thecrimsoncorsair's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I will give it up to Max Brooks. He did write a story with the most unlikable characters imaginable. So unlikable that I was actively rooting for all of their deaths for a good chunk of the book, and managed to make some (SOME) of them into pretty enjoyable people by the end. Except Mostar, she was da real mvp from the start. I was so annoyed by these characters that I was going to quit the book at the beginning, but I'm glad I kept going, because this was a hell of a book. Not great. And has very strong, libs need to man up and embrace them their killing side vibes. Like there was an entire spiel about the neighborhood not having any guns and how that was just so awful of those weak willed libs 🤢 but I loved the tension, and the survival aspects. And the growth of the main character. And I wish he wouldn't have left the ending so open ended. I hate open ended endings. But overall, this was a fun read. Brutal. Not anywhere as good as World War Z. But entertaining in its own way. I would say my only other issue that kinda squicked me out was the way he characterized the lesbian couple. I don't know I didn't like how he portrayed them in the beginning, and ofc one of them was domineering, controlling and seemingly abusive of her wife. It just really rubbed me the wrong way. As I stated though. Fun book, interesting read, didn't think I would like it as I've never particularly been interested in Bigfoot stuff. But he did a good job keeping you invested until the end of the novel.
Graphic: Death, Excrement, Fire/Fire injury, Animal cruelty, Body horror, Violence, Genocide, Murder, Classism, Cursing, Grief, Physical abuse, Animal death, Death of parent, Mental illness, Bullying, Gaslighting, Gore, Toxic relationship, Vomit, Injury/Injury detail, Panic attacks/disorders, War, and Drug use
kt2e56's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I am genuinely blown away by this book and it’s ability to get me so invested in what sounds like the most absurd premise ever. It’s unbelievably gory, super tense and suspenseful, and filled with some memorable characters (Mostar, my beloved MVP <3). Hell, it even made me start to love the main character and author of the “journal” we’re reading, Kate. That’s another bit I liked about this book! How journal entries are broken up by interviews with folks who discovered the aftermath, along with some quotes, and other fascinating pieces of world-building. Anyway, this was fucking awesome. Definitely read it if you’re looking for something creepy without being too scary.
Spoiler
She goes from being a sniveling, whiny, judgmental asshole to a fucking unstoppable force and terrifying predator. That entire last speech from Kate’s brother gave me chills.Graphic: Animal death, Violence, Mental illness, Body shaming, Injury/Injury detail, Gore, Death of parent, Blood, and Cursing
Moderate: Misogyny
Minor: Alcoholism, Excrement, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, War, Vomit, and Gaslighting
mformato's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Definitely a thrilling read. It's not too often horror books can have actual "oh shit" moments that you can get on screen but this book had a few. I really like these man vs nature and nature is most likely gonna win type stories. I didn't give it five stars though because at some points the pacing dragged, the characters were just all right, and the ending was a little too good-feeling after all that happened prior. But overall it was a good story that I would recommend to any fans of cryptids, monster horror movies, or just horror stories in general where people actually have some semblance of a brain.
Graphic: Gore, Blood, Vomit, and Violence
More...