A review by souleater99
It's Me, Charlie by C.M. Guidroz

dark emotional tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

2.0

In this brief splatterpunk novella, we delve into the unsettling world of Charlie, a corpulent, repulsive, and mentally unhinged character plagued by psoriasis. His fixation revolves around his "book bestie," Jessie, and he's willing to go to extreme lengths to win her affection. The premise is undeniably intriguing and distinctive.

Regrettably, this narrative fell short of my expectations. It lacked the level of grotesqueness I anticipated, leaving me questioning my own preferences. Perhaps I'm unconventional for desiring a more repulsive experience. The graphic details, like spit, failed to induce the expected visceral reactions. Call me twisted, but it just didn't hit the mark. I envisioned a tale filled with rough, brutal, and stomach-churning scenes, but reality didn't align.

If you're averse to extreme horror, steer clear of this one. For those who revel in it, be warned—it doesn't reach the anticipated intensity. The story felt abbreviated, and my apathy towards Jessie, aside from her gender, was palpable. Hoping for her to triumph over Charlie was my sole concern. The abduction's brevity—lasting less than 24 hours—resulted in a lack of substantial events. The writing, characterized by its simplicity and choppiness, swiftly dismantled any immersion I had initially experienced. While the concept was entertaining, the execution left much to be desired.

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