DOA III

by Marc Ciccarone (Editor), Andrea Dawn (Editor), Bentley Little

After six years and more than fifty authors, the Unholy Trinity is complete. This third installment in the DOA series offers thirty stories from the originators of splatterpunk as well as the newest voices in extreme horror.

You'll laugh...you'll cry...you'll vomit
Don't say we didn't warn you.

Genres: Horror, Anthologies, Fiction, Splatterpunk, Short Stories

393 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2017

Reviews

[LIsa Noell "Rocking the chutzpah!" · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to Bloodbound books, multiple authors and Netgalley.
I'm fairly sure that this is my third outing in this D.O.A. series. Its difficult to recall, mostly because Amazon deleted most of my reviews a few years ago. "Thanks, asshats!"
Anywho...I mostly enjoyed some of these shorties. It seems that the older I get, the less likely I am to read over the top horror.
Yeah, yeah....I know, getting old is weird! So, books like these are perfect for me. I still get some extreme horror, but in the short form! Much better.
Some of my favorite authors were in this batch of shorties. Some I've read before, but I still enjoyed.

[Leo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this for review on netgally.

It's odd to say I enjoyed it as the stories was messed up, gory and disgusting but I like that type of horror. Like any other anthology I enjoyed some stories a lot more and some a lot less. But overall it was a good collection with a lot of diffrent stories but definitely a book you need to be careful for what time you read it. Wouldn't recommend reading it before or after you eat.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was young I would fantasize about running my own radio station. Playing only the good stuff and banning the bubblegum pop B.S. Blood Bound Books has managed to accomplish with this book what I wished I could with radio. Not one single dud or song I turned the volume down for. With contributions from well known authors, Wrath James White and Shane McKenzie to new favorites (Betty Rocksteady is AMAZING! Keep an eye on that one! :) DOA III is relentless and does not pull any punches. I cannot say this emphatically enough, It is NOT for the faint of heart. If however you love a book that can have you laughing one second and gagging the next, you are in the right place.

[J.C. Brennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

DOA may just be one of the best anthologies out that. But then again, with this assembled talent how could a reader lose! Diehard, extreme horror rival the pages with all the terrifying, gruesome horror a fan could ask for. DOA III is callous, intense and sometimes unforgiving with story’s to make even the hardcore horror addict cringe. This is a must read for all horror fan, not for the meek.

[Nate Dawg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an awesome anthology of extreme horror stories. A great mix of OG and the newer generation of authors. Highly recommend for experienced and new readers of extreme fiction.

[Yvonne (the putrid Shelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wild anthology. Has everything I love about extreme horror.

[E.B. Lunsford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mind Blown (and gone screaming into the night)

Wow. Just wow. What the hell did I just read? To say this book was awesome would be an understatement. If you’re looking for a book that will make you sit up a little straighter, bite your nails, and maybe even gag, look no further. This anthology left me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to be thrown at me next. I wish I could leave a review for each and every one of the stories in this book, but if I did, this review would be impossibly long. Instead, I’m just going to highlight some of my favorites.

“Notches” by Sean Eads and Joshua Viola was a helluva story to start the anthology with, and the fun didn’t let up there. The next story that really stood out for me was “Skipp’s Splatterpunk Alphabet Soufflé” by John Skipp. This was a fun collection of stories that summarized what Splatterpunk really is. I definitely recommend checking it out if you are new to the genre. “The Package” by Kristopher Rufty was also really good, and I loved the twist ending.

One of my favorites would have to be “RED” by Richard Christian Matheson. I had to read this one three times in a row to fully grasp the story. It gave me chills. I don’t want to give too much away, but this one really stuck with me long after reading. I can only imagine... well, I don’t want to imagine.

“8 out of 10” by Daniel I. Russell was another fun story. I also really liked Bentley Little’s “The Machine.” Poor boy. “These Beautiful Bones” by Betty Rocksteady was another bizarre tale worth checking out. Honestly, I’d be hard-pressed to find a story in this anthology that I didn’t like. “Beer Battered” by K. Trap Jones is another story worth mentioning. Gotta luv the hellhogs!

“L’amuse Bouche” by Hal Bodner had a twist ending that I really enjoyed. The next story I would like to mention is “Taking Root” by Christoph Weber. It was an interesting story that stuck with me after reading. And then you have “The Bliss Point” by Wrath James White. Another helluva story. “Ritchie” by Eric J. Guignard is worth mentioning as well.

“I’d Give Anything For You” by Jack Ketchum and Edward Lee was another of my favorites. I did not expect the ending. I also liked John McNee’s “Repulsive Glamour.” It was different. The anthology ended with another of my favorites, this time by Kristopher Triana. It was quite a way to end the book, and one scene even made me gag. I can’t remember the last time a story made me do that! “The Bitch” was simply amazing.

I love when you finish a book, and it leaves you wishing for more. I can’t wait to read some of these author’s other works. If you like extreme horror and you’re searching for your next read, this book is for you. You won’t be disappointed. I sure wasn’t. I will definitely be saving this one to read again in the future.

[☠Arianne Reads Horror ☠ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was overall fairly enjoyable. Like most anthologies there are stories I just didn't like as much, but I think that's the beauty of anthologies.

I've not seen this spoken about or reviewed by horror reviewers or extreme horror readers, and to be honest I'm a little surprised at that! This being the third installment tells me that this collection of works from 1-3 are really underrated and, in my opinion definitely deserves a lot more recognition and exposure.

Majority of the stories are well written, and have good plotlines, there were a few that I felt dragged on and could've been a page or two shorter.

On the plus side (I guess depending in what you like reading) they're all extremely gory.
A few of my favourite stories, if you end up reading this book:
Takeaway Night by T.M McLean
The Package by Kristopher Rufty
8 out of 10 by Daniel L. Russell
Bury Them Deeper by Daniel Sandner

If you're looking for a mega amount of short horrors of all types, this would be a great place to start.

[Kay Oliver · Rating 2 out of 5]

This collection had its ups and downs. Some stories were humbled messes, writers who seemed to not quite have short-story-writing down. Other tales were absolutely spectacular: McKenzie weaves a tale of strong characters wrapped up in the most awful, stomach wrenching situation that will have you cringing; Harding crafts a tale that will leave you both grossed out and engrossed; Rufty has an eerie story that'll have you rethinking your PO Box. This is a book for only the truest, most gruesome of horror fans.

[Cheryl]

DNF - well, it's very few books I don't finish. I read five out of the thirty stories in the book. Two of them were TOO much even for me (and those who read my reviews with any regularity know I usually like blood and guts). But these go beyond that.

That is why some people will enjoy this book. There's definitely a shock factor in them. More power to you but I couldn't keep going.

[renee w · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent anthology

[Bookishme_lisamarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fact that this anthology featured stories by Bentley Little and Kristopher Triana absolutely made me request this ebook from Netgalley.

I don't know what I was expecting, but in my naïvety, I was shocked by the gore and depravity.

I liked it, but I was shocked. 😂

Ok, some things definitely turned my stomach and some topics I would like to avoid in the future. But, all together, it was a 3.5 star read for me, but I rounded it up to 4⭐️.

Just because there are a few stories I wouldn't choose to read again doesn't mean it wasn't a good anthology.

Just check your trigger warnings. If you don't have any triggers, happy reading!

As always, I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to have an advanced ebook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Maddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of splattergore punk, I found it great for bite-sized bits of horror though it was hard to put down, I wanted more. I finished the whole book in 3 days.

Definitely not for the gore naive as there is a laundry list of trigger warnings. the fact that there are different authors also meant that there were so many different styles and if one got boring, go to the next and come back to that one. Think there was only one for me, though that was just for a weird coincidence.

[Armand · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book rounds out the D.O.A. trilogy of splatterpunk anthologies, and it's no slacker. Clocking at 30 stories, there are more pieces here and they are on the average longer too. Of course it doesn't aspire to literary heights but it's definitely good for what it was made for.

The stories here are violent, filthy, frenzied, and intense - it has all the titillation and blood you would require for your transgressive fix. These have to be taken in measured doses tho - you don't want to O.D. before you reach the end, do you? Well good luck, I'm washing my hands off this putrid, stinking thing.

The vilest morsels here are:

N Word - not what you think it is. Also - one of the very few stories that I almost left unfinished in disgust, and I have a strong stomach for this stuff. I'm so tempted to use expletives in this review but I shan't.

Skipp's Splatterpunk Alphabet Souffle - a moving love letter to the genre

These Beautiful Bones - a desperate woman uncovers a orgiastic demonic tapestry in her basement

L'Amuse Bouche - a hot but murderous bartender who just can't take rejection lightly meets his match in the ultimate co*ktease

Proud Papa - how to fully experience the joys and pains of fatherhood over the course of an hour

I'd Give Anything For You - a golddigger has no idea of the lengths the millionaire mama's boy she just dumped is willing to go through for a reconciliation

I'm rating it 7.5/10 or 4 stars out of 5.

[Life in books Ric · Rating 4 out of 5]

ⓇⒺⓋⒾⒺⓌ

Various - DOA III

Wow. Ok. Urmm…
I’m not sure how or where to start.

Ok, I got it…

So you know when you go to an all you can eat Chinese cuisine buffet right?
You’re two plates deep - you’re loving life, you’re treating your damn self then you get that third plate.
You know damn well you didn’t need it, but you do it anyway.
Now you’re done, or are you? You unbutton your top trouser button and think to yourself, “I’ll just get some hors d'oeuvres to finish off”, except you don’t. You come back to the table with a 1/4 shredded duck, 6 pancakes, spring onions and a pot of Hoisin sauce.

Now you’ve fucked up.

You had to push it didn’t you. Now you’re feeling bloated, uncomfortable and sick.

This kind of how I feel about DOA III.
I loved this collection of extreme horror, but it was pretty difficult getting through it - even for me.

Some authors I’d heard of, (Ketchum, Little, Strand) some I hadn’t, but each story is as
brutal and disturbing as the last.
This is EXTREME, extreme horror at its best, or worst depending on how you look at it.

On the back of the book it says,

You’ll laugh
You’ll cry
You’ll vomit

They wasn’t lying!


Lucky for me I love Chinese food!

[Bean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a vile, disgusting and disturbing read. I loved it. D.O.A III is chock full of fantastic indie writers, stories by Bentley Little, Wrath James White...Kristopher Triana....Shane McKenzie...Ryan Harding plus Jack Ketchum and Edward Lee team up together to bring you a special story. Those are just a few of the many contributors. If you like extreme horror, this is one anthology you need to read. Thanks to Joe Spagnola and the Bloodbound Books Crew for sending me a copy to call my own. Head on over to Bloodbound Books to snag a copy for yourself

[Terry Harding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark, Sick & Twisted

Really does appeal to some sick part of myself and made me cringe in some places, giggle in others, and a couple of spots I had to fight myself to continue through, so, overall, a successful venture of extreme horror. Already bought the other two, and I look forward to seeing the depths of depravity that awaits. Yes, I read 3 first, I am a rebel like that!

[Trina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great anthology of horror reads.

[J Kromrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

D.O.A. III, edited by S.C. Mendes, is a visceral and unflinching anthology that pushes the boundaries of horror fiction. Featuring contributions from renowned authors like Bentley Little, Kristopher Triana, and the late Jack Ketchum, this collection is not for the faint of heart. It is a testament to the enduring appeal of extreme horror, offering readers a rollercoaster of emotions from sheer terror to dark humor.

The anthology opens with a bang, setting a relentless pace that rarely lets up. Each story is a unique exploration of fear, gore, and the macabre, showcasing the diverse voices and styles of its contributors. From the grotesque to the psychologically disturbing, D.O.A. III covers a wide spectrum of horror, ensuring that there is something to unsettle every reader.

One of my favorites is Bentley Little’s contribution, which delves into the horrors lurking in everyday life. Little’s ability to turn the mundane into the terrifying is on full display, making readers question the safety of their own surroundings. Kristopher Triana’s story, on the other hand, is a masterclass in splatterpunk, with vivid descriptions and a relentless pace that leaves little room for respite.

Jack Ketchum’s story is a haunting reminder of his legacy in the horror genre. Known for his ability to tap into the darkest corners of the human psyche, Ketchum delivers a tale that is both chilling and thought-provoking. His contribution is a fitting tribute to his career, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

The anthology’s strength lies in its variety. Each story brings something different to the table, whether it’s a new twist on a classic horror trope or an entirely original concept. The pacing of the collection is well-balanced, with shorter, punchier stories interspersed with longer, more complex narratives. This variety keeps the reader engaged, never knowing what to expect next.

D.O.A. III is not just about shock value; it also explores deeper themes of human nature, morality, and the thin line between sanity and madness. The stories often force readers to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves and the world around them. This introspective element adds depth to the collection, elevating it beyond mere gore and violence.

InD.O.A. III is a must-read for fans of extreme horror. It is a bold and unapologetic anthology that delivers on its promise to shock, disturb, and entertain. S.C. Mendes and the contributing authors have created a collection that is both a celebration of the genre and a challenge to its boundaries. Whether you’re a seasoned horror aficionado or new to the genre, D.O.A. III is sure to leave a lasting impression. Just be sure to read it with the lights on.

[Raven · Rating 5 out of 5]

DOA III: Extreme Horror Anthology, is an audacious and relentless dive into the darker, grittier side of horror literature. For fans of the extreme horror genre, this anthology doesn’t just test boundaries—it shatters them.

As there are so many stories I'd like to break down the books strengths and thing to keep in mind.
Strengths:
• Excels in presenting different subgenres within extreme horror, from psychological dread to graphic splatterpunk. This variety helps maintain a sense of suspense as the reader never knows what to expect next.

• Stories are unafraid to push boundaries and challenge societal taboos. The authors explore themes of violence, madness, and depravity with a level of honesty that is both impressive and unsettling.

• Some of the stories stand out for their vivid and disturbing imagery, leaving a lasting impression that lingers long after the book is closed. It’s not just about shock value—many of the stories are genuinely creative in their approach to horror. (my personal favorite being "Skipp's Splatterpunk Alphabet Souffle")

Now onto somethings to keep in mind.

• As with many anthologies, there’s some inconsistency in the quality of the stories. While most are engaging and well-written, a few rely too heavily on shock value without much narrative substance. (this is complete personal preference of course)

• Some stories cross the line into gratuitous violence, which might feel more exploitative than genuinely horrifying. It embraces the extreme in every sense, and while that’s a selling point for some, it can be off-putting for others.(read your trigger warnings folks)

• The anthology is unapologetically extreme, which makes it a niche read. This is not a collection for casual horror fans or those with a low tolerance for graphic content.

My over all impression is that for a seasoned extreme horror fan I believe this book to be fun to push boundaries, it's a must-read. This collection revels in the grotesque!

(I received this book as an arc and am freely writing my own thoughts and opinions)

[Menion · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whether you like this or not will strictly depend on what type of horror writing you like. For those that want it bloody and disgusting, it doesn't get any better, this will be your Bible. For those that aren't into that, pass on this one.
The stories themselves are good, and there are a number of heavyweights from the 90s/2000s represented here (Ketchum, Lee, Wrath James, Matheson, Bentley Little) and plenty from some of the better, later writers, K. Trapp coming to mind first. These are almost all violent gorefests, often intershot with twisted humor which helps the mood lighten a bit. Because so many of them are messy affairs, it can get a little overwhelming at times. That actually makes some of the less violent stories stand out even more as the hidden gems they are. 'Taking Root' may be the best story in the whole book, and the quick, four page 'Hostile' is a highly amusing play on the old HOSTEL series of films.
There are thirty stories in this collection, and only about four total duds, that's a good batting average. The only theme that seems to pop up more than a few times is some poor slob getting their ass kicked in painful and gory fashion, only to have them (thankfully) turn the tables at the end and open a six pack of whoop-ass on their tormentor. Common theme, but one most horror fans love. Also worth noting: these are not 'scary' horror stories, they won't leave you quaking in fear, it's not that type of collection. They are straight-up extreme horror diatribes, as extreme as it gets. Worth reading if you are into that sort of thing, it's a good 400 pages worth, so good value for the money. Best read a couple at a time to keep from getting overwhelmed at the ugliness of it all.

[Jamie Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

What. A. Banger.
This anthology is amazing!

I have been reading anthologies and short story collections a ton this year and this is absolutely my favorite one this year. So much so that I just ordered DOA I, II and III to have the physical copies of and I cannot wait to dive into DOA I and II. While I am newer in the splatterpunk and extreme horror community, it blew my mind I hadn’t heard of this trilogy. Especially when it has some of the greats like Jack Ketchum, Edward Lee, Wrath James White, Shane McKenzie and Kristopher Triana to name a few.

Although not one story was bad, I of course had my favorites. They weren’t kidding about the warnings on this one - check your triggers. But it is a good time and I am going to highlight a few stories I especially enjoyed.

🚿 The N Word by Shane McKenzie
A nasty and well written story about the lengths a horny teenager will go to lose their virginity. I gagged and laughed during this one.

🐈‍⬛ 8 out of 10 by Daniel I. Russell
I’m a cat person. I have two cats. This story made me realize that as cute and cuddly as cats are, they are always naturally going to be predatory little carnivores.

📦 The Machine by Bentley Little
If you happen to find a mysterious box out in your garage and you’re suddenly feeling the incredible urge to stick a body part in it - don’t ask questions, just throw it out.

🪴 Taking Root by Christopher Weber
This one’s for all the crazy plant people out there who have a house full of them and know how to take care of them and the ins and outs of each one. This will prepare you very well for the plant apocalypse that happens in this story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Blood Bound Books for this free digital copy. This review is voluntary. Happy reading. 📖

[Morgan B · Rating 3 out of 5]

As to be expected, this collection of stories were gory, graphic, disgusting, and disturbing. I enjoyed some stories more than others, which is why I rated this the way I did. It’s was nice getting to explore some horror authors that I wasn’t previously familiar with, and I appreciated the blurb about the author after the story. If you can stomach it and enjoy graphic horror, pick this up to explore stories of some great horror writers! Thank you to NetGalley and Blood Bound Books for providing me with an ARC of DOA III in exchange for an honest review.

[Brock Birkner · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm starting to understand that "Extreme Horror" is just a way to package horror fiction that sacrifices all elements of good storytelling in service of being as edgy and gross as possible as if it is its own genre of horror instead of just being "bad horror".
Middle schoolers will love this

[Emily Fleming · Rating 4 out of 5]

An anthology made up of some of extreme horrors greatest authors?! Sold! Just like any anthology, some of these stories are better than others. But overall, this was a fun read! Terrifying, brutal and intense!

[Sandy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sorry just not my thing. I like horror but this was just a bit too disturbing for my tastes. I couldn't finish it.

[Kim McCool · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good stories, most of them very gory, so if you don’t like gore don’t buy this book.

[Josef Hernandez · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent anthology for fans of the genre

For a full review, please go to https://areviewerdarkly.blogspot.com/... and follow me on X @josenher

[Mommacat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review Copy

It's been a few years since this anthology came out, but did I notice? Nope. All I saw was DOA on my Netgalley screen and I grabbed thinking there was a new book in the series. That's what happens when old age (read senility) sets in. Ah well, even though I bought this way back in the orange guy's years - weren't those scary enough? - why not reread?

This book is packed with authors any horror fan will easily recognize: Jack Ketchum, Kristopher Rufty, Kristopher Triana, Shane MacKenzie, John Skipp...so many more.

From the ABC's of splatterpunk to the N Word of necrophilia on to extreme sex and revenge horror, this anthology feeds all the sickest secrets people hide.

Maybe if enough copies sell there really will be a new book in the series. It could happen.

[Bill Borre]

"These Beautiful Bones" by Betty Rocksteady - Suzanne discovers a pornographic painting in the basement that drives her to murder Eric and shove all of his body parts into the openings she makes in herself.

"N Word" by Shane McKenzie - A necrophilia story.

"Notches" by Sean Eads - wc
"Proud Poppa" by Adrian Ludens - wc
"Burnt" by Luciano Marano - wc
"Red" by R.C. Matheson - wc
"Takeaway Night" by T.M. McLean - wc
"The Package" by Kristopher Rufty - wc
"Taking Root" by Christoph Weber - wc
"The Bliss Point" by Wrath James White - wc