Extreme Horror Group Read with Guest Author #3 December 2023 - Aron B > Likes and Comments

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message 1: by Kenneth (new)

Kenneth McKinley This is the thread for the December 2023 entry in our Extreme Horror series of Group Reads with Guest Author. This month we’ll be reading Aron Beauregard’s Playground. Grab your blood-soaked copy at the link below and please help me welcome to HA… Aron Beauregard!

https://www.amazon.com/Playground-Aro...


message 2: by Pisces51 (new)

Pisces51 I have already bought my copy of Playground for our Guest Author this month (December). I have been confused about the books that are assigned to be read. Last month I read the Robert Essig story Baby Fights.
Does the Group Read with Aron take the place of reading The September House and its alternate? I took a look at the alternate and it sparked no interest and was also another novel $10.00 or over.
Please clarify the group's expectations from me if you would be kind enough to do so. Thanks in advance for your consideration.


message 3: by Alan (new)

Alan Pisces51 wrote: "I have already bought my copy of Playground for our Guest Author this month (December). I have been confused about the books that are assigned to be read. Last month I read the Robert Essig story B..."

There are no expectations or assignments whatsoever.
Group Reads and Guest Author Group Reads are entirely voluntary on members' parts.
All we do is facilitate having members vote on 2 books for Group Reads based on the chosen theme that month, and inviting
Guest Authors each month, allowing members to read along and interact with the authors.
You can read some, all or none at your own discretion.


message 4: by destiny ♡ (new)

destiny ♡ howling libraries I might have to break my book ban for this one!


megs_bookrack ((struggling to catch up)) I just bought a copy. There's no way I am missing out on this one!


message 6: by Cassie (new)

Cassie Strickland I read Playground a couple months ago and it made me entirely too uncomfortable in the best way possible! It’s HARD to make me squirm but I was audibly ick-ing during a few *select* passages. While being the most disgusting book I’ve ever read (again, that’s a good thing!) it had such heart to it and I ended up actually crying when my favorite character got killed. To be able to go from the most cringe-worthy few pages I’ve ever laid eyes on, to making readers have such a connection to the sweetest, most innocent of characters takes such a great talent!


message 7: by Rikki (new)

Rikki I've been holding back on reading my copy and now I know why! I was waiting to read it with you guys.


message 8: by Pisces51 (new)

Pisces51 Thank you Alan. My conundrum was that I did not want to read either one of the books that won the popular vote. Conversely I loved the notion of Bishop and have wanted to read Wonderland forever. Great! Thanks again.


message 9: by DaniPhantom (new)

DaniPhantom Read it a few months ago & I enjoyed it!


message 10: by Dawn (new)

Dawn Getting from kindle now, I’ve always wanted to read this and to have a discussion with the author and y’all will definitely be fun!


message 11: by Elizabeth (new)

Elizabeth Goheen I love this author. He’s one of the few who writes well and develops characters. This might be my favorite by him.


Charlene (Char)🍁☕️📚 Hi Everyone!
I started reading this book a few days ago and so far I have not been disappointed!


message 13: by Aron (new)

Aron Beauregard destiny ♡ wrote: "I might have to break my book ban for this one!"

Thanks so much for the consideration!


message 14: by Aron (new)

Aron Beauregard megs_bookrack wrote: "I just bought a copy. There's no way I am missing out on this one!"

Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy the book!


message 15: by Aron (new)

Aron Beauregard Cassie wrote: "I read Playground a couple months ago and it made me entirely too uncomfortable in the best way possible! It’s HARD to make me squirm but I was audibly ick-ing during a few *select* passages. While..."

Thank you! I'm glad you got the emotional connection from the book. That's the ultimate compliment!


message 16: by Aron (new)

Aron Beauregard Rikki wrote: "I've been holding back on reading my copy and now I know why! I was waiting to read it with you guys."

Thank you for joining the discussion and reading!


message 17: by Aron (new)

Aron Beauregard Dani wrote: "Read it a few months ago & I enjoyed it!"

Thank you for your support!


message 18: by Aron (new)

Aron Beauregard Dawn wrote: "Getting from kindle now, I’ve always wanted to read this and to have a discussion with the author and y’all will definitely be fun!"
Thanks! I look forward to the discussion!


message 19: by Aron (new)

Aron Beauregard Elizabeth wrote: "I love this author. He’s one of the few who writes well and develops characters. This might be my favorite by him."

Thank you for reading my work, I greatly appreciate you!


message 20: by Aron (new)

Aron Beauregard Charlene (Char) wrote: "Hi Everyone!
I started reading this book a few days ago and so far I have not been disappointed!"


Thanks so much for checking it out!


message 21: by Kaley (new)

Kaley I was super on the fence about this book after hearing one of my favorite Youtubers talk about reading it (MrKravin)- he said it was very gory and I am normally not a fan of body horror...

I'm going to take it as a sign that it's one of the books this month and check it out! I'm excited!

Thanks for being here, Aron!


megs_bookrack ((struggling to catch up)) I just got my copy this morning! Starting tonight!!!


message 23: by Pisces51 (new)

Pisces51 I just started reading Playground tonight. I can tell from the early pages that it is well written. I have wanted to read this for a good while and I will have it read in another four nights. Cannot wait to have an opportunity to tell you how much I love your work. It is a pleasure that you afforded us your time Mr. Beauregard.


message 24: by Mary ♥ (new)

Mary ♥ I'm so excited to read this book with you guys, especially with Aron here. I also purchased mine a bit ago and I've been waiting to start it with y'all. Happy reading everyone!

Can we also talk about the cover? It's so awesome.


message 25: by Angela (new)

Angela I agree Mary. The cover does look awesome. I'll be getting the book as soon as I receive the gift card I earned through a game(on bit of a budget so can't spend money on books). This book definitely sounds like it's right up my alley.


message 26: by megs_bookrack ((struggling to catch up)) (last edited Dec 10, 2023 09:22AM) (new)

megs_bookrack ((struggling to catch up)) I just sat and read the first 78-pages this morning while having my morning coffee. The writing is great and OMG, (view spoiler), so kudos for that! 🤢🤮
Curious, for the author, if you see this, did you have any media, movies or books, that sort of kicked off your inspiration for this story, or no? I would be interested in checking it out, if so...


message 27: by Pisces51 (new)

Pisces51 I read to 50% last night. The caliber of the author's prose is extraordinary. Poppy Z. Brite is now not the only one I know of who can use a voluminous vocabulary to describe acts, events, etc that are disturbing and nauseating to the nth degree. This promises to be a standout work of horror.


message 28: by Pisces51 (new)

Pisces51 I finished Wonderland last night. I must be honest and acknowledge the emotional pain was
in some instances greater than the physical pain. I saw Rock and Ron as the two pivotal characters. The parents and the children provided the catalyst to unleash Rock's tightly controlled tidal wave of retribution toward his lifelong tormenter.and her demented Nazi sycophant. You are truly a grandmaster at using the written word to create such vivid descriptions of some of the most horrendous acts that the veritable levitate 3-D from the page. I can even I imagine smelling, tasting, and immersion that I have never encountered.
Looking forward to other readers commenting about there takeways on this tour deal force.


message 29: by Megan (new)

Megan Ahh! I just started it today and am currently finishing up the chapter "Let's Play!" and about to start "The Spy Room."

So weird how somehow this book got mentioned on TikTok/BookTok (whatever those idiot things are) and people lost their shit about the horror and "how disturbing it was."

It's splatterpunk. It's EXTREME HORROR. It gives warning after warning that you should not read this if you're easily disturbed, offended. I mean, did these readers really look at the cover with the little girl at the top of the slide, think she looked joyful, and totally overlook the severed ankle/foot at the bottom, along with what appear to be quite a lengthy amount of intestines? Think that the "Warning: This book contains scenes of graphic violence involving children" and just think, "oh, that blood soaked slide and floor must just be that way because one of the kids broke their arm!"

If it's not your thing, I totally get it. I just can't stand it when people get angry when they get EXACTLY what they pay for. It's like buying a biography of The Beatles and then getting pissed off that they mention The Beatles too much.

Anyway /rantover, I'm getting back into the good stuff now!

(Yes, the incest scenes were pretty freaking sickening, but I mean, I sorta expected it?) As others have pointed out, love the character development so far - especially with Rock, and how he's made to be a sympathetic character (but I'm not sure how I'll feel about him as the story progresses).

Also, are there going to be spoilers on this thread? Someone kinda mentioned already something about him dying (pretty certain that was who they were referencing) and while it's usually a given that all the good guys die in a splatterpunk book, it's not always the case. And even less so for the bad guys - although I don't know quite how bad Rock is yet.

OK shutting up now! Hello to the author if you come across this, and thanks for providing such an INSANE(ly interesting) read!


Charlene (Char)🍁☕️📚 Hello everyone I am still reading this book I’m on page 233 and this author is as graphic and explicit as ever! I can’t put this book down.


Charlene (Char)🍁☕️📚 I am finished and this book did not disappoint!


message 32: by Pisces51 (new)

Pisces51 When might we all anticipate an opportunity to ask the author about his novel Playground. I really liked it and would not hesitate to read his works.I would like to ask him a few plot related questions before the month ends.


message 33: by Megan (new)

Megan Pisces51 wrote: "When might we all anticipate an opportunity to ask the author about his novel Playground. I really liked it and would not hesitate to read his works.I would like to ask him a few plot related quest..."

Yes, I do hope he is back to answer a few questions as well! I plan on finishing it today and would love a bit of Q&A, too. Unfortunately the holiday season is always so hectic for so many people, so that might be a problem... no idea, lol.


message 34: by Rikki (last edited Dec 19, 2023 10:15AM) (new)

Rikki I just finished Playground and it is a brutal read! It is a very well-written book that I enjoyed. I know the point of splatterpunk is to be as shocking and explicit as possible, but my stomach turns over when reading the sexual parts of the book. I can even handle the torture scenes better than this stuff. There's just something about a lack of personal hygiene that disturbs me to no end.

I would recommend Playground to anyone who enjoys extreme horror. I think it is one of the best books in this genre that I have read.


megs_bookrack ((struggling to catch up)) Rikki wrote: "I just finished Playground and it is a brutal read! It is a very well-written book that I enjoyed. I know the point of splatterpunk is to be as shocking and explicit as possible, but my stomach tur..."OMG, I totally get what you are saying, Rikki. I think personal hygiene content gets my stomach churning wayyyyyyyy more than any of the the most torturous murder scene ever could! LOL


message 36: by Aron (new)

Aron Beauregard Kaley wrote: "I was super on the fence about this book after hearing one of my favorite Youtubers talk about reading it (MrKravin)- he said it was very gory and I am normally not a fan of body horror...

I'm goi..."


Thank you so much! I think the story has some heart as well to go along with the disturbing elements. I hope you enjoy it :)


message 37: by Aron (new)

Aron Beauregard megs_bookrack wrote: "I just got my copy this morning! Starting tonight!!!"

Thank you so much! The pleasure is all mine :)


message 38: by Aron (new)

Aron Beauregard Pisces51 wrote: "I just started reading Playground tonight. I can tell from the early pages that it is well written. I have wanted to read this for a good while and I will have it read in another four nights. Canno..."

My pleasure! Sorry I'm just getting back to you now, I live in New England and I got a cold that was kickin' by butt. So glad to hear that you're enjoying the book. This was a fun one to write!


message 39: by Aron (new)

Aron Beauregard Mary ♥ wrote: "I'm so excited to read this book with you guys, especially with Aron here. I also purchased mine a bit ago and I've been waiting to start it with y'all. Happy reading everyone!

Can we also talk a..."


Thank you! Anton Rosovsky, an illustrator I've been working with for nearly my whole career did the artwork. So glad you dig it!


message 40: by Aron (new)

Aron Beauregard Angela wrote: "I agree Mary. The cover does look awesome. I'll be getting the book as soon as I receive the gift card I earned through a game(on bit of a budget so can't spend money on books). This book definitel..."

Thanks for the consideration! There's also 15 illustrations inside :)


message 41: by Aron (new)

Aron Beauregard megs_bookrack wrote: "I just sat and read the first 78-pages this morning while having my morning coffee. The writing is great and OMG, [spoilers removed], so kudos for that! 🤢🤮
Curious, for the author, if you see this,..."


It was actually my wife who inspired the idea. In car, she said one day, 'Can you imagine what it would be like if there was a super dangerous playground?' And I took it from there and kind of just ran with it. Thank you for asking though :)


message 42: by Aron (new)

Aron Beauregard Pisces51 wrote: "I read to 50% last night. The caliber of the author's prose is extraordinary. Poppy Z. Brite is now not the only one I know of who can use a voluminous vocabulary to describe acts, events, etc that..."

Wow, thank you. I'm truly honored!


message 43: by Diane (new)

Diane I read this book not long ago...and it was one of my favourites of all time....absolutely love Aron Beauregard...hope you all like it as much as I did?
It is extreme horror at its very best!!! So just be careful with the trigger warnings as it does contain children!🫨😲😱


message 44: by Aron (new)

Aron Beauregard Pisces51 wrote: "I finished Wonderland last night. I must be honest and acknowledge the emotional pain was
in some instances greater than the physical pain. I saw Rock and Ron as the two pivotal characters. The pa..."


Wow, thanks so much! I'm so glad you got some of the more emotional elements of the story. Sometimes that gets lost in the mayhem. I appreciate you reading and sharing your thoughts with me and the group!


message 45: by Aron (new)

Aron Beauregard Megan wrote: "Ahh! I just started it today and am currently finishing up the chapter "Let's Play!" and about to start "The Spy Room."

So weird how somehow this book got mentioned on TikTok/BookTok (whatever th..."


Thank you! Yes, sometimes people online/TikTok have gone too far with their outrage, but thankfully, that usually only serves to sell more copies. I think Playground is a case of Splatterpunk reaching the mainstream and some readers don't even know this content exists. I appreciate the love and the hate I get (except the death threats haha). But I'm so glad you're enjoying the book so far! Thanks :)


message 46: by Aron (new)

Aron Beauregard Charlene (Char) wrote: "Hello everyone I am still reading this book I’m on page 233 and this author is as graphic and explicit as ever! I can’t put this book down."

Thank you so much! I certainly don't pull any punches but I try to make everything have a purpose. I appreciate you reading!


message 47: by Aron (new)

Aron Beauregard Charlene (Char) wrote: "I am finished and this book did not disappoint!"

Thank you so much for reading, so happy to hear you enjoyed it!


message 48: by Aron (new)

Aron Beauregard Pisces51 wrote: "When might we all anticipate an opportunity to ask the author about his novel Playground. I really liked it and would not hesitate to read his works.I would like to ask him a few plot related quest..."

You can feel free to post any questions on this thread and I'll do my best to answer them for you. Thanks for reading!


message 49: by Aron (new)

Aron Beauregard Megan wrote: "Pisces51 wrote: "When might we all anticipate an opportunity to ask the author about his novel Playground. I really liked it and would not hesitate to read his works.I would like to ask him a few p..."

Thanks so much for reading. I will be here and try my best to promptly answer your questions :)


message 50: by Aron (new)

Aron Beauregard Rikki wrote: "I just finished Playground and it is a brutal read! It is a very well-written book that I enjoyed. I know the point of splatterpunk is to be as shocking and explicit as possible, but my stomach tur..."

Thanks so much for reading! Yes, there is something about hygiene that is highly disturbing haha. I couldn't agree with you more. Thanks for the recommendation. I'm honored.


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