Reviews

From [b:The Andromeda Strain|7670|The Andromeda Strain (Andromeda, #1)|Michael Crichton|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388889327l/7670._SY75_.jpg|997271]'s microorganisms to [b:The Passage|6690798|The Passage (The Passage, #1)|Justin Cronin|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1327874267l/6690798._SY75_.jpg|2802546]'s vampires, apocalypse was brought upon by creatures of all kinds. But spiders AFAIK are new. Flesh eating spiders, even better.

The plot and the mystery behind the sudden rise of the spiders across the globe, still needs to be explored. Since it's only the first book of trilogy, I assume the author would milk the suspense for all it's worth. The plot was fast-paced and many characters were introduced. The pairings are already made - Mike and Melanie, Steph and Manny. Millions may die, but the four of these will be untouchable. Mark my words, folks.

The Nazca lines mystery was interesting. There are so many things one can learn from books! One useful link: https://allthatsinteresting.com/nazca-lines

timday's review against another edition

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fast-paced

Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No

2.5

dovesfalling's review against another edition

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4.0

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. I appreciate it!

Eughghhhhhh, I feel like I'm itching everywhere after reading this brilliant, creepy and thrilling first novel in Ezekiel Boone's new trilogy. It reads like a love child between Stephen King and Michael Crichton - suffice to say, The Hatching is the definition of unputdownable.

Moving rapidly between countries, people and new waves of encroaching horror, The Hatching is the electrifying story of what would happen to the world under attack. Not from terrorism or aliens - rather, what would happen to human beings if we found ourselves descended upon by an ancient race of carnivorous spiders?

Sound silly? Not even slightly, sorry. From the black tide of spiders that turn on a Peruvian tour guide, to the rivers of feeding swarms covering New Delhi and Los Angeles, and the foreboding quiet of hidden egg sacs - it's clear that this isn't random, or uncoordinated. Instead, these creatures seem to have a plan.

In a rarity for this type of novel, with so many intersecting story lines and different characters, I enjoyed almost every person that Boone depicted with such elegant skill. My favourite was Agent Mike Rich, still reeling from a recent divorce and juggling his commitment to his daughter and his commitment to his work. I also loved the survivalists, Gordo and Shotgun (just realizing how much it takes to go into that kind of hiding is impressive!) and Melanie Guyer, the indefatigable, unemotional and intelligent scientist.

As the tension ratchets to a fever pitch, it becomes evident that things are much worse than anyone could have ever dreamed - or birthed from their nightmares. I'm eagerly awaiting the next novel in the series - and can guarantee the movie rights are going to be snapped up soon... if they haven't been already.