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Ooze: Little Bursts of Body Horror
Body horror is best when it comes in little bursts. In this novella-length collection full of gross, grimy, creepy, crawly, bubbling, bursting fun, what you'll be surprised by is how much heart and story can be packed into such small packages. With twenty up-and-coming authors putting forth their best short works of body horror, be prepared to be smacked in the face with a combination of the classic and the new. There's plenty that you hope for when you pick up a book of body horror---transformation, dissolution, decay---but there are also a delightful number of heartfelt and surprising twists on the idea. Every story is under 2,500 words and many are shorter.
The book contains weird and wonderful cover art for each story and has a foreword by Bridgett Nelson. It features stories by Judith Sonnet and Rowland Bercy Jr., along with eighteen other authors, some established in the horror world and others with totally fresh voices.
This book is revolting, ridiculous, touching, and terrifying. It's a little burst of fantastic new body horror.
The book contains weird and wonderful cover art for each story and has a foreword by Bridgett Nelson. It features stories by Judith Sonnet and Rowland Bercy Jr., along with eighteen other authors, some established in the horror world and others with totally fresh voices.
This book is revolting, ridiculous, touching, and terrifying. It's a little burst of fantastic new body horror.
146 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 16, 2023
31 people are currently reading
391 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Anna Evans
52 books107 followersRuth Anna Evans is a writer of short horror fiction who lives in the heart of all that is sinister: the American Midwest. She has been composing prose of all types since childhood but finds something truly delightful in putting her nightmares on the page. Her stories are full of twists and turns with relatable protagonists and startling endings. If you like Grady Hendrix and Ira Levin, you'll like Ruth Anna Evans. Follow Ruth Anna on Twitter @ruthannaevans for updates on her work.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
February 9, 2023
I was very lucky to receive this as an ARC, and am honoured to give this a review.
Ooze is an anthology of 21 different short body horror stories from various authors. Each one is unique, and equally as good as each other.
Though my favourites are:
The Last Hamburger Restaurant in the World - Judith Sonnet
If I Carry You - Emma E. Murray
Dr Parasite - Rowland Bercy JR
Family Dinner - Ruth Anna Evans
The stories from Judith, Rowland, and Ruth Anna, are typical of what we have come to expect and love from this awesome trio, lots of blood, gore, cannibalism, and some pretty sick stuff. I particularly liked ‘If I Carry You’ by Emma E. Murray, which tore at my heartstrings 😢
I’m not really into reading anthologies or collections, as I prefer to read a book which involves just one story, in which I can fully immerse myself, but this is awesome, and I was introduced to authors which I had never known before but will definitely be reading more from.
This, all combined with a Foreword by Bridgett Nelson, and an Introduction by Ruth Anna Evans, makes this a spectacularly awesome read, which I thoroughly recommend.
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ooze is an anthology of 21 different short body horror stories from various authors. Each one is unique, and equally as good as each other.
Though my favourites are:
The Last Hamburger Restaurant in the World - Judith Sonnet
If I Carry You - Emma E. Murray
Dr Parasite - Rowland Bercy JR
Family Dinner - Ruth Anna Evans
The stories from Judith, Rowland, and Ruth Anna, are typical of what we have come to expect and love from this awesome trio, lots of blood, gore, cannibalism, and some pretty sick stuff. I particularly liked ‘If I Carry You’ by Emma E. Murray, which tore at my heartstrings 😢
I’m not really into reading anthologies or collections, as I prefer to read a book which involves just one story, in which I can fully immerse myself, but this is awesome, and I was introduced to authors which I had never known before but will definitely be reading more from.
This, all combined with a Foreword by Bridgett Nelson, and an Introduction by Ruth Anna Evans, makes this a spectacularly awesome read, which I thoroughly recommend.
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 23, 2023
Horror Bookworm Reviews
Ooze: Little Bursts Of Body Horror edited by Ruth Anna Evans
https://horrorbookwormreviews.com/
- On a secluded stretch of highway, a roadside billboard directs a vacationing family to an “exit on your next right.” Hungry and tired, the family takes a chance and enters a demented diner called The Last Hamburger Restaurant In The World.
- A shady man is proud of his sexual conquests. So much that he shares his exploits on his phone with friends. At closer look however, one female in particular is caught on video doing something very ominous that will change this man’s life in a most bizarre way.
- A couple’s reoccurring invitation to a traditional dinner is a most peculiar event. A fine marinade, a hearty main course and a sharp carving knife. Dinner is now served, Bon-Appetite!
Edited by Ruth Anna Evans, Ooze: Little Bursts Of Body Horror is a collection of stories based on a very delightful sub genre. Bridgette Nelson sets the disgusting tone with her foul-tasting foreword introducing the sense of the term “body horror.” Enter some of the most clever writers we have today. Readers get to experience endless talents of Judith Sonnet, Rowland Bercy Jr. and Lor Gislason among many others. These miniature morbid morsels of grotesque short fiction not only play on physical aspects but psychological as well.
These multifaceted intense stories border on Bizarro and “What The Hell Is Happening To Me” horror. They are the kind of storytelling that will stick with the reader like a piece of Laffy Taffy to the roof of the mouth. For instance, my personal traumatizing anecdote was about a man who one day discovers a stainless steel Phillips screw in his head. His thoughts are Righty Tighty or Lefty Loosey. Choose carefully my friend. (thank you Matt Bliss for a few sleepless nights).
As you begin your physical and psychological rite of passage towards the Ooze, don’t forget to stop and smell the transformations and mutilations along the way. Enjoy these infestations of weird and repulsive little bursts of body horror…I did. A five star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Horror Bookworm Recommendation.
Ooze: Little Bursts Of Body Horror edited by Ruth Anna Evans
https://horrorbookwormreviews.com/
- On a secluded stretch of highway, a roadside billboard directs a vacationing family to an “exit on your next right.” Hungry and tired, the family takes a chance and enters a demented diner called The Last Hamburger Restaurant In The World.
- A shady man is proud of his sexual conquests. So much that he shares his exploits on his phone with friends. At closer look however, one female in particular is caught on video doing something very ominous that will change this man’s life in a most bizarre way.
- A couple’s reoccurring invitation to a traditional dinner is a most peculiar event. A fine marinade, a hearty main course and a sharp carving knife. Dinner is now served, Bon-Appetite!
Edited by Ruth Anna Evans, Ooze: Little Bursts Of Body Horror is a collection of stories based on a very delightful sub genre. Bridgette Nelson sets the disgusting tone with her foul-tasting foreword introducing the sense of the term “body horror.” Enter some of the most clever writers we have today. Readers get to experience endless talents of Judith Sonnet, Rowland Bercy Jr. and Lor Gislason among many others. These miniature morbid morsels of grotesque short fiction not only play on physical aspects but psychological as well.
These multifaceted intense stories border on Bizarro and “What The Hell Is Happening To Me” horror. They are the kind of storytelling that will stick with the reader like a piece of Laffy Taffy to the roof of the mouth. For instance, my personal traumatizing anecdote was about a man who one day discovers a stainless steel Phillips screw in his head. His thoughts are Righty Tighty or Lefty Loosey. Choose carefully my friend. (thank you Matt Bliss for a few sleepless nights).
As you begin your physical and psychological rite of passage towards the Ooze, don’t forget to stop and smell the transformations and mutilations along the way. Enjoy these infestations of weird and repulsive little bursts of body horror…I did. A five star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Horror Bookworm Recommendation.
February 12, 2023
Perfectly bite sized stories of body horror. I finished in one sitting. You'll get every type of body horror in this collection. Infection, infestation, mutilation, transformation and overall epic ickiness. Most of the authors in this collection I hadn't read before but I will certainly be looking into more of their work.
February 11, 2023
Ooze is downright nasty. Absolutely disgusting. Shrivel up your insides, squick you into vomiting, disturbing. Creepy crawlies, cannibalism, social commentary, eldritch horrors - this book is a mess of oopy-goopy, bloody, rancid, melting, explosive, fecal utter grossness. You'll squirm, you'll gag, your stomach will churn, and you'll beg yourself for a break you'll be unable to grant. If you're a fan of body horror and like feeling pushed to the extreme, this book is 100% for you. If you're squeamish, timid, or a newbie to extreme body horror, you may need to skip this one. This book is absolutely repulsive. Vile. Wretched. It will grab you by the eyeballs and yank and describe what your eyes look like on the way out.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. As someone who submitted and was rejected, morbid curiosity led me to check this book out. I hate it (and love it) when I read a book and know my own writing was just subpar and understand exactly why I didn't make it!
For anthologies, I like to try and pick a couple of stand-out favorites to rave about in my review. That was hard with this 21-story group. Every single story in here is an absolute banger. Even the forward by Bridgett Nelson will start you off shuddering in disgust. And the included title images for every single story make this such a special and unique reading experience.
Some of the stories I want to point out are:
Teething by Cassandra Daucus will set your hairs on end and make you wonder about the truth of motherhood.
The Last Hamburger Restaurant in the World by Judith Sonnet and Dr. Parasite by Rowland Bercy Jr. were absolutely in competition for who could write the dirtiest, nastiest, most repugnant story, and the winner might depend on the day you asked me.
A New Kind of Meat by Brandon Applegate will leave you feeling victoriously nauseated.
Beauty is in the Eye of the Other by Lena Ng will have you grateful that all the horrid things you endured during childhood sleepovers can't hold a candle to this story.
Family Dinner by Ruth Anna Evans will leave you wincing in sympathy and re-thinking your plans to visit family.
Indwelling by Chelsea Pumpkins is the perfect oozing burst for pimple popper stans.
Bitch Witch by Paul Sheldon will leave you cackling (well, it made me cackle) and possibly give you a brand new kink. Trypophobic readers may prefer to steer clear.
Pick up your copy when you can. But be warned - this is a book that burrows under your skin and makes its presence known.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. As someone who submitted and was rejected, morbid curiosity led me to check this book out. I hate it (and love it) when I read a book and know my own writing was just subpar and understand exactly why I didn't make it!
For anthologies, I like to try and pick a couple of stand-out favorites to rave about in my review. That was hard with this 21-story group. Every single story in here is an absolute banger. Even the forward by Bridgett Nelson will start you off shuddering in disgust. And the included title images for every single story make this such a special and unique reading experience.
Some of the stories I want to point out are:
Teething by Cassandra Daucus will set your hairs on end and make you wonder about the truth of motherhood.
The Last Hamburger Restaurant in the World by Judith Sonnet and Dr. Parasite by Rowland Bercy Jr. were absolutely in competition for who could write the dirtiest, nastiest, most repugnant story, and the winner might depend on the day you asked me.
A New Kind of Meat by Brandon Applegate will leave you feeling victoriously nauseated.
Beauty is in the Eye of the Other by Lena Ng will have you grateful that all the horrid things you endured during childhood sleepovers can't hold a candle to this story.
Family Dinner by Ruth Anna Evans will leave you wincing in sympathy and re-thinking your plans to visit family.
Indwelling by Chelsea Pumpkins is the perfect oozing burst for pimple popper stans.
Bitch Witch by Paul Sheldon will leave you cackling (well, it made me cackle) and possibly give you a brand new kink. Trypophobic readers may prefer to steer clear.
Pick up your copy when you can. But be warned - this is a book that burrows under your skin and makes its presence known.
June 21, 2024
Not For Me.
Body Horror? Body gross. The little stories are full of mucus, vomit, blood, maggots, and anything else that is gross. 🤢 I don’t know what I expected but I’ll know what not to read next time. The last story of the frat boy was the only one that made me smile so I have this 2 stars.
Body Horror? Body gross. The little stories are full of mucus, vomit, blood, maggots, and anything else that is gross. 🤢 I don’t know what I expected but I’ll know what not to read next time. The last story of the frat boy was the only one that made me smile so I have this 2 stars.
March 31, 2023
A varying collection of short Body Horror Stories. Isn't quite my genre, but enjoyed pretty much all the stories with a couple of standout ones being Bitch Witch, Screwed in the Head, and The Last Hamburger Restaurant. Great seeing reading so many people I haven't read before as well :)
February 17, 2023
For her first anthology, Evans has brought together a gruesome collection of body horror tales that squirm between vomit-inducing and heart-wrenching. Unsurprisingly, several of them focus on a woman's experience (childbirth, menopause, breakouts gone bad, parenting) to great effect.
Sometimes in an antho, I'll skip over a story or two but not this time. I read every single one with great relish. I will definitely be re-reading this again. It was also a pretty quick read, each story begins and ends with efficient story telling that gets you in the gut. Seriously, I felt nauseous and that is hard to do to me, I've read some heinous tales in my time.
The entire collection is great, but here are my absolute faves that will haunt me:
Teething by Cassandra Daucus
Osculum by D Mathew Urban
If I Carry You by Emma E Murray (this was my #1)
Family Dinner by Ruth Anna Evans
Proper Contact Maintenance by Cat Voleur (I had a physical reaction to this one)
Indwelling by Chelsea Pumpkins (and this one too, couldn't wash my face enough after this)
Mommy Won't Wake Up Right by Amanda M. Blake (that last line is a killer)
Chrysalis by Nico Bell
I was provided a copy by the editor Ruth Anna Evans and leave this review of my own free will.
Sometimes in an antho, I'll skip over a story or two but not this time. I read every single one with great relish. I will definitely be re-reading this again. It was also a pretty quick read, each story begins and ends with efficient story telling that gets you in the gut. Seriously, I felt nauseous and that is hard to do to me, I've read some heinous tales in my time.
The entire collection is great, but here are my absolute faves that will haunt me:
Teething by Cassandra Daucus
Osculum by D Mathew Urban
If I Carry You by Emma E Murray (this was my #1)
Family Dinner by Ruth Anna Evans
Proper Contact Maintenance by Cat Voleur (I had a physical reaction to this one)
Indwelling by Chelsea Pumpkins (and this one too, couldn't wash my face enough after this)
Mommy Won't Wake Up Right by Amanda M. Blake (that last line is a killer)
Chrysalis by Nico Bell
I was provided a copy by the editor Ruth Anna Evans and leave this review of my own free will.
February 8, 2023
A huge thanks to Ruth Anna Evans for giving me the chance to review an ARC of the anthology she edited, OOZE: Little Bursts of Body Horror. The gorgeous cover (Ruth Anna’s own) was incentive enough to go after this anthology and getting right into it! There are more than twenty stories here, some very short (just flash fiction), others not. Despite the common theme of extreme body horror, they greatly vary both in style and approach. There’s family horror, food horror, erotic horror, science fiction horror, and a lot of, well, human body horror (falling teeth, flowing skin, melting eyes, mutilated organs.) Compared to other body horror anthologies (and there have been a few in the last ten years, even non-fiction explorations of the theme), Ooze is genuinely extreme and pulls no punches when it comes to grossing you out! (You have been warned.) The short length of the stories is perfect; neither too short to leave you dissatisfied, nor too long to regret wasting time on them if you don’t like them (little chance of that!) So if you’re wondering what extreme body horror is all about, here’s the anthology you should pick up. What’s more, I was immensely pleased to read a story in this by Judith Sonnet: ‘The Last Hamburger Restaurant In The World’ made me squirm, and the utterly creepy ending satisfied my craving for more standard horror fare as well! The story that got under my skin, however (pun intended) was ‘Dr Parasite’ by Rowland Bercy Jr – unfortunately(?) it’s so graphic you can actually smell the nasty slush oozing from the page, as the writhing worms (yes, worms!) try to get free, exploding out of any orifice they can find. (Thanks for that imagery, Mr Bercy.) Three other stories I especially liked were Ruth Anna’s ‘Family Dinner’ (it will surely resonate with anyone who’s been in this situation), ‘Mommy Won’t Wake Up Right’ by Dan Scamell (the ending was at the same time sad and unsettling) and the single-page story, ‘Cavities’ by Monica Louzon – this brief story is unforgettable and must be experienced first-hand to get its full measure. Special mention, finally, should be made to Bridgett Nelson’s ‘Foreword’: the best foreword I’ve ever read! It’s a story in itself and deserves to have its own trigger warning!
Ooze drops to Amazon on March 1, and it’s available for pre-order at the following links:
US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BR691HS1
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BR691HS1
AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0BR691HS1
Ooze drops to Amazon on March 1, and it’s available for pre-order at the following links:
US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BR691HS1
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BR691HS1
AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0BR691HS1
February 6, 2023
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this gorgeous book and didn't waste any time getting stuck right in.
As the description says - Every story is under 2,500 words, and many are shorter. These stories, therefore, very much hit the ground running, so be prepared and get the vomit bag ready! Some of the stories hit you from the first few lines, whilst others are (slightly) more subtle. Each one, however, does the job of getting under your skin in various different ways.
Each (very talented) author must be commended for taking themselves out of their comfort zone (for some) to produce this fine piece of extreme body horror for us all to enjoy.
These stories will resonate differently in each reader's mind. There is a wonderful selection of extreme body horror for everyone to enjoy within these revolting pages, and my absolute favourites of the Bunch are:
The Last Hamburger Restaurant In The World - Judith Sonnet
A New Kind of Meat - Brandon Applegate
Dr Parasite - Rowland Bercy Jr
Got You Too - David Royce
Indwelling - Chelsea Pumpkins
If you love extreme body horror, this needs to be on your list. If you are interested in a taste of body horror, this is a good starting point. I will certainly be looking out for more from many of these authors.
Disgusting, nasty and beautifully done! I highly recommend that you get this pre-ordered now.
WARNING: THERE ARE COUNTLESS TRIGGER WARNINGS FOR THIS BOOK!
As the description says - Every story is under 2,500 words, and many are shorter. These stories, therefore, very much hit the ground running, so be prepared and get the vomit bag ready! Some of the stories hit you from the first few lines, whilst others are (slightly) more subtle. Each one, however, does the job of getting under your skin in various different ways.
Each (very talented) author must be commended for taking themselves out of their comfort zone (for some) to produce this fine piece of extreme body horror for us all to enjoy.
These stories will resonate differently in each reader's mind. There is a wonderful selection of extreme body horror for everyone to enjoy within these revolting pages, and my absolute favourites of the Bunch are:
The Last Hamburger Restaurant In The World - Judith Sonnet
A New Kind of Meat - Brandon Applegate
Dr Parasite - Rowland Bercy Jr
Got You Too - David Royce
Indwelling - Chelsea Pumpkins
If you love extreme body horror, this needs to be on your list. If you are interested in a taste of body horror, this is a good starting point. I will certainly be looking out for more from many of these authors.
Disgusting, nasty and beautifully done! I highly recommend that you get this pre-ordered now.
WARNING: THERE ARE COUNTLESS TRIGGER WARNINGS FOR THIS BOOK!
June 1, 2023
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE BODY HORROR and this Anthology satisfied my constant desire for it.
21 fantastic, gory, bizarre, uncomfortable, and "WTF" short stories that defiantly needs to be mentioned more and word needs to spread about how amazing this one is.
This Anthology features short stories by the crazy-talented Judith Sonnet, Rowland Bercy Jr, Ruth Ann Evans, Lor Gislason, and other great talented authors of the horror genre. Foreword is by the amazing Bridgett Nelson.
If you love body horror, this one is a must-read!
21 fantastic, gory, bizarre, uncomfortable, and "WTF" short stories that defiantly needs to be mentioned more and word needs to spread about how amazing this one is.
This Anthology features short stories by the crazy-talented Judith Sonnet, Rowland Bercy Jr, Ruth Ann Evans, Lor Gislason, and other great talented authors of the horror genre. Foreword is by the amazing Bridgett Nelson.
If you love body horror, this one is a must-read!
February 9, 2023
Every story is an exercise in grisly, gooey terror. Evans has gathered an incredible roster of indie horror authors, and they all have something depraved and disgusting for you. Five stars!
February 5, 2023
A great collection of short gross out horror to make you cringe and squirm. The only time I would not recommend reading it is while eating. You have been warned, enjoy!
February 12, 2023
Full disclosure: My story, Got You Too, is included in this anthology. However, even if it weren't, my review would be the same. I'm taking that factor out and only reviewing the other twenty stories.
Body horror is difficult to write well. People have preconceived notions of what body horror is and it's difficult to please everyone. However, this anthology has something for everyone. Yes, it does.
Some stories are in your face disgusting (in the best possible way), some are more subtle (yet still terrifying) and some are actually... heartfelt...? There are a couple of stories here that are about love but in a truly extreme unsettling way.
Let's talk about Judith Sonnet's The Last Hamburger Restaurant In The World. You might THINK you know what's coming but I guarantee you don't! So gory and good.
How about Teething by Cassandra Daucus (the lead story)? Yeah...ouch and OMG!
Five Easy Exercises You Can Do at Home by Tom Coombe gave me those delicious WTF is happening vibes that we all love so much.
Ruth Anna Evans (the editor of this anthology) has a story called Family Dinner that will have you questioning whether you ever want to be in a relationship again ever!
My personal pick for the story NEVER to eat while reading (and let's face it, it's the majority of this book) is Dr. Parasite by Rowland Bercy. My first thought was "What is WRONG with you?" followed by "This is awesome!"😊
I could cover each slice of body horror individually but I absolutely could not pick a "favorite". They're all so well written by some amazing authors that it's like picking your favorite child (you know you have one but you can't say lol).
Being included in such an awesome anthology has made my "imposter syndrome" kick all the way up. Definitely pick up this anthology for all of your ooey gooey goodness. It's worth it, I promise!
Body horror is difficult to write well. People have preconceived notions of what body horror is and it's difficult to please everyone. However, this anthology has something for everyone. Yes, it does.
Some stories are in your face disgusting (in the best possible way), some are more subtle (yet still terrifying) and some are actually... heartfelt...? There are a couple of stories here that are about love but in a truly extreme unsettling way.
Let's talk about Judith Sonnet's The Last Hamburger Restaurant In The World. You might THINK you know what's coming but I guarantee you don't! So gory and good.
How about Teething by Cassandra Daucus (the lead story)? Yeah...ouch and OMG!
Five Easy Exercises You Can Do at Home by Tom Coombe gave me those delicious WTF is happening vibes that we all love so much.
Ruth Anna Evans (the editor of this anthology) has a story called Family Dinner that will have you questioning whether you ever want to be in a relationship again ever!
My personal pick for the story NEVER to eat while reading (and let's face it, it's the majority of this book) is Dr. Parasite by Rowland Bercy. My first thought was "What is WRONG with you?" followed by "This is awesome!"😊
I could cover each slice of body horror individually but I absolutely could not pick a "favorite". They're all so well written by some amazing authors that it's like picking your favorite child (you know you have one but you can't say lol).
Being included in such an awesome anthology has made my "imposter syndrome" kick all the way up. Definitely pick up this anthology for all of your ooey gooey goodness. It's worth it, I promise!
February 11, 2023
I love this little book and read the entire thing in a couple of hours. My favorite stories were probably The Last Hamburger Restaurant in the world and Proper Contact Maintenance, but I enjoyed them all. I wish this was longer. I would definitely read ooze 2! Highly Recommended for fans of body horror and I now have a few new authors to check out.
February 21, 2023
Ooze features 21 short stories of body horror. You’ll squirm, you’ll gag, and there is a good chance you will never eat hamburgers again. There is some good gross outs in here! If body horror is your thing, this is a book you won’t want to miss! Every story brings something nasty to the table. Some of my favorites are Teething, The Last Hamburger Restaurant in the World, A New Kind of Meat, If I Carry You, Dr. Parasite, Got You Too and Family Dinner.
I rarely five star anthologies, but this one was very deserving. The authors definitely went all out and hit all the marks on making this a disgusting and vile read. There are several new to me authors here that I’d love to read more from.
"Deep Water. Ropes. Cinder blocks. Red swirls floating in the black. Decay for her, freedom for me."
I rarely five star anthologies, but this one was very deserving. The authors definitely went all out and hit all the marks on making this a disgusting and vile read. There are several new to me authors here that I’d love to read more from.
"Deep Water. Ropes. Cinder blocks. Red swirls floating in the black. Decay for her, freedom for me."
February 22, 2023
I am obviously very biased, because I am in this anthology and it was edited by one of my good friends.
BUT
I think this book was absolutely phenomenal.
I was already honored to be a part of this, sharing a ToC with so many talented writers from the indie horror community. Actually getting the chance to sit down and read through it actually took my breath away.
There are plenty of gross-out, body horror stories, which I was prepared for. There are also some surreal entries, as well or two that are absolutely heart-breaking and my poor heart was not ready to handle.
OOZE pushes the bounds of what body horror can be as a genre. It's one I'll be recommending highly to anyone and everyone -- as long as they're not too squeamish.
BUT
I think this book was absolutely phenomenal.
I was already honored to be a part of this, sharing a ToC with so many talented writers from the indie horror community. Actually getting the chance to sit down and read through it actually took my breath away.
There are plenty of gross-out, body horror stories, which I was prepared for. There are also some surreal entries, as well or two that are absolutely heart-breaking and my poor heart was not ready to handle.
OOZE pushes the bounds of what body horror can be as a genre. It's one I'll be recommending highly to anyone and everyone -- as long as they're not too squeamish.
February 6, 2023
Here’s a collection of stories that made my stomach very unhappy with me. Some of the stories explored deep themes and were full of emotion. Others were quick punches directly in the gut and gag reflex. A few were tons of fun. I enjoyed it. These bursts of body horror threw so many different types of yuck at me, and I thoroughly enjoyed them.
February 24, 2023
A killer antho, edited by an amazing editor and author. If you're in the mood to be grossed out in the best possible way, this is the book for you!
March 10, 2023
This was overall an enjoyable anthology. Out of the 20 stories I found a few I loved. The rest were enjoyable but these really stood out for me.
Every part of you
A new kind of meat
Dr. Parasite
Beauty is in the eye of the other
Family Dinner
Indwelling
Bitch Witch
Every part of you
A new kind of meat
Dr. Parasite
Beauty is in the eye of the other
Family Dinner
Indwelling
Bitch Witch
February 28, 2023
This was sooo fun, like there is genuinely nothing greater than a well put together short story collection that delivers what it promises: LITTLE bursts of body horror — and I wanna emphasise little here. These stories are SUPER short and exactly what I love about it. Sometimes you want to experience disgusting gross body horror in short bursts and sometimes you’ll binge read it all at once, which I did, but I would definitely love to pick OOZE up again in the future in between reading other books.
I initially wanted to read this collection because of recently getting into more extreme horror (cough cough Judith Sonnet) and having read another short story by the book’s editor, Ruth Anna Evans, and it didn’t disappoint. These authors delivered what I already knew they would: a fun gross experience. But what I really loved was the introduction to a bunch of new horror authors whose works are just waiting for me to get into (I’ve got a book by Lor Gislason waiting on my digital bookshelf already and eyeing works by others too!).
Each of these authors delivered some great body horror in short bursts (literal bursts for some, lmao) and I don’t want to get into each of the short stories but they are, as you expect, disgusting and they’ll make you wanna vomit just a little bit.
Some personal favourites that made me feel gross:
- Proper Contact Maintenance - Cat Voleur: I’m sure you can imagine what this one is about, it’s simple, but gross, and makes me never wanna wear contacts in my life!
- Indwelling - Chelsea Pumpinks: made me feel like I needed an acid shower, it was great.
- Bitch Witch - Paul Sheldon: the content warning at the beginning of the book says “sexuality with uncomfortable elements” and that sure WAS uncomfortable but oh so great.
I could honestly say something about each and every one of the stories, but I wanna keep it simple since the best is to really experience OOZE: Little Bursts of Horror with your own eyes (and to then rinse your eyes with bleach afterwards). I can’t wait to re-read this in the future and to read other works by the various authors in this collection.
I wanna thank Ruth Anna Evans for the ARC and the opportunity to review this!
I initially wanted to read this collection because of recently getting into more extreme horror (cough cough Judith Sonnet) and having read another short story by the book’s editor, Ruth Anna Evans, and it didn’t disappoint. These authors delivered what I already knew they would: a fun gross experience. But what I really loved was the introduction to a bunch of new horror authors whose works are just waiting for me to get into (I’ve got a book by Lor Gislason waiting on my digital bookshelf already and eyeing works by others too!).
Each of these authors delivered some great body horror in short bursts (literal bursts for some, lmao) and I don’t want to get into each of the short stories but they are, as you expect, disgusting and they’ll make you wanna vomit just a little bit.
Some personal favourites that made me feel gross:
- Proper Contact Maintenance - Cat Voleur: I’m sure you can imagine what this one is about, it’s simple, but gross, and makes me never wanna wear contacts in my life!
- Indwelling - Chelsea Pumpinks: made me feel like I needed an acid shower, it was great.
- Bitch Witch - Paul Sheldon: the content warning at the beginning of the book says “sexuality with uncomfortable elements” and that sure WAS uncomfortable but oh so great.
I could honestly say something about each and every one of the stories, but I wanna keep it simple since the best is to really experience OOZE: Little Bursts of Horror with your own eyes (and to then rinse your eyes with bleach afterwards). I can’t wait to re-read this in the future and to read other works by the various authors in this collection.
I wanna thank Ruth Anna Evans for the ARC and the opportunity to review this!
February 3, 2024
Thank Ruth Anna Evans
Wow Literally Breathe Taking in an Extreme way.
21 short stories that grew more extreme as the book goes on.
Have a bucket 🪣 😅 by your side and some water 💧 😉 in case your stomach gets weak. Some of the stories might make you feel like taking a shower.
The story I related most to was Proper Contact Maintenance by Cat Voleur I tried contacts when I was 18. This is a story for another day.
I highly recommend this for lovers of Extreme Horror and Cosmic Horror
Gore: 5 Craters
Storyline: 4 Craters
Spicy: 3 Craters
As for triggers, yes there are triggers in some stories.
Wow Literally Breathe Taking in an Extreme way.
21 short stories that grew more extreme as the book goes on.
Have a bucket 🪣 😅 by your side and some water 💧 😉 in case your stomach gets weak. Some of the stories might make you feel like taking a shower.
The story I related most to was Proper Contact Maintenance by Cat Voleur I tried contacts when I was 18. This is a story for another day.
I highly recommend this for lovers of Extreme Horror and Cosmic Horror
Gore: 5 Craters
Storyline: 4 Craters
Spicy: 3 Craters
As for triggers, yes there are triggers in some stories.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2024
Ooze: Little Bursts Of Body Horror is a great, gross and very entertaining book. There are 21 outstanding short body horror stories and each one is very unique!
I took my time reading this book as a palate cleanser in between other books. The stories are super short and just gross enough to give my mind what it needs.
A definite must read!
I took my time reading this book as a palate cleanser in between other books. The stories are super short and just gross enough to give my mind what it needs.
A definite must read!
September 14, 2023
I was recommended this collection by a good friend of mine. I've read some extreme/body horror and enjoyed them. Yeah, I know this says a lot about me, hehe.
Seriously, this was an excellent collection of short stories. My favorite was, "The Last Hamburger Restaurant in the World. However, each of the stories had their own unique twist to it. I finished the read in two days.
Not much to say, you'll just have to read it for yourself!
Seriously, this was an excellent collection of short stories. My favorite was, "The Last Hamburger Restaurant in the World. However, each of the stories had their own unique twist to it. I finished the read in two days.
Not much to say, you'll just have to read it for yourself!
February 20, 2023
Loved this! 21 short stories about body horror. I honestly enjoyed every single one. Great mix of stories and different types of body horror. Some new to me authors I will be on the look out for more works also!
March 19, 2024
Such a great anthology! Body horrors are so fascinating but sick to read about at the same time lol I like stories that focus on this because it’s so gross and horrific and feels like it’s happening while reading. If it makes me squirm, you bet your bottom dollar I’m going to read it!!
Read
February 24, 2023Thank you for reading, everyone!
February 12, 2023
I was lucky enough to receive an arc of this anthology.
I hadn’t even started the stories, just the foreword and the introduction and I was both intrigued and apprehensive about what was coming.
And I was right. That first story I needed a lie down and it was only a couple of pages. Damn! The second was the same.
Every part of you whilst still horrifically disgusting as the other stories was also quietly sad and absolutely heart wrenching.
A new kind of meat was a great story of a mafia wife getting revenge on her family.
I think my favourites were Dr parasite by Rowling Bercy Jr and Family dinner by Ruth Anna Evans these stories were very literal and true to their titles.
Every one of these stories was well thought out, well written and some had horrifically original and new ideas of awful things that could happen to our bodies.
All throughout this anthology I had to take the odd break as it was just full force mayhem, viscera and nastiness constantly and I’m used to extreme horror but oooof!
I will be on the lookout for future works from the new authors included here and will absolutely continue support for the well established ones.
I hadn’t even started the stories, just the foreword and the introduction and I was both intrigued and apprehensive about what was coming.
And I was right. That first story I needed a lie down and it was only a couple of pages. Damn! The second was the same.
Every part of you whilst still horrifically disgusting as the other stories was also quietly sad and absolutely heart wrenching.
A new kind of meat was a great story of a mafia wife getting revenge on her family.
I think my favourites were Dr parasite by Rowling Bercy Jr and Family dinner by Ruth Anna Evans these stories were very literal and true to their titles.
Every one of these stories was well thought out, well written and some had horrifically original and new ideas of awful things that could happen to our bodies.
All throughout this anthology I had to take the odd break as it was just full force mayhem, viscera and nastiness constantly and I’m used to extreme horror but oooof!
I will be on the lookout for future works from the new authors included here and will absolutely continue support for the well established ones.
March 10, 2025
This was a great body horror anthology. It definitely satisfied an itch that mainstream horror just can't scratch.
Some stories that stuck out to me or that I really liked:
• Every Part of You
• A New Kind of Meat
• If I Carry You
• Dr. Parasite
• Cavities
• Proper Contact Maintenance
• Mommy Won't Wake Up Right
• Infestation
Some stories that stuck out to me or that I really liked:
• Every Part of You
• A New Kind of Meat
• If I Carry You
• Dr. Parasite
• Cavities
• Proper Contact Maintenance
• Mommy Won't Wake Up Right
• Infestation
March 22, 2025
a pretty solid body horror anthology. like most anthologies you have some really good ones & some that just don't hit but the ones in this one that hit really gave me the ick. a few times I found myself being grossed out, my favorites were:
- last hamburger restaurant in the world
- every part of you
- dr parasite- yallll this had me wanting to curl into fetal position, so many body fluids going around & I just couldn't.
- a new kind of meat.
- last hamburger restaurant in the world
- every part of you
- dr parasite- yallll this had me wanting to curl into fetal position, so many body fluids going around & I just couldn't.
- a new kind of meat.
September 3, 2023
An Excellent Anthology!
This is a fantastic book. I enjoyed all these stories, but my favorites were "Family Dinner," "If I Carry You," "Beauty is in the Eye of the Other," "Dr. Parasite," and "The Last Hamburger Restaurant in the World." Highly recommended to fans of body horror!
This is a fantastic book. I enjoyed all these stories, but my favorites were "Family Dinner," "If I Carry You," "Beauty is in the Eye of the Other," "Dr. Parasite," and "The Last Hamburger Restaurant in the World." Highly recommended to fans of body horror!
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