Synopsis:
When a disease runs rampant, turning people into cannibalistic horrors, society comes to a halt. Kate manages to escape the sadistic captivity she has endured and collides with Nick, a Marine haunted by the scars of war.
They join forces to navigate a treacherous landscape, battling the undead and hostile survivors. But what happens when the monsters outside are the least of their worries?
Nick’s shame is crushing, and Kate’s distrust is swallowing her whole. Will they overcome the darkness that threatens to consume them from within? And what will become of a world overrun with creatures that cannot seem to stop…laughing?
Review:
Before we start, I used to watch classic zombie movies and read horror novels. But we’re talking thirty years ago, possibly longer, with memories of Ramsey Campbell as a favourite. So why read one now? First off, Dark Bloom has received a lot of attention, and secondly, that cover promises so much, you want to know it if can deliver. You better believe it can. Macabre has crafted a book that took me completely by surprise.
There are horrors throughout the book, and the concept of laughing zombies? See, you have chills with just that thought. However, though the danger is visceral, the true raw horror of this book lies within the two main characters, Nick and Kate. We follow them both, and as we explore their backstories, began to realise that what a human can do to another human can far outweigh the horrors of a zombie apocalypse. At the end of the book, Kate questions whether anyone is worth saving, and her doubts are real. You’ll see why.
I listened to this via audiobook, and the top-notch narration matched the rapid pacing as well as the quieter moments of introspection. My only issue, and for many this won’t be one, is the head-hopping during scenes. I can see why, with two such damaged characters, you would make such a style choice, and on audiobook it worked because of the signposting. Once I got used to it, it just became the norm and didn’t detract from the book.
Like horror? A relationship-based storyline with damaged but strong characters? The thought of laughing zombies give you chills? Read this.
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