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4.61 AVERAGE
4.61 AVERAGE
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A very quick and eerie read. Set in a liminal space and written very poetically, this little horror is so very consumable. I'll definitely be picking up more from this author.
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Blood, Dysphoria, Injury/Injury detail
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
Based on the descriptions and reviews I’ve already read on The Projector I expected a very unnerving read, instead I found is strangely comforting.
The prose has been written in a gripping and lyrical way that harkens back to the gothic classics, mixed with script elements that make the whole narrative visual and transforms the story in a movie even for those who might not be able to picture it in their minds eye. (A true treat for my lit-film student heart).
For those who struggle with body dysmorphia or body perception and a general sense of self or experience moments of derealization/depersonalisation, it brings a story of recognition in these senses but also a new discovery of self. Personally the way it was written felt like coming home in a very unexpected way.
Starting the new year strong with this one, so the tone has been set! After reading both Together We Bleed and The Projector, I can confidently say I’m completely enamoured with Larkin Bryne’s work. Definitely recommend, but if you struggle with above mentioned themes, make sure you read in a safe space 🩶
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A short horror story following a gay trans man as he experiences an episode of derealization/depersonalization during an opening shift at his movie theater job. The prose is liminal, and atmospheric in a unique way— aided by moments in the text written like action lines, camera direction, etc.
Comped by the author to Jeff VanderMeer’s ‘Annihilation’ which does feel fitting— with maybe just a bit of ‘I Saw the TV Glow’ too. The horror elements were incredibly easy to relate to as a transmasculine person (though I am not aphantasic like Jack), and like ‘Annihilation’ I found myself very comforted by the protagonist despite the circumstances.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Dysphoria
Dissociation, depersonalization, derealization, gender dysphoria, gore.
challenging
dark
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content warning: Gore
I can’t even say that I get it but what an interesting approach to prose, to a building dread, and to the idea of meeting the self.
I can’t even say that I get it but what an interesting approach to prose, to a building dread, and to the idea of meeting the self.
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
This story absolutely fucks with my perception of self in a comfortingly sad way, especially as a trans person, but it's also so gripping with the way it holds you in its claws and I adore it so much
challenging
dark
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
With this being my first read of the new year, I was absolutely BLOWN away with the writing. I was inspired to read it based on the comp list alone… and it didnʼt disappoint whatsoever. From the very beginning, I was getting vibes of media I had already consumed. with the descriptions of film and physical media, I was immediately reminded of I saw the Tv Glow (2024), and couldnʼt shake the feeling. But as I read, and noticed the somewhat ergodic literature style (seen in phrases like “ We blink|blink We. Deep breath|breath Deep.” , the way the text mirrors itself (like a mirror…)), I was IMMEDIATELY reminded of Mark Z. Danielewskiʼs House of Leaves (2000).
I was horrified the entire, short read. I was infatuated with the writing style. Everything about this short story had me clawing for more.
I was horrified the entire, short read. I was infatuated with the writing style. Everything about this short story had me clawing for more.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore