Review; The Ritual by Adam Nevill

A while ago, I read the horror novel The Ritual by Adam Nevill and today I'll post my review of the book.

Description from Goodreads

When four old University friends set off into the Scandinavian wilderness of the Arctic Circle, they aim to briefly escape the problems of their lives and reconnect with one another. But when Luke, the only man still single and living a precarious existence, finds he has little left in common with his well-heeled friends, tensions rise. With limited experience between them, a shortcut meant to ease their hike turns into a nightmare scenario that could cost them their lives. Lost, hungry, and surrounded by forest untouched for millennia, Luke figures things couldn't possibly get any worse. But then they stumble across an old habitation. Ancient artefacts decorate the walls and there are bones scattered upon the dry floors. The residue of old rites and pagan sacrifice for something that still exists in the forest. Something responsible for the bestial presence that follows their every step. As the four friends stagger in the direction of salvation, they learn that death doesn't come easy among these ancient trees . . .

My Thoughts on the Book

The Ritual is one of those books that makes me go "this is why I don't go hiking in the woods". Adam Nevill is good at keeping the readers on their toes, due to his skill of atmospheric writing. Fair enough, the first half of the book drags on a bit, creating tension and slow character building, but then it switches gear in the second half.

If you're in for a ride, feel free to pick it up... Or you could watch the Netflix movie.