My Five Word TL:DR Review: Shocking, brutal, violent and chilling

Two things I will say before I even begin this review – firstly, this book is shocking, sad and gave me the chills, it’s possibly my favourite by the author so far, that being said, and to get to my second point, this book will not be for everyone.  There are some definite triggers contained in this story so take note, rape, kidnapping and violence, immediately spring to mind, I would say that these aren’t gratuitous, in fact, these elements are almost rushed through as though to possibly lessen the shock value, but be aware that they are contained within.

The story is told in two timeframes that we jump back and forth between.

Nicky, a young woman, married, but currently residing with her family whilst her husband is away at war.  Nicky is abducted and when she wakes is aboard a whaling ship (the Ormen) that is out at sea on possibly it’s last voyage.  Why has Nicky been taken, surely this must be a terrible mistake, however, as the day progresses with the boat steaming out further to sea it swiftly becomes obvious that this kidnapping was planned and Nicky is now stranded on board with all the crew.

Jump forward approximately a hundred years and the Ormen has washed up off the coast of Iceland.  It’s due to be destroyed which is why young adventurer, Dominique, is making her way along the Icelandic coastline during an epic storm to find the ship and document whatever she finds on board before it’s all lost.  Unfortunately, Dominique (Dom) is not alone, I mean, apart from things going bump in the night, she’s joined by three other adventurers who seem to have the same idea and who also seem to be harbouring something secret.

Now, I don’t want to give anything away here.  This is definitely a ghost story, in more ways than one, and it’s highly atmospheric.

Set predominantly onboard the Ormen (for both timelines) Cooke manages to create an intensity that you could cut with a knife.  The setting also includes an abandoned village and some local caves that are home to strange drawings and bones.  The Ormen is host to many strange noises and a woman is frequently spotted on the beach.  You can feel the cold and the fear of our main povs.  In fact, I read this story with ever mounting horror, a good dose of sadness precipitated by the shock of how people behave and an ever mounting compulsion to read quickly to discover what was going on and how everything was connected.  Not to mention chills.  This book delivers chills aplenty, in fact, yes, it’s downright scary (for me anyway).

The characters.  I’m still trying to process how I feel about them.  Nicky is thrown into one of the most nightmarish situations that you could imagine.  Truly horrific. I just can’t even begin to process the whole situation to be honest or how she handled it.  On top of this she carries a bone deep weariness as a result of a terrible loss she’s suffered.  Her’s is a sad story indeed and to now find herself in this situation is simply mind boggling.  Dom on the other hand is a loner.  She doesn’t always connect well with others and craves solitude.  Frankly I would have been like a raging scaredy thing at the very notion of spending time on board a creaking, dark and abandoned ship – and then to be woken in the darkness by the sound of three other people approaching – well, I can’t even begin.  Both of them have an inner toughness that I definitely lack. We then have our three newcomers.  They have secrets, they’re always sharing meaningful looks and stopping talking when Dom enters the scene.

I don’t really think I can share too much more so I’m going to end here.  I’d like to say that I loved this and, I did, but to say you ‘loved’ something that is clearly so sad, so shocking and to be frank so cold and brutal just feels like the wrong expression.  Basically, I couldn’t put the book down.  I was hooked from start to finish.  It’s a book that will, without doubt, make you emotional.  It also stopped me in my tracks at one point.  I mean, physically stopped me.  I had to put the book down and have a moment, then I had to go back and reread what I’d just read.  And I was still gobsmacked. So, yes, for me, in spite of the shock and the horror contained within these pages I have to confess that this is my favourite read by Cooke so far.  A hefty dose of intense atmosphere blended with trauma and the need for revenge.  Again, perhaps not for everyone given some of the content.

I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks.  The above is my own opinion.

My rating 4.5 of 5 stars