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pillywiggin's review against another edition
3.0
I really disliked the characterization of the person in the US military, and the protagonist. I nearly quit reading this book and put it on my "didn't finish, don't read shelf," but about at the halfway point, the book took a turn for the better. The action picked up, the suspense increased, and suddenly I was intersted. I liked the twist near the end.
gen_wolfhailstorm's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-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
3.5
The Details:
Narrated by Joe Hempel
Unabridged
This was an interesting read, but it was more about the characters than the complexities of completing suicide and thoughts and feelings of those affected.
It was more of a drama that felt akin to those in high school and I was utterly perplexed by how much was discussed about their relationship issues... when you're lost in a forest of the deceased... like, priorities people?
I also thought some of the discussions of those that passed in the forest was pretty insensitive, and not one character was redeemable in reflection or pushing forward a different, more empathetic response.
It definitely made a worthwhile turnaround as the story developed and more of the characters background (particularly the why of what had them here in the first place) came out.
I ended up appreciating the chracter study of the characters and it did get thrilling, although I would have still preferred more emphasis on the forest itself.
Narrated by Joe Hempel
Unabridged
This was an interesting read, but it was more about the characters than the complexities of completing suicide and thoughts and feelings of those affected.
It was more of a drama that felt akin to those in high school and I was utterly perplexed by how much was discussed about their relationship issues... when you're lost in a forest of the deceased... like, priorities people?
I also thought some of the discussions of those that passed in the forest was pretty insensitive, and not one character was redeemable in reflection or pushing forward a different, more empathetic response.
It definitely made a worthwhile turnaround as the story developed and more of the characters background (particularly the why of what had them here in the first place) came out.
I ended up appreciating the chracter study of the characters and it did get thrilling, although I would have still preferred more emphasis on the forest itself.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Vomit, Violence, Blood, Death, Grief, Excrement, Stalking, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic friendship, Gore, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Alcohol, Racism, Sexual content, Torture, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Murder, Suicide, Body horror, Sexual harassment, Suicide attempt, Drug use, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, Rape, Racial slurs, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Toxic relationship
artemis_thehufflepuff's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The book progressed at a very fast pace and kept me engaged almost the entire time. Having been in this forest before I was interested in the author’s interpretation. There a few things mentioned, perhaps, I think were culturally inappropriate. And although the ending to the story felt completely unbelievable I don’t regret having picked it up. Solid quick day read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Suicide, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Fire/Fire injury, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Death, Sexual harassment, Death of parent, Kidnapping, Rape, and Racial slurs
Minor: War, Vomit, and Toxic friendship
maddiekelley's review
5.0
Trigger warning ⚠️: Death, Suicide, Blood, etc
This book really gripped me and I was HOOKED. My supervisor actually recommended this one to me so I knew it was gonna be good but DANG. It took me on twists and turns I did not see coming. Onto the next one in the series!
This book really gripped me and I was HOOKED. My supervisor actually recommended this one to me so I knew it was gonna be good but DANG. It took me on twists and turns I did not see coming. Onto the next one in the series!
aaronlindsey's review
4.0
I first heard of Aokigahara a few years ago and have since been fascinated by it. Just the idea of it, a suicide destination, chills me.
Jeremy Bates takes those chills to new levels with this horror/thriller.
When a planned mountain climbing expedition gets canceled, a group of people find themselves hiking into the Suicide Forest.
What should have been a day of hiking and camping, of course, turns into all kinds of terrible.
Jeremy Bates takes those chills to new levels with this horror/thriller.
When a planned mountain climbing expedition gets canceled, a group of people find themselves hiking into the Suicide Forest.
What should have been a day of hiking and camping, of course, turns into all kinds of terrible.
x_oblivionxx's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
dnemec's review
4.0
This book was a total surprise. At first I thought it was a bit formulaic, but it was entertaining and I have a fascination with weird places so I was happy. Then all of a sudden, it turned around and kicked me in the gut. I wasn't suspecting that climax at all. And then the ending smacked me again. I think I have a good case for assault & battery against this book!
I actually got this book for free on my Kindle, and it was excellent advertising as I plan on reading the rest of the World's Scariest Places books. Four solid stars.
I actually got this book for free on my Kindle, and it was excellent advertising as I plan on reading the rest of the World's Scariest Places books. Four solid stars.
thriller_chick's review
5.0
LOVED IT and ordered the rest of the series. Full review soon on instagram @thriller_chick
ekearle's review
4.0
This book terrified me, but definitely not in the way I expected it to. It was actually extremely coincidental and unnerving timing that I started this as the Logan Paul fiasco was blowing up on twitter, and when I heard about everything going on partway through reading, I feel it definitely affected what I got out of this book. Nonetheless it was a gripping read, and I look forward to doing a full review of it on my blog later this month once I've digested it a bit more.