Ring by Koji Suzuki is a supernatural thriller that follows the investigation led by journalist Kazuyuki Asakawa into the mysterious deaths of four teenagers connected by a cursed videotape. Asakawa, along with his high school classmate Ryuki Takayama, delves into the occult to decipher the deadly charm that not only took the lives of the teens but now threatens their own lives and that of Asakawa's family. The story builds tension slowly but intensifies as the characters race against time to unravel the mystery of the tape before it claims more lives. The book is described as a gripping horror story, featuring a unique twist that the films based on the book ignore, providing a deeper insight into the character of Sadako and the origins of the threat.

Ring excels in its tight plot, blending ancient elements with modern themes to create a captivating supernatural thriller. The narrative is praised for its inventive and creative approach to storytelling, with a unique twist that sets it apart from typical horror narratives. The book keeps readers engaged with its atmospheric and mysterious elements, gradually building tension and delivering unexpected plot twists that add to the psychological thrill of the story.

Characters:

The characters exhibit moral ambiguity and lack depth, often feeling more like plot devices than fully developed individuals.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is perceived as simplistic and sometimes clunky, with a focus on plot over intricate character development.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers on a journalist's investigation of mysterious deaths, linking them to a cursed videotape that warns viewers of impending doom.

Setting:

The story is set in contemporary Japan, with cultural elements woven into the narrative, contributing to its unique atmosphere.

Pacing:

The pacing is slow at the beginning, creating a buildup that accelerates later on as the story's urgency intensifies.

A row of condominium buildings, each fourteen stories high, ran along the northern edge of the housing development next to the Sankeien garden. Although built only recently, nearly all the units were ...

Notes:

The book 'Ring' by Koji Suzuki is the source of the popular films 'Ringu' and 'The Ring'.

Kazuyuki Asakawa, the main character, is a journalist who investigates the mysterious deaths of teenagers linked to a cursed videotape.

The protagonist's investigation reveals a deeper, more complex story than seen in the movies, including themes of supernatural occurrences and psychic powers.

'Ring' is the first book in a trilogy, followed by 'Spiral' and 'Loop', which expand on the original story.

Asakawa's friend Ryuji Takayama is a controversial character, described as creepy and holding dark views, including a history of sexual misconduct.

Suzuki's writing combines elements of horror, mystery, and science fiction, making it unique among horror literature.

The book emphasizes the psychological turmoil and investigation rather than jump-scares typical in horror movies, leading to a slower pace in the narrative.

Sadako, the ghost girl, has a more developed and tragic backstory in the book, which adds depth to her character compared to film adaptations.

Many readers found the characters in the book, particularly Asakawa and Ryuji, to be unlikable or problematic, impacting their enjoyment of the story.

The themes of media and its dangers are prevalent, encapsulated in the idea of a videotape that leads viewers to death, likening it to a viral infection.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book includes mentions of violence, sexual assault, and themes surrounding death and suicide.

From The Publisher:

The Inspiration for the New Major Motion Picture RINGS

A mysterious videotape warns that the viewer will die in one week unless a certain, unspecified act is performed. Exactly one week after watching the tape, four teenagers die one after another of heart failure.

Asakawa, a hardworking journalist, is intrigued by his niece's inexplicable death. His investigation leads him from a metropolitan tokyo teeming with modern society's fears to a rural Japan-a mountain resort, a volcanic island, and a countryside clinic-haunted by the past. His attempt to solve the tape's mystery before it's too late-for everyone-assumes an increasingly deadly urgency. Ring is a chillingly told horror story, a masterfully suspenseful mystery, and post-modern trip.

The success of Koji Suzuki's novel the Ring has lead to manga, television and film adaptations in Japan, Korea, and the U.S.

Ratings (13)

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Reader Stats (44):

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Currently Reading (2)
Want To Read (23)
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Not Interested (4)

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Ring

Koji Suzuki

Book 1 in the series:Ring