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3.81 AVERAGE
3.81 AVERAGE
I want to say that I enjoyed this but it was just way too graphic for me. The writing was GREAT, but that was also what got to me. The body horror in this was pretty intense & kudos to the author for how easy he made it to visualize everything. This was a fantastic horror story that did its job of making the reader (aka me) twist & squirm.
I read this over Halloween as it was billed - by no less than Stephen King - as ‘terrifying’. I didn’t find it hugely terrifying (maybe I’m just incredibly brave?), more so very, very disgusting. Cool premise - Lord of the Flies meets Cronenberg - but dragged in places and I guess I wanted more yikes and fewer yucks.
Alright, it's time. I've put off writing this review for SO LONG because I was at a loss as how to rate it. This is definitely a very hyped up read within the horror book community, and as such, I had to read it to see what all the hype was about.
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This book is disturbing, which should make it a 5 star within the horror genre, but what made the whole thing fall flat for me is Nick Cutter's writing style. I actually DNFed this about 30% in because I just couldn't take anymore, then a couple days later, I felt I needed to get through it to review it- so I picked it up again. Stepping away didn't help. I can't pinpoint what exactly irritates me about the writing style, but I think it may have something to do with way too much filler and redundancy.
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The book revolves around a troop of boys and their counselor being trapped on an island that has a scientific research facility on it. A biological thing has escaped from said facility, and is now infecting everything. None of the characters were really that interesting to me- so I had a hard time staying invested in their conflict.
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I hardly ever skim gore scenes, but there is a particular bathroom scene involving a kitten, a boy and a full bathtub- and I just couldn't stomach it. There is also another scene involving a turtle that was disturbing, and went on WAY TOO LONG.
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I would advise new horror readers to steer clear of this one, because as a horror aficionado I had a hard time with this one. It's vile, and I think I could of done without reading this one at all.
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This book is disturbing, which should make it a 5 star within the horror genre, but what made the whole thing fall flat for me is Nick Cutter's writing style. I actually DNFed this about 30% in because I just couldn't take anymore, then a couple days later, I felt I needed to get through it to review it- so I picked it up again. Stepping away didn't help. I can't pinpoint what exactly irritates me about the writing style, but I think it may have something to do with way too much filler and redundancy.
.
The book revolves around a troop of boys and their counselor being trapped on an island that has a scientific research facility on it. A biological thing has escaped from said facility, and is now infecting everything. None of the characters were really that interesting to me- so I had a hard time staying invested in their conflict.
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I hardly ever skim gore scenes, but there is a particular bathroom scene involving a kitten, a boy and a full bathtub- and I just couldn't stomach it. There is also another scene involving a turtle that was disturbing, and went on WAY TOO LONG.
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I would advise new horror readers to steer clear of this one, because as a horror aficionado I had a hard time with this one. It's vile, and I think I could of done without reading this one at all.
It was way too boring for me. Great concept and writing, but couldn’t keep me interested long enough.
One of the most visceral reads of my life. A warning: some parts made me a little sick. It also sincerely frightened me, which rarely ever happens. I'm not one for body horror, but in this case the grossness serves the tone for once. It's so vibrant. All the comparisons to The Lord of the Flies are only valid insomuch as it takes place on an island with boys, some of whom psychologically devolve. But unlike in that story, the real threat here is the fantastical element--which honestly isn't that fantastical. I'm sure this novel has already provided fodder for conspiracy theorists. Cutter's knowledge of biological military protocols, coupled with his understanding of basic human tendencies in traumatic situations (especially those of adolescent boys), elevates this above kitschy body horror. It will embed itself in your mind. Don't read it on a full stomach.
There’s another review on here that’s perfect: “Fuck this book”.
I have never been so disturbed by a story before. This was so bleak and so terrifying. It doesn’t let up. And none of that is a bad thing, I couldn’t stop reading it. Even if the whole thing made me feel itchy.
I can’t read another book by this author any time soon. This was too damn scary. I loved it.
I have never been so disturbed by a story before. This was so bleak and so terrifying. It doesn’t let up. And none of that is a bad thing, I couldn’t stop reading it. Even if the whole thing made me feel itchy.
I can’t read another book by this author any time soon. This was too damn scary. I loved it.
It’s been so damn long since I’ve finished a book before it expired on Libby so that is a triumph in and of itself! This book was super solid and very Lord of the Flies in a way. The thing I could have lived without is all the animal mutilation descriptions…if you know me, that is something I cannot stomach. Had to speedily skip over those parts so as not to burst into tears but a solid book nonetheless!
Don’t read (especially don’t listen) if you have a weak stomach
Quick, tense, and disgusting—with some of the most deliciously vile descriptions of body horror I’ve seen. Some of the animal violence is really difficult to read—a compliment for horror.
Unfortunately there’s not much more to it than that, but it does what it sets out to do.
3 out of 5
Wriggly White Worms
Unfortunately there’s not much more to it than that, but it does what it sets out to do.
3 out of 5
Wriggly White Worms