Screams of the Jungle

by Zach Cutler-Orrey

"Screams of the Jungle" is a chilling novel that blends science fiction with horror. Readers will join a troubled scientist as he uncovers a nightmare unlike anything the world has ever seen before. Get ready to dive into this dramatic page-turner that will make you think twice before turning off the lights at night.

Dr. David Hale, a father struggling through divorce, heads deep into the uncharted jungle of equatorial Africa alongside a team of fellow researchers. A series of misfortunes will lead them - and the rescue party sent in to retrieve them - to uncover a nightmare of epic proportions. It is a nightmare that will put them on the precipice between survival-at-all-costs versus agonizing death.. redemption versus retribution.. parenthood and love versus trauma. This is a nightmare that could rewrite everything mainstream science holds to be true about arachnids.

Genres: Horror

344 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 28, 2022

Reviews

[Sarah Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn. I can’t even think of what to say except that this books was really good. Sure it’s like the most insane amount of bad things that you could possibly have happen to a group of people but….. I’ve never been on an expedition to the Congo so I have no clue if it’s accurate or not. LOL
And I don’t really care either. It was good and fun to read!
Hell I even found myself teary eyed at the last several pages!
Thoroughly enjoyed everything about this book - well maybe not every single thing (Jimmie). But yeah, totally recommended this to anyone who likes creature adventures.

[Zach · Rating 2 out of 5]

there were elements of this book that would have made a great, suspenseful horror novel; the nightmares the spider's venom caused(though even that was mitigated by the fact that the spider's fangs were "banana-sized"-making any bite almost immediately fatal), being stranded in a hostile, seldom explored(by white people) environment, the spider's ability to mimic other sounds (including human screams for help), but the novel fails to really capitalize on these elements and instead devolves into an action movie when, first Congolese river pirates enter the scene, then deus ex machina mercenaries(complete with their very own magic-black-man- native who knows exactly which flower to smear onto the group to repel the spiders but fails to forewarn the mercenaries about said spiders). i wanted so much more, and the book promised so much more and then failed to adequately deliver.

also, i was only able to find the book in paperback, which i personally do not like as they seem to seldomly hold of to rigorous reading or travel and do not look nice on a book shelf afterwards, but i understand that is not disqualifying for everyone.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

There have been legends of man-sized spiders for decades. Most are based on purported eyewitness accounts. Just one photograph would go a long way to make these legends credible. That said, Zach Cutler-Orrey's tale of Congo Spiders is a compelling argument. Yes, this is fiction and yes, it stretches reality almost to the breaking point, but if anything even minimally close to the monsters portrayed in this book actually exist, woe be upon us all.
Aside from monster spiders, the humans in this story had to deal with sadistic river pirates, horrendous weather and a huge need for a crash course in survival skills. Surviving being lost in the Congolese jungle is enough of a challenge without all the hardships the author lays out for his characters.
The book seemed a bit surreal to me but it is sci-fi/horror so I suppose a little excursion from reality is to be expected. If you are a severe arachnophobe, this book might not be your cup of tea but for the rest of us, It's a good read.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author has a bright future ahead of himself. Tnis book was so good, I hated putting it down. It kept me on edge and left me wanting more, which I really hope will be forthcoming. I don't want to delve into the plot or characters - all great, just don't want to leave any spoilers out there.

[Tue Rust · Rating 5 out of 5]

Horror-action that pulled every emotion out of me

The Hero’s Journey. Everyone walks it. Few understand it. Only a handful have the courage, genius and creativity to capture it in a novel. Well done Mr Cutler-Orrey….what’s next? I need more, please.

[TJL · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book… BADLY needed an editor. Show, Don’t Tell is a thing for a reason, and this book tells tells tells tells TELLS constantly. No subtlety at all.

The story wasn’t too bad, but the poor writing was very, very distracting.

[Kaitlin Shumake · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was so repetitive and redundant I hated it

[Alejandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the plot and the storyline but there was something that didn't allow me to give it 5 stars...not sure what it was but I was left wanting more.