SELF MUTILATION 3: BLOODBATH
By Aine

Self Mutilation 3: Bloodbath, also known as SM3: Bloodbath is the third in a series of horror anthologies put out by Splat Books. The current fate of Splat Books is unknown, and I am not sure where you can even get a copy of this book, or the first two Self Mutilation books, or their other title, Bodily Fluids, which was reviewed on this website last year.

I’d like to be able to write a glowing review and say that I’m biased because I have two stories published in this book, but I can’t. There were a few diamonds in the rough, but not enough to stand out and make up for the rest.

The stories themselves aren’t the real problem, though there are a few that are beyond any help. This book just suffers from a huge lack of editing and formatting. It is a horror anthology of primarily unknown authors with the exception of Joe Knetter, a rising horror celebrity. While I am pleased that knew blood is being given a chance, I am saddened by the fact that the entire thing seems so thrown together.

The editing is practically non-existent, with typos and grammar mistakes running wild throughout. And there is a huge consistency problem when it jumps from a 3 page story, to a collection of poems, to a 50 page story and so on.

Basically, I like the concept but it needs more focusing. Still, there is a great deal of promise here, and some authors that I would like to hear from again. With proper organization this series could be a wonderful way to help new authors get their foot in the proverbial door.

Keep an eye out at www.splatbooks.com for future updates.

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