Playground was unlike any book I have ever read in the horror genre in the past.
The artistically splattered canvas captures the nuanced shades of human nature and the unflinching reality of familial dynamics, which can catalyze unforgivable actions and a loss of empathy. Aaron Beauregard masterfully depicts scenes, sensory, and mood shifts through his use of macabre vocabulary while children navigate a ‘test playground’ as parents watch. His elements of horror are creative to construct diabolical equipment, showing the inner seeding of family dynamics, and even in the depths, empathy can still exist. His words, storyline, and attention to detail are rewarding. Characters are so detailed it brought me feelings of my past I felt my blood rise and I wanted to book the book down, but I wanted to win and finish. Any book that can move me like this, is an absolute winner. What I appreciate most in a book is how a theme is set and it runs through each page. This book solidifies my need cover to-cover.
This was my initial encounter with the literary works of Mr. Beauregard. As I delve into the creation of my own psychological thriller, I cannot help but ponder whether my writing delves into a darker realm than I had previously acknowledged.
Playground offers a unique and thought-provoking exploration of the horror genre, standing apart from any other literary work I have encountered. With a masterful hand, Aaron Beauregard skillfully delves into the complexities of human nature and the intricacies of familial relationships, revealing the potential for unspeakable deeds and a loss of empathy. Through his use of evocative language and vivid imagery, Beauregard paints a chilling picture of children navigating a perilous ‘test playground’ while their parents observe. His inventive and diabolical horror elements serve to expose the deep-rooted dynamics within families, while also showcasing the resilience of empathy even in the darkest of circumstances. The detailed characters evoked a visceral reaction in me, resurfacing memories from my own past and compelling me to both put the book down and yet continue reading to the end. Any literary work that can evoke such strong emotions is undoubtedly a triumph. As a writer in the psychological thriller genre myself, I found myself questioning if perhaps I am capable of even darker storytelling than I previously thought. Beauregard’s effective use of a central theme that permeates every page further solidifies my admiration for this book, making it a must-read from cover to cover. Overall, Playground has left a lasting impression on me and has certainly earned its rightful place among the ranks of exceptional horror literature.”
This was my initial encounter with the literary works of Mr. Beauregard. As I delve into the creation of my own psychological thriller, I cannot help but ponder whether my writing delves into a darker realm than I had previously acknowledged.
Art/Literary/Affiliates 