The Troop By Nick Cutter Book Review & Reaction | Definitely Not For The Faint of Heart!

[@bookmeridian]

One of the things I thought that made this book great was the fact some of the kids were already very psychologically off before the shit even hits the fan. I hope this gets an adaptation

[@esliet]

This book was EXCELLENT, could not put it down. Truly has King vibes , loved it

[@rara2216]

I loved this book so much. I gave it to someone... never to be seen again. He never read it. His loss. Sounds like murder lol. I gave it to my friend flying from Hawaii to Seattle. He didn't read it. His loss. What a heart pounding book!!

[@bookmarkswithjason9445]

I’ve read about 10 classic horror books since august and none of them really scared me. I just finished reading this book and it succeeded in making me feel a good sense of dread and hopelessness throughout. Not saying it terrified me, but some of this stuff did sneak into my dreams.

[@Jungleant310]

The part inside the cave

[@jesuschris9543]

Can’t agree more. It wasn’t terrifying, but the feeling of helplessness and dread was palpable.

[@crissydv1]

I didn’t think body horror was something I would be into, but I really enjoyed it. The turtle chapter broke me and I actually skimmed it… still a beautifully horrifying book

[@quinndexter]

I found the troop to be brutal and sad. Brutal because the horror is simply stunning. And sad because of the friendships each member of the troop has and what happens to them in the end. Brilliant book. Just started reading the Deep, also by Cutter.

[@jcdenton616]

The ending man :( What a bloody brilliant novel!

[@turtle62785]

My favorite part was that everyone’s strength is actually their weakness. Effs independence and tendency toward violence, football players desire to be adult and a leader, the scout masters helping nature, newts innocence and honesty, shelly ability to unflinchingly witness violence etc…no spoilers but their traits lead to their fate… oh and the turtle scene easily a top literary scene for me

[@HighMagnitudeGT]

Listened to the whole 11 hour audiobook in about 2 days.

[@Houseof1000Books]

omg we loved The Troop go check out our episode on it!

[@RebeccaNeffati]

This book embodies old-school horror at its finest!

[@rara2216]

Yes! I loved it

[@kylerieman221]

This sounds like it's right up my alley. I will definitely have to check it out at some point next year.

[@aangarati4355]

I read this a few weeks ago per your recommendation! It was really good! Felt like a mash up of themes from such works as The Lord of the Flies and The Long Walk. Put kids in a very specific situation and let horror be born from and around them. It was good. It gave me the same uneasy feeling, within a certain singular thing, as The Strain. I won’t elaborate because spoilers. I liked the kids. I thought their relationships were authentic mostly. They wouldn’t be friends other than scouts, but have a different world within scouts. Definitely needed to take some notes from King on how to write kids and dialogue between them. I agree with you, the fact that 2-3 of the kids were already primed for psychopathy was weird. It was almost as if scouts was being treated like a haven for troubled youth. I thought the very very end was a little … weak? The last page. Literally. Just like a “well, alright … I guess?” moment.

[@jasonvizcarra709]

Just started reading last night, and it’s been a page turner so far.

[@alynam82]

The Troop was a lot more than I was expecting. This was more than a gross-out creature feature-style horror. It was a suspenseful, psychological horror with gross-out creatures. Definitely saw elements of The Thing. And tho I haven't yet read Lord of the Flies, I know its premise, and I can see the similarities here.

[@nightmarishcompositions4536]

This book is like King mixed with old school 80's body horror. Really enjoyed it!

[@xph0ria]

Brilliant book! I remember being hungover on an aeroplane from London to Gran Canaria and almost fainting while reading THAT scene involving a boy and a 'worm hunt'. Had to put the book down for a few minutes until my head stopped spinning and the flashing yellow dots disappeared from my vision 🤢🤢🤢

[@Michael_L_Morrison]

This book was a large serving of gruesome, with a side order of relentless and visceral terror.

[@possessedbygenesis8585]

The best way I can describe what this book did to me is you know when you see a scene in a movie with bugs crawling all over someone or you see a bug in your room and for the rest of the night you feel like there is shit crawling all over you? This book did that to me almost every time I picked it up.

[@moondra3481]

Yes! I just finished the audiobook. This was the first audiobook that took less than 2 days to complete. There was one line that made me squeamish it was the roaches under the sheets line ick. I am going to listen to Little Heaven next❤

[@possessedbygenesis8585]

@@moondra3481 I’ve read all the Nick Cutter books. Some better than others. Hope you enjoy!

[@moondra3481]

@@possessedbygenesis8585 I am looking forward to it 😉💖💖

[@archersworldofliterature]

This is going straight to my TBR

[@JaimeEnFuego]

Nice shout-out with BONE TOMAHAWK! Caught that while covering a festival a number of years ago and it sits on my shelf for a reason. That scene in the 3rd act which every man who’s seen it knows is forever one of my most cringe theater experiences! More Western-Horror indeed, and if you haven’t read the first volume of AMERICAN VAMPIRE, which King co-wrote with Scott Snyder, I cannot recommend it enough. As far as the rest of Cutter goes, having finished up all of his releases yesterday when I concluded THE BREACH, I personally preferred THE DEEP to LITTLE HEAVEN, and while the latter of which does have Western elements in parts but it’s truly a medley of tons of other sub genres. Great video Sai!

[@mikesbookreviews]

You know that I take your opinions on the genre very seriously so I will reconsider The Deep first. Man, Bone Tomahawk blew me away and it wasn't just my Kurt Russell bias. So underrated.

[@TheJesseGladSaget]

I finished this a couple weeks ago. Super entertaining, and well fleshed-out characters. Craig Davidson/Nick Cutter is just a great writer. And tbh I thought Cutter's pivots to the news clippings was done way better than King did it with Carrie

[@RevengenceRaven]

I absolutely loved it. And yeah that turtle part was hard but I feel like it had a purpose. Great review mike!

[@TreySaunders88]

I chose this one to read for spooky season and it was very entertaining. the turtle scene was rough. I didn't expect this to be an infected story going into it. I was expecting a darker lord of the flies. definitely recommend

[@Speed202]

Yeah, the animal cruelty was described so well as you wonder if the author had first hand experience. It was a page turner and Cutter stuck the landing, much differently than King IMHO.

[@formulaeternal]

Great review. Way to build interest. It’s going on my tbr

[@nikkivenable3700]

Book reviews are my favorite! Thanks, Mike!

[@michaelokeke4976]

I will definitely get this book before the season 🎃 comes to a conclusion. As a matter of fact Mikey, knowing much you love Stephen Kingesque horror, you will love Black Mouth and Ronald Malfi’s other books. Black Mouth is basically IT meets The Outsiders Synopsis: From nearly two decades, Jamie Warren has been running from darkness. He’s haunted by a traumatic childhood and the guilt at having disappeared from his disabled brother’s life. But then a series of unusual events reunites him with his estranged brother and their childhood friends, and none of them can deny the sense of fate that has seemingly draw them back together. Nor can they deny the memories of that summer, so long ago-the strange magic taught to them by an even stranger man and the terrible act that has followed them all into adulthood. In the light of new danger, they must confront their past facing their futures, and hunting down a man who may very well be a monster.

[@finniganlaky37]

Damn you Keith in my into to black cinema class. You knew about my scoleciphobia but you reced me this book anyway. It's got amazing atmosphere and is great body horror for anyone who doesn't have a severe phobia of worms.

[@hashhead96]

Just finished this book holy moly was i into it , this was my first book I’ve read by cutter and I’m definitely getting another. I’m a big Stephen king fan and this was one of his recommended reads, now i know why !

[@xleocor]

The Troop is a great read! Got into Nick Cutter this summer and read what I could find. I really liked the Deep. It’s is different, Hellraiser meets Sphere. To be honest while the troop made my stomach turn a couple of times. The Deep truly scared me.

[@asfaloth12]

This book is on my TBR, but I admit to feeling wary about that turtle scene. I like turtles in general (and am a huge TMNT fan). Will still give it a try at some point. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@hucklebuck411]

I just read this book. Yes, the sea turtle incident bothered me the most followed by the kitten incident. Some have said they will not read this book based on the fact they've heard there are descriptions of animal mistreatment in it. But for those who don't mind stomach churning horror, I can definitely recommend this book.

[@kd8663]

I simply skimmed through those parts. I got what they were trying to get across and didn’t read too much detail.

[@bailey1493]

I keep watching and reading reviews about this book… and keep asking myself… what is wrong with me?! It did nothing for me lol. I had to force myself to finish it. 😂

[@mikesbookreviews]

No one book is for everyone. We all have moments like that.

[@nickfoster9350]

I read this a couple years ago, and I quite enjoyed it. It wasn't what I was expecting from reading the synopsis, but it was still pretty solid.

[@galifromcali9434]

I honestly picked it up thinking it would go the cannibal route but it didn’t it really was a good book though

[@tomhanks4585]

Reading it currently based on your recommendation!

[@TheDisturbedguy1989]

I'm reading this book now and once it's done I plan on moving to bag of bones

[@jeremymason7124]

Really enjoyed it. I’m not much of a horror reader, but I definitely think I’ll try to sneak some more in when I need a change of pace.

[@indigo149]

This is an excellent explanation with no spoilers. I agree - the turtle was the most disturbing part of the book. I'm not sad I read it but I probably won't read it again.

[@jwcarlson]

Greatly enjoyed it, finished it about a week ago. It was certainly a quick and enjoyable read, thanks for mentioning it!

[@angelwalker3260]

I read this shortly after it first came out. I know I liked it but I honestly don't remember much about it. Think I need a re-read. Thanks Mike Happy Halloween 🎃

[@BJAllen85]

Here for that sweet White Zombie shirt and this book was incredible. Just finished! 🏝

[@CD287-]

One of my first horror books! Was quite the page turner. The Deep was ... different. I went in with the wrong expectations but it definitely delivered on the horror

[@unlimitedreads]

That was a great review, Mike :) so much so that I have decided to give it a crack for my November reading!

[@metalgearsenshi]

Thanks! I'm not a seasoned horror reader just yet, but this sounds like a step in the right direction. I had read a book with a slightly similar setup around "who has the curse/virus" and for me it was too tame and causal. I don't /need/ shock factor to enjoy horror, but I should have some excitement or layered thoughts while reading it.

[@NOORPHANSTUBE]

Don’t be put off by the deep, I absolutely loved that one! Little heaven was also great. Been loving your reviews man!

[@fithfath3615]

I finished The Troop at the weekend and its okay, but I feel there are some timing issues with the story and what happens with Eff makes little sense to me. It's an okay read, but I'd only give it 3 stars.

[@jesuschris9543]

I agree. The whole thing with eff kind of went from 0-100 way too fast. I could see his character doing what he did, but it felt like there wasn’t enough lead-up to it

[@levilogstrom8534]

Awesome! I just bought little heaven and I’m really looking forward to reading it and watching your review 🙌

[@wesb2823]

I liked the book. Read it in a few sittings. I only had an issue with the animal cruelty scenes, but overall it was a great read.

[@MrClark360360]

Thought this book was great! Did anyone else pick up on the amount of time nick cutter used the word ‘angles’ ? It actually started to get on my nerves a little. Must have been around 15-20 times? Although when I was reading I kept think if it could have been better if was written by the master Stephen king? Maybe? Maybe not?

[@steviepickles9174]

Couldn’t agree more about the turtle. 😢 “squirm,” lol

[@marianemes72]

The turtle scene is heartbreaking.

[@kirkpetersjr]

It's ironic what you say about the stilted kid's dialogue given that on the cover is a recommendation from S. King. I quote, "The Troop scared the hell out of me, and I couldn't put it down. This is old-school horror at its best."

[@dinocollins720]

turtle ptsd lol

[@avsambart]

0:10 I don't usually eat books but thanks for the reminder 😂

[@LSPig]

With the exception of the short story "Guts" by Chuck Palahniuk, this is the only book that has ever made me feel physically gross while reading. Also fuck Shelly! That poor kitten...

[@BiggusPuggus]

is the film adaptation out yet i'm dying to have it out since i binged the whole book in one go

[@michaelwinters2574]

Just finished. Loved it. Still shook over my turtle friend…

[@Sandwiches0]

I love this book so much

[@BrownTown89]

Just finished it! Gave me some dreamcatcher vibes

[@candicefuino9956]

I loved/hated this novel. It was a great story but i knew when i opened this book i was going to read something that "made me squirm" lol. I wish he delved a bit deeper into the characters, that would have been awesome!

[@olli_tvt]

Huh, bookworms. That’s ironic.

[@ButchArgus]

Total page turner. Not AS gruesome as I expected but definitely not to be read while eating. The ending surprised me. Overall definite 5 star book. Creeeeeepy.

[@jeans4108]

The turtle thing haunts me and I read this in 2018 👀

[@anthonyjenkins2001]

Finished it yesterday and whole I found the Troop well written I think we might have read different books. I was more grossed out when they ate bugs and sea slugs as opposed to all he body horror elements. That did nothing for mw

[@BioPhoenixReviews]

the turtle part you mentioned must have been inspired by cannibal holocaust

[@AdoreYouInAshXI]

I loved this book, and if I had to point out one flaw with it it would be the same as yours. The dialogue with the kids. It's definitely passable, and it's not bad by any means, but a few scenes felt dated. Like it's Nick Cutters idea what kids would talk like without adults around in a badly written YA straight to DVD film or something. A few lines were just cringey, especially when it came to the bullying of Newton. I don't have any issue with the bullying itself, but the names they call him? Porkchop (can you guess why)? It was a little eye rolling and cliche. But other than that I didn't have a single other complaint. One of the best horror novels I've read in a long time. I wish the rest of Cutters books were even close to this one though. The Deep was pretty disappointing.

[@jamieserrano827]

I read the troop earlier this year with a book group of mine not sure which one for sure oh yeah some midnight book society Listened to the audiobook which makes a lot more sense with some of the sections of this book I gave it an a it was one of my really good books of the year starting out

[@dpeady78]

I loved it - soooo gloopy and disgusting. Funnily enough I barely remember the turtle scene but I remember someone’s face cracking and pouring open Yum

[@burge2695]

I loved this book and reallly want to re-read itt

[@emilys5008]

look I had nightmares for a few days after reading this. so 10 out of 10 for me

[@mmurphy3608]

What band is on your shirt? I’m drawing a blank😊

[@mikesbookreviews]

White Zombie, Rob Zombie's original band.

[@ravenx72]

Just read it, it was really good.

[@mirzunayedali1724]

Almost done with the book it's great it's really good don't read it save yourself

[@erikparkinson817]

Great book hands down!, but I must still recommend THE DEEP I listen to it every October 🐙🌊💀😈

[@mirzunayedali1724]

This filter made me think my laptop screen started malfunctinoing

[@mikesbookreviews]

Ha ha whoops

[@lazyhippie6139]

OK this book got to me lol, tough read (for the content, it's actually pretty easy to read in terms of style). In terms of horror content... 10/10, disturbing as hell.

[@suruboogies]

spoiler question: what did you think of the ending? do you think the worms learned to survive and made it off the island?

[@mikesbookreviews]

I'm not really sure. Could be that. But part of me thinks he was just so messed up mentally at that point that he just wanted to go back to the island and die.

[@NamasteBbooktube]

Great review!! ☠️

[@ChillCollins616]

His other two books are just as good, little heaven is downright creepy as hell!

[@ulrika44]

I really enjoyed it but seriously, I had to skip the turtle and the cat part.

[@atom0191]

Thank you

[@raymondbillups2002]

Team, this book was not scary at all. Does anyone have a recommendation that’s really scary. I’ve already read Misery and it was that pretty good.

[@loudoesreviews]

The Troop has one BIG problem - no likeable characters.

[@Santo_Buzo_89]

When you say medieval horror, you mean historical fiction? Or fantasy horror?

[@kd8663]

I think animal cruelty touches on something that this book actually addresses via Shelly’s thoughts: we know humans can understand their suffering. It’s terrible, but at least they know WHY they’re feeling pain, even if they can’t understand the reason for it in a grander sense. But animals don’t understand. There’s something really gut wrenching about a creature getting hurt that is cognizant enough to feel pain and fear, but not intelligent to make sense if it. I find that idea of their confused mental state more disturbing than that of a human suffering.

[@ElectricPopsicle123]

Little Heaven was a good novel! The Deep was very weak

[@muffyscrazyworld2707]

I just finished his book the deep and it took me months to get through cause it was gross

[@Metalmirq]

This book was okay. Not scary or terrifying at all. Plus I really didn’t like reading about kids murdering kittens and turtles in extremely sick detail

[@belaswhicker2033]

Thanks for letting me know about the graphic animal torture. Hard pass!

[@meris8486]

Yeah didn't like this much. Scoutmaster Tim is so stupid, despite being a trained doctor he horribly mishandles the Stranger. Shelley is also comically evil to facilitate the plot. The worms are terrifying though.

[@blacknwhitecookie8967]

A really creepy & edgy book. I'll just say two words...the turtle. The Deep fell flat for me & IMO, nowhere near as good as The Troop

[@sums3080]

Shelly is a nasty kid

[@abbeymaclean4716]

Plz don’t call us bookworms 🤢🥴

[@mikesbookreviews]

I got some bad news for you if you ever watch another video on this channel...

[@ReversedCentaur]

Not scary so far.

[@mikesbookreviews]

More F'd up than scary.

[@caliinthevalley24681]

Thank you for the excellent review. I appreciate the heads up on animal cruelty. I have stopped mid read when animals are harmed. I don’t know why but it’s something I can’t get through. I just started reading it. 😊 Not a lot of writers can rival King to me but you comparing this to King definitely has me peaked. Blood Meridian was just “ok” to me.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Yeah, it's tough to read.

[@wjamimah7772]

I just read The Troop too a couple weeks ago and omg it was so good!! So intense and gross. 🪱

[@mikesbookreviews]

VERY gross.

[@wjamimah7772]

@@mikesbookreviews Ephraim tho 😭