This balance was also found throughout the novel as the author explored every aspect of his character’s struggles: pain and exhaustion, anger and frustration, determination and tenderness, love and understanding. The ending was poised between apocalyptic violence and a tentative hope for the future. Whilst there is plenty of psychological horror, there are also bursts of visceral gore and cracking bones, attributable to both the titular ‘Creature’ and Kate’s chronic illness! On that note, I should warn that this is not for the faint-hearted or squeamish. The tension ratchets imperceptibly until you find yourself jumping at noises in your own house! Then the climax explodes into action, violence and heroics. These were the only points that I was able to put the book down however, as Shea has created a slow-creeping story that first thoroughly immerses you in the repetitive, blunt horror of a life lived in pain, before gradually layering in more traditional horror tropes (shadows, noises in the night, slaughtered wildlife). As a reader with my own chronic illness I had to put the book down a few times to collect myself before continuing, especially for moments like Kate’s cleaning spree or when she slept through eagerly anticipated plans. Dark despair, coping humour and stubbornly clinging hope are all uncompromisingly laid bare.

It was clear, even before the author’s afterword, that Hunter Shea has deeply personal experience of living with someone who suffers from chronic illness, as no amount of research can provide the depth of understanding and emotion on display here. There are monsters without and monsters within, and it’s not clear which are the scarier! She and Andrew must fight to survive the creature that lurks in the dead of night.Ĭreature gave me chills, shivers, goosebumps and I might have held my breath a few times too. Just like her body, Kate’s cottage becomes her prison. Something is in the woods, screeching in the darkness, banging on the house, leaving animals for dead. It’s beautiful, remote, idyllic, a place to heal.īut they are not alone. Her husband Andrew’s surprise of their dream Maine lake cottage for the summer is the gift of a lifetime. Chronic pain and a host of autoimmune diseases have robbed her of a normal, happy life. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*īlurb: The monsters live inside of Kate Woodson.

*I received a free ARC of this book with thanks to the author and Anne Cater of Random Things Blog Tours.

Hunter shea creature