The world has gone to Hell. A virus has seemingly come from no where, bringing with it a number of conspiracy theories as to its origin. Some of the theories are outlandish whilst some have an eerie ring of possible truth around them. But, as the world goes into lock down with people living in isolation only allowed out of their homes for essential journeys, people soon realise there are greater things to worry about than COVID-19.
THE TAINTED SOULS by Shaun Hutson and Matt Shaw is a dark collaboration filled with graphic violence, mainly taking place in the UK. If you have a weak stomach, don't bother reading this story. While I'm quick to call out authors who use rape and murder purely for shock value, in this case, it's a necessary evil to emphasize the sickness spreading throughout the population. Covid 19 is simply the catalyst to something much worse.
I'll admit, I'm not familiar with Hutson's work, but this novella is typical of Shaw's disturbing writing style. (If you want to curl up with a good book for comfort during your quarantine, you don't curl up with Shaw...especially not sober.) The variety of characters increases the suspense, not knowing how any of them will react to one another. Even within the separate groups, the dynamics are constantly changing, with everyone focused on their own individual survival.
All in all, this is one hell of a thriller, and I'm equally impressed with how quickly the authors put it together. I was hoping the house Adam came across would be the one from Octopus/Full Moon, or Tessa would have a backstory tied into one of Shaw's older stories, but I'm still satisfied with the novella as is. The ending is more frightening than anything else which takes place.
As always,
AstraDaemon
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