I love a horror story set in one place. You know what I mean, a confined, claustrophobic horror tale. I love Alien because it is a bunch of people trapped in a spaceship. Sure, it's a really big one, but there's still nowhere for them to go. The Thing is a great example, too. Even in Jaws, they eventually all end up on the relatively small boat to hunt down the shark. So, when I heard about Andrew Najberg's novel Gollitok and found out what it was about, I was excited. Thankfully, Najberg did not let me down.
A Prison Island is a Focus of Terror
The novel is set in a not-too-distant future that is dystopian in nature. The sun rarely shines and viruses of all kinds seem to be the norm rather that one-offs. The world seems run by totalitarian regimes where everyone is required to be in the military, and punishments for those who don't toe the line are severe.
The island in the novel (the titular Gollitok) was once a prison, and has become one once again. However, something terrible happened there and all contact with those on the island have been lost. It's thought a virus wiped out the population there, but the government wants to know for sure, so another group is being sent there to find out what's gone wrong.
What they find there is disturbing at first, and then the horror just keeps growing and growing. The tension ratchets until, when the horrifying ending arrives, it will keep you holding the book in one hand, while gripping the arm of your chair with the other.
A Slow Burn that Hurts So Good
Another thing I love in horror is a slow burn. I always have. A lot of the readers these days want to be dropped right into the middle of a chase scene and then never, ever, let up on the gas. To me, this sacrifices character development and world building for the sake of speed, and that loses something.
Najberg is a bit like me and he takes his time. He introduces each character, gives us their background, makes us relate to them, and then fear for all of them as the horror of what happened on the island is revealed. He sets up the world these characters live in, what the pecking order is, what the rules are, then makes those characters live by those rules. It is classic, terrific, storytelling and I loved it.
I was first introduced to Najberg with his terrific novel The Mobius Door. I have had the honor of meeting him in person and having great conversations about horror. We have had terrific and thrilling debates about horror movies and his ability to weave a tale is just fantastic.
Gollitok does not disappoint.
Conclusion: Get Gollitok and Get Lost in the Story
If you're like me and prefer a confined horror tale mixed with a slow burn tale that gradually ratchets up the suspense only to lead to a terrifying conclusion - then Gollitok is the story for you. If you haven't read Andrew Najberg's books yet, this is a great place to start, and you'll soon be like me and anxiously awaiting his newest novels.
Gollitok will drag you in, then reveal the horror beneath and leave you breathless at the end. Check it out today.
While you're at it, check out my Amazon store and get all of my books, novels, novellas, short stories, audiobooks and more.
Comments