Horror Aficionados discussion
Group Reads
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May 2018 Group Read #2: The Descent by Jeff Long
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I can actually say that this is my favorite book. I'm anxious to hear what everyone thinks!
High praise, Beth! I’m in. Can’t wait.
is this related to the movie? from 2004/5?
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It's available on Kindle for $8.99 but used hardback copies are available for as little as $1.99,
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/051...
just ordered a 'fine' hardcover for 2.87. thanks Wendy!!!
Charlotte wrote: "is this related to the movie? from 2004/5?"Aside from the name, not at all.
Charlotte wrote: "is this related to the movie? from 2004/5?"Not at all.
I have just heard from kennys.ie that my secondhand copy is coming in the post. I imagine I won't get to this until later this month due heavy work schedules though.
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Thank you to the two who answered my question. I’m currently ordering the book. I’m going out on a limb and just finally joining the discussions. I’m always curious but in the end no one wants to read the same ones as me but it’s ok. Who knows this could be my new fav. :)
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i've found quite a few good ones that I don't think I would have looked twice at, if not for the fact that they won the group polls. :)
Seriously creepy book! And I don't scare easy. The first chapter here has me on the edge of the seat and I decide to keep reading when the sun is up.
Oooh so looking forward to getting to it.
The description really piqued my interest. Looking forward to reading it.
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My copy arrived today. Possibly gonna start it when I let the bleach sit in my hair. It might be good to read while I’m doing this entire process. (Going hot pink from dark dark brown.)
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I read the first two Chapters of this on the Beach today. It is SUCH a Beach read. Lots of stuff happening to keep you interested. I was a little funny though being on the Beach in early May when the opening Chapter is about being in a Snow Storm in Early MAy.
I just found out that the library one town over actually has this one, so I hope to join in before the end of the month:-).
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I read this one years ago, and still have it on the shelves. I know I enjoyed it, so I may do a re-read when I finish the first group read. :)
I finished it today and definitely didn’t love it. (I didn’t dislike it either, to be fair.) That’s kind of a first for me since doing the group reads here in HA. I guess it was bound to happen sometime. I loved the premise and the world created by Long, but the plot and characters seemed stolen from the same template used in every Cussler, Crichton, Dan Brown, Tom Clancy type novel where there’s an assorted group of people who go somewhere hostile and uncharted. I saw every twist and turn coming from fathoms away.
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WendyB wrote: "At page 81 and some seriously weird stuff is going on. Interesting background I'm sure for the main part of the story."Seriously weird stuff does go on throughout. Lots of little scenes that don't directly relate to the main story.
They should’ve kept with the first group from chapter 1. I’m at page 124 and I’m dreading finishing it since idc about any of these other people in the story. You know?
I have just finished part 1. I am intrigued by the idea that we are searching for (view spoiler) . There are a lot of characters (without much character building), a lot of plot twists but overall the story is entertaining. A bit of a holiday read really. One where you don't have to pay too much attention to.
I’m a little over half way now. I think they’re trying to force a romance? I won’t say who or anything but it’s weird and unnecessary.
Just got started (been a busy May), finished ch.1 and finding it freaky/creepy so far and hopes it stays. Doesn't quite sound like it but going to press forward anyway.
Idk if I can finish it by the end of the month. I just can’t force myself to finish it rn. Will this discussion be open during June? Because it’s hard.
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This thread will be available for as long as people want to post in it.
WendyB wrote: "Don't worry, Charlotte. This thread will be available for as long as people want to post in it."
thanks, this book is just rough to force myself though. I'm sure you understand.
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I think that hits the nail on the head. If he hadn't dragged the plot out for 500 pages (or whatever the book was) it would have been better.
Alan wrote: "WendyB wrote: "Yeah, this book would have been better with about 200 pages cut out of it. The core of the story was good, it just went on too long. :("I think that hits the nail on the head. If h..."
I just wish this book was over man, like theyre straying so much further than the plot needs to. and idk if i want to finish atm, but im not gonna DNF it you know.
All these comments only prove the saying, "no two people read the same book". I love The Descent. I would even go so far as to say it's my favorite book. It's interesting to me to see your comments (and makes me a little sad).
I am so loving this book. Just annoyed that when I tell people about it they assume it is the one about the 5 girls in the pyramid or whatever and they go "oh i saw the film"
I don’t hate the book. Just slightly annoyed.
One of my favorites although I kept wondering just how far (view spoiler)The reviews for the second book aren't as high as this one. I'm unsure if I should read it anyway or not.
Judy wrote: "One of my favorites although I kept wondering just how far [spoilers removed]The reviews for the second book aren't as high as this one. I'm unsure if I should read it anyway or not."
Ugh, the second one was a disappointment. Don't go there.
Aw that's too bad but thanks for the head's up, Beth.
I’m on a roll guys. I finished one book today. So I am determined to finish this in the next few days. Maybe by the end of the week. Depending if it frustrates me again. I only have 227 pages left. Wish me luck 😘
A lot of the comments get at the heart of what is good and what is disappointing about this book. I felt like I was reading several different books at the same time. The early sections were mysterious, intriguing, and emotionally drew me in. Toward the end, though, I felt like I was on an endless hike similar to the one endured by the explorers in the underworld.
I want it to end. I don’t understand the plot anymore. I’m tired and annoyed.
Before I read everyone else's comments - my thoughts. I really enjoyed this is was a face paced twisty thriller that borrowed heavily from classics such as HG Wells The Time Machine and the rules of the Hollywood summer blockbuster genre. The rules of Hollywood being, make it gory, keep it fast paced and keep them guessing, oh and the boy always gets the girl no matter how mismatched they are.
It was, however, some of the "Holywood style action thriller elements that I didn't enjoy. Making sexual violence to women a thrilling element of the story makes me uncomfortable. The mismatched lovers didn't work for me and I didn't buy into them. The main twist was the one I hope the author was not going to choose because it was obviously the person whom Hollywood would have chosen and to be honest doesn't make sense.
Still, I would recommend this to someone wanting to read a face paced action adventure story beside a pool or something.
Andrew wrote: "I finished it today and definitely didn’t love it. (I didn’t dislike it either, to be fair.) That’s kind of a first for me since doing the group reads here in HA. I guess it was bound to happen som..."I agree with you Andrew. That is more or less what I felt about the book.
Pixelina wrote: "I am so loving this book. Just annoyed that when I tell people about it they assume it is the one about the 5 girls in the pyramid or whatever and they go "oh i saw the film""I think this novel would make a great movie of its own though. Definitely that kind of material.
Remember to use spoiler tags and respect each others opinions.
Have fun!