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abbiemeldrum's review
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
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
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 against another edition
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
kaattt's review
0.25
i don't know if i just didn't get it, but most of these stories were just gross for the sake of being gross. definitely would not call this horror. i did like the titular story, and the one about the viper made me laugh because it was so ridiculous to me. i would not recommend this collection to anyone, especially after the last story! just, what the fuck. the only positive is that it counts towards my reading goal for the year.
cobra778's review
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
janus's review
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5