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125 reviews for:

Blender Babies

Jon Athan

3.78 AVERAGE

juiceifer's review

5.0

This book was vile and I loved every second of it.
adventurous challenging dark tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated
challenging dark emotional mysterious tense
dark sad tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Loveable characters: Complicated
justaskalice77's profile picture

justaskalice77's review

4.0

Athan's latest foray into the literary world with his novel is a chilling venture into a post-apocalyptic nightmare, where the remnants of civilization are overshadowed by the emergence of a new, horrific craving among the survivors. This book paints a vividly terrifying picture of an Earth unrecognizable from our own, a place where societal collapse has paved the way for the darkest human desires to surface in the form of an addiction to adrenochrome—a compound believed to be most pure in infants. The gruesome method of obtaining this compound, as implied chillingly by the book's title, sets a macabre tone that pervades the narrative.

At the heart of this dystopian world is the Turner family, with Brian Turner at its helm, battling not only the external horrors of a world overrun by 'baby-fiends' but also the internal torment of making decisions that could mean life or death for his loved ones. This focus on the Turner family's fight for survival against a backdrop devoid of law and order propels the story beyond mere shock and horror into a profound exploration of the human will to live, love, and protect.

Athan diverges significantly from his previous works with this novel, yet it unmistakably carries his signature touch of extreme violence and exploration of dark themes. This story, however, transcends its shock value, offering instead a nuanced commentary on survival, the concept of family, and the ethical boundaries one might cross to keep their loved ones safe in a world gone utterly mad.

This narrative is not for the faint of heart. It delves into the depths of human depravity and the lengths to which people will go to satiate their darkest cravings—bereft of zombies, but teeming with human monsters more terrifying for their realism. The 'Craze' that grips Athan's world is a mirror to our darkest potential, making the journey through its pages a heart-pounding, thought-provoking experience. It's a stark reminder of the fragility of societal norms and the resilience of the human spirit, even as it offers a savage glimpse into a possible future that will have readers clinging to the safety of their reality while questioning the very fabric of human nature.

For enthusiasts of extreme dystopian tales, Athan's novel promises an unforgettable expedition into the heart of darkness, marked by "tunnel loads" of creativity and a relentless escalation of blood, terror, and ethical quandaries. Highly recommended for those who seek a story that melds unimaginable horror with deep, meaningful insights into what it means to survive and protect those you love in a world where all semblance of normalcy has been obliterated. This book not only captivates but also leaves a lasting impression, urging readers to ponder the depths of human depravity and resilience in the face of absolute despair.

This book was WILD! Gore, violence, depravity, suspense, dread, extreme horror, wrapped up in a post-apocalyptic nightmare. I didn't feel like the gore overwhelmed the story. I would definitely read more in this world.

craigmatthews87's review

3.0

While working through the BOH Brawl books, this was one I wasn't super excited about reading. The synopsis didn't massively appeal to me, and I was a bit unsure about what to expect. Turns out it's surprisingly fun, if you overlook the incredibly disturbing subject matter a little!

The book goes full throttle from chapter one, and doesn't really let up. An action-packed survival horror, you could easily interchange the plot with zombies and get a story you've seen a hundred times before—the book is set apart from that ilk by virtue of the titular blender babies, and the extreme depictions of violence throughout. Even though it's more a story I liked than loved, the pages did absolutely fly by and I read it in a few short sittings.

I did feel it got a little repetitive, and while bouncing from set piece to set piece is a fun read, it struggles to justify it's 300+ pages for me. Maybe more slower sections, allowing more character development, would have helped. I also wasn't a fan of the ending, but I'm sure others would disagree. Check your triggers before going in, I'm sure it would hit on most of them!
challenging dark emotional tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated
dark tense medium-paced