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A review by splatteredbastard
Playground by Aron Beauregard
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
MAJOR TRIGGER WARNINGS! Spoiler-free review.
CWs: abuse (physical, verbal, sexual), rape, molestation, child abuse, incest, pedophilia, murder, violence, gore, masturbation, sex, animal abuse/death, child death/violence/abuse, blood, urine, feces, vomit, hardcore fetishes, disturbing imagery/descriptions, nazism, homophobia, ableism. (This may not be an all-encompassing list, so please research TWs for yourself as well.)
This book was really my first dive into the horror genre, and it has honestly set the bar so high. I am a fan of gore, so Playground truly delivered. Personally, I think I loved it because the storyline resembles my favorite movie series, Saw. Not only were the descriptions gory, but there were also illustrations. I think that only added to the horror and disgust that the book portrayed. The basic premise involves 3 families who come from disadvantaged backgrounds who are invited by Geraldine Borden, a rich philanthropist, to test out her playground equipment in exchange for money. Unbeknownst to the families, there is a grim and disturbing twist.
I am genuinely so excited to be able to read another of his books soon, but I’m not sure which I would like to continue with. I absolutely will be picking up another of his books soon. Anyone who is interested in gore, definitely check out his work!
Video review on Tiktok, also spoiler free: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTR37LQ6e/
CWs: abuse (physical, verbal, sexual), rape, molestation, child abuse, incest, pedophilia, murder, violence, gore, masturbation, sex, animal abuse/death, child death/violence/abuse, blood, urine, feces, vomit, hardcore fetishes, disturbing imagery/descriptions, nazism, homophobia, ableism. (This may not be an all-encompassing list, so please research TWs for yourself as well.)
This book was really my first dive into the horror genre, and it has honestly set the bar so high. I am a fan of gore, so Playground truly delivered. Personally, I think I loved it because the storyline resembles my favorite movie series, Saw. Not only were the descriptions gory, but there were also illustrations. I think that only added to the horror and disgust that the book portrayed. The basic premise involves 3 families who come from disadvantaged backgrounds who are invited by Geraldine Borden, a rich philanthropist, to test out her playground equipment in exchange for money. Unbeknownst to the families, there is a grim and disturbing twist.
I am genuinely so excited to be able to read another of his books soon, but I’m not sure which I would like to continue with. I absolutely will be picking up another of his books soon. Anyone who is interested in gore, definitely check out his work!
Video review on Tiktok, also spoiler free: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTR37LQ6e/
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Homophobia, Incest, Infertility, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Violence, Blood, Excrement, Vomit, Kidnapping, Grief, Stalking, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail