nikosreadsbooks's reviews
6 reviews

The Black Farm is a gripping horror novel that I would confidently rate 4 out of 5 stars. It manages to be both entertaining and memorable, leaving a lasting impression on me, and I’m eagerly anticipating diving into the sequel.

One of the standout features of the novel is its plot. The premise alone is hauntingly original and incredibly intriguing. Having already read the original Reddit story that inspired the book, my expectations were set high, but Witherow successfully expanded the concept into a full-length novel that didn’t disappoint. The world-building is imaginative and dark, painting a vivid and horrifying picture of the Black Farm as a place teeming with cruelty, despair, and cosmic dread.

The novel’s combination of extreme horror and cosmic horror is one of its greatest strengths. A particular highlight for me was Nick’s harrowing experience with Muck. Even as someone who rarely feels unsettled by horror fiction, I found myself wincing at the sheer intensity of the scene. This level of visceral horror is rare, and it’s a testament to Witherow’s ability to craft moments that truly linger.

What makes The Black Farm work so well is that beneath the gore and shock, there’s a deeper layer of existential horror. The exploration of what happens to souls after death and the implications of the farm’s cruel, almost indifferent system give the story a cosmic horror edge. This balance between the physical and metaphysical elements of horror elevates the novel above typical gore fests, making it as thought-provoking as it is horrifying.

In conclusion, The Black Farm is a great piece of horror fiction. Witherow’s ability to combine extreme horror with cosmic dread creates a unique reading experience. I’m eagerly looking forward to the sequel and can’t wait to see how Witherow expands this twisted universe further. If it’s anything like the first, I’m sure it will be just as unforgettable.

Was genuinely interesting and everything, just had trouble following and staying engaged with the book. No fault to the author. 

I give Stolen Tongues by Felix Blackwell 3.25 stars out of 5. While it may not be a perfect novel, it’s a worthwhile read and a commendable expansion of the original Reddit story that captivated readers online.

One of the novel's strengths or weakness depending on how you look at it is its commitment to slow-burn horror. The pacing might not appeal to everyone, as it takes its time building tension and atmosphere, but for readers who enjoy a gradual, creeping sense of dread, this approach works effectively. The payoff is satisfying when the action finally happens, and the earlier sense of unease makes the climactic moments even more impactful.

I particularly appreciated the portrayal of The Imposter creatures. Though I’m not typically a fan of supernatural entities, I found these creatures to be both chilling and engaging. Their presence is unsettling in the best way, and they left a lasting impression as some of the most creative elements in the book. The creatures brought a unique flavor to the story that was both creepy and surprisingly fun to read.

Overall, Stolen Tongues is a solid horror novel that I would recommend, even to those who have already read the original Reddit story. While it might not break new ground in the genre, it expands on the original material in ways that make it worth picking up. For fans of atmospheric, psychological horror, this is for you.

Elias Witherow's The Third Parent earns a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars in my book. It’s an unsettling read that pushes boundaries and isn’t afraid to lean into its brutal and shocking elements. While it may not be the easiest book to recommend to everyone, if you’re a fan of dark, twisted narratives or stories that shock you this one is definitely up your alley.

One of the novel’s strongest aspects is how it builds on the original Reddit story. Witherow not only captures the eerie essence of Tommy Taffy but also takes the time to flesh out the story with new layers of depth. I was particularly impressed by how the novel gave Tommy a backstory.

I do have one minor gripe, though this is more a matter of personal preference than an actual flaw. I found myself wishing for a darker ending. While the conclusion is satisfying in its own right, I felt a bad ending would have been more impactful and consistent with the unrelenting tone of the rest of the book.

Overall, The Third Parent is a solid recommendation for fans of the original Reddit story or anyone looking for a horror novel that will leave them shaken.

I give The Troop by Nick Cutter a solid four stars out of five. This book is one that will definitely linger in my mind, and I wouldn’t be surprised if I end up rereading it one day.

I came across The Troop through discussions in extreme horror circles. While I personally wouldn’t categorize it as extreme horror, I understand why some might. Everyone has different thresholds for what they consider disturbing or grotesque, and The Troop certainly pushes some boundaries. That said, it absolutely lives up to the hype.

One of the standout aspects of the novel was the characters. Each member of the troop was well developed, making their individual arcs impactful and memorable. Shelley was my personal favorite. Even the first death, which often serves as a throwaway shock in many horror novels, left a lasting impression because of how well crafted that character was.

As for the horror itself, while I wouldn’t say it was outright terrifying, it was undeniably effective. Cutter’s use of body horror is unsettling and vivid in a way that sticks with you. The descriptions of the threat were so visceral. It’s the kind of horror that doesn’t rely on jump scares but worms its way under your skin, leaving an impression that’s hard to shake.

IThe Troop was a gripping read that more than delivered on its hype. Nick Cutter’s writing is immersive and unflinching, and I’m already looking forward to exploring more of his work.