2.5 stars

I am not quite certain this storyline in particular is for me. I found myself quite confused about a lot of elements of the plot, and I kept having to go back and reread certain parts thinking I missed something. I am a little disappointed in my thoughts on this, because the premise really, really intrigued me!

The graffiti words throughout kept pulling me out of the story, which could be an effect that was meant to happen, although I am not certain. I'm not sure if that appears in the rest of the series since I have not read them, but figuring this is a prequel, I felt that was no matter to forge ahead in picking this up.

I did however, really enjoy the atmospheric elements of the book. The writing really puts a reader in that eerie, creepy kind of moment that's being described. The characters were complex and had some intense moments. There was a strong presence of problematic families, a journey through brotherhood friendship, and a whole lot of traumatic history from our two main characters.

I think you would enjoy this if you're a fan of creepy premises, complex characters, and obviously if you already know and love the Bodymore series.

The latest installment in the Bodymore series, this prequel dives into the origin story of KC and Ralph and explores deeper the mythos surrounding the ghosts that haunt Baltimore City.

In a very different but weirdly similar Baltimore, Ralph and KC are the core members of an alt-indie band, Bad Ass Idiot Train, which is probably the most alt-indie band name of all time. From the very start, we learn Ralph is the quiet one, and KC is the wild one. KC’s wildness gets him killed within the first few pages. Why? Because he goes into every fight like he’s got nothing to lose, but of course he could lose his life, and he finally does.

Ralph’s grief is deep and authentic. I’m there with him, wasting away, forgetting what day it is and refusing to take any calls. You see similar strong characterization in the rest of the book. Every character, for good or ill, feels very real. KC and his temper, his disrespect for authority, his quiet shame. Ralph’s desperate, foolish hope. Detective Grant trying to do his job and bring a tiny bit of order to his corner of Baltimore. Even Charon, Val, and Sol, strange and cold in the fulfillment their duties.

Being honest, I found both KC and Ralph frustrating at the start of the book. Ralph is a pushover/martyr, and KC is a jerk. Ruby, the bass guitarist for the band, calls both of them out on it, and she’s right. The book eventually dives into their backstories, a fair amount of trauma, physical and emotional. Given what a hot mess they both are, I’m not surprised. Ralph’s utter passiveness grates on my nerves. As it does for everyone else who meets him. I guess that’s the point.

As usual, the city of Baltimore plays a major role in the story. Not the pretty parts like the Inner Harbor, but the miles and miles of row houses. Cramped and dark, thin-walled, these spaces close in on me. Trash in the streets, boarded up windows, people watching through curtains, the atmosphere is desolate and foreboding. For KC and Ralph, it is home.

The language shines, as it does in all of Kirkpatrick’s novels. Descriptions and character insights are the highlights they always are. My only complaint, and it was almost enough to dock a star, is some exposition that happens in Caedis Silvis when Ralph takes on a new role. I get that certain things require explanations in a story, but this exposition slowed what had been a fast pace down to a crawl.

The pacing is otherwise solid. The book spends a few scenes setting up “normal” before busting it to pieces, and poor Ralph spends the rest of the novel trying to get back to something approximating what KC so foolishly lost. At no point did I stop and think, what is the point, and why are we here? The plot rolls forward, and I was along for the ride. Seriously, it’s a tight plot. Even the flashbacks feel timely and story-relevant.

Bodymore 0 ends on a satisfying note. I mention this for people who read the other Bodymore books featuring Joey, where you have to read all 3 to arrive at the story’s satisfying conclusion. Also, for those who care about such things, it has a positive, hopeful ending. My only wish is that KC had become the character he is by the end, a little sooner, so I could enjoy him more.

Bodymore 0, a prequel to Bodymore Bleed More series, is my first read of this series and author, and definitely not my last. We are introduced to our MC Ralph Raegan and KC, an unlikely match of chosen family through tragic ends and new wild beginnings in a city that hungers for violence.

We follow the band brothers in a literal and figurative sense, and their coming-to-be in an action packed, tragic upbringing in the streets of Baltimore, where they are haunted by the anger, violence and string of bad decisions made for them and by them. Start off strong by the violent death of KC after their band, Bad Ass Idiot Train, play what might be their last gig, only to be changed later on by his even more violent return, and it kicks off what might be a cascade of supernatural incidents around them, who can they trust?

It was filled with action, tragic ends and beginnings, schizophrenic streets literally talking to you, birds, oh so many birds and supernatural strings pulling behind the scenes.

Overall it was a thrill of a ride, can’t mention much without spoiling some of the book, but it was such a good read that plays like a comic book in your head.

I was left of lots of questions after finishing the book, which I’m sure some can be answered in the books after.

I want to thank NetGalley for allowing me to read this ebook ARC in exchange for an honest review.

**Book Review: "Bodymore Zero" by [Author Name]**

In *Bodymore Zero*, the thrilling prequel to *Bleed More*, this author crafts a gripping narrative that blends the chaos of rock and roll with a supernatural undercurrent, exploring themes of friendship, loss, and the darker corners of the human psyche. Set against the backdrop of Baltimore's gritty music scene, the story follows Ralph Reagan, a laid-back drummer caught in the tempest of his best friend KC’s tumultuous life.

From the start, the contrasting personalities of Ralph and KC are vividly drawn. Ralph's quiet nature stands in stark opposition to KC's reckless, destructive behavior, creating a dynamic that resonates with authenticity. Their bond feels like brotherhood, forged in the fires of late-night jam sessions and wild concerts. However, as KC's past begins to haunt him in increasingly sinister ways, the story takes a dark turn that leaves readers questioning the very nature of identity and loyalty.

The author’s ability to weave in elements of horror is masterful. The handprints in KC's house and the relentless voices that echo through Baltimore create an unsettling atmosphere, setting the stage for the supernatural elements that begin to infiltrate their lives. When KC reemerges after what should have been his death, he is transformed—bloodthirsty and volatile, embodying a chilling presence that Ralph must navigate.

Ralph's desperation to restore normalcy while confronting the terrifying changes in KC drives the plot forward with relentless intensity. The stakes are raised as Ralph finds himself at the center of a detective’s investigation, a tangled web of violence and dark forces threatening to engulf him. The interplay between Ralph's mourning for his lost brother and his determination to save him adds a layer of emotional depth that elevates the narrative beyond typical horror tropes.

The writing style is sharp and evocative, painting a vivid picture of Baltimore's underbelly while immersing readers in the band’s chaotic world. The dialogue crackles with authenticity, and the pacing keeps readers on edge, eager to unravel the mystery of what truly happened to KC and what dark forces are at play.

Ultimately, *Bodymore Zero* is a haunting exploration of friendship tested by the supernatural and the profound changes that grief can bring. this author has crafted a tale that is both thrilling and thought-provoking, making this novel a must-read for fans of horror and rock music alike. With its blend of intense character dynamics, supernatural intrigue, and a setting that pulses with life and menace, this book is sure to resonate long after the final page is turned. Highly recommended!

Full disclosure, I have not read the other books in this series, but I did enjoy this one and would read more from this author.