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Castaways

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'Castaways' by Brian Keene is a horror novel that revolves around a reality television show called Castaways, where contestants are stranded on an island and face deadly creatures inspired by Richard Laymon's Beast House series. The story is fast-paced, filled with gore, and features a group of characters fighting for survival against ancient denizens. Keene's writing style is described as drawing readers in with interesting characters, twists, and a generous amount of horror elements.

Characters:

Characters are generally shallow and stereotypical, often fitting typical horror archetypes.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is fast-paced and engaging but may lack depth in character dialogue and development.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot features a group of reality TV contestants on a perilous island where they encounter deadly creatures, drawing comparisons to the classic Survivor format.

Setting:

The setting is a deserted island resembling those used for reality shows, inhabited by dangerous creatures.

Pacing:

The pacing is generally fast, creating an urgent reading experience, but some feel it sacrifices character development.
Becka knew she was going to drown. Gasping, she filled her lungs as another massive wave forced her below the churning turquoise waters. As she plunged downward, all sound ceased, except her heartbeat...

Notes:

Castaways is a homage to Richard Laymon, reflecting his style and themes.
The book is modeled after the reality show Survivor, but with a horror twist.
The story presents characters who are contestants on a reality show on a deserted island.
The island is inhabited by devolved, cannibalistic creatures that pose a serious threat to the contestants.
The novel takes place over just 24 hours, creating a fast-paced reading experience.
Some characters are stereotypical, mimicking the personalities seen in reality shows.
Readers noted that while the action is relentless, the psychological depth is lacking.
The writing style has been described as cinematic, keeping readers engaged with short chapters.
Brian Keene has expanded Castaways from a short story he previously wrote, titled In Laymon's Terms.
The book features elements of gore, violence, and sexual situations, appealing to horror fans.
While some readers loved the fast pacing, others felt it lacked suspense and character development.
The creatures in the book are inspired by those from Laymon's Beast House series.
Keene's fans generally recommend the book, while some had mixed feelings about its execution.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include graphic violence, cannibalism, and sexual situations.

From The Publisher:

They came to the deserted island to compete on a popular reality television show. Each one hoped to be the last to leave. Now they're just hoping to stay alive, because the island isn't deserted after all. Contestants are disappearing, but they aren't being eliminated by the game. They're being taken by the monstrous, half-human creatures that live deep in the jungle. The men will be slaughtered. The women will be kept alive as captives. Night is falling, the creatures are coming, and rescue is so far away... Deadite Press is proud to present Brian Keene's tribute to the late, great Richard Laymon "Bloody, vile, violent and nasty. Castaways is a can't put down page turner." -House of Horrors "Much like Laymon, Keene provides all kinds of thrills here... But Brian Keene has his own voice, too, one just as good a the late great master, Richard Laymon." -SFRevu.

Ratings (2)

It Was OK (1)
Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (4):

Read It (1)
Want To Read (2)
Did Not Finish (1)
 
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