Published by Head of Zeus on October 14, 2021
Format: Audiobook, eBook
Source: Library, Bought
Pages: 310
Amazon UK
Goodreads
This forest isn't charted on any map. Every car breaks down at its treeline. Mina's is no different. Left stranded, she is forced into the dark woodland only to find a woman shouting, urging Mina to run to a concrete bunker. As the door slams behind her, the building is besieged by screams.
Mina finds herself in a room with a wall of glass, and an electric light that activates at nightfall, when the Watchers come above ground. These creatures emerge to observe their captive humans—and terrible things happen to anyone who doesn't reach the bunker in time.
Afraid and trapped among strangers, Mina is desperate for answers. Who are the Watchers? Why are these creatures keeping them imprisoned? And, most importantly, how can she escape?
I’m not gonna lie I feel quite disappointed I think about this book. I kind of guessed one twist. I kind of knew where we might be going and where someone would not be who they say what they were. I was right. It was very creepy.
When you first meet Mina she’s lost and somehow gets herself locked in this cabin with these random people. I think that was the freakiest bit when we were locked in a room, “they” can see you but you can’t see them. You don’t know what or who is behind that mirror. But then the second and third parts of the book, well I just thought it went a little bit weird and it kind of lost my attention. I couldn’t see how this book was going to end and I felt the ending was nearly a bit far-fetched. However, it was clever. It reminded me of a couple of horror films that I’ve watched.
I think my favourite parts were when they were in the woods. When they were locked in this room, where they couldn’t do anything. We can hear these noises in this confined space, not knowing what was going to happen. It was intense.
But as I say the book just didn’t wow me and I hate saying these things about books. I mean, not going to lie there was a bit at the end that was like, Oh, my days that’s not great. Because it’s not the wow factor, I can’t even say why but when you get to the end and you realise it’s not really the end.
I thought the audiobook was fantastic. The narrator was spot on. She made the characters come alive. I might have had a different experience if I read that rather than listen to it, as you’re more engaged most of the time when you’re reading. But, well, I don’t know. Like I say I just feel a bit meh at the end. I was I think I was looking for more, especially as it’s been hyped up by so many people but it definitely makes me think about not going to Ireland. Not going to these woods and staying well away. I don’t like driving down dark lanes as it is because I hate the whole meeting situation but the fact now, it’s definitely going to make me want to stay well away. There are a lot there are chilling moments, and there are creepy moments. I was just lost in the last third.
I would recommend it. It’s Halloween. So I’m sure that people will enjoy this will enjoy the intensity of being locked away, being watched, and fearing for their lives.
Give it a go. Let me know what you think.
Until the next time xxx
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 2022 Reading
- Published before 2022
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