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Savage Mountain
Ami and her friends just want to do a little white-water rafting in the Smoky Mountains. When her jealous boyfriend decides to try and make their amateur guide look foolish, they end up stranded along the banks of the Pigeon River. While searching for help, they run across a group of men growing for the cartels—men who have no intention of letting them escape with their lives.
237 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 2, 2020
3 people are currently reading
299 people want to read
About the author
John Quick
12 books56 followersIf you ask his wife, John Quick is compelled to tell stories because he’s full of baloney. He prefers to think he simply has an affinity for things that are strange, disturbing, and terrifying. As proof, he will explain how he suffered Consequences, transcribed The Journal of Jeremy Todd, and regaled the tale of Mudcat. He lives in Middle Tennessee with his aforementioned long-suffering wife, two exceptionally patient kids, four dogs that could care less so long as he keeps scratching that perfect spot on their noses, and a cat who barely acknowledges his existence.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 6, 2022
No rating. Sexist body-shaming in the first few paras. That...is not for me.
I officially tapped out, though, when Jay says to Ami, "If he's already asleep, we bite the bullet and either back out as gracefully as we can or get our asses killed on the river tomorrow."
"Deal." This from Ami.
They're talking about a deeply stupid, dangerous decision made in a group. So not only does this young woman let others make bad decisions that she accepts as applying to her as well, but she's a fat-shaming ageist jerk.
Not a damn chance is this story going to get enough better to rise above these deficits.
I officially tapped out, though, when Jay says to Ami, "If he's already asleep, we bite the bullet and either back out as gracefully as we can or get our asses killed on the river tomorrow."
"Deal." This from Ami.
They're talking about a deeply stupid, dangerous decision made in a group. So not only does this young woman let others make bad decisions that she accepts as applying to her as well, but she's a fat-shaming ageist jerk.
Not a damn chance is this story going to get enough better to rise above these deficits.
July 31, 2021
This book is very much... "awful hillbilly redneck woods people terrorize college kids" and if you love that kind of B-movie slasher (including its problematic scenes), this book is for you.
The plot is really that--dumb college kids get lost white-water rafting and are stalked/murdered by crazed woods people. There's a slight modern twist in that they're growing pot, but it's really not relevant.
What I don't like is how incredibly dumb these people are. There are legit threats but they practically wander into the enemy's arms because they... smell food? People are getting KILLED!
But really, it's a fun read if you just want some mindless slasher fun.
The plot is really that--dumb college kids get lost white-water rafting and are stalked/murdered by crazed woods people. There's a slight modern twist in that they're growing pot, but it's really not relevant.
What I don't like is how incredibly dumb these people are. There are legit threats but they practically wander into the enemy's arms because they... smell food? People are getting KILLED!
But really, it's a fun read if you just want some mindless slasher fun.
March 11, 2020
John Quick. Write that down, commit it to memory, do what you need to do. This is my third John Quick novel, and in my opinion, the best of the 3 I’ve read.
Savage Mountain tells the tale of Ami and her friends as they take an unnecessarily dangerous white water rafting trip. To make matters worse, a stupid decision makes the trip even more dangerous. The vacationers end up stranded, struggling to survive with no supplies in a harsh wilderness where rescue is not likely. But that’s not all, an illegal grow operation in the area means that the only other humans in the area don’t have rescue on the mind.
I had a blast reading this, despite the fact there were a few scenes that made me cringe. They are a bit brutal and pull no punches. One things that makes this story is Quicks ability to just write an good, interesting story. Look at the plot synopsis, you’ve probably seen a few movies that seem similar, despite that, the book held my attention and refused to let go until I reached the end. Most of the characters suck. Not because they are written bad, but because they are actual crappy people. You’re rooting for the protagonists, but at the same time, when mayhem strikes, you’re kinda glad it did.
Quick’s writing here is as good as I have seen it. Savage Mountain contains a good cast of characters, excellent dialogue, and movie worthy plot. The ending was satisfying and the entire package left me wanting more Quick.
I don’t see enough people talking about, reading, and reviewing John Quick. That may be because of echo chambers of online communities, but let me tell you, if you aren’t not reading John Quick, slap yourself in the face and buy Savage Mountain.
4.5 Stars
Savage Mountain tells the tale of Ami and her friends as they take an unnecessarily dangerous white water rafting trip. To make matters worse, a stupid decision makes the trip even more dangerous. The vacationers end up stranded, struggling to survive with no supplies in a harsh wilderness where rescue is not likely. But that’s not all, an illegal grow operation in the area means that the only other humans in the area don’t have rescue on the mind.
I had a blast reading this, despite the fact there were a few scenes that made me cringe. They are a bit brutal and pull no punches. One things that makes this story is Quicks ability to just write an good, interesting story. Look at the plot synopsis, you’ve probably seen a few movies that seem similar, despite that, the book held my attention and refused to let go until I reached the end. Most of the characters suck. Not because they are written bad, but because they are actual crappy people. You’re rooting for the protagonists, but at the same time, when mayhem strikes, you’re kinda glad it did.
Quick’s writing here is as good as I have seen it. Savage Mountain contains a good cast of characters, excellent dialogue, and movie worthy plot. The ending was satisfying and the entire package left me wanting more Quick.
I don’t see enough people talking about, reading, and reviewing John Quick. That may be because of echo chambers of online communities, but let me tell you, if you aren’t not reading John Quick, slap yourself in the face and buy Savage Mountain.
4.5 Stars
July 25, 2021
Savage mountain
I enjoyed this book kept me interested throughout. Had some pretty intense moments. Good thriller and didn't expect that ending
I enjoyed this book kept me interested throughout. Had some pretty intense moments. Good thriller and didn't expect that ending
September 9, 2021
A group a friends take a rafting trip with a guy they randomly met. These group of friends made an idiotic prank that leds them to trouble. I liked the first half of the story but then it gets boring.
May 12, 2022
In this book, both of the women that go through a traumatic experience have strange brains. Instead of fight or flight and push for survival, theirs prioritize thoughts like : Will the hot guy notice my leg hair stubble? I wish he'd look at me while I was changing.
It felt like the author watched Deliverance and then had a fantasy. Something like: what if I was in this grim situation, but there were chicks. I saved them, and the hot one developed a crush on me because I'm so awesome.
I should have put this down after the bad dialogue and body shaming from CH. 1. But I kept telling myself it will get better. The reason the characters are so terrible is because we need to be okay with them getting killed and hacked up in the end.
Everyone is an asshole except the rafting guide - an aging hippie. Flip to the back of the book and the author photo is how he describes this guy.
I put the book down 123 pages in. It got too ridiculous. The way the women are written is unbelievably misogynistic. I skimmed ahead and it doesn't really get better.
This is the book that made me realize I don't have to finish bad books. I usually force myself to finish if it's challenging, but this is just...not good.
It felt like the author watched Deliverance and then had a fantasy. Something like: what if I was in this grim situation, but there were chicks. I saved them, and the hot one developed a crush on me because I'm so awesome.
I should have put this down after the bad dialogue and body shaming from CH. 1. But I kept telling myself it will get better. The reason the characters are so terrible is because we need to be okay with them getting killed and hacked up in the end.
Everyone is an asshole except the rafting guide - an aging hippie. Flip to the back of the book and the author photo is how he describes this guy.
I put the book down 123 pages in. It got too ridiculous. The way the women are written is unbelievably misogynistic. I skimmed ahead and it doesn't really get better.
This is the book that made me realize I don't have to finish bad books. I usually force myself to finish if it's challenging, but this is just...not good.
June 13, 2021
Ami, her boyfriend and some of their friends decide to take a white water rafting trip during the off season.
However they have an accident during their adventure that leaves them separated, injured and left with no supplies. They have a slim chance of escaping the wilderness alive if they don't find help soon.
That's not their biggest problem though. There are others in the forest and they have a secret they are willing to kill for.
A fun and sometimes cringe worthy slasher read that I really liked. If you liked the Wrong Turn movies, you'll like this one!
John Quick's writing style always flows well, keeping things action packed along the way. The characters were believable and the storyline was as well making it even more unsettling. Plus things definitely got gory at times which is always a bonus!
If you haven't read any of John Quick's books yet I'd recommend doing so. I haven't come across a book of his that I haven't binge read and loved so far.
However they have an accident during their adventure that leaves them separated, injured and left with no supplies. They have a slim chance of escaping the wilderness alive if they don't find help soon.
That's not their biggest problem though. There are others in the forest and they have a secret they are willing to kill for.
A fun and sometimes cringe worthy slasher read that I really liked. If you liked the Wrong Turn movies, you'll like this one!
John Quick's writing style always flows well, keeping things action packed along the way. The characters were believable and the storyline was as well making it even more unsettling. Plus things definitely got gory at times which is always a bonus!
If you haven't read any of John Quick's books yet I'd recommend doing so. I haven't come across a book of his that I haven't binge read and loved so far.
August 1, 2021
DNF on pg. 28. Way too much over sexualization of women. No thanks.
November 7, 2023
If I want to read fantasy, I'll read fantasy. If I want to read psychological horror, then I'll read psychological horror. Fantasy can have realistic elements, but a psychological novel that is meant to be set in the real world should stay away from fantasy (imo). I want a psychological thriller that is advertised as one to be logical and not swerve into situations that are unlikely and unreasonable.
I'm going to generalize because I don't like to give any spoilers. Let me just say that personally, if I were in a situation where I was alone in a deserted area and came across someone severely injured and strung up to the ceiling, my first reaction would be horror coupled with thoughts like... Someone did this! Are they still here?! Am I in danger?!. I would not be checking out their naked body to the point of wondering whether they trim their private parts. I mean, seriously?? It was enough that it threw me right out of the story. I spent the rest of the novel wondering if it would happen again, and it ended up ruining my enjoyment. One of my pet peeves is when I'm deeply in a world an author created, and then I'm abruptly thrown out of it. It's unpleasant and jarring.
It's a shame because the premise of the novel is promising. It's simply written but also well written enough to draw you in. It was enthralling up until that particular scene. Maybe I'm too analytical, but that scene was so ridiculously unreal to me. Yes, it's fiction, BUT it was meant to be hypothetical realistic fiction. A what if kind of book where we can sit back in our cozy homes reading about a situation that could potentially happen to someone.
I'm going to generalize because I don't like to give any spoilers. Let me just say that personally, if I were in a situation where I was alone in a deserted area and came across someone severely injured and strung up to the ceiling, my first reaction would be horror coupled with thoughts like... Someone did this! Are they still here?! Am I in danger?!. I would not be checking out their naked body to the point of wondering whether they trim their private parts. I mean, seriously?? It was enough that it threw me right out of the story. I spent the rest of the novel wondering if it would happen again, and it ended up ruining my enjoyment. One of my pet peeves is when I'm deeply in a world an author created, and then I'm abruptly thrown out of it. It's unpleasant and jarring.
It's a shame because the premise of the novel is promising. It's simply written but also well written enough to draw you in. It was enthralling up until that particular scene. Maybe I'm too analytical, but that scene was so ridiculously unreal to me. Yes, it's fiction, BUT it was meant to be hypothetical realistic fiction. A what if kind of book where we can sit back in our cozy homes reading about a situation that could potentially happen to someone.
October 12, 2021
Savage Mountain is a book that pulls no punches. Unsettling, depraved, and gruesome are all words that come to mind when I recall my experience reading it. It's pretty much a gore-fest that stands as a homage to the greatest slasher flicks. Most of the characters suck. Don't get me wrong, they're written amazingly, they're just awful people. However, somehow, you still find yourself rooting for them when the mayhem begins.
This book is straight up brutal. The word savage in the title is certainly apt. Despite some scenes managing to make me squirm in disgust, the writing never once felt overbearing or over imposing. If you struggle with extreme depictions of suffering, maybe give this one a miss.
This book is straight up brutal. The word savage in the title is certainly apt. Despite some scenes managing to make me squirm in disgust, the writing never once felt overbearing or over imposing. If you struggle with extreme depictions of suffering, maybe give this one a miss.
September 30, 2021
The premise of this book had me intrigued: a white water rafting trip gone bad results in a group of friends becoming stranded in the middle of a remote, clandestine drug operation run by violent psychopaths. Sounded interesting, and I was excited to dig in.
Despite that excitement, getting through this book was a struggle. The author's writing style and the specific subgenre of horror this book resides in just didn't resonate. I have other reasons, and you can DM me if you're curious. Suffice to say, this book just wasn't for me.
Despite that excitement, getting through this book was a struggle. The author's writing style and the specific subgenre of horror this book resides in just didn't resonate. I have other reasons, and you can DM me if you're curious. Suffice to say, this book just wasn't for me.
July 29, 2021
Take heed of the dedication when proceeding with this book. Richard Laymon is not for everyone and judging by this book John Quick is not either. I however was thrilled to see the mention and took it as a good sign. I find it much easier to get into books like this when the author is honest about the character's motivations and humanity (or lack there of). The story was good enough to peak my interest into more of John Quick's books.
July 5, 2020
The ‘savage’ in the title couldn’t be more apt. A white knuckle ride, that doesn’t relent. Had me squirming, sometimes uncomfortably, but the prose is written in a way that even the most grotesque moments were purposeful and never seemed gratuitous. Highly recommend for people who want a perfect representation of the “hillbilly psycho” trope. Lots of fun!
January 1, 2022
Savage Mountain was loads of fun. Mostly a typical, backwoods torture romp, but with excellent Grindhouse savagery. The narrative follows a group of young adventurers in their mid 20's, most of whom knew each other for many years that head out on a weekend rafting trip. Things go awry quickly when a couple of the group members decide they want to spice things up, and change their rafting course of action. Finding themselves capsized, in need of help and at their most vulnerable point, things get chaotic when they are slowly confronted by three masochists living out in the woods.
I thoroughly enjoyed Savage Mountain, and the book never felt dull or boring. However, it also felt like a very similar backwoods song and dance I've read or watched before. Nothing gripped me as truly fresh, but it was still loads of fun and the imagery and torture was rad!
Read this fast paced romper to satiate your backwoods torturous needs! Four stars from me!
I thoroughly enjoyed Savage Mountain, and the book never felt dull or boring. However, it also felt like a very similar backwoods song and dance I've read or watched before. Nothing gripped me as truly fresh, but it was still loads of fun and the imagery and torture was rad!
Read this fast paced romper to satiate your backwoods torturous needs! Four stars from me!
August 13, 2021
TW: rape, sexual assault, homophobic language
3.5⭐
And here's why it fell short from a 4 star read for me:
- The very pointless main character female body shaming the other female character. It was clear she didn't like her, but the way the author had worded this could've been better, and it was just very unbelievable. This coming from a female.
- I didn't really understand the constant use of the word "faggot" from one of the asshome bad guys. Like I think it was supposed to be used to characterize him as a hillbilly asshole, but again I think it could've been done differently or just left out all together.
These are two issues that I had that are important to me. The book was super fun to read and only took me a few days to get through. I felt like the ending dragged on a little, but otherwise I enjoyed it.
3.5⭐
And here's why it fell short from a 4 star read for me:
- The very pointless main character female body shaming the other female character. It was clear she didn't like her, but the way the author had worded this could've been better, and it was just very unbelievable. This coming from a female.
- I didn't really understand the constant use of the word "faggot" from one of the asshome bad guys. Like I think it was supposed to be used to characterize him as a hillbilly asshole, but again I think it could've been done differently or just left out all together.
These are two issues that I had that are important to me. The book was super fun to read and only took me a few days to get through. I felt like the ending dragged on a little, but otherwise I enjoyed it.
Read
March 5, 2022Slasher set in the mountains with a familiar plot of city kids getting into trouble and running into violent people in what seemed like a bucolic paradise. The book is fast paced, fairly short, and reads like an. 80’s B movie. There is violence described on the page, including sexual violence so beware if that is not your jam.
Ami and her friends are in the mountains of Tennessee to white water raft and relax. They convince a fellow visitor to take them on a more dangerous stretch of river than a traditional guide would take them. Ami’s jealous boyfriend tries to embarrass the guide and the raft capsizes. Terrified, cold, and hungry, the group soon encounters men who live deep in the woods and don’t appreciate visitors…
If you are looking for a quick, fun read and enjoy the tropes of a typical slasher, this book could be for you.
Ami and her friends are in the mountains of Tennessee to white water raft and relax. They convince a fellow visitor to take them on a more dangerous stretch of river than a traditional guide would take them. Ami’s jealous boyfriend tries to embarrass the guide and the raft capsizes. Terrified, cold, and hungry, the group soon encounters men who live deep in the woods and don’t appreciate visitors…
If you are looking for a quick, fun read and enjoy the tropes of a typical slasher, this book could be for you.
September 2, 2021
I'll start off by saying, this is my first book by this author and I obtained this book through Nightworms. Also, my family likes to travel to National Parks while vacationing and our most recent trips have been Rocky Mountain NP and the Smokey Mountains. So, this read was right up my alley. Rafting trip gone bad, group of friends divided and an illegal operation deep in the North Carolina forest keeps this book moving swiftly on the rails. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and gave it five stars. I look forward to more books by Mr. John Quick.
September 26, 2021
Quick's violent nods to the thematic elements of something like 'Deliverance' are not necessarily subtle, as even a character or two references the material. In this one a whitewater rafting expedition goes horribly wrong, thrusting a seven people into a wild environment, made even more wild by the presences of some deadly men with a secret to keep.
Fast. Violent. And did I say violent? Well, violent.
Pretty breathless and relentless stuff.
Fast. Violent. And did I say violent? Well, violent.
Pretty breathless and relentless stuff.
October 12, 2021
Caution…read at your own risk. There’s extreme horror within these pages. This book is not for everyone.
When Ami and her friends go whitewater rafting and things go wrong they run into a group of men from a cartel.
This story goes exactly in the direction I thought it was going. No surprises. Lots of content warnings.
When Ami and her friends go whitewater rafting and things go wrong they run into a group of men from a cartel.
This story goes exactly in the direction I thought it was going. No surprises. Lots of content warnings.
November 7, 2021
This novel is simply Eli Roth-inspired torture porn with an overwhelming nod to Deliverance, but very well-written. If you're into that sort of thing, you will probably enjoy this one. I, however, am not, but cannot discredit that John Quick can write captivating set ups and I would definitely read more from him if it was less focused on unnecessary, gratuitous violence towards women.
January 16, 2022
This book did its job, it was certainly horrifying. There were scenes in this book that were extremely graphic, tough to stomach. One in particular that will stick with me for the rest of my life unfortunately. I wish I could unread that one scene. But I enjoyed the intense ride for the most part.
September 26, 2022
I really enjoyed SAVAGE MOUNTAIN. Such a great survival story with a strong female character. The story wasn't new by any means, but Quick managed to make it feel fresh and so compelling. I'm not sure people getting lost in the outdoors with a threat on their heels will ever get old for me. Can't wait to read more of Quick's library.
August 24, 2021
A Night Worms book - 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4. I'm not a big splatter fan, but this was very well-written for the sub-genre. Strong characterization and backstory gave a lot of depth and added stakes.
November 7, 2023
Definitely not the worst book I’ve read but also not one I’ll be raving about for days to come. A slow burn that eventually finds its footing and takes you on a slightly predictable journey with some decent twists and turns. And an ending that shouldn’t haven been allowed.
August 27, 2021
This book was not bad, it just wasn't for me. I don't really enjoy rape or torture in my books but if you enjoy B-rated horror movies, this has the same vibe.
September 14, 2021
gruesome and violent and i enjoyed it all but the last epilogue just was unnecessary. I dropped a point on rating just because that cheese left a bad impression. TEDDY IS HUNGRY, gimme a break!
April 19, 2022
Nope nope nope, very graphic.
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