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Modern Hysteria
EVERY PARENT’S WORST NIGHTMARE
A mysterious internet figure, known only as Mr. Boy, is preying on depressed teenagers and brainwashing them into horrific acts of self-harm and suicide. The macabre message behind ‘The Dropout Challenge’ is simple: Dropout of sight. Dropout of school. Dropout of society. Dropout of life altogether.
Derek Pearson is a struggling graphic novelist whose younger brother took his own life after becoming ensnared in The Dropout Challenge. Upon hitting rock bottom, Derek becomes obsessed with pulling back the curtain on the malevolent mastermind responsible for his brother’s gruesome demise.
Despite a lack of urgency from the authorities and his outrage regarding the tragedy, Derek has also discovered a strange positive trend in his artistic trajectory. For the first time in his life the story he’s telling through his illustrations is worth finishing. But with art imitating life, many questions still remain. Who decides how it ends? And has Derek become more fixated with crafting the perfect conclusion for his masterpiece than getting justice for his family?
This volume contains 15 interior illustrations.
WARNING: This book contains graphic content. Reader discretion is advised.
A mysterious internet figure, known only as Mr. Boy, is preying on depressed teenagers and brainwashing them into horrific acts of self-harm and suicide. The macabre message behind ‘The Dropout Challenge’ is simple: Dropout of sight. Dropout of school. Dropout of society. Dropout of life altogether.
Derek Pearson is a struggling graphic novelist whose younger brother took his own life after becoming ensnared in The Dropout Challenge. Upon hitting rock bottom, Derek becomes obsessed with pulling back the curtain on the malevolent mastermind responsible for his brother’s gruesome demise.
Despite a lack of urgency from the authorities and his outrage regarding the tragedy, Derek has also discovered a strange positive trend in his artistic trajectory. For the first time in his life the story he’s telling through his illustrations is worth finishing. But with art imitating life, many questions still remain. Who decides how it ends? And has Derek become more fixated with crafting the perfect conclusion for his masterpiece than getting justice for his family?
This volume contains 15 interior illustrations.
WARNING: This book contains graphic content. Reader discretion is advised.
227 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 23, 2022
73 people are currently reading
1570 people want to read
About the author
Aron Beauregard
86 books3,388 followersAron Beauregard was born and raised in Central Falls, Rhode Island. He's been writing horror since the 6th grade and has now released over 25 books. An avid supporter of horror art and illustration, Aron has made it his standard to hire illustrators for every book that he puts out under his brand AB Horror.
His writing is dark and without boundaries. Known for creating a stir, his work has gone viral on several occasions. He's won the Splatterpunk Award twice after garnering four total nominations. As an independent artist, Beauregard's book "Playground" has achieved #1 Bestseller status under the category of horror on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Additionally, his work has been translated to multiple languages.
To get the latest updates about upcoming releases, signed books and merchandise, film news, and so much more, visit his website:
www.ABHorror.com
To subscribe to his free newsletter, join the AB Horror Maggot Mailing List at:
https://aronbeauregard.substack.com/
His writing is dark and without boundaries. Known for creating a stir, his work has gone viral on several occasions. He's won the Splatterpunk Award twice after garnering four total nominations. As an independent artist, Beauregard's book "Playground" has achieved #1 Bestseller status under the category of horror on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Additionally, his work has been translated to multiple languages.
To get the latest updates about upcoming releases, signed books and merchandise, film news, and so much more, visit his website:
www.ABHorror.com
To subscribe to his free newsletter, join the AB Horror Maggot Mailing List at:
https://aronbeauregard.substack.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
April 17, 2022
Full review available at The Mort Report:
https://www.uncomfortablydark.com/bla...
Aron Beauregard brings you another tale of depravity and gore that pushes the boundaries – as we’ve come to expect.
And in this one he addresses one of the modern problems to have reared its ugly head with technology – the internet and the anonymity it promises. For people of a certain age – those who grew up in the real world – the world is fast becoming a place we can’t possibly understand.
I saw a post the other day that said:
“Do y’all remember, before the internet, that people thought the cause of stupidity was the lack of access to information?
Yeah. It wasn’t that.”
And one of the biggest problems I can see in the world today is simple:
No accountability.
Without going political – what do you expect if you look at the so-called leaders in the world? They can lie, cheat, steal and simply deny, because who will hold them responsible? And with the things happening in Europe at the moment – I am stunned that people still refuse to believe what is shown to them. How fucking stupid are you?
Enough of that – sorry.
MODERN HYSTERIA is about ‘The Dropout Challenge’ – Beauregard’s version of something like ‘The Blue Whale Challenge’ – where desperate, lonely youths are brainwashed into self-harm and even suicide. (I can recommend the essay which is exclusively available in the hardcover edition of this story).
I am not going to rehash the story here – lots of brutal shit goes down – but I want to point out how the question is raised in this one of accountability. When I was a kid, if I disrespected someone or did something I shouldn’t (this includes common human decency), I got my ass kicked. There weren’t cameras all around to ‘protect’ me and I learned about respect. There was nothing to hide behind.
These days, people can say and do just about anything, because they have the ‘right’? Bullshit! We are doing more harm than good. If a kid calls an adult an asshole because they couldn’t get their way, they need to be taught how the world really works. I’m not saying beat them to death (almost certainly not), but if they are not held accountable, they will only get worse. What will demotivate them?
And the most surprising thing I learned was that there are actually no laws that protect people to this kind of online abuse. Even if they find the person responsible for one of these ‘challenges’ where people lose their life, they can’t be held directly responsible because…
Like I said – the world is turning into a place I don’t understand. As a parent, it is scary to think that my child might someday be susceptible to this, and even scarier to think of the things I can’t even imagine that will come across his path.
Are we really heading in the right direction or are we producing the kind of humans that will be the downfall of humanity? I guess only time will tell.
Great story, from a great storyteller.
5 Stars!
https://www.uncomfortablydark.com/bla...
Aron Beauregard brings you another tale of depravity and gore that pushes the boundaries – as we’ve come to expect.
And in this one he addresses one of the modern problems to have reared its ugly head with technology – the internet and the anonymity it promises. For people of a certain age – those who grew up in the real world – the world is fast becoming a place we can’t possibly understand.
I saw a post the other day that said:
“Do y’all remember, before the internet, that people thought the cause of stupidity was the lack of access to information?
Yeah. It wasn’t that.”
And one of the biggest problems I can see in the world today is simple:
No accountability.
Without going political – what do you expect if you look at the so-called leaders in the world? They can lie, cheat, steal and simply deny, because who will hold them responsible? And with the things happening in Europe at the moment – I am stunned that people still refuse to believe what is shown to them. How fucking stupid are you?
Enough of that – sorry.
MODERN HYSTERIA is about ‘The Dropout Challenge’ – Beauregard’s version of something like ‘The Blue Whale Challenge’ – where desperate, lonely youths are brainwashed into self-harm and even suicide. (I can recommend the essay which is exclusively available in the hardcover edition of this story).
I am not going to rehash the story here – lots of brutal shit goes down – but I want to point out how the question is raised in this one of accountability. When I was a kid, if I disrespected someone or did something I shouldn’t (this includes common human decency), I got my ass kicked. There weren’t cameras all around to ‘protect’ me and I learned about respect. There was nothing to hide behind.
These days, people can say and do just about anything, because they have the ‘right’? Bullshit! We are doing more harm than good. If a kid calls an adult an asshole because they couldn’t get their way, they need to be taught how the world really works. I’m not saying beat them to death (almost certainly not), but if they are not held accountable, they will only get worse. What will demotivate them?
And the most surprising thing I learned was that there are actually no laws that protect people to this kind of online abuse. Even if they find the person responsible for one of these ‘challenges’ where people lose their life, they can’t be held directly responsible because…
Like I said – the world is turning into a place I don’t understand. As a parent, it is scary to think that my child might someday be susceptible to this, and even scarier to think of the things I can’t even imagine that will come across his path.
Are we really heading in the right direction or are we producing the kind of humans that will be the downfall of humanity? I guess only time will tell.
Great story, from a great storyteller.
5 Stars!
July 27, 2023
Modern Hysteria is an extreme horror, so definitely not for everyone and not my usual preferred subgenre. But it kept me glued to its pages.
The dark storyline was very much grounded in real life and its violent prose were beautifully written. I understood and empathized with the characters. I loved the end. Very satisfying.
The dark storyline was very much grounded in real life and its violent prose were beautifully written. I understood and empathized with the characters. I loved the end. Very satisfying.
April 2, 2022
I don't think of myself as squeamish, but there were a few moments while reading MODERN HYSTERIA when I felt faint and utterly disgusted. That being said, I also consumed the entire thing in two sittings, give it a solid 5/5 and will happily read anything from Aron Beauregard. I'm going to shower and watch A Bug's Life now.
March 26, 2022
Am I the first to review? Sweet.
Another solid book from Mr Beauregard, in my top five for sure. I read it in record time because I had to know what was going to happen next. I was a little disappointed in one death, as in I wish they hadn’t died, but it all came together in the end!
Another solid book from Mr Beauregard, in my top five for sure. I read it in record time because I had to know what was going to happen next. I was a little disappointed in one death, as in I wish they hadn’t died, but it all came together in the end!
April 17, 2022
Ok, so some of this is a bloody brutal gore fest that we come to expect from this author, but it’s also the kind of Horror that makes you open your eyes to the real monsters who live among us. I had a lot of different emotions happening throughout the book. I was sad one minute and just pissed off the next, making me want to jump in the story and scream at some of the characters in the book. It’s a fast read making you want to find out what happens next. I really enjoyed this book even though, at times, the content was dark and disturbing.
April 4, 2022
This was awesome. My two favorite Horror Authors that are currently active are Kristopher Triana and Aron Beauregard. I usually love Kristopher's work because of how dark it is. Beautiful prose and just stark darkness. Aron's work I usually love because most of his output at this point is so comicly over the top with how gruesome the pictures that he paints are and how many taboos he chooses to break.
This time, Aron still writes a story that most wouldn't really approach. A viral internet challenge that entices confused and depressed young children to kill themselves.
But he leaves out all of the humor that is usually present in his work. You also couldn't tell this story without making it excessively violent. But compared to some of his other Titles, the level of violence is restrained. And the prose that he uses shows how much he's grown as an Author over the last couple of years.
I started my review off with a comparison here because I'm always attracted to different things. And I already explained why I love both Authors. But this story is one that I would have expected from Kristopher instead of Aron.
This time, Aron still writes a story that most wouldn't really approach. A viral internet challenge that entices confused and depressed young children to kill themselves.
But he leaves out all of the humor that is usually present in his work. You also couldn't tell this story without making it excessively violent. But compared to some of his other Titles, the level of violence is restrained. And the prose that he uses shows how much he's grown as an Author over the last couple of years.
I started my review off with a comparison here because I'm always attracted to different things. And I already explained why I love both Authors. But this story is one that I would have expected from Kristopher instead of Aron.
July 18, 2025
I love dark stories about the internet and/or the dark web. Derek's brother Ralphie ends his life as part of "The Dropout Challenge". When Derek finds out who is responsible, he seeks revenge.
Fast-paced and absolutely DISGUSTING and VILE at times, I couldn't put this one down. One of my favorites by Aron Beauregard!
Fast-paced and absolutely DISGUSTING and VILE at times, I couldn't put this one down. One of my favorites by Aron Beauregard!
April 2, 2022
Another awesome book by Aron. This story centers around the dangers of the internet age. Mr. Boy is a very evil character. This has a lot of creepypasta vibes, but is very different at the same time. I think this might be my favorite Aron Beauregard book.
November 9, 2022
Alright this story was a deep dark and disturbing journey into some real life horror. What I mean is Aron dives into the the evil and darkness of social media and the dark web. This to me is a realistic horror story about the ignorance and underbelly of the internet. It also made me think about how society, social media, the web all gives a sense of invincibility in the way that we are allowed to sneak and hide and look at disturbing things even commit disturbing acts and if done correctly we don't have to take any responsibility for the things we do or say because we feel protected and justified in our actions because we have a video or a screenshot. This book shows that justification for actions is the ultimate corruption. This book will and should disturb you there is gore and triggers galore in this one. This one will stick with me for a while because the things in this book happen daily to people and ultimately get passed over and ignored and that to me is what is truly horrific.
May 25, 2023
A perfect combination of extreme horror and real life terror. Modern Hysteria is one of those books that just makes you angry every single page as you know it could be all too real, while also being pure fiction. Another fantastic book from one of the best extreme horror writers out there.
May 12, 2022
One of Aron's best. This twisted cautionary tale was not what I expected. I love a story like this that feels like diving into a rabbit hole. Beware what lies on the internet 💀
April 8, 2022
As time and technology changes, so do our fears as parents. So do the crimes. In today society internet crimes are at an all-time high. From trolls, stalkers, online threats, to predators that seek out our precious and innocent children. This book captures exactly this fear.
Mr. Boy is particular fond in finding vulnerable teenagers and makes them participate in "The Dropout Challenge" which ends with the suicide of the teenager. Until one day Ralphie falls victim to Mr. Boy and his brother Derek seeks out to find the truth about his brothers suicide.
This story will take you to many uncomfortable places, lots of gore and violence, and, of course, suicide. This book will punch you in the feels and in the gut. Excellent story! On a side note: I am so relieved all my children are adults.
Mr. Boy is particular fond in finding vulnerable teenagers and makes them participate in "The Dropout Challenge" which ends with the suicide of the teenager. Until one day Ralphie falls victim to Mr. Boy and his brother Derek seeks out to find the truth about his brothers suicide.
This story will take you to many uncomfortable places, lots of gore and violence, and, of course, suicide. This book will punch you in the feels and in the gut. Excellent story! On a side note: I am so relieved all my children are adults.
May 1, 2022
Another triumph from Aron Beauregard! 😁
Modern Hysteria is heartbreaking, disturbing, and dark! Very dark!
It brings to life the true horrors out there in life, of a world reliant on social networking and the need for acceptance! And also, the horrifying reality of what people will do if they aren't accepted! The ease of young people being brainwashed by an unknown person on the other end of a computer! Terrifying, and utterly chilling!
After Derek's brother Ralphie completes 'The Dropout Challenge', Derek is determined to expose the person behind it, the person known only as 'Mr. Boy'. Mr. Boy is a very sick, scary and dangerous man who goes to great lengths to get his kicks. But little does he know, Derek is willing to go to even greater lengths to get the exposure and revenge he seeks! This, in turn, produces some horrible events, that then trigger even more horrible events, each in turn, more wretched and sadistic! Revenge for revenge! Will it ever end?
There is a fantastic twist in this story, and when the tables are turned, it makes for a gnarly, yet very satisfying conclusion!
Of course, there is also plenty of that Beauregard brutality we all know and love, and some awesome, eye opening illustrations! This one will stay with me for a very long time!
Aron just keeps improving with every book he releases, and this is no exception! You always know when you're reading a book by Aron, it just has that Aron feel to it! In the same way you know when you're reading a Stephen King! It's like coming home, a comfort!
5/5 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
Modern Hysteria is heartbreaking, disturbing, and dark! Very dark!
It brings to life the true horrors out there in life, of a world reliant on social networking and the need for acceptance! And also, the horrifying reality of what people will do if they aren't accepted! The ease of young people being brainwashed by an unknown person on the other end of a computer! Terrifying, and utterly chilling!
After Derek's brother Ralphie completes 'The Dropout Challenge', Derek is determined to expose the person behind it, the person known only as 'Mr. Boy'. Mr. Boy is a very sick, scary and dangerous man who goes to great lengths to get his kicks. But little does he know, Derek is willing to go to even greater lengths to get the exposure and revenge he seeks! This, in turn, produces some horrible events, that then trigger even more horrible events, each in turn, more wretched and sadistic! Revenge for revenge! Will it ever end?
There is a fantastic twist in this story, and when the tables are turned, it makes for a gnarly, yet very satisfying conclusion!
Of course, there is also plenty of that Beauregard brutality we all know and love, and some awesome, eye opening illustrations! This one will stay with me for a very long time!
Aron just keeps improving with every book he releases, and this is no exception! You always know when you're reading a book by Aron, it just has that Aron feel to it! In the same way you know when you're reading a Stephen King! It's like coming home, a comfort!
5/5 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
April 4, 2022
Aron Beuregard never disappoints!
October 11, 2022
In a way this felt tame for Mr. Beauregard and then it also felt like his most fucked one I’ve read yet. The fact that there ARE humans in this world that use the internet for *similar* types of messed up shit that happens in this book makes this a heavy read. Reading this brought up similar emotions that Tender Is The Flesh brought up for me - just the parallels to the read world.
I don’t have kids but I’m even more scared and sad for every kid that uses the internet than I was before reading this.
Bravo Aron, can’t wait for more nightmares brought by your creations 🖤🖤🖤
I don’t have kids but I’m even more scared and sad for every kid that uses the internet than I was before reading this.
Bravo Aron, can’t wait for more nightmares brought by your creations 🖤🖤🖤
August 21, 2025
This one had an interesting premise but I feel like the author didn't utilize it well. There wasn't really any mystery or tension, besides the over the top violence that quickly got boring.
Didn't really care for the illustrations inside either. The art style gave me very much 2008 trying to be edgy in 4chan.
Overall quite meh experience.
This might just be one of those where author's work just isn't for me.
Didn't really care for the illustrations inside either. The art style gave me very much 2008 trying to be edgy in 4chan.
Overall quite meh experience.
This might just be one of those where author's work just isn't for me.
February 17, 2024
It’s no secret that I love a good internet mystery. Weird things that happen related to the internet and media in general tick all my boxes. So I was really excited to read this, knowing about the Blue Whale Challenge and its ‘spin offs’, to be vulgar about it. I also am a huge true crime junkie, so I know about degenerates like David Graham, Matthew Falder, and other awful people like them. And I must say, this story did paid the internet phenomena and internet crime part the utmost respect. This was a perfect mix of real life and fiction, which is arguably the most scary thing in my opinion.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Horror— to me— is more scary when it is things that occur in the real world. Ghosts, vampires, cannibal incest families, etc, are not scary TO ME. I find entertainment in these things, but essentially, they aren’t scary. Modern Hysteria is scary because people like Falder and Graham exist. This shit happens in real life. Maybe not to the extent that the book says, (as far as I know, no one has been PROVEN to have died by these challenges, even if there have been rumored deaths) but it blends the myth of suicide challenges with the real life crimes of the aforementioned monsters. That is true horror. And I applaud Aron Beauregard for this, for making a genuinely horrific story.
Now onto my criticisms, and there aren’t many as I feel this is a beyond good book. However, there are a few things I feel need to be addressed. One, Derrick’s personality in the beginning is a little… off putting. I understand his mom is not great, she’s dismissive and annoying and a drug addict and neglects her kids, and more, but his personality in the beginning felt very “get out of my room, mom” instead of “mother, you are drug addict and fail at providing for your children”. That could just be my opinion, but I felt Derrick was infused with a little too much teenage angst for being 20.
Another thing, this book made me realize how exhausted I am with extreme horror. I mean, sticking pins in the genitals, rose stem up the you-know-what? It just felt overboard. Richard is nuts, he’s terrible in all aspects of his life, he’s a degenerate, and gets off on hurting and manipulating children. But the first major scene with Richard ripped me right out of the realism of the story. It made him feel mystical or over exaggerated instead of real, which is not what this story needed. It made me realize that there’s a lot of extreme horror books that add this sort of thing just because the book is labeled extreme horror. Are these authors now confined to this label? Does this mean that if you are known for writing extreme horror you are always expected to include that in your novel, even if it lessens the meaning or doesn’t fit? I don’t know, it felt forced just to appease the extreme horror genre, and as someone who someday wants to write within many different genres, one of them being extreme horror, I wonder if one day, if I do succeed, would I be forced to adhere to this? Extreme horror should not always be graphic to be graphic, or force gore just for the sake of it. I rarely find myself enjoying stories with gore for the sake of gore. Sure I can find things I enjoy, but at its core, books like that would never even catch a glimpse of being in my favorites.
Anyway, sorry for rambling. What I was really trying to say was, people like Falder and Graham are scary because they are just normal people. If we see Richard as this over the top, sadomasochistic monster, it loses the realism. The true, devastating horror of this story was ripped away just for the sake of the extreme horror elements, which is a huge let down. I think if the scene(s) with Richard being a sadomasochist were removed, this would’ve been a perfect book to me. The other extreme horror elements can stay, as I feel they mostly fit the story, but the sadomasochism needed to be omitted. We do not find Hannibal Lecter horrifying (even if he is a good character) because he transcends normalcy. People like John Wayne Gacy are scary because they are average. Average turned evil is more scary than special turning evil, because, let’s face it, most of us are average, including me. I hope that makes sense.
One last little critique, I don’t know exactly what Arlene’s relationship was with Derrick and his family, but I suppose it didn’t really matter. Maybe I missed it, but this aspect is not effecting my rating, just wanted to point it out.
Despite all my whining about this book, overall I highly recommend it. I think it’s a concept that’s not explored often, and has a sickening realism to it that not many extreme horror novels have. Bonus points for including internet enigmas, I’m always a sucker for those.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Horror— to me— is more scary when it is things that occur in the real world. Ghosts, vampires, cannibal incest families, etc, are not scary TO ME. I find entertainment in these things, but essentially, they aren’t scary. Modern Hysteria is scary because people like Falder and Graham exist. This shit happens in real life. Maybe not to the extent that the book says, (as far as I know, no one has been PROVEN to have died by these challenges, even if there have been rumored deaths) but it blends the myth of suicide challenges with the real life crimes of the aforementioned monsters. That is true horror. And I applaud Aron Beauregard for this, for making a genuinely horrific story.
Now onto my criticisms, and there aren’t many as I feel this is a beyond good book. However, there are a few things I feel need to be addressed. One, Derrick’s personality in the beginning is a little… off putting. I understand his mom is not great, she’s dismissive and annoying and a drug addict and neglects her kids, and more, but his personality in the beginning felt very “get out of my room, mom” instead of “mother, you are drug addict and fail at providing for your children”. That could just be my opinion, but I felt Derrick was infused with a little too much teenage angst for being 20.
Another thing, this book made me realize how exhausted I am with extreme horror. I mean, sticking pins in the genitals, rose stem up the you-know-what? It just felt overboard. Richard is nuts, he’s terrible in all aspects of his life, he’s a degenerate, and gets off on hurting and manipulating children. But the first major scene with Richard ripped me right out of the realism of the story. It made him feel mystical or over exaggerated instead of real, which is not what this story needed. It made me realize that there’s a lot of extreme horror books that add this sort of thing just because the book is labeled extreme horror. Are these authors now confined to this label? Does this mean that if you are known for writing extreme horror you are always expected to include that in your novel, even if it lessens the meaning or doesn’t fit? I don’t know, it felt forced just to appease the extreme horror genre, and as someone who someday wants to write within many different genres, one of them being extreme horror, I wonder if one day, if I do succeed, would I be forced to adhere to this? Extreme horror should not always be graphic to be graphic, or force gore just for the sake of it. I rarely find myself enjoying stories with gore for the sake of gore. Sure I can find things I enjoy, but at its core, books like that would never even catch a glimpse of being in my favorites.
Anyway, sorry for rambling. What I was really trying to say was, people like Falder and Graham are scary because they are just normal people. If we see Richard as this over the top, sadomasochistic monster, it loses the realism. The true, devastating horror of this story was ripped away just for the sake of the extreme horror elements, which is a huge let down. I think if the scene(s) with Richard being a sadomasochist were removed, this would’ve been a perfect book to me. The other extreme horror elements can stay, as I feel they mostly fit the story, but the sadomasochism needed to be omitted. We do not find Hannibal Lecter horrifying (even if he is a good character) because he transcends normalcy. People like John Wayne Gacy are scary because they are average. Average turned evil is more scary than special turning evil, because, let’s face it, most of us are average, including me. I hope that makes sense.
One last little critique, I don’t know exactly what Arlene’s relationship was with Derrick and his family, but I suppose it didn’t really matter. Maybe I missed it, but this aspect is not effecting my rating, just wanted to point it out.
Despite all my whining about this book, overall I highly recommend it. I think it’s a concept that’s not explored often, and has a sickening realism to it that not many extreme horror novels have. Bonus points for including internet enigmas, I’m always a sucker for those.
June 4, 2025
Holy Moly... this book was so DARK and emotionally shattering. Aron never fails to impress me with his stories. The thing that makes this story especially sad is that things like this can actually happen. The internet has never been a safe place and especially for young kids/teens. The internet can be used as an outlet to escape from reality for most but unfortunately there are some really twisted and sick people who target the weaker minded. This story did a perfect job depicting that to a freaking T.
Modern Hysteria follows Derek. Derek is a young man who still lives at home who is aspiring to make it big as a graphic novelist. Sadly, he has just lost his brother to suicide. Derek is torn and looking for answers as to why his brother thought death was the only way out and when he goes digging, he finds something so wicked and absolutely heart wrenching that he now has a new goal; to kill Mr. Boy.
Mr. Boy is the person who drove Derek's little brother to his sad end. Mr. Boy is a sinister internet figure that preys on the weak (specifically young teens). He has this list known as "The Dropout Challenge." The list brainwashes these kids into committing terrible acts upon themselves, animals and then eventually taking their own lives.
I binged this book in two sittings. I was hooked! Highly recommend to Extreme Horror readers.
Modern Hysteria follows Derek. Derek is a young man who still lives at home who is aspiring to make it big as a graphic novelist. Sadly, he has just lost his brother to suicide. Derek is torn and looking for answers as to why his brother thought death was the only way out and when he goes digging, he finds something so wicked and absolutely heart wrenching that he now has a new goal; to kill Mr. Boy.
Mr. Boy is the person who drove Derek's little brother to his sad end. Mr. Boy is a sinister internet figure that preys on the weak (specifically young teens). He has this list known as "The Dropout Challenge." The list brainwashes these kids into committing terrible acts upon themselves, animals and then eventually taking their own lives.
I binged this book in two sittings. I was hooked! Highly recommend to Extreme Horror readers.
April 16, 2022
Absolutely loved it!!
Beauregard brings on the terrifying possibilities again. We live in a world where anyone has access to you, to your children, and this piece of work reminds you of that.
Gore filled, twists abound, and man, revenge is such a bittersweet faucet of humanity.
Cause let’s face it, we, as humans, have the desire to hurt those who hurt us, regardless of the consequences.
This was truly tragic and beautiful.
Beauregard brings on the terrifying possibilities again. We live in a world where anyone has access to you, to your children, and this piece of work reminds you of that.
Gore filled, twists abound, and man, revenge is such a bittersweet faucet of humanity.
Cause let’s face it, we, as humans, have the desire to hurt those who hurt us, regardless of the consequences.
This was truly tragic and beautiful.
April 10, 2022
This book tells a story of every parents nightmare. The pages come alive with the horror and anguish Aron has amazingly written out. There is enough blood and gore as well as mutilation to satisfy any horror fan. Great read and can't wait to see what Aron has in store for us next.
March 31, 2022
Modern Hysteria by Aron Beauregard is a nonstop gut punch from beginning to end. To say this book is dark would be an understatement. Well handled themes of apathy, alienation, and suicide among the technology addicted youth of today, as well as the complacency of preoccupied parents make this book a compelling and challenging read.
A mysterious internet figure known as Mr. Boy lures depressed kids into an online suicide game called the Dropout Challenge. The grief stricken brother of one of the victims seeks revenge. And that’s just the beginning.
This book is dark, emotionally devastating, deep, and not without a message. This is extreme horror of the highest order.
A mysterious internet figure known as Mr. Boy lures depressed kids into an online suicide game called the Dropout Challenge. The grief stricken brother of one of the victims seeks revenge. And that’s just the beginning.
This book is dark, emotionally devastating, deep, and not without a message. This is extreme horror of the highest order.
April 3, 2022
Incredibly thoughtful, important but simultaneously wonderfully trashy and entertaining story about the influence that the internet has on humanity. Motifs of grief, manipulation, the struggles of being an artist and even some sections that dive directly into slasher territory- Beauregard continues to blow my mind
April 4, 2022
This book could actually be a true story with all the crazy people we have in today society. Social bullies are real and if you don't monitor your kids, I rather not finish this sentence. But this was good story.
April 27, 2022
One of the best and most realistic novels I’ve read. You feel so many different emotions which for me is rare in a more “brutal” story. It feels more like literary fiction than splatterpunk or just straight horror.
The brutality never feels forced and never feels added just for gross out points. It sucked me in immediately and had to finish reading it in one sitting. Highly recommended.
Can not wait for whatever Aron Beauregard puts out next!
The brutality never feels forced and never feels added just for gross out points. It sucked me in immediately and had to finish reading it in one sitting. Highly recommended.
Can not wait for whatever Aron Beauregard puts out next!
May 5, 2022
A Twisted and tragic tale. Horrific in that it could definitely happen in real life. The internet is a dark dark place. Fast paced and well written like all of Aron's work. An author that should not be ignored (as long as you can stomach it).
July 5, 2024
I've been a fan of Aaron's work for a while and had yet to pick up this book. I have to say Modern Hysteria has now taken its rightful place as my favorite splatterpunk novel. Unlike many stories in the genre, this wasn't shock value for the sake of shock value with little substance outside of that. Modern Hysteria had a captivating and well constructed plot that took us into a realm of dark and depraved beyond just slasher gore and in your face sexual assault. All of the disturbing elements of splatterpunk were present, but they were tastefully sewn into the fabric of what was a very intricate horror story.
April 7, 2023
Aron….pls this was a solid book could not put it down
February 6, 2024
An absolute clinic
Well written, fully fleshed out splatterpunk with great characters, plot, and development. Absolutely a must read for extreme horror fans.
Well written, fully fleshed out splatterpunk with great characters, plot, and development. Absolutely a must read for extreme horror fans.
March 27, 2024
Other than a few scenes making me want to vomit it was a pretty good story. Ending was a little sappy for me.
August 29, 2022
Really really enjoyed this one! Definitely one of my favourites by Aaron, it was I'd say a bit more serious than his other books and I loved that! A story about a very scary and real issue on the Internet, it's such an amazing tool but it's also such a scary and dangerous one. The characters are fantastic, there's some fantastic gore, honestly such a good read!!
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