A review by pimmy001
The Troop by Nick Cutter

dark emotional sad tense medium-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? No

5.0

This horror novel made me feel a range of emotions, from disgust to sadness to anger. It tells the story of a group of boy scouts and their scoutmaster who go on a camping trip to a remote island, where they are exposed to a deadly parasite that was created in a secret lab. The parasite is a genetically modified tapeworm that consumes human flesh and causes horrific transformations and mutilations. The novel is full of graphic and shocking descriptions of the parasite and its effects on the human body, as well as the cruelty and violence that some of the boys inflict on animals and each other. The author also shows the emotional and psychological impact of the situation, especially on the characters of Newton and Max, who are the most sympathetic and innocent of the group. The last three chapters of the book are heartbreaking and infuriating, as they reveal the fate of the survivors and the conspiracy behind the parasite outbreak. The novel is well-written and captivating, with a fast-paced plot and a tense atmosphere. I also like how the author also uses interludes of interviews, articles, and notes to provide background information and relief from the main narrative.