Scan barcode
A review by toastrats
Playground by Aron Beauregard
challenging
dark
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? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
This was my first Splatterpunk book and I think I can safely say the genre is not for me. I won't do the author the disservice of a low rating when I am clearly not the intended audience.
That said, I don't think there's a lot of story here if you strip away the gore and gross-out content. If part of the appeal of Splatterpunk is, "How far can you push a story with gore and horror and still have a story?" then I think this book found the line and then stepped over it.
Also, the alliteration. I know it's a stylistic choice but it is too much.
Also also! Snakes are venomous, not poisonous.
That said, I don't think there's a lot of story here if you strip away the gore and gross-out content. If part of the appeal of Splatterpunk is, "How far can you push a story with gore and horror and still have a story?" then I think this book found the line and then stepped over it.
Also, the alliteration. I know it's a stylistic choice but it is too much.
Also also! Snakes are venomous, not poisonous.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Death, Gore, Incest, and Death of parent
Moderate: Homophobia, Physical abuse, and Murder
Minor: Animal death