An Army Of Skin – Morgan K. Tanner

Reviewed by Steve Stred

When I was a young kid and first finding my way in all things horror, me and my friend Chad would frequently rent VHS tapes from a lady a few houses away.  She had a small rental business and every few months she would swap out the tapes from the local theatre with some ‘newer’ releases.

It was during one of these trips that I first discovered the creepy cheese-fest known as Dr. Giggles.  I believe I liked the movie, but what I do remember is it created a passion for medical horror.

When done right and done well, Doctors and hospitals can create one of the creepiest atmospheres out there.  When its an abandoned hospital even better.

This is Morgan K. Tanner’s debut novella and it shows why Indie Authors and Indie Horror shouldn’t be over looked by the reading public.  Sure some indie releases are not great, poor editing, shoddy cover blah blah, but when done well, we get releases that can knock your socks off.  This is one such release. 

From the simply gorgeous artwork by M.R. Tapia to the story within, Morgan took the time to craft a release that is as professionally well done as any large publishing house.

The story inside is brutal.  It is a harrowing, haunting trip through our main character Trevor King’s head as he goes further down the throes of a full on psychological meltdown.

The writing is graceful but filled with a sense of urgency throughout, making you feel like you are propelled to carry on, to keep moving forward.  Thankfully the story is so well done and top notch, that reading it and devouring it won’t be an issue.

The secondary, anatomical story line is really a nice topping on the cake and Tanner dives back and forth with ease.

I read this over the course of a half day and couldn’t wait to jump back into it when I found a spare moment.

The descent into utter madness is phenomenal and this release will put Morgan on a number of 2019’s best debut releases, best novellas and best new authors.

Star Rating (out of 5): 5*

After losing his mother to a brain tumour, Trevor King feels totally alone in the world. Someone needs to pay for her death and Dr Mellick, Trevor’s work colleague and family GP, is the man he holds responsible. Trevor’s yearning for vengeance leads him to concoct a vicious plot to frame the doctor for multiple murders. Trevor skins the corpses, turning them into elaborate art pieces after being inspired by a mysterious textbook. But as the skins of the flayed victims come to life and continue the killings for him, Trevor wonders whether he is in too deep.When Dr Mellick goes missing Trevor becomes convinced the doctor is planning a similar scheme to bring him down.But as Trevor discovers the truth of his mother’s death and his own life, this murderous path becomes more of a calling.

You can buy An Army Of Skin from Amazon UK & Amazon US

Steve Stred

Steve has a new book out will ALL PROCEEDs going to charity!

You can buy Dim The Sun from Amazon US & Amazon UK

Steve Stred is an up-an-coming Dark Horror author. Steve is the author of the novel Invisible, the novellas Wagon Buddy, Yuri and Jane: the 816 Chronicles and two collections of short stories; Frostbitten: 12 Hymns of Misery and Left Hand Path: 13 More Tales of Black Magick.

Steve also has a number of works on the go and enjoys all this horror, occult, supernatural and paranormal.

Steve Stred is based in Edmonton, AB, Canada and lives with his wife, his son and their dog Oj.

You can follow Steve on Twitter @stevestred

You can visit Steve’s Official Website here