What do you think?
Rate this book
UNIT 731
Luke Benson is a troubled young man obsessed with the history of Imperial Japan's Epidemic Prevention and Water Purification Department, later known as Unit 731; a covert biological and chemical warfare research and development department that undertook lethal human experimentation...but is it a veil to mask his more sinister passions?
When bad memories surface and deeds long forgotten come to light, Luke's obsession will shake their family to its core. The family's only hope is to face the evil within themselves...only then might the good that men do shine from the darkness.
When bad memories surface and deeds long forgotten come to light, Luke's obsession will shake their family to its core. The family's only hope is to face the evil within themselves...only then might the good that men do shine from the darkness.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 5, 2018
13 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
About the author
Craig Saunders
69 books72 followersCraig Saunders is the author of over thirty novels and novellas, including 'Masters of Blood and Bone', 'RAIN' and 'Deadlift'. He writes across many genres, but horror and fantasy (the 'Rythe' tales) are his favourites.
Craig lives in Norfolk, England, with his wife and children, likes nice people and good coffee. Find out more on Amazon, or visit:
www.craigrsaunders.blogspot.com
www.facebook.com/craigrsaundersauthor
www.twitter.com/Grumblesprout
A little aside - I don't visit GR often, but I'm always available on Twitter or the FB page. I apologise in advance if it takes a while for me to answer a question here!
Craig lives in Norfolk, England, with his wife and children, likes nice people and good coffee. Find out more on Amazon, or visit:
www.craigrsaunders.blogspot.com
www.facebook.com/craigrsaundersauthor
www.twitter.com/Grumblesprout
A little aside - I don't visit GR often, but I'm always available on Twitter or the FB page. I apologise in advance if it takes a while for me to answer a question here!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 11, 2016
This was the fifth book by Craig I have read. The story centers around three members of a family. The grandfather/ great grandfather (Reggie Ellison), the grandson (Luke) and the Uncle (David). I don't want say too much about the story . Only that I started it and thought the story line was going one way and it took a turn and went in a different direction. I have to call this a dark thriller / horror story. This was a very good quick read. It was well written, had solid characters and a good ending. I have to rank this high but my favorite by Craig is still Deadlift. I highly recommended this book or any of the other books from DarkFuse that Craig wrote. I gave Unit 731 4 stars.
I received an e-arc of this book from DarkFuse in exchange for an honest review.
I received an e-arc of this book from DarkFuse in exchange for an honest review.
April 10, 2016
UNIT 731, by Craig Saunders is a novella that really had the power to pull me in, emotionally. Luke Benson is a "perfect" teenager to all around him. He gets good grades, doesn't indulge in any substance abuse, smiles at just the right moments, and does everything else right that a boy his age is expected to do. Only his great-grandfather, Reggie, can instinctually tell that something is . . . off . . . with Luke.
An unexpected visit by Luke's Uncle David, whom he hasn't seen in many years, manages to click young Luke's mind into action.
"Old history . . . Family."
Added to the family drama unfolding are Luke's two friends, and a missionary-type killer. However, the real depth in this evocative story lies within the family itself. Saunders is not afraid to put the reader in some truly uncomfortable situations--not only physically, but mentally, as well. ". . . But even psychopaths have an instinct for self-preservation. They have some kind of animal cunning that keeps them alive. The good sense to know when to flee, when to smile . . ."
When events began to become more clear, instead of lessening the haze, they served to muddy it up more, dramatically increasing that inner tension.
"Some men just needed killing."
While some may argue that this is really Luke's story, I felt that "Granddad" Reggie was the one with the real story to tell . . . or hold back. "Truth is, . . . my brother . . . He wasn't the only one who came back wrong."
This was a 4.5 star read for me, right up until the very end. My one "complaint" is particularly out of character, as far as my tastes usually go. While ordinarily I love the closing "remarks" from an Epilogue, in the case of UNIT 731, I wished it had been omitted completely. The last actual chapter, seemed the best concluding note for this tale, as far as I was concerned.
Highly recommended!
*I received an e-copy of this story through the publisher, DarkFuse, in exchange for an honest review.*
An unexpected visit by Luke's Uncle David, whom he hasn't seen in many years, manages to click young Luke's mind into action.
"Old history . . . Family."
Added to the family drama unfolding are Luke's two friends, and a missionary-type killer. However, the real depth in this evocative story lies within the family itself. Saunders is not afraid to put the reader in some truly uncomfortable situations--not only physically, but mentally, as well. ". . . But even psychopaths have an instinct for self-preservation. They have some kind of animal cunning that keeps them alive. The good sense to know when to flee, when to smile . . ."
When events began to become more clear, instead of lessening the haze, they served to muddy it up more, dramatically increasing that inner tension.
"Some men just needed killing."
While some may argue that this is really Luke's story, I felt that "Granddad" Reggie was the one with the real story to tell . . . or hold back. "Truth is, . . . my brother . . . He wasn't the only one who came back wrong."
This was a 4.5 star read for me, right up until the very end. My one "complaint" is particularly out of character, as far as my tastes usually go. While ordinarily I love the closing "remarks" from an Epilogue, in the case of UNIT 731, I wished it had been omitted completely. The last actual chapter, seemed the best concluding note for this tale, as far as I was concerned.
Highly recommended!
*I received an e-copy of this story through the publisher, DarkFuse, in exchange for an honest review.*
January 30, 2016
Unit 731 is so many different shades of bizarre and brilliant. From my favorite quirky brit author, Craig Saunders, a book that made me first confused, then intrigued, and finally, cry. This book was not what I was expecting at all. Almost a bait-and-switch, Craig, as always, pulls it off quite well.
Japanese war crimes, psychopathic teenagers, murder, and one messed up family tree make up this dark novella. What stands out, as always, is the humanity that underlies Craig's stories. The blurred lines that make up our concepts of morality and love.
I received this book from DarkFuse in exchange for an honest review.
Japanese war crimes, psychopathic teenagers, murder, and one messed up family tree make up this dark novella. What stands out, as always, is the humanity that underlies Craig's stories. The blurred lines that make up our concepts of morality and love.
I received this book from DarkFuse in exchange for an honest review.
March 2, 2016
I received an E-arc from Darkfuse Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Luke Benson is obsessed with the history of Unit 731, whilst he might seem like a nice young man his grandfather, Reggie, senses that all is not right with his grandson. When Luke's uncle, David, pays a visit, this proves to be a catalyst for Luke to indulge in his ultimate revenge fantasy.
This novella is nothing like I expected it to be, there's some seriously messed up family dynamics in this story and calling this gritty would be putting it mildly. This is probably one of the most violent reads I've read from the author and he pulls no punches in both the physical violence descriptions or the harrowing psychological detail.
The characters are fleshed out well and for me it was Reggie that stole the show, tough as nails but a family man who had to make difficult choices and follow through on them. A hitman sent to teach David a lesson also proved to be an interesting addition and again Saunders gave him layers, avoiding the trap of making him some cookie cutter psycho.
The chapters are short and punchy, this kept the story moving along at break neck speed and I found it difficult to put this down until it was finished.
Another great novella from the author, a bit more hard edged than what I've read before but won't disappoint those that love extremely dark fiction.
Luke Benson is obsessed with the history of Unit 731, whilst he might seem like a nice young man his grandfather, Reggie, senses that all is not right with his grandson. When Luke's uncle, David, pays a visit, this proves to be a catalyst for Luke to indulge in his ultimate revenge fantasy.
This novella is nothing like I expected it to be, there's some seriously messed up family dynamics in this story and calling this gritty would be putting it mildly. This is probably one of the most violent reads I've read from the author and he pulls no punches in both the physical violence descriptions or the harrowing psychological detail.
The characters are fleshed out well and for me it was Reggie that stole the show, tough as nails but a family man who had to make difficult choices and follow through on them. A hitman sent to teach David a lesson also proved to be an interesting addition and again Saunders gave him layers, avoiding the trap of making him some cookie cutter psycho.
The chapters are short and punchy, this kept the story moving along at break neck speed and I found it difficult to put this down until it was finished.
Another great novella from the author, a bit more hard edged than what I've read before but won't disappoint those that love extremely dark fiction.
January 22, 2016
When UNIT 731 was first announced, I was excited to read it. In WWII, Unit 731 was a Japanese atrocity, a secret group that conducted a number of brutal and lethal experiments on human subjects. The real-life horror surrounding this group would have been perfect fodder for a horror novel. So, I have to admit I was initially disappointed when I started reading this book, as I discovered that Craig Saunders' latest really has nothing at all to do with Unit 731.
Thankfully, that disappointment was pretty short-lived, as Saunders delivers a dark,crackling novella filled to the brim with psychopathy, murder, and a rather extended sequence of torture. What this story is really about is family, and the way men can fail one another or try to save each other in a way that only family can. Still, it's definitely a horror story through and through, and the squeamish may find themselves a bit upset with the imagery presented.
Even if it wasn't what I had initially wanted, Saunders still hooked me with his story and his characters here. To me, that's a mark of a pretty solid work.
[Note: I received a complimentary copy of this novel as a member of the DarkFuse Book Club/Reviewer community.]
Thankfully, that disappointment was pretty short-lived, as Saunders delivers a dark,crackling novella filled to the brim with psychopathy, murder, and a rather extended sequence of torture. What this story is really about is family, and the way men can fail one another or try to save each other in a way that only family can. Still, it's definitely a horror story through and through, and the squeamish may find themselves a bit upset with the imagery presented.
Even if it wasn't what I had initially wanted, Saunders still hooked me with his story and his characters here. To me, that's a mark of a pretty solid work.
[Note: I received a complimentary copy of this novel as a member of the DarkFuse Book Club/Reviewer community.]
February 3, 2016
More than one crazy plot line comes crashing together in this one and shit goes to hell in a handbasket rather quickly. I’m not sure I really ever bought into the Unit 731 storyline and it honestly fizzled out anyway and then went in another direction entirely. A rather pleasing and bloody direction however. Not at all what I expected from the opening chapter, Craig takes a roundabout way to get us to a good old fashion family showdown. Complete with murder, secrets, betrayal and maybe even some redemption in there somewhere too. Maybe.
Another solid work from Craig Saunders. He is a hell of a writer and I have enjoyed everything that I have read by him. 4 Stars and Highly Recommended.
*As a member of the DarkFuse NetGalley Readers Group, I received an advanced copy of this e-book in exchange for an honest review.
Another solid work from Craig Saunders. He is a hell of a writer and I have enjoyed everything that I have read by him. 4 Stars and Highly Recommended.
*As a member of the DarkFuse NetGalley Readers Group, I received an advanced copy of this e-book in exchange for an honest review.
January 20, 2016
Unit 731 is another grim story with real heart from Craig Saunders. I'm constantly impressed by Mr. Saunders's gift for characterization. In the short length of this novella he quickly creates many fully formed characters and then the story is off and running.
Unit 731 is about war, secrets, regret, vengeance, and family. There is graphic and disturbing violence that will turn off a segment of the reading public, but that is their loss. The story of Reggie Ellison, an 83 year old veteran, has a lot to say about relationships and the importance of family. It is dark fiction, a crime story, but ultimately it is about people, as the best writing is. 5 stars, highly recommended for anyone.
Unit 731 is about war, secrets, regret, vengeance, and family. There is graphic and disturbing violence that will turn off a segment of the reading public, but that is their loss. The story of Reggie Ellison, an 83 year old veteran, has a lot to say about relationships and the importance of family. It is dark fiction, a crime story, but ultimately it is about people, as the best writing is. 5 stars, highly recommended for anyone.
Read
January 23, 2016What a wonderful heart felt story. Much different than what I expected. Thank you, Mr. Saunders. This story brought me out of my 2016 winter reading slump!
I highly recommend this book
I highly recommend this book
October 24, 2019
Not sure how I feel about this one. I thought it was going to have a paranormal angle, but instead it was just a manipulative psycho. Too much blood and gore for me, but some of the characters were intriguing (esp. the grandfather).
Not sure if I'll read this author again. I felt like there was a lot of blood splatter for effect, but maybe not enough substance to the story.
Rating: 3 stars
Not sure if I'll read this author again. I felt like there was a lot of blood splatter for effect, but maybe not enough substance to the story.
Rating: 3 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2016
Obsession and blood in this relationship novella Anyone obsessed with the history of Imperial Japan’s Epidemic and water Purification may possibly be lacking in social skills…and Luke Benson is no exception. When we first encounter Luke he is with his friends Damien and Miles “the 731” and about to uncover the contents of a little wooden box…”In the tin, dried desiccated: a c**k, severed at the root. Even withered as it was it was unmistakable”. This nicely sets the tone for the rest of this character driven story of one family’s madness, relationships and hidden secrets that boil over into a bloody encounter. There are some wonderful characters most notably hired killer Leverett Caron, the wanderer David Ellison returning home, and Reggie Ellison a grizzled old Korean War Vet with stories to tell. When this dysfunctional family meet blood will fly and events will occur that can never be undone.
Craig Saunders in an author of dark fiction and this is a compelling short novella that showcases his writing talent. I look forward to his future publications.
Craig Saunders in an author of dark fiction and this is a compelling short novella that showcases his writing talent. I look forward to his future publications.
February 23, 2016
Unit 731 was a quick, brutal, enjoyable read from Craig Saunders, whose writing style I come to like more and more with each book of his I read. It's a very easygoing, casual, almost conversational style, that's very readable.
David has come back home after some sort of failure, though we don't have many details to start out with. His nephew Luke, who lives with is great-grandfather (David's grandfather), has a fascination with the Japanese Unit 731, and is introducing his friends to it. It's hard to say too much here without spoiling the story, but don't get attached to the Unit 731 angle, because it doesn't play much part in the story, as it turns out. This is a story about family, about duty, and about what it means to be a man. I think the grandfather (Reggie) is my favorite character, but all are well-drawn and interesting characters.
This is not for the faint of heart, so if you have issues with violence and torture, this is definitely not the book for you. But in the end, this short book has a fair amount of value to say, and the violence does have a point.
This may be my favorite of Craig's books so far, and I look forward to more from him!
David has come back home after some sort of failure, though we don't have many details to start out with. His nephew Luke, who lives with is great-grandfather (David's grandfather), has a fascination with the Japanese Unit 731, and is introducing his friends to it. It's hard to say too much here without spoiling the story, but don't get attached to the Unit 731 angle, because it doesn't play much part in the story, as it turns out. This is a story about family, about duty, and about what it means to be a man. I think the grandfather (Reggie) is my favorite character, but all are well-drawn and interesting characters.
This is not for the faint of heart, so if you have issues with violence and torture, this is definitely not the book for you. But in the end, this short book has a fair amount of value to say, and the violence does have a point.
This may be my favorite of Craig's books so far, and I look forward to more from him!
January 24, 2016
UNIT 731 has nothing to do with WW2 or Japanese atrocities and everything to do with a dysfunctional, pathological family. If you like psychopathic, bizarre books with a twist - you just found your next book!
This is an extremely bloody story. Torture abounds. Author Craig Saunders packed tons of meaning into few pages.
This novella was given to me to review by the publisher.
This is an extremely bloody story. Torture abounds. Author Craig Saunders packed tons of meaning into few pages.
This novella was given to me to review by the publisher.
October 22, 2019
Dark, adult and tightly-plotted (and focused), this is a solid piece of modern horror.
April 7, 2018
Full of psychopaths, this was dark and yet compelling, too. I don't know as I can say I enjoyed it as much as some other horrors, but it certainly made me think about family, and love, and the way in which minds can be twisted.
January 21, 2024
Luke Benson is a troubled teen that is obsessed with Unit 731 - Japan’s inhumane testing department in the 30’s known for infecting Chinese prisoners with lethal infections. But Luke’s fascination also hides his true intentions on what he plans to do with the help of his friends.
Very disturbing horror book that had me squinting at many moments from the vivid and brutal scenes. This was exactly what I wanted in this type of book and it had my attention from the very start from the twisted thoughts and actions of Luke.
Very disturbing horror book that had me squinting at many moments from the vivid and brutal scenes. This was exactly what I wanted in this type of book and it had my attention from the very start from the twisted thoughts and actions of Luke.
October 18, 2020
Could have been
Word of advice... Using the word 'cunt' on every page or so. Is bound to insult men and women alike. Thanks for the effort. It caused me to find the Netflix documentary " Unit 731"
Word of advice... Using the word 'cunt' on every page or so. Is bound to insult men and women alike. Thanks for the effort. It caused me to find the Netflix documentary " Unit 731"
February 26, 2017
Yikes! A quick read, and I am grateful. This was not my cup of tea. Very strange characters, and some of them were really interesting and somewhat endearing. The plot was really pretty dreadful, but I really admired the author's skill and talent. However, I will not seek out this author again.
April 12, 2016
I received an review copy of this novella from the publisher, Darkfuse, in exchange for an honest review.
This was a very dark ride. Like some of the other reviewers I am familiar with Saunders’ work—through Darkfuse. He is writer of very tense stories. His characters are well drawn and evoke our sympathy as they are shredded on the blades of fate, impossible situations or bad luck, or sometimes by other characters with garden tools. Seriously, he is the only writer I have ever known to use an elevator as a weapon. He is a pretty hard core guy.
Characters are Saunders’ strong suit. Tortured characters that are tough but find that some situations are beyond toughness to overcome. But that doesn’t stop them from trying. Unit 731 is no exception. You can’t help but sympathize and root for several of these men who are tortured both physically in the present and by their wrongful deeds or mistakes of the past.
However, I have to agree with Bill that I just couldn’t buy into the storyline. It was just so implausible to me that I had to pretty much ignore several plot lines in the first part in order to just enjoy the very interesting second act. I think the Unit 731 tie in weakened the story, IMHO.
3.5 to 4 stars based on two very good characters (Reggie and David) and a strong second half.
This was a very dark ride. Like some of the other reviewers I am familiar with Saunders’ work—through Darkfuse. He is writer of very tense stories. His characters are well drawn and evoke our sympathy as they are shredded on the blades of fate, impossible situations or bad luck, or sometimes by other characters with garden tools. Seriously, he is the only writer I have ever known to use an elevator as a weapon. He is a pretty hard core guy.
Characters are Saunders’ strong suit. Tortured characters that are tough but find that some situations are beyond toughness to overcome. But that doesn’t stop them from trying. Unit 731 is no exception. You can’t help but sympathize and root for several of these men who are tortured both physically in the present and by their wrongful deeds or mistakes of the past.
However, I have to agree with Bill that I just couldn’t buy into the storyline. It was just so implausible to me that I had to pretty much ignore several plot lines in the first part in order to just enjoy the very interesting second act. I think the Unit 731 tie in weakened the story, IMHO.
3.5 to 4 stars based on two very good characters (Reggie and David) and a strong second half.
January 23, 2016
Saunders delivers again!
I sent Craig a message that this would make a great horror movie but the author fooled me and now I think it would make a great movie no matter which genre they pick. Highly recommended.
I sent Craig a message that this would make a great horror movie but the author fooled me and now I think it would make a great movie no matter which genre they pick. Highly recommended.
Read
May 14, 2018okay
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews