Published by Orion Genres: Fiction, Horror
Format: ARC, eBook
I found this book to be atmospheric with vivid descriptions and horrific premise.
Doctor Simon Corbett, an entomologist, is an interesting character who feels like a man possessed. His career is in shambles, and he lost goes to a rainforest to save his career while mourning and examining his ‘relationship’ with a young woman with whom he was obsessed. He is a bit of an odd fellow; he becomes obsessed easily, is haunted by his actions/choices, is socially awkward, and his thought processes are a bit bizarre. He loves insects, but particularly the mantids. He journals his thoughts, what he does in a day, and about those around him.
His interactions with others at the archaeological dig are odd, but they are all a bit odd, a bit off, a bit peculiar. He is not sure what to make of the native Mayans/tribe members. He also must deal with the jungle with its harsh beauty, dark shadows, biting insects, deadly predators, and lush vegetation. He has many expectations for his time in the rainforest but doesn’t seem to have much to do. He is asked to help, but he wants to look for Mantids and to tackle his demons.
This was an interesting book as I mentioned. It examines obsession, stalking, paranoia, social awkwardness, predilections, nature, native culture, loneliness, and mental health issues. For most of the book, I wondered if what was happening was real or if he hallucinating the entire thing? This was an odd one, yet I could not put it down. I enjoyed how the book had a sense of foreboding, dread, and danger. This book has a heavy feeling like one might get on a humid day.
Coming in at 240 pages, Rainforest proved to be a fast read. As I mentioned it’s a bit different. I have a feeling this is going to be a polarizing book. It’s eerie, full of creepy characters, vivid descriptions and atmosphere galore. Be sure to read the author’s note at the end of the book.
Thank you to Orion Publishing Group | Orion and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
