There are monsters and gore and complete gonzo lunacy, but there are also a deep pictures of friendship, grief, loss, and how close we are to becoming what we fear.I literally could not put this down. It’s a perfect story, equally beautiful and demented fun. I can’t wait until the next one.

Great story, well-developed characters, defined voice-all around gold!!

Stephen Schreffler's debut novel The Bleed is a masterful blend of 90s nostalgia and epic storytelling, drawing readers into the eerie small town of Grafting, Michigan, where the boundaries between dimensions—and realities—are shattered.At the heart of The Bleed the profound friendship between Barry and Lich, two misfit teens whose bond transcends mere camaraderie, resembling more of a brotherhood forged through shared trauma and fierce loyalty. Their relationship is the emotional core of the story, offering moments of heartbreaking tenderness and quiet heroism as they face horrible monsters while grappling with the mundane but real threats of everyday existence - like loss, loneliness, and watching the people we love slowly slip away or abandon us entirely.Schreffler doesn't shy away from the monstrous brutality of humanity but balances it with the deep love found in the families we choose—those unbreakable bonds that are stronger than blood. This duality of human experience—facing down both the monstrous and the mundane—is what makes The Bleed a standout. It’s a story that resonates on multiple levels, reflecting our deepest fears and the enduring hope that love, in its many forms, can prevail even in the darkest times.In The Bleed, Schreffler crafts a tale that is as humbling as it is harrowing. Schreffler is a confident storyteller, writing in a conversational tone that makes you feel like you’re relaxing into a comfy chair next to a cozy fire as the tale unwinds. I was hooked from the start, often in tears as I witnessed the rich cast of characters face battles both big and small, pulled into a story all at once magnificent and relatable. I can’t wait to see what this new author has in store and am eagerly awaiting the sequel!

The tapestry of the northern Michigan setting of this novel was the perfect backdrop for an exciting story. The setting felt real, as did the characters in the dynamic of adolescent outcasts Barry and Lich literally bring down the house with their over the top musical performance. And the storyline continues to uncover layers of intricacy in the adventure. A lot of fun to read.

This book is an epic, fever-dream-fuelled adventure, featuring some of the most loveable losers I've ever read, and some of the most creative ideas I've seen in a while.Barry and Lich, two washed-up losers in high school, have to save the world from their evil dopplegangers. And interdimensional spiders. Yeah.If you liked "John Dies At the End", "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure" or "Free Burn", you'll enjoy this book.