So, not going to lie, this was one I was SO excited about receiving. I loved A HEAD FULL OF GHOSTS and DISAPPEARANCE AT DEVIL’S ROCK. Plus, when Stephen King gives it a great review, then you NEED to pick it up.
Thanks to William Morrow for the free advanced copies in exchange for our honest reviews!
THE CABIN AT THE END OF THE WORLD – Paul Tremblay (Releasing June 26th, 2018)
Here’s what the horror loving #allthebookreviews duo thought 🙂
Chandra’s Thoughts: 5/5 stars
I typically write my reviews as soon as I’m done reading the book so my thoughts are fresh and I say exactly how I felt as I turned that last page. With this one, I’m glad I took the night to mull my thoughts over. Tremblay has outdone himself with this book. The blurb on the back cover sums it up perfectly: a “…gripping tale of paranoia, sacrifice, apocalypse and survival…” You really don’t need to know anything more than that before going in.
The beginning starts off innocently enough as we get introduced to the adorable 7 year old Wen catching grasshoppers… and by the end of that first chapter the ominous and creepy tone sets in and that’s it. You’re done. You may as well cancel any plans you have and just read until you’re done. Otherwise the story will just cling inside your brain and you’ll hear that buzzing sound until you complete your mission!
The characters are brought to life in such a way that you almost instantly feel a connection to them. I fell in love with Wen immediately and then her fathers secondary. As for the rest of the crew – I was torn. I love them but I hate them… but I love them… I think. Or not. I don’t know! At one point I had to grab the pint of chocolate ice cream out of my freezer and eat my feelings as I kept reading. GAH! (true story)
Look, this book has a LOT going on – it’s a tale of faith, loyalty, love and sacrifice. Tremblay punches you right in the gut a few times and I heard myself gasp out loud a few times. I had visions of The Strangers in my head during one of the scenes which then turned into a cult like phenomenon which then turned into what-the-hell-is-actually going-on?! I’ll admit, I was a little bit plundered by the ending.. which is what I needed to simmer on, even though I already knew it was going to be a 5-star review. In retrospect, it’s brilliant… bloody brilliant when looking at the grasp of the entire story arc.
As a final note, I don’t know about the rest of you but Leonard had the same voice in my mind as Leland Gaunt and Charlie Manx. Haha! I heard a rumor this was coming to the big screen and I’m EXCITED about this news!
Lovers of horror touched with home invasion apocalyptic suspense will be absolutely thrilled by this page turner of all page turners.
My Thoughts: 5/5 stars
I had heard nothing but great things going into THE CABIN AT THE END OF THE WORLD, and I was anxious to get started. Holy crap, guys. The first chapter alone pulls you in instantly and the suspense created in the last couple pages of chapter one was insane. Literally felt my heart racing as the chapter continued and that didn’t quit for the rest of the book.
We are introduced to Wen, she’s almost 8 years old, and she’s playing her front yard trying to collect grasshoppers. The sweetness ends about there and then the tone completely changes. Like I already mentioned, the end of this first chapter the suspense and ominous tone takes over.
The emotions and themes throughout this book are insane. We come across loyalty, sacrifice, the strength of your beliefs, and the importance and love of your family. Wen and her fathers, Eric and Andrew, were brought to life in this novel – you’ll definitely fall in love with this little girl. Tremblay does an incredible job bringing you through an array of reactions and plenty of WHAT THE HELL moments. I know for a fact I said that out loud a couple of times.
I don’t want to give away much because this is one you need to fully experience. If you’re a horror fan or already love Tremblay’s work, then this is a no-brainer. I can see this being a buzzed about book this summer!
Have you read any of Paul Tremblay’s books?
–Jess
Jessicamap Reviews 