If you never want to read a horror novel, stop reading here. If you’re open to reading horror but unsure where to begin, message me; I’ll send you a list.
Because CASTAWAYS by Brian Keene is not for the faint of heart, nor is it an introduction to the genre. For that, there are plenty of other options. Keene knows his audience, and his audience knows who they are. If you’re not sure, you’re not part of it.
At first I wanted to lambast Keene for writing unlikeable characters, which made it hard to get into the story. Then about a quarter of the way in, I realized it’s not his fault: the setting all but demands unlikeability from its cast. The types of people (that we see on the surface) attracted to being on reality shows like Keene’s semi-fictional “Castaways” survivor-style show are exactly the type with whom Keene fills his book. Nearly all are utterly unlikeable, and I found myself anticipating the villains coming after them with great relish.
Once the reader can accept this not-so-secret desire to see the cast get theirs, CASTAWAYS gets a lot more fun. It’s a horrifying scenario and one that rings of distinct possibility. As an author, to me this book epitomizes that “What if?” question that has kicked off so many stories, horror or otherwise.
And this is horror, make no mistake. It’s bloody, it’s gory, it’s foul, it’s violent.
If that makes you perk up, then this novel is for you.
Keene understands jerks. Most of the book is populated with them. These are exactly the kind of people you’d expect to meet under the circumstances they are in. That said, there are a few redemptive changes over the course of the story, which keeps the arc moving and prevents the novel from being the literary equivelant of torture porn (though the story does share a lot in common with the genre. You’ve been warned).
To a certain degree, CASTAWAYS is a slasher film disguised as a monster movie. The monsters are still effective; they just operate more functionally like a Jason or a Michael, albeit with a different motivation. There is nothing supernatural in the book, which creates part of it’s terror.
This is, and I cannot underscore this enough, a BRUTAL book.
I wouldn’t recommend the book to non-horror readers looking to dip a toe in the genre. This novel is for the already-committed fans. Viewed through that lens, CASTAWAYS excels at what it sets out to do.
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Brian Keene Castaways
