Bad Blood

The First Book of the Aphotic

By: Tobin Elliott

Narrated by: Jenn Johnson

Sometimes, the ties that bind can break you.

It's 1975, and nine-year-old Talia is not happy. Everything has been different since her little sister Alex came along. Since her dad left. Since all her mother's attention has been focused on anyone and everything but Talia.

It's definitely all Alex's fault. Talia hates Alex. She just wants things to be like they used to be. When her dad was home. When everyone cared about her. When there was no Alex.

Then she's given a book. One that's special. One that seems only for her. One that can help her take all her anger and frustration and rage and … unleash it.

Now, Talia will make them all pay.

But everything comes with a price. And some things must be paid in blood.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2022, 2023, 2024 Tobin Elliott (P)2024 Tobin Elliott

Whew, what a short, brutal ride

I really enjoyed this story and I've already started in on the next one, Out For Blood.
There are a lot of stories about some magical, mystical artifact that falls into an unsuspecting character's hands, but this one is unapologetically brutal. As a side note, I wrote a story for a creative writing class in college about a watch that the wearer could use to stop time. Hacky? Absolutely. But, it was fun writing it anyway.
Anywho, Bad Blood is much less hacky than my short story was - filled with the angst of a girl being raised by a single mom, blaming that mom for her father leaving and the consequences (unintended or not) of her actions.
There's a fair amount of violent acts in the story and a scene or two that made me squirm a bit, but overall I really enjoyed this and am enjoying its sequel.
I suppose I should add that I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a review. Mr. Elliott was nice enough to share it with me and encouraged a review whether I liked it or not and I'm happy to report that I'm being truthful in my review as I will be for the book's sequel.

Great story

Definitely for someone who enjoys horror. It’s was intriguing and creepy as well. I wasn’t expecting the end which made it more enjoyable but still a bit fucked. Good horror book.

Creepy possessed book tale

Well told and well paced horror story, creepy kid and a horrifying book. Talia is given a possessed book and as the book reveals itself to her she grows and changes and exacts revenge.

refreshingly dark

The narrative draws you in like a warm bath, slowly coming to a boil before you realize it's to late to get out. Exceptional.

New Levels of Creepiness

This was my first entry into the horror genre, and it was not what I expected. At first, because I am of a certain vintage, it hit me with some levels of nostalgia that kind of comforted me, and helped me relate to the atmosphere and characters in the book. Then however, as things progress, Tobin took those comfy, nostalgic feelings and twisted them into a level a of creepiness I didn't know existed. This was a nice change from the typical types of horror you normally get in movies. This was new and uncomfortable to me, but in an entertaining way. I definitely recommend this book, and look forward to checking out the other books in the series!