'Creature' by John Saul revolves around a small town called Silverdale in Colorado, where the Tanner family moves to after Blake Tanner is promoted. The town is controlled by a company called TarrenTech, which runs a mysterious sports clinic named Rocky Mountain High. The clinic offers experimental treatments to enhance physical abilities, particularly in young athletes. As the Tanner family settles in, they start to uncover the dark secrets of the town, including the dangerous experiments being conducted on the children. The plot delves into themes of corporate corruption, unethical experimentation, and the lengths people will go to in pursuit of physical perfection, all while maintaining suspense and mystery throughout the narrative.

John Saul's writing style in 'Creature' is described as suspenseful and mysterious, with a slow build-up that intensifies as the story progresses. The author skillfully weaves together elements of horror, ethical dilemmas, and human nature's darker side, creating a thought-provoking narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. explores the consequences of pushing boundaries in the name of progress, with a focus on the impact on individuals and families caught in the midst of a sinister plot.

Characters:

Characters exhibit complexity and relatability, particularly in their struggles and transformations, with a notable focus on the role of women in recognizing danger and the pressures of parental expectations.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is simple yet eerie, characterized by minimalism and effective pacing that allows for both tension and character development, although it occasionally features forced dialogue.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative revolves around a small town engaged in sinister experiments on its young athletes, exploring dark themes such as drug abuse and the extreme lengths to which parents will go for their children's success.

Setting:

The setting is a small, idyllic town overshadowed by corporate dominance, fixated on high school sports, and enveloped in mystery and corruption.

Pacing:

The pacing begins slowly but accelerates halfway through, filled with tension and unexpected twists that culminate in a strong finale.

The alarm went off with a soft buzz, and Mark Tanner lazily reached over to turn it off. He wasn’t asleep—hadn’t been for at least ten minutes. Rather, he’d been lying awake in bed, gazing out his win...

Notes:

The story revolves around Blake Tanner, who gets a promotion to a small town in Colorado called Silverdale.

TarrenTech, the company Blake works for, controls the entire town including a mysterious sports clinic.

Silverdale's football team is known for being strong and ruthless, with a coach named Phil Collins.

The protagonist's son, Mark, struggles with a childhood illness but hopes to become athletic through experimental treatments.

The book addresses serious themes like steroid abuse, parental pressure, and the lengths people will go for success in sports.

Women in the story are the first to sense danger in their seemingly perfect town, highlighting their protective instincts.

The ending is not a typical 'happily ever after,' which is a hallmark of John Saul's storytelling style.

Readers mention the book explores ethical dilemmas surrounding physical enhancement and risks associated with it.

Some readers found the slow buildup initially frustrating but acknowledged that the story picks up and becomes compelling later.

Saul's writing includes suspenseful moments that keep readers engaged and thinking about the story even when not reading.

The novel includes a twist at the end and is not afraid to have abrupt character deaths.

Creature is remembered by readers for its eerie plot and spooky imagery.

Many readers have reread the book, indicating its lasting impact and appeal.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for Creature include themes of drug abuse, violence, and body horror, which may be disturbing to some readers.

From The Publisher:

A powerful high-tech company. A postcard-pretty company town. Families. Children. Sunshine. Happiness. A high school football team that never-ever loses. And something else. Something horrible … Now, there is a new family in town. A shy, nature-loving teenager. A new hometown. A new set of bullies. Maybe the team's sports clinic can help him. Rebuild him. They won't hurt him again. They won't dare.

What can you read after
Creature?

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About the Author:

John Saul's first novel, Suffer the Children, was an immediate million-copy bestseller. His other bestselling suspense novels include Perfect Nightmare, Black Creek Crossing, and The Presence. He is also the author of the New York Times bestselling serial thriller The Blackstone Chronicles, initially published in six…

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Creature

John Saul