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A review by selendrea
The Troop by Nick Cutter
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
I started off 2025 with a bang by blasting through The Troop in only a few sittings, and it had me in its grips the entire time. It is the definition of a page turner: the pacing was so perfect and I had an incredibly hard time putting it down. Don't get me wrong - this novel isn't all action and violence. Cutter puts in work crafting an ensemble of characters with rich backstories and contrasting personalities. The violence hits so much harder because you feel like you know these characters inside and out. While the gore is striking and stomach-churning, the characters' reactions to the violence hurt so much more to read.
Speaking of gore, this novel is the definition of "body horror," a genre in which the body is subject to slow, horrifying changes and decimation. With a slasher villain or even a ghost, we can separate the self from the antagonist and even fight against it. With body horror, however, we have to watch ourselves become the antagonist, which is what makes this genre so hard to stomach. Cutter, additionally, does not just stick to the realm of gore. The horror of this book is also expertly established through genuine tension, playing with the psychological complexities between characters, and leaving some things for the reader to expand upon in their imagination.
The way in which the gore is described is unflinching and raw. Cutter's imagination is on full display here, and his biggest strength is being able to communicate these disgusting images in a way that makes them feel vivid and almost tangible. Because of this, this novel will not be for everyone; it is additionally heavy on animal violence, which is a valid turn-off for many readers. I personally felt that it was not gratuitous for the sake of shock, however. These scenes function to develop character and move the plot along. For example,the controversial scene with the turtle is such an impactful moment for Newton's and Max's character development. They start out the attack with such bravado and confidence, but, as children often do, they find themselves vastly in over their heads. This scene is devastating to read, because you understand their plight and their hunger and their agony and their regret.
To me, this is nearly a perfect novel, but falls short in one aspect. While the characters felt realistic, they also simultaneously bordered on stereotypical and trope-y at times. Additionally, I noticed several instances in which one of the boys' dialogue was too advanced or flowery to justifiably be coming from a fourteen year old boy. It was hard to balance their jokes about farts on one page and then thoughtful metaphors/similes on the next page. While this was a bit distracting, I don't think it significantly hurt my enjoyment of the novel overall.
If you're a fan of hefty gore, fun and imaginative body horror, and stories of isolation and the unraveling of a psyche, you will likely love this standout addition to the horror genre.
Speaking of gore, this novel is the definition of "body horror," a genre in which the body is subject to slow, horrifying changes and decimation. With a slasher villain or even a ghost, we can separate the self from the antagonist and even fight against it. With body horror, however, we have to watch ourselves become the antagonist, which is what makes this genre so hard to stomach. Cutter, additionally, does not just stick to the realm of gore. The horror of this book is also expertly established through genuine tension, playing with the psychological complexities between characters, and leaving some things for the reader to expand upon in their imagination.
The way in which the gore is described is unflinching and raw. Cutter's imagination is on full display here, and his biggest strength is being able to communicate these disgusting images in a way that makes them feel vivid and almost tangible. Because of this, this novel will not be for everyone; it is additionally heavy on animal violence, which is a valid turn-off for many readers. I personally felt that it was not gratuitous for the sake of shock, however. These scenes function to develop character and move the plot along. For example,
To me, this is nearly a perfect novel, but falls short in one aspect. While the characters felt realistic, they also simultaneously bordered on stereotypical and trope-y at times. Additionally, I noticed several instances in which one of the boys' dialogue was too advanced or flowery to justifiably be coming from a fourteen year old boy. It was hard to balance their jokes about farts on one page and then thoughtful metaphors/similes on the next page. While this was a bit distracting, I don't think it significantly hurt my enjoyment of the novel overall.
If you're a fan of hefty gore, fun and imaginative body horror, and stories of isolation and the unraveling of a psyche, you will likely love this standout addition to the horror genre.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Child death, Death, Gore, Self harm, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Body shaming, Bullying, Fatphobia, Sexual content, Vomit, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Homophobia