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thereadingbee's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
charlottedando's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
jjjasper12's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
anyajulchen's review against another edition
3.0
The story is good, but the writing... I didn't liked the style with so many flashbacks. Probably, the next installments will be better.
stephanieanneauthor's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
This review contains spoilers! I typically try to avoid them in my reviews but I have thoughts about the ending.
As this book was included with my Audible membership, I decided to give it a try as I do like the idea of a series of books based on real-life places. At worst, I figured this would be too touristy; at best, I might end up reading something akin to "The Ritual" by Adam Nevill. What I ended up reading was neither.
The story was stop-and-start when it came to the action. Just as I thought things were going to start getting good and gory, it devolved into seemingly never ending dick measuring contests between the guys. The girls added little to the plot and were little more than sex objects. Because of this, and other reasons, I found the characters annoying.
And although I was hoping for a ghost story, I did like the back and forth of "is this a ghost or is this a crazed human killer?" Again, the answer was much different. I can honestly say I was not expecting that a tribe of feral rapists were to blame. And that last quarter of the book where the "big bad" is revealed was certainly the most action packed and interesting. But it was also ridiculous. At times, it felt like the final climactic moments belonged to another story entirely.
I went into this hoping for "The Grudge" and ended up getting "The Hills have Eyes" instead.
As this book was included with my Audible membership, I decided to give it a try as I do like the idea of a series of books based on real-life places. At worst, I figured this would be too touristy; at best, I might end up reading something akin to "The Ritual" by Adam Nevill. What I ended up reading was neither.
The story was stop-and-start when it came to the action. Just as I thought things were going to start getting good and gory, it devolved into seemingly never ending dick measuring contests between the guys. The girls added little to the plot and were little more than sex objects. Because of this, and other reasons, I found the characters annoying.
And although I was hoping for a ghost story, I did like the back and forth of "is this a ghost or is this a crazed human killer?" Again, the answer was much different. I can honestly say I was not expecting that a tribe of feral rapists were to blame. And that last quarter of the book where the "big bad" is revealed was certainly the most action packed and interesting. But it was also ridiculous. At times, it felt like the final climactic moments belonged to another story entirely.
I went into this hoping for "The Grudge" and ended up getting "The Hills have Eyes" instead.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Toxic relationship, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Medical trauma, Cursing, Medical content, and Death
Moderate: Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Gore, Gun violence, Drug use, Murder, Vomit, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Sexual content, Racial slurs, Pregnancy, Alcohol, Rape, and Excrement
Minor: Stalking and Self harm
ash_reads14's review against another edition
4.0
A real page turner
This was a very entertaining read. I loved the plot and the setting. I also loved how it was based off of a real place. The author did an amazing job on the characters. Tomo I would say was my favorite character in this story. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves horror, suspense, and Japanese culture.
This was a very entertaining read. I loved the plot and the setting. I also loved how it was based off of a real place. The author did an amazing job on the characters. Tomo I would say was my favorite character in this story. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves horror, suspense, and Japanese culture.
book_baron's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicide, Murder, Self harm, and Sexual violence
badseedgirl's review against another edition
5.0
For 90% of this book, there is very little action and yet I was tense reading the entire thing. I think the author took some liberty with the number of suicides per year that are accomplished in this forest, but that is of very little consequence to the ultimate story. This is based a real place and there are signs all over it apparently requesting that individual think about their friend and family before doing anything. There are also suicide prevention officers who walk around the forest and talk with people who are alone or appear distressed to help prevent suicides. NYT did an informative article about it here:
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/05/world/asia/suicide-forest-japan-logan-paul.html
I enjoyed the very bleak ending of this book.
Edited, because apparently I did not save 1/2 of this review and had to go back in and type it up!
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/05/world/asia/suicide-forest-japan-logan-paul.html
I enjoyed the very bleak ending of this book.
Edited, because apparently I did not save 1/2 of this review and had to go back in and type it up!