Indie Book Addict

12/01/2025

💀 Book Review 💀

It Ain't No Fun, When the Rabbit Got the Gun
Nick Scarbrough

It Ain't No Fun, When the Rabbit Got the Gun is a chilling, unsettling exploration of a dysfunctional backwoods family. The story follows the Shine family. Mitchell, and his two sons, Trenton and Arliss.

From the very beginning, the author wastes no time establishing a dark atmosphere, immersing the reader in a world of grotesque and deeply troubled characters. Trenton and Arliss are deplorable figures, their actions and motivations clouded by a twisted sense of survival. The family’s dysfunction is both tragic and terrifying.

Scarbrough does an excellent job making these characters feel repulsive. Each character’s internal torment and lack of morals and real life experience creates a sense of unease that lingers long after the book is closed. This is not a story for the faint of heart. The author crafts a perfectly depraved world where no one is safe from their own demons, and boundaries are tested in the most disturbing ways. It’s a gut-wrenching ride that stays with you.

For a debut novel this is impressive. If you're a fan of horror that digs deep into human depravity and unsettling family dynamics, this one should be on your list.

08/01/2025

Review for Whisper Down the Lane
Clay McLeod Chapman

Whisper Down the Lane is a gripping and unsettling read that goes deep into the dark corners of the human psyche. It draws inspiration from the McMartin Preschool trials and the Satanic Panic of the 80s. The book follows Richard, a man whose life is forever changed after a chain of tragic events.

Chapman’s writing is engaging from the start, with an atmosphere that’s as tense as it is immersive. The story keeps you on the edge and the shifting POV from past to present only adds to the suspense.

The author does a great job capturing the hysteria and fear surrounding the Satanic Panic. It shows just how much rumors and lies can destroy lives and how people cope with guilt, trauma and the weight of their actions. A very intense and thought-provoking read. I look forward to reading more from this author.

21/12/2024

Review for Borderline
Royal Poff

Borderline is a captivating and emotionally charged story that plunges deep into the life of Atari. A character grappling with both internal and external struggles Atari finds himself entangled in the disturbing effects of a pill he took, which begins to wreak havoc on his mind. Poff masterfully portrays the uncertainty and confusion Atari experiences, creating a vivid sense of disorientation that hooks you from the start.

A huge standout for me is the depth and complexity of Atari’s character. The author has crafted him with such care that readers can truly feel everything he’s going through. The emotional rollercoaster of heartbreak, the terror of losing control, and the raw vulnerability that makes him easy to sympathize with. Atari quickly became my favorite character in the book, and his struggles felt incredibly real and relatable.

Borderline is more than just a psychological journey, it’s a perfect blend of friendship, love, loss, and horror. The themes intertwine seamlessly, and the horror elements add a layer of intensity that keeps the story gripping. Poff’s writing is engaging and immersive, making it easy to lose yourself in Atari’s world. It’s the kind of book that you don’t want to put down, as it pulls you deeper into the character’s psyche and the challenges he faces.

Borderline is a well-crafted and thought-provoking book. If you’re looking for a story that explores the complexities of the human mind, relationships, and the battle within oneself, this is a must-read.

21/12/2024

As a first-time reader of the Try Not to Die series, Arcranium was a thrilling and unique dive into the world of interactive horror. Reminiscent of the choose your own adventure books I loved as a kid, this book takes it to a whole new level, bringing a fresh, immersive twist to the genre.

In TNTD in Arcranium, you play as Ray, entering a strange and unsettling world where the boundaries of reality are blurred, and the choices you make have life or death consequences. The constant tension of trying to make the right decision knowing that one wrong move could result in your character’s demise is fun and entertaining. I died many times, but that’s part of the fun. It’s a book that makes you second guess yourself until the end.

The setting of TNTD in Arcranium itself is truly haunting. The atmosphere is eerie and constantly shifts, making you question what’s real and what isn’t. The terror builds with each page as you uncover more about the twisted world Ray is trapped in. It draws you into its dark, surreal narrative.

TNTD in Arcranium is a fun read full of mind-bending twists that keep you on your toes. If you're looking for a horror experience that’s interactive and unpredictable, TNTD in Arcranium is worth diving into.

06/12/2024

Collected Christmas Horror Shorts IV is a dark and twisted collection of holiday-themed horror stories, and it certainly isn’t for those looking for a feel-good Christmas read. Packed with violence and gore, this anthology takes familiar elements of the holiday season and turns them on their head, offering a fresh perspective on traditions that are usually associated with joy.

Each story in this collection brings something unique to the table, with authors creatively infusing Christmas lore and imagery with horror, suspense, and terror. The tales are sure to make readers think twice about the holiday season.

Some of my favorites include The Holly King, The Yule Thief, Christmas People, Krampus Kids, and O'Holy S**t. These stories stood out for their imaginative plots, and unexpected twists that keep you hooked from start to finish.

If you're a fan of horror with a holiday twist, this book will not disappoint. It’s an entertaining and unsettling collection that proves Christmas isn’t always merry.

27/11/2024

The Ojanox IV: Lonesome Mountain marks the thrilling conclusion to Daemon Manx epic series that delivers a pulse-pounding finale. In this final installment, the town of Garrett Grove faces an ancient and relentless force that seeks to annihilate everything in its path. As the town braces for destruction, readers are taken on a wild ride, where the stakes are higher than ever, and the tension never lets up.

What makes this book and the series so compelling is the author's ability to create characters you genuinely care about. From the beginning, you feel connected to the residents of Garrett Grove, experiencing their fear, hope, and determination as they fight to survive. The town is equally vivid. Garrett Grove feels like a real town, filled with both beauty and menace, a perfect setting for the chaos that unfolds. The author's storytelling continues to shine in this book. The pacing ensures that there’s never a dull moment. The plot is filled with twists and turns that keep you hooked until the very end.

What stands out most in this final book is how Manx delivers a chilling yet satisfying ending. It answers some lingering questions, and it also leaves a lasting impact. This really should be made into a tv miniseries because it's that good.

The Ojanox series is one of the most gripping series I’ve had the pleasure of reading. Manx has truly outdone himself with this entire thing. If you haven’t yet discovered Garrett Grove, its people and its dark past, now is the time to add this series to your TBR.

20/11/2024

The Clown
Kevin J. Kennedy

The Clown is a chilling prequel to Halloween Land, and it does an incredible job of diving deeper into the mystery behind the iconic clown and the carnival itself. The story centers around Melissa and her tragic backstory. What she goes through is heartbreaking, but it’s what ultimately makes the entire story so compelling. Her journey is haunting. You can’t help but feel for her while also becoming more engrossed in the eerie world Kennedy has created.

Halloween Land had a spooky vibe, but The Clown takes that unsettling carnival setting to the next level. The carnival is explored in much more detail here, revealing the dark, sinister force that lies beneath its colorful exterior. The place practically takes on a life of its own, and the atmosphere is thick with tension and danger. There are moments that are downright brutal, so be prepared for some unnerving scenes.

If you were intrigued by the clown in Halloween Land, this book gives you all the backstory you could want and then some. It’s gripping, dark, and will keep you turning the pages until the very end.

12/11/2024

Poison Ivy and Other Dark Tales
Mark Towse

Poison Ivy and Other Dark Tales is a collection that is grotesque, hilarious, and utterly captivating. Serving as a prequel to his previous work Nana, Poison Ivy takes readers back to Newhaven Crescent Community Center, where a group of strange senior citizens create chaos and mayhem in the most unexpected ways. Towse has a knack for blending humor with horror, and in this story, he once again proves that the elderly aren’t just victims, they are fully capable of dishing out terror and absurdity.

The standout piece, Poison Ivy, is an insane ride through the disturbing happenings at the community center. Towse pulls you into the heart of the madness. You can almost feel the grimy walls closing in around you, and the strange, often repulsive characters are so fleshed out that you feel drawn to them yet disgusted. You never know if you’re about to gag or laugh, but either way, you’re guaranteed a good time. Their antics are unpredictable, and as a reader, you find yourself eagerly turning pages just to see what strange and twisted thing they will do next.

The rest of the collection doesn’t disappoint either. The dark tales are disturbing in the best possible way, with each one highlighting Towse’s skill for blending vivid, gruesome imagery with moments of dark humor. Towse’s geriatric horror is a refreshing and twisted take on the horror genre, and whether you’re laughing or cringing, you’re always entertained. Just don’t eat the pie.

09/11/2024

If you're a slasher fan looking for the perfect read, Camp Slasher Lake is a must-have. This anthology delivers a chilling collection of slasher stories that are packed with blood, gore, and brutal encounters. Each tale is masterfully written by a group of incredibly talented authors, each bringing their own dark, twisted vision to life.

The variety in this anthology is impressive, each story feels fresh yet unified by the theme of relentless terror. Whether you prefer the classic camp setting, a creepy motel, or an eerie grove, Camp Slasher Lake has it all and then some. The graphic and visceral descriptions make the scenes come alive. It will have you on the edge of your seat flipping pages to see what’s coming next. The stories are brutal, and the tension never lets up. While the content might not be for the faint of heart, fans of slasher horror will revel in the carnage and fear. Be sure to grab all three volumes!

03/11/2024

Master of Bodies
Robert Essig

Master of Bodies is a gripping and unique tale that showcases Essig’s amazing storytelling. From the very beginning the author pulls you into a world filled with disturbing and gory details that keep you on the edge of your seat.

A standout for me is the author’s ability to manipulate your feelings towards the characters. Just when you think you have a character figured out, he flips the script with a shocking twist that leaves you questioning everything. Kipp is a character who will linger in your mind long after you’ve finished the book. His character is truly an experience, and his behaviors really enhance this story.

Master of Bodies is some of Essig’s best work in my opinion. He wastes no time immersing you in a story that is both horrifying and grossly fascinating. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys a thrilling and disturbing tale.

31/10/2024

Halloween Land offers readers an enchanted yet chilling world where the excitement of a carnival mixes with a constant unsettling feeling. The story follows two friends who check out this carnival that is filled with mystery and adventure. From the moment they step inside, something feels off.

Kennedy’s writing will instantly transport you right inside the carnival where you’ll experience everything right along with the main characters. The bright lights, the calliope music and, soon enough, the dangers that wait inside.

The main characters are enjoyable and well-crafted. I loved watching things unfold with them and having no real idea where things were going to go, especially when bizarre events unfold. One standout element is the mysterious clown who shadows them throughout their journey. She perfectly represents the carnival’s nature of being whimsical yet unnerving. She, too, was an enjoyable character that held lots of mystery and left me wanting to know more about her.

Halloween Land is a gripping and suspenseful read that is perfect for this time of year!

12/10/2024

Jeremy
Derek Muk

Jeremy features a chilling atmosphere, tension within a family and a growing sense of dread as something sinister lurks. When the ghosthunters discover what is actually happening, things escalate quickly. Now they must work fast to bring all of this to an end and to save Farah. For a short story, I thought it was gripping. It was great as it is, but a part of me wants to know even more about Jeremy. I’d be all in if the ghosthunters Eddie and Professor Albert ever became a series. If you’re looking for a quick read and enjoy ghosts and paranormal investigations, check this one out.

04/10/2024

The Ojanox Book Three
All Fall Down
Daemon Manx

Manx continues to impress with this series. I swear each book is better than the last and, to me, that says a lot, because they have all been great. Book 3 is so intense! The action is basically non-stop as those left in Garrett Grove brace themselves for the attack that is coming. There was so much bloodshed I was really beginning to wonder if anyone would be left. The vivid and brilliant writing really brings this to life. It’s a front row seat to total chaos. I cannot wait to jump into the last book because I need to know if my favorites make it and, of course, how all of this ends.

04/10/2024

Splatterpunk Dreams
KJK Publishing

Splatterpunk Dreams offers a grotesque journey through the darker, bloodier corners of horror. This anthology is easily one of my favorites released by KJK Publishing. There is a wide array of talented authors that each bring their own unique style, so the book never feels repetitive. This collection is filled with shocking imagery and tons of violence. No highlighting standouts this time because each story was amazing. This is not for the faint of heart but for fans of the genre. You’re in for a wild and unsettling ride!

01/09/2024

The Lost Souls' Playground
Will Suffer

If you want a quick read that packs a gross punch, this is it. The author wastes no time getting to it. This involves some dark web stuff, so you can kind of imagine where things might go, but it’s still a shock, especially when you find out what the old lady collects and her tutorial on how to make them. That woman is unhinged! In fact, the whole story is.

This book is very disturbing and very graphic. What Stephen and Jamie are put through is pretty extreme. When one of them starts to question their relationship because of their situation, you know things aren’t good and the reader gets a front row seat to everything. No mercy whatsoever. The author’s name says it all.

01/09/2024

My wrap up for August. Not too bad, I guess. I really felt like I was lagging. Some decent reads though. Let's see how many I can get through this month.

01/09/2024

Collected Christmas Horror Shorts IV

HO HO HO. Santa Kev brings you the best in this year’s Christmas Horror stories. If you like your Christmas to be a little darker than most, you have come to the right place. Lock the doors, kick back, and let’s fill this Christmas with terror!

Preorder it here:

HO HO HO. Santa Kev brings you the best in this year’s Christmas Horror stories. If you like your Christmas to be a little darker than most, you have come to the right place. Lock the doors, kick back, and let’s fill this Christmas with terror!

31/08/2024

The Troop
Nick Cutter

I finally decided to read this one, and I am shocked. I had no idea what would happen to this troop, but it was horrible. Like this is total nightmare fuel for me. Absolutely terrifying and even more so, because something like this could happen, and you’d have no idea until it was too late. That is what kept running through my head the entire book. Cutter definitely did a brilliant job at getting under my skin. Ugh.

Not only is the book graphic, but it’s also suspenseful and deeply disturbing! I couldn’t imagine going through what this troop did. The fear and the insanity are over the top and made this a page turner for me. These kids are constantly being tested and having to push the limits of their own fear as they remember their scout laws. I personally feel like I would be forgetting those scout laws and just go cry in a corner.

The characters were so good! Each of them brought so much to the story with their personalities and their struggles. Newt and Eef were probably my favorites. Those poor kids. They deserved better. Shelley was not a favorite. In fact, I despised him. He’s such a disgusting character and I felt like something was off with him from the beginning. Many times, I just cringed at his actions. IYKYK.
This isn’t for the faint-hearted, but it’s absolutely worth a read and one I will not forget.