Years ago I was going through a movie slump, when I saw the preview for a new movie during a coffee break while doing night shift, which made me sit up and go: The reader is also excellent, giving each character a unique voice to make you connect with them even more. Their narration felt like someone holding my hand to help me through the experience. With Playground, Aron Beauregard transcends himself, delivering a genuinely chilling, uncomfortable novel that will make even the most jaded horror fan squirm. A harrowing, relentless read that left me breathless." (Brian Keene) When a band of dysfunctional children is suddenly thrust into a diabolical realm of violence, they must grow up instantly to have a chance at survival. Will they find a way to put their differences aside, or be swallowed up by the insidious architecture all around them? Why you should buy this: If you’re a fan of Aron’s you probably have already snagged this and most likely have read it. If you’re new to extreme horror and want to see what it’s all about, this is an excellent place to dive in and discover how these novels will contain really well done plots with fantastic writing and some of the most horrific gore-filled scenes you’ll ever read.

At the heart of this story, one can't help but develop a connection and just feel every gut wrenching punch as each child must make their choices.

Of course there is also the bloody, disgusting gore and putridness. Yes, there are descriptions of smells that will possibly engage that gag reflex. ONCE IN A LIFETIMEThree low-income families have been given a handsome retainer to join Geraldine Borden for a day at her cliffside estate. All the parents must do to collect the rest of their money is allow their children to test out the revolutionary playground equipment Geraldine has been working on for decades. But there’s a reason the structures in the bowels of her gothic castle have taken so long to develop–they were never meant to see the light of day.When a band of dysfunctional children is suddenly thrust into a diabolical realm of violence, they must grow up instantly to have a chance at survival. Will they find a way to put their differences aside, or be swallowed up by the insidious architecture all around them? and “With Playground, Aron Beauregard transcends himself, delivering a genuinely chilling, uncomfortable novel that will make even the most jaded horror fan squirm. A harrowing, relentless read that left me breathless. and “- Brian KeeneThis volume contains 15 interior illustrations.WARNING: This book contains graphic content. Reader discretion is advised. Playground by Aron Beauregard – eBook Details What I liked: I mean, the cover should give you some solid indication what you’re in for. If you require ANY sort of Trigger Warnings, you way want to stay away from this one. If you, however, enjoy the brand of brutality Beauregard delivers, this one will make you smile from ear to ear. 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. With Playground, Aron Beauregard transcends himself, delivering a genuinely chilling, uncomfortable novel that will make even the most jaded horror fan squirm. A harrowing, relentless read that left me breathless."

While the plot is fairly minimal, this story is more about how the characters interact with the premise they are forced into, with the children reacting to the situation and each other, the parents forced to watch on and try to convince their captures into letting them go, and the antagonists watching each scene with glee. I think the ending worked really well and followed how the reader sees the events played out. Beauregard does a great job of showcasing the hurt that was created with Geraldine’s actions as well as how this directly impacted the various characters in the novel. The characters are well fleshed out, the story makes sense, but deep inside all the gore there is a commentary about parenthood and the ills of the world we live in. Psychologically speaking, this is a study in all that can be done incorrectly to a child. Beauregard, ever the prolific writer, has released yet another intriguing piece of devastation. As a member of the aforementioned “extreme-light” clique, though, I have yet to read any of his works. They’re fantastic in theory, but severe horror has never held any interest for me. This work was nominated for Best work at this year’s Splatterpunk Awards, and as I strive to support as many authors as I can, I decided it was a good choice.Over the last number of years, Aron Beauregard has emerged as one of Extreme/Splatterpunk Horror’s true Heavy Weights. His books are hotly anticipated by his ever-growing throng of fans and he has been raking up the accolades as well – becoming Splatterpunk Award nominated and Splatterpunk Award winning during that time. Aron Beauregard, hailing from Central Falls, Rhode Island, is an accomplished horror writer with over 20 books to his name. He has a passion for horror art and illustration, which is reflected in his work. Beauregard’s writing is dark and boundary-pushing, earning him recognition and awards in the horror genre, including a Splatterpunk Award. Characters Beauregard emphasizes the importance of using fear as a motivator. He outlines how many great thinkers, explorers, and inventors have used it to overcome obstacles. They don’t let fear stop them, but use it to push themselves forward.