Source: Goodreads

Book Review: The Troop

In 2026, I am trying to diversify my genres. My long-time favorites are, of course, fantasy and sci-fi, but after reading All The Sinners Bleed by S.A. Cosby, I was tempted to delve deep into thriller and horror. The Troop is, therefore, my attempt to foray deeper into the genre, and boy oh boy does it deliver.

The story follows a troop of boy scout who went to a remote island for their annual scout outing trip, when a stranger came and brought with him (it?) terrors beyond what the boys, or anyone for that matter, could have prepared for. Facing a dead-or-alive situation that seemed to get more and more dire by the minute, the boys found themselves suppressing their humanity in an attempt at survival. I need to warn you that Nick Cutter is a very visual novelist; there are various gory instances that he describes very vividly, which might not be suitable for everyone.

The choice of young characters instead of adults is brilliant. In the story, we are taken into the shoes of these boys, not even old enough to ride a car by themselves, yet they are faced with the unspeakable horror. It really adds to the helplessness of the situation. The horror of the book is not only because of the villain, but also of what these boys can do when they are desperate. There are this scene with a turtle… not even involving the antagonists yet very disturbing.

Overall, a fascinating book for horror/thriller fans. It is so much fun to read. Fantasy and sci-fi might be my top genres, but horror/thriller is sure creeping up!

3.5/5