🧠 Psychological Horror

Broken

✍️ Matt Shaw
Reader Score
4.4
(1 review)
$6.99
In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days
📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A psychological horror about an Arctic sledding trip that breaks the body and mind.

The story follows a man who books an eight-day sledding expedition in the Arctic Circle to escape his ordinary life in England. He expects hardship but is unprepared for the severe physical toll the journey takes on him. Shaw uses this setting to explore themes of endurance and vulnerability. The narrative does not rely on supernatural monsters but rather on the terrifying reality of human limits. The protagonist’s struggle becomes a metaphor for the collapse of identity under extreme pressure. This approach aligns with Shaw’s previous works, which often tackle gritty and controversial subjects. The book offers a relentless look at survival without the safety net of hope or rescue.

Key Themes
Arctic isolation physical breakdown psychological horror
Literary Context

Published in 2016 by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform, this work sits within the tradition of extreme psychological fiction. It draws on the genre's focus on visceral realism and the deconstruction of the self. The narrative reflects a contemporary interest in the limits of human endurance and the stark realities of survival literature.

Difficulty
●●● Challenging
Recommended For Fans Of
Nick Cave's darker narratives · Literary survivalist fiction · Gothic tales of isolation
🧠
Psychological Horror
🏛 Createspace Independent Publishing Platform 📅 2016 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781533354501

📝 Description: Broken

Matt Shaw returns with a psychological horror novel that strips away comfort. The protagonist leaves his mundane existence in England for an eight-day sledding expedition within the Arctic Circle. He anticipates physical difficulty but fails to foresee the extent of his suffering. The narrative focuses on the isolation of the frozen landscape and the gradual dismantling of the human body and mind. Shaw, known for works such as Sick B*stards, PORN, and Rotting Dead F*cks, crafts a story that prioritizes visceral discomfort over traditional plot mechanics. The book examines the fragility of the self when removed from societal structures. Readers seeking gentle escapism will find this text unsuitable. Those interested in extreme survival scenarios and the darker corners of psychological fiction will appreciate the raw intensity. The narrative does not offer redemption or easy answers. It presents a stark view of physical breakdown and mental erosion in a hostile environment.

💎 Our verdict on Broken

“
🩸
Horror Reads editorial team
Horror desk
Shaw crafts a relentless narrative that strips away comfort, focusing on the gradual dismantling of the body and mind in the Arctic Circle. The book excels in portraying the isolation of the frozen landscape and the terrifying reality of human vulnerability. It avoids supernatural crutches, relying instead on the stark horror of physical endurance. This approach creates a visceral experience for readers who enjoy gritty, controversial subjects. The text is unsuitable for those seeking gentle escapism but offers profound insight into the fragility of identity. By prioritizing discomfort over plot, Shaw delivers a unique exploration of survival. It is a demanding yet rewarding read for fans of extreme psychological fiction who appreciate raw intensity and unvarnished realism in their horror literature.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers drawn to the raw intensity of psychological horror will find this book compelling for its unflinching examination of human limits. It suits those who appreciate gritty, controversial subjects and are willing to endure visceral discomfort without the comfort of hope or redemption. The narrative appeals to individuals interested in the darker corners of survival scenarios, offering a stark view of mental erosion and physical breakdown. Those seeking gentle escapism will find this unsuitable, but enthusiasts of extreme fiction will appreciate its relentless focus on the collapse of self under pressure. It is a challenging read for those who value authenticity over traditional plot mechanics.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.4
Based on 1 reviews
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Horror Reads editorial team

Shaw crafts a relentless narrative that strips away comfort, focusing on the gradual dismantling of the body and mind in the Arctic Circle. The book excels in portraying the isolation of the frozen landscape and the terrifying reality of human vulnerability. It avoids supernatural crutches, relying instead on the stark horror of physical endurance. This approach creates a visceral experience for readers who enjoy gritty, controversial subjects. The text is unsuitable for those seeking gentle escapism but offers profound insight into the fragility of identity. By prioritizing discomfort over plot, Shaw delivers a unique exploration of survival. It is a demanding yet rewarding read for fans of extreme psychological fiction who appreciate raw intensity and unvarnished realism in their horror literature.

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