Do you like Extreme Horror books? Do you find yourself encapsulated in the world of grisly torture and graphic violence? Bambi Ortiz sure does! Bambi Ortiz is an Extreme Horror Fan and Reviewer who regularly reads & reviews books in the horror community. Bambi was sweet enough to allow me, Jerry Blaze, to interview her for SPARREW Newsletter.

This interview took place over Facebook Messenger.

(JB = Jerry Blaze, BO = Bambi Ortiz)

JB: So, obligatory question, who are you?

BO: Bambi Ortiz, an extreme horror reviewer and podcast manager

JB: What inspired you to be an author, reviewer, horror fanatic?

BO: It all started when I was 5 and watched Nightmare on Elm Street by myself in the dark. There was just something about the horror, the way people fought for their lives, that just kept me coming back for more

JB: When did you just decide you would review books?

BO: It wasn't until about 2 years ago that I decided, hey, why not share my love of horror with others and also see what other people in the horror community love

JB: What do you look for in a particular book?

BO: A great storyline with creative shock value. I want to be left questioning what I just read

JB: What earns a high rating from you?

BO: Creativity, relatable characters, and the author's ability to not just tell a story, but to pull me into the story

JB: What makes you DNF a book?

BO: Oh man! I don't DNF very often. In order for me to DNF a book, the flow, storyline, and writing that just feels like the author didn't take pride in their work is what can cause me to close a book and walk away

JB: If you could choose a book you’ve read to become a film, what would it be?

BO: Damn it! House Call by Matthew Vaughn, Am I a Monster by J. Boote, Made a Monster by Rob Nelson, Last Call by K.L. Allister, and Master of Bodies by Robert Essig

JB: What kind of horror is your favorite, genre-wise?

BO: Slashers, of course.

JB: What are your top five books (thus far)?

BO: Stop doing this to me! Taste Like Candy by Ivy Tholen, My Heart is a Chainsaw by Stephen Graham Jones, Ass Slasher by RJ Benetti, Knightmare! by Jerry Blaze, Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix

JB: If you were to write a book, what would it be about?

BO: I would definitely write about my almost Hills Have Eyes experience

JB: What authors would you like to see write together?

BO: Honestly, you and Robert Essig

JB: What do you think of reviewers who ask for money for reviews?

BO: I think it's pretty ballsy and disrespectful

JB: What are your thoughts on AI elements in books, covers or writing?

BO: Using AI in writing is tacky. I mean, can a person even claim it as their story at that point? AI for book covers I'm up in the air about. Some authors can't afford a cover designer, and most cover designers won't do it for free, and is an author just not supposed to write because they can't afford a book designer? It's definitely a touchy subject.

JB: What do you think the future holds for the Extreme Horror community?

BO: I think it holds a lot of potential and growth when it comes to new authors, collabs and continued support

JB: Final question, any words of wisdom for aspiring reviewers?

BO: Don't worry about other people's reviews and their style. Be you, and be honest. But don't ever, ever, EVER, tag an author in a bad review. That's just tacky!

Find Bambi Ortiz and her reviews at the following links!

Goodreads

TikTok

Instagram

ABOUT JERRY:

Jerry Blaze is an award-winning author of Horror and Bizarro fiction.

After achieving success in the erotic market, Jerry decided to undertake Extreme Horror/Splatterpunk/Bizarro fiction writing and released several books. Some of his books have been bestsellers on Amazon. He has been awarded the 2025 Golden Wizard Book Prize and the Literary Titan award.

Jerry is a fan of Grindhouse and exploitation films from the 70s and 80s, often modeling his work on them. He currently lives in the American Midwest, but travels often to get inspiration or to run away from angry mobs.