Oof this book is HEAVY: major tw for child abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, general horrific treatment of kids. This novella follows the tragic life of Kyle and Jude and the abuse they suffered after their mom’s death. Now older, Jude seeks vengeance on his monstrous abusers for his brother and himself.

I went into this book blind, I’d only seen a few reviews but knew nothing of the plot. This was truly a DOOZIE. While it was gory and extreme at times, the emotional aspect of the trauma the boys endured made my stomach churn. Jeffrey spares no details when highlighting the abuse and the revenge for mentioned abuse, creating a storyline that gut punches you from the bloody messes and the depraved acts depicted. I really enjoyed the introspective portions where Jude was lost in thought, it added depth and made me fully feel the weight of what he was going through. This is a short read and while the themes were a LOT, the revenge and body horror related to said revenge were fantastic. Would recommend, but please heed the tw’s listed above. There’s even one at the beginning of
the novella so be advised.