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readingwithadi's review
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
tarainez's review
4.0
This collection had a little bit of it all. From body horror to torture to scary stuff that could happen in real life to terrifying stuff that sadly does and has and will continue to happen in real life, the author has run the gamut of horror here. Some of my personal faves were “One Piece Remains,” “The Collector of Ruined Things,” “Two Beasts, One Master,” and “Beautiful Atrocities.” There was some really original stories in here, too, that I would love to see expounded upon, like “When It Is Truly Time.” There were also powerful pieces about police brutality, race relations, PTSD, generational trauma (this one in particular really resonated with me), and physical abuse, both man against woman and woman against man. I also really appreciated the story notes at the end!
tarah_'s review
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
stacysue's review
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
2.5
nicksenior's review
4.0
An excellent batch of truly vicious grace, of the ways that we might use relationships against each other, as well as the ways that one author can find to inflict violence upon his cast of characters. Similarities between Clive Barker and Eric LaRocca are definitely justified, though Jeffrey's got a style all his own, perhaps with a dash of Brian Keene and the witty British authors of lore.
pbanditp's review
5.0
Ross Jeffery writes with prosaic lyrics, creating a soft easy read which is a shocking contrast to the vile words he strings together on the page. “When I pulled my hands away they were covered in dribbling flesh, strings of gory skin-like melted cheese-connected my hands to my face.”
Exploring the depths of how low humanity will sink in the name of greed, revenge, exploitation, and grief; these 18 stories create exquisitely dark watercolor art in your head that blurs the lines between what is beautiful and what is atrocious.
Exploring the depths of how low humanity will sink in the name of greed, revenge, exploitation, and grief; these 18 stories create exquisitely dark watercolor art in your head that blurs the lines between what is beautiful and what is atrocious.
karlakayjenniges's review
dark
emotional
medium-paced
5.0
"Everyone has two warring beasts within them, and one always wins out."
I have been reading this one for awhile now. Opening the pages in the mornings before the start of my day, knowing that I would be reading something new to ponder on and take with me throughout my day. I chose to read it it in this manner simply because I did not want to rush the experience. Enjoying each moment within the stories and reveling in the beauty of the words. Letting the emotions flow, often revisiting the stories that touched me the deepest.
There is so much heart and soul written into these stories it wasn' t hard to look past the darkest moments that disturb the mind. Dark fiction including many of the deepest topics that are the hardest to face or often times to overcome. Abuse in many forms that sicken the mind and break the heart and soul. Body horror, death and grief, love and beauty, this collection is diverse in the depth and cruel beauty of horrifying storytelling.
It shredded my heart, it broke my soul. Beautiful Atrocities is a treasure!
Bonus: Captivating Cover, story notes from the author, and illustrations.
Bonus: Captivating Cover, story notes from the author, and illustrations.
bobmetal's review
4.0
Having loved "Only The Stain Remains" I was very keen to read more of Ross Jeffery's work.
This did not let me down. A great collection of 18 stories that take in a wide spectrum of horror. I really enjoyed the majority of these tales.
Special mention must go to The Collector of Ruined things for completely blindsiding me with that killer twist
This did not let me down. A great collection of 18 stories that take in a wide spectrum of horror. I really enjoyed the majority of these tales.
Special mention must go to The Collector of Ruined things for completely blindsiding me with that killer twist