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The Blood Beast Mutations
The world is on its knees. A deadly pandemic throttles the globe. Democracy has crumbled. Armed gangs of militant protestors stalk the streets. Amidst this waking nightmare, a new horror develops.
The virus is mutating.
Dan Lewis's wife is sick. When he receives a call from the hospital, he's prepared for the worst.
Or so he thought.
Because that call plunges Dan into an unending spiral of insanity and depravity. Now, he must fight his way through the battle-scarred streets of New York City to find his wife, unprepared for what awaits him out there...in the shadows.
Grim and terrifying, but laced with gallows humor and surprising heart, The Blood Beast Mutations is an all-too-relatable story of courage and gruesome horror.
The virus is mutating.
Dan Lewis's wife is sick. When he receives a call from the hospital, he's prepared for the worst.
Or so he thought.
Because that call plunges Dan into an unending spiral of insanity and depravity. Now, he must fight his way through the battle-scarred streets of New York City to find his wife, unprepared for what awaits him out there...in the shadows.
Grim and terrifying, but laced with gallows humor and surprising heart, The Blood Beast Mutations is an all-too-relatable story of courage and gruesome horror.
139 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 15, 2020
20 people are currently reading
391 people want to read
About the author
Carl John Lee
8 books232 followersA New York-based screenwriter, Carl John Lee has written a bunch of movies you've either never seen, or would never admit to seeing.
Inspired by Roger Corman and the golden age of exploitation films, Lee probes deep into the filthy underbelly of America, contrasting his bleak worldview with dark humor.
He has three dogs, two cats, and not a shred of dignity.
Inspired by Roger Corman and the golden age of exploitation films, Lee probes deep into the filthy underbelly of America, contrasting his bleak worldview with dark humor.
He has three dogs, two cats, and not a shred of dignity.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
August 20, 2023
VERY on the nose, but crazy gory and fun/funny at times!! Loved the end. Ridiculous 😂
October 20, 2021
This book was awesome! The other day, I was lucky to have read reviews of Carl John Lee's two horror novels. The reviews were written by the excellent horror author Steve Stred, and I encourage you to read them. I bought both books on the merit of the reviews. In The Blood Beast Mutations, the world is facing an awful pandemic. People are falling ill, and monsters feed off of them from the inside, finally emerging to attack other hapless humans. What does the POTUS think of the situation? It is fake! The media is brainwashing the citizens. Things will get back to normal soon. The lockdown is over, so get back to work. We must protect the economy. The aggravating and senseless president has a huge following - A virtual militia who will stop at nothing to reduce dissenters to flesh and blood.
The main characters in this story are married couple Dan and Cassie. Early on, Cassie falls victim to the virus and is hospitalized. As New York and the world falls apart around him, Dan's only goal is to reach the hospital to rescue his wife. Monster attacks are inevitable, but the horrifying challenges come from the violent throngs of small- minded gun-wielding humans.
There is quite a bit of dry humor in this tale of blood, gore and pure panic. The pages slip by effortlessly, as the book is well-written and captivating. What will happen to the world? Will Dan rescue his beloved Cassie? Will the president continue to spew his nonsense to the universe? I urge you to pick up this book and find out. It is timely, greatly suspenseful, and was written in anger. You can't go wrong. And I haven't even mentioned the murder hornets.
The main characters in this story are married couple Dan and Cassie. Early on, Cassie falls victim to the virus and is hospitalized. As New York and the world falls apart around him, Dan's only goal is to reach the hospital to rescue his wife. Monster attacks are inevitable, but the horrifying challenges come from the violent throngs of small- minded gun-wielding humans.
There is quite a bit of dry humor in this tale of blood, gore and pure panic. The pages slip by effortlessly, as the book is well-written and captivating. What will happen to the world? Will Dan rescue his beloved Cassie? Will the president continue to spew his nonsense to the universe? I urge you to pick up this book and find out. It is timely, greatly suspenseful, and was written in anger. You can't go wrong. And I haven't even mentioned the murder hornets.
May 22, 2020
** Edited as review is now live on Kendall Reviews! **
Who the heck is Carl John Lee?
This is one of those moments where I love finding a new author, but where they appear to be fairly reclusive.
On Twitter, I had a new follower – Mr. John Lee. He complimented my release and I thanked him. Very brief, but pleasant exchange. Then – coincidentally – his new release gets offered for review on Kendall Reviews. I thought, ‘hey, why not?’ He was kind enough to check out mine, I can fit this in and get it read in one sitting, and if it’s good or not, they’ll get a review.
Then I saw it on Amazon, $0.99. So, I grabbed a copy. Boom, it’ll be a verified review.
What I liked: Insanely, this could be the twin brother of the other book about the end times I just finished – ‘Crazytimes‘ by Scott Cole. ‘The Blood Beast Mutation‘ is an incredibly topical book. Set in New York during current times, a global pandemic has decimated the world and in the United States, the President is spouting the usual rhetoric of fake news and media lies. “Don’t believe anything,” he says. Protesters swamp the streets and militia’s storm political buildings. Up to this point, TBBM is essentially a non-fiction read. But, and what John Lee does so well, is make this a love story. It’s about Dan and Carrie. Husband and wife. And when Carrie falls sick and is sped to the hospital, everything changes.
This is a horrific creature-feature, splatterfest. What started as a ‘sickness’ has morphed into a vessel for grotesque things to burst forth and kill with no conscious.
Carl created a high-speed chase of a story, one that feels very much like a big-budget, Hollywood summer blockbuster.
What I didn’t like: Well, it’s not that I didn’t like this, but if you are a fan of the current President of the USA, this book will make your blood boil. John Lee has done a perfect job of capturing the ridiculousness of that character currently in charge and for some, it may make you seeth with rage. For the rest of you, you may not want to read a pandemic based book during a pandemic. And while I typically have passed on these things, it looked and sounded great and I loved the cover.
Why you should buy it: If you like blood-soaked, killing spree’s where a character does whatever they can to try and get back to the one they love – this checks every single box. If you want to support a new author with their debut release, then this one is a stellar read and I look forward to seeing what Carl John Lee has coming next!
Who the heck is Carl John Lee?
This is one of those moments where I love finding a new author, but where they appear to be fairly reclusive.
On Twitter, I had a new follower – Mr. John Lee. He complimented my release and I thanked him. Very brief, but pleasant exchange. Then – coincidentally – his new release gets offered for review on Kendall Reviews. I thought, ‘hey, why not?’ He was kind enough to check out mine, I can fit this in and get it read in one sitting, and if it’s good or not, they’ll get a review.
Then I saw it on Amazon, $0.99. So, I grabbed a copy. Boom, it’ll be a verified review.
What I liked: Insanely, this could be the twin brother of the other book about the end times I just finished – ‘Crazytimes‘ by Scott Cole. ‘The Blood Beast Mutation‘ is an incredibly topical book. Set in New York during current times, a global pandemic has decimated the world and in the United States, the President is spouting the usual rhetoric of fake news and media lies. “Don’t believe anything,” he says. Protesters swamp the streets and militia’s storm political buildings. Up to this point, TBBM is essentially a non-fiction read. But, and what John Lee does so well, is make this a love story. It’s about Dan and Carrie. Husband and wife. And when Carrie falls sick and is sped to the hospital, everything changes.
This is a horrific creature-feature, splatterfest. What started as a ‘sickness’ has morphed into a vessel for grotesque things to burst forth and kill with no conscious.
Carl created a high-speed chase of a story, one that feels very much like a big-budget, Hollywood summer blockbuster.
What I didn’t like: Well, it’s not that I didn’t like this, but if you are a fan of the current President of the USA, this book will make your blood boil. John Lee has done a perfect job of capturing the ridiculousness of that character currently in charge and for some, it may make you seeth with rage. For the rest of you, you may not want to read a pandemic based book during a pandemic. And while I typically have passed on these things, it looked and sounded great and I loved the cover.
Why you should buy it: If you like blood-soaked, killing spree’s where a character does whatever they can to try and get back to the one they love – this checks every single box. If you want to support a new author with their debut release, then this one is a stellar read and I look forward to seeing what Carl John Lee has coming next!
June 20, 2025
This was meant to be a silly, monster-ridden romp, and it surely was. Dan and his wife, Cassie, are stuck in the middle of another worldwide pandemic. Only this time, the virus uses you as a gestational aide and a huge, ugly monster bursts out of you! Cassie becomes infected and is admitted to a local hospital. She calls Dan in a panic and tells him to get to her ASAP. All hell is breaking loose outside with monsters, militias, the military, rioters, and all sorts of wild stuff. Can Dan make it? Is Cassie doomed? All this and more in Carl John Lee’s The Blood Beast Mutations! So there are a lot of references to the Trump presidency and COVID, which I think we are all tired of hearing about. But the story is fun and plays out like one of the original Resident Evil games. Lots of action, bloodshed, monsters, and loads of hokey humor. If you’re a horror fan and have a spare hour, check this one out.
February 17, 2025
This would have absolutely traumatized me further in 2020, but now it was so cathartic and I loved it. Funny, outright ridiculous, and at times…charming?? I love a good romance.
In true CJL fashion, this was filled to the brim with action, gore, and flesh hallways. The pandemic deeply affected us all. The list does not end to how that shaped who we are today. Honestly, what a perfect setting for a horror book? Unsurprisingly, I think Blood Beast Mutations was a read that is probably more relevant now than it was then. Who the hell knows what is going to be thrown at us next.
Remember murder hornets? Yeah, well, you might be surprised to be happy that they’ve stirred up THAT horrible blocked memory. 🐝 Read this!
In true CJL fashion, this was filled to the brim with action, gore, and flesh hallways. The pandemic deeply affected us all. The list does not end to how that shaped who we are today. Honestly, what a perfect setting for a horror book? Unsurprisingly, I think Blood Beast Mutations was a read that is probably more relevant now than it was then. Who the hell knows what is going to be thrown at us next.
Remember murder hornets? Yeah, well, you might be surprised to be happy that they’ve stirred up THAT horrible blocked memory. 🐝 Read this!
February 21, 2025
DAVID SODERGREN DOESN'T KNOW WHAT A FLOP IS! (If you didn't know Carl John Lee & David Sodergren were the same person now you do)
If you think this is your average Covid 19/Pandemic novella...think again.
This was absolute carnage. Violent protests are happening in the streets, a president who is lying about what's really going on, all on top of a deadly virus which has now mutated into violent little alien monster babies killing everyone.
We follow Dan who is on a mission to rescue his wife, Cassie, who fell sick & is in the hospital. Nothing is going to get in his way. This was like watching a horror comedy. It's bloody, it's violent, but it will also make you giggle. This was exactly what I needed to get me out of my slump!
If you think this is your average Covid 19/Pandemic novella...think again.
This was absolute carnage. Violent protests are happening in the streets, a president who is lying about what's really going on, all on top of a deadly virus which has now mutated into violent little alien monster babies killing everyone.
We follow Dan who is on a mission to rescue his wife, Cassie, who fell sick & is in the hospital. Nothing is going to get in his way. This was like watching a horror comedy. It's bloody, it's violent, but it will also make you giggle. This was exactly what I needed to get me out of my slump!
January 16, 2021
A deadly virus, an incredibly stupid president who lies constantly and downplays the seriousness of the outbreak, and the stupid president's mindless, mouth-breathing followers...and then comes the fictitious part of this tale as the virus mutates, exploding (literally) with savage flesh-eating creatures.
And, of course, murder hornets, just because.
This story pissed me off and entertained me at the same time. Fuck that idiot president and his idiot cultists!
And, of course, murder hornets, just because.
This story pissed me off and entertained me at the same time. Fuck that idiot president and his idiot cultists!
June 14, 2025
3.75 This was a quick novella that I read in one sitting it's a pandemic story with horror aspects it was quite good and I enjoyed the read I'd recommend this book
September 25, 2021
This was a fucking blast. Ridiculous and amazing!
February 7, 2024
First Five Star Rating For 2022!
Trigger Warnings - Connections to Covid 19 and events in relation to the virus. Plus extreme violence and gore.
This novel is set in a world were a virus has spread across the globe and has killed numerous people. Citizens wear face masks, social distance and remain indoors, under lockdown. Groups of people are protesting in the streets and even killing other people who don't share their beliefs. We follow our main character Dan as he struggles to make it to the hospital were his wife, Cassie is staying. He has a strong connection and love towards his wife and nothing will stop him. Even strange four legged creatures who explode out of victims chests and have a uncontrollable hunger for human flesh and blood. He literally has to go through Hell for his wife.
Definitely recommend. Short, sweet and bloody. Bloody good fun!
Trigger Warnings - Connections to Covid 19 and events in relation to the virus. Plus extreme violence and gore.
This novel is set in a world were a virus has spread across the globe and has killed numerous people. Citizens wear face masks, social distance and remain indoors, under lockdown. Groups of people are protesting in the streets and even killing other people who don't share their beliefs. We follow our main character Dan as he struggles to make it to the hospital were his wife, Cassie is staying. He has a strong connection and love towards his wife and nothing will stop him. Even strange four legged creatures who explode out of victims chests and have a uncontrollable hunger for human flesh and blood. He literally has to go through Hell for his wife.
Definitely recommend. Short, sweet and bloody. Bloody good fun!
August 7, 2021
The story itself was interesting and had the potential to be a great read. I found myself drawn to the characters, interested in their plight and keen to see where they ended up, however the blatant political aspect coupled with the almost virginal teenage descriptions of the main character’s wife grated too badly on my nerves and it became a challenge to complete the book.
Could have been great but sadly not one for me.
Could have been great but sadly not one for me.
October 15, 2024
at the end of the book the author makes a disclaimer that this book was written purely off of rage and….. it shows. but all the slander against the unnamed president (trump) was golden👌
August 8, 2022
Captivating
An exciting read that has you thinking and mind reeling of what could be. An apocalyptic story of a young man and woman and how they cope in there own way to the virus and what the virus turns into. Fast paced and a little extreme but a great story. Loved how cassie was strong and held her own fighting back for her and her love. They make a great couple working together and fighting for one another. We all know a junior, he is part of the militia and you will understand what I mean when you read the story. A good story and brings a bit of humour to something that in true form is horrendous. Recommended.
An exciting read that has you thinking and mind reeling of what could be. An apocalyptic story of a young man and woman and how they cope in there own way to the virus and what the virus turns into. Fast paced and a little extreme but a great story. Loved how cassie was strong and held her own fighting back for her and her love. They make a great couple working together and fighting for one another. We all know a junior, he is part of the militia and you will understand what I mean when you read the story. A good story and brings a bit of humour to something that in true form is horrendous. Recommended.
June 19, 2020
Short, sharp, and ready to tear off a limb or three.
That's The Blood Beast Mutations by Carl John Lee; a quick little kiss of horror from that dangerous, disturbed kid-next-door. You know the one. The one you were told to stay away from.
Despite a deadly virus, a citywide lockdown, and violent rioters combing the streets (shouting USA! USA! USA!), Dan leaves the assumed safety of his place and enters into a New York he no longer recognizes, all to save the love of his life.
There's danger on the streets, and like all good horror, it asks if the threat is monstrous...or just us: panicked and stupid.
I doubt Lee intends to change the world with this novella, instead, I'd like to think he wants us all to crowd around with a beverage of choice and share the, "isn't this totally crazy?" vibes.
The author mentions on the back page that the book was written out of anger, and it's evident throughout. For those of you less-than-pleased about the 45th President of the United States of America will have plenty to enjoy here. There's a line in the book that's had me chuckling for a week now, but I won't spoil it.
Bloody, vicious, darkly funny: The Blood Beast Mutations.
I had a good time with this. If you like your horror in-your-face and with just a dash of Carpenter-ish, "F--- the Man!" - then you'll have a good time, too.
That's The Blood Beast Mutations by Carl John Lee; a quick little kiss of horror from that dangerous, disturbed kid-next-door. You know the one. The one you were told to stay away from.
Despite a deadly virus, a citywide lockdown, and violent rioters combing the streets (shouting USA! USA! USA!), Dan leaves the assumed safety of his place and enters into a New York he no longer recognizes, all to save the love of his life.
There's danger on the streets, and like all good horror, it asks if the threat is monstrous...or just us: panicked and stupid.
I doubt Lee intends to change the world with this novella, instead, I'd like to think he wants us all to crowd around with a beverage of choice and share the, "isn't this totally crazy?" vibes.
The author mentions on the back page that the book was written out of anger, and it's evident throughout. For those of you less-than-pleased about the 45th President of the United States of America will have plenty to enjoy here. There's a line in the book that's had me chuckling for a week now, but I won't spoil it.
Bloody, vicious, darkly funny: The Blood Beast Mutations.
I had a good time with this. If you like your horror in-your-face and with just a dash of Carpenter-ish, "F--- the Man!" - then you'll have a good time, too.
May 9, 2024
After reading Cannibal Vengeance by Carl, I immediately dove into this book!
Omg this was a fun and hilarious story. A splatter twist with COVID-19 with plenty of gore to keep you entertained.
Don't read this if you are a Trump fan, haha.
3/5
Omg this was a fun and hilarious story. A splatter twist with COVID-19 with plenty of gore to keep you entertained.
Don't read this if you are a Trump fan, haha.
3/5
January 3, 2021
Nice!
I loved this!!!! I don't think I have ever read anything like this, or read it as fast as I did this. If you haven't already done so...read this!
I loved this!!!! I don't think I have ever read anything like this, or read it as fast as I did this. If you haven't already done so...read this!
April 7, 2021
This was a quick, fun read, I highly recommend this book
August 22, 2021
Carl John Lee has written a short novella that manages to draw you in to the insanity within the pages. The horror and suspense is real. I couldn't stop turning the pages.
It's a story about not believing what you see on TV and how it impacts those around you, it's a story about the fear humans feel during unknown times and pandemics. I feel like the author nailed the fears people have felt, the frustrations at the way people have acted and put it in there, making the characters more real.
Dan is trying to get to his wife Cassie who was admitted into hospital. The only problem is he has to make it across New York, with mutant monsters and humans hell bent on anyone who dares to wear a mask.
I liked Dan, he seemed honest. It always amazes me how authors can really make loveable characters in such a short story. It probably has something to do with him determined to get to his wife, his laid back approach to the news and his willingness to help a stranger he meets on the way. I liked Cassie to, she reacted normally to what was going on.
The creatures/monsters/mutants were wicked. Fast, with big claws - terrifying. As this is a short novella we don't get to know there orgins, but somehow the story seems complete enough without it.
I read this in one sitting. There is gore yes, but appropriate considering the circumstances. Things are lighty touched on so it keeps the read, dare I say it, light in a way.
Five stars for this brilliant story. This is his first novella and he has another book coming.
It's a story about not believing what you see on TV and how it impacts those around you, it's a story about the fear humans feel during unknown times and pandemics. I feel like the author nailed the fears people have felt, the frustrations at the way people have acted and put it in there, making the characters more real.
Dan is trying to get to his wife Cassie who was admitted into hospital. The only problem is he has to make it across New York, with mutant monsters and humans hell bent on anyone who dares to wear a mask.
I liked Dan, he seemed honest. It always amazes me how authors can really make loveable characters in such a short story. It probably has something to do with him determined to get to his wife, his laid back approach to the news and his willingness to help a stranger he meets on the way. I liked Cassie to, she reacted normally to what was going on.
The creatures/monsters/mutants were wicked. Fast, with big claws - terrifying. As this is a short novella we don't get to know there orgins, but somehow the story seems complete enough without it.
I read this in one sitting. There is gore yes, but appropriate considering the circumstances. Things are lighty touched on so it keeps the read, dare I say it, light in a way.
Five stars for this brilliant story. This is his first novella and he has another book coming.
January 2, 2024
3/5 🌟
Not my favourite but still pretty solid
Not my favourite but still pretty solid
August 2, 2025
fun little book to pass the time, rtc!!
November 3, 2021
Fast paced, shocking horror which relates to anyone who has lived through the past 18 months - not for the faint hearted, worth a read for the character development and the wall to wall action
April 23, 2022
tl:dr - Nope.
----
This was recommended to me by some rando on the internet after I requested a brutal disaster story. I don't know that anyone could have picked a more terribly written and ridiculously uninteresting book as this. What an atrocious slog. For only being 100 pages long it felt like pulling teeth to get through. Every passage was some statement about covid or the last shitty president we had.
I don't mind inserting some political commentary in your stories. I get it, there's a lot going on in the world and you want to speak up. This just comes off as some weird Covid fanfiction from a 12-year-old boy whose parents work at CNN. For only being a year old it didn't age well at all. So much of the commentary was completely off base and ridiculous. Also, I'm frustrated with conservatives too, but if we can maybe paint them in a realistic light and not have to demonize people as if they're all ready to turn into blood thirsty murderers we might actually be able to start having more human discourse in the world.
Oh, and the irony that you have to point out how everyone on the right is so evil and you wish they would all die, then you call for peace and the hope that everyone can just work together.
The commentary annoyed me the most, but it wasn't so bad as to hide the fact that it was terribly written. I just don't have a whole lot to say about it. The story is easily forgettable and complete nonsense. If you want this type of story times a million, then you can read Brian Keene's first two Rising books.
This isn't worth anybody's time, and I'm shocked that there are any good ratings of this book.
Also, my sneezes are more brutal than this book, so it couldn't even deliver on that front.
I'm sorry to the author, I know this is published on a tiny label and you're just throwing your stuff out into the world, but since it's here I'm going to call it out.
----
This was recommended to me by some rando on the internet after I requested a brutal disaster story. I don't know that anyone could have picked a more terribly written and ridiculously uninteresting book as this. What an atrocious slog. For only being 100 pages long it felt like pulling teeth to get through. Every passage was some statement about covid or the last shitty president we had.
I don't mind inserting some political commentary in your stories. I get it, there's a lot going on in the world and you want to speak up. This just comes off as some weird Covid fanfiction from a 12-year-old boy whose parents work at CNN. For only being a year old it didn't age well at all. So much of the commentary was completely off base and ridiculous. Also, I'm frustrated with conservatives too, but if we can maybe paint them in a realistic light and not have to demonize people as if they're all ready to turn into blood thirsty murderers we might actually be able to start having more human discourse in the world.
Oh, and the irony that you have to point out how everyone on the right is so evil and you wish they would all die, then you call for peace and the hope that everyone can just work together.
The commentary annoyed me the most, but it wasn't so bad as to hide the fact that it was terribly written. I just don't have a whole lot to say about it. The story is easily forgettable and complete nonsense. If you want this type of story times a million, then you can read Brian Keene's first two Rising books.
This isn't worth anybody's time, and I'm shocked that there are any good ratings of this book.
Also, my sneezes are more brutal than this book, so it couldn't even deliver on that front.
I'm sorry to the author, I know this is published on a tiny label and you're just throwing your stuff out into the world, but since it's here I'm going to call it out.
August 16, 2023
Despite initially starting with the same symptoms as covid, there are rumours, along with the odd video posted online, about people becoming monsters. Not in the zombie sense, but more in a virus-mutating-into -a-bipedal-lifeform-and-tearing-its-way-from-the-host sense. Yup, the virus has taken on a humanoid shape that tears its way out of its host and then goes on a clawing and feasting rampage.
In the middle of this are Dan, and his wife, Cassie. They’d seen the videos, but as with most other people, had dismissed them as fake. I mean, even the president is claiming they are "fake news," so there’s no way it’s real. Right? A world leader wouldn’t lie…
Unfortunately, Cassie falls ill and winds up in a hospital, and then, not long after, Dan receives a panicked phone call from her, pleading for him to go and get her. In an attempt to get to the hospital, he has to dodge his way past the droves of confused and scared humanity, including flag-wavers chanting "USA, USA, USA," whilst firing guns every which way. He also finds out first-hand that the stories about the virus were true. It has mutated, and it is alive, aware, and more dangerous than anyone could have imagined.
The Blood Beast Mutations is a highly entertaining story. It starts somewhere recognisable, and then slowly adds fear, then horror into the narrative. It’s a fast-paced read, that doesn’t sacrifice story for thrills, and I was rooting for Dan, (and Amelia) every step of the way.
It is a fantastic read that I highly recommend. Carl John Lee has taken something that we can all relate to and weaved it into a compelling narrative.
In the middle of this are Dan, and his wife, Cassie. They’d seen the videos, but as with most other people, had dismissed them as fake. I mean, even the president is claiming they are "fake news," so there’s no way it’s real. Right? A world leader wouldn’t lie…
Unfortunately, Cassie falls ill and winds up in a hospital, and then, not long after, Dan receives a panicked phone call from her, pleading for him to go and get her. In an attempt to get to the hospital, he has to dodge his way past the droves of confused and scared humanity, including flag-wavers chanting "USA, USA, USA," whilst firing guns every which way. He also finds out first-hand that the stories about the virus were true. It has mutated, and it is alive, aware, and more dangerous than anyone could have imagined.
The Blood Beast Mutations is a highly entertaining story. It starts somewhere recognisable, and then slowly adds fear, then horror into the narrative. It’s a fast-paced read, that doesn’t sacrifice story for thrills, and I was rooting for Dan, (and Amelia) every step of the way.
It is a fantastic read that I highly recommend. Carl John Lee has taken something that we can all relate to and weaved it into a compelling narrative.
April 10, 2021
I really tried to give the story a chance, because the author and I shared the same opinion about certain political leaders, and it's only 100 pages, but I was disappointed. But the dialog, and section when the protagonist was reunited with his wife, and the focus becomes the guy having an erection and wanting sex in the middle of a hospital filled with rotting, blood thirsty monsters. He lost me, it was as if it was written by a teenager who was never married, or been in a traumatic emergency situation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2022
I received this book as part of a mystery bundle from my Abominable Book subscription and it was a stinker. What could have been a fun horror novella ended up being a ranting hate letter to Trump/republicans (which Im no fan of either) and it REALLY took away from the story and ended up becoming annoying. And don’t get me started on his juvenile descriptions of his wife in the story- she only served him as a sex object and was naked or mostly naked in every scene with her. Ugh.
November 24, 2020
This short novella was written during the pandemic that we are all living through. While you might think that you wouldn't want to read about what you're actually living, you'd be wrong. This is great fun, a thrilling short read. Loved the writing. There's body horror / Cronenberg and even a Lovecraftian feel to it.
February 16, 2025
It’s gory and goopy but I don’t need stupid political shit in what I read. The “commentary” could have been skipped and this would have been a much stronger read. Yes, the third act would change some but that’s an easy fix. These Covid based novels are just trash.
Won’t read anything else by this guy.
Won’t read anything else by this guy.
February 24, 2021
Bloody and brutal! It’s such an interesting take on the, “what if”. Considering how little we know about our current state of affairs with this virus, it raises some eyebrows. What if and what would we do? Pretty cool concept, even if it does give you nightmares.
March 25, 2023
(Gave 3.5)
When you think it's just going to be a Covid horror, this turns into something even more crazy! What starts off as the experience of lockdown in America, transforms into a gruesome, worst nightmare scenario.
If you're looking for something similar to an escapism type horror, this one isn't for you. Although I prefer to read books that aren't closely linked to current exents, this was just short enough, at 100 pages, that it wasn't too much or bombarding you.
Whilst the political jibes may be too much for some people, I actually really enjoyed the very anti-trump sentiment throughout, and Carl has a way of mimicking Trump through words in a realistic way.
It's fun, its OTT, it's MONSTROUS. This is a really easy read, despite its closeness to covid. And not to mention that classic retro horror humour that runs throughout that just makes it entertaining.
This is fun to read, almost reminding me of one of those cheaply made(I mean this in the best way) horrors, with gut explosions, and monsters covered in blood. Was it my favourite Carl John Lee read? Not by a long shot, but it's just as entertaining!!
When you think it's just going to be a Covid horror, this turns into something even more crazy! What starts off as the experience of lockdown in America, transforms into a gruesome, worst nightmare scenario.
If you're looking for something similar to an escapism type horror, this one isn't for you. Although I prefer to read books that aren't closely linked to current exents, this was just short enough, at 100 pages, that it wasn't too much or bombarding you.
Whilst the political jibes may be too much for some people, I actually really enjoyed the very anti-trump sentiment throughout, and Carl has a way of mimicking Trump through words in a realistic way.
It's fun, its OTT, it's MONSTROUS. This is a really easy read, despite its closeness to covid. And not to mention that classic retro horror humour that runs throughout that just makes it entertaining.
This is fun to read, almost reminding me of one of those cheaply made(I mean this in the best way) horrors, with gut explosions, and monsters covered in blood. Was it my favourite Carl John Lee read? Not by a long shot, but it's just as entertaining!!
April 11, 2023
THE BLOOD BEAST MUTATIONS is a story written at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic and it really satirizes American politics as well as straight up sh*ts all over how messed everything was. So, I get that. But reading this in 2023 sort of gave me whiplash and an uneasy stomach because, like, I just... don't want to go back to that anger and chaos. So... that did, unfortunately, negatively affect my experience with this one. I wish all the parts about the president and his mindless minions would have just been.... more gore and violence instead. But, alas.
I did love our main character for most of the time... well, for like, the first half of the book. One scene where he and another person are jumping off a roof had me all in a tizzy. I just sat there staring at the page thinking, "WHAT!? WHY! NOOO!" lol - good stuff there.
Ultimately, I think I was not the intended audience for this. Going back to 2020 in a book was just not in my 2023 bingo card.
I did love our main character for most of the time... well, for like, the first half of the book. One scene where he and another person are jumping off a roof had me all in a tizzy. I just sat there staring at the page thinking, "WHAT!? WHY! NOOO!" lol - good stuff there.
Ultimately, I think I was not the intended audience for this. Going back to 2020 in a book was just not in my 2023 bingo card.
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