If you're a fan of fast-paced, gory horror novels and love the old "teens-trapped-in-a-house-of-horrors" trope, Urban Gothic will be right up your alley! Brian Keene delivers relentless thrills with shocking body horror, plenty of nerve-wracking moments, and inventive twists on cannibal mutants and urban legends. Those who crave adrenaline-fueled, graphic horror with a delightfully depraved underbelly (think The Hills Have Eyes meets The People Under The Stairs) will probably have a blast with this one.

Who May Not Like This Book:

This book is not for the faint of heart or those sensitive to extreme violence, graphic body horror, or politically incorrect language. Some readers found the teenage characters cliché or irritating, felt that the pace bogged down in the endless, maze-like cellar sequences, and thought the story sacrificed depth and originality for shock value. If you want nuanced characters or deep psychological scares rather than sheer splatterpunk mayhem, you might want to look elsewhere.

A wild, gruesome roller coaster for horror lovers who dig gore above all else - quick, fun, and sick, but don't expect much subtlety or sophistication.

About:

In 'Urban Gothic' by Brian Keene, a group of suburban teenagers find themselves stranded in a dangerous part of town after their car breaks down. Seeking refuge in an old abandoned house, they soon realize they have stumbled into a nightmare inhabited by mutant cannibals. The fast-paced and relentless plot keeps readers on edge as the teenagers fight for survival against gruesome horrors lurking within the house. Keene's vivid descriptions and realistic decision-making of the characters immerse readers into the terrifying world he has created, making it a gripping and disturbing read.

Characters:

Characters include reckless teenagers and grotesque mutants, with a focus on their flawed human nature and survival instincts.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by a fast pace, vivid imagery, and a straightforward narrative that captures readers effectively.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative revolves around teenagers who, after their car troubles in a rough area, take refuge in a sinister house that leads to encounters with its terrifying inhabitants.

Setting:

The story takes place in a dilapidated house within a dangerous urban environment, serving as a character in its own right.

Pacing:

The pacing is generally fast, though some critics note issues with pacing linked to drawn-out scenes in the dark.

A car rolled slowly past, its underside so low to the ground that it almost scraped against the road. The windows were tinted, and they couldn’t see the driver, but the vehicle’s stereo was turned up ...

Notes:

The story follows six suburban friends who break down in a dangerous part of Philadelphia after a concert.

They seek shelter in an old house where they encounter mutated cannibals.

Brian Keene's writing is engaging, often depicting realistic reactions in extreme situations.

The novel is compared to horror movies like Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Wrong Turn.

There's a significant focus on gore and graphic violence throughout the book.

The house itself has mysterious qualities, almost like a living entity.

Characters include a cowardly hero and a best friend who may betray others during a crisis.

Despite its flaws, the book features ideas about inner-city life and societal fears.

Descriptions of mutants in the house are vividly portrayed and repulsive.

The pacing has been criticized for lengthy scenes in dark cellars that can confuse readers.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for Urban Gothic include graphic violence, gore, and disturbing imagery.

From The Publisher:

No one gets out alive When their car broke down in a dangerous inner-city neighborhood, Kerri and her friends thought they would find shelter inside an old, dark row home. They thought it was abandoned. They thought they would be safe there until help arrived. They were wrong. The residents who live down in the cellar and the tunnels beneath the city are far more dangerous than the streets outside, and they have a very special way of dealing with trespassers. Trapped in a world of darkness, populated by obscene abominations, they will have to fight back if they ever want to see the sun again. Every city has its secrets and urban legends. But nothing can prepare them for when they find out the truth about this horrible house. Urban Gothic is Brian Keene's blood and body fluid splattered tribute to horror icon Edward Lee. "Raw, gritty, and often brilliant . . . Urban Gothic is a tour de force in shock horror." - Dark Scribe Magazine.

2009

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301 pages

Ratings (1)

It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (19):

Read It (1)
Want To Read (13)
Not Interested (5)

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Urban Gothic

Brian Keene

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