Yeah, it’s gross but so good!

I could not stop listening to this!! It made feel gross at times, but the overall story is interesting. Narration is wonderful. I don’t know if I could read this book aloud. Now I need disinfect my ears. Worth the credit!

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Not for the weak-stomached.

Thanks to Aaron, I think I now know the true definition of "extreme splatterpunk." A couple of chapters close to the beginning had me screaming insults at my car radio. The entire book is an exercise in discomfort, so if you aren't prepared for it, you shouldn't pick this tome, perhaps even this author. (This is my first Beauregard book.)

By the time I finished, not only did I decide that I was wrong in nearly setting it down (turning it off, in this case), but the ending left me satisfied and feeling vindicated.

Lila Kerry does a fantastic job narrating, making sure to add inflection and personality for the different characters. I appreciate that in a good narrator.

Masterfully done, Mr. Beauregard. Masterfully done indeed. Kudos to Lila as well. Hat's off to you both.

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Brutal and heartfelt horror

Wow, this book is a game changer for Aron Beauregard. I feel like it’s equally as important as his seminal release The Slob, if not a tad bit more so simply for the fact that it has had more “mainstream” success and appeal.

Don’t get it twisted though, this book is one mean motor scooter, and it will break your heart with how cruel it can be to our hapless set of children who have the harrowing tasks of trying to make it out alive of these ingeniously nefarious traps. Imagine an updated Saw without the lessons, and throw in kids and you’re on the right track.

To me though, what sets this apart from the pack is the books immense heart. I broke down crying throughout numerous passages. I truly cared for many of these children and quietly begged Aron in my head to let my favorite characters make it out of this hellish world intact. Did he listen? I can’t tell you that, but what do you think?

Before wrapping up I do need to touch base on Lila Kerry. Her narration is impeccable. She blasted onto my radar with the double whammy narration of The Slob and Son Of Slob and let me tell you, she doesn’t disappoint! You could hear all of the prep she put into this role. I was impressed throughout with her portrayal of the young boys, a make or break thing that she passed with flying colors. I believe I read that she trained on that especially.

This book is an essential read, not just for horror fans but for book readers in general. Mark my words, this book is going to shoot Aron into the stratosphere more than he already is.

Highly recommended!

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Extreme horror on a new level

I've been looking to get into more extreme horror novels, and this was a title I saw brought up a few times on Reddit. This is something quite unique, hard to say what I'd compare it to, like it's not a Battle Royale to Running Man situation, in a way I'd compare it more with the anime Corpse Party and the video game Heavy Rain.

It's essentially a story about broken adults who have put their kids through their own problems. The book takes it's time to establish the characters mostly the antagonistic people, to show what makes them tick, and for the reader/listener to absolutely despise these evil horrible people who want to subject children to this unthinkable scenario of deadly traps.

The violence is as graphic as can be, and when it's about a group of kids trapped in a series of traps designed after playgrounds, it's a very harsh book. I'd say at some point later on, I was starting to feel numb to the violence, but for the rest of the day, I felt like some kind of doomer, it really rattled me to my core.

This is my introduction to Aron Beauregard, from what I've heard, he really does his best to write characters first and make you care before the grisly torments begin. He's definitely a good character writer. This is a story that would be nearly impossible to adapt into a movie, like it would be very expensive and nobody would invest in it.

As for the narration, I couldn't imagine anyone doing a better job. The woman doing the narration says some of the most disgusting things I've heard in a while. Like a great book narrator, she puts different voices to the characters, and really puts on an acting performance. For a book so disturbing and gruesome, she really treats the text like she means every word the author put to page.

Hard listen but solid

Honestly, I had a hard time with this one. It’s good and well written, I just have a bad time listening to bad things happen to kids. That said, it’s all handled pretty well and it’s not excessively hard to disassociate when necessary, but there were a few times I had a bad time. All in all I enjoyed the experience and the ending wasn’t as bleak as some other tales by this author, but it was still a bit hard to get through for me. Rough but good.

Trying way too hard

Basic idea of story is good however, the author tries to shock and disgust just for pure shock value. It doesn’t work. It comes off as just that- trying to get a shock reaction. This author used the word “concur” at least half a dozen times as well as language like “meat flaps” describing body parts. A long way off from quality writing. All that with the leash, anyone else figure at least Rock would’ve used it!
I will be crossing all his other titles off my TBR list.

One hell of a story!

Playground is intense! You’re hooked from the first page and I hated to ever hit pause! Aron never disappoints and he outdid himself with this one! A+

Disgusting, depraved and I couldn’t put it down.

Go into this blind for the best experience. This is the first book I’ve read from this author but his reputation preceded him.

It’s a disturbing read but unique and engrossing in every way. Highly recommend for those looking for a story that’ll horrify and stay with you. I loved it.

Something Wicked Th^s Way Come

Those who enjoy Saw Franchise Movies a must read /listen.

I went in cold cause I really love the cover art. It did not disappoint.

It's a Wickly Great Story for the most part.
It's not for the faint of heart, and strong stomach require in some parts.

Extreme Horror / Graphic Novel

Four Zombie 🧟‍♂️s

Perfect Narrator and Captivating Story

I read this book in 2 days because I couldn't stop reading until I reached the end!  Not only did I love the sick twisted brutal gore but I also loved the action-packed plot! This book put me into the horridness, bloodthirsty, murderous, grisliness of the story which made the story scary and captivating!!

The narrator was perfect. The narrator brought this book to life with all of her different voices for the characters!

This is a great story to listen to I would recommend this book to Extreme Horror Fans and Splatterpunk Fans.