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The Reborn
"THE REBORN is Bryan Smith's most Laymon-esque novel to date."--Brian Keene, author of The Rising
Murder. Sexual violence. Necrophilia. These are the things Josh Booker has fantasized about since he was a boy. For years the conflicted young man struggled to contain the dark urges growing inside him, but now he has succumbed and taken his first victim. In the aftermath, he alternately feels elation and despair. Now that he’s done it once, however, the urges are stronger than ever and he knows he will kill again. But then something unexpected happens. His first victim returns, alive again and in a pristine new body. For reasons unknown, Mia Holloway finds herself helplessly drawn to the man who killed her. Together they descend into a twisted nightmare of complications and bloody murder.
Murder. Sexual violence. Necrophilia. These are the things Josh Booker has fantasized about since he was a boy. For years the conflicted young man struggled to contain the dark urges growing inside him, but now he has succumbed and taken his first victim. In the aftermath, he alternately feels elation and despair. Now that he’s done it once, however, the urges are stronger than ever and he knows he will kill again. But then something unexpected happens. His first victim returns, alive again and in a pristine new body. For reasons unknown, Mia Holloway finds herself helplessly drawn to the man who killed her. Together they descend into a twisted nightmare of complications and bloody murder.
- GenresHorror
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 7, 2015
29 people are currently reading
190 people want to read
About the author
Bryan Smith
104 books760 followersBryan Smith is the Splatterpunk Award-winning author of more than forty horror and crime books, including 68 Kill, the cult classic Depraved and its sequels, as well as The Killing Kind, Slowly We Rot, The Freakshow, and many more. Bestselling horror author Brian Keene called Slowly We Rot, "The best zombie novel I've ever read."
68 Kill was adapted into a motion picture directed by Trent Haaga and starring Matthew Gray Gubler of the long-running CBS series Criminal Minds. 68 Kill won the Midnighters Award at the SXSW film festival in 2017 and was released to wide acclaim, including positive reviews in The New York Times and Bloody Disgusting.
Bryan also co-scripted an original Harley Quinn story for the House of Horrors anthology from DC Comics. He has worked with renowned horror publishers in both the mass market and small press spheres, including Leisure Books, Samhain Publishing, Grindhouse Press, Death’s Head Press, and more. His works are available wherever books are sold, with select titles also available in German and Italian.
68 Kill was adapted into a motion picture directed by Trent Haaga and starring Matthew Gray Gubler of the long-running CBS series Criminal Minds. 68 Kill won the Midnighters Award at the SXSW film festival in 2017 and was released to wide acclaim, including positive reviews in The New York Times and Bloody Disgusting.
Bryan also co-scripted an original Harley Quinn story for the House of Horrors anthology from DC Comics. He has worked with renowned horror publishers in both the mass market and small press spheres, including Leisure Books, Samhain Publishing, Grindhouse Press, Death’s Head Press, and more. His works are available wherever books are sold, with select titles also available in German and Italian.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 26, 2023
I really enjoyed this story. Josh is a polarizing character. He’s a budding serial killer, but ultimately meets his match when his first victim, Mia, is resurrected. And she doesn’t remember him killing her, but creates a very loving and intrusive relationship with her killer. And what we get is a demented version of Bonnie and Clyde, as they wreak havoc on unsuspecting people. Tons of gore and blood, and some really great depth between Josh and Mia. He is very abusive to her, as he tries to figure out how Mia is alive, but also why she loves him so deeply. Like obsessively. And he struggles with himself, as his newfound relationship is more confusing than anything, as she evolves into something greater than he could’ve ever imagined. Neither character on their own is terribly interesting, but together they make something really special. And the finale was also well done, bringing Josh’s story full circle very appropriately. A really unique and well-executed premise, with some wonderful characters.
June 16, 2015
An intense and disturbing book.
The central plot about the emergence of a serial killer has a twisted supernatural element which tries to give a conscious to the events that continue to cycle further out of control.
Even though the central character isn't that likable, his urges and compulsions that overtake him become more and more bizarre as they move his life, and the plot forward with knife plunging horror.
A book Certainly to be avoided by the squeamish or those easily shocked and perhaps some not so easily shocked.
The central plot about the emergence of a serial killer has a twisted supernatural element which tries to give a conscious to the events that continue to cycle further out of control.
Even though the central character isn't that likable, his urges and compulsions that overtake him become more and more bizarre as they move his life, and the plot forward with knife plunging horror.
A book Certainly to be avoided by the squeamish or those easily shocked and perhaps some not so easily shocked.
September 5, 2022
Awesome, bloody and gross. A classic Bryan Smith novel
August 3, 2015
Quite possibly Smith's most Laymon-esque work yet. A tense, relentless, and fun few hours of pulp horror goodness.
January 16, 2023
An almost perfect extreme horror novel. Up until the last few pages of this book, I was floored. I read this thing with my chin hitting the tiles. It was unbelievably gruesome, shocking, disturbing and harrowing. Up until the last few pages. I won't give anything away, but I felt like Smith wasted the emotional wallop of the climax with a tacked on, super mega cheesy, ineffective epilogue that tied this novel in with his other works. In his afterword, Smith just out and says, basically, non verbatim "I wanted to tie this novel in with my other books so I can use this character again." It felt very cheap, and it was so disappointing that it forfeited the power of the novel. That said, up until that needless epilogue, this was not only one of the best books by Bryan Smith that I have read, but probably one of the best and most disturbing horror novels I have read...ever? Messed up doesn't even begin to describe this book. Only recommended for those with iron stomachs and strong minds. A brilliant, harrowing read... up until the last few pages. A Four Star book that would have easily been a Fiver, minus that epilogue.
March 18, 2023
Josh Booker has a very dark secret. He enjoys torturing and killing women. He resisted his brutal bloody impulses for years until he couldn't take it any longer and kidnaps his beautiful young neighbor, takes her to his curmudgeonly grandfather's cabin...and does the deed.
Then inexplicably she comes back, looking the same and doesn't appear to have any knowledge about what happened. Only where she barely acknowledged or showed any interest in Josh romantically before, she's been...reborn. And she'll do anything to make Josh love her, no matter how violent or depraved.
Easily one of his most horrifying and disturbing horror novels, this may not be for everyone. But make no mistake, you won't forget it!
Highly recommended!
Then inexplicably she comes back, looking the same and doesn't appear to have any knowledge about what happened. Only where she barely acknowledged or showed any interest in Josh romantically before, she's been...reborn. And she'll do anything to make Josh love her, no matter how violent or depraved.
Easily one of his most horrifying and disturbing horror novels, this may not be for everyone. But make no mistake, you won't forget it!
Highly recommended!
February 3, 2023
The Killing Kind part Deux.
I read a review or blurb that said that this was the closest thing Bryan had written to a Richard Laymon story. Obviously, that roped me in. Was it true?
Ummmm…. No.
Essentially, this is “The Killing Kind” gender reversed. Although the story has a unique plot device, it lacked the enthusiasm and energy of the Missy Wallace stories. I really did like the addition of Josh’s grandfather and his background, but it needed to be fleshed out more.
This isn’t Bryan’s best work but it is wholly Bryan Smith so if you are a fan, you will enjoy. I’m a fan so I’ll keep reading anything I can get my hands on.
I read a review or blurb that said that this was the closest thing Bryan had written to a Richard Laymon story. Obviously, that roped me in. Was it true?
Ummmm…. No.
Essentially, this is “The Killing Kind” gender reversed. Although the story has a unique plot device, it lacked the enthusiasm and energy of the Missy Wallace stories. I really did like the addition of Josh’s grandfather and his background, but it needed to be fleshed out more.
This isn’t Bryan’s best work but it is wholly Bryan Smith so if you are a fan, you will enjoy. I’m a fan so I’ll keep reading anything I can get my hands on.
June 12, 2015
Bryan Smith's books are always fun to read and The Reborn is exceptional. It combines supernatural elements with a serial killer tale. The story starts out with Josh Booker, who appears to be an average normal guy but a twisted psychopath lurks underneath that surface. Having long struggled with homicidal tendencies he's now obsessing over killing Mia, a girl he grew up with who has always been way out of his league. He gets the shock of his life however after doing the deed. Mia doesn't stay dead. She resurrects even more obsessed with him and the pair have a bloody, grotesque adventure together.
I always love how Smith writes his characters, making the reader care about what happens to them even if said characters are highly unlikable (such as with the Kayla books). That is a quality often lacking in slasher type books. Loved how this one ended too, leaving the road wide open for an awesome sequel, or perhaps a few, featuring Josh and other memorable characters.
I always love how Smith writes his characters, making the reader care about what happens to them even if said characters are highly unlikable (such as with the Kayla books). That is a quality often lacking in slasher type books. Loved how this one ended too, leaving the road wide open for an awesome sequel, or perhaps a few, featuring Josh and other memorable characters.
August 28, 2015
This is copy 51 of 61 signed numbered copies. Signed by the author.
June 10, 2015
After Slowly We Rot and Surrounded By Bastards, this is a return to the more traditional horror territory that Bryan Smith fans are familiar with. While not as outlandish as many of his earlier books, The Reborn is more disturbing because of its basis in reality. Josh Booker's deviant murders are not described in detail, but there is enough to horrify and the reader can fill in the blanks themselves. The high point is the relationship between Josh and Mia, which seems straightforward but begins to shift as their roles become blurred. The ending of The Reborn is another bright spot. It is a quiet scene, basically two guys chatting in a bar, but it hints at exciting things to come in future works.
I went in to The Reborn cold, and was glad that I did. There is a shocking moment early in the book that was all the more powerful because I didn't know it was coming. This event is revealed in the summary of the book above, but I don't want to mention it and risk spoiling it. If you are already a Bryan Smith fan, I would urge you to do the same thing I did and just start reading. You won't be disappointed!
The Reborn is a disturbing portrait of a burgeoning serial killer. It is as dark as it gets, and there isn't much to lighten the mood, so be warned. For those who can take it, I can't recommend it highly enough. 5 stars.
I went in to The Reborn cold, and was glad that I did. There is a shocking moment early in the book that was all the more powerful because I didn't know it was coming. This event is revealed in the summary of the book above, but I don't want to mention it and risk spoiling it. If you are already a Bryan Smith fan, I would urge you to do the same thing I did and just start reading. You won't be disappointed!
The Reborn is a disturbing portrait of a burgeoning serial killer. It is as dark as it gets, and there isn't much to lighten the mood, so be warned. For those who can take it, I can't recommend it highly enough. 5 stars.
August 2, 2015
I've read a few Bryan Smith novels and The Reborn differed from the all out carnage I've come to expect from Mr Smith.
The Reborn is the most unsettling yet, because it can happen, does happen.
Serial killers exist and they walk among us, in the most part, unnoticed.
The twist is the reborn, Mia.
Josh, an aspiring serial killer, finally gives in to the murderous urges her has fought against all his life.
His first victim the unfortunate Mia, a childhood friend of Josh's.
But after Josh's night of debauchery, and a most certainly dead Mia, she is mysteriously restored to life.
This unexpected occurrence throws a curve ball at Josh, but it's not long before he discovers the advantages of his reborn victim.
As I've said, this novel is not the all out, balls to the wall, crazy carnage I've come to expect from the author, but this makes it no less disturbing.
There are scenes in this book that make my skin crawl.
While we don't always witness Josh's handiwork firsthand, the memories and flashbacks paint a disturbingly vivid picture.
The final chapter leaves an opening for a sequel, which is a good thing, I look forward to following Josh's 'career' further.
As usual, Bryan Smith novels are not for the squeamish, but if you're a horror or gore fan, you're going to love this guy.
The Reborn is the most unsettling yet, because it can happen, does happen.
Serial killers exist and they walk among us, in the most part, unnoticed.
The twist is the reborn, Mia.
Josh, an aspiring serial killer, finally gives in to the murderous urges her has fought against all his life.
His first victim the unfortunate Mia, a childhood friend of Josh's.
But after Josh's night of debauchery, and a most certainly dead Mia, she is mysteriously restored to life.
This unexpected occurrence throws a curve ball at Josh, but it's not long before he discovers the advantages of his reborn victim.
As I've said, this novel is not the all out, balls to the wall, crazy carnage I've come to expect from the author, but this makes it no less disturbing.
There are scenes in this book that make my skin crawl.
While we don't always witness Josh's handiwork firsthand, the memories and flashbacks paint a disturbingly vivid picture.
The final chapter leaves an opening for a sequel, which is a good thing, I look forward to following Josh's 'career' further.
As usual, Bryan Smith novels are not for the squeamish, but if you're a horror or gore fan, you're going to love this guy.
February 27, 2016
The story was entertaining but I hated the main character so so so much. It was hard to focus on anything else other than my unrelenting hatred. It was not that his actions were deplorable. I've always loved the villains. The despicable men and women of the many stories I've read. Who doesn't like the bad guys? But there was something about this piece of shit I just couldn't stomach and again it had absolutely nothing to do with his actions. Soooo hats off to the author on that and be prepared to hate Josh the bad man Booker.
June 10, 2015
Reborn is intense!
A fast paced look into a brutal,depraved decent into the beginning of a serial killer. Be prepared for some of Bryan Smith's most violent writing.
A fast paced look into a brutal,depraved decent into the beginning of a serial killer. Be prepared for some of Bryan Smith's most violent writing.
October 12, 2015
I liked the concept of Mia ( I won't say exactly what due to spoilers)and it was an easy read. It didn't scare me or creep me out; although some parts were disturbing (necrophilia). It was more a slasher-novel, but from the killer's POV. I guess I was expecting something, "deeper," since I don't read a lot of horror novels from the antagonist POV. I like Psychological Thrillers/horror and it could of gone a lot deeper in the psychological part but didn't really do that for me. Therefore, it felt kind of rushed. But, if you like quick slasher novels then you should check this out.
August 18, 2019
So eine unsympathische Hauptperson
July 20, 2018
Well...well...well... I have read some dark books over the years, some really sick stuff and I have no problem admitting and revealing that The Reborn had some of the darkest and sickest scenes in any book I've read up to date, like wow! BUT the problem I had personally with this was that, the book felt it was using the shock factor a little too much and because of this I didn't feel like the story had much depth.
So we have Josh, Josh is one sick puppy who just has a deep and burning desire to kill, eventually giving in he brutally tortures, rapes and any other inexplicable thing he can think of his first victim Mia. Sure he has a twang of guilt but more than anything its elation. However thinks take a nosedive when Mia turns up the next day, right as rain, her body unharmed, but even more bizarrely she's happy to see him......
This is actually the point of the in which I felt the story took a hit, as I said there is some seriously sick stuff happening throughout this book but I also began to get (dare I say) a dark comedy vibe? Watching Josh and Mia's relationship grow into some sort of nagging fest almost, those petty little arguments and bickering you have with your partner at the start of relationship, except while us normal couples argue about who's turn it is to the dishes, or make the bed, these two are arguing where to hide bodies or how long Josh should leave it before killing again.
The writing was definitely fast paced and despite the grotesque imagery I have stained in my brain it was an 'easy' read but once again I just go back to the whole shock factor in that, if it wasn't for all the depraved scenes there wasn't really anything else about the book, and to be honest that may have been the aim, the author maybe just wanted to create a shock horror book that turned your stomach and made you gasp out loud, if that was his mission, he definitely succeeded. But I feel that a story just needs to have that little bit more for me to give any more stars than what I did.
I would definitely give Mr Smith's books another shot, just to see if any of his other works were a little more subtle and not as heavy on the gore and violence, as I do see solid writing and lots of potential.
Overall a 3 stars (being honest it was a 2.5 rounded up)
So we have Josh, Josh is one sick puppy who just has a deep and burning desire to kill, eventually giving in he brutally tortures, rapes and any other inexplicable thing he can think of his first victim Mia. Sure he has a twang of guilt but more than anything its elation. However thinks take a nosedive when Mia turns up the next day, right as rain, her body unharmed, but even more bizarrely she's happy to see him......
This is actually the point of the in which I felt the story took a hit, as I said there is some seriously sick stuff happening throughout this book but I also began to get (dare I say) a dark comedy vibe? Watching Josh and Mia's relationship grow into some sort of nagging fest almost, those petty little arguments and bickering you have with your partner at the start of relationship, except while us normal couples argue about who's turn it is to the dishes, or make the bed, these two are arguing where to hide bodies or how long Josh should leave it before killing again.
The writing was definitely fast paced and despite the grotesque imagery I have stained in my brain it was an 'easy' read but once again I just go back to the whole shock factor in that, if it wasn't for all the depraved scenes there wasn't really anything else about the book, and to be honest that may have been the aim, the author maybe just wanted to create a shock horror book that turned your stomach and made you gasp out loud, if that was his mission, he definitely succeeded. But I feel that a story just needs to have that little bit more for me to give any more stars than what I did.
I would definitely give Mr Smith's books another shot, just to see if any of his other works were a little more subtle and not as heavy on the gore and violence, as I do see solid writing and lots of potential.
Overall a 3 stars (being honest it was a 2.5 rounded up)
April 2, 2024
Josh has always had urges to kill since he can remember. He finally sets his eyes on Mia, his childhood friend. When he succeeds, he keeps a special part of her....but is she really gone?
This book started off so strong and then, for me, took a weird turn which took me out of the book. I enjoyed the necro and splatter part of it. Those elements hit the spot. Also, Mia, at a certain part of the book annoyed the hell outta me. Because the book started off so strong I'm interested in reading more from Bryan.
This book started off so strong and then, for me, took a weird turn which took me out of the book. I enjoyed the necro and splatter part of it. Those elements hit the spot. Also, Mia, at a certain part of the book annoyed the hell outta me. Because the book started off so strong I'm interested in reading more from Bryan.
September 9, 2019
Pure Insanity
This book is a trip, a total mind blower where you hate and feel disgusted by the main character but...somehow end up wanting him to win? I don’t even understand it, the guys a monster, but...I don’t even know. If hardcore horror is your thing check this book out, no one does it better than Bryan Smith.
This book is a trip, a total mind blower where you hate and feel disgusted by the main character but...somehow end up wanting him to win? I don’t even understand it, the guys a monster, but...I don’t even know. If hardcore horror is your thing check this book out, no one does it better than Bryan Smith.
December 21, 2022
Brought this book because of the cover, but absolutely loved the story. The massive turn just added so much intrigue into a book that was already working for me. Great story, incredible characters. Extremely violent despite a fair bit of that violence happening 'off screen.' Just a fantastic book all round.
May 13, 2023
I really liked 68 Kill the movie so I thought I might try a book by Bryan Smith. I don't remember why I picked the Reborn and maybe that's for the better! I didn't like the lead in this story, which might be part of the point but I was still hoping for him to get more of what he should have had coming to him in the end. However, the Reborn was never boring. I wish I would have got a better explanation for Mia, I did find her character very interesting.
September 4, 2017
Bryan Smith
I can't get enough of Bryan Smith! You can always count on him for something run to read. On to more!
I can't get enough of Bryan Smith! You can always count on him for something run to read. On to more!
August 29, 2019
This was a fun twisted ride. Extremely gory and with a pinch of necrophilia. That part got to me, but overall I enjoyed the story. I knew what I was in for when I started.
January 26, 2023
Solid splatterpunk novel.
May 18, 2016
Lean and Mean
Another ripper of a tale from Bryan Smith. It has a faint resemblance to Richard Laymon (always a good thing) but crackles faster than any of his work. Towards the end, I did feel some sadness for the doomed relationship. What more can I say? Bryan Smith is a phenomenal writer and storyteller and I will be diving into another of his books here in a second. Looking forward to the sequel. Recommended for sure.
Another ripper of a tale from Bryan Smith. It has a faint resemblance to Richard Laymon (always a good thing) but crackles faster than any of his work. Towards the end, I did feel some sadness for the doomed relationship. What more can I say? Bryan Smith is a phenomenal writer and storyteller and I will be diving into another of his books here in a second. Looking forward to the sequel. Recommended for sure.
July 22, 2015
This one reminded me of Richard Laymon more than anything else Smith has released. My only main criticism is aimed at patches of bad writing scattered here and there but Smith's books remain as addictive as the drugs that may be involved in their production.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews