Self-preservation is the first law of nature.
Page Count 384
Publication date April 2020/ Publisher Titan Books
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Synopsis
In a time of global warming and spiralling damage to the environment, the Virgin Zones were established to help combat the change. Abandoned by humanity and given back to nature, these vast areas in a dozen remote locations across the planet were intended to become the lungs of the world.
But there are always those drawn to such places. Extreme sports enthusiasts and adventure racing teams target the dangerous, sometimes deadly zones for illicit races. Only the hardiest and most experienced dare undertake these expeditions. When one such team enters the oldest Zone, Eden, they aren’t prepared for what confronts them. Nature has returned to Eden in an elemental, primeval way. And here, nature is no longer humanity’s friend.
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Review
As quite possibly the number one fan of ‘The Silence‘, Tim Lebbon’s earlier survivalist horror novel, imagine my excitement to be gifted an ARC of Eden by none other than the author himself! I was like a kid at Christmas.
There’s nothing scarier than horror set in the wilderness and Eden is wilder than any place on earth. Right now anyway. Who knows what the future may hold? And this is exactly why I adore both Eden and The Silence.
Yes they’re fictional, but are they impossible?
Each chapter begins with a quote from various sources to enlighten the reader with snippets of information relating to the history of Eden and other ‘zones’.
I always appreciate this method, I find it enriches the story without the need for info-dumping.
Tim takes the world we know and tweaks it in terrifying but easily imagined ways that make your spine shudder.
The concept of Eden is born from the present day horror of climate change; pockets of earth have been given back to natures control. Zero human interference. Well, almost zero because humans are curious fuckers.
We follow a pack of seven extreme adventurers on a journey across Eden in their own pursuits of accomplishment, glory, wealth, knowledge and long lost relative Kat.
Written in third person, Eden switches between the perspectives of father Dylan, daughter Jenn and mother Kat.
The tight bonds formed between the characters are a heartfelt display of loyalty and dedication. I particularly liked the father/daughter relationship. Dylan made a fantastic but humble leader and Jenn/ Gee became fast favourites of mine too.
Tim does a beautiful job of world building, the breathtaking descriptions of Eden create a jarring contrast to the nightmare unfolding within.
I don’t want to spoil what lurks inside Eden, but reader prepare yourself for gruesome body horror, unbearable suspense and violent death.
Roxanne’s Reactions:
Thankyou Tim! I can’t wait to see where we go next.
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