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Burden
Not yet published
Expected 9 Jul 26103 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication July 9, 2026
About the author
Aiden E. Messer
38 books148 followersAiden E. Messer does not exist. Are they an illusion, a ghost, a mere thought? No one knows. If we are to believe one of the children they seem to work with, if they were a teacher, they would be as tall as a human. They are not a teacher. According to various sources, they have studied psychology, and have always had a penchant for horror and the macabre. They like to combine these subjects in their books.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a trip!
It dove straight into gore and I was not expecting it. I am by no way complaining just want other readers to be aware of what they are signing up for before they pick it up because it is hard to put down once you start.
I wish it was longer and gave us more backstory around the main characters and the world they live in but being shorter did make it easier to binge as I didn't want to put it down.
I also felt it was a bit repetitive about his traitorous dick and shameful groin, we get it, he is turned on but doesn't want to be.
I also wish it showed more of the aftercare because it was so cute and I feel it was important to their dynamic and building relationship.
I loved that as rough as Reaver is during sex he doesn't want to go to far and do permanent harm other then replacing his bad scars with good ones.
I loved the aftercare so much and Fardeau deserves so much love and care after what he has been through.
I loved how much description was put into the graphic scenes. I was literally cringing in some scenes and recoiling into my chair.
I want to thank the Author for allowing me to read this ARC and I am looking forward to seeing what they do in the future.
It dove straight into gore and I was not expecting it. I am by no way complaining just want other readers to be aware of what they are signing up for before they pick it up because it is hard to put down once you start.
I wish it was longer and gave us more backstory around the main characters and the world they live in but being shorter did make it easier to binge as I didn't want to put it down.
I also felt it was a bit repetitive about his traitorous dick and shameful groin, we get it, he is turned on but doesn't want to be.
I also wish it showed more of the aftercare because it was so cute and I feel it was important to their dynamic and building relationship.
I loved that as rough as Reaver is during sex he doesn't want to go to far and do permanent harm other then replacing his bad scars with good ones.
I loved the aftercare so much and Fardeau deserves so much love and care after what he has been through.
I loved how much description was put into the graphic scenes. I was literally cringing in some scenes and recoiling into my chair.
I want to thank the Author for allowing me to read this ARC and I am looking forward to seeing what they do in the future.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I think it’s important to mention up front that I went into this book expecting a dark romance. For me personally, this read much more like splatterpunk/body horror with romantic elements rather than what I would typically categorize as dark romance. I don’t say that as criticism of the genre itself, but I do think expectations matter going in.
The story follows a young man who has experienced profound rejection and trauma, and whose relationship with pain, connection, and feeling becomes increasingly complex. Eventually, he meets someone whose sadism aligns with his masochistic tendencies.
One thing I did appreciate was that once this relationship was introduced, there was more emphasis on consent, boundaries, and the main character’s wellbeing than I expected based on the tone of the rest of the book. I thought that dynamic had potential and I appreciated that those elements were present.
Where this lost me was the pacing. The storytelling felt very fast and I found myself wanting more time with the characters and more emotional depth. Because events moved so quickly, I never fully connected with them or felt as invested as I wanted to. I wanted more room to understand who these characters were beyond the shock and intensity of what was happening to them.
Overall, while I enjoy splatterpunk and body horror and am not opposed to extreme content, I was hoping for more character development and emotional connection to balance the intensity. There were ideas here that I found interesting, but I ultimately finished the book wanting more depth than I felt it delivered.
I think it’s important to mention up front that I went into this book expecting a dark romance. For me personally, this read much more like splatterpunk/body horror with romantic elements rather than what I would typically categorize as dark romance. I don’t say that as criticism of the genre itself, but I do think expectations matter going in.
The story follows a young man who has experienced profound rejection and trauma, and whose relationship with pain, connection, and feeling becomes increasingly complex. Eventually, he meets someone whose sadism aligns with his masochistic tendencies.
One thing I did appreciate was that once this relationship was introduced, there was more emphasis on consent, boundaries, and the main character’s wellbeing than I expected based on the tone of the rest of the book. I thought that dynamic had potential and I appreciated that those elements were present.
Where this lost me was the pacing. The storytelling felt very fast and I found myself wanting more time with the characters and more emotional depth. Because events moved so quickly, I never fully connected with them or felt as invested as I wanted to. I wanted more room to understand who these characters were beyond the shock and intensity of what was happening to them.
Overall, while I enjoy splatterpunk and body horror and am not opposed to extreme content, I was hoping for more character development and emotional connection to balance the intensity. There were ideas here that I found interesting, but I ultimately finished the book wanting more depth than I felt it delivered.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Burden, written by Aiden E. Messer, is a short story set in a postapocalyptic landscape. This is my first story by this author, and I was completely drawn in by the cover. I have a love-hate relationship with short stories; it's either the longing for more or the joy of binge-reading.
Here we meet Fardeau, originally named “Burden” by his parents, trapped in a cycle of suffering. He was captured by the Roj Clan, enduring intense physical and psychological torture for information he barely possesses. Pain is distorted into a form of comfort. When he returns to his village, he finds that he seeks out further mistreatment as penance for his failures. Through Reaver, Fardeau transitions from victim to a masochist, exploring consensual exploration of power, pain, and validation. Going from an object to be used and discarded to something to be desired and reclaiming control.
I suppose you could say that this story, although unconventional, traces the evolution of an unwanted child into a man who defines his own worth with the resilience required to survive a broken world. Healing is deeply personal and sometimes demands total reconstruction of one’s identity, values, and loyalties.
As I mentioned earlier, I was left longing more. More in-depth character development and an emotional aspect. I really did enjoy the extreme horror/splatterpunk aspects with its blood and gore. I love an intense read.
Thanks to Aiden E. Messer for gifting me an eARC of Burden. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Here we meet Fardeau, originally named “Burden” by his parents, trapped in a cycle of suffering. He was captured by the Roj Clan, enduring intense physical and psychological torture for information he barely possesses. Pain is distorted into a form of comfort. When he returns to his village, he finds that he seeks out further mistreatment as penance for his failures. Through Reaver, Fardeau transitions from victim to a masochist, exploring consensual exploration of power, pain, and validation. Going from an object to be used and discarded to something to be desired and reclaiming control.
I suppose you could say that this story, although unconventional, traces the evolution of an unwanted child into a man who defines his own worth with the resilience required to survive a broken world. Healing is deeply personal and sometimes demands total reconstruction of one’s identity, values, and loyalties.
As I mentioned earlier, I was left longing more. More in-depth character development and an emotional aspect. I really did enjoy the extreme horror/splatterpunk aspects with its blood and gore. I love an intense read.
Thanks to Aiden E. Messer for gifting me an eARC of Burden. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of advanced reader copy provided by the author.
Let me preface this by saying it was my first ride with the author, and it did not disappoint. Thank you for the opportunity.
If you’re looking for a quick, bloody read that punches you right in the gut, Aiden Messer’s Burden definitely hits the spot. It sits right on the line between dark romance and splatterpunk, but honestly, it leans way more into the splatterpunk side. It is gory, violent, and heavy on the self-deprecating thoughts, but it still manages to be a really good, fast-paced read.
Just a huge heads-up: definitely read the trigger warnings before you dive into this one because it does not pull any punches.
The main character, Fardeau, is so well-written. Their mind is a total mess, but in a way that makes complete sense given everything going on. It was honestly great to watch them get some actual character growth, which leads to—dare I say it—a happy ending.
My only real complaint is that it’s just so short! It easily could have been longer. Because it wraps up so fast, I really wish we could have gone deeper into Reaver’s side of things to see what makes him tick. It also handles BDSM dynamics really well—you get a solid, basic understanding of it without having to sit through a bunch of boring, textbook-style explanations.
Overall, if you have the stomach for a ton of blood and gore, this is a twisted little short story that is totally worth picking up.
Let me preface this by saying it was my first ride with the author, and it did not disappoint. Thank you for the opportunity.
If you’re looking for a quick, bloody read that punches you right in the gut, Aiden Messer’s Burden definitely hits the spot. It sits right on the line between dark romance and splatterpunk, but honestly, it leans way more into the splatterpunk side. It is gory, violent, and heavy on the self-deprecating thoughts, but it still manages to be a really good, fast-paced read.
Just a huge heads-up: definitely read the trigger warnings before you dive into this one because it does not pull any punches.
The main character, Fardeau, is so well-written. Their mind is a total mess, but in a way that makes complete sense given everything going on. It was honestly great to watch them get some actual character growth, which leads to—dare I say it—a happy ending.
My only real complaint is that it’s just so short! It easily could have been longer. Because it wraps up so fast, I really wish we could have gone deeper into Reaver’s side of things to see what makes him tick. It also handles BDSM dynamics really well—you get a solid, basic understanding of it without having to sit through a bunch of boring, textbook-style explanations.
Overall, if you have the stomach for a ton of blood and gore, this is a twisted little short story that is totally worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First let say that this book is takes a dive into place, that would make most people uncomfortable. So as usual i strongly suggest that trigger check and then double checked before you dive in.
The story toggles between past and present events that occurred in Fardeau's life. To say he has it ruff would be putting it lightly. Right from the beginning we realize that he has lived his life not as a person,but something that people used as they pleased. After going weeks of torture from a neighboring community, he returns home and is faced with even more torment.
With no shelter, little to no food and a endless amount of abuse physical, mental and sexual. Fardeau can't help but realize that something has changed and things he should despise now excite him. This leads him to seek out Reaver who a reputation for being the town sadist. Fardeau hoped if anyone could fill his needs and wants it would be Reaver.
It's safe to say that after the first night Reaver was more then willing to give Fardeau what he wanted, but what Fardeau did realize is Reaver was was also willing to give him so much more. Things that scared he much worse than what he originally wanted. They soon create a bond that makes them inseparable, one where they are able love and fill the void that lives inside them.
Aiden did a wonderful job with this story, and i'm greatful that was able to receive an advance copy.
The story toggles between past and present events that occurred in Fardeau's life. To say he has it ruff would be putting it lightly. Right from the beginning we realize that he has lived his life not as a person,but something that people used as they pleased. After going weeks of torture from a neighboring community, he returns home and is faced with even more torment.
With no shelter, little to no food and a endless amount of abuse physical, mental and sexual. Fardeau can't help but realize that something has changed and things he should despise now excite him. This leads him to seek out Reaver who a reputation for being the town sadist. Fardeau hoped if anyone could fill his needs and wants it would be Reaver.
It's safe to say that after the first night Reaver was more then willing to give Fardeau what he wanted, but what Fardeau did realize is Reaver was was also willing to give him so much more. Things that scared he much worse than what he originally wanted. They soon create a bond that makes them inseparable, one where they are able love and fill the void that lives inside them.
Aiden did a wonderful job with this story, and i'm greatful that was able to receive an advance copy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
<< Received this as an ARC from the author (thank you, Mr. Messer) >>
I agree with Jacqueline Robins' review for the most part that it felt a bit too short.. specially the climax (revenge part) and ending.
And it's more on splatterpunk/gore genre.
But i gave it a higher review because...
☆ Even though there's a lot of description, it's not tedious to read. It played like a short movie in my head.
☆ Fardeau's character is well explored for 2/3rds of the book. (Like Jacqueline , i also stopped connecting with him... at the ending but since it's only at the ending, that's a good thing)
☆i quite like the pace. I just wish the revenge and ending was a bit longer
☆no typos whatsoever.
☆light read, can be read in one seating
☆HEA (Oh wait, am i allowed to say that?)
Some comments:
■ Reaver and Morgane are 'good' to Fardeau ♡♡♡
■ Fardeau really needs a hug ;-;
■ the intimacy is hot. Like scalding hot (i just wish we had more insight on Reaver's POV.. i mean we do when he talks about it but we need more ahhhhh)
PLEASE CHECK THE TRIGGERS
because it's really graphic. So don't read if you can't stomach it.
But i will definitely be reading the author's other books ♡♡♡
I agree with Jacqueline Robins' review for the most part that it felt a bit too short.. specially the climax (revenge part) and ending.
And it's more on splatterpunk/gore genre.
But i gave it a higher review because...
☆ Even though there's a lot of description, it's not tedious to read. It played like a short movie in my head.
☆ Fardeau's character is well explored for 2/3rds of the book. (Like Jacqueline , i also stopped connecting with him... at the ending but since it's only at the ending, that's a good thing)
☆i quite like the pace. I just wish the revenge and ending was a bit longer
☆no typos whatsoever.
☆light read, can be read in one seating
☆HEA (Oh wait, am i allowed to say that?)
Some comments:
■ Reaver and Morgane are 'good' to Fardeau ♡♡♡
■ Fardeau really needs a hug ;-;
■ the intimacy is hot. Like scalding hot (i just wish we had more insight on Reaver's POV.. i mean we do when he talks about it but we need more ahhhhh)
PLEASE CHECK THE TRIGGERS
because it's really graphic. So don't read if you can't stomach it.
But i will definitely be reading the author's other books ♡♡♡
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the first book that I had read from this Author, and it did not disappoint.
It is a "short" splatterpunk/body horror story with male on male BDSM.
It is fast paced.
(Check trigger warnings before reading)
Fardeau aka "Burden" was abused, unwanted and discarded as a child.
Then later, in order to eat - to survive, he has to offer himself sexually. He is made to feel worthless.
He gets captured and tortured
The violence and sexual acts is this book are detailed.
Once he manages to escape, he ends up entering into a Saddistic/masochistic B.D.S.M relationship, discussions are had regarding consent, boundaries and safe words, there is also aftercare.
I appreciated that these dynamics were incorporated into the story.
They did fall in love, however, it does not go into this element of the story much at all.
The MMCs then seek revenge on the 3 main people that have abused Burden.
If you like to read trauma/abuse, graphic sexual acts and even more graphic violence, then this book is definitely you.
*Spoiler* - The ripping off bare skin with teeth was a nice touch.
It is a "short" splatterpunk/body horror story with male on male BDSM.
It is fast paced.
(Check trigger warnings before reading)
Fardeau aka "Burden" was abused, unwanted and discarded as a child.
Then later, in order to eat - to survive, he has to offer himself sexually. He is made to feel worthless.
He gets captured and tortured
The violence and sexual acts is this book are detailed.
Once he manages to escape, he ends up entering into a Saddistic/masochistic B.D.S.M relationship, discussions are had regarding consent, boundaries and safe words, there is also aftercare.
I appreciated that these dynamics were incorporated into the story.
They did fall in love, however, it does not go into this element of the story much at all.
The MMCs then seek revenge on the 3 main people that have abused Burden.
If you like to read trauma/abuse, graphic sexual acts and even more graphic violence, then this book is definitely you.
*Spoiler* - The ripping off bare skin with teeth was a nice touch.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Burden was a much different read than I expected. Going in, I thought I was picking up a dark romance, but it felt much more like a splatterpunk story with romantic elements. As someone who enjoys horror, I ended up really liking that aspect of the book.
The story centres around a young man carrying the weight of past trauma, and watching his journey unfold was both unsettling and heartbreaking at times. I especially appreciated that despite the darker subject matter, there was clear attention given to consent, trust, and communication within the relationship.
My only real critique is that I wanted more time with the characters. I enjoyed the story and was invested in what happened, but I would have loved a little more character development to strengthen the emotional impact.
Overall, Burden is a dark, disturbing, and surprisingly emotional read. If you enjoy horror that pushes boundaries while still exploring relationships and healing, this is definitely worth checking out.
Burden was a much different read than I expected. Going in, I thought I was picking up a dark romance, but it felt much more like a splatterpunk story with romantic elements. As someone who enjoys horror, I ended up really liking that aspect of the book.
The story centres around a young man carrying the weight of past trauma, and watching his journey unfold was both unsettling and heartbreaking at times. I especially appreciated that despite the darker subject matter, there was clear attention given to consent, trust, and communication within the relationship.
My only real critique is that I wanted more time with the characters. I enjoyed the story and was invested in what happened, but I would have loved a little more character development to strengthen the emotional impact.
Overall, Burden is a dark, disturbing, and surprisingly emotional read. If you enjoy horror that pushes boundaries while still exploring relationships and healing, this is definitely worth checking out.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a review of an advance reader copy I received from the author. Please note I gave this book 3.75/5 stars but that option is not available on Goodreads.
First of all- I was so thrilled to see I’d been chosen to read this before it came out! I had never participated in something like this before!
Getting to the actual review, I did not expect Burden to be so close to the splatterpunk genre that I have dabbled in reading from time to time. However, it did just that, and mixed it with dark romance. I feel much better about it than I do about most splatterpunk novels- and I found myself endeared by the main characters even though I feel like I maybe should’ve been scared. I also did not expect murder to be a part of this book- and yet it went there. Surprising in a way that left me a little confused but not in a bad way.
If you’re looking for a quick and intensely dark little romance then this would be a great book for you. I would read it again and I would recommend it to my friends who like blurring lines between horror and romance in media.
First of all- I was so thrilled to see I’d been chosen to read this before it came out! I had never participated in something like this before!
Getting to the actual review, I did not expect Burden to be so close to the splatterpunk genre that I have dabbled in reading from time to time. However, it did just that, and mixed it with dark romance. I feel much better about it than I do about most splatterpunk novels- and I found myself endeared by the main characters even though I feel like I maybe should’ve been scared. I also did not expect murder to be a part of this book- and yet it went there. Surprising in a way that left me a little confused but not in a bad way.
If you’re looking for a quick and intensely dark little romance then this would be a great book for you. I would read it again and I would recommend it to my friends who like blurring lines between horror and romance in media.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was after something a bit darker. Saw this author offering ARC readings and thought why not. First time reviewing a book so I apologise in advance.
I have not seen anything by this author but was aware he/she/they/them/who writes splatterpunk (insta search) and I was not disappointed. Now be aware it starts as it means to go on, the torture was torturing but the story between Fardeau and Reaver was really lovely (sorry but it was). True sadist/masochist relationship, it was exactly how I imagine it to truly be.
It was short which I was sad about after a while, I would have loved more backstory to the MMCs and would have enjoyed more of their relationship building. All in all if you like a bit of depravity and true detailed torture, with a thrown in romance for fun then give it a read. It is NOT a dark romance, it is so much more. Only 4 stars because it did not hit every emotion but I was happy with what it min the less.
I have not seen anything by this author but was aware he/she/they/them/who writes splatterpunk (insta search) and I was not disappointed. Now be aware it starts as it means to go on, the torture was torturing but the story between Fardeau and Reaver was really lovely (sorry but it was). True sadist/masochist relationship, it was exactly how I imagine it to truly be.
It was short which I was sad about after a while, I would have loved more backstory to the MMCs and would have enjoyed more of their relationship building. All in all if you like a bit of depravity and true detailed torture, with a thrown in romance for fun then give it a read. It is NOT a dark romance, it is so much more. Only 4 stars because it did not hit every emotion but I was happy with what it min the less.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you love body horror, revenge, torture,psychological tournament and bdsm with a hit of romance then this novella is definitely for you.
It explores the MMCs feeling of unworthiness, neglect and abuse that he was subjected to his whole life while also dealing with his mind and body connecting pain and pleasure as the same thing.
His desire for death magnifies his desire for pleasure so much so that at times he blurs the lines between extreme torture and tenderness.
I would have loved to see some more build up around the post apocalyptic world as well as the revange scenes being savoured and prolonged a little more to give the MMC the reckoning he truly deserved.
But all in all i loved this story, i absolutely adore the character artwork as well as the cover. This novella is something you will definitely want more of and once you pick it up you won't want to put it down until you have finished.
It explores the MMCs feeling of unworthiness, neglect and abuse that he was subjected to his whole life while also dealing with his mind and body connecting pain and pleasure as the same thing.
His desire for death magnifies his desire for pleasure so much so that at times he blurs the lines between extreme torture and tenderness.
I would have loved to see some more build up around the post apocalyptic world as well as the revange scenes being savoured and prolonged a little more to give the MMC the reckoning he truly deserved.
But all in all i loved this story, i absolutely adore the character artwork as well as the cover. This novella is something you will definitely want more of and once you pick it up you won't want to put it down until you have finished.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review
Very intense and gory, so be prepared going in. It leaned very heavily into splatterpunk, more than some of the other books I've read by this author, but also leaned more into dark romance than erotic horror.
Fardeau is severely traumatized from a lifetime of abuse and torture, but also displayed incredible strength that no one until Reaver gave him credit for. The story explores the horrors that Fardeau faced, but also gave him healing experiences. In a weird way, due to the healing journey, this almost felt like a wholesome story, as long as you can look past the blood and gore.
I would have loved if this had been a bit longer in order to see more of his healing journey and get some of Reaver's backstory. However the current length allows it to be a nice single sitting read, which is great because I didn't want to put it down.
Very intense and gory, so be prepared going in. It leaned very heavily into splatterpunk, more than some of the other books I've read by this author, but also leaned more into dark romance than erotic horror.
Fardeau is severely traumatized from a lifetime of abuse and torture, but also displayed incredible strength that no one until Reaver gave him credit for. The story explores the horrors that Fardeau faced, but also gave him healing experiences. In a weird way, due to the healing journey, this almost felt like a wholesome story, as long as you can look past the blood and gore.
I would have loved if this had been a bit longer in order to see more of his healing journey and get some of Reaver's backstory. However the current length allows it to be a nice single sitting read, which is great because I didn't want to put it down.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Burden by Aiden E. Messer
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Damn! An intense, dark & erotic horror novella!!
Fardeau has had a terrible life and no one seems to want him. He’s lived with so much rejection and trauma since he was born. One day, he finds himself captured by a neighboring community, who thinks he’s a spy and tortures him horribly. He eventually manages to escape and his life changes drastically once he makes it back to his village.
This story is spicy, brutal and touching! There’s a lot going on in this short story from torture, S&M, to love. This is a fast read that I couldn’t put down. It’s well written and truly a fierce and beautiful story.
Thank you to Aiden E. Messer for an arc copy of this fantastic book! This author is an automatic read for me!
*This novella comes out July 9th and I recommend it!!*
🩸🔪🌶️🔪🩸🔪🌶️
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Damn! An intense, dark & erotic horror novella!!
Fardeau has had a terrible life and no one seems to want him. He’s lived with so much rejection and trauma since he was born. One day, he finds himself captured by a neighboring community, who thinks he’s a spy and tortures him horribly. He eventually manages to escape and his life changes drastically once he makes it back to his village.
This story is spicy, brutal and touching! There’s a lot going on in this short story from torture, S&M, to love. This is a fast read that I couldn’t put down. It’s well written and truly a fierce and beautiful story.
Thank you to Aiden E. Messer for an arc copy of this fantastic book! This author is an automatic read for me!
*This novella comes out July 9th and I recommend it!!*
🩸🔪🌶️🔪🩸🔪🌶️
Review of advance copy received from Author
It had been such a long time since I last picked up an erotic horror romance, and this book reminded me exactly why I fell in love with the genre in the first place.
Not because of the horror itself, but because of the beautiful, twisted way two broken souls find each other and become whole. There’s something incredibly special about watching a couple complement one another, heal each other's wounds (kinda?), and become the missing piece of their perfectly chaotic puzzle and their slightly unhinged other half.
Despite the darkness, the pain, and the torture woven throughout the story, this book was absolutely captivating from beginning to end. The kind of romance scenes felt intense, emotional, and surprisingly tender beneath all the horror.
If you love dark, disturbing stories with a heart hidden beneath the shadows, this one is an absolute gem. Highly, highly recommended.
Not because of the horror itself, but because of the beautiful, twisted way two broken souls find each other and become whole. There’s something incredibly special about watching a couple complement one another, heal each other's wounds (kinda?), and become the missing piece of their perfectly chaotic puzzle and their slightly unhinged other half.
Despite the darkness, the pain, and the torture woven throughout the story, this book was absolutely captivating from beginning to end. The kind of romance scenes felt intense, emotional, and surprisingly tender beneath all the horror.
If you love dark, disturbing stories with a heart hidden beneath the shadows, this one is an absolute gem. Highly, highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First of all, I want to thank you for this ARC read!🖤
The story takes place in a post-apocalyptic world and follows the main character, Fardeau, whose name translates to “Burden.” He is rejected by everyone around him, which contributes to his self-hatred and desire to harm himself.
Personally, I expected more detail and stronger plot development, because from the very beginning everything moved very quickly, which made the story feel a little superficial, even though it touched on very serious themes. It was a lil difficult for me to fully connect with the characters’ relationships and understand them on a deeper level😔
However, overall, it was still a nice read and very quick to get through✨
The story takes place in a post-apocalyptic world and follows the main character, Fardeau, whose name translates to “Burden.” He is rejected by everyone around him, which contributes to his self-hatred and desire to harm himself.
Personally, I expected more detail and stronger plot development, because from the very beginning everything moved very quickly, which made the story feel a little superficial, even though it touched on very serious themes. It was a lil difficult for me to fully connect with the characters’ relationships and understand them on a deeper level😔
However, overall, it was still a nice read and very quick to get through✨
June 27, 2026
This is my first really touch of erotic horror romance. This is definitely deep definitely disturbing. Definitely erotic. I love that. This was an MM romance as well. You had a person who was shunned by his community had to pillage and get food for himself so he doesn’t starve sleep outside. Gets captured and tortured and in the torture he also gets assaulted in sexual ways. He then begins to develop a type of kink where he likes pain with his sex. And when I talk about some of the things that take place like dismembering of bodies, it just was like wow. This was definitely thick and twisted so when he does escape, his capture ends up back at the village, he is desperate for this sensation and feeling again. And he seeks out probably the worst guy in the village. Well little do you know that guy in the village has the softest heart for him takes him under his wings and answers to all his desires.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This one took me a minute to read, not because it's bad, but because it wasn't what I was expecting. This is my fault. It's been a while since I read Messer, and at the time, they were writing extreme horror revenge type stories. Burden is more of a (very) dark romance. Fardeau is captured by a rival camp and tortured, awakening dark desires in him. He escapes, but he feels like shit and seeks out a notorious hunter in his camp in hopes that he will be put out of his misery. And this is where the man whose name strikes fear in all who hear it helps the man named Burden begin to heal.
If you like your romance dark and laced with graphic violence, this is a treat.
If you like your romance dark and laced with graphic violence, this is a treat.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Arc reader, ebook.
This was my introduction to Aiden E Messer and they did not disappoint. The body horror elements were brilliant and slightly uncomfortable, the struggle the MMC deals with is interesting without drawing away from the more 'fun' elements. Shorter story to sink your teeth into.
This definitely swung towards body horror over dark romance (if that's what you're looking for). I would have loved a little more character development (Reaver)/build up, the world itself sounds interested and would have liked this explored a little more.
This was my introduction to Aiden E Messer and they did not disappoint. The body horror elements were brilliant and slightly uncomfortable, the struggle the MMC deals with is interesting without drawing away from the more 'fun' elements. Shorter story to sink your teeth into.
This definitely swung towards body horror over dark romance (if that's what you're looking for). I would have loved a little more character development (Reaver)/build up, the world itself sounds interested and would have liked this explored a little more.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you know Aiden E Messer’s books, you know they are like a car crash you can’t help but to look at. Except this car crash has lots and lots of gore. BURDEN is about guy who has been conditioned all his life to feel and believe he is a burden and worthless. After he gets kidnapped, though, he develops a new kink and finds someone to help him with it. As always, mind the triggers. But if you have none, like me, then this book is top tier.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
Thank you for the ARC copy! 🥳
So, this isn’t for the faint hearted. Although not the darkest thing I’ve read, I must encourage everyone to read the trigger warnings. Even my toes curled a bit at points..
This was definitely a good palette cleanser between my normal dark romantasy reads & I really enjoyed the development of Fardeau’s story.
I do however, wish the revenge was a little sweeter at the end.
So, this isn’t for the faint hearted. Although not the darkest thing I’ve read, I must encourage everyone to read the trigger warnings. Even my toes curled a bit at points..
This was definitely a good palette cleanser between my normal dark romantasy reads & I really enjoyed the development of Fardeau’s story.
I do however, wish the revenge was a little sweeter at the end.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow thos book was short but it packed a punch! We have Fardeau he lives in a post apocalypse world he is trying to find food when he is kidnapped. The story then goes to the breif past where we hear about the torture and present where he os trying to deal with what happened. Then Reaver comes into the picture, he is a mean hunter.. no one messes with him.
I dont normally like books so short.. but this one just grabbed me and I couldnt out it down! I recommend it for sure.
I dont normally like books so short.. but this one just grabbed me and I couldnt out it down! I recommend it for sure.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was so honored to have the opportunity to ARC read this book, and what an experience it was. It was a sick, twisted, depraved, yet somehow wholesome and incredibly sweet masterpiece.
I absolutely loved Reaver and the care and patience he showed while helping Fardeau navigate his trauma. Their relationship was perfect.
I was hooked from the very beginning and had a hard time putting this book down. I'm already looking forward to reading more from this author!
I absolutely loved Reaver and the care and patience he showed while helping Fardeau navigate his trauma. Their relationship was perfect.
I was hooked from the very beginning and had a hard time putting this book down. I'm already looking forward to reading more from this author!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed this as a quick read
The story moves along quickly, and there is some great character development even though there is only 103 pages
Take the trigger warnings seriously, there is a lot of dark subjects covered in depth in this book especially torture.
If you like dark twisted MM stories, you will love this. X
The story moves along quickly, and there is some great character development even though there is only 103 pages
Take the trigger warnings seriously, there is a lot of dark subjects covered in depth in this book especially torture.
If you like dark twisted MM stories, you will love this. X
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ohhhh my heart! That was probably the perfect book for me, I'll definitely be rereading it. I love the gore, the fast pace, the trauma, the revenge, the healing, the love. My goodness! I did not expect such an emotional roller-coaster for this book! That ending had me happy crying. Oh I forgot to mention the spicey scenes, oh boy were they hot. 🥵
Review of advance copy received from Author
Burden, my Aimé.
What a freaking hot, but too short! story of pain and beautiful relief 🔥🥵
This book is dark, please check the trigger warning list! Torture, ptsd, rape, death is fully described, it is not for the weak heart or mind 😏
What a freaking hot, but too short! story of pain and beautiful relief 🔥🥵
This book is dark, please check the trigger warning list! Torture, ptsd, rape, death is fully described, it is not for the weak heart or mind 😏
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for the ARC. All thoughts are my own.
What a delightfully twisted book. Toxic, disgusting and horrific. If you like dark romance, give this a shot. But if you don't like reading about graphic torture, avoid this like the plague.
What a delightfully twisted book. Toxic, disgusting and horrific. If you like dark romance, give this a shot. But if you don't like reading about graphic torture, avoid this like the plague.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was actually a really sweet book. A pretty decent portrayal of a BDSM relationship, even though it started out pretty messed up, as well as how trauma can affect the mental stability of someone. My heart hurt for the MC. While this book is a novella, it didn't feel rushed.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for letting me arc read this! I went into this book blind I have never heard of this author before and wow this is one crazy story and I absolutely loved it I was squeamish at some parts! I’m definitely recommending this one to all my horror lovers out there!
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