It's rare these days to find something original, perfectly treated, and very chilling. Most who try to be scary, wuss out at some point (for me anyway). Not Bird Box. It's genuinely creepy, and doesn't let up or peter out.
Really great.
The incidents are slowly reported on the news starting in Russia. For no known reason, people lose their minds and kill whomever is around them before killing themselves. These incidents grow from Alaska down through Canada to the States, where people start panicking, hoarding food and distrusting everything. It seems to be something terrifying that must not be seen - a creature? A natural phenomenon? No one knows, they all cover their windows.
Five years after it began, Malorie and the two children (called Boy and Girl) are living in a house, the neighbourhood deserted. Windows covered at all times against the unknown, the kids have never seen daylight. Blindfolded, they make their way to a nearby river, which they will navigate to a place she has heard will be safe. Yes, they are going to go alone on a river blindfolded. The story alternates between their journey and the young single Malorie of five years ago, who hears of a safe house where people are gathering. She makes it there with her eyes closed and they set up a system to live, with water from a well and canned goods in the basement. Naturally there are disputes and the tension is always high, especially when someone new comes knocking on the door. Do they let them in? Are they infected or safe? One thing you will notice is that the river story does not include any of the other housemates - where are they now?
This is a first book from Josh Malerman. It seems a simple story but it's tight with psychological suspense. There are times on the river Malorie thinks she can just open her eyes - what if whatever happened has gone away or finished, is she keeping her eyes closed for nothing? No way of knowing - do you want to take a chance? There are housemates who think it's all in your mind, if you think you will be fine when you open your eyes you will be - maybe they should just uncover all the windows. Maybe they will.
This is a really creepy premise, well paced and really well written. Full of moments where the blindfolded Malorie and the kids come in contact with 'something'. It's right beside them. The nightmare is in the mind of the reader, which is exactly right. It doesn't go for the cheap scares of gore or violence, which makes it more accessible and a longer lasting novel.
One of the main things this book does is not fold at the end, maintaining tension and mystery all the way.
It's rare find something unforgettable. Actually induced Chills. I loved it.
Highly recommended for those who want to get really creeped out.
Read my other review for Josh Malerman:
2014 / Hardcover / 262 pages
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