What a wild anthology. Has everything I love about extreme horror. The N word by Shane McKenzie really made me clutch those pearls. It plays into the idea that teenagers are horny little toads and what would they do to screw someone dead and not get caught. This is but a taste of this anthology 🙊

My thanks to Bloodbound books, multiple authors and Netgalley.
I'm fairly sure that this is my third outing in this D.O.A. series. Its difficult to recall, mostly because Amazon deleted most of my reviews a few years ago. "Thanks, asshats!"
Anywho...I mostly enjoyed some of these shorties. It seems that the older I get, the less likely I am to read over the top horror.
Yeah, yeah....I know, getting old is weird! So, books like these are perfect for me. I still get some extreme horror, but in the short form! Much better.
Some of my favorite authors were in this batch of shorties. Some I've read before, but I still enjoyed.

I thought I could stomach these novellas considering I love horror. I was wrong! There are some vile plots in this book and I couldn't even finish after reading only 5 of them. These novellas are very descriptive and while written well, what happens in some of them are beyond comprehension.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The fact that this anthology featured stories by Bentley Little and Kristopher Triana absolutely made me request this ebook from Netgalley.

I don't know what I was expecting, but in my naïvety, I was shocked by the gore and depravity.

I liked it, but I was shocked. 😂

Ok, some things definitely turned my stomach and some topics I would like to avoid in the future. But, all together, it was a 3.5 star read for me, but I rounded it up to 4⭐️.

Just because there are a few stories I wouldn't choose to read again doesn't mean it wasn't a good anthology.

Just check your trigger warnings. If you don't have any triggers, happy reading!

As always, I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to have an advanced ebook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Review Copy

It's been a few years since this anthology came out, but did I notice? Nope. All I saw was DOA on my Netgalley screen and I grabbed thinking there was a new book in the series. That's what happens when old age (read senility) sets in. Ah well, even though I bought this way back in the orange guy's years - weren't those scary enough? - why not reread?

This book is packed with authors any horror fan will easily recognize: Jack Ketchum, Kristopher Rufty, Kristopher Triana, Shane MacKenzie, John Skipp...so many more.

From the ABC's of splatterpunk to the N Word of necrophilia on to extreme sex and revenge horror, this anthology feeds all the sickest secrets people hide.

Maybe if enough copies sell there really will be a new book in the series. It could happen.

Some of these stories are a punch to the gut. I liked it a lot.
Not for the faint of heart at all. Gruesome and graphic.
I think you will have fun with the stories in this collection.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

D.O.A. III, edited by S.C. Mendes, is a visceral and unflinching anthology that pushes the boundaries of horror fiction. Featuring contributions from renowned authors like Bentley Little, Kristopher Triana, and the late Jack Ketchum, this collection is not for the faint of heart. It is a testament to the enduring appeal of extreme horror, offering readers a rollercoaster of emotions from sheer terror to dark humor.

The anthology opens with a bang, setting a relentless pace that rarely lets up. Each story is a unique exploration of fear, gore, and the macabre, showcasing the diverse voices and styles of its contributors. From the grotesque to the psychologically disturbing, D.O.A. III covers a wide spectrum of horror, ensuring that there is something to unsettle every reader.

One of my favorites is Bentley Little’s contribution, which delves into the horrors lurking in everyday life. Little’s ability to turn the mundane into the terrifying is on full display, making readers question the safety of their own surroundings. Kristopher Triana’s story, on the other hand, is a masterclass in splatterpunk, with vivid descriptions and a relentless pace that leaves little room for respite.

Jack Ketchum’s story is a haunting reminder of his legacy in the horror genre. Known for his ability to tap into the darkest corners of the human psyche, Ketchum delivers a tale that is both chilling and thought-provoking. His contribution is a fitting tribute to his career, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

The anthology’s strength lies in its variety. Each story brings something different to the table, whether it’s a new twist on a classic horror trope or an entirely original concept. The pacing of the collection is well-balanced, with shorter, punchier stories interspersed with longer, more complex narratives. This variety keeps the reader engaged, never knowing what to expect next.

D.O.A. III is not just about shock value; it also explores deeper themes of human nature, morality, and the thin line between sanity and madness. The stories often force readers to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves and the world around them. This introspective element adds depth to the collection, elevating it beyond mere gore and violence.

InD.O.A. III is a must-read for fans of extreme horror. It is a bold and unapologetic anthology that delivers on its promise to shock, disturb, and entertain. S.C. Mendes and the contributing authors have created a collection that is both a celebration of the genre and a challenge to its boundaries. Whether you’re a seasoned horror aficionado or new to the genre, D.O.A. III is sure to leave a lasting impression. Just be sure to read it with the lights on.

A fantastic anthology. Has some of the biggest names in the splatterpunk genre. Each story was unique and well written, I liked them all. Not too many anthologies are this successful. Will be reading the first two DOA's as well.

Ok first off- the warning on this was not lying. This book is gory, graphic, disgusting, and vomit-inducing. There is also some sexual content in this so skip this entire book if you're already feeling a little sick just from reading reviews. To be frank, a couple of these stories had me needing the lights on to sleep because I was just so creeped out. If you're an extreme horror fan, you'll love this book!

As to be expected, this collection of stories were gory, graphic, disgusting, and disturbing. I enjoyed some stories more than others, which is why I rated this the way I did. It’s was nice getting to explore some horror authors that I wasn’t previously familiar with, and I appreciated the blurb about the author after the story. If you can stomach it and enjoy graphic horror, pick this up to explore stories of some great horror writers! Thank you to NetGalley and Blood Bound Books for providing me with an ARC of DOA III in exchange for an honest review.

I DNF’d. Not for me. The extreme sexual situations made my stomach turn. I guess that’s the point? I thought I could handle it, but I couldn’t.

**Review of *S.O.A III***

*S.O.A III* is the third and final installment in the Unholy Trinity D.O.A. series from Blood Bound Books, and it boldly pushes the boundaries of extreme horror literature. With contributions from an impressive roster of authors, including the likes of Bentley Little, John Skipp, and Jack Ketchum, this anthology promises a visceral experience that is not for the faint of heart.

From the opening pages, readers are thrust into a world where shock value reigns supreme. The stories are unapologetically graphic, weaving together grotesque imagery and disturbing themes that challenge conventional horror narratives. Each tale is a unique exploration of human depravity, often combining elements of dark humor with gut-wrenching horror, resulting in a reading experience that is both unsettling and exhilarating.

The sheer diversity of voices in this anthology is one of its standout features. Each author brings their distinct style and perspective, ensuring that no two stories feel alike. Some pieces delve into psychological horror, exploring the darkest corners of the human mind, while others embrace visceral gore in a way that leaves a lasting impression. The collection effectively balances moments of levity with shocking brutality, creating a rollercoaster of emotions that keeps readers engaged.

While the extreme nature of the content may alienate some, for fans of boundary-pushing horror, *S.O.A III* delivers on its promise to provoke strong reactions—laughter, tears, and even nausea. It's a bold statement on the limits of human experience and the complexities of fear, blending horror and commentary in a way that feels relevant to contemporary societal issues.

Visually, the anthology is well-designed, with a layout that complements the intense narratives. The cover art and illustrations reflect the raw energy of the stories, making it a visually striking addition to any horror collection.

In conclusion, *S.O.A III* is a triumphant finale to the Unholy Trinity D.O.A. series. It challenges readers to confront their limits and provides a thrilling, if harrowing, exploration of extreme horror. This anthology is a must-read for aficionados of the genre who crave stories that push boundaries and leave a lasting impact. Just be prepared for an experience that will haunt you long after the final page is turned.

This review is for an ARC copy received from the publisher through NetGalley. I wanted to read this collection because Jack Ketchum is one of my absolute all-time favorite authors, but most of the stories were too extreme for my tastes. I like extreme horror, but I don't like extreme sexual material, and many of these stories contained rape or sexual mutilation. I got tired of reading the words "cunt" and "cock" every other sentence. There are some good stories in this collection, but I did not enjoy most of them. I can only recommend this for people who enjoy the most extreme splatterpunk.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this arc!!

I really enjoyed this book. More than I thought I would. I liked the characters! Great writing style and I liked the storyline. This book kept me guessing. I finished it in one sitting.

DOA III: Extreme Horror Anthology, is an audacious and relentless dive into the darker, grittier side of horror literature. For fans of the extreme horror genre, this anthology doesn’t just test boundaries—it shatters them.

As there are so many stories I'd like to break down the books strengths and thing to keep in mind.
Strengths:
• Excels in presenting different subgenres within extreme horror, from psychological dread to graphic splatterpunk. This variety helps maintain a sense of suspense as the reader never knows what to expect next.

• Stories are unafraid to push boundaries and challenge societal taboos. The authors explore themes of violence, madness, and depravity with a level of honesty that is both impressive and unsettling.

• Some of the stories stand out for their vivid and disturbing imagery, leaving a lasting impression that lingers long after the book is closed. It’s not just about shock value—many of the stories are genuinely creative in their approach to horror. (my personal favorite being "Skipp's Splatterpunk Alphabet Souffle")

Now onto somethings to keep in mind.

• As with many anthologies, there’s some inconsistency in the quality of the stories. While most are engaging and well-written, a few rely too heavily on shock value without much narrative substance. (this is complete personal preference of course)

• Some stories cross the line into gratuitous violence, which might feel more exploitative than genuinely horrifying. It embraces the extreme in every sense, and while that’s a selling point for some, it can be off-putting for others.(read your trigger warnings folks)

• The anthology is unapologetically extreme, which makes it a niche read. This is not a collection for casual horror fans or those with a low tolerance for graphic content.

My over all impression is that for a seasoned extreme horror fan I believe this book to be fun to push boundaries, it's a must-read. This collection revels in the grotesque!

(I received this book as an arc and am freely writing my own thoughts and opinions)

I got this for review on netgally.

It's odd to say I enjoyed it as the stories was messed up, gory and disgusting but I like that type of horror. Like any other anthology I enjoyed some stories a lot more and some a lot less. But overall it was a good collection with a lot of diffrent stories but definitely a book you need to be careful for what time you read it. Wouldn't recommend reading it before or after you eat.

I had apparently already purchased and read this previously but reviewing here as I requested it haha.

This is great just like the previous two.
I love the short little looks into the authors brains and these type of books always introduce me to a new to me author.

This book was amazing to read, gross, disgusting, graphic, everything it promised to give it delivered.

so many authors i had never heard of before, it was nice to see how so many can come together and make an amazing anthology like this one