Did I read an ARC of this collection even though it was published well over a month ago?
Yes. Because, as we have seen, I am always late to the party.

The Poorly Made and Other Things is an unsettling, weird, and genuinely creative series of interconnected stories. Although these relate to the author's previous publication, Edenville, it isn't necessary to read it first. (I haven't, but I am definitely interested in it now!)
I find it difficult at times to rate short stories, especially in a collection like this where they all share a universe. I do believe it is far more than the sum of its parts, though. There were many excellent stories, although a couple that I thought dragged on for a bit too long, but my favorite element was definitely the interstitial chapters from Rachel to her brother. These chapters shared the real horror behind the setting.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Marrow for the ARC of this book.

I loved how all of the stories interconnected. This is the first book I read by this author and I then discovered these are connected to his first book. I do wish I had realized that before, I think it would have really added to this, but I will go and read that.

Overall: 4/5
Narration: 4.5/5

What a perfectly gory and horrific bundle of joy! Thanks NetGalley & William Morrow for this egalley!

If you don’t like horror books, you probably won’t enjoy this one. But as someone who loves horror, this was an immediate 4.5 out of 5 stars for me. I don’t want to deep-dive into individual stories or spoil anything—I want you to go in as blindly as I did—because there’s something so gory and unsettling about this collection that I just really enjoyed. Even individually, the lowest rating I had for a story was three stars, and that was more because it just didn’t do much for me personally rather than it being bad. At the same time, I’ve already seen that among horror readers, people have completely different favorites, which speaks to how strong this collection is.

This is especially true because of how interconnected the stories feel. And I know I’m not alone in saying that the in-between, transitional pieces were some of the most gripping parts of the book. Not to say that they were better than the actual stories, but they were so well done. Personally, I would love to see this as a limited horror anthology series. I can already picture each episode starting with someone at a computer typing out that email before transitioning into the next story. I know I say that a lot, but I also love horror TV and film, and I genuinely think this could translate really well on screen.

Another huge plus? The audiobook. It absolutely did not disappoint. The narration elevated a lot of the tension and atmosphere in a way that kept me fully engaged. I rated it 4.5 out of 5 stars, deducting just a bit because there were one or two stories that could’ve been a little shorter.

If you’re a horror reader, I highly recommend checking this one out. But be warned—this book is packed with all kinds of horror, and if body horror makes you uncomfortable, this will be a tough read. If you’re not into body horror, gore, or horror in general, do not pick this up. I don’t want to hear people giving it negative reviews just because they don’t like horror and this book disturbed them. That’s literally the point. If you’re even slightly on the fence about horror, I’d say pick up something else, because this one is for people who appreciate all things strange, creepy, and unsettling.

Individual Story Ratings:

Hector Brim – 4.5/5
My Name is Ellie – 5/5
Detour – 3/5
Wag – 5/5
Red X – 3.5/5
10PM on Southbound G – 4/5
So My Cousin Knew This Guy – 3.5/5
Allison’s Face – 5/5
And Every Thursday We Feed the Cats – 4.5/5
Glitch – 3/5

The Poorly Made And Other Things is absolutely flawless. This collection of stories all connected by Edenville and the even bigger Renfield County, depicts all the strange goings on in the area. The one-sided email thread between a brother and sister is perfectly utilized to tie the pieces together and give us an overall goal. This collection and its execution are absolutely brilliant.

Normally when I review short story collections, I will put the story list down below and show how I rate each story out of 5. For Poorly Made, that would be useless exercise - every story in this collection is a 5/5. There are absolutely no duds. There's batshit insanity for the vast VAST majority and in the best way possible.

There's crazy gore splattered throughout. The weird happenings and obsessions and rituals and abilities and and and and... I could go on and on. And I will if you let me.

The Poorly Made And Other Things is a genius creation and a collection of stories I will be thinking about for a VERY LONG TIME. I loved every page, every story, every wacky character. Sam asked me to name favorite stories and I rattled off 5, and then felt bad I didn't name them all
It's hands-down a 5/5. l'd go higher if I could.

Poorly made was so damn good, I will 100% be revisiting it and Edenville before his next book, Galloway's Gospel, comes out in September. Who's with me??

The Poorly Made and Other Things
Sam Rebelein

A very creepy, odd, gothic, atmospheric collection.
Left me feeling very unnerved.
I can't wait to take another trip to Reinfield.
Reads like a scenic route through Derry, Maine.

5 / 5

The Poorly Made and Other Things by Sam Rebelien is a collection of interconnected short stories that revolve around a county inflected with madness and bloodlust. Renfield County is a seemingly idyllic place but as we discover, is anything but ideal. My favorite part was the series of emails sent via Rachel Durwood and her brother, who appears to be refusing to answer her pleas of forgiveness. With in the lines, the gruesome origins of Renfield are reveled. In between the emails, are short stories exploring different horrific events that occur within the county.

Hector Brim - 3⭐️ - ending threw me for a bit of a loop
My Name is Ellie - 3⭐️ - great story (but I struggled with the writing style)
Detour - 4⭐️ - makes you want to avoid long scenic drives
Wag - 5⭐️ - still thinking about this one!
Red X - 4⭐️ - something was missing to knock this oke out of the park for me but what an ending!
10 PM on the Southbound 6 - 5⭐️ - Short and sweet
So My Cousin Knew This Guy - 5⭐️ - Remember to just relax
Allison’s Face - 5⭐️ - I connected with the main character in a way that disturbs me.
Every Thursday We Feed The Cats - 5⭐️ - explains all the strays
Glitch - 5⭐️ - I don’t think the title fits but the story was maddening.
Intersetial- 5⭐️

This is a collection of very disturbing, and sometimes depressing, short stories set in Renfield County. And in between the stories are emails from Rachel to her brother Tom. I overall really liked the stories. So My Cousin Knew This Guy and Allison's face were probably the creepiest and most disturbing to me. I haven't read Edenville, but after reading this, I'm definitely going to soon.

•Hector Brim- 4.5
•My Name is Ellie- 5
•Detour- 4
•Wag- 4
•Red X- 4
•10 PM on the Southbound G- 3.5
•So My Cousin Knew This Guy- 5
•Allison's Face- 4
•And Every Thursday We Feed the Cats- 4
•Glitch- 4

Wow! I had not read Rebelein’s prior book Edenville so I was unprepared for the depth and darkness of this collection set in the same universe. The stories span virtually every subgenre of horror and do it incredibly well. Each one is set in or about Renfield county in upstate New York where a long time ago – no one is sure exactly *how* long – things began to go wrong. What’s interesting is that despite the town and its environs being rotten to the core, there is still a population there, going about their daily lives experiencing both mundane and cosmic horror. Connecting each disparate tale is a series of email from a resident of the town who is perhaps going too far down the rabbit hole of the town’s history, recounting that history to her brother who has left Renfield – although it’s not clear that’s even possible.

This book is beautifully written with well-developed characters and truly scary plots. Part of me found each story so compelling it was disappointing to only get a story-length visit with the characters and their plights. But the changing perspectives and voices, and the filling in the puzzle pieces brought by each story was well worth it, and in the end I think a collection of somehow related stories was the right choice.

I’m excited to see what Rebelein brings next, whether it’s set in Renfield or elsewhere! Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow Publishing for a chance to read this ARC.

This is a great collection of interconnected stories. Each story was really unique and gives you a great sense of what is happening in this town; and it's effects on the people there.

This is a really great collection of horror stories that are masterfully woven together. They are all very atmospheric and well written. I would recommend this! I will definitely be checking out Edenville very soon! Special Thank You to Sam Rebelein, William Morrow and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

A wonderfully descriptive book about the horrors of a place county by a history that causes its residents to face and indulge in horrors. The writing in this book is fantastic, especially the way all the different characters have such a distinctive voice, that they all stand out. I particularly like the way the collective pov that inserts itself into some of the stories. The writing is also incredibly vivid and makes the world in the books feel real and clear to see. There were moments where it felt like I could really see what was happening on the page. The horror is also done in an outstanding way, especially when it creeps in slowly, and the reality of what is happening sets in. It's like knowing a jumpscare is coming and waiting for the playoff, and Rebelein pulls it off every time. The connections that slowly build between stories and characters were also really fun and I had a good time trying to catch it. The collection of stories is amazing and I had a great time reading, thank you to Netgalley for the copy, all opinions are my own.

I have no experience with Sam Rebelion or the bodies of work that inspired these tales. Like all collections, I think the put the strongest one first. Man, that was dark! The rest weave back and forth between OK and great and dark and “that was messed up!” Interspersed are some message that I think probably brought the stories into the world of Edenville. I think that this collection will bring more readers to that world.

The Poorly Made and Other Things is one of the most messed up and twisted books I have ever read, and I mean that purely complimentary. Full disclosure, I have not read Sam Rebelein’s Edenville. I didn’t know that this compilation was connected to another book when I requested it, I just really enjoy short story collections. But it isn’t necessary to have read Edenville to pick this one up – I think I’ll be adding that one to my TBR, though.

There were stories here that had me squirming and holding my breath. Rebelein is amazingly creative. The way the stories wove together while also remaining distinct is expertly done. I would recommend this to horror readers, especially those who enjoy cosmic horror, body horror, and aren’t afraid of gore. I’m pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this one.

This was A TON of fun! I absolutely love this strange and gross world Sam is creating with this story collection and his novel Edenville. I think its incredibly imaginative and unique! I loved how all the stories connected in revolving around the wood and founders tale, and also tied together by the linear story thats broken up between all the other shorts. Super engaging and entertaining.

Stories:
- hector brim 5⭐️
- My name is Ellie 5⭐️
- Detour 3⭐️
- Wag 5⭐️
- Red X 5⭐️
- 10pm on southbound 5⭐️
- So my cousin knew this guy 5⭐️
- Allison’s Face pt 1&2 5⭐️
- Every Thursday We Feed the Cats pt 1&2 4⭐️
- Glitch 4.5⭐️
- The Stain (all email sections) 5⭐️

In the interest of full disclosure, I received a copy of this book from the publisher (via Netgalley) in exchange for an honest review;

And I loved it. The Poorly Made and Other Things is a series of ten short stories, connected by an interstitial and the fact that they all occur in Rebelein's Renfield County. I have not (yet) read Edenville, but it's not necessary for an understanding and enjoyment of this book.

Two stories weren't my cup of tea, but I think they were very well written. I particularly enjoyed Detour and And Every Thursday We Feed The Cats.

This was the most excited I've been about a book in a while. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did.

This was absolutely terrifying in the best way possible. I didn’t realize until reading other reviews that this collection is set in Edenville, a town from another book based in Renfield County. Now, I’m even more intrigued to check out that novel!

What’s especially fascinating is how, despite being written by a single author, each story has a distinct voice. It felt as if multiple writers had contributed, which made the collection even more unique and compelling.

As with any short story collection, some stories were fantastic, others were just okay, and one simply wasn’t for me. But overall, I really enjoyed this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the advanced reader copy. My review is voluntarily my own.

Thanks to NetGalley & William Morrow paperbacks publishing for the chance to read this book.

Not really my type of book so it dragged on a bit long for me, I'm sure it's a great book just not the type I read so I was a bit confused and bored most of the time. However I did read it all the way through and it was pretty great writing and Wildy creative type of story!

I am so thankful to William Morrow, Sam Rebelein, and Netgalley for granting me access to this one before publication day. I really enjoyed this piece and look forward to more from this creator.

This was so well done. I don’t ever love an entire short story collection as much as I enjoyed this. Every single story was amazing.

I cannot recommend this one enough!!

All taking place in Renfield County these stories are connected, but each is very different at the same time. I am telling you, no matter what floats your boat in a horror sense, there is something in this book for you!

This was creepy in a really interesting way. It was very well written with all the interwoven stories. It was a little more gory then my usual fare, but it made sense in the stories.