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badseedgirl's review
5.0
Is it possible for a story to be splatterpunk and contain not a single drop of blood? This is the question I was forced to ask myself after reading the novella Vicki Beautiful by Somer Canon, published by Samhain Publishing. Because this novel felt like “splatterpunk” in its extreme subject matter, but for such a truly horrific novel there was almost no blood. In fact Vicki’s suicide in the beginning is the bloodiest scene in the entire novel. But in spite of its complete lack of blood, this is most definitely a horror story.
This story is not without its problems. The major one being I don’t care how good a friend (or even family member) a person was, there is no way in hell I (or any sane person) would ever consider honoring Vicki’s request. Because this premise is weak, it actually draws away from some of the horror aspects of the story.
The ending of this story was truly horrific. I am an old school horror fan, and have been indulging in the genre since I was old enough to hold a book. I also adore and enjoy the sub-genre splatterpunk, I read Jack Ketchum as a bedside book all the time. It takes a lot to phase me, but even I was turning my head in repulsion at the end. What a wonderful debut story for Somer Canon.
Thank you NetGalley and Samhain Publishing for the ARC copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.
This story is not without its problems. The major one being I don’t care how good a friend (or even family member) a person was, there is no way in hell I (or any sane person) would ever consider honoring Vicki’s request. Because this premise is weak, it actually draws away from some of the horror aspects of the story.
The ending of this story was truly horrific. I am an old school horror fan, and have been indulging in the genre since I was old enough to hold a book. I also adore and enjoy the sub-genre splatterpunk, I read Jack Ketchum as a bedside book all the time. It takes a lot to phase me, but even I was turning my head in repulsion at the end. What a wonderful debut story for Somer Canon.
Thank you NetGalley and Samhain Publishing for the ARC copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.
ericarobyn's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
Vicki Beautiful by Somer Canon is a tale of perfection, friendship, and just how far one will go for a friend’s last wishes.
Attending an extravagant birthday dinner and overnight for their friend Vicki, Sasha and Brynn immediately notice that something is wrong shortly after arriving at Vicki’s perfect home. Giving their friend space, the women and their husbands share a beautiful dinner. Her picture-perfect facade begins to crack under the pressure of the news that she must share with her friends; her cancer is back, but this time it’s a death sentence.
Unfortunately for everyone involved, that’s not the only bomb Vicki is about to drop on them…
When they find out that she had killed herself during the night, they are also handed letters she had written to each of them, asking for one last perfect thing. But will this push the friends over the edge?
Oh gosh, the unease that the main character picked up on when she first entered the house made me uneasy! Things only got more and more intense from there!
I loved the journey I went on with my emotions while reading this. At the start, I was in awe of and even a bit jealous of their long friendships! But once the big ask was made, I was furious and immediately dispised Vicki. I couldn’t wait to see how the characters would react!
My Favorite Passage from Vicki Beautiful
I was about to highlight many other passages, but they were all spoilers! So I have just this one –
It was a delicate happiness and it was easy to break.
My Final Thoughts on Vicki Beautiful
A must-read for horror fans! This one will have you feeling all kinds of emotions while the situation in the story continues to get more and more disturbed.
And a word of caution, don’t read this while eating!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Suicide, and Grief
shellycampbellauthor's review
5.0
Macabre read that will stick with you!
For a short horror read, Somer packed this story with tension and emotion. She filled an unreal experience with humanity and that made this read even more horrifying. Don’t be fooled by its short length. This macabre read will keep you up for a few nights.
For a short horror read, Somer packed this story with tension and emotion. She filled an unreal experience with humanity and that made this read even more horrifying. Don’t be fooled by its short length. This macabre read will keep you up for a few nights.
truebookaddict's review against another edition
5.0
I don't think I've ever been quite this astounded by a horror story. Being a long time horror fan, and a fan of shows such as Hannibal, you would think that I have seen it all, and nothing would shock me. Well, it turns out that's not the case. Vicki Beautiful left me gobsmacked.
I can't go into much detail about the story itself without spoiling it for others so I'll just say that this short novella kept me reading from page one. The reason. Well, when a horror story starts out all sunshine and flowers, you know you're in for it. Now don't get me wrong...it's not a scary read. However, it does question human nature and what we would be willing to do for those we love. And, of course, the big question at the end that everyone will be asking themselves...that's what stayed in the back of my mind the entire time.
Vicki Beautiful is definitely a must-read if you can stomach some, shall I say, grossness. Luckily, I'm brave when it comes to horror. Otherwise, I might have missed this one. I can't wait to read what Canon publishes next!
(I received an eBook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review)
I can't go into much detail about the story itself without spoiling it for others so I'll just say that this short novella kept me reading from page one. The reason. Well, when a horror story starts out all sunshine and flowers, you know you're in for it. Now don't get me wrong...it's not a scary read. However, it does question human nature and what we would be willing to do for those we love. And, of course, the big question at the end that everyone will be asking themselves...that's what stayed in the back of my mind the entire time.
Vicki Beautiful is definitely a must-read if you can stomach some, shall I say, grossness. Luckily, I'm brave when it comes to horror. Otherwise, I might have missed this one. I can't wait to read what Canon publishes next!
(I received an eBook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review)
scottneumann's review against another edition
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
4.0
truebookaddict's review
5.0
I don't think I've ever been quite this astounded by a horror story. Being a long time horror fan, and a fan of shows such as Hannibal, you would think that I have seen it all, and nothing would shock me. Well, it turns out that's not the case. Vicki Beautiful left me gobsmacked.
I can't go into much detail about the story itself without spoiling it for others so I'll just say that this short novella kept me reading from page one. The reason. Well, when a horror story starts out all sunshine and flowers, you know you're in for it. Now don't get me wrong...it's not a scary read. However, it does question human nature and what we would be willing to do for those we love. And, of course, the big question at the end that everyone will be asking themselves...that's what stayed in the back of my mind the entire time.
Vicki Beautiful is definitely a must-read if you can stomach some, shall I say, grossness. Luckily, I'm brave when it comes to horror. Otherwise, I might have missed this one. I can't wait to read what Canon publishes next!
(I received an eBook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review)
I can't go into much detail about the story itself without spoiling it for others so I'll just say that this short novella kept me reading from page one. The reason. Well, when a horror story starts out all sunshine and flowers, you know you're in for it. Now don't get me wrong...it's not a scary read. However, it does question human nature and what we would be willing to do for those we love. And, of course, the big question at the end that everyone will be asking themselves...that's what stayed in the back of my mind the entire time.
Vicki Beautiful is definitely a must-read if you can stomach some, shall I say, grossness. Luckily, I'm brave when it comes to horror. Otherwise, I might have missed this one. I can't wait to read what Canon publishes next!
(I received an eBook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review)
exorcismofemilyreed's review
3.0
I'm not going to say much on Vicki Beautiful because I think it's best to go into this one blind. It's about a woman who leaves behind a last wish for her friends to fulfill. This book did not go as dark as I was hoping for, but it was still an enjoyable read. This book has an intriguing concept, and I would try another story from Somer Canon.
armand_rosamilia's review
4.0
If you've ever seen the author of this story, smiling and looking so innocent, and then looked at the pretty cover of the book, you'd be in for quite a surprise!
Vickie Beautiful is about love and friendship, sure, but it is also about tragedy and how far that friendship can go. A heartbreaking and emotional story from an author I will read again and again.
Vickie Beautiful is about love and friendship, sure, but it is also about tragedy and how far that friendship can go. A heartbreaking and emotional story from an author I will read again and again.
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