What do you think?
Rate this book
Orchard: A Horror Novel
Four very different friends from the city. The longest night of their lives in the country.
Will is a man of simple pleasures. For his stag do, all that he wants is a weekend away with his best friends. Just the four of them, a fire and plenty of alcohol. A place where they can camp, have a laugh and make noise, without drawing any attention to themselves. Tommy’s Orchard sounds just the place.
But when one of them vanishes in the middle of the night, the friends quickly realise that they may be isolated, but they are far from alone. Something is lurking in the shadows beneath the trees, and dawn is a long time coming.
Orchard is an extreme horror story containing scenes of drug use, torture, strong violence and bad language that some readers may find offensive. Reader discretion is advised.
Will is a man of simple pleasures. For his stag do, all that he wants is a weekend away with his best friends. Just the four of them, a fire and plenty of alcohol. A place where they can camp, have a laugh and make noise, without drawing any attention to themselves. Tommy’s Orchard sounds just the place.
But when one of them vanishes in the middle of the night, the friends quickly realise that they may be isolated, but they are far from alone. Something is lurking in the shadows beneath the trees, and dawn is a long time coming.
Orchard is an extreme horror story containing scenes of drug use, torture, strong violence and bad language that some readers may find offensive. Reader discretion is advised.
- GenresHorror
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 6, 2019
24 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
November 17, 2019
I could guess what was coming as the story marched on in this desperate and gory tale of hunter and hunted; what I could *not* guess, however, was who may or may not survive. I made a gamble at first near the beginning, later thought I was wrong, then it turned out I was right. Phew. Mind, I think that was just luck.
Wood’s reader discretion warning at the beginning is not to be underestimated - because the author thoroughly acquaints you with each character first, meaning that the real shocks in this novel come not only from the wonderfully written (albeit relentlessly graphic) detail, but in seeing the worst possible things happen to characters you’re by now emotionally invested in, even if they’re not your favourites. That’s Kolin Wood’s clever writing for you: he lets it settle inside your head first before really going in for the bite, where you’re now vulnerable.
The premise of this book will not be unfamiliar to many veteran fans of slasher thrillers/horrors, but what makes this story so good is Kolin Wood’s writing style.
His narrative glues you to every page. He takes you places you never thought he’d dare. He shapes every scene to make you feel more like you’re watching a movie than reading a book. He teases, trolls, and drags you right through every character’s desperation and pain.
If you scare easily at grisly descriptions of death and survival, this book may not be for you.
But if you love a merciless, white-knuckled, edge-of-seat cat and mouse game overflowing with intensity and brutality, well, welcome home.
Wood’s reader discretion warning at the beginning is not to be underestimated - because the author thoroughly acquaints you with each character first, meaning that the real shocks in this novel come not only from the wonderfully written (albeit relentlessly graphic) detail, but in seeing the worst possible things happen to characters you’re by now emotionally invested in, even if they’re not your favourites. That’s Kolin Wood’s clever writing for you: he lets it settle inside your head first before really going in for the bite, where you’re now vulnerable.
The premise of this book will not be unfamiliar to many veteran fans of slasher thrillers/horrors, but what makes this story so good is Kolin Wood’s writing style.
His narrative glues you to every page. He takes you places you never thought he’d dare. He shapes every scene to make you feel more like you’re watching a movie than reading a book. He teases, trolls, and drags you right through every character’s desperation and pain.
If you scare easily at grisly descriptions of death and survival, this book may not be for you.
But if you love a merciless, white-knuckled, edge-of-seat cat and mouse game overflowing with intensity and brutality, well, welcome home.
October 27, 2019
Ok
Was ok, the torture was tame compared to some stuff I’ve read, and the ending left me thinking what ? Lots of things not explained ? Was Eddie ever found?
Was ok, the torture was tame compared to some stuff I’ve read, and the ending left me thinking what ? Lots of things not explained ? Was Eddie ever found?
October 8, 2019
Shockingly addictive!
This book took me well out of my comfort zone. It reminded me of the film "Deliverance" but, was probably even more shocking. The story was very well written, the plot fiendishly constructed and the characters very believable . The story will haunt my thoughts for a very long time to come.
This book took me well out of my comfort zone. It reminded me of the film "Deliverance" but, was probably even more shocking. The story was very well written, the plot fiendishly constructed and the characters very believable . The story will haunt my thoughts for a very long time to come.
August 5, 2019
Wow, I was a bit concerned when I started this book as the action was not picking up quick enough and there was too much bonding etc. However once all these introductions and attachments were made this book took off! What a brilliant read, the excellent writing style of some of the elements of torture painted a horrible picture in my head and had me hooked.
Without any spoilers, the story is about four blokes who go camping as a stag do in a random farmer's field and end up in a horrible situation. Horror, torture, suspense, this book had it all! A very good read and well worth it if you're after a nice, dark tale.
I only didn't give it five stars as I would have liked some explanation about what happened after everything had died down. What the outcome was. However the author does say that there is a potential sequel, so hopefully it will be explained in that. I'll definitely be reading it if it is released.
Without any spoilers, the story is about four blokes who go camping as a stag do in a random farmer's field and end up in a horrible situation. Horror, torture, suspense, this book had it all! A very good read and well worth it if you're after a nice, dark tale.
I only didn't give it five stars as I would have liked some explanation about what happened after everything had died down. What the outcome was. However the author does say that there is a potential sequel, so hopefully it will be explained in that. I'll definitely be reading it if it is released.
July 1, 2019
Great read
I have only read a few of Kolin Woods books but am never disappointed by them. This is just the same as always from him a great read full of gore and a great storyline. He definitely had me booked each time. My favourite of his so far being the human zoo series but this is up there with it. I enjoyed the individuals points each telling the story as it went on and the gruesome horror each endured. Looking forward to the sequence where Tommy goes next? And what happened to his mother with Matty.
I have only read a few of Kolin Woods books but am never disappointed by them. This is just the same as always from him a great read full of gore and a great storyline. He definitely had me booked each time. My favourite of his so far being the human zoo series but this is up there with it. I enjoyed the individuals points each telling the story as it went on and the gruesome horror each endured. Looking forward to the sequence where Tommy goes next? And what happened to his mother with Matty.
September 15, 2019
Good read
Really enjoyed this book. Loved the gore in it. The abuse made me nauseated. Hard to read at times when about the severe child abuse. Regardless, really liked this book and hoping there's a sequel. Definite recommend!
Really enjoyed this book. Loved the gore in it. The abuse made me nauseated. Hard to read at times when about the severe child abuse. Regardless, really liked this book and hoping there's a sequel. Definite recommend!
September 17, 2019
Fields Of Fruit
The above book is exciting, thrilling with lots of twists and turns. You cannot afford to let your mind wander - it's in depth is so absorbing. Excellent, excellent book !!!!!!!!
The above book is exciting, thrilling with lots of twists and turns. You cannot afford to let your mind wander - it's in depth is so absorbing. Excellent, excellent book !!!!!!!!
June 25, 2019
No camping
I loved this gruesome story, I have read enough of these stories, that I will never go camping,never ever !
I loved this gruesome story, I have read enough of these stories, that I will never go camping,never ever !
August 16, 2023
“Orchard” by Kolin Wood is absolutely brutal! The story, which I describe as “The Hangover” meets “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” is well written, unsettling, and delivers an elegantly descriptive uneasiness to it’s violent depravity.
The story takes it’s time developing it’s 4 protagonists, which was fairly slow in it’s approach but wonderfully appreciated. At first, the main characters all felt simply conventional, and was difficult to maintain a difference among them. Over the almost 100 pages of development it was then easy to identify all of their personnas, and establish a relatability that carries your desire for their survival until the end of the 200+ pages.
The antagonist’s backstory is gut wrenching, and although the reader despises his actions as an adult, you can certainly understand his intentions based on the cruelty he experienced as a child.
Overall, this was a story that’s been done before, but was excellent in it’s delivery. Comparable to Jack Ketchum’s “Off Season” and “The Summer I Died” by Ryan C. Thomas. This is survival horror that resonates and sticks with it’s reader. I adored it and wish that it was available in print as it would definitely be a highlighted title on my bookshelf!
The story takes it’s time developing it’s 4 protagonists, which was fairly slow in it’s approach but wonderfully appreciated. At first, the main characters all felt simply conventional, and was difficult to maintain a difference among them. Over the almost 100 pages of development it was then easy to identify all of their personnas, and establish a relatability that carries your desire for their survival until the end of the 200+ pages.
The antagonist’s backstory is gut wrenching, and although the reader despises his actions as an adult, you can certainly understand his intentions based on the cruelty he experienced as a child.
Overall, this was a story that’s been done before, but was excellent in it’s delivery. Comparable to Jack Ketchum’s “Off Season” and “The Summer I Died” by Ryan C. Thomas. This is survival horror that resonates and sticks with it’s reader. I adored it and wish that it was available in print as it would definitely be a highlighted title on my bookshelf!
November 10, 2020
Kolin Wood’s Orchard
Mr Wood’s writing is direct and clear. Prepare to be drawn into a nightmare scenario. I was compelled to carry on reading. A page turner into a hellish world. Will do nothing for the sale of cider. A reminder that if anyone offers you drugs....just say no. I fear a sleepless night ahead.
Mr Wood’s writing is direct and clear. Prepare to be drawn into a nightmare scenario. I was compelled to carry on reading. A page turner into a hellish world. Will do nothing for the sale of cider. A reminder that if anyone offers you drugs....just say no. I fear a sleepless night ahead.
April 17, 2022
Orchard
Absolutely brilliant loved this book has you on the edge of your seat also a few laugh out loud moments in the beginning reminding me of a cross between the Inbetweeners and a scary horror great stuff can't wait for book two !!
Absolutely brilliant loved this book has you on the edge of your seat also a few laugh out loud moments in the beginning reminding me of a cross between the Inbetweeners and a scary horror great stuff can't wait for book two !!
February 2, 2021
Surprisingly good book given the premise.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews