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3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Wow. Every short story had its own creepy or grotesque nature to it. Some were better than other but not one of them disappointed me. What an experience.
This was an incredible collection of short stories. I'm not sure I've read a collection of horrors that has felt quite so engaging. Each story filled me with more dread than the last, each page had me waiting on baited breath. A stunning journey.
The intial story, Indiana Death Song, grabbed me straight away. I've got a thing about teeth and god, it messed with me BAD. Blood Dust and Fish were also amazing.
But out of all of them I have to say Every Breath is a Choice was my absolute favourite. The build-up, the tension, the unknown, and then that phenomenal end!
An amazing read, I recommend this to everyone who is into dark, gory, icky shorts.
ARC courtesy of Book Sirens.
The intial story, Indiana Death Song, grabbed me straight away. I've got a thing about teeth and god, it messed with me BAD. Blood Dust and Fish were also amazing.
But out of all of them I have to say Every Breath is a Choice was my absolute favourite. The build-up, the tension, the unknown, and then that phenomenal end!
An amazing read, I recommend this to everyone who is into dark, gory, icky shorts.
ARC courtesy of Book Sirens.
This is my first time reading anything by Max Booth III but it will most definitely NOT be the last. This collection is full of the most intriguing, vile, shocking and well-written horror short stories that will absolutely stay in your mind long after you’ve finished reading it. It is rare for a short story collection to feature stories that equally entertain and shock you, but Abnormal Statistics, I suppose, is abnormal in that sense — there were no bad stories in it.
I really enjoyed this a lot, but something I really liked about Abnormal Statistics too is that the author included an author’s note at the end talking about the inspiration behind each of the stories. I find it super fascinating reading about the various reasons why someone writes what they do, and the notes at the end only made the stories that much more impactful. There’s stories taken from the author’s own life (with the added horror element, hopefully lmao) but also stories inspired by real life horrific events which I did see the similarities when reading. All in all, it’s just to say, dear authors, please do invite us readers into your minds, it’s magnificent seeing the behind the scenes of it all.
Overall, I had a great time reading this and I’m very thankful for having received an ARC of it through BookSirens, thank you!
These stories are weird, but they are wonderful. They are strange events and strange perspectives, sometimes deeply unsettling, often quite dark, and yet also weirdly hopeful at times as well. The opening novella is something that in the hands of someone else may have been boring and yet it was riveting in a subtle manner. It was a series of looks at life not often examined and yet richly portrayed.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It usually takes me a long time to finish story collections. I read a story, then set the book down and wander away. Sometimes it takes me awhile to get back and start a new story. I devoured Abnormal Statistics though. Plowed my way through it. Some very fun, disturbing stories.
dark
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
challenging
dark
A fantastic collection of Booth's short stories, all centred around the theme of familial horror. Some have elements of the supernatural while others focus on the idea of the monstrous actions of humans. All are incredibly bleak in their own way, and there is little in the way of happy endings. There are some beautiful turns of phrase, and Booth evokes so much pain and terror through his language. An excellent collection.
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Stories revolving around family populate this book of horrors. The opening piece, Indiana Death Song, broke my heart over and over again, until the twist came. I really want to know more. What happens next? What happened to the money? However at least one question is answered by the end of the book.
The stories were at turns heart wrenching, funny, and gross. Video Nasties was the only one I felt didn't fully fit the theme as I interpreted it, however it really didn't matter because the story was a gut punch just the same. Even knowing the true case, it was devastating in fiction form.
Max Booth III is one of my favorite authors for a reason. I've heard the term domestic nihilism in regards to his work, and it's very fitting. This book shows the bleakness family can bring beautifully.
The stories were at turns heart wrenching, funny, and gross. Video Nasties was the only one I felt didn't fully fit the theme as I interpreted it, however it really didn't matter because the story was a gut punch just the same. Even knowing the true case, it was devastating in fiction form.
Max Booth III is one of my favorite authors for a reason. I've heard the term domestic nihilism in regards to his work, and it's very fitting. This book shows the bleakness family can bring beautifully.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Animal death, Body horror, Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Chronic illness, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gore, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail