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Reviews tagging 'Drug use'
The Poorly Made and Other Things: A Story Collection by Sam Rebelein
2 reviews
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
In terms of horror, the stories are more "spooky" than "scary," but nonetheless entertaining. I didn't care for "Hector Brim" that much. I didn't see how it fit in with the interweaving plot aside from that "the places we live can hold the dead." "Red X" was also a little boring to me because of the use of sci-fi/paranormal and obsession. It also repeats a bit later in a different story, the idea of physically digging in oneself to find an answer.
I appreciate the lore that's established, as well as the delivery and execution of "So My Cousin Knew This Guy." That may have been my favorite story. The execution and voice of "My Name is Ellie" was good, too, due to its distinction and construct. I also appreciated the addition of "Glitch," but only to know what was going on with Tom.
I'd read it again for a few of the stories for fun, maybe analysis if I got bored, but not much else.
I appreciate the lore that's established, as well as the delivery and execution of "So My Cousin Knew This Guy." That may have been my favorite story. The execution and voice of "My Name is Ellie" was good, too, due to its distinction and construct. I also appreciated the addition of "Glitch," but only to know what was going on with Tom.
I'd read it again for a few of the stories for fun, maybe analysis if I got bored, but not much else.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Self harm, Murder
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Body horror, Body shaming, Confinement, Death, Gore, Torture, Toxic relationship, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Cannibalism, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Child death, Drug use, Gun violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Violence, Vomit, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Classism
dark
tense
fast-paced
This scratched an itch I didn't even remember I had until now. I've read a handful of horror stories in the past year or so, but this, this is what I've been looking for. Something completely unhinged, uncanny, eerie, horrifying, grotesque, and unfathomable — and this covered it. The way it all wraps up into a neat package of Renfield's horrific repercussions was satisfying to say the least.
I heard this was a debut for the author, and I must say, it feels like he arrived in the genre in full force. I hope to see more of his works if they are anything like this.
I heard this was a debut for the author, and I must say, it feels like he arrived in the genre in full force. I hope to see more of his works if they are anything like this.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Gore, Violence, Blood, Cannibalism, Murder
Minor: Drug use