The Shuddering by Ania Ahlborn
One of my favorite horror novels/authors!
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Pros: snowy cabin in the mountain, there's something in the woods, so good, well written, scary
Cons: not one damn thing, fight me
TW: Death, Gore, Violence, Animal death, Sexual content, Blood, Grief, Pregnancy
LISTEN UP WEIRDOS we have a 5 star review! Is this one of my all time favorite books? Maybe.
The Shuddering is a horror novel following a group of friends who have gathered in a snowy mountain cabin to spend some time together; one last trip before their lives start to change. There is drama, there is tension, there are secrets... and there is something in the woods.
If you play video games and enjoyed Until Dawn, you will love this book. My reasoning? I have played Until Dawn and I liked Until Dawn and I love, love, love this book. Seriously, every time I get to gush about this book, I get so excited. This was the book I immediately ran to grab after I finished Seed, my first Ania Ahlborn book. I loved Seed, immediately wanted more and The Shuddering delivered; Ania delivered.
It was so well done, dare I say it was immaculate. It was scary, violent, unsettling but also tugged on my heartstrings a little bit. The characters and the drama had me hooked and screaming. On top of just a really great cast of characters and a storyline that had me invested, this book was scary as hell.
I also really appreciate how formulaic Ahlborn’s horror novels are. She somehow manages to follow a very familiar format without it ever feelings predictable or boring. I think that’s impressive!
I was excited to read this, I was beyond satisfied when I finished and I fully plan on reading this over and over until someone pries the book from my grasp. Picture me in a nursing home, throwing jello at a fellow oldie who makes the mistake of trying to take my book. Not this book, Lenore, I am not playing around.
Also, please enjoy my GoodReads review and follow me there if you'd like! This review is a great summary of all the things I plan to discuss at length below.