Book Review: Open Wounds by Brandon Ford

We've reviewed a few earlier works by horror author Brandon Ford (here, here, and here) and now he is back with his latest novel, Open Wounds. This time though, he is treading on different ground. This is a different type of horror and it has Ford traveling on roads with the likes of Jack Ketchum.

Truth be told? He travels the road well and gives us a dark, haunting, and tragic story of a young girl whose life spirals out of control after her parents divorce and her mother hauls her to Philadelphia.

While horrific things happen in this story, I'd almost hesitate to call it a horror novel. It really is a dark drama and a nightmarish coming of age story. I don't want to get to deep into the plot for fear of spoilers but let's just say that Ford puts his heroine through hell.

I'm a big fan of Ford's and have enjoyed his work thus far.  Open Wounds is another success for him but it is not without a few flaws. Personally, I think we lose a few of the characters too soon and their involvement and actions sort of feel forced to fit the scope of the story. This doesn't ruin the book by any means, I just think certain characters should have reacted differently and been more intricate in how things eventually turn out.

That said, Brandon Ford has again given us a dark and at times disturbing story that gets under your skin and stays there for days after having finished it. That is not an easy task and it is a testament to his talent that he can give us characters that we feel for and root for and who sticks with us even after the book is closed.

Open Wounds is not for the faint of heart, it is not for those looking for a fun scary read. It is intense, it is dark, and it is an author flexing his skills and delivering a truly affecting work of fiction.

Open Wounds by Brandon Ford

8/10 Cuts!

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Book Review: Merciless by Brandon Ford

We've had nothing but praise for independent horror author Brandon Ford (Pay Phone, Decayed Etchings), as you can see from our inclusion on the cover of his latest offering, Merciless, and I have to say the praise will keep coming.

Merciless is a devastating novella based on true events that will get right under your skin, nearly from the start.  It's extremely intense and all the more horrific considering the factual events it is based on. 

I hesitate to go too much into detail as far as plot goes.  I will say that you get brutal murders, kidnappings, lots of blood, well, all you want from a dark and creepy story.

I watch a lot of horror films and read a lot of horror books so it's not often that I have a "holy shit!" moment.  I'm happy to say I had a few reading this, and not just from Merciless either.  The book also includes 3 other stories including, "The Neighbor," "All I Ever Wanted," and "Last Call," each of which showcase the ever growing talent that Brandon Ford has at his fingertips.

 With each book of Ford's that I read I am only more impressed.  He just gets better and better and his grasp on short fiction is just as strong as it is on long form.  You never grow tired of his words or his characters and he does a great job of sending the chills right down your spine.

Merciless is a prime example of the versatility Ford has.  While the majority of the book is terrifying and disturbing he does sneak up and gives a little tug on the heartstrings (and not with a serrated blade).

I can't recommend Brandon Ford enough and Merciless is an excellent place to start if you wish to dive into his work.

If you subscribe to the idea of a new class in independent horror then Brandon Ford is valedictorian.

Mercliess is available now on your favorite eBook reader  (Kindle or Nook)or physical copy!

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Book Review: Decayed Etchings by Brandon Ford

A little over a year ago we reviewed Brandon Ford's latest novel, Pay Phone.  At the end of that review I mentioned that I was curious how good his other works were.  Well, I just finished his latest, a collection of short stories entitled Decayed Etchings, and I have to say he's delivered the goods, 18 fold.


Decayed Etchings is without a doubt one of the best collections of stories I've had the pleasure of reading.  Brandon Ford is definitely making himself known as one horror writer to keep an eye on.  He brings chills and violence that will satisfy even the most die hard horror fan.

I could go story by story but to be honest, I loved all of them and can find fault with none.  Ford may just be one of horror's new masters.

If I had any complaints, it was that there are only 18 stories here. I wanted more.  In fact, when I hit the last page, my jaw dropped.  More damnit!  I really can't wait for Decayed Etchings 2.  Not too mention whatever he has up his sleeve for his next novel.

Decayed Etchings is available for purchase now at Black Bed Sheet Books.  I would  get yourself a copy right now.  It's a perfect way to space out those Game of Thrones books

Decayed Etchings 

by Brandon Ford

Pop Culture Beast Rating:

10/10

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