The Reddening

By Adam Nevill

Review

Helene's brother vanished six years ago after discovering and recording strange subterranean noises at Brickburgh caves. She feels compelled to look into his disappearance and finds herself at her brother's last known location. Katrine is a lifestyle journalist who gets caught up in the aftermath of the discovery of human remains and prehistoric relics at Brickburgh. These two women's lives become linked in the most terrifying series of events. 

The Reddening was a graphic and horrifically disturbing read. Certainly not for the faint-hearted! Although I loved the story, I felt it was too long and drawn-out. I considered skimming through parts but managed to resist. It's such a shame that a fantastic story was so bogged down. The writing was competent and descriptive but there was just so much of it! This is the third of Nevill's books I've read (the other two being The Ritual and House of Small Shadows) and my least favourite.            

★★★☆☆

• Paperback: 419 pages
• Publisher: Ritual Limited
• Publication Year: 2019
• Author: Adam Nevill
• Genre: Horror

Synopsis

Ancient rites, old deities and savage ways can reappear in the places you least expect.

Lifestyle journalist Katrine escaped past traumas by moving to a coast renowned for seaside holidays and natural beauty. But when a vast hoard of human remains and prehistoric artefacts is discovered in nearby Brickburgh, a hideous shadow engulfs her life.

Helene, a disillusioned lone parent, lost her brother, Lincoln, six years ago. Disturbing subterranean noises he recorded prior to vanishing, draw her to Brickburgh's caves. A site where early humans butchered each other across sixty thousand years. Upon the walls, images of their nameless gods remain.

Amidst rumours of drug plantations and new sightings of the mythical red folk, it also appears that the inquisitive have been disappearing from this remote part of the world for years. A rural idyll where outsiders are unwelcome and where an infernal power is believed to linger beneath the earth. A timeless supernormal influence that only the desperate would dream of confronting. But to save themselves and those they love, and to thwart a crimson tide of pitiless barbarity, Kat and Helene are given no choice. They were involved and condemned before they knew it.