What do you think?
Rate this book
In Hell #1
Voyage to Hell
Letters arrive at random houses and the contents invite the recipients to go on an all-expenses paid cruise - an introductory offer to a new company - but not all is as good as it seems. There's something happening on the posh liner... The people - staff and passengers alike... They're changing...
From Matt Shaw comes a claustrophobic new horror.
From Matt Shaw comes a claustrophobic new horror.
91 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 6, 2017
60 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Matt Shaw
531 books2,210 followersBiography
MATT SHAW was born, quite by accident (his mother tripped, he shot out) September 30th 1980 in Winchester hospital where he was immediately placed on the baby ward and EBay. Some twelve years later (wandering the corridors of the hospital and playing with road kill when he was on day release), the listing closed and he remained unsold, he was booted out of the hospital to start his life as a writer and hobbit – beginning with writing screenplays and short stories for his own amusement before finally getting published when he was twenty-seven years and forty-five seconds old.
Once Published weekly in a lad's magazine with his photography work, Matt Shaw is also a published author and cartoonist. Has to be said, can be a bit of a flirt and definitely, without a shadow of a doubt, somewhat of a klutz.
Favourite books
"Roald Dahl's Collection of Short Stories"
Tim Burton's Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy
Anything, really, written by himself. Because he is that good.
MATT SHAW was born, quite by accident (his mother tripped, he shot out) September 30th 1980 in Winchester hospital where he was immediately placed on the baby ward and EBay. Some twelve years later (wandering the corridors of the hospital and playing with road kill when he was on day release), the listing closed and he remained unsold, he was booted out of the hospital to start his life as a writer and hobbit – beginning with writing screenplays and short stories for his own amusement before finally getting published when he was twenty-seven years and forty-five seconds old.
Once Published weekly in a lad's magazine with his photography work, Matt Shaw is also a published author and cartoonist. Has to be said, can be a bit of a flirt and definitely, without a shadow of a doubt, somewhat of a klutz.
Favourite books
"Roald Dahl's Collection of Short Stories"
Tim Burton's Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy
Anything, really, written by himself. Because he is that good.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 24 reviews
March 13, 2019
I liked the idea of this one-contaminated water turning all the cruise passengers who drink it into psychopaths who want to kill everyone and then themselves. The idea was good but frankly the execution of the story was dreadful. There was no cohesion at all to the story. The timeline is all over the place throughout-introducing each passenger briefly then jumping back to repeat the opening scene and expanding it, going through more passengers, jumping back to cruise invites, jumping forward to a passenger being captured by authorities and interrogated, then back to her story, back to interrogation and back to her story. It just wasn't a flowing story.
I can't honestly say that I liked any of the characters and they weren't exactly smart about accepting a free cruise from guys in suits who just turn up on your doorstep, or a letter through the door telling you to phone this number to claim a free holiday. Seriously? Nothing much happens in the first half of the book because we are just seeing people gradually losing their temper. Later bits of gore are shoved in as we jump about between incidents but I can't say I enjoyed anything about it. It also comes to a sudden end ready to get you to buy the next short segment of 50 pages. I certainly won't be reading on with the other segments in the series and I only finished it because it was very short.
I can't honestly say that I liked any of the characters and they weren't exactly smart about accepting a free cruise from guys in suits who just turn up on your doorstep, or a letter through the door telling you to phone this number to claim a free holiday. Seriously? Nothing much happens in the first half of the book because we are just seeing people gradually losing their temper. Later bits of gore are shoved in as we jump about between incidents but I can't say I enjoyed anything about it. It also comes to a sudden end ready to get you to buy the next short segment of 50 pages. I certainly won't be reading on with the other segments in the series and I only finished it because it was very short.
November 18, 2021
I cruise too often to have read this book. LOL>
I like how the ending played out and how everything eventually made sense (for the most part)... and I am glad to know there was a sequel. I found some parts humorous to where I bet others wouldn't have the same opinion as myself. I read it like an 80's horror movie, where the scenes played out in my head. Another great Shaw story
I like how the ending played out and how everything eventually made sense (for the most part)... and I am glad to know there was a sequel. I found some parts humorous to where I bet others wouldn't have the same opinion as myself. I read it like an 80's horror movie, where the scenes played out in my head. Another great Shaw story
November 20, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up. This was a quick fun read. I liked the concept, wish it had been a bit longer to flush out some more detail. I think the time jumps made it feel slightly disjointed but also added to the chaotic feeling. Didn't realize this was the first of a series until it ended so abruptly. Will definitely give the next one a go.
January 7, 2017
I had this story on pre-order waiting patiently for it to come, which is usually released at midnight. This is a new series, but if you read “Cows” they is a link between the two that you will get. If you didn’t read “Cows” don’t worry because this is still a stand-alone story. When it arrived on my kindle, I just devoured the whole novella. So, it’s short only 91 pages, but the suspense, action, and bloody gore kick in right away. You will be shocked at what the trigger is that sets off the terrifying chain of events. The ending for those who have read Shaw’s “Cow’s you will immediately recognize them, but leaves you wanting so much more and dying for part 2.
So, what I really like is the way the story is told. It flows easily from past to present all throughout the end. Then when all the guests are boarded, when you’re in the present Shaw has you seeing each guest or families’ POV from their room to others at the bar or even up on deck. You watch or read the events starting to unfold or literally go to “Hell” in moments. It starts with aggression, then monsters move through stages. I think the Cruise ship only gets to move a little off shore, so they are not in international waters. Which I believe was the plan. This was so realistic and plausible because we know and heard of plenty of Cruise Ships, where all the guests were sickened with the Norovirus. Norovirus is caused by contamination of food or water then becomes contagious between others.
Yet, the ironic thing with viruses, is you become dehydrated quickly and told to drink plenty of “water”.
Reviewed by robinleehorrorbookreviews.com
So, what I really like is the way the story is told. It flows easily from past to present all throughout the end. Then when all the guests are boarded, when you’re in the present Shaw has you seeing each guest or families’ POV from their room to others at the bar or even up on deck. You watch or read the events starting to unfold or literally go to “Hell” in moments. It starts with aggression, then monsters move through stages. I think the Cruise ship only gets to move a little off shore, so they are not in international waters. Which I believe was the plan. This was so realistic and plausible because we know and heard of plenty of Cruise Ships, where all the guests were sickened with the Norovirus. Norovirus is caused by contamination of food or water then becomes contagious between others.
Yet, the ironic thing with viruses, is you become dehydrated quickly and told to drink plenty of “water”.
Reviewed by robinleehorrorbookreviews.com
April 3, 2017
Great horror
Matt shaw never fails to deliver a good horror story, and this is s great read. Random people pick for a free holiday on a cruise liner.... But is anything free in this life..to good to be true, yes it is. Definely unforgettable holiday.
Matt shaw never fails to deliver a good horror story, and this is s great read. Random people pick for a free holiday on a cruise liner.... But is anything free in this life..to good to be true, yes it is. Definely unforgettable holiday.
December 19, 2017
This is not at all what I was expecting from this book but none-the-less, this is a tightly wound story that is bursting to break loose at the seams, were or not for the deft abilities of the author to keep things contained and focused. Matt Shaw does a masterful job crafting a story that easily could have ended up being a hot mess. The story goes forward and back. You're in the present, the past, then the future and back to the present. There are a lot of characters to keep track of for such a short book but I think this largely adds to the fear and panic inherent in the story.
December 30, 2019
Killer cruise
When a group of passengers are offered a free cruise trip as a prize in a competition none of them remember entering, they are wholly unaware what they are walking into.
But as the cruise gets underway, they soon find themselves riding a voyage into hell.
This is a nasty book in the vein of Iain Rob Wright’s Sea Sick, but much more graphic - as you’d expect from Extreme Horror writer, Matt Shaw.
It’s not one of his best, but it’s still a thrilling and gripping read and I look forward to reading the next in the series.
When a group of passengers are offered a free cruise trip as a prize in a competition none of them remember entering, they are wholly unaware what they are walking into.
But as the cruise gets underway, they soon find themselves riding a voyage into hell.
This is a nasty book in the vein of Iain Rob Wright’s Sea Sick, but much more graphic - as you’d expect from Extreme Horror writer, Matt Shaw.
It’s not one of his best, but it’s still a thrilling and gripping read and I look forward to reading the next in the series.
July 5, 2017
There's good news and bad news and they're the same, you won a free cruise. Selected people think they've won a great trip but it's actually the voyage of the damned and whatever you do: "DON'T DRINK THE WATER!" I was never so happy that I don't drink water very often after reading another horror gem from the twisted mind of Matt Shaw.
April 23, 2018
No offense to the author - I hate to be rude - but there are few words I could use to adequately explain how much this sucked. Instead of a coherent story, it was a collection of gratuitously violent and often bizarre scenes jarringly told out of sequence for no apparent reason and, it had no real ending.
I don't mind horror, violence, or gore but I get offended when authors seem like they just don't give a crap and spew ink-formed nonsense onto paper. It also bugs me when an author doesn't take advantage of an idea. There was a spark of something in the story but it was buried and made nonsensical.
I don't mind horror, violence, or gore but I get offended when authors seem like they just don't give a crap and spew ink-formed nonsense onto paper. It also bugs me when an author doesn't take advantage of an idea. There was a spark of something in the story but it was buried and made nonsensical.
December 3, 2019
Just ok
I've read a few of Matt's books and found them somewhat disturbing, which is the reason why I love to read them. This one is not near as good as some of the others. I'll keep reading and hope for the best. On to book 2.
I've read a few of Matt's books and found them somewhat disturbing, which is the reason why I love to read them. This one is not near as good as some of the others. I'll keep reading and hope for the best. On to book 2.
April 19, 2025
Terrible
It didn't flow. It didn't have any character development. It kind of flashed forward, flashed back so many times
that it was really hard to even stay interested. All I can say is; terrible.
It didn't flow. It didn't have any character development. It kind of flashed forward, flashed back so many times
that it was really hard to even stay interested. All I can say is; terrible.
May 26, 2017
Disappointed
Ended abruptly, too much unnecessary foul language. Didn't enjoy. Tried this author for the first time. Was not impressed. Not recommended
Ended abruptly, too much unnecessary foul language. Didn't enjoy. Tried this author for the first time. Was not impressed. Not recommended
January 26, 2018
Waste of my time
Bought by mistake. Second mistake was to read it. Disjointed ,no narrative flow and repetitive. I will try to remember the name so I do not repeat the mistake
Bought by mistake. Second mistake was to read it. Disjointed ,no narrative flow and repetitive. I will try to remember the name so I do not repeat the mistake
March 5, 2017
Save yourself. The description of this book is vastly more interesting than the actual book. Reading the book truly is a voyage into hell... that is, a voyage into the hell of another to-be-continued story with a crappy plot.
Instead, try Broken: A Psychological Horror. It's by the same author and it's better.
Instead, try Broken: A Psychological Horror. It's by the same author and it's better.
February 20, 2017
This was a very entertaining read. very fast moving with a lot of quick action, and good character building despite the short story length.
November 14, 2023
2.5 Stars.
The concept of this was great - I love horror on cruise ships! I liked the gore and violence, and how it got there. But the pacing was a bit rushed - it felt like I barely had time to appreciate the threat before everything was kicking off. I also struggled with characters and timeline. There were so many characters, and we barely got to know any of them because there isn't time in a 90-page story, and they were dead pretty quick anyway.
I also wasn't too happy when I got to the end of the book and was met with "To be Continued...". I know the next one is more about what happened on the ship, so why not just make them one book?
Two and a half stars for the concept and the violence, but unfortunately it just didn't come together.
The concept of this was great - I love horror on cruise ships! I liked the gore and violence, and how it got there. But the pacing was a bit rushed - it felt like I barely had time to appreciate the threat before everything was kicking off. I also struggled with characters and timeline. There were so many characters, and we barely got to know any of them because there isn't time in a 90-page story, and they were dead pretty quick anyway.
I also wasn't too happy when I got to the end of the book and was met with "To be Continued...". I know the next one is more about what happened on the ship, so why not just make them one book?
Two and a half stars for the concept and the violence, but unfortunately it just didn't come together.
April 23, 2019
A Quick Fun Read
[In an impression of Rod Sterling] Imagine if you will, receiving an invitation to an "All expense paid trip of a lifetime, not just for you, but your entire family" what would you do? Most likely you'd jump at the chance of getting to spend a really nice time away, to see exotic locations. Unless of course the trip was arranged by Matt Shaw. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!
[In an impression of Rod Sterling] Imagine if you will, receiving an invitation to an "All expense paid trip of a lifetime, not just for you, but your entire family" what would you do? Most likely you'd jump at the chance of getting to spend a really nice time away, to see exotic locations. Unless of course the trip was arranged by Matt Shaw. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!
January 28, 2017
Good book
I did enjoy this , but I gave it four stars because of the way it was written. Going to the past, present etc. At one point in the story i had to go all the way back because a character I thought had died unseemly never did. I'm still confused by this, maybe I'm just a bit dim but I would have preferred it without all the before and after stiuff.
I did enjoy this , but I gave it four stars because of the way it was written. Going to the past, present etc. At one point in the story i had to go all the way back because a character I thought had died unseemly never did. I'm still confused by this, maybe I'm just a bit dim but I would have preferred it without all the before and after stiuff.
February 3, 2017
Wanting more
I thought it was an easy read. Wish the cruise was in longer detail. More life on the cruise, slower sickness. Just prolonged like the book Adrift. Gonna check out book 2. Thanks for the good read.
I thought it was an easy read. Wish the cruise was in longer detail. More life on the cruise, slower sickness. Just prolonged like the book Adrift. Gonna check out book 2. Thanks for the good read.
April 12, 2020
Free voyage
A group of selected people were picked to go on a trip but reality set in as people started turning on one another. Must be something in the water.
A group of selected people were picked to go on a trip but reality set in as people started turning on one another. Must be something in the water.
April 4, 2022
Well this book was aptly named. It gets going and doesn't let up. Non stop gore fest.
March 25, 2017
Too short
It was a greatt book but entirely too short. U happily surprised when i came to the last page. Make a sequel
It was a greatt book but entirely too short. U happily surprised when i came to the last page. Make a sequel
Displaying 1 - 23 of 24 reviews