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barbtrek's review
4.0
I almost set this book aside a few times because it has some very dark, depressing, and disgusting parts! But, if you don’t mind things like that, these were all excellent stories. The story the book was named after was really good. “First, just bite a finger” I probably could’ve skipped. Same with “Everywhere you’ve bled...” Still, I’m glad I finished. I don’t feel permanently scarred but I wouldn’t recommend reading this over lunch if you’ve got a weak stomach.
mikekaz's review against another edition
3.0
I haven't had a great time lately with anthologies. For whatever reason, they haven't been overly positive for me. It might just be that I want a longer story. Something with more impact than a quick intro, problem, and conclusion. At the same time, I did like two stories in this collection. Considering it is only eight stories in total, 25% is not that bad. Anyway, here's my two favorites.
"A Wicked Thirst" by Kealan Patrick Burke - A couple on a date that becomes a night and more
"Returns" by Jack Ketchum - A man returns as a ghost. I'm not saying more because it will ruin the story and this one wrenches at the heart hard!!
liznannigans's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
tidey's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
seydaneen's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse and Body horror
michaellouisdixon's review against another edition
3.0
I found a few of these stories very good, some of them okay, and one was a slog to get through.
All-in-all, it was fairly enjoyable.
All-in-all, it was fairly enjoyable.
felifirefly's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
5hadow_girl's review
5.0
* The reality of addiction is darker than any fiction. *
"Drinking and drugging provide the height of human experience.
It's the promise of heaven on earth, but the hell that follows is a constant hunger, a cold emptiness."
Before I read even one story in this 'reality horror' anthology - Mark Matthews had me crying so hard that I could barely see. He presents an addiction anthology with compassion, casting no aspersions on anyone. I wan't to meet Mark Matthews, and give him the tightest hug ever.
"Imagine yourself drowning and being told not to swim to the surface for air.
Obsessions should be so mild."
I'll have my full review posted HERE
soon - I was going over my notes for this review, and I'm 'emotional' again...
shortlink: https://goo.gl/HGRbsX
ratstick's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Don't read the last story because a cat dies and it's sad and also Jack Ketchum really really hates women.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Drug abuse, and Drug use
gteal's review against another edition
4.0
Such a great collection of gut wrenching stories. I actually felt physically ill during a couple of them.