“Whargoul” is the debut novel from Dave Brockie, better known as Oderus Urungus, lead singer of the shock metal band GWAR and I have mixed feelings about it. On one hand, it is written very well, especially considering the challenge Brockie set out for himself....

“The Painted Darkness,” a novella from Brian James Freeman, is a stunning example of how a skilled writer can make just a few hours in a character’s life and leave readers spellbound. Henry is a painter specializing in the macabre. He had a frightening experience when...

“The Damned Busters” by Matthew Hughes is a hilarious and imaginative novel speculating on what might happen if Hell went on strike. As I began reading it I felt a sense of déjà-vu—soon I remembered Hughes published the first part of this as the novelette “Hell of a...

“Carnal Surgery” is a provocative new collection of eleven short stories from extreme horror writer Edward Lee. As is the case with most collections, some tales stand out more than others, but all of these are disturbing, thought-provoking and will haunt you for a...

“Baby’s First Book of Seriously Fucked-Up Shit” by Robert Devereaux is a mixed bag of short fiction. There are some standout tales that might have earned a higher star rating but overall it is a bit uneven. Devereaux’s in-your-face title lets you know up front he is...

“Nekropolis” carries the subtitle “A Matt Richter Novel,” so we know Tim Waggoner is planning to create a series involving the titular world and its zombie detective Richter. This is good to know, because the novel is packed with two books worth of characters, details...

The basic premise of Blake Crouch’s “Run” is very simple. For some unknown reason, millions of Americans have become homicidal maniacs. Names of those to be hunted down next are broadcast on the radio. Jack’s name is read. What other possible action can he take? He...

Blood Bound Books is a new publisher and their first four anthologies have all delivered solid dark fiction by talented new writers. This volume is an intense and diverse collection that takes the reader on a wild ride. Each story was somehow inspired by the lyrics of...

“The Book of a Thousand Sins” is, like many story collections, a mixed bag, ranging from a couple excellent stories to a few I found a complete waste of time. White wants to enlighten us with his extreme horror takes on God and religion and by the fifth of the fifteen...

Two Native Americans, Carmel Crow Woman and Ben Stormrider, cross paths at a biker meet in the desert. They fall in love and hit the road to have some time alone and later for Ben to meet Carmel’s family but are haunted by a shared vision of impending doom. Meanwhile,...

In this first novel in a new series, “Vampire Federation,” Sean McCabe does a fine job setting up a world where vampires are being controlled. Few know they exist and the VIA (Vampire Intelligence Agency) keeps them in check—vampires must follow their rules or kickass...

When I set out to read “Kill Whitey” by horror master Brian Keene I am not sure what I expected. Keene is an expert at creating situations and characters that are on one hand crazy, extreme and on the border of absurd—but at the same time you have to admit—quite...

Here we go again. If you have been following my reviews you know I tend to butt literary heads with White. Yes, he is a competent writer capable of some lean, mean prose that packs a wallop. If you are an extreme horror fan—don’t get me wrong. I am not a prude—it...

The thirteen stories in this collection by Bryan Smith are frightening and hilarious, repulsive and fun in the spirit of good old fashioned pulp fiction. I was often reminded of some of the better tales in EC comics but here, of course, Smith has the license to...

This new Deadite Press release from Edward Lee features three works of short fiction, each featuring a very unique male protagonist. These tales read quickly and this collection is easily read in one sitting. “The Decortication Technician.” The titular character lives...