The Silence by Tim Lebbon Also by this author: Trust No One: X-Files, Book 1
Published by Titan Books (US, CA) on April 14, 2015
Genres: Dark Fantasy, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Paranormal
Pages: 400
Format: Paperback
Source: the library
During a mining expedition creatures that existed unbeknownst to humans for possibly centuries are released into the world. Blind, they hunt purely by sound. Now free to feed, they are drawn to the terrified screams of their human victims who are unable to survive in a world devoid of sound. What makes the whole situation worse is that the entire scene is broadcasted live on television. At first, people believe it to be a horror movie. The real horror is the understanding that it's real, and it's just a matter of time before the creatures, referred to as vesps, take hundreds upon thousands of victims.
Ally is a teen struggling to live in a world of the hearing. Deaf as a result of a childhood car accident, Ally has never allowed herself to play victim. Never would she have believed that her disability would give her advantage over others. She must help her family live in a world free of sound if they are to survive.
I’m one of those people who has to read a book before the movie. I originally read this book a few years ago when it was originally released. Before I could watch the Netflix adaptation (yes, I know I’m a few months behind), I knew I had to do a reread. Not only because I wanted a reminder of what was originally written but because I wanted to once again experience the terrifying world Lebbon has created. What makes it so terrifying is the plausibility that such an event could transpire.
Lebbon is an exceptional writer. Not one bit of his books are filled with fluff or unnecessary writing. Each word, each sentence is deliberate and crafts a completely chilling scene. He excels at his character development, allowing them to come alive on the page before the readers’ eyes. Yet what makes him stand out to me the most is the human nature, how he captures the very essence of humanity in a world rich with terror and despair. Highly, highly recommended!
