The Havoc Tree

by Layden Robinson

“Words, thoughts and manic rantings under the influence of strong drink and fine smoky treats.”

Genres: Horror

44 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2017

About the author

https://laydenrobinson.wordpress.com/...

Reviews

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hedonistic
The short story structure of The Havoc Tree is really a composition of hedonistic, macabre and sexually explicit tales. Each element in this surreal book is cryptically poetic and the writing is uncompromising in its rampage through violence, sexual depravity, madness, and imprisonment. I couldn’t get the Eagles song Hotel California out of my head.

“And she said, ‘we are all just prisoners here, of our own device’
And in the master’s chambers,
They gathered for the feast
They stab it with their steely knives,
But they just can’t kill the beast.”

The sense of psychological incarceration feels like hell on a bad drug trip. The overwhelming nightmarish feeling of abject despair and loss is prevalent in all stories. There is no escape! – “You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave.”

The following quote from the story The Place illustrates the insightful prose and common fatalistic ending.

“The lights began to dim, as the sound of the deepest black keys on a dusty, yet timeless, grand piano carried cryptically off the cold marble floor; resonating throughout all entities, as helpless and SUPERIOR pleasure intertwined with permanent pain were soon to be introduced to Freddy Fudtucker and Danny Boy Larson, who were led to unforgiving quarters beyond all prayer and forgiveness.
Freddy Fudtucker and Danny Boy Larson, through all of their superior suffering, screamed inside themselves; “Maybe we should have picked another fucking Place.”

I am a little unsure about the extreme remorseless violence, sexually explicit torment and sybaritic temperament. A few stories were uncomfortable reading but that in itself is not an improper feeling. I can understand how this novel is not for everyone’s taste and some will absolutely love it. Don’t let me take anything away from the imaginative writing, as it has an interpretation, and successfully conjures emotions and images, that last in your mind's eye. I think because the book is quite short and each story is very snappy, the structure works well for this material. I do feel the book was sitting on the edge between an emotional rollercoaster of horror, and an overindulgence in violent and sexual scenes.

I would like to thank Layden Robinson for providing me with a copy of The Havoc Tree in return for an honest review.

[Liis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robinson has this certain type of madness in his writing that is the right level of creepy, cool, wow and yuk. All at the same time. How could I not enjoy something that is so totally different? Sure, many would not agree with me. So, The Havoc Tree for example- some of these stories have stuff in there that could easily irritate a reader of certain beliefs. Not me. In this world that takes offense at everything, I take this collection of short stories for what it is: a work of fiction. The Havoc Tree is an example of WUI (writing under influence) that gives the reader a chance to experience the madness without the hangover the next morning.

I am going to be honest here, for the straight-walking literature experts, it appears as if the stories are in need of some editing. The scenes and happenings jump from moment to moment and the use of caps in places could drive a reader to bite their nails… BUT… as I’ve read a few of Robinson’s collections, it seems to be his signature… and if you’re willing to take the overall feeling of each story, the overall feeling of the collection: be prepared to be mindblown six ways to sunday! Personally, there was 2-3 stories that, even though with some brilliant one-liners peppered within them, went right over my head and I hadn’t the slightest inkling as to what the hell was happening. Maybe I am not ‘corrupted’ enough to understand, to feel the relevance. But even in those tales that I am still looking the deeper meaning from, the atmosphere of horror and creepiness was present. That gritty, uncomfortable delivery.

Yes, the tales are, in parts, overly wordy with their descriptions but no matter how slurred, Robinson delivers something dark and twisted with the occasional gem of a quote to be taken away. Bordering in between real and unreal, Robinson has a theme with monsters, mannequins and pure carnal desire. The Havoc Tree is full of theatric shenanigans- blood, guts, gore and the human’s most burning desires.

Erotic? At times… But Tatter Jack (another author) posed a very good question that will never leave my mind: ‘What is erotica? One guy’s Mary is another guy’s Jane’… so.. where do you draw the line in between what is erotic and what is taboo? What is normal and what isn’t? It’s all individual… and personal, so don’t tell me.

Anyway, Robinson doesn’t really write hot steamy erotica. I don’t know, Marys and Janes, right?… But if you look closely enough, you can see there’s some underlying meaning to the seediness. There’s an issue, a condition- the inspiration behind it all, and it’s executed as the most lucid dream. Dream? Nightmare? You decide… One way or another, I would not recommend for the faint of heart nor for those who look for pure and innocent. Robinson delivers down and dirty!

[Isaac Thorne · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you require genre/subgenre labels to define your reading experience, the best label for Layden Robinson's THE HAVOC TREE might be Lovecraftian bizarro. A little Lovecraft, a little Book of Revelation, and a little Jim Steinman combine with a flourish in this short collection of horrific vignettes to paint your eyeballs with vivid hellish and sexual landscapes.

Robinson's tales are not standard three-act stories. In fact, some of these vignettes have hardly any story at all. Often, they are all plot: chaotic or apocalyptic scenes of violence and sexuality with little in the way of arc from beginning to end. This fact does not detract from their entertainment value. Robinson knows how to use his prose to poetic effect, and he does it well.

My only criticism of THE HAVOC TREE is that it could use some copy editing. There are a few grammatical and style issues that pervade the text. Even so, Robinson's visions of darkness in these pages makes it really easy to overlook these mundane errors.

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

A more readable William S. Burroughs. Add to him Bukowski, Henry Miller and all the delicious bad boys of literature, and you have the modern Layden Robinson. A mixed bag of anecdotes and poetry and poetic prose passed through a rebel lens. If you want your tropes smashed and language pulled screaming out of a rusty incubator to be given new life, read this madness, and enjoy.

[Judy Ferrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Horror/ erotica all in one.

This book goes in a direction I've never seen in that it combines erotica with horror and does it very well. It makes you take a whole other look at both

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say there could not be a better name for this book. These stories seem chaotic in thought an action. I've read through this book and I think, "geez, that's disgusting!" , but I keep reading because I have to know if the next story is just as bad, better, worse? Then, there is the story that may have some "disgusting", has a deeper meaning.
This compilation of short horror stories runs the gambit of chaos, yuk, love, sexual deviance, and pure lust. I think this is a bonus for the horror genre and any horror fan.
Probably best for adult readers. on this one due to language, violence, and sexual actions.

[Robert Steel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Havoc Tree is a cross between Stephen King and William S. Burroughs. It has everything a horror/psychological thriller lover could ever want and more. Layden is obviously gifted and skilled at what he does. Check it out for yourself. Just make sure you have the lights on and you're not alone in the house....

[Sea Caummisar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not even sure what I just read, but I loved it. I'm guessing this was a journey into the author's intoxicated imagination. I'm not gonna lie, a few of the stories didn't even make much sense, but the way they were written made them beautiful. It's just a bizarre collection of short stories. The ones that I did 'get' were fabulous! Thanks to the author for providing me with this delightful sample of macabre!

[Jeff Dawson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really have no idea what I just read other than none of it made a bit of sense. Perhaps if one was in an altered state it might come together, but not for me. The story, “The Shoes,” was a take-off from an old Twilight Zone episode, “Dead Man’s Shoes.”
The sex and violence in the shorts, was more than over the top and at times wasn’t even required.
There are ten short stories and they all need to go back to an editor.
This just wasn’t my cup of tea.
Two stars

[B-Movie Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Havoc Tree is an exploration into the human psyche, exposing the uncivilized and reckless beast that exist behind the composed demeanor presented on the surface.
The book consists of a series of short stories connected through the themes of addiction, lust, desire depravity and love. Each story tells the tale of a character thrown into a world of unrestricted temptation. A place where appeal to reason is frivolous in the face of pure lust and unrequited hedonism.
Behind the scenes (and sometimes at the forefront) of each story is a mysterious individual referred to as the sophisticated lunatic. The lunatic embodies the internal conflict between the unthinking animal and the conscious thinker that make up the contradiction that is mankind. He is the manifestation of temptation, whose sole purpose is forcing others to submit to their deepest desires, which ultimately destroys their humanity.
The unrestrained carnage is expressed beautifully by author Layden Robinson, whose raw, uncensored honesty and careful attention to detail create an environment that fully encapsulate the reader making each character’s struggle feel personal and real.

“The Havoc Tree” creates a world where the notion of free will is challenged by the restrictions of nature and questions whether reason can ever prevail over the madness lurking within the darkest corners of our souls.

[Luna Ronin · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you read this, prepare for quite an interesting experience. This isn't your normal short-story collection. Rather than belonging to any mainstream genre, the author created a trip through the lesser-known type of stories called "weird fiction." It's exactly as it sounds.

Rather than traditional plots and traditional characters, this collection brings you into brief, close contact with interesting characters with odd experiences combining both the erotic and the macabre. Ranging from a detective trying to thwart a deranged killer to a suit that enslaves the wearer, this book contains a variety of strange tales. Prepare yourself for an unusual, though pleasant read.

There are a couple criticisms, mostly the wordy and occasionally confusing language and the occasional lack of context. These may stem from the author's desire to imitate masters from days long. All in all, though, there are few serious criticisms regarding the work.

Despite those, however, the stories really excel at being imaginative and really make you wonder about the world or worlds they occur in. You don't get to stay with any character for too long, but what you do experience makes you understand a bit more how weird the world can get. If you're looking for a good read, you should check this out.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

If Chuck Palahniuk snorted a bunch of cocaine and downed a bunch of booze and then sat down in the 70's to write down an anthology novella........this is that.

I couldn't really figure out most of it but I did enjoy a serial killer who chloroformed people to death and the dead guy's shoes. Lots of bdsm in here like an erotica serial killer renaissance fair.

[Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

What an assault on the senses that was, plenty of quick fire stories some better than others and all little disturbing and uncomfortable to read.

If the author was truly inebriated when writing these then I take my hat off to them, whilst at times it can get a little jumbled they are always descriptive, at times poetically so.

I'd like to read something where Layden stands back and takes his time with a story, some of them were on the verge of having me gripped and then all too quickly they would be over, if the stories were fleshed out and had characters that you could get to know then I can see them being amazing, unfortunately a lot of the time you are dropped right into the middle of the chaos and by the time you have acclimatized the story is over.

Entertaining, sexual and bloody, I enjoyed it but it was a little too quick fire for me.

[Paul Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prepare yourself for a blitzkrieg-style onslaught to your senses.

A collection of wonderfully dark stories. Layden Robinson's prose is wickedly poetic, weaving dazzling imagery, hellish characters, and shocking events. Mischievious and macabre in equal doses. An assault of sex, violence, wordplay, and what the hell. It reminded me of Clive Barker's Books of Blood series but dialled up to eleven. These stories are not for the faint-hearted.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fast, fluid, and action-packed little book. I zoomed right through it.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Imagine going out with your best girl in 1955 to see the new movie at the local cinema. The curtain goes up, you take a bite of popcorn and wonder whether you’ll work up the courage to hold her hand. Then, the music starts and you get the “Don’t Dream It, Be It” swimming pool sequence from the Rocky Horror Picture Show. No intro, no context – just a group of people dressed in fishnet stockings and corsets (men and women) having an orgy in the pool while Frank-N-Furter sings. Then, when that’s over, you immediately get the prom scene from Carrie. Then, you get the first flight scene from Avatar. Then a random screaming gore scene from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. At some point, your date will ask you to take her home, and you will. The question is: will you go back alone the next night to see it again – and to try to figure out what it is? That’s what it’s like reading The Havoc Tree, by Layden Robinson.

The author’s description of this book is “words, thoughts, and manic rantings under the influence of strong drink and fine smoky treats.” So, if what you are expecting is a stream-of-consciousness narrative of the thoughts, dreams, fantasies, and paranoia of somebody who is blind drunk and high as a kite – then you’ve come to the right place. If you are expecting well-crafted English prose with a story, defined characters, comprehensible dialog, or a point – then you are absolutely in the wrong place. You have been warned.

This is a brief collection of short stories and one outright poem. It’s not a novella or a coherent narrative. Each short vignette is like an acid trip (well, what I envision as an acid trip) – some are sexually explicit and sadomasochistic, some are horror, and some are just insanely strange. There is one story, “The Shoes,” that has an almost classically Poe-like structure such that it is nearly comprehensible as a horror story. Not quite, but it’s as close as the book gets to something resembling normal. Mostly, the stories are like looking out from inside a surrealist painting. It’s Hieronymus Bosch – the artist, not the detective. Again, you have been warned.

Now, if this sounds like your cup of tea (or cup of acid), then have fun with it. The author’s writing style is excessive in every respect, going on for pages in endless paragraphs filled with lavish phrases, excessive adjectives and adverbs, and descriptions that require multiple re-readings to decipher. But, I think that’s the point. This is a modern-day Finnigan’s Wake and Mr. Robinson wants to be the James Joyce of his generation. There may be deep meaning buried inside the dense words, or perhaps each person who reads it will have a unique experience as his or her own psyche clashes with the author’s images. This may be the mind-bending trippy wonderland you have been waiting for all your life. You may read it over and over, each time seeing new meanings and connections. Someday, this may be the sacred text of a new religion. Swim at your own risk.

If, however, all this sounds like something that would not help you sleep well at night (it won’t) and you’re looking for something more traditional – even within the horror/erotica/fantasy genres – then you should stay away. If you are annoyed by sloppy writing, irregular punctuation, excessive use of multiple adjectives and adverbs that don’t serve any useful purpose, repetitive phrases, inconsistent tenses, characters who lack any description or context, or a story that has no definable beginning, middle, or end, then you will throw this book into the nearest fire. Don’t start. And the frequent (constant) use of ALL CAPS in the text!! (Stay calm . . . deep breath . . . ) These stories can’t be read with an expectation that the normal rules of writing apply. This is an “F” in any college (or high school) creative writing course. But, that’s the point. It’s intentionally off the charts. It’s a piece of Dada art.

Don’t believe me? Here’s a taste:

“I fell head first onto a cast of suffers that prayed only to die and move on to brighter pastures, as I could feel sex try to seduce and have its way upon my vulnerable crotch and shattered mind; I could hear the hiss of the serpents more and more vividly. THE SOPHISTICTAED LUNATIC APPROACHES WITHIN STURDY MOTIONS AND MOVEMENTS.” . . . “loyal amphibious servants below used their sets of hideous fins to turn our vessel back towards the ocean’s openness and epic mystery ahead. Behind us, countless rising clammy figures of death attempted to rise from the grey-white shores, attempting to follow us out into the vast ocean waters, but to no avail; they just fell and became swallowed up deeper thicker into the sand below. The giant, I, and our army of slippery amphibious beings moved with impressive velocity deeper out into the darkened waters, moving towards destinations we would admire and then conquer. “Say hello to God, say hello to the Devil, and say goodbye to the past.”

Just read the preview on amazon. The first story in the book will give you a good understanding of what to expect. If you’re intrigued, take a shot of the strongest spirit available, then take deep breath and dive in.

[Irene Well Worth A Read]

Not for me
DNF at 18% great cover though.

[Matthew Burroughs · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Havoc Tree by Layden Robinson is a collection of short stories that by its own admission are promising to be a bit absurd. Produced under the "influence of strong drink and fine smoky treats" Robinson carves out ten stories of varying themes and ideas in the genre of paranormal horror. The stories are all robust in length, however the concepts themselves may not be more than a simple offering of a single basic idea. Some are genuinely frightening, such as battling a bloodthirsty murderer on the cusp of damnation itself. Others add a bit of comedy to the mix, such as a pair of Southie Boston massholes getting what they deserve from a frightening spider mistress. Split the difference and there's even some spooky erotica to shake things up as well. I can't imagine you'll ever find yourself complacent while exploring the world contained within this collection.

The setup and payoff (if applicable) of each story will vary, and at times your brain may need to play catch up with the author’s personal idea for the next new tale. While maybe a slight challenge at first, the variety keeps things from going stale and your mind will be fresh due to the requirement of comprehension. Simultaneously, despite the strength of story, you’ll never be so far behind that you won’t appreciate the message. Feel free to just turn down the mood switch on your brain and go on a spooky adventure. While I’m genuinely entertained, I feel that I’m probably missing something from some of the stories, and that’s probably more on me as the reader. The absurdity of some of the moments give the feeling of outsider poetry, and that’s in both the good and bad ways. While there’s going to be a small tinge of FOMO to a particular story’s message, the prospect of there being more to uncover helps for re-reads and maybe even some group discussion. I’ve never heard of an obscure/absurd themed in person Book Club, but I’ll take that over a discussion of Bridget Jones’ Diary any day of the week.

Verdict: The Havoc Tree by Layden Robinson is fascinating batch of short stories that serve as a veritable Las Vegas buffet of options within the horror/paranormal genre. Pure human horror, shapeshifting terror, and the intrigues of the human mind will keep the reader turning pages even if certain metrics of these tales may fly over your head. A personal fancy of mine was the horror erotica elements that added a new sensation to a long examined passion of this one particular reviewer. The collection doesn't demand too much of the reader, and the best experience can had be when you simply let loose and enjoy the ride. Next time your fellow intellectuals gather around the campfire and kill a bottle or three of whiskey, you can bet with this book in tow you'll have the fresh spooky yarns that'll make you the group's chief raconteur for years to come.

Special thanks to Layden Robinson for providing a review copy of The Havoc Tree to TehBen.com. All thoughts and opinions contained within are my own.

[William Bitner Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Havoc Tree
By Layden Robinson

Genre - Fiction/Dark Fantasy Horror/Mindfuckery
Pages - 45
Publication Information - Independently Published, October 31, 2017
ASIN: B0764H9XS8
Format - Digital (PDF)
Reviewed by: William C. Bitner, Jr., https://booksinmylibraryblog.wordpres...
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Every now and again you come across a book that defies any particular genre and is defined as genre-busting. “The Havoc Tree” by Layden Robinson fits the latter definition better than any book I’ve read in some time. These are in your face, take no hostages, no apologies, sexually explicit, macabre and hedonistic tales. “The Havoc Tree is “Words, thoughts and manic rantings under the influence of strong drink and fine smoky treats.” Found within the pages are ten short stories that simply cannot not be categorized and should just be considered for what they are - works of fiction. If you are easily offended by anything at all you may want to reconsider dipping your toes in this cesspool of brilliant debauchery. I enjoyed each story on different levels for totally different reasons, but I think Mr. Sacorp has to be one of my favorites. “Mr. Sacorp was a right-handed man that had left handed tendencies. Mr. Sacorp would porp his horp, sitting in a still stolen vehicle, consuming crystallized ginger dark chocolate by the devious hunk, contemplating the deepest meanings of the deepest things. Mr. Sacorp was a horpus port that took his heritage of being a “Sacorp,” to the various graves of recently deceased corpse. But wait. . .” With words like that to begin a tale how can you possibly go wrong?

“The Havoc Tree” is a quick 90 or so minutes worth of reading that if you are anything like me will be revisiting them again from time to time. I’m anxious and just a whole lot curious about his other works, and am looking forward to experiencing them some time soon.

About the Author: Songwriter, Soul Singer, Indie Madman, Wine Enthusiast and Reviewer, Tennis Junkie, World Traveler, Author of Experimental Fiction, Sassy Dancer.

Other work by Layden Robinston: “Chameleon”, “Stroll of Reality”, “The Boston Ranter: Slanted Vignettes From A Native New Englander”, “Breathe”, “Found Ground” and “Lyrics and Such”.

[Steph Warren · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I received a free ARC of this book, with thanks to the author. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*

The Havoc Tree consists of ten short stories of howling into the uncaring abyss madness.

Serial killers, suited sex-slaves, handcuffed paranoiacs and hopeless-shoed addicts jostle, hack and spurt through these stream-of-consciousness pages, as Layden Robinson unleashes the darker corners of his mind into random written form.

The almost-poetic style of writing contrasts starkly with the bodily-fluid spattered content, creating a swirling nightmare of images that is hard to shake off when you resurface.

If you are looking for short stories full of deep meaning and insight, then this probably isn’t the collection for you. But if you fancy a crazy waltz through mankind’s basest urges, and don’t mind getting your mind dirty, then by all means pop on some dead man’s shoes and a knife-edge grin, and trip this way…



Mr. Sacorp was a right-handed man that had left-handed tendencies. Mr. Sacorp would porp his horp, sitting in a still stolen vehicle, consuming crystallized ginger dark chocolate by the devious hunk, contemplating the deepest meanings of the deepest things. Mr. Sacorp was a horpus porp that took his heritage of being a “Sacorp,” to the various graves of recently deceased corpse. But wait…

– Layden Robinson, from ‘Mr. Sacorp’ in The Havoc Tree


Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...

[Tina Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly, I have to say that The Havoc Tree is very aptly named. Layden Robinson’s up-hazard and descriptive way of writing does not make for easy or quick reading. There has been a lot of thought put into these stories and the author really expects the same kind of commitment from his readers.

The stories are variable but even in this crazy world of horror, there were some elements of calm. This lulls you into a false sense of security as you expect the story to continue in much the same way. However, it doesn’t and before you know it, you’re back traversing the confusion and hell that is born from Robinson’s mind.

I don’t have a favourite of this anthology; I find, what I call, ‘weirdy-weirdy’, books or films, hard to get into. I’m simplistic in many aspects of my life and entertainment is no different. The Havoc Tree is one book, that I feel, I would have to read several times over to fully appreciate the surrealism that comes from within. But, this isn’t a negative thing. I’d much rather give extra time to a confusing book than to anything else I don’t understand.

I’m not going to mark this book down because I found it difficult reading; that wouldn’t be fair. Layden Robinson’s way of writing is an acquired taste, for sure, but it’s still good composition nevertheless.

[Lynsie Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had just gotten home and was exhausted. I worked over twelve hours at my job that day and wanted some light reading to relax before going to bed. I picked up The Havoc Tree, a horror short story collection, by Layden Robinson expecting to be creeped out. What I got was an unforgettable ride.

I really enjoyed “A Moment With An Unmarried Man”. It has just the right amount vagueness to be deeply unsettling, and makes you want more. In “The Shoes”, we have a fun, bloody romp with a kid who gets a cursed pair of shoes and attacks those around him. This is what makes me ENJOY Robinson. It gives me a taste of what he could be as a horror writer and will keep me reading his work.


Would I recommend this book? Sort of. On a basis of technicality, I’d say no, but I really see a lot of potential in Robinson. Give it a shot. While he has a ways to go before becoming one of the up-and-coming greats in horror, he shows a lot of willingness to push boundaries, and has a spark of creativity that the genre as a whole could benefit from. I will be looking forward to future work from him.

Full review here: https://horrorblebookreviews.wordpres...

[Lydia Efobi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The havoc tree by Layden Robinson is a book comprised of dreary stories told using excellent poetic language. The book starts with the story of a mortal and a sophisticated lunatic. At this point, my mind began to wonder what more inviting unrest the author had incorporated in the later tales. There was an impeccable presentation of the stories, with perfect word choreography of action scenes that followed. Of a truth, when you think you've reached the peak of the book, another wave of uncertainty hypnotizes you while keeping you at the edge of your seat. There are scenes of strong language, sexual violation, and violence, but these are not to upset readers. They help in pushing the lessons of the book to a better light. There are prevalent themes of horror, terror, and being at crossroads, manifested in the tale of the suit and the story of Willis, respectively.  Honestly, Layden Robinson had me in a chokehold with the soothing yet dark mental torture. Initially, I wished to stop reading, but it was that unexplainable madness penned down that brought purpose to the book. This book is a well-deserved 5 out of 5 stars.

View more reviews like this on my blog: https://tinyurl.com/2mysykne

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

The title of this book alone was enough to lure me. I grabbed a copy and dove in- and the title was certainly very apt for this read. The Havoc Tree by Layden Robinson is an absolutely trippy read- made up of a (very short) collection of some of his thoughts and musings. It is definitely crazy- and at times thought provoking. There is an “artistic’ and somewhat lyrical undertone to the whole thing. And we get a window to the authors personality through it all.
It is poetic, shocking, creepy, bold, dynamic, and entirely unapologetic. We visit ‘taboo’ topics not normally discussed in general conversation- but are, at the same time, ‘conversation starters’. There is a little darkness to it all- as well as elements of horror. We explore love, lust, passion, deviancy, violence, and the psychological- as we explore the human psyche.
There are eleven ‘stories’ to this novella- which can very easily be read in sitting.
Definitely worth a read!

Thank you, Layden Robinson!

[Rob Tsang · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fever dream I didn’t want to get out of!!

This collection of short stories was a totally bizarro roller coaster ride of some violence, some sex, and ultimately, a pretty good time.

The idea of The Havoc Tree is great, but it lost me a few times in the grammar and punctuation. Someone like that is beyond horrifying. Something beyond us. Sometimes, things happen very vaguely. Others, the words drip purple. The flow returns to normal in the other stories, which are well worth the read.

I can see myself coming back to this book again for another read. These stories have very good retell value, and I’d love to tell my friends about The Suit already~!

Why:
-1: Readability: Although it doesn’t detract from the material of the text at all, the formatting of the text impeded me from being able to immerse into the worlds of a few of these stories.

[Matthew Poole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite what I might generally read, rate or review, I have to give this collection of short stories a four-star review. Robinson has an amazing way of writing macabre tales, and catching the reader off guard. Aside from situations or depravities that one may call offense too, the author accurately puts human nature on full display with often brilliant wording.
“My hand continued to burn with enraged resentment from the brutal mistake I had made. In the doorway leading to a room of mayhem and ritualistic mischief, IT stood stoically and patiently with its devious hands wrapped in dense leather mitts; spurting out a cryptic nervous laughter and a shady grin that exhausted my rattled, wounded soul.”- some fine writing indeed.

[Piper · Rating 3 out of 5]

** I was invited by the author to read his work, for an objective review. I am receiving no kickback for the read or review and read it on Kindle-Unlimited.**

I am not part of the target audience for this collection, however, each story was high quality writing as a combination of Vignette and Prose.

As the author states, the writings are manic, and to me at least I felt it could be read as Misogynist, with a lot of venom directed at not just females but at sex and relationships. It has a darkly possessive and disdainful attitude that definitely takes the reader to a dark place.

I am marking down 1 star because the writer failed to include a description on the listing, and another because based on this piece alone I have no desire to read other works written by Layden Robinson.

[Jasmin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for gifting me this book for review.

This is my personal opinion of what I read. And my complete honest review.
First off I want to say that this type of story telling isn’t for everyone. While I enjoyed being thrusted into the middles of the stories, I didn’t understand everything that I was reading. It made me feel a bit disoriented. Which isn’t a bad thing if that’s what you like. I did see a Clive Barker influence which I enjoyed.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t for me. I would also like to note that I don’t appreciate the word bi*ch being used to describe women by authors. You’re writers. Please be more creative and do better. It was a turn off for me personally. With that said, I would consider reading something else from this author.

[Cyrene Olson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, I’m not real sure what I just read. I guess the blurb gives you more of an idea that this is a lot of ramblings of a manic mind. I feel like I slipped down the rabbit hole along with Alice. These are absolute short ramblings, and I hate to call them stories, because they aren’t at all. What they are, are almost (and I mean almost) delightful madness of scribbles that will have you either going back and reading it again, or scratching your head wondering what just happened. This is not really a novel, more like some incoherent thoughts jotted down on paper and then published in a sort of mad anthology. A couple reviewers called it surreal – and maybe the strange stuff you see in nightmares, and that rings pretty close to the mark.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a horror fan. While this little gem offers enough horror to fill that appetite for a week or two , the sex and drugs were and rarely are that interesting to me. However, if it is your cup of tea, I might say if you took Jack Kerouac , Allen Ginsberg, Stephen King, Clive Barker, Shirley Jackson, Lewis Caroll, and put them in a room with old 1980s Eddie Murphy or Richard Pryor and let Dr Ruth serve them tea, you might just come out with a book like this. Horrific, with a lot of sex and drugs added for the warping of situations. Thus 4 stars with the fifth removed only because the drugs don't quite appeal to me. Otherwise it's a wild hedonistic ride.