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theatricalreader's review against another edition
This is a thing that was read and I’m not sure how to feel about it.
Also, I’m not sure if this happened in the book but in the audiobook, there were a few scenes that were repeated?
One thing, the writing was VERY easy to read but the sentences were a bit choppy.
Also, I’m not sure if this happened in the book but in the audiobook, there were a few scenes that were repeated?
One thing, the writing was VERY easy to read but the sentences were a bit choppy.
whatmeworry's review against another edition
3.0
This is slight even by Laymon's standards, but still an entertaining (if frequently disgusting) way to spend a few hours. Was interesting to read in the intro that Laymon never achieved much success in the US.
gunnarbooks's review against another edition
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Blood, Body horror, Cannibalism, Gore, Incest, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual violence, Torture, and Violence
shane's review against another edition
4.0
Good ol Richard. Oh how I love thee. I've not read much of Richard Laymon so far but I intend to put that right as soon as possible. He reminds me very much of a well loved old slasher movie, or the best of Hammer Horror as seen through a few decades of rose-tinted nostalgia.
This version was put together by his daughter from his original writings after the original publisher messed up the editing when it was first published. I've not seen the original version but absolutely loved this one. It's not overly original at first glance, being a kind of Hills Have Eyes type of story, but it certainly does manage to surprise as the story moves on and has some very nice little twists and touches that I didn't expect. The main characters are portrayed quite well, or at least, well enough anyway, and I'd heartily recommend this to anyone who either wants to try some Richard Laymon or who has a weird love for old, atmospheric slasher movies. The sex isn't actually nearly as graphic as I'd thought it was going to be and somehow even the violence isn't up there with some of the more modern novels you get these days, so it fits right in with that classic slasher feel.
Anyway, very good read. Highly recommended.
This version was put together by his daughter from his original writings after the original publisher messed up the editing when it was first published. I've not seen the original version but absolutely loved this one. It's not overly original at first glance, being a kind of Hills Have Eyes type of story, but it certainly does manage to surprise as the story moves on and has some very nice little twists and touches that I didn't expect. The main characters are portrayed quite well, or at least, well enough anyway, and I'd heartily recommend this to anyone who either wants to try some Richard Laymon or who has a weird love for old, atmospheric slasher movies. The sex isn't actually nearly as graphic as I'd thought it was going to be and somehow even the violence isn't up there with some of the more modern novels you get these days, so it fits right in with that classic slasher feel.
Anyway, very good read. Highly recommended.
mikekaz's review against another edition
4.0
While not as complex as some of his latter books, THE WOODS ARE DARK is still an extremely strong novel with a rawness to it that makes for excellent reading. I found out afterwards that the edition I read was actually a reissue of Laymon's second horror novel. The only difference that makes is the previously mentioned rawness that permeates the novel.
The action starts from the first page and comes at you fast and heavy. Three groups of people are attacked by the cannibalistic forest-dwelling family called the Krulls. For centuries, the local town has provided them waylaid travelers as food and breeding mates. The three groups (hikers, a vacationing family and a local) deal with the attacks differently and try to survive as best they can.
This is where Laymon is his best. His characters are reduced to their base core, surviving on instincts and reverting to carnal and violent desires. The book is savage and violent and not something that portrays humans in their best light. But hey, maybe this is the best when you find yourself attacked by cannibalistic humanoid forest dwellers.
The action starts from the first page and comes at you fast and heavy. Three groups of people are attacked by the cannibalistic forest-dwelling family called the Krulls. For centuries, the local town has provided them waylaid travelers as food and breeding mates. The three groups (hikers, a vacationing family and a local) deal with the attacks differently and try to survive as best they can.
This is where Laymon is his best. His characters are reduced to their base core, surviving on instincts and reverting to carnal and violent desires. The book is savage and violent and not something that portrays humans in their best light. But hey, maybe this is the best when you find yourself attacked by cannibalistic humanoid forest dwellers.
martinroberts's review against another edition
3.0
Gory pulp horror in the tradition of Jack Ketchum’s Off Season, which is a better book. The original version of Richard Laymon’s second novel is far from the best of his writing. It’s a quick read, though there’s a lot of rape and sexual violence, which, in my opinion, is overused in this book. I’ve read a lot of horror and I’m far from squeamish, but this balls to the wall approach just weakens the impact of horror for me.
Slight spoilers ahead...
Characters just seem to descend into madness and savagery far too quickly. Some of the victims behave like the savage ‘Krulls’ and it just feels a little too forced to me.
Not the best place to start reading Richard Laymon’s books, I’d recommend starting with Savage, A Night in Lonesome October or The Cellar.
Slight spoilers ahead...
Characters just seem to descend into madness and savagery far too quickly. Some of the victims behave like the savage ‘Krulls’ and it just feels a little too forced to me.
Not the best place to start reading Richard Laymon’s books, I’d recommend starting with Savage, A Night in Lonesome October or The Cellar.
thejessleigh's review against another edition
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
brittneyreadsbooks's review against another edition
1.5
I have never had a positive experience with this guy and with this being book three in my Laymon journey, I think it’s time to accept that it’s not going to get better and possibly burn the books of his that I own. I don’t want to donate them and subject some poor, unsuspecting soul to the same rubbish that I’ve had to endure.
In saying that, this book was nowhere near as bad as the first two I read. (Note: even terrific by Laymon standards is still fucking awful). The writing flowed nice and quickly – it wasn’t good, by any means – but it made for easy reading. The premise itself was also really interesting; a town working together to kidnap travellers as they pass through and sacrificing them to the cannibals living in the woods; told from three different perspectives, has all the promise for a fun read.
But. It was written by Laymon. So of course, the plot was littered with nipples feeling so good as they pressed against a t-shirt, secret gay longings between best friends, legs, more nipples, rape, misogyny (obviously), and the pièce de résistance of this particular novel: women masturbating with human bones while witnesses the aforementioned rape. I mean, what’s not to love?
Again, Laymon has revolted me in his representation of women and the purpose they serve in his writing.
“You love him, don’t you?” - The secretly gay best friend says, after watching her friend have sex with this man outside while the cannibals closed in around them.
“Yes” - Her friend responds, in reference to the man who, not even 24 hours ago, kidnapped her and left her as a sacrifice but then went back to rescue her because he liked the look of her.
Nope. Nope and nope.
.
⭐️
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