Moonflow by Bitter Karella is definitely not for the mild-mannered. The content warning at the start is a clear heads-up. And wow, that warning is packed. But if you know what you’re getting into, it’s a wild and truly unforgettable ride.
The story is pure splatterpunk horror: gory, shocking and often downright unsettling. I was hooked from the start: eager to uncover the secrets of the mysterious forest and of course, the psychedelic mushrooms at the center of it all. Throw in queer characters just trying to survive (or fully embrace their chaotic ways), an over-the-top hidden cult and an utterly strange forest setting. You’ve got a story that’s chaotic, creepy and irresistibly bizarre.
The pacing is mostly strong, keeping you invested in the horror and the mystery. But some of those shock moments were a bit too much for me. And also the ending? It could have moved a bit faster, and the final revelations didn’t quite hit the satisfying note I was hoping for.
All in all, I enjoyed the story. But be aware: it’s intense and sometimes hard to dive into. Not because it’s bad, but because it can be quite heavy. Fans of horror and the truly bizarre will find it a unique, unsettling and memorable read.
