Bird Box: free sampler (chapter 1): The bestselling psychological thriller, now a major film

by Josh Malerman

Josh Malerman’s debut novel BIRD BOX is a terrifying psychological thriller that will haunt you long after reading.

This is a book extract including chapter 1 of Bird Box.

Malorie raises the children the only way she can; indoors.

The house is quiet. The doors are locked, the curtains are closed, mattresses are nailed over the windows.

They are out there. She might let them in.

The children sleep in the bedroom across the hall.

Soon she will have to wake them. Soon she will have to blindfold them.

Today they must leave the house. Today they will risk everything.

Genres: Audiobook

19 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 6, 2014

About the author

Josh Malerman is the New York Times best selling author of BIRD BOX, MALORIE, GOBLIN, PEARL, GHOUL n THE CAPE, and more.
He's also one of two singer/songwriter for the rock band The High Strung.

Reviews

[Lexie Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw the movie first, not knowing it was a book. Even though I knew the ending, I was on the edge of my seat and looking over my shoulder the entire time! I couldn't stop listening to it. Very well written and a great thriller!

[Zulayma Catalan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's 1000%better then the movie!! It'd full of fast past thrill after thrill!! It will definitely keep you reading.

[Nelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enthralling. Can get lost in this book anytime. I wish the author would come out with more books in this universe, because it really is that captivating. Similar to the movie in premise, but the book does a much better execution of story-telling.

5 stars, reread all the time

[Caleb galvez]

I'm so excited

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great but intense read. I loved it, but scary so be warned if that is not your thing Similar to The Quiet Place (thoughtful horror, with mom and children).

[kabir t · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first scawwy book I’ve read and honestly was so fun! Very gripping read

[William Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Bird Box" by Josh Malerman is a riveting and chilling post-apocalyptic horror novel that takes readers on a suspenseful journey of survival and the unknown. The story is set in a world where an enigmatic and malevolent presence has descended upon Earth, driving anyone who gazes upon it to madness and suicide. To survive, people must blindfold themselves whenever they venture outside, relying solely on their other senses to navigate and evade the unseen threat.

The narrative is anchored by its compelling protagonist, Malorie, a resilient and resourceful mother who must navigate this perilous world with her two young children. Malerman's writing excels in creating an atmosphere of constant tension and dread. His vivid descriptions of the characters' sensory experiences, as well as the claustrophobic and nerve-wracking scenarios they face, immerse the reader in a relentless state of fear and anticipation.

The novel's non-linear structure alternates between the initial outbreak of the crisis and the characters' perilous river journey in the present day, adding depth to the plot and gradually revealing the full extent of the horror. Malerman's choice to leave the sinister entities largely undefined allows the reader's imagination to conjure the most terrifying images, making the story even more unsettling.

The character development in "The Bird Box" is exceptional. Malorie's transformation from a vulnerable, pregnant woman into a determined and fiercely protective mother is both believable and inspiring. The supporting cast, including fellow survivors encountered during their journey, adds layers of complexity to the story.

While some readers may wish for more answers regarding the mysterious force and its origins, the ambiguity surrounding it ultimately contributes to the novel's eerie charm. "The Bird Box" is a masterclass in psychological horror, crafting an unrelenting atmosphere of dread that lingers long after the final page is turned. Josh Malerman's storytelling prowess, combined with his skill in creating a uniquely terrifying world, cements this book as a must-read for fans of apocalyptic fiction and psychological horror.

[Lisa Hancock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the entire book as an audiobook, not just the sampler but I don’t see the full novel on Goodreads.

I agree with some of the other reviews here. It was lacking in character development. Although, I enjoyed the fast paced thrill of this book. I could not stop listening. The ending is what really bugged me. I don’t want to give away any spoilers but it’s obvious that the author is male. LOL. Maybe a little more research could have gone into the child birth scene. I knew that the movie was coming out, because I follow Sandra Bullock's work. I wanted to read the book first. I’m glad that I did! I still have not watched the movie and I’m not sure if I will now. 🫣

[Gwendo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story though it had several flaws it didn't stop me from wanting to keep reading all night. The character development was sketchy and some of the characters I had no idea about besides their names. I would like to have known more about them. It was in the first person narrative and the protagonist needed more of a background I think. Basically it could have been padded out a bit more. I would like it to have gone further than it did. It seemed to end rather abruptly after a big build up but still I couldn't put it down.

[McKenna Wardle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was SO GOOD! I definitely loved it! Probably too much! 🤣 Way more then 5 stars!
I loved that it has so much suspense and had me wanted to just keep reading so I could know what will happen.

[Ardette]

What a weird book so far.

[Tissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

demora um tempo para olhar para fora sem medo depois de ler o livro.

[Sylvia Lowik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking forward reading the whole book on Kindle.