Book Review
There are so many things to like about this book, but the ending left me with more questions than were answered.
Slithers (Release Date: August 29th, 2017)
On a remote country road, heading out to a weekend party, Tobe West and his friends pick up two hitchhikers. It seems like the right thing to do.
No-one could have predicted the freak car accident that is about to change their lives.
Stranded in the middle of nowhere, Tobe and the others are faced with a landscape suddenly unfamiliar, in a universe that has come loose from its moorings. Strange things slither in the woods, and spectral lights hover just off the road. A petrol station, shining brightly in a world otherwise dark and frightening, promises safe haven, but Tobe learns the biggest threat lies within the very people he’s trying to protect.
As reality breaks down and dangers multiply, Tobe must uncover the hidden agenda of one of the survivors… and keep the others safe from something lurking in the darkness.
Something that is hunting them all.
If they are to survive the night, Tobe must face the horrifying truth—that nothing is as it seems, and that they are all part of a larger plan, part of someone else’s unfinished business…
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My Thoughts…
As I said, so many things to like about Slither! Perfect setting, a tense atmosphere, wrought with fear, great writing, and good pacing. See what I mean, LOTS of things to like. That said, the ending is so huge and complex, I feel the author should have dedicated more time to explaining it better. I mean, I get the gist, but with such existential ideas to contemplate, readers would benefit from a more thorough conclusion.
This is the first book by Mortensen I’ve read, and this one didn’t put me off. On the contrary, I’m quite intrigued by his other titles, especially EIGHT. He’s clearly very talented, and based on the mood he creates in this story alone, I’m more than keen to read more.
Some other things worth mentioning; I loved all the creepy crawlies in this story. They very much reminded me of King’s creatures in The Mist, which is high praise because that is one of my favourite short stories, and the gory scenes were also brilliant! I just loved how vivid and descriptive they were, so well done sir. Ugh… I’m shuddering just thinking about some of them.
Ultimately, I think the theme is about the universal question “What if?”, and Slithers is an original, and entertaining approach to answering it. It may not be for everyone but many of you will really enjoy it!
Reads & Reels 