Horror Aficionados discussion

Hello Everyone, this thread is for a buddy read planned for this Thursday 25/1/24. This will be my 2nd Bizarro novel and 2nd book I read by this author. Hopefully I have a good time. The rules are as usual, please use spoiler tags when discussing parts of the book that may reveal and spoil plot points for other readers.
So far on this buddy read we have
Mehmet
Seb

Anyone wishing to join just let me know and I add your name.

19%. As already stated in my reviews of previous CM3 readings, we once again encounter the same central themes (including his usual female deviant sexuality). It kinda gets old...

Otherwise, as with every CM3's, you get right into the story and can't wait to read the following!

I hope Bearbeard'll be ok!

This is my 2nd book of his, I find his writing style very easy to follow. I am just 3 % into the story and already things are weird

(view spoiler)[Space travel, pirates and talk of prostitution. Plus little Bearbeard<\spoiler> (hide spoiler)]

Nice character development 6 %

(view spoiler)[Peter and his brother Louie, i guess as the book does not directly say, he has some type of blood cancer. Very emotional stuff. I have had cancer effect family members, so thi find this narative tugs at my heart strings<\spoiler> (hide spoiler)]

34%. Not sure where the Bizarro part is going to kick in. Except for Zana's peculiarity, nothing seems much different from any other sci-fi story. Building a strange world with strange animals isn't what I'd call Bizarro.

A bit disappointed so far...

Ok, so I'd just had to wait a little longer 🙃

Only at 9% Still with the character development. Which is good as makes you care about the main people of the story. I am bit suprised at the sci fi element of the story though !

Bizarro is a subversive genre. It usually delves into the realm of horror but it's not mandatory. The recurring element for Bizarro is the willingness to disturb and unsettle the reader.

It uses popular genres as its medium, so it's not surprising to see sci-fi in a Bizarro book, although it's not the main context in Bizarro.

I'm done!

Here's my review:

Yup, it wasn't good. Wasn't good at all ...

I've read my share of CM3's by now and I quite know what to expect. This one ticks nearly all the boxes I expected a CM3's to check. There were no surprises about it.

Moreover, it seemed rushed. Some of the characters had promise and we could've been taken by the hand to come and meet them, see what they've been through and have some great character building. But it fell flat for the most part, as the information was diluted all along the novel.

It felt more like a collection of short stories but all mixed up and with no real intrigue.

This is probably the CM3's I've liked the least of all I've read. It was pointless and poorly executed.

i am 27% through the book Seb, i read your review once I finished the book. I agree not read any Bizarro stuff yet. Just a basic stranded on a lost island story with some weird elements thrown in. I am not sure how I feel about the novel yet, i need to read a bit more yet.

I like your description of Bizarro, helps me understand the meaning.

So, what do you think of it so far? Still confused by the sci-fi part? Are the bizarre parts up to your expectations for a Bizarro story?

Disappointed, I like the sci fi element but the story is dragging a bit. This is my second book by author, the first I read The Haunted Vagina, i actually thought was better. The Bizarro element are outlandish but not as crazy as I thought.
The writing is good and the characters are given enough back story to care about.

I saw you finished this week. Any thoughts? Do you want to follow up on your Bizarro discovery? If so, I'd suggest reading another author's work, to see if the genre is something you'd like or not.

Hey Seb, I was thinking if I should write a review, but left it in end. This book started Ok but just dragged on a bit half way. I did not enjoy the last part so much. I will try to read the other Carton Mellick 3rd books I have in my Kindle, but Tumor Fruit I will not read again.
If you have other Bizarro authors suggestion, I would be up to try them.

Actually, it depends on what you're looking for in Bizarro. Some are utterly weird, some are funny, some are reflection philosophical and of course lots are a mix of all the above.

I'm bound to direct you towards Danger Slater, he's my favorite author of all. I Will Rot Without You won the 2016 Wonderland Book Award which is his masterpiece but all of his work is great 🙃

Sticking with the award, you could go with the last winner: One Hand to Hold, One Hand to Carve which is excellent!

Jurassichrist won in 2021, I loved it as well!

Thanks Seb, let me read through what these 3 books are about and I choose 1 to try. I am not giving up on Bizarro just yet. I will let you know which I choose.

i think i choose ' I will Rot without you' and Jurassichrist, Seb. Yes my next Bizarro will be out of them two books. Thanks