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Bleeding Into New Worlds
A cosmic slasher about the pain of loneliness and the agony of finding your place.
"The path away from carnal pleasure, away from bodily desire, is a most dangerous walk.
There is great risk to spirit, sanity, and flesh; yet at the pinnacle of heightened exquisite pain, a veil parts, a door opens.
Wonders await, untold delights that few can comprehend."
The Peelers of Layers- The Book of Hidden Fragments
"The path away from carnal pleasure, away from bodily desire, is a most dangerous walk.
There is great risk to spirit, sanity, and flesh; yet at the pinnacle of heightened exquisite pain, a veil parts, a door opens.
Wonders await, untold delights that few can comprehend."
The Peelers of Layers- The Book of Hidden Fragments
- GenresHorror
184 pages, Paperback
Published January 4, 2023
1 person is currently reading
25 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 23, 2023
This was a very intense and uncomfortable experience. Extremely trippy. The vivid visuals that the author put across were all beautiful, yet terrifying. Honestly reminded me a lot of The Hellbound Heart by Clive Barker, especially as it explored that fine line between pain and pleasure. Anna is our lead here, but as you go through the story, you tend to lose track of her due to the sensory assault of everything else going on. This was a really cool parlor trick by the author, as it made you think, feel, see, and hear every single creature, act of violence, and unsettling situation that Anna found herself in. I finished the story and it took me a few minutes to collect myself. A really interesting and well designed concept developed by Sarah Jane Huntington.
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January 16, 2023N.B. I do not rate on Goodreads.
I've read and enjoyed some of Sarah Huntingdon's previous work, but in this one she raises her game. It's a quick read. I managed it in one day.
Despite the supernatural and science fiction elements, of which there are many, she makes Anna's story feel personal...believable almost. There's heart and soul in this novella, lots of it. There's pain and anguish, disappointment and betrayal, and an abundance of anger. However, there's tenderness, too. Tenderness aplenty.
There were times when I needed to pause and consider some of the sentences in order to appreciate their depth. My favourite quote is this one that describes the protagonist, Anna...
'She is tainted, marked by emotional struggles those around her can sense and know to avoid, lest her misery spread and infect them too.'
I think those words are true. People around us sense our struggles. 'Victims' carry a certain scent so to speak, and that aura can bring out both the best and worst in people.
Huntingdon once again displays her tremendous imagination in this story, but it offers a lot of insight, too. I have to say, I agree with much of the 'philosophy' within this story. Don't get me started! (LOL)
I adored the metaphorical imagery to describe the physical. Very relatable. At times, it felt like a darker version of Alice Through the Looking Glass.
Key thoughts...
Stream of consciousness
Metaphorical imagery
Thought-provoking
Anger and retribution
Cosmic elements
Boundless imagination
To sum it up...
A bizarre trip of a novella with momentous undertones. I loved it, but I think it's fair to say it's not for the faint-hearted or those expecting milk and cookies.
I've read and enjoyed some of Sarah Huntingdon's previous work, but in this one she raises her game. It's a quick read. I managed it in one day.
Despite the supernatural and science fiction elements, of which there are many, she makes Anna's story feel personal...believable almost. There's heart and soul in this novella, lots of it. There's pain and anguish, disappointment and betrayal, and an abundance of anger. However, there's tenderness, too. Tenderness aplenty.
There were times when I needed to pause and consider some of the sentences in order to appreciate their depth. My favourite quote is this one that describes the protagonist, Anna...
'She is tainted, marked by emotional struggles those around her can sense and know to avoid, lest her misery spread and infect them too.'
I think those words are true. People around us sense our struggles. 'Victims' carry a certain scent so to speak, and that aura can bring out both the best and worst in people.
Huntingdon once again displays her tremendous imagination in this story, but it offers a lot of insight, too. I have to say, I agree with much of the 'philosophy' within this story. Don't get me started! (LOL)
I adored the metaphorical imagery to describe the physical. Very relatable. At times, it felt like a darker version of Alice Through the Looking Glass.
Key thoughts...
Stream of consciousness
Metaphorical imagery
Thought-provoking
Anger and retribution
Cosmic elements
Boundless imagination
To sum it up...
A bizarre trip of a novella with momentous undertones. I loved it, but I think it's fair to say it's not for the faint-hearted or those expecting milk and cookies.
December 12, 2022
Bleeding Into New Worlds is out of this bleeding world!
Hand on heart, this book has gone straight into my top 5 favourite books of all time list. It’s SO good.
This is a stunning work of horror fiction, and it deserves its place at the top of your TBR list.
I adore this book. Can you tell? 😀
Hand on heart, this book has gone straight into my top 5 favourite books of all time list. It’s SO good.
This is a stunning work of horror fiction, and it deserves its place at the top of your TBR list.
I adore this book. Can you tell? 😀
December 4, 2022
I snagged the ARC of Bleeding Into New Worlds from 3BPublishing. This was my first taste of Sarah Jane Huntington's work and what a delicious, haunting piece it was.
SJH's writing is otherworldly. The vivid imagery and emotions she commands with her words is truly outstanding. You walk along side Anna as she aims to explore worlds outside of the known and ultimately she grows into something beyond. The constant feeling of anticipation had me devouring this book.
SJH's writing is otherworldly. The vivid imagery and emotions she commands with her words is truly outstanding. You walk along side Anna as she aims to explore worlds outside of the known and ultimately she grows into something beyond. The constant feeling of anticipation had me devouring this book.
December 23, 2022
Bleeding Into New Worlds is a creative and wild ride through cosmic horror.
I’m familiar with a bit of Huntington’s short fiction, but this was my first of her novels.
The novel bears a propulsive style, in which sentences and action cascade into one another in a way reminiscent of Kathe Koja. The focus on the body builds similar bridges with Koja’s work—particularly Skin—as well as the work or Clive Barker. The novel explores themes of transcendence and vengeance with the later acts of the novel unspooling reality and diving into cosmic horror.
I enjoyed the novel’s length. Huntington dodges the indulgences that many 80’s horror novels took with similar themes, keeping things tight and maintaining forward momentum. At each moment, Huntington keeps us anchored in the physical sensations of our protagonist even while diving into the abstract. She manages to express unusual visual elements in a way that’s easy to imagine.
I sometimes have difficulty connecting with cosmic horror, but this novel felt more accessible and enjoyable than many comparable works. I recommend for fans of horror and dark fantasy.
I’m familiar with a bit of Huntington’s short fiction, but this was my first of her novels.
The novel bears a propulsive style, in which sentences and action cascade into one another in a way reminiscent of Kathe Koja. The focus on the body builds similar bridges with Koja’s work—particularly Skin—as well as the work or Clive Barker. The novel explores themes of transcendence and vengeance with the later acts of the novel unspooling reality and diving into cosmic horror.
I enjoyed the novel’s length. Huntington dodges the indulgences that many 80’s horror novels took with similar themes, keeping things tight and maintaining forward momentum. At each moment, Huntington keeps us anchored in the physical sensations of our protagonist even while diving into the abstract. She manages to express unusual visual elements in a way that’s easy to imagine.
I sometimes have difficulty connecting with cosmic horror, but this novel felt more accessible and enjoyable than many comparable works. I recommend for fans of horror and dark fantasy.
December 11, 2022
Cosmic horror usually involves a character getting a glimpse of the otherworldly. But in this novella, Anna walks through a horrifying realm, and the author gives readers a truly horrific take on cosmic terror. A masterpiece of vengeance and violence, Huntington’s best work so far!
January 20, 2023
Brilliant!
This was my first read from Huntington, and it will not be my last. BLEEDING INTO NEW WORLDS is a wild, fast, cosmic-horror story filled with great writing and vivid imagery. I enjoyed the entire novella, but especially the ending, and I'm looking forward to more from this author. Highly recommended!
This was my first read from Huntington, and it will not be my last. BLEEDING INTO NEW WORLDS is a wild, fast, cosmic-horror story filled with great writing and vivid imagery. I enjoyed the entire novella, but especially the ending, and I'm looking forward to more from this author. Highly recommended!
March 1, 2024
I'm a huge fan of Sarah Jane Huntington's work, so I love getting stuck into her stories.
Anna doesn't belong anywhere. She's all alone in the world and searching for a purpose, when she meets a group of people who welcome her into their lives and make astral travel sound easy. But nothing is easy in this world...
Yikes. This turned out to be quite an intriguing and totally fascinating trip down the darkest rabbit hole. The layers of reality are peeled back to reveal some wondrous and terrifying places that are so vivid, the imagery and gruesome worldbuilding will stay with me for a long while.
Anna's a lost soul whose vulnerability shines through every page. My sympathy for her never wavered. Not even through the most violent parts because her personal story is as horrifying as it is amazing.
There's a bit of Hellraiser within this very macabre cosmic tale about betrayal and self-discovery. About how important self-acceptance is in its many forms.
I loved this novella. It's another beautifully-written gem.
Anna doesn't belong anywhere. She's all alone in the world and searching for a purpose, when she meets a group of people who welcome her into their lives and make astral travel sound easy. But nothing is easy in this world...
Yikes. This turned out to be quite an intriguing and totally fascinating trip down the darkest rabbit hole. The layers of reality are peeled back to reveal some wondrous and terrifying places that are so vivid, the imagery and gruesome worldbuilding will stay with me for a long while.
Anna's a lost soul whose vulnerability shines through every page. My sympathy for her never wavered. Not even through the most violent parts because her personal story is as horrifying as it is amazing.
There's a bit of Hellraiser within this very macabre cosmic tale about betrayal and self-discovery. About how important self-acceptance is in its many forms.
I loved this novella. It's another beautifully-written gem.
January 11, 2023
I've been a fan of Sarah Jane Huntington's work for some time, so I waited with high hopes for the release of this book. From the very first page, I sensed a difference to what I'm used to. There is a new edge to Huntington's already gifted style. It's bitter and angry, and it wants to kick your head in! In short, this story absolutely blew me away. As is customary with Huntington's work, we have a seemingly vulnerable main character at the centre of the plot. In my opinion, Anna is probably the most memorable of Huntington's constructions to date. The frustration and anger with modern life are channelled from the writer, through Anna, and into our minds. It's an intense experience that few could conjure so admirably. The writing really hits its stride once the layers are peeled back to reveal other dimensions. Huntington is at her strongest when she's blending horror and science fiction, so you know you're in safe hands. The journey Anna embarks on is nothing short of staggering, and my head was spinning with the imagination on offer here. If Clive Barker built a world like Sarah Jane Huntington has achieved here, we'd all be worshipping the level of skill. I think it's time that Huntington gets the recognition she deserves.
December 26, 2022
"There is purity in pain."
Spoilers/ Review for Bleeding Into New Worlds.
BINW opens with Anna Chambers committing an act of ritualism, determined to find what she is after. Then we jump back to three months, and see a slightly younger Anna in a different situation, surviving, not living, in the cold unfeeling capitalist world. Anna is bored with the world, and needs some excitement beyond the usual. A chance encounter at the bookshop provides a much needed shake up to her system in the form of Bethany. The two young women hit it off, and Bethany takes Anna to a Kingdom House meeting, and that is only just the beginning of this story.....
The good people of 3B offered this one up to me as an ARC. I hadn't read anything by Sarah Jane before, and looked forward to trying another new author.
It's hard to discuss the opening of this one as on one hand, I could give a very detailed discussion as to what's going on, but on the other, I don't want to reveal all and take away from other readers' enjoyment. So what I will say is, it's a dark, gripping and beautifully written opening, which blends together a couple of sub genres of the horror game, and draws you in, and makes you ask "what? Why? I need more!" To me, that is the sign of a killer opening to any story. I did catch another person's review prior to reading and they mentioned a major author in the Weird/Cosmological genre in reference to this one, but to me, it rang more of Clive Barker. Lyrical, beautiful, and horrific all in one move. The jump back to before and how Anna is surviving, just getting by, and not living is a bleak picture, but it does feel genuine, especially in the modern era. There are political undertones to this one, but they do work, reflecting how some might feel about the modern world, all the while establishing Anna's character. There are some really wonderfully written scenes which provoke such rich imagery, and you really do feel like you're with Anna on these out of body experiences. The out of body experience in chapter two introduces something as well, something unexpected which only furthers your curiousity. Sometimes I do struggle with cosmological horrors, as I find them to be too much and a bit too anti-Sam, but with Huntingon's work, I didn't find that. It's accessible, readable, rich and most of all, enjoyable. The plot flows nicely, and you really can get lost in this one. I do enjoy where it leads, and there is a well executed twist just over halfway through this one, but part of me can't help but feel we could have been squeezed for a tiny bit more with the later scenes, and where Anna' story leads. As well, a bit more exploration of the Kingdom House gang, and who they were before. An interesting end note, and potentially opens a door to more worlds. I still enjoyed this story greatly. It was well constructed, creative, accessible, and executed to a high standard. I think this is the first thing I have read by Sarah Jane, but I don't think it will be the last. This is one author to watch out for!
Overall 4.5/5
Spoilers/ Review for Bleeding Into New Worlds.
BINW opens with Anna Chambers committing an act of ritualism, determined to find what she is after. Then we jump back to three months, and see a slightly younger Anna in a different situation, surviving, not living, in the cold unfeeling capitalist world. Anna is bored with the world, and needs some excitement beyond the usual. A chance encounter at the bookshop provides a much needed shake up to her system in the form of Bethany. The two young women hit it off, and Bethany takes Anna to a Kingdom House meeting, and that is only just the beginning of this story.....
The good people of 3B offered this one up to me as an ARC. I hadn't read anything by Sarah Jane before, and looked forward to trying another new author.
It's hard to discuss the opening of this one as on one hand, I could give a very detailed discussion as to what's going on, but on the other, I don't want to reveal all and take away from other readers' enjoyment. So what I will say is, it's a dark, gripping and beautifully written opening, which blends together a couple of sub genres of the horror game, and draws you in, and makes you ask "what? Why? I need more!" To me, that is the sign of a killer opening to any story. I did catch another person's review prior to reading and they mentioned a major author in the Weird/Cosmological genre in reference to this one, but to me, it rang more of Clive Barker. Lyrical, beautiful, and horrific all in one move. The jump back to before and how Anna is surviving, just getting by, and not living is a bleak picture, but it does feel genuine, especially in the modern era. There are political undertones to this one, but they do work, reflecting how some might feel about the modern world, all the while establishing Anna's character. There are some really wonderfully written scenes which provoke such rich imagery, and you really do feel like you're with Anna on these out of body experiences. The out of body experience in chapter two introduces something as well, something unexpected which only furthers your curiousity. Sometimes I do struggle with cosmological horrors, as I find them to be too much and a bit too anti-Sam, but with Huntingon's work, I didn't find that. It's accessible, readable, rich and most of all, enjoyable. The plot flows nicely, and you really can get lost in this one. I do enjoy where it leads, and there is a well executed twist just over halfway through this one, but part of me can't help but feel we could have been squeezed for a tiny bit more with the later scenes, and where Anna' story leads. As well, a bit more exploration of the Kingdom House gang, and who they were before. An interesting end note, and potentially opens a door to more worlds. I still enjoyed this story greatly. It was well constructed, creative, accessible, and executed to a high standard. I think this is the first thing I have read by Sarah Jane, but I don't think it will be the last. This is one author to watch out for!
Overall 4.5/5
November 26, 2022
I have just finished reading an ARC of this and I feel fairly taken aback by the magical prose this book contains. Spellbinding is the word I'm choosing. I was captivated throughout. A heart wrenching tale of pure pain and ultimately, revenge. The Void and all the disturbing things it holds, is a realm I will forever be fearful of. Inside out beings, hellish landscapes and imagery beyond depravity.
Sarah Jane's best book by far.
One complaint. This book needs trigger warnings for self harm and graphic scenes I believe.
Sarah Jane's best book by far.
One complaint. This book needs trigger warnings for self harm and graphic scenes I believe.
January 22, 2023
This is my first introduction to Sarah Jane Huntington, and this was dark! Really dark.
We follow Anna as she tries to shake off the shackles of this world via astral projection.
Huntington is a brilliant writer, there is so much depth and her world building is terrifyingly realistic.The imagery flies at you from every direction, flooding your brain. Some of it reads like prose poetry - line after line, page after page of rich description pulling you further into this dark pool and before you know it, the weeds have caught your ankles and you know there's no way out.
I'm trying to read outside my comfort zone in 2023 and I'm really glad I picked this up. I would rarely read cosmic horror like this. Ordinarily, the mention of astral anything (in fiction) would have made me pass immediately. But this was such an experience, a masterclass in describing human suffering and despair.
There is zero let up here, none. It is brutal from start to finish.
And it was wonderful.
We follow Anna as she tries to shake off the shackles of this world via astral projection.
Huntington is a brilliant writer, there is so much depth and her world building is terrifyingly realistic.The imagery flies at you from every direction, flooding your brain. Some of it reads like prose poetry - line after line, page after page of rich description pulling you further into this dark pool and before you know it, the weeds have caught your ankles and you know there's no way out.
I'm trying to read outside my comfort zone in 2023 and I'm really glad I picked this up. I would rarely read cosmic horror like this. Ordinarily, the mention of astral anything (in fiction) would have made me pass immediately. But this was such an experience, a masterclass in describing human suffering and despair.
There is zero let up here, none. It is brutal from start to finish.
And it was wonderful.
December 28, 2022
I'm nothing short of ashamed that it's taken me this long to read work written by Sarah Jane (I promise you've been on my TBR for months!), but my goodness, what an absolute masterpiece to start with! Sarah Jane doesn't play around when it comes to punching you right in the feels.
Sadly, many of us have felt the severe depression our main character Anna struggles with, to varying extents. If not outright depression, we've at least wondered what our purpose is, if we're truly meant to be where we are, and what might exist beyond the day to day world. Sarah Jane takes those emotions and curiosities, and cranks the volume up to eleven!
After a lifetime of struggling, Anna finally believes she's found her people. There's not one, but four other people who have actually experienced other worlds, and possess knowledge that Anna wants so desperately to share with them. She goes to drastic lengths to reach the same level she believes they're on spiritually (literally bleeding into a new world), in preparation for a ritual that has been their ultimate goal.
In a hugely shocking twist, things don't go the way anyone anticipated, and I refuse to say any more about that out of fear of giving away plot twists. What I will say, is that as someone who has practiced meditation for a while now, this story is EXTRA terrifying, but also oddly satisfying in a way that you'll only understand once you've read it all. It's currently available for pre-order, with a release date of January 4th, from the esteemed 3-B Publishing we all know and love!
Sadly, many of us have felt the severe depression our main character Anna struggles with, to varying extents. If not outright depression, we've at least wondered what our purpose is, if we're truly meant to be where we are, and what might exist beyond the day to day world. Sarah Jane takes those emotions and curiosities, and cranks the volume up to eleven!
After a lifetime of struggling, Anna finally believes she's found her people. There's not one, but four other people who have actually experienced other worlds, and possess knowledge that Anna wants so desperately to share with them. She goes to drastic lengths to reach the same level she believes they're on spiritually (literally bleeding into a new world), in preparation for a ritual that has been their ultimate goal.
In a hugely shocking twist, things don't go the way anyone anticipated, and I refuse to say any more about that out of fear of giving away plot twists. What I will say, is that as someone who has practiced meditation for a while now, this story is EXTRA terrifying, but also oddly satisfying in a way that you'll only understand once you've read it all. It's currently available for pre-order, with a release date of January 4th, from the esteemed 3-B Publishing we all know and love!
November 18, 2023
An intense and unsettling read with tiny flickers of madness running throughout. This is proper edge of the seat stuff.
The little deja vu elements creeping in worked beautifully, too.
This is as good as novellas get. Seriously. Pick it up as soon as you can. You'll blast through it.
I've had this in my TBR pile for far too long.
I'm going to read another one by Sarah now to make myself feel better.
Five stars. All the way.
The little deja vu elements creeping in worked beautifully, too.
This is as good as novellas get. Seriously. Pick it up as soon as you can. You'll blast through it.
I've had this in my TBR pile for far too long.
I'm going to read another one by Sarah now to make myself feel better.
Five stars. All the way.
November 20, 2022
i was offered a arc of this and i said yes. ive read sarahs other books and i kind of thought she peaked with between light and shadow. i was wrong. this book is a whole new level and i cant think of a single story or film or anything like it. the story follows anna. shes lost in life and she ends up joining a cult that use all kinds of weird stuff to astral project. the go into new worlds and anna gets stuck. i cant say too much without ruining it but she meets a weird thing and changes. the shtf after that. this story made me rush to read it because it makes you feel that way. nervous i suppose and then i got a bit frantic and one bit made me cringe so bad. its all kinds of weird and a bit like if alice in wonderland died and then turned pyscho. best book of the year for me because its so different and sometimes i felt like i was anna
December 17, 2022
Oh wow. This book was beautiful. It felt like I was reading a book of poetry. The writing style was lyrical and flowed in such a satisfying way. The story kept me wanting more and I felt like it wrapped up nicely. It’s hard to categorize this one. It’s a mix of horror and sci-fi. It has that “good for her” element I love too. Highly recommend checking out Sarah Jane Huntington’s Bleeding Into New Worlds which comes out on January 4th! Thank you to 3B Publishing for sending me a free eARC!
January 5, 2023
Loved this book - full of moments that make you stop and think - the author makes you feel differing emotions for the main character, from sympathy then shock, that’s a real talent.
Anyway, another great book from a genuinely superb author and highly recommended if you want a horror that makes you think.
Anyway, another great book from a genuinely superb author and highly recommended if you want a horror that makes you think.
November 25, 2022
“She bled her way into new worlds and now she steps with borrowed grace.”
This beautifully bloody cosmic horror from Sarah Jane Huntington is a marriage of Hellraiser, Alice in Wonderland and The Matrix in all the best ways. Sarah’s storytelling is so engaging and heartbreaking at times. Bleeding Into New Worlds offers a unique take on cults, mysticism and astral planes with gruesome imagery I won’t soon forget (lookin at you creepy court jester). I’ll definitely be reading more from this author!
This beautifully bloody cosmic horror from Sarah Jane Huntington is a marriage of Hellraiser, Alice in Wonderland and The Matrix in all the best ways. Sarah’s storytelling is so engaging and heartbreaking at times. Bleeding Into New Worlds offers a unique take on cults, mysticism and astral planes with gruesome imagery I won’t soon forget (lookin at you creepy court jester). I’ll definitely be reading more from this author!
March 3, 2023
Astral projection, hallucinogens, revenge? Sign me up!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews