking "what if?".
And spoiler alert .....
.....
.....
I fkn hate Rainbow/Elizabeth so much, for reasons I won't reveal because I don't want to give too much info and spoil it for you. But it's just from a mother perspective.
This book should be called "The psycho guide into chasing women (or foids, as Wayne likes to call them)". The exquisite details and the way the author managed to get into Wayne's mind as a troubled character is terrifying, grotesque and makes me think twice before getting close to Matt (just joking, we're good friends and I know he doesn't have a bone in him that would feel similar to Wayne). But still, this story is not going to fail into scaring you in such ways that you'll look twice at every man on the street, thinking "what if?".
And spoiler alert .....
.....
.....
I fkn hate Rainbow/Elizabeth so much, for reasons I won't reveal because I don't want to give too much info and spoil it for you. But it's just from a mother perspective.
Review of advance copy received from Author
It’s been thirty years since the events of Incel. Wayne has spent that time in prison, but now he’s out. Determined to start fresh, he takes on a new name, a new home, and a new job. He even finds himself a girlfriend.
When the relationship suddenly ends, Wayne turns to the help of new friends to track down Rainbow, the girlfriend he had before prison. But when Rainbow rejects and humiliates him (and allows him to be hurt in the process) Wayne realises that they all need to pay. This time, though, he has no intention of getting caught.
The first book was brilliant, and I often find that sequels don’t live up to the same standard. That definitely wasn’t the case here. This book was just as strong as the first and left me genuinely unsettled by the thought that there are people like Wayne/Eric out there in the world. It’s a terrifying realisation.
Once again, the author’s research is outstanding. Part of me was tempted to explore the sites mentioned in the book to see what these men talk about, but honestly, this story was more than enough. It’s brutal, the characters are complex, and the plot is completely compelling.
Another brilliant read from this author.
When the relationship suddenly ends, Wayne turns to the help of new friends to track down Rainbow, the girlfriend he had before prison. But when Rainbow rejects and humiliates him (and allows him to be hurt in the process) Wayne realises that they all need to pay. This time, though, he has no intention of getting caught.
The first book was brilliant, and I often find that sequels don’t live up to the same standard. That definitely wasn’t the case here. This book was just as strong as the first and left me genuinely unsettled by the thought that there are people like Wayne/Eric out there in the world. It’s a terrifying realisation.
Once again, the author’s research is outstanding. Part of me was tempted to explore the sites mentioned in the book to see what these men talk about, but honestly, this story was more than enough. It’s brutal, the characters are complex, and the plot is completely compelling.
Another brilliant read from this author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow! What a sequel this is! I am speechless
This book takes us on a journey with Wayne Cabel, who’s now living under the name Eric. After his release from prison, he’s faced with the horrors of his past and the challenge of adapting to life in a tense world. He had to mature quickly, as the events from the first book landed him behind bars. If you haven’t read the first book yet, I highly recommend it!
Eric is navigating life outside of prison, slowly coming to terms with his new reality. He’s adopted a new name and moved to a different place, trying to break free from the Incel ideology, but that’s easier said than done. He’s unaware of the impact his actions have had on the Incel community.
This book is definitely unsettling and intense. The scenes are so horrific that it’s hard to find the right words to describe them. The pacing of the story is excellent, keeping you engaged throughout. Matthew clearly put in a lot of research for this book; his writing hits hard, like a series of unexpected punches.
Thank you, Matthew, for sharing an ARC with me. I truly enjoyed reading this book, and all the thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
This book takes us on a journey with Wayne Cabel, who’s now living under the name Eric. After his release from prison, he’s faced with the horrors of his past and the challenge of adapting to life in a tense world. He had to mature quickly, as the events from the first book landed him behind bars. If you haven’t read the first book yet, I highly recommend it!
Eric is navigating life outside of prison, slowly coming to terms with his new reality. He’s adopted a new name and moved to a different place, trying to break free from the Incel ideology, but that’s easier said than done. He’s unaware of the impact his actions have had on the Incel community.
This book is definitely unsettling and intense. The scenes are so horrific that it’s hard to find the right words to describe them. The pacing of the story is excellent, keeping you engaged throughout. Matthew clearly put in a lot of research for this book; his writing hits hard, like a series of unexpected punches.
Thank you, Matthew, for sharing an ARC with me. I truly enjoyed reading this book, and all the thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Following on from the previous book. Wayne has been in jail for the past 30 years and has changed. Wayne is no more and Eric is born. He is released with a new identity and is getting on with his life. Eric has a home, a job and a cat. Hes a pretty normal man now. He also meets a woman and starts dating.
Unfortunately, Eric is still very immature in terms of relationships and things don't go smoothly. A coworker recognises him as 'Wayne' and calls him a legend in the Incel community. Sadly, his relationship doesnt end well. He then becomes obsessed with finding Rainbow and finishing what he started all those years ago. Wayne is back and out for Retribution!
This is fantastic and I obviously jumped at the chance to read the arc! I loved Incel and this joined straight back on. It was brutal, terrifying and addictive! It fascinates me that there are people who truly believe in these ideologies thought not to this extent. Matt has done brilliant with making us feel sorry for Eric yet scared of what he is capable of.
Why not spend Valentines day with Wayne/Eric? Releasing14th February, grab some wine and chocolates and enjoy!!
Unfortunately, Eric is still very immature in terms of relationships and things don't go smoothly. A coworker recognises him as 'Wayne' and calls him a legend in the Incel community. Sadly, his relationship doesnt end well. He then becomes obsessed with finding Rainbow and finishing what he started all those years ago. Wayne is back and out for Retribution!
This is fantastic and I obviously jumped at the chance to read the arc! I loved Incel and this joined straight back on. It was brutal, terrifying and addictive! It fascinates me that there are people who truly believe in these ideologies thought not to this extent. Matt has done brilliant with making us feel sorry for Eric yet scared of what he is capable of.
Why not spend Valentines day with Wayne/Eric? Releasing14th February, grab some wine and chocolates and enjoy!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
WOW. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️ stars.
I have taken a break from ARCs these last few months just due to life and I knew immediately I had to jump on this one.
I loved the first one, it was original, it was dark, and Matt knows how to tell a story that packs a punch, but this follow up did the first one justice and knocked it out of the park. I loved it more than the first. The way I was almost feeling bad for our protagonist in those first chapters was wild!
The storytelling in this was phenomenal. From start to finish I was hooked. We got a more in depth look at not the culture but of Wayne (Eric), and his inevitable journey back to his roots. Set now as Wayne in his 50s we learn incel culture does not discriminate with age. I am glad this story had the thickness and back story it had. We got some new characters and old.
The ending I thought was great, and really pulled it all together for me. It was a journey and sometimes we just never learn our lesson.
Pre order this now!!!
I have taken a break from ARCs these last few months just due to life and I knew immediately I had to jump on this one.
I loved the first one, it was original, it was dark, and Matt knows how to tell a story that packs a punch, but this follow up did the first one justice and knocked it out of the park. I loved it more than the first. The way I was almost feeling bad for our protagonist in those first chapters was wild!
The storytelling in this was phenomenal. From start to finish I was hooked. We got a more in depth look at not the culture but of Wayne (Eric), and his inevitable journey back to his roots. Set now as Wayne in his 50s we learn incel culture does not discriminate with age. I am glad this story had the thickness and back story it had. We got some new characters and old.
The ending I thought was great, and really pulled it all together for me. It was a journey and sometimes we just never learn our lesson.
Pre order this now!!!
January 26, 2026
Incel Retribution by Matthew Clark
This one sits at 379 pages and is honestly a wild ride!
Here are my views:
We catch up with Eric formerly known as Wayne who’s reminiscing on his time in prison. As deceitful as ever he says and does all the right things to make his chance of release easier.
Upon his release he really tries to turn over a new leaf despite the fact he genuinely feels that nothing that happened had been his fault.
Eric wrestles with his own emotions and thoughts which in turn as a reader left me wondering if I had empathy for him. The story then cranks up to 11 with a series of blunders and violence. This book may be 379 pages long, but the pacing and writing are totally on point.
Incel will always be a special read for me as a real life horror. It’s a horror than seeps through the pores of your skin infecting you.
#extremehorror #horrorhags #splatterpunk #bookreview #horror
This one sits at 379 pages and is honestly a wild ride!
Here are my views:
We catch up with Eric formerly known as Wayne who’s reminiscing on his time in prison. As deceitful as ever he says and does all the right things to make his chance of release easier.
Upon his release he really tries to turn over a new leaf despite the fact he genuinely feels that nothing that happened had been his fault.
Eric wrestles with his own emotions and thoughts which in turn as a reader left me wondering if I had empathy for him. The story then cranks up to 11 with a series of blunders and violence. This book may be 379 pages long, but the pacing and writing are totally on point.
Incel will always be a special read for me as a real life horror. It’s a horror than seeps through the pores of your skin infecting you.
#extremehorror #horrorhags #splatterpunk #bookreview #horror
Review of advance copy received from Author
I appreciate being given an early copy of this book by Matthew A. Clarke. This is the second book and I hadn’t read the first yet. That said, I still was looking forward to reading it since I loved Death Trip and the story and gore. Incel Retribution continues the story of Wayne though he’s going by a different name and story now after a lengthy prison stay for crimes committed in Incel, the first book. I definitely missed some major story starting with book two but got the gist of what happened due to Wayne referencing it during this book. I really enjoy the creativity and writing. I’m always slightly horrified and also impressed at Matthew’s storytelling and imagination. I love the blood and gore and events in the story. Definitely going to start the first book Incel now so I can get the full story. But for sure a great book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Arc review
Matt was slightly ahead of the curve when Incel was published. Now however, in the times of the red pill, alpha male, misogynistic manosphere that reigns all over social media, it seems that he has landed right in the eye of the storm.
Anyone who was left on the fence about whether Wayne was a misguided, yet innocent teen after the first book will soon realise that under his new identity, Eric has become cemented into his role.
Prison has done nothing to open his eyes to his ways. Time has let the rot fester and grow. Now seeking retribution against those perceived slights, anyone who has wronged him should rightfully fear his return to society.
This sequel is bigger and in my opinion, better than the first. Matt has given us a disturbing look into the nature of men at their basest level.
Matt was slightly ahead of the curve when Incel was published. Now however, in the times of the red pill, alpha male, misogynistic manosphere that reigns all over social media, it seems that he has landed right in the eye of the storm.
Anyone who was left on the fence about whether Wayne was a misguided, yet innocent teen after the first book will soon realise that under his new identity, Eric has become cemented into his role.
Prison has done nothing to open his eyes to his ways. Time has let the rot fester and grow. Now seeking retribution against those perceived slights, anyone who has wronged him should rightfully fear his return to society.
This sequel is bigger and in my opinion, better than the first. Matt has given us a disturbing look into the nature of men at their basest level.
January 21, 2026
After spending most of his life in prison, the notorious Wayne is released in his early fifties, determined to leave his violent past behind. He changes his name to Eric and takes a quiet job as a supermarket clerk, hoping anonymity will give him a chance at redemption.
That hope begins to unravel when he meets Fitz, a fellow employee who recognizes him and confesses his admiration for the man Wayne used to be. Eric denies the truth, desperate to escape the identity he’s buried, but the rage and resentment he once embodied still live within him.
As Eric struggles to suppress the incel ideology that shaped him, the line between past and present collapses—and when Wayne finally resurfaces, everyone in his new life pays the price.
That hope begins to unravel when he meets Fitz, a fellow employee who recognizes him and confesses his admiration for the man Wayne used to be. Eric denies the truth, desperate to escape the identity he’s buried, but the rage and resentment he once embodied still live within him.
As Eric struggles to suppress the incel ideology that shaped him, the line between past and present collapses—and when Wayne finally resurfaces, everyone in his new life pays the price.
Review of advance copy received from Author
***ARC copy***
I finished this a couple of days ago and been processing.
This installment takes us forward to adult Wayne who's trying to get his life back on track after an extended stay at Her Majesty's pleasure.
He makes a decent start, turning his back on the incel community and trying to remain on the right path.
Until he meets a woman..... then all hell breaks loose again. This time Wayne takes along 2 more social misfits for the ride.
This story is longer, more carnage and more incel rage splattered between the pages.
Definitely lives up to the long awaited follow up to Incel.
I finished this a couple of days ago and been processing.
This installment takes us forward to adult Wayne who's trying to get his life back on track after an extended stay at Her Majesty's pleasure.
He makes a decent start, turning his back on the incel community and trying to remain on the right path.
Until he meets a woman..... then all hell breaks loose again. This time Wayne takes along 2 more social misfits for the ride.
This story is longer, more carnage and more incel rage splattered between the pages.
Definitely lives up to the long awaited follow up to Incel.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The sequel i didn't know I needed.
Incel was one of those books that has kept with me for a long time but I thought it complete in its own rite. I was wrong. The story of a long rehabilitated Wayne back in society facing the monotony of everyday and being faced with reminders of a past life felt like home. I devoured this book which eas necessary as I was trying to recover from a long reading slump. This one did it for me!
As much as I loved the first book Incel with its deep dive into the real world culture of the Incel and the dark web the second book stood out to me more for the deeper connections to the characters. Either way I love them both!!
Incel was one of those books that has kept with me for a long time but I thought it complete in its own rite. I was wrong. The story of a long rehabilitated Wayne back in society facing the monotony of everyday and being faced with reminders of a past life felt like home. I devoured this book which eas necessary as I was trying to recover from a long reading slump. This one did it for me!
As much as I loved the first book Incel with its deep dive into the real world culture of the Incel and the dark web the second book stood out to me more for the deeper connections to the characters. Either way I love them both!!
February 10, 2026
Wow, what a read! Wayne Cabel went to prison 30 years ago as a teen. When he is finally released, he is a 50 year old man who now goes by the name Eric. Eric is doing his best to start over in a new town, new job, new life and leaving his old self behind. What’s buried in the past though, doesn’t always stay buried. It’s not long before Eric finds himself headed right back down the same path.
Matthew crushed this one! The story was well written, dark, and unsettling. It kept me hooked from the start and kept my attention until the very end. I loved the first book, Incel, so was excited to have the opportunity to read the sequel.
Get this one on your TBR now!
Matthew crushed this one! The story was well written, dark, and unsettling. It kept me hooked from the start and kept my attention until the very end. I loved the first book, Incel, so was excited to have the opportunity to read the sequel.
Get this one on your TBR now!
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you thought “Incel” was an atrocity, Retribution continues the carnage and insanity.
It was horrific being a fly on the wall in Wayne’s world yet again. Somehow impossible to look away as his new “mission” unfolded; like driving by a car crash scene, you are riveted to the destruction.
Clarke has captured the worst of this subculture on paper twice now, and I can’t even begin to describe how concerning it is that there are real life people out there thinking these thoughts.
Prepare yourself mentally for this one, you’re about to go down a dark and deranged path.
It was horrific being a fly on the wall in Wayne’s world yet again. Somehow impossible to look away as his new “mission” unfolded; like driving by a car crash scene, you are riveted to the destruction.
Clarke has captured the worst of this subculture on paper twice now, and I can’t even begin to describe how concerning it is that there are real life people out there thinking these thoughts.
Prepare yourself mentally for this one, you’re about to go down a dark and deranged path.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Incel Retribution by Matthew A. Clarke picks up with Wayne after the brutal events of the first book. Years spent behind bars have led him to take on a new identity and attempt to change his life, but as expected, nothing stays simple for long.
This book was wild in the best and most disturbing way. The level of research put into the characters and the incel community is both unsettling and impressive. Knowing that people really think the way Wayne and his circle do makes the story far more terrifying.
This book was wild in the best and most disturbing way. The level of research put into the characters and the incel community is both unsettling and impressive. Knowing that people really think the way Wayne and his circle do makes the story far more terrifying.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Received an ARC - this was a sequel I didn’t expect, or thought I event wanted given the ending and nature if our first book. But I’ve been blown away by the depth and insanity this book went to. Once again Matthew shows his talents are unmatched in this world of extreme horror and anyone who is a fan should snag books one and now two of this insane ride.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Anyone who knows me knows Incel is one of my favorite books of all time, so I was beyond excited to ARC read Incel Retribution! Matt Clarke does not miss. This book was amazing and everything I could have hoped for in a sequel. I think I may have even enjoyed this one just a tad more too! This book was just as horrific and unsettling as the first. The premise of incels and the dark web is so disturbing. Real life horror is something that always hits harder for me. This is a strong story with well written and developed characters, brutal scenes and an incredible ending to tie everything together!
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you liked Incel written by Matthew A. Clarke, you are going to love Incel Retribution. This one takes place thirty years later and is insanely wild, to say the least. Grab this sequel. You will not regret it.
February 10, 2026
Arc read.
Matthew has presented us with great writing skills and a character I hate 😆
Wayne is literally the leader of the he man woman haters club that is somehow still obsessed with women. He is a creep through and through.
I did like his cat and the bits of gore though.
Matthew has presented us with great writing skills and a character I hate 😆
Wayne is literally the leader of the he man woman haters club that is somehow still obsessed with women. He is a creep through and through.
I did like his cat and the bits of gore though.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Brooooo
Never been so happy to not be names "stacy" this second part to Matt Clarke's Incel series is beyond amazing. I actually whad to take a break after knowing the forat one I was so nervous. I absolutely can not wait for the next!!!
Never been so happy to not be names "stacy" this second part to Matt Clarke's Incel series is beyond amazing. I actually whad to take a break after knowing the forat one I was so nervous. I absolutely can not wait for the next!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow that was way heavier than Incel. This was a hard one to put down.
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