3.5 stars rounded to 4 stars – this was a mixed bag for me as it was my first ever foray into Extreme Horror/military splatterpunk and I think the stories that weren’t for me will definitely be up other peoples’ alleys!
Read it if:
- You like military fiction, specifically Marine Corps context, culture and characters, from active service members to veterans dealing with associated mental health issues and trauma
- You’re okay with some pretty gnarly body horror in the form of amputation, castration, creature feature gore, monster attacks, war zones, and a good mix of sex and violence – I found that mix fairly enjoyable!
- You enjoy being grossed out (I was getting some The Slob lite vibes from Cock-Meat Sandwich), but you also want the pay-off of a few laughs and a bonkers Christmas-themed gorefest (The Tree Farm), and some feisty femme fatales (Bow Saw, The Newly Weds)
- You really like it when arseholes get theirs (I found The Newly Weds especially satisfying)
- You want a bonus extract from The Warrior’s Retreat included in this collection!
C. M. Rosens 