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Don't Move
From the authors of the bestselling Awakened trilogy.
Megan Forrester has barely survived the unthinkable. Six months ago, she witnessed a horrific accident that killed her husband and son, and lives with the guilt of knowing she could have done more to save them. Now, Megan hopes to mend the pieces of her broken spirit by attending a local church group's annual camping trip. But the church group members-riddled with dark secrets of their own-make a catastrophic navigational mistake, leaving them stranded in an untouched canyon in the West Virginian national forest.
Isolated from any chance of help or rescue, Megan and the others quickly realize why this side of the canyon has never been surveyed by mankind: it's home to a terrifying prehistoric arachnid that patiently stalks its prey through even the slightest movement or vibration in the forest. And it's desperate for a meal.
Grief-stricken and haunted by her tragic loss, Megan now faces her ultimate test of endurance. Can she outwit a bloodthirsty creature hellbent on ensuring that no one gets out of alive? When a single wrong turn can mean death, she only has one option: DON'T MOVE.
Megan Forrester has barely survived the unthinkable. Six months ago, she witnessed a horrific accident that killed her husband and son, and lives with the guilt of knowing she could have done more to save them. Now, Megan hopes to mend the pieces of her broken spirit by attending a local church group's annual camping trip. But the church group members-riddled with dark secrets of their own-make a catastrophic navigational mistake, leaving them stranded in an untouched canyon in the West Virginian national forest.
Isolated from any chance of help or rescue, Megan and the others quickly realize why this side of the canyon has never been surveyed by mankind: it's home to a terrifying prehistoric arachnid that patiently stalks its prey through even the slightest movement or vibration in the forest. And it's desperate for a meal.
Grief-stricken and haunted by her tragic loss, Megan now faces her ultimate test of endurance. Can she outwit a bloodthirsty creature hellbent on ensuring that no one gets out of alive? When a single wrong turn can mean death, she only has one option: DON'T MOVE.
250 pages, Hardcover
First published October 6, 2020
115 people are currently reading
4186 people want to read
About the author
James S. Murray
9 books899 followersJames S. Murray is a writer, executive producer, and actor, best known as “Murr” on the hit television show Impractical Jokers on truTV and for his comedy troupe, the Tenderloins. He also served as the senior vice president of development for NorthSouth Productions for over a decade and is owner of Impractical Productions, Inc. Originally from Staten Island, he now lives in Manhattan. Awakened is his first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 279 reviews
January 21, 2021
Megan Forrester is grief-stricken and haunted by past horrors. She embarks upon a camping trip with her church in the hopes of alleviating some of these anxieties in the great outdoors. Little does she know that boarding the bus, along with seven other outdoor enthusiasts, is the opening sequence for a new nightmare to begin, instead.
The first chapter was horrendously graphic and tragic and the rest of the book was a thrilling terrorfest, from that point onwards. The dialogue run a little cheesy on times and I had to suspend my belief at multiple junctures, but this was a great amalgamation of fun adventure and gory horror, with a suspenseful narrative to tie it all together.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, James S. Murray, the contributor, Darren Wearmouth, and the publisher, Blackstone Publishing, for this opportunity.
The first chapter was horrendously graphic and tragic and the rest of the book was a thrilling terrorfest, from that point onwards. The dialogue run a little cheesy on times and I had to suspend my belief at multiple junctures, but this was a great amalgamation of fun adventure and gory horror, with a suspenseful narrative to tie it all together.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, James S. Murray, the contributor, Darren Wearmouth, and the publisher, Blackstone Publishing, for this opportunity.
October 29, 2020
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
**AUDIO BOOK VERSION**.
Don't Move is a fast paced horror that will make you second guess going on a camping trip again thats for sure!
After a horrific tragedy at the very start of the book, Megan Forrester finally leaves the house to go on a camping trip with her church group. The church group is a very mixed group with a mix of backgrounds and issues of their own and end up at a different location to the one they set out for.
This mistake turns into a living horror story not all of them will walk away from!
If your scared of spiders (like me) this will definitely make your skin crawl and jump!
**AUDIO BOOK VERSION**.
Don't Move is a fast paced horror that will make you second guess going on a camping trip again thats for sure!
After a horrific tragedy at the very start of the book, Megan Forrester finally leaves the house to go on a camping trip with her church group. The church group is a very mixed group with a mix of backgrounds and issues of their own and end up at a different location to the one they set out for.
This mistake turns into a living horror story not all of them will walk away from!
If your scared of spiders (like me) this will definitely make your skin crawl and jump!
August 5, 2021
'In the blink of an eye, the fangs sank into his head, and blood sprayed everywhere.
The arms flailed for a few seconds, then his body went limp.'
Shelob attacks!
Killer mermaids, wookies, and zombies. I'm up for a little monster mash.
Having read the first two books by this duo, i haven't found the strength to read the final book in the Awakened trilogy, i was hesitant. This turned out to be an okay grade B creature movie you find on the Syfy channel.
The writing and pacing were surprisingly good. Shelob was a scary creature and i did end up cheering for the cast to survive.
My one complaint, a church group's annual camping trip? Imagine the Kardashian's camping trip. Kim and Kylie are running for their lives. They stop for a moment to take a selfie and post it on instagram. Shelob strikes! And ends up spitting out plastic breast, cheek and chin implants. Ha! They couldn't come up with a more interesting group?
'In less than a minute, it had opened her rib cage and torn out a lung to gorge upon.'
The arms flailed for a few seconds, then his body went limp.'
Shelob attacks!
Killer mermaids, wookies, and zombies. I'm up for a little monster mash.
Having read the first two books by this duo, i haven't found the strength to read the final book in the Awakened trilogy, i was hesitant. This turned out to be an okay grade B creature movie you find on the Syfy channel.
The writing and pacing were surprisingly good. Shelob was a scary creature and i did end up cheering for the cast to survive.
My one complaint, a church group's annual camping trip? Imagine the Kardashian's camping trip. Kim and Kylie are running for their lives. They stop for a moment to take a selfie and post it on instagram. Shelob strikes! And ends up spitting out plastic breast, cheek and chin implants. Ha! They couldn't come up with a more interesting group?
'In less than a minute, it had opened her rib cage and torn out a lung to gorge upon.'
March 21, 2024
James S. Murray and Darren Wearmouth’s Awakened trilogy—-while pulpy, ridiculous, and silly—-was a sleeper hit for me. It was one of the more entertaining sci-fi/horror/monster trilogies I have read in a while. Surprising, since Murray is a human ferret and co-star of the TV show “Impractical Jokers”.
The writing team of Murray/Wearmouth has followed up their monster trilogy with “Don’t Move”, another grade-B horror novel, this one involving spiders.
Correction: one big spider. Deep in the woods of West Virginia. Drop in a church camping trip comprised of unsuspecting New Yorkers, and let the carnage begin.
Like their previous books, Murray/Wearmouth seem to have no inhibitions regarding the amount of gratuitous violence and gore within the story. It’s a bloodbath.
Indeed, the novel starts with a particularly gruesome prologue involving a carnival ride that malfunctions in a horrific way, killing everyone on the ride, including the husband and son of the novel’s protagonist, Megan.
Almost a year later, Megan decides to go on a camping trip put together by the church she irregularly attends. Her pastor feels that getting out in nature and being around people may be good for her.
She should have stayed home.
Like the Awakened trilogy, “Don’t Move” is pretty derivative. It’s basically “The Descent” meets “Arachnophobia” meets “Piranha”. If this were an ‘80s movie (it has that feel), it would have played on USA Up All Night. (Remember that show?)
As stupid as it is, I would be lying if I said I didn’t get some enjoyment out of this novel. It’s entertaining, as only ‘80s B-horror movies could be.
The writing team of Murray/Wearmouth has followed up their monster trilogy with “Don’t Move”, another grade-B horror novel, this one involving spiders.
Correction: one big spider. Deep in the woods of West Virginia. Drop in a church camping trip comprised of unsuspecting New Yorkers, and let the carnage begin.
Like their previous books, Murray/Wearmouth seem to have no inhibitions regarding the amount of gratuitous violence and gore within the story. It’s a bloodbath.
Indeed, the novel starts with a particularly gruesome prologue involving a carnival ride that malfunctions in a horrific way, killing everyone on the ride, including the husband and son of the novel’s protagonist, Megan.
Almost a year later, Megan decides to go on a camping trip put together by the church she irregularly attends. Her pastor feels that getting out in nature and being around people may be good for her.
She should have stayed home.
Like the Awakened trilogy, “Don’t Move” is pretty derivative. It’s basically “The Descent” meets “Arachnophobia” meets “Piranha”. If this were an ‘80s movie (it has that feel), it would have played on USA Up All Night. (Remember that show?)
As stupid as it is, I would be lying if I said I didn’t get some enjoyment out of this novel. It’s entertaining, as only ‘80s B-horror movies could be.
October 9, 2020
Now that was a hell of a ride! Giant spiders, dark woods, blood dripping from the trees! What more could a gal ask for in the middle of October??!! A fast paced thrill ride that will keep you jumping!
Thanks to the publisher for this early copy!
Thanks to the publisher for this early copy!
November 15, 2020
I like monster novels, but my habit of reading books like Don't Move is less guilty pleasure than full-on embarrassment. Prose stylists, they are not. Is this book stupid? Yes, it is. Will I read their next collaboration, almost surely.
Their first trilogy involved intelligent subterranean NY subway monsters. This standalone featured a huge, West Virginian forest spider. (You have to watch out for them. Fucking West Virginia.). Is there ANY explanation of the origin of this monster? Not a single word. The characters don't even speculate amongst themselves. The ending is the biggest cliche imaginable. The characters are tissue paper thin. It's just so bad on so many levels.
*Susan hangs her head in shame*
Their first trilogy involved intelligent subterranean NY subway monsters. This standalone featured a huge, West Virginian forest spider. (You have to watch out for them. Fucking West Virginia.). Is there ANY explanation of the origin of this monster? Not a single word. The characters don't even speculate amongst themselves. The ending is the biggest cliche imaginable. The characters are tissue paper thin. It's just so bad on so many levels.
*Susan hangs her head in shame*
December 27, 2021
This was genuinely so much fun!! It felt a campy B horror movie in book form. Like, you know the Sci-Fi channel original creature features: Frankenfish, Ice Spiders, Mansquito? Just like those but with a slightly higher body count 😂 Definitely checking everything else out these authors have written!!
November 16, 2020
Six months ago, Megan Forrester witnessed the horrible deaths of her husband and son at an amusement park.
She decides to attend a local church group's annual camping trip, hoping it will help her emotionally. So a bunch of New Yorkers take a bus to rural West Virginia to go camping. Gee, what could possibly go wrong?!
After a tense bus ride, made worse by the presence of a party unwelcome by several, they arrive in the mountains. There is nothing to be seen but the trees and the river. After finally making camp, Richie, the unwelcome part of the party, states that he forgot something on the bus. The driver/guide insists upon accompanying him back. While en route, an odd noise begins following them through the trees. Before they know what is happening the guide is lifted off his feet and disappears. Of course, no one believes Richie when he stumbles back into camp. Their minds are only changed when they trek back to the scene of the disappearance, and there is a giant "oh shit" moment.
Yep, there is a HUGE spider hanging out in the woods, eating everything that moves. EVERYTHING.
Overall, the story was creepy and enjoyable. As little as I want to go into the woods, this did not help! The amusement park crash might be the best part of the book. The description of the amusement park accident was awesome. I felt like I was watching it on tv. And now we can add that to the list of things I don't want to do.
For me the most disappointing part of the book was the narrator. I didn't realize until the end that it was one of the authors. I felt that he added too many dramatic pauses. The book had plenty of drama without the awkward halting.
She decides to attend a local church group's annual camping trip, hoping it will help her emotionally. So a bunch of New Yorkers take a bus to rural West Virginia to go camping. Gee, what could possibly go wrong?!
After a tense bus ride, made worse by the presence of a party unwelcome by several, they arrive in the mountains. There is nothing to be seen but the trees and the river. After finally making camp, Richie, the unwelcome part of the party, states that he forgot something on the bus. The driver/guide insists upon accompanying him back. While en route, an odd noise begins following them through the trees. Before they know what is happening the guide is lifted off his feet and disappears. Of course, no one believes Richie when he stumbles back into camp. Their minds are only changed when they trek back to the scene of the disappearance, and there is a giant "oh shit" moment.
Yep, there is a HUGE spider hanging out in the woods, eating everything that moves. EVERYTHING.
Overall, the story was creepy and enjoyable. As little as I want to go into the woods, this did not help! The amusement park crash might be the best part of the book. The description of the amusement park accident was awesome. I felt like I was watching it on tv. And now we can add that to the list of things I don't want to do.
For me the most disappointing part of the book was the narrator. I didn't realize until the end that it was one of the authors. I felt that he added too many dramatic pauses. The book had plenty of drama without the awkward halting.
November 1, 2020
This book is truly bonkers. I picked it up to read something festive for Halloween. It’s sort of like watching a B horror movie, or a Hallmark Christmas movie. It’s campy, fun, and full of bad cliche. If you’re looking for something actually scary or thrilling, look elsewhere. But if you want something easy and quick, but still a bit of fun, this is a good choice.
July 12, 2021
A church camping trip goes wrong when the campers are stalked by a giant, ancient arachnid.
Sounds scary, right? While it was an obviously scary and creepy situation I didn't get a full feeling of terror. The opening chapter at the carnival, with a ride coming apart and killing people, including one of the two main characters' family, was bloody, graphic, and extreme. Just what you need and what I expected for this sort of novel.
Don't Move reads like a movie (a good thing) but a movie that leaves you unsatisfied. I felt like the action was too restrained. There weren't enough characters because they started disappearing too fast and together. Also, we don't get to know or care too much about anyone besides the main two characters. That being said, I was never bored by this quick read. I also appreciate that it doesn't try to pretend to be something it isn't. It was an entertaining read with a properly creepy cliffhanger.
Sounds scary, right? While it was an obviously scary and creepy situation I didn't get a full feeling of terror. The opening chapter at the carnival, with a ride coming apart and killing people, including one of the two main characters' family, was bloody, graphic, and extreme. Just what you need and what I expected for this sort of novel.
Don't Move reads like a movie (a good thing) but a movie that leaves you unsatisfied. I felt like the action was too restrained. There weren't enough characters because they started disappearing too fast and together. Also, we don't get to know or care too much about anyone besides the main two characters. That being said, I was never bored by this quick read. I also appreciate that it doesn't try to pretend to be something it isn't. It was an entertaining read with a properly creepy cliffhanger.
July 22, 2023
A really fun, fast-paced adventure! It reminded me of the thrillers that I read as a kid, but I promise this is not a kid’s book. I especially liked how it ended!
March 8, 2022
2.5 rounded down
well…that was definitely a book! horrible writing but the plot was sorta interesting, and i read it pretty fast. not a waste of my time but i will never read this again
well…that was definitely a book! horrible writing but the plot was sorta interesting, and i read it pretty fast. not a waste of my time but i will never read this again
September 8, 2022
A fun creature feature, fast moving with a somewhat surprising ending.
I liked it.
I liked it.
June 24, 2024
“Don’t Read” - alternate title choice.
I was 100% expecting some good old fashioned B-movie horror schlock. What I got instead was an extremely overpriced, and very boring attempt at a creature feature that somehow managed to disappoint my already very low expectations.
For some reason, this book has two perspectives and I HATED reading Ricky. Meghan was ok… I would’ve taken her over Ricky any day, not that any character in this book was all that memorable, but still. She was a strong female lead with a traumatic back story. Ricky was just…an ass LOL 😝
I feel like this book would’ve been a better screenplay than a story. There were many scenes that would’ve worked with camera angles, directorial vision, and special effects to make a meaningful impact on viewers, but the writing style was nowhere near strong enough to pull off that same effect in book format. Plus there’s the other obvious thing in which the characters death scenes aren’t that all interesting 🤷♂️ It’s supposed to be campy horror with SPIDERS, where was the creepy crawlers? Where was the “ick-factor”? Where was, literally, anything interesting? (Not here) 😓
Overall, I feel like I wasted not only a few hours reading this, but also my 28$. This book is SO NOT worth that much money LOL! If you want GOOD, campy horror, check out either Nick Cutter or Scott Smith. This isn’t worth your time or money 💅
I was 100% expecting some good old fashioned B-movie horror schlock. What I got instead was an extremely overpriced, and very boring attempt at a creature feature that somehow managed to disappoint my already very low expectations.
For some reason, this book has two perspectives and I HATED reading Ricky. Meghan was ok… I would’ve taken her over Ricky any day, not that any character in this book was all that memorable, but still. She was a strong female lead with a traumatic back story. Ricky was just…an ass LOL 😝
I feel like this book would’ve been a better screenplay than a story. There were many scenes that would’ve worked with camera angles, directorial vision, and special effects to make a meaningful impact on viewers, but the writing style was nowhere near strong enough to pull off that same effect in book format. Plus there’s the other obvious thing in which the characters death scenes aren’t that all interesting 🤷♂️ It’s supposed to be campy horror with SPIDERS, where was the creepy crawlers? Where was the “ick-factor”? Where was, literally, anything interesting? (Not here) 😓
Overall, I feel like I wasted not only a few hours reading this, but also my 28$. This book is SO NOT worth that much money LOL! If you want GOOD, campy horror, check out either Nick Cutter or Scott Smith. This isn’t worth your time or money 💅
October 20, 2020
"Don't Move" begins promisingly enough with a stomach churning set piece that had me put down the book for a few hours until I was able to uncurl from the fetal position and stop chanting "it's not real. It's just a book." Sadly, the book never manages to achieve the same level of squeamish tension again which is mystifying since the book is about a giant spider eating people and the way spiders eat is pretty gross.
"Don't Move" is a big dumb, summer blockbuster monster movie in book form, so how much you enjoy this book is entirely dependent on your ability to put your brain in neutral, dive into a barrel of literary hot buttered popcorn, and drink yourself into a sugar coma. Whatever you do, don't stop and think about anything because the moment you do that, the story collapses under the weight of its own silliness.
"Don't Move" is a big dumb, summer blockbuster monster movie in book form, so how much you enjoy this book is entirely dependent on your ability to put your brain in neutral, dive into a barrel of literary hot buttered popcorn, and drink yourself into a sugar coma. Whatever you do, don't stop and think about anything because the moment you do that, the story collapses under the weight of its own silliness.
March 11, 2025
DO NOT READ IF YOU HATE SPIDERS!
This book (while not having the WORST spider I’ve ever read/seen) has a pretty horrific spider monster. It’s FAST and it scuttles around the forest, hunting down the characters like nobody’s business.
The opening chapter was WILD by the way, lowkey uncalled for, but I appreciated it. After that the book settles into a very by the numbers Monster narrative. A good one! But nothing crazy different is happening.
You come for a quick read and a giant spider. And that’s exactly what you get.
This book (while not having the WORST spider I’ve ever read/seen) has a pretty horrific spider monster. It’s FAST and it scuttles around the forest, hunting down the characters like nobody’s business.
The opening chapter was WILD by the way, lowkey uncalled for, but I appreciated it. After that the book settles into a very by the numbers Monster narrative. A good one! But nothing crazy different is happening.
You come for a quick read and a giant spider. And that’s exactly what you get.
April 29, 2023
(Minor Spoilers) The book was pretty good! Nothing that will absolutely blow your mind, but the pacing was pretty good, as we learned more about the monster, and I did feel sympathy for these characters! The ending was good, albeit a little bit unrealistic in how the heck the survivors survived that escape.. but nevertheless, pretty good read! 😊
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2020
Set aside a little time when you’re ready to read Don’t Move – because this is one roller coaster ride of a horror novel.
This is a Creature Feature – will all the ickiness that entails. Our critters are hungry, smart, and everywhere!
The book starts with a scene that’s utterly horrifying. It’s more of a character building scene than anything related to the rest of the story. However, the feel of that section continues in the rest of the book – building horrors and heartbreak upon horrors and heartbreak until you just can’t breathe anymore!
The book does skirt some things – like the why and how of it all – but you aren’t likely to notice while you’re deep in the middle of the action!
Definitely a solid horror thriller. Would love to read the author again!
*ARC Provided via Net Galley.
October 20, 2020
Don't Move starts off with a gruesome, chilling first chapter and never lets go.
Enjoying a summer evening at the local traveling carnival, Megan Forrester's life shatters before her eyes when a horrific accident claims the lives of her husband and son. Months later, Megan is trying to get her life back together and overcome the near-paralyzing guilt she feels. A church camping trip seems like the perfect way to ease herself back into the world a bit and start claiming her life.
Little does she or any of the other members of her party realize that what started out as an innocent weekend excursion will soon become a terrifying, deadly fight for survival in an isolated part of the Monongahela National Forest.
James S. Murray and Darren Wearmouth's Don't Move feels like a lot Stephen King story that you'd tell around the campfire as you tried to scare the fool out of each other. After the horrifying opening chapter, Murray and Wearmouth take time to introduce and develop the various members of the camping party so that when bad things start happening, we've developed an emotional investment in the party. From Pastor Rizzo to his daughter Emma and her boyfriend, Ryan to the grandparent and their grandson, Murray and Wearmouth create more than just a group of victims waiting to meet a horrific fate. We also meet Ricky, the ex-boyfriend of Emma and drug dealer who has a different agenda for this trip than just getting away from it all.
Tension and terror built over the course of the novel as the group discovers something lurking in the woods that's out to get them and that help may not be as easy to get as they hoped.
Listening to the audio version of Don't Move was a suitably creepy experience. Read by Murray (of Impractical Joker fame), there were times when the story not only had the characters looking closely at the shadows, but I was as well. (It may not help that I get up early to job and this book accompanied on several mornings as the sun was coming up). Murray does a superlative job of ratcheting up the suspense and creating and distinguishing each character through his performance.
Creepy and compelling, Don't Move is the perfect horror/suspense story for the Halloween season.
I received a digital ARC of this book and the audiobook via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Enjoying a summer evening at the local traveling carnival, Megan Forrester's life shatters before her eyes when a horrific accident claims the lives of her husband and son. Months later, Megan is trying to get her life back together and overcome the near-paralyzing guilt she feels. A church camping trip seems like the perfect way to ease herself back into the world a bit and start claiming her life.
Little does she or any of the other members of her party realize that what started out as an innocent weekend excursion will soon become a terrifying, deadly fight for survival in an isolated part of the Monongahela National Forest.
James S. Murray and Darren Wearmouth's Don't Move feels like a lot Stephen King story that you'd tell around the campfire as you tried to scare the fool out of each other. After the horrifying opening chapter, Murray and Wearmouth take time to introduce and develop the various members of the camping party so that when bad things start happening, we've developed an emotional investment in the party. From Pastor Rizzo to his daughter Emma and her boyfriend, Ryan to the grandparent and their grandson, Murray and Wearmouth create more than just a group of victims waiting to meet a horrific fate. We also meet Ricky, the ex-boyfriend of Emma and drug dealer who has a different agenda for this trip than just getting away from it all.
Tension and terror built over the course of the novel as the group discovers something lurking in the woods that's out to get them and that help may not be as easy to get as they hoped.
Listening to the audio version of Don't Move was a suitably creepy experience. Read by Murray (of Impractical Joker fame), there were times when the story not only had the characters looking closely at the shadows, but I was as well. (It may not help that I get up early to job and this book accompanied on several mornings as the sun was coming up). Murray does a superlative job of ratcheting up the suspense and creating and distinguishing each character through his performance.
Creepy and compelling, Don't Move is the perfect horror/suspense story for the Halloween season.
I received a digital ARC of this book and the audiobook via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 13, 2020
Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced audio copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
So, I purely 100% only requested this book because it was written by Murr from Impractical Jokers. I'm not really a fan of spiders, but hey, it's October and I'm all for thriller/horror books right now...as long as they're not too scary. This was RIGHT on the border of being too scary for me. If I had been listening to this at night, I would have had to stop.
This being my first experience with this writing duo, I wasn't expecting too much just because I didn't want to get disappointed by someone I was a fan of before he was an author. But I was immediately sucked in even though the beginning was not super exciting, and I was hooked the whole time. Around the halfway point, the book takes off and my heart was in my throat until the very last sentence. This book reads like a movie. I could see the whole book in my head even though I was listening to the audiobook and working at the same time.
The characters were ok, I connected ok with Megan, but not really anyone else. I just really felt for Megan. We start with her losing her husband and son in a freak amusement park accident and realizing she is going to go through another horrific ordeal in this book is just heartbreaking. I loved her determination to get out of the forest alive.
This book was actually super gory which I wasn't expecting. I'm actually kind of happy I listened to this audiobook so I didn't have the actual visual of reading and seeing on paper the gory parts. I'm not a fan of gore! It really made the book so much more believable and like I said, made it read like a movie.
If you are ok with spiders and a little bit of gore, definitely give this book a try!
So, I purely 100% only requested this book because it was written by Murr from Impractical Jokers. I'm not really a fan of spiders, but hey, it's October and I'm all for thriller/horror books right now...as long as they're not too scary. This was RIGHT on the border of being too scary for me. If I had been listening to this at night, I would have had to stop.
This being my first experience with this writing duo, I wasn't expecting too much just because I didn't want to get disappointed by someone I was a fan of before he was an author. But I was immediately sucked in even though the beginning was not super exciting, and I was hooked the whole time. Around the halfway point, the book takes off and my heart was in my throat until the very last sentence. This book reads like a movie. I could see the whole book in my head even though I was listening to the audiobook and working at the same time.
The characters were ok, I connected ok with Megan, but not really anyone else. I just really felt for Megan. We start with her losing her husband and son in a freak amusement park accident and realizing she is going to go through another horrific ordeal in this book is just heartbreaking. I loved her determination to get out of the forest alive.
This book was actually super gory which I wasn't expecting. I'm actually kind of happy I listened to this audiobook so I didn't have the actual visual of reading and seeing on paper the gory parts. I'm not a fan of gore! It really made the book so much more believable and like I said, made it read like a movie.
If you are ok with spiders and a little bit of gore, definitely give this book a try!
March 5, 2021
This creature feature ended up being a fun, enjoyable romp, despite my initial misgivings.
February 7, 2022
THIS IS THE ARACHNID HORROR WE DESERVE 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Chef kiss.
November 15, 2020
This was my first fiction audiobook and I am still appalled by the horror this book contained. The whole story was so gripping and moving that listening to this book wasn't like watching a movie, but a quick flashing horror episode that candidly started with Megan's family loss and moved to the end very effortlessly. I will give credit to the authors/narrators to make it very thrilling and moving by exquisitely creating the premise in an open field, adding appropriate no-nonsense characters, giving them reasons to belong wherever they were, and the part they played, and their fine visualization details in some spooky scenes.
Some eight diverse characters go on a wilderness camp tour organized by the church but little did they know was that it might be the last trip for many of them. Just on the first night of their stay they confront something that keeps them on the ticking clock of survival and an arachnid-like creature is on the hunt and it senses vibration that's gets delivered by its thousands if not millions of web threads which are invisible to human eyes. One wrong step...one wrong touch to any web thread and that creature would come hunting. One after one people start disappearing and the remaining group must find a way to keep themselves safe and protect themselves from that inevitable terror.
Intriguing enough? Then must give it a read or try this audiobook. What I loved the most about this book was its meritorious characterization; while reading a book it's easy to imagine characters and visualizing them, I thought it might be different from an audiobook like this where I might face difficulty to develop that cinematic experience I always seek. But in reality, author @therealmurr 's top-notch narration made it possible where characters like Richard Varghese and Megan came to the life while listening to this book. Varghese was surely a conspicuous character with his cocky nature and erratic behavior. Megan as a protagonist had her share of the story with her past keep influencing her present. Other characters like Ryan, Emma, Rizzo, and Lucas had their significant roles and bonds that added different angles to the story.
The way this book has ended I am not sure if there will be a second book to this series or not but there's still one slight possibility. Just when I thought everything went well and things settled down, as usual, the authors gave it an end that I didn't expect. It won't be an exaggeration if I say I literally missed a breath with that end. Consider reading or listening this book if you are into spooky horror books and one thing for sure: the authors will send chills down your spine!
Some eight diverse characters go on a wilderness camp tour organized by the church but little did they know was that it might be the last trip for many of them. Just on the first night of their stay they confront something that keeps them on the ticking clock of survival and an arachnid-like creature is on the hunt and it senses vibration that's gets delivered by its thousands if not millions of web threads which are invisible to human eyes. One wrong step...one wrong touch to any web thread and that creature would come hunting. One after one people start disappearing and the remaining group must find a way to keep themselves safe and protect themselves from that inevitable terror.
Intriguing enough? Then must give it a read or try this audiobook. What I loved the most about this book was its meritorious characterization; while reading a book it's easy to imagine characters and visualizing them, I thought it might be different from an audiobook like this where I might face difficulty to develop that cinematic experience I always seek. But in reality, author @therealmurr 's top-notch narration made it possible where characters like Richard Varghese and Megan came to the life while listening to this book. Varghese was surely a conspicuous character with his cocky nature and erratic behavior. Megan as a protagonist had her share of the story with her past keep influencing her present. Other characters like Ryan, Emma, Rizzo, and Lucas had their significant roles and bonds that added different angles to the story.
The way this book has ended I am not sure if there will be a second book to this series or not but there's still one slight possibility. Just when I thought everything went well and things settled down, as usual, the authors gave it an end that I didn't expect. It won't be an exaggeration if I say I literally missed a breath with that end. Consider reading or listening this book if you are into spooky horror books and one thing for sure: the authors will send chills down your spine!
September 29, 2021
EEK!! I HATE spiders. They scare me... A LOT. And yet I'm drawn to books like Ezekiel Boone's The Hatching trilogy and THIS goodness that is DON'T MOVE. At just 250 pages, the authors grab you by your short and curlies and pull on them over and over again. I mean, the first chapter alone starts off with a BANG and barely lets up. BARELY.
Now, if you're a reader like me where what you read plays out as a movie in your head, then this will be an absolute joy of a creepy ride for you. Also, never, never, EVER go into a forest without a proper guide... and that church group you went with? Even God can't help y'all with what you're about to encounter. Just sayin'..... This is like one of those movies you love to watch and whenever you see it come on, you let it play in the background while you do you doing whatever.
I'll be honest, after the initial chapter I was unsure how I was going to feel about this.... but as chapter after chapter flew by, I realized I was just having the best time. Was I rooting for the prehistoric arachnid? Mayyyyyyyybeeeeeeeeee. I mean, it's just trying to live its best life. It's not their fault food came into their territory. *shrug* And I really did enjoy the friendship that sprouted between two unlikely characters and found myself rooting for them too. Either way, it was a win/win for me. 🤣❤
This book definitely has teeth and you better watch out for that bite! Take this story for what it is and that is full of spidey sense action fun sprinkled with some 'Oh, what a tangled web we weave...". 😉 You're not going to find profound literature here but you are going to have quite the journey with this cast of characters so enjoy it for what it is worth!
Now, if you're a reader like me where what you read plays out as a movie in your head, then this will be an absolute joy of a creepy ride for you. Also, never, never, EVER go into a forest without a proper guide... and that church group you went with? Even God can't help y'all with what you're about to encounter. Just sayin'..... This is like one of those movies you love to watch and whenever you see it come on, you let it play in the background while you do you doing whatever.
I'll be honest, after the initial chapter I was unsure how I was going to feel about this.... but as chapter after chapter flew by, I realized I was just having the best time. Was I rooting for the prehistoric arachnid? Mayyyyyyyybeeeeeeeeee. I mean, it's just trying to live its best life. It's not their fault food came into their territory. *shrug* And I really did enjoy the friendship that sprouted between two unlikely characters and found myself rooting for them too. Either way, it was a win/win for me. 🤣❤
This book definitely has teeth and you better watch out for that bite! Take this story for what it is and that is full of spidey sense action fun sprinkled with some 'Oh, what a tangled web we weave...". 😉 You're not going to find profound literature here but you are going to have quite the journey with this cast of characters so enjoy it for what it is worth!
November 9, 2020
This is not a long audiobook just under 6 hours but it doesn’t half pack a lot in. The murders in this short tale remind me of Predator with my fav Arnie, they are gruesome and shocking and deliciously disturbing. I loved that! The book opens with a shock, one which we know is coming as it’s in the blurb. It really doesn’t prepare you though for it.
Once I downloaded it, I started listening to it straight away but I must admit I don’t think I should have started it. I lost track of all the characters, there is quite an assortment but the authors write them down as one name but when they are spoken to they are called something else. It did not make it for easy listening. I didn’t find I particularly warmed to any characters at all but again I think it is because I lost track of everything and couldn’t connect with any of them.
Also, do not read any of the reviews before listening. I made that mistake and well one review told me the ending. Knowing what I did, my own fault I was trying to gauge whether to download it or not, it kind of gave me a pre-judgement. I tried as much as I could to like the book. I found elements I did, I could feel elements of Predator, The Descent and well the worse film of them all, well I can’t tell you which film as that, for me, is a spoiler.
The book did start strong, it has an intense opening, but I felt the rest of the book didn’t live up to it. It did kind of fall a bit flat, but the end of the book was chilling and I can say I didn’t walk away without some chills down my spine. It’s the most terrifying part of the book. The other parts of the book didn’t give me the intended scares I think it was meant to. However! Yes, there is a however, if this was made into a film, my god I can imagine that they would go to town with this and it would permanently make your skin crawl.
Maybe I wasn’t in the mood for it after all but I wanted to give it a try. I am glad I did, I wanted to be terrified but I was more creeped out instead. I know for one thing I will not be going to a camping trip in those blinking woods and I will be staying away from caves. If I do have to go out there, I will be bringing a UV light, want to know why? Read the book!!
Once I downloaded it, I started listening to it straight away but I must admit I don’t think I should have started it. I lost track of all the characters, there is quite an assortment but the authors write them down as one name but when they are spoken to they are called something else. It did not make it for easy listening. I didn’t find I particularly warmed to any characters at all but again I think it is because I lost track of everything and couldn’t connect with any of them.
Also, do not read any of the reviews before listening. I made that mistake and well one review told me the ending. Knowing what I did, my own fault I was trying to gauge whether to download it or not, it kind of gave me a pre-judgement. I tried as much as I could to like the book. I found elements I did, I could feel elements of Predator, The Descent and well the worse film of them all, well I can’t tell you which film as that, for me, is a spoiler.
The book did start strong, it has an intense opening, but I felt the rest of the book didn’t live up to it. It did kind of fall a bit flat, but the end of the book was chilling and I can say I didn’t walk away without some chills down my spine. It’s the most terrifying part of the book. The other parts of the book didn’t give me the intended scares I think it was meant to. However! Yes, there is a however, if this was made into a film, my god I can imagine that they would go to town with this and it would permanently make your skin crawl.
Maybe I wasn’t in the mood for it after all but I wanted to give it a try. I am glad I did, I wanted to be terrified but I was more creeped out instead. I know for one thing I will not be going to a camping trip in those blinking woods and I will be staying away from caves. If I do have to go out there, I will be bringing a UV light, want to know why? Read the book!!
October 20, 2020
ARACHNOPHOBIA in the Monongahela National Forest
This book starts out with a truly horrific and graphic prologue at a state fair in New Jersey so be warned.
Jump ahead nine months and Megan is trying to put the calamity that befell her family a bit behind her. She signs up for a church bus camping trip in the Monongahela National Forest of West Virginia.
A motley group of people including the pastor ride on the bus from New York to West Virginia led by a less than competent tour guide. By the time the group realizes they are no where near the place they were to be camping, it's too late...and the horror show has really begun.
I wasn't too impressed by the last book I read by this writing pair but I enjoyed this one much more. Yes, it's like reading the script for a Grade B Creature Feature movie but that's okay with me - I used to enjoy watching those movies.
I liked Megan's character - a strong woman with an important job overlooking operations at a huge food distribution center. She had earned her reputation as the ultimate puzzle solver through her intellect, instinct, and logistical skills.
She brings those skills to the forest trying to survive and helping her fellow campers survive.
Do note there are gory, graphic scenes. Be prepared.
I received this book from Blackstone Publishing through Net Galley in the hopes that I would read and review it.
This book starts out with a truly horrific and graphic prologue at a state fair in New Jersey so be warned.
Jump ahead nine months and Megan is trying to put the calamity that befell her family a bit behind her. She signs up for a church bus camping trip in the Monongahela National Forest of West Virginia.
A motley group of people including the pastor ride on the bus from New York to West Virginia led by a less than competent tour guide. By the time the group realizes they are no where near the place they were to be camping, it's too late...and the horror show has really begun.
I wasn't too impressed by the last book I read by this writing pair but I enjoyed this one much more. Yes, it's like reading the script for a Grade B Creature Feature movie but that's okay with me - I used to enjoy watching those movies.
I liked Megan's character - a strong woman with an important job overlooking operations at a huge food distribution center. She had earned her reputation as the ultimate puzzle solver through her intellect, instinct, and logistical skills.
She brings those skills to the forest trying to survive and helping her fellow campers survive.
Do note there are gory, graphic scenes. Be prepared.
I received this book from Blackstone Publishing through Net Galley in the hopes that I would read and review it.
October 12, 2020
I received an ARC of this book thanks to NetGalley and publisher Blackstone Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
What a fantastic find! Don't Move is a fast-paced horror book centered around Megan, a woman dealing with a traumatic incident from her past. After losing her husband and son in an awful theme park accident the previous year, she decides to go on a church camping trip. Unfortunately for her, the trip is destined to be plagued by monstrous spiders.
The strength of this book really is the characters. The authors did a fantastic job of making both the protagonist and the side characters compelling in a short space of time, which for me is the key for good horror. I adored Megan and I really wanted her to survive the ordeal. Ricky is not a typical protagonist and I found him very interesting as a result, particularly as you couldn't predict his actions. The other characters don't get much page time but that didn't stop them from being decent additions to the story.
As an audiobook, I found the narration great. I was surprised when it finished to learn it was narrated by one of the authors, but it does make sense as the pacing and sense of excitement was created through the narration extremely well. The narrator was clearly passionate about their work and it paid off.
Overall, this is a great creature horror book. I don't normally like the genre much (I was looking for a spooky audiobook for Halloween) but I recommend it for all fans of horror as you might be pleasantly surprised. I will definitely be looking into other works by these authors and I'm so glad I requested this book.
Overall Rating: 4/5 stars
What a fantastic find! Don't Move is a fast-paced horror book centered around Megan, a woman dealing with a traumatic incident from her past. After losing her husband and son in an awful theme park accident the previous year, she decides to go on a church camping trip. Unfortunately for her, the trip is destined to be plagued by monstrous spiders.
The strength of this book really is the characters. The authors did a fantastic job of making both the protagonist and the side characters compelling in a short space of time, which for me is the key for good horror. I adored Megan and I really wanted her to survive the ordeal. Ricky is not a typical protagonist and I found him very interesting as a result, particularly as you couldn't predict his actions. The other characters don't get much page time but that didn't stop them from being decent additions to the story.
As an audiobook, I found the narration great. I was surprised when it finished to learn it was narrated by one of the authors, but it does make sense as the pacing and sense of excitement was created through the narration extremely well. The narrator was clearly passionate about their work and it paid off.
Overall, this is a great creature horror book. I don't normally like the genre much (I was looking for a spooky audiobook for Halloween) but I recommend it for all fans of horror as you might be pleasantly surprised. I will definitely be looking into other works by these authors and I'm so glad I requested this book.
Overall Rating: 4/5 stars
December 21, 2021
This book was so awesome! It was fast paced, exciting, and creepy as hell. I loved our main character, Megan and her will to fight through the traumatic loss of her family. The creature in this book was just epic and terrifying! I can't wait to read more by these authors. 5/5 giant arachnid skulls 💀
October 14, 2020
Don’t Move
Written by James S. Murray and Darren Wearmouth
Blackstone Publishing
Release Date - October 20, 2020
Whew! What a perfect choice to read right before Halloween. Spooky chills will be felt from the first chapter through the end. If the first chapter doesn’t have you too grief stricken to move forward. This book is not for the faint of heart, it is for the gore loving enthusiasts like myself. Like any good horror movie, you are not there for the conversation, as you will find lack of any substance through conversation in this book. What is lacking in conversation, is made up greatly in fear. Quick, fun read for the month of October.
Written by James S. Murray and Darren Wearmouth
Blackstone Publishing
Release Date - October 20, 2020
Whew! What a perfect choice to read right before Halloween. Spooky chills will be felt from the first chapter through the end. If the first chapter doesn’t have you too grief stricken to move forward. This book is not for the faint of heart, it is for the gore loving enthusiasts like myself. Like any good horror movie, you are not there for the conversation, as you will find lack of any substance through conversation in this book. What is lacking in conversation, is made up greatly in fear. Quick, fun read for the month of October.
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