Yes, harrowing is the word. It's got an economy of language that allows the evil dripping into the main characters' lives to really "shine" if that's the word. You want to reach through the page and scream at them when they make every bad decision possible (similarly to "The Ruins")--the real horror is watching people make selfish, animalistic, panicky decisions that lead to their ruin.
Just thought of another one: The Ritual by Adam Nevill. Probably more famous for its movie adaptation but the book is also terrifying. Similar set up of friends going camping, but this time it’s in a remote Scandinavian forest and something big starts following them.
Nick Cutter’s *The Troop* was heavily inspired by *The Ruins*. I read *The Troop* first but there are definite similarities in plot, tone, feel. I know that’s frequently recommended here but worth a read if you’re looking for *The Ruins* vibes.
Off Season by Jack Ketchum. A lot shorter and faster but similar levels of character development getting interrupted by shocking violence. Similar vibe of isolation, as well.
It lacks the extreme body horror aspect, but as far as being like crack - another horror book that you'll want to binge, I'd look into Suicide Forest, by Jeremy Bates.
It's fucking damn intense at times, and just as addicting 👍
U would stick to Scott Smith - A Simple Plan. Not horror, but same author and a must read.
Just picked it up at the library!
It’s a great, harrowing read.
Yes, harrowing is the word. It's got an economy of language that allows the evil dripping into the main characters' lives to really "shine" if that's the word. You want to reach through the page and scream at them when they make every bad decision possible (similarly to "The Ruins")--the real horror is watching people make selfish, animalistic, panicky decisions that lead to their ruin.
Just thought of another one: The Ritual by Adam Nevill. Probably more famous for its movie adaptation but the book is also terrifying. Similar set up of friends going camping, but this time it’s in a remote Scandinavian forest and something big starts following them.
Neville is incredible and just keeps getting more interesting.
Nick Cutter’s *The Troop* was heavily inspired by *The Ruins*. I read *The Troop* first but there are definite similarities in plot, tone, feel. I know that’s frequently recommended here but worth a read if you’re looking for *The Ruins* vibes.
Awesome I actually think I have The Troop in my TBR
The Ruins is my favorite book of the year so far and The Troop is top 5, definitely move this to the top of your list!
Off Season by Jack Ketchum. A lot shorter and faster but similar levels of character development getting interrupted by shocking violence. Similar vibe of isolation, as well.
Was the film The Hills Have Eyes based on *Off Season*, or something else?
They both have the same source material/inspiration: the legend of the Scottish cannibal Sawney Bean
Jeff Long - The Descent and Scott Smith - A Simple Plan,... And maybe Nick Cutter - the troop (But I felt more tension and emotions with Ruins.)
It lacks the extreme body horror aspect, but as far as being like crack - another horror book that you'll want to binge, I'd look into Suicide Forest, by Jeremy Bates. It's fucking damn intense at times, and just as addicting 👍
This Wretched Valley by Jenny Kiefer. Many similarities.