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3.81 AVERAGE
3.81 AVERAGE
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
dark
emotional
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
tense
fast-paced
The good: The protagonists, especially the last two, were interesting and well-drawn. You want them to make it, even when it’s been telegraphed that they likely won’t. The horror was real and very … squirmy and squeamy - the kind that makes you vaguely ill. Body horror done well.
The bad: The entire premise is pretty thin (haha) and unbelievable. The added danger of having one of the kids be a complete sociopath was pretty ridiculous and unnecessary.
The verdict: overrated. If you want a much better version of a similar story, read The Ruins by Scott Smith.
The bad: The entire premise is pretty thin (haha) and unbelievable. The added danger of having one of the kids be a complete sociopath was pretty ridiculous and unnecessary.
The verdict: overrated. If you want a much better version of a similar story, read The Ruins by Scott Smith.
A deeply affecting and memorable read. I'm sure many comparisons have been drawn to The Ruins, which is one of my favourite books, so it makes sense I'd enjoy this one just as much.
Though it's wonderfully written, I do think the book suffers in places from an overuse of simile. The imagery itself is stark and gorgeous, but when something is likened to four or five other things in one paragraph, the picture gets a little muddled. Personally, I loved the graphic nature of the book; it sells the story. There's only one scene that I feel didn't serve a purpose (involving a kitten - the suggestion would have been more effective in this case).
The characters and their dynamics were completely believable and engaging to me. The slow reveal of the truth behind the infection was the perfect counterpoint to the main story.
I'll remember this one for a long time.
Though it's wonderfully written, I do think the book suffers in places from an overuse of simile. The imagery itself is stark and gorgeous, but when something is likened to four or five other things in one paragraph, the picture gets a little muddled. Personally, I loved the graphic nature of the book; it sells the story. There's only one scene that I feel didn't serve a purpose (involving a kitten - the suggestion would have been more effective in this case).
The characters and their dynamics were completely believable and engaging to me. The slow reveal of the truth behind the infection was the perfect counterpoint to the main story.
I'll remember this one for a long time.
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Rounded up from a 2.5. This book definitely relies a bit too heavily on cliches and becomes predictable subsequently. We’re introduced to all these characters almost as if they’re archetypal. The characters might as well be called “the jock” or “the fat kid” because, for the most part, the characters exclusively act in line with the archetype that is all laid out for us in the exposition of the novel. Virus horror is primarily predicated on the fear of the unknown and the unpredictable and how merciless nature can be towards man. When all the characters fall in line with exactly who they are, the horror loses a lot of meaning. There really is no fear because all of the characters do exactly what’s expected of them. The virus in this novel could have been an actual axe wielding psychopath, and the story would’ve unfolded in the exact same way. All and all, a bit disappointing given my expectation for what this novel could’ve been.
horrific! but in a good way. utterly messed up and weird. i might've gained a new fear reading this.
