Blood

John Bruni delivers a harrowing narrative in Blood, tracing the life of Mickey Scarlet. A former police officer turned ex-convict, Mickey relies on an inner beast forged by childhood abuse to survive his harsh reality. Lucifer Robinson offers him work as a retainer for illegal acts, pulling Mickey into a phantasmagorical world populated by monsters and lowlifes. The story follows Mickey’s desperate quest to find his estranged wife and meet his child, even as he loses control of his own agency within this criminal enterprise. Bruni, known for Poor Bastards and Rich Fuck$ and Dong of Frankenstein, crafts a tale deeply rooted in the cycles of abuse. The narrative examines how trauma creates lasting horror, blending elements of gothic fiction with gritty urban crime. Brian Keene describes Bruni’s style as a blend of Edward Lee and Jeremy Robert Johnson, suggesting a unique voice in supernatural horror. This book suits readers who appreciate dark character studies and psychological terror. It may not appeal to those seeking lighthearted genre fare or clear moral resolutions. The text does not offer easy answers. Mickey’s journey is one of survival and loss, set against a backdrop of supernatural dread. The narrative structure follows his descent into the underworld of Lucifer Robinson’s operations. Bruni uses this framework to explore the legacy of violence. The story remains focused on Mickey’s internal struggle and external dangers. It concludes with Mickey still trapped in the cycle he cannot escape.