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jennyzxc's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
lydiad's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
3.25
Some of the stories were very black mirror, those I really enjoyed. Some were just simply too dark hard to get through. Check the trigger warnings before you read! Love to see queer representation in horror!
Content Warnings
Minor: Incest, Self harm, Kidnapping, and Murder
ohdearmariie's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
abbiemeldrum's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
whatyoutolkienabout's review against another edition
5.0
I want to start by thanking Netgalley for an ARC of this title to review. My reviews are always honest and all opinions are my own. #NetGalley #TheTreesGrewBecauseIBledThere #EricLaRocca #BookReview #ARCReview
I will start by saying that I enjoy horror and dark fiction but this collection will not be for everyone. There are very dark themes here that deal with trauma, tragedy and forms of mental health as well as mental and physical abuse. It is not for the faint hearted.
That said I enjoyed the collection because it superbly demonstrates the fragility of humans and their humanity. It deals with fears and worries that many of us may have and looks at the ultimate extremes to see just what could cause a person to break. One of the reasons I love the genre of horror so much is the ability to do just this. To question what it means to be human, what makes someone or something a monster and what makes something an hero? Is it black and white and clear cut? The answer often in horror as real life is no.
On top of this exploration by LaRocca the prose is perfectly set in tone and style to the genre and the stories being told throughout. It’s dark, often gritty but it works. I was unable to put this one down when I started and while not every story was an instant five star they all stuck with me long after reading which for me is the sign of a good story.
A definite must read if you love horror, but this isn’t at all afraid of being dark and going to places some authors may fear to tread and for me that made this collection even better.
I will start by saying that I enjoy horror and dark fiction but this collection will not be for everyone. There are very dark themes here that deal with trauma, tragedy and forms of mental health as well as mental and physical abuse. It is not for the faint hearted.
That said I enjoyed the collection because it superbly demonstrates the fragility of humans and their humanity. It deals with fears and worries that many of us may have and looks at the ultimate extremes to see just what could cause a person to break. One of the reasons I love the genre of horror so much is the ability to do just this. To question what it means to be human, what makes someone or something a monster and what makes something an hero? Is it black and white and clear cut? The answer often in horror as real life is no.
On top of this exploration by LaRocca the prose is perfectly set in tone and style to the genre and the stories being told throughout. It’s dark, often gritty but it works. I was unable to put this one down when I started and while not every story was an instant five star they all stuck with me long after reading which for me is the sign of a good story.
A definite must read if you love horror, but this isn’t at all afraid of being dark and going to places some authors may fear to tread and for me that made this collection even better.
books_nooks_spooks's review against another edition
5.0
Horror shorts are something I adore and this collection reminded me why. These stories are unnverving, unsettling and haunting!! I was drawn to this book because the cover was so beautiful and the writing equals that. There is a perfect mix of physical and psychological horrors lurking within. Why has it taken me so long to get you know you Eric LaRocca what an absolute travesty. I am glad we have finally met. Another book to add to my favourites.
cookiehuggles's review
4.0
overall very good. my favourites were bodies are for burning and the titular story.
readingwithsierra's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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? It's complicated
4.5