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Exoskeleton #1
Exoskeleton
A convict is given a choice at his sentencing: Serve a 25-year prison term, or spend one year in an experimental corrections program. As his only hope for redemption, he opts for the latter, and finds himself in a horrific situation that transforms him into something the world has never seen. EXOSKELETON is a dark, dark ride along the border between science fiction and horror.
376 pages, ebook
First published August 2, 2012
724 people are currently reading
2196 people want to read
About the author
Shane Stadler
47 books136 followersShane Stadler is an experimental physicist. He has worked at numerous government research and defense laboratories, and is currently a professor of physics at a major research university. EXOSKELETON is his first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 238 reviews
June 16, 2016
This book will make you think twice about where you take a leak.
An innocent man (Will Thompson) is convicted of a crime he didn't commit, and is given the choice of 25 years in a penitentiary or one year in an experimental program. He takes the latter option, but he has no idea what's in store for him. Not long after he reaches his destination though, he soon realises that it's not going to be an easy 12 months. The kinds of torture he is subjected to whilst confined inside a metal torture suit is horrifying to say the least- and the people who are doing the experiments on Will are totally insane, as they really pushed the limits of what the human body can take; to the point where he was blacking-out all the time.
As his tormentors increase the level of pain they inflict on him; it's not long before he has his first out of body experience - where he can't feel the pain anymore. The doctors and other people observing him think he is unconscious when he stops responding to the torture inflicted upon him - but he has found a way to separate his soul from his body. Anyway, its not long before he becomes more adept with his new ability - and that's when the fun really starts.
I really liked this book. It was a lot better than I thought it would be - and it kept me guessing throughout....
An innocent man (Will Thompson) is convicted of a crime he didn't commit, and is given the choice of 25 years in a penitentiary or one year in an experimental program. He takes the latter option, but he has no idea what's in store for him. Not long after he reaches his destination though, he soon realises that it's not going to be an easy 12 months. The kinds of torture he is subjected to whilst confined inside a metal torture suit is horrifying to say the least- and the people who are doing the experiments on Will are totally insane, as they really pushed the limits of what the human body can take; to the point where he was blacking-out all the time.
As his tormentors increase the level of pain they inflict on him; it's not long before he has his first out of body experience - where he can't feel the pain anymore. The doctors and other people observing him think he is unconscious when he stops responding to the torture inflicted upon him - but he has found a way to separate his soul from his body. Anyway, its not long before he becomes more adept with his new ability - and that's when the fun really starts.
I really liked this book. It was a lot better than I thought it would be - and it kept me guessing throughout....
June 28, 2014
This book had potential to be good horror with a unique way to terrify readers, and that's what makes it frustrating. An innocent man trapped in a torture suit for a year can tap into some primal nightmare territory. And it did have some promising elements: the complete loss of physical control, the fear of the unknown, the unrelenting pain and degradation. But about halfway in the plot became predictably formulaic and way too far-fetched to be scary. The archetypal mad scientist making a secret government weapon has already been done to death in bad Sci Fi movies. Like any other cheesy fiction, the good guys in this book were too perfectly good and the bad guys were too sadistically evil. The one character with any moral complexity wasn't developed enough to be engaging. The traitorous girlfriend was unconvincing and improbable.
The ending of this book absolutely blew chunks. In the last chapters the plot very obviously set itself up for a sequel, as if the author was already planning to milk a few more bucks out of the concept before wrapping up the first book. The conclusion revealed nothing I hadn't already figured out. I wanted to shake the protagonist for naively believing everything he had been told during his ordeal, and then believing the FBI agents that came to his room. Seeing all the 5-star reviews, I expected deeply dark and disturbing terror novel with some wicked twists and turns, but this book didn't make me feel anything but let down. I gave it two stars only because I finished it, and I only finished it because I kept hoping it would get better.
The ending of this book absolutely blew chunks. In the last chapters the plot very obviously set itself up for a sequel, as if the author was already planning to milk a few more bucks out of the concept before wrapping up the first book. The conclusion revealed nothing I hadn't already figured out. I wanted to shake the protagonist for naively believing everything he had been told during his ordeal, and then believing the FBI agents that came to his room. Seeing all the 5-star reviews, I expected deeply dark and disturbing terror novel with some wicked twists and turns, but this book didn't make me feel anything but let down. I gave it two stars only because I finished it, and I only finished it because I kept hoping it would get better.
March 4, 2013
I can’t think of many things more repulsive than a book that revolves around sophisticated new ways to torture a person. Why I chose to read it, I don’t know . . . . but I’m glad I did.
First of all, Shane Stadler is a wonderfully talented writer. Few books have ever sucked me in so fast. The tension build- up had me wanting to cover my face with my hands and read through the gaps in my fingers!
Once William Thompson (the main character) began his exoskeleton Compressed Punishment “treatments,” the descriptions literally made me feel sick to my stomach. For a brief moment, I even considered dumping the book. But just as the exoskeleton machinery had the ability to judge just how far it could push Thompson, Stadler has the ability to judge just how far he can push his readers. Once he made his point, Stadler shortened the graphic scenes and spent more time on other aspects of the story.
In retrospect, the graphic descriptions were necessary to make the book work, and there is nothing wrong with making readers feel uncomfortable from time to time. The end result was a story so compelling that I had to put aside an entire Saturday, just so I could read the last half straight through!
I haven’t read horror writing this good since The Silence of the Lambs. Hopefully, Shane Stadler will also match Thomas Harris’s productivity with a long string of read-between-your-fingers books!
Marty Essen, author of Cool Creatures, Hot Planet: Exploring the Seven Continents
First of all, Shane Stadler is a wonderfully talented writer. Few books have ever sucked me in so fast. The tension build- up had me wanting to cover my face with my hands and read through the gaps in my fingers!
Once William Thompson (the main character) began his exoskeleton Compressed Punishment “treatments,” the descriptions literally made me feel sick to my stomach. For a brief moment, I even considered dumping the book. But just as the exoskeleton machinery had the ability to judge just how far it could push Thompson, Stadler has the ability to judge just how far he can push his readers. Once he made his point, Stadler shortened the graphic scenes and spent more time on other aspects of the story.
In retrospect, the graphic descriptions were necessary to make the book work, and there is nothing wrong with making readers feel uncomfortable from time to time. The end result was a story so compelling that I had to put aside an entire Saturday, just so I could read the last half straight through!
I haven’t read horror writing this good since The Silence of the Lambs. Hopefully, Shane Stadler will also match Thomas Harris’s productivity with a long string of read-between-your-fingers books!
Marty Essen, author of Cool Creatures, Hot Planet: Exploring the Seven Continents
September 24, 2015
"Exoskeleton" is the debut of physicist Shane Stadler, a novel about a new form of corporal punishment involving an exoskeleton machine rigged to humans who are trapped within and tortured for their crimes. I loved the concept and had been looking forward to this one. The creative forms of torture were by far the most interesting parts of this novel, but unfortunately they were diluted by the many peripheral characters whose stories were less interesting, filled with tired "govt conspiracy" tropes that just didn't work for me.
There were some brilliant ideas in here and I loved the concept of separation of body and soul as well as some of the supernatural elements. Overall, however, the novel felt like it had its own exoskeleton strapped to the story, refusing to let it grow into something unique and original and instead treading down already worn paths.
Worth the read but not a second glance.
There were some brilliant ideas in here and I loved the concept of separation of body and soul as well as some of the supernatural elements. Overall, however, the novel felt like it had its own exoskeleton strapped to the story, refusing to let it grow into something unique and original and instead treading down already worn paths.
Worth the read but not a second glance.
February 28, 2013
Wow - this is the first novel in a long time which I have felt compelled to read in one sitting. Not easy to place in one particular genre this novel has aspects of science fiction, psychological thriller and even religion. Imagine the ten worst medieval torture devices rolled into one then notched up to the nth degree and this gives you some idea of what the subject suffers. But would the authorities resort to such extreme measures merely to extract a confession? This novel asks as many questions as it answers, is a fantastic debut and will lead to the author appearing on the bestseller list in the near future. Highly recommended.
October 15, 2012
Exoskeleton utilizes several science fiction and horror tropes: the medical experiment gone horribly wrong, the malevolent secret government organization that will stop at nothing to achieve its aims, vengeful spirits against which the fleshbound have no defence, and let us not forget the bucketloads of excruciating and inventive torture employed against the protagonist. Stadler never lets the story devolve into cliche, but instead uses these tropes with originality and energy. The torture scenes, of which there are many, are far from gratuitous, but an essential element of the plot. Some of the perpetrators are dyed-in-the-wool sadists, it is true, but most of them are "just doing their job" or believe that their actions serve the greater good, which I found much more chilling than the traditional "me villain, you victim" relationship.
And the reason for all this secrecy and torture? Can't say, 'cos that would be a massive spoiler. But I can give a few hints. It involves building on Nazi research, some heavy metaphysical concepts, you are highly unlikely to see it coming and your reading experience will be all the better for it.
Stylistically, I felt there was slightly too much filtering throughout the story, but that is a tiny nitpick for what is otherwise a well-constructed and engrossing science fiction horror novel.
And the reason for all this secrecy and torture? Can't say, 'cos that would be a massive spoiler. But I can give a few hints. It involves building on Nazi research, some heavy metaphysical concepts, you are highly unlikely to see it coming and your reading experience will be all the better for it.
Stylistically, I felt there was slightly too much filtering throughout the story, but that is a tiny nitpick for what is otherwise a well-constructed and engrossing science fiction horror novel.
September 3, 2013
Exoskeleton is the most powerful book I have read in an very long time. It completely captured my imagination and once I'd finished reading it I just had to read it again.
William Thompson is a convicted criminal who is given the choice of either serving a 25 year prison sentence or spending one year in the highly secretive Red Box where he would undergo unknown experimental punishments. He chooses the latter and as he begins his treatment and is introduced to the Exoskeleton, he is driven to to very limits of his physical and psychological boundaries.
This, I believe, is Shane Stadlers first fictional publication and it is an absolute triumph. It is incredibly well written and the premise of the story is original and terrifying.
Exoskeleton has become one of my all time favourite books and is one that I could read again and again. The only problem with reading such a great story is that everything else I try to read now just doesn't hit the spot. So I'm really looking forward to Shane's next offering. No pressure though :-)
William Thompson is a convicted criminal who is given the choice of either serving a 25 year prison sentence or spending one year in the highly secretive Red Box where he would undergo unknown experimental punishments. He chooses the latter and as he begins his treatment and is introduced to the Exoskeleton, he is driven to to very limits of his physical and psychological boundaries.
This, I believe, is Shane Stadlers first fictional publication and it is an absolute triumph. It is incredibly well written and the premise of the story is original and terrifying.
Exoskeleton has become one of my all time favourite books and is one that I could read again and again. The only problem with reading such a great story is that everything else I try to read now just doesn't hit the spot. So I'm really looking forward to Shane's next offering. No pressure though :-)
June 17, 2014
This is one of those second-half books. The first half is good, but second half is really good. Overall, it's an interesting and well-told story. There's plenty of tension and action, but it's also highly philosophical and speculative. And, of course, it wouldn't be a good story without strong characters who elicit a variety of emotions. Basically, EXOSKELETON everything I want in a science fiction story.
As a crime writer, I do have one complaint: I was annoyed that the author confuses a clip for a magazine throughout the novel. Shane, if you're reading, a Glock 40 uses a magazine, not a clip; the same is true of pretty much all semi-auto handguns. And there's actually a big difference between a magazine and a clip. The best way to explain that difference is to simply let you see for yourself: http://www.minutemanreview.com/2008/0...
As a crime writer, I do have one complaint: I was annoyed that the author confuses a clip for a magazine throughout the novel. Shane, if you're reading, a Glock 40 uses a magazine, not a clip; the same is true of pretty much all semi-auto handguns. And there's actually a big difference between a magazine and a clip. The best way to explain that difference is to simply let you see for yourself: http://www.minutemanreview.com/2008/0...
October 28, 2025
The cool premise carried this and I did enjoy it, but the writing felt very thin at times. If that's the price to pay for reading the first novel written by someone who's primarily an experimental physicist, though, then I'm good with it.
March 20, 2018
Exoskeleton - would make a great movie
What a page-turner. It moves fast because the POV comes from several different characters and action is nonstop. Reminded me of an evolution story from a prisoner convicted of rape, (a perfect specimen to be put into a program of “compressed punishment)”), to the government secretly creating a monster or hero weapon, depending on the psyche of the person in “treatment”. Great horror, sci-fi / government conspiracy type story. Using Nazi-style experimentation on pain thresholds to possibly create something otherworldly. Super fast read you won’t want to put down. Can’t believe I had this sitting in my Kindle library queue for so long. Once I started reading, I didn’t want to stop. Really leaves one to think about our criminal justice system, government, cruel and unusual punishment, even spirituality.
What a page-turner. It moves fast because the POV comes from several different characters and action is nonstop. Reminded me of an evolution story from a prisoner convicted of rape, (a perfect specimen to be put into a program of “compressed punishment)”), to the government secretly creating a monster or hero weapon, depending on the psyche of the person in “treatment”. Great horror, sci-fi / government conspiracy type story. Using Nazi-style experimentation on pain thresholds to possibly create something otherworldly. Super fast read you won’t want to put down. Can’t believe I had this sitting in my Kindle library queue for so long. Once I started reading, I didn’t want to stop. Really leaves one to think about our criminal justice system, government, cruel and unusual punishment, even spirituality.
September 27, 2015
I know I said 4 stars, but I'm a little torn about that rating. Yes, it DID take me a while to get into the story, perhaps at the 20-25% mark? But once I got to that point, I didn't want to let it go. It was a great, relaxing bit of horror. Yeah, maybe not perfect. But I'm very happy I read it. Ended a bit too quickly, maybe. Still, I recommend it, for sure. : )
August 19, 2013
Boy what a book! Single sitter...
February 1, 2022
Well that was frustrating. Brilliant novel...got to end...first in a trilogy. Ahhh. But if you're chomping at the bit to read the next in a series, that's usually a good indication of how good you found the first. This is not a book for the faint of heart. It's premise is that over the centuries humans under extreme forms of torture escape their bodies. However, in the past these events have been random, myth more than fact. Now, given all the technology we have, this phenomenon can be scientifically induced and studied and used. Super soldiers and the like. Such work needs volunteers and those given life sentences can volunteer for an accelerated prison sentence (one year only) if for that year they give themselves over to the programme.
So, what a choice. One year being tortured enough to make you leave your body or the rest of the life in prison. For Will Thompson, who is innocent of the crime he's convicted of, a college physics professor, there's really no debate. He's desperate and volunteers.
This really is painful to read at times. I can vividly remember to this day reading The Marathon Man as a kid (my parents had no idea what I was reading usually). Its dentistry torture scene has stuck with me all these years "is it safe, is it safe". Well this book outdid the Marathon Man. I'm not sure you'd want to go to any dentist after reading this.
But the author has a delicate touch for all the graphic scenes in this book. He contrasts everything with the clinical detachment of the technicians, so everything stays tolerable.
My only criticism therefore is the end seemed very hurried to me. When Will finally decides he's had enough, I wanted the people in the experiment to suffer a while longer. It was all... explosion... we're done. Shame. I definitely wanted the dentistry assistant given a taste of her own medicine.
I think this novel is fascinating because clearly out of body experiences do occur naturally anyway, for all sorts of reasons. What a power to harness.
Great read, but go in forewarned. It's graphic, disturbing and not for those of nervous dispositions.
So, what a choice. One year being tortured enough to make you leave your body or the rest of the life in prison. For Will Thompson, who is innocent of the crime he's convicted of, a college physics professor, there's really no debate. He's desperate and volunteers.
This really is painful to read at times. I can vividly remember to this day reading The Marathon Man as a kid (my parents had no idea what I was reading usually). Its dentistry torture scene has stuck with me all these years "is it safe, is it safe". Well this book outdid the Marathon Man. I'm not sure you'd want to go to any dentist after reading this.
But the author has a delicate touch for all the graphic scenes in this book. He contrasts everything with the clinical detachment of the technicians, so everything stays tolerable.
My only criticism therefore is the end seemed very hurried to me. When Will finally decides he's had enough, I wanted the people in the experiment to suffer a while longer. It was all... explosion... we're done. Shame. I definitely wanted the dentistry assistant given a taste of her own medicine.
I think this novel is fascinating because clearly out of body experiences do occur naturally anyway, for all sorts of reasons. What a power to harness.
Great read, but go in forewarned. It's graphic, disturbing and not for those of nervous dispositions.
March 31, 2022
I was instantly pulled into this one. Be prepared for a very dark story that focuses on torture, both physical and psychic. The ending kind of wrapped up too quick and nicely though.
December 12, 2023
I genuinely wanted to like this book. In fact, I expected to like it a great deal. Instead, I don't expect to finish it. Full disclosure: this review only covers the first half of the book; if I ever finish it, I'll update this.
For context, I'm not an easily-disturbed person. I write and consume pretty disturbing media, and that aspect of this novel was the opposite of off-putting. However, the execution just isn't there.
First, I found it difficult to connect with any of the characters-- even Will himself. They all seemed flat and generic, though the women seem even flatter than the men. Will is probably the most developed, but his individual personality is pretty vague
** spoiler alert **
Second, the book is rife with errors in spelling and research. The author mixes up the nail bed(the skin under the fingernail) and the nail root(at the base of the fingernail), refers to a gun's magazine as a "clip", describes a character having more than a pint of blood taken before he really realizes it(a process that takes at least 6-7 minutes and would leave him dizzy if he did indeed have well over a pint drained), has characters take deep tissue genetic samples as if those would have different DNA than Will's blood, and otherwise does not seem to have done all the research needed for this book.
Third and probably most egregiously, it's... boring. You really wouldn't think pages of graphic torture would be boring, but they are. The torture seems mechanical, and Will's suffering almost seems like an afterthought in many scenes. The book itself suffers from an inappropriate use of "psychic distance", or the level of objectivity and distance from the character's mind used in narration. Ideally, the torture should be written through Will's mind.
Torture doesn't have to include explicit objective descriptions. Zeroing in on the character's thoughts and subjective experiences, and purposefully limiting to the reader to the information the character is getting through their senses, is often more effective and intense. It might be confusing, blurry, and messy; that's what being in pain is *like*. We don't need details the character couldn't know, like that the fluid dripping from his (torn off?) fingernails is now clear and no longer blood(which... how? Why?). We need to see how his mindset is changing and how he's coping(or not) with mind-altering, terrifying agony in an inhuman setting. We need his (wildly fluctuating) emotions.
Torture isn't horrific just because it's gory-- it's horrific because it dehumanizes, violates, and breaks a human being. But that process is so boilerplate and uninspired in this novel that it feels like the author himself is dehumanizing poor Will into a flat doll that occasionally reacts when the author remembers he's supposed to be human.
Finally, the setup for Will's false conviction is... iffy. I get that Stadler wanted an unforgivable crime, likely to justify the sadism shown to Will, but there are so many rapes that are never prosecuted due to lack of evidence. It is really hard to believe that Will was convicted with hardly any evidence in our society, considering how these kinds of cases usually go in real life. It makes it seem like he was deliberately set up to take the fall. Which... he may have been, in which case this will make more sense. However, this situation also creates a human set piece in the form of the rape victim, Cynthia. She's treated as an afterthought whose only value is as a victim. Her coma becomes a mere plot problem. Her trauma becomes all about the guy who didn't do it. No one especially cares who did assault her. It's all about proving Will didn't. This is dehumanizing and off-putting to real sexual assault victims.
Again, I wanted to like this. But it's just not there, and could really use a good editor as well as some research into the medical aspects. More than that, this is a plot that hinges on making the reader connect to the protagonist, and (to quote the eight deadly words) "I don't care what happens to these people".
For context, I'm not an easily-disturbed person. I write and consume pretty disturbing media, and that aspect of this novel was the opposite of off-putting. However, the execution just isn't there.
First, I found it difficult to connect with any of the characters-- even Will himself. They all seemed flat and generic, though the women seem even flatter than the men. Will is probably the most developed, but his individual personality is pretty vague
** spoiler alert **
Second, the book is rife with errors in spelling and research. The author mixes up the nail bed(the skin under the fingernail) and the nail root(at the base of the fingernail), refers to a gun's magazine as a "clip", describes a character having more than a pint of blood taken before he really realizes it(a process that takes at least 6-7 minutes and would leave him dizzy if he did indeed have well over a pint drained), has characters take deep tissue genetic samples as if those would have different DNA than Will's blood, and otherwise does not seem to have done all the research needed for this book.
Third and probably most egregiously, it's... boring. You really wouldn't think pages of graphic torture would be boring, but they are. The torture seems mechanical, and Will's suffering almost seems like an afterthought in many scenes. The book itself suffers from an inappropriate use of "psychic distance", or the level of objectivity and distance from the character's mind used in narration. Ideally, the torture should be written through Will's mind.
Torture doesn't have to include explicit objective descriptions. Zeroing in on the character's thoughts and subjective experiences, and purposefully limiting to the reader to the information the character is getting through their senses, is often more effective and intense. It might be confusing, blurry, and messy; that's what being in pain is *like*. We don't need details the character couldn't know, like that the fluid dripping from his (torn off?) fingernails is now clear and no longer blood(which... how? Why?). We need to see how his mindset is changing and how he's coping(or not) with mind-altering, terrifying agony in an inhuman setting. We need his (wildly fluctuating) emotions.
Torture isn't horrific just because it's gory-- it's horrific because it dehumanizes, violates, and breaks a human being. But that process is so boilerplate and uninspired in this novel that it feels like the author himself is dehumanizing poor Will into a flat doll that occasionally reacts when the author remembers he's supposed to be human.
Finally, the setup for Will's false conviction is... iffy. I get that Stadler wanted an unforgivable crime, likely to justify the sadism shown to Will, but there are so many rapes that are never prosecuted due to lack of evidence. It is really hard to believe that Will was convicted with hardly any evidence in our society, considering how these kinds of cases usually go in real life. It makes it seem like he was deliberately set up to take the fall. Which... he may have been, in which case this will make more sense. However, this situation also creates a human set piece in the form of the rape victim, Cynthia. She's treated as an afterthought whose only value is as a victim. Her coma becomes a mere plot problem. Her trauma becomes all about the guy who didn't do it. No one especially cares who did assault her. It's all about proving Will didn't. This is dehumanizing and off-putting to real sexual assault victims.
Again, I wanted to like this. But it's just not there, and could really use a good editor as well as some research into the medical aspects. More than that, this is a plot that hinges on making the reader connect to the protagonist, and (to quote the eight deadly words) "I don't care what happens to these people".
January 30, 2016
I found this book a bit of a mix. I liked the basic idea and it's very well told, however the early part of the story feels more like a litany of suffering than a plot. It's well described and does have a purpose, but is heavy going - especially if you're squeamish about medic procedures. It's well described and layered effectively, but I did wonder if there was a point.
Thankfully there is and the stories comes together for the middle part. It introduces some mystery and that provides a lot more interest. Alongside the personal torture is a decently constructed thriller, although it does fall foul of a few tropes. This elements develops at a reasonable pace and does offset the torture elements.
The weakest part for me was the ending. It didn't really do much with the mystery that built so well in the middle section, although I expect that will be revealed in the later books. The tone of the ending indicated that this was really just an origin story, which is fine, but also gave the impression that the story only existed for that purpose.
That being said, it is well written and a quick read. It touches on some genuine insights and did leave me interested enough to buy the next book.
Thankfully there is and the stories comes together for the middle part. It introduces some mystery and that provides a lot more interest. Alongside the personal torture is a decently constructed thriller, although it does fall foul of a few tropes. This elements develops at a reasonable pace and does offset the torture elements.
The weakest part for me was the ending. It didn't really do much with the mystery that built so well in the middle section, although I expect that will be revealed in the later books. The tone of the ending indicated that this was really just an origin story, which is fine, but also gave the impression that the story only existed for that purpose.
That being said, it is well written and a quick read. It touches on some genuine insights and did leave me interested enough to buy the next book.
June 20, 2014
I stayed up tonight to finish this book. The story is captivating in its horror. Shane Stadler is a sick man who writes an amazing novel.
Edit: Okay, now that I've had time to sleep, here's what I think of the book.
The story follows several group of people, but it all centers around an experimental project that Will is taking part in instead of serving out a 25 year prison sentence for a crime he didn't commit. This experimental program turns out to be 365 days of torture. Why they are torturing him and how to make it stop becomes the focus of the novel.
As a reader, you empathize with Will as he's tortured mentally and physically. Stadler did a great job creating a character that the readers feel invested in.
The story takes a sort of metaphysical/supernatural turn that I was not expecting, but appreciated. The author is an experimental physicist which gives the book something that normal horror books don't have.
If you're looking for something different in the horror genre, I definitely recommend this title.
Edit: Okay, now that I've had time to sleep, here's what I think of the book.
The story follows several group of people, but it all centers around an experimental project that Will is taking part in instead of serving out a 25 year prison sentence for a crime he didn't commit. This experimental program turns out to be 365 days of torture. Why they are torturing him and how to make it stop becomes the focus of the novel.
As a reader, you empathize with Will as he's tortured mentally and physically. Stadler did a great job creating a character that the readers feel invested in.
The story takes a sort of metaphysical/supernatural turn that I was not expecting, but appreciated. The author is an experimental physicist which gives the book something that normal horror books don't have.
If you're looking for something different in the horror genre, I definitely recommend this title.
April 13, 2013
A mixture of science-fiction, mystery and horror creates the type of book the author intended - a dark and disturbing, yet engaging read. “Exoskeleton” is truly a fascinating and thought-provoking story that once you start you won't be able to stop as it literally lures you in. Written well and easy to understand that makes it easy for its reader to visualize the "Exoskeleton," and the sadistic and barbaric tortures that the protagonist experiences on a daily basis; all of which will have you experiencing emotions of anger, disgust, empathy, and more. My only qualm is with the ending which I believe was wrapped up in an expeditious manner. A story of good vs. evil that fans of dark and disturbing tales will enjoy.
October 3, 2015
I expected a bit more than I got from this book. Yes it was dark and yes it was and in parts disturbing. It's believable that this is going on somewhere in the world. If it isn't then I imagine it could be one day.
There were, adnittedlt, times where I was holding my breath and wondering if good would prevail over evil. I particulalrly like the idea of 'seperation' of the spirit from the body by way of severe pain and punishment and these parts of the book did make me think.
The ending, I thought was somewhat disappointing and I felt as if he had got bored of writing the book and just wanted it to end.
There were, adnittedlt, times where I was holding my breath and wondering if good would prevail over evil. I particulalrly like the idea of 'seperation' of the spirit from the body by way of severe pain and punishment and these parts of the book did make me think.
The ending, I thought was somewhat disappointing and I felt as if he had got bored of writing the book and just wanted it to end.
March 10, 2015
This is one of those books that could have, should have been so, so much better!!
Certainly not for the faint hearted, the torture sequences are extreme and until about halfway through seemingly gratuitous.
When the story does begin to unfold at about the midway point it really does have the potential to kick on but sadly never really gains the necessary momentum. The ending also seems to be a little rushed but leaves the gate wide open for part two!!
Enjoyed the book as one to pass the time; great for a long train or 'plane trip but was left feeling it was a little rushed.
Certainly not for the faint hearted, the torture sequences are extreme and until about halfway through seemingly gratuitous.
When the story does begin to unfold at about the midway point it really does have the potential to kick on but sadly never really gains the necessary momentum. The ending also seems to be a little rushed but leaves the gate wide open for part two!!
Enjoyed the book as one to pass the time; great for a long train or 'plane trip but was left feeling it was a little rushed.
March 10, 2015
It was an engrossing read until about half way through and the story went in a unexpected ( for me ) and unwelcome direction.
I felt the story had lost its plot and taken on another storyline that would have been great in another book.
I felt the story had lost its plot and taken on another storyline that would have been great in another book.
August 25, 2013
Psychologically scary! I was completely hooked from beginning to the end! Lots of AMAZING torture! Probably not for the squeamish, but I would recommend it to everybody!
March 15, 2013
OMG! So good. Could not put down.
August 15, 2019
2.5 Would you rather? A game popular with today’s kids...I know I get quizzed with it by mine occasionally. Let’s try a few: (1) Would you rather be sentenced to 25 years in prison for a crime you didn’t commit or would you rather accept an offer of spending only 365 days in an experimental program called “Compressed Punishment?” (CP) instead? I really don’t know what I would choose and hope I’m never given that choice. OK, number (2): Would you rather read this book or would you rather save your money? Ah, that one I can answer as it’s quite easy...the latter. The premise of this story sounded real good as explained somewhat in my first “Would you rather?” question. To top it off, the author proposes that the CP program had its origins in WWII under the Nazi regime. Turns out the CP program is an exoskeleton designed to keep a prisoner inside for the full 365 days while being subjected to a number of intrusive torture rituals. I won’t reveal what they hoped to accomplish with this program but let me just say that it resulted being rather silly. The biggest problem with the book was that it had no substance, no depth. In addition to the main story, there were also people trying to free him from his sentence in addition to a guilt-ridden government employee working for the shadowy department trying to put an end to the program. That’s quite a bit of stuff to try to wrap up in a “376” page book. I say “376” pages because the book is likely 300 pages at most if you consider: (a) the chapters are typically only 2-3 pages long (b) new chapters never start on the left side of the book (always blank) and (c) a fair share of pages are only half a page long. So, this resulted in a rushed story with underdeveloped characters and unsatisfactory storylines. Should have sympathized with the main character considering the plight he was in but didn’t much really care about him at all. The author being an experimental physicist described the construct and utility of the exoskeleton rather well but that’s really all he was able to manage. Turns out this is a series as book 2 is out. As a result, one last “Would you rather?” shall we: Would you rather read book 2 in the series or move on to another book? To the first option, “Hecknoskeleton”.
July 26, 2023
'Great characters on a genuinely unique, but agonising, adventure'
Exoskeleton was a really good horrifying thriller story that would appeal to readers favouring tales set in prisons or mental health institutions.
A cleverly constructed story line which followed a linear path to a satisfying conclusion that contained elements of torture (not overdone) coupled with some truly wickedly evil state control which was successfully counterbalanced with a narrative following a band of goody agents searching for justice for the named individual, as well for society at large.
However, unfortunately not quite 5 stars from me as the ending, although decent, felt a little mainstream 'nice and convenient' best-seller in readiness for the sequels that are surely bound to follow.
Enjoyable and recommended - but be warned, definitely not directly before your next scheduled dental healthcare visit!
Rating: 4.3 'painfully' bright stars pointing towards the delightful dead plains of a Land from Beyond.
Exoskeleton was a really good horrifying thriller story that would appeal to readers favouring tales set in prisons or mental health institutions.
A cleverly constructed story line which followed a linear path to a satisfying conclusion that contained elements of torture (not overdone) coupled with some truly wickedly evil state control which was successfully counterbalanced with a narrative following a band of goody agents searching for justice for the named individual, as well for society at large.
However, unfortunately not quite 5 stars from me as the ending, although decent, felt a little mainstream 'nice and convenient' best-seller in readiness for the sequels that are surely bound to follow.
Enjoyable and recommended - but be warned, definitely not directly before your next scheduled dental healthcare visit!
Rating: 4.3 'painfully' bright stars pointing towards the delightful dead plains of a Land from Beyond.
August 19, 2022
Got to say this was probably the most disturbing book I have read for some time. Read this a long time ago but can still remember the story.
Very dark and graphic in how many ways a human can experience pain. Chilling stuff. And I thought Clive Barkers books were brutal, this is a whole new level of excellence, not sure where the idea came from, not sure if I want to know but I’m so glad I read it.
A must for all horror fans.
Very dark and graphic in how many ways a human can experience pain. Chilling stuff. And I thought Clive Barkers books were brutal, this is a whole new level of excellence, not sure where the idea came from, not sure if I want to know but I’m so glad I read it.
A must for all horror fans.
May 13, 2023
Once you got past the very disturbing and graphic scenes of torture, this plot and book was incredible and I couldn’t put the second half down
April 8, 2025
Good read. Felt like the book was warming up as it ended.
Amended my review as I didn't realise this is 1 of 3! My life has changed.
What a ride.
Amended my review as I didn't realise this is 1 of 3! My life has changed.
What a ride.
August 19, 2023
maybe the real exoskeleton was the friends we made along the way
November 7, 2014
ABR's full Exoskeleton audiobook review can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
First thoughts about the cover of Exoskeleton? What in the world!? Looks like a warped take on the Vitruvian Man sketch by Leonardo da Vinci. Is this going to be an observation book about the human form? How do those other symbols tie in? Hmm… This should be interesting.
The main character is Will Thompson. He’s an inmate in an advanced treatment facility. He’s there to do a condensed sentence. Rather than spending the majority of his life in jail, he agrees to this ‘treatment’ to condense his time to one year. In doing so, he unknowingly signs up to be tortured.
The Exoskeleton is a full body suit designed to go over every inch of the body. It in-cases the person in steel, wires, and tubes. They do nothing without the Exoskeleton’s consent. It makes the person a puppet to the whims of the controllers. It feeds, you, it nourishes you, it tortures you to the brink of madness. In some cases it pushes the wearer past the brink.
Will is accused of a crime he did not commit, but he is still being punished for it. The corporation that runs the Exoskeleton program has a sinister motive. They are doing human torture testing to try to activate human telekinetic abilities. They want to figure out how to trigger abilities to make people into weapons.
This story takes awhile to get going, but once it does it doesn’t stop or go down easy. The tortures are in vivid detail. Very descriptive. At times I had to pause the book because it would give me cold chills so bad that it set my teeth on edge. This is not for an easy reader or young audience. Scenes where it describes bending the limbs to the point of breaking the bones made my muscles ache.
The narrator is Patrick Conn. His voice is smoky, smooth, and with a bit of a southern draw. He pronounced several words oddly at times. Words such as Lived or Whirred. The author is Shane Stadler. This book is 7 hours and 37 minutes long.
This book left me with the feeling that sometimes bad people will do bad things in the name of justice, for knowledge, and for the gain of power. Sometimes these people look like regular people, but inside they are monsters. Hold fast to what you know is true, what you believe in, what drives you onward. Do not let bad people corrupt you into doing their bad deeds. Be true to yourself, always.
Audiobook submitted for review by the author.
First thoughts about the cover of Exoskeleton? What in the world!? Looks like a warped take on the Vitruvian Man sketch by Leonardo da Vinci. Is this going to be an observation book about the human form? How do those other symbols tie in? Hmm… This should be interesting.
The main character is Will Thompson. He’s an inmate in an advanced treatment facility. He’s there to do a condensed sentence. Rather than spending the majority of his life in jail, he agrees to this ‘treatment’ to condense his time to one year. In doing so, he unknowingly signs up to be tortured.
The Exoskeleton is a full body suit designed to go over every inch of the body. It in-cases the person in steel, wires, and tubes. They do nothing without the Exoskeleton’s consent. It makes the person a puppet to the whims of the controllers. It feeds, you, it nourishes you, it tortures you to the brink of madness. In some cases it pushes the wearer past the brink.
Will is accused of a crime he did not commit, but he is still being punished for it. The corporation that runs the Exoskeleton program has a sinister motive. They are doing human torture testing to try to activate human telekinetic abilities. They want to figure out how to trigger abilities to make people into weapons.
This story takes awhile to get going, but once it does it doesn’t stop or go down easy. The tortures are in vivid detail. Very descriptive. At times I had to pause the book because it would give me cold chills so bad that it set my teeth on edge. This is not for an easy reader or young audience. Scenes where it describes bending the limbs to the point of breaking the bones made my muscles ache.
The narrator is Patrick Conn. His voice is smoky, smooth, and with a bit of a southern draw. He pronounced several words oddly at times. Words such as Lived or Whirred. The author is Shane Stadler. This book is 7 hours and 37 minutes long.
This book left me with the feeling that sometimes bad people will do bad things in the name of justice, for knowledge, and for the gain of power. Sometimes these people look like regular people, but inside they are monsters. Hold fast to what you know is true, what you believe in, what drives you onward. Do not let bad people corrupt you into doing their bad deeds. Be true to yourself, always.
Audiobook submitted for review by the author.
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