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The Forbidden Zone
Every summer camp has its campfire stories, and that's all they are: stories. But not here.
On the surface, Boys Club Camp is just like every other British summer camp: strict officers, woodland games, and night-time pranks.
But Tommy remembers that summer in '97, the year he turned thirteen, when he was the only one plagued with those little niggling questions: Why does the sound of howling cut through the cold night air? Why are the officers so obsessed with the legacy of Boys Club’s long-dead founder? Why aren’t boys allowed in the east woods?
A scream heard in the night led Tommy and his friends on a journey of discovery, to solve a mystery a hundred years in the making: what is the real purpose of Boys Club? The answer could only be found in the dark heart of the woods: the Forbidden Zone.
Now an adult, Tommy needs to understand what they found there. It is his last hope of saving their lives.
On the surface, Boys Club Camp is just like every other British summer camp: strict officers, woodland games, and night-time pranks.
But Tommy remembers that summer in '97, the year he turned thirteen, when he was the only one plagued with those little niggling questions: Why does the sound of howling cut through the cold night air? Why are the officers so obsessed with the legacy of Boys Club’s long-dead founder? Why aren’t boys allowed in the east woods?
A scream heard in the night led Tommy and his friends on a journey of discovery, to solve a mystery a hundred years in the making: what is the real purpose of Boys Club? The answer could only be found in the dark heart of the woods: the Forbidden Zone.
Now an adult, Tommy needs to understand what they found there. It is his last hope of saving their lives.
471 pages, Paperback
Published December 2, 2020
209 people are currently reading
361 people want to read
About the author
Tom Trott
10 books28 followersBorn in Brighton, I went to school here, worked many jobs here, and have never lived anywhere else. I first started writing at school, where a group of friends and I devised and performed comedy plays for assemblies, much to the amusement of our fellow pupils. The young ones would cheer (and the old ones would groan) as we stepped up onto the stage, the buzz was tangible. It has been with me ever since.
As an adult I have written a short comedy play that was performed at the Theatre Royal Brighton in May 2014 as part of the Brighton Festival; Daye's Work, a television pilot for the local Brighton channel; and won the Empire Award (thriller category) in the 2015 New York Screenplay Contest. I published my first novel, You Can't Make Old Friends, in 2016; my second, Choose Your Parents Wisely, in 2017, my third, The Benevolent Dictator, in 2018, my fourth, It Never Goes Away, in 2019, and now my fifth, The Forbidden Zone. When I’m not writing books, I’m writing about writing, books, and film on Medium.
My inspirations as a writer come from a diverse range of storytellers, but I have a particular love for the works of Raymond Chandler, Agatha Christie, Joel & Ethan Coen, Arthur Conan-Doyle, Daphne du Maurier, Alfred Hitchcock, Bryan Fuller, Ira Levin, Quentin Tarantino, Robert Towne, JRR Tolkien, and many, many more books and films beside. If you can't find me, or I'm not answering my phone, I'm probably at the cinema.
I love to hear from readers, so if there’s something you want to say, please send me an email using the contact button. If you want to make sure to get the latest updates on upcoming books, then sign up to my newsletter. And if you’re interested in free and discounted eBooks, follow me on Bookbub.
As an adult I have written a short comedy play that was performed at the Theatre Royal Brighton in May 2014 as part of the Brighton Festival; Daye's Work, a television pilot for the local Brighton channel; and won the Empire Award (thriller category) in the 2015 New York Screenplay Contest. I published my first novel, You Can't Make Old Friends, in 2016; my second, Choose Your Parents Wisely, in 2017, my third, The Benevolent Dictator, in 2018, my fourth, It Never Goes Away, in 2019, and now my fifth, The Forbidden Zone. When I’m not writing books, I’m writing about writing, books, and film on Medium.
My inspirations as a writer come from a diverse range of storytellers, but I have a particular love for the works of Raymond Chandler, Agatha Christie, Joel & Ethan Coen, Arthur Conan-Doyle, Daphne du Maurier, Alfred Hitchcock, Bryan Fuller, Ira Levin, Quentin Tarantino, Robert Towne, JRR Tolkien, and many, many more books and films beside. If you can't find me, or I'm not answering my phone, I'm probably at the cinema.
I love to hear from readers, so if there’s something you want to say, please send me an email using the contact button. If you want to make sure to get the latest updates on upcoming books, then sign up to my newsletter. And if you’re interested in free and discounted eBooks, follow me on Bookbub.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 8, 2021
Favorite Quotes:
I remember sitting rapt as my brother told us all about the mongees and “skids disease”. I believed them then because I was a little brother, and everything my big brother told me was gospel. They claimed the older boys had told them when they started just the same, passing them down through the generations, but I was pretty sure they had made them up themselves. I knew for certain that they invented skids disease when one of the juniors was found with skid marks in his pants.
I felt like I had stolen something, done something naughty, and every time I did something naughty it was followed by ten minutes of panic as I worried someone would find out. And for the rest of the day there would be the occasional stabs of further panic whenever someone said my name or started a sentence with something like “Can I talk to you?”
We arrived back at Camp all clean and fresh-smelling. This was the real reason we went swimming on a Tuesday afternoon: so that we were all presentable for visitors evening, and so that the juniors didn’t go home looking feral.
Even at thirteen I had noticed the irony that children always wanted to grow up, whereas grownups always wanted to be children again.
My Review:
Tom Trott has the uncanny ability to deftly weave a tale so thoroughly and smoothly that it flowed through my cranium like a well-cast movie. And BTW, this story would make an exceptional film. The storylines were eventful and somewhat complicated and of a genre I rarely dabble in, so it required a bit of thought to keep it aligned but was well worth the effort when it began to gel.
The tale was cunningly paced and mainly narrated by the character of Tommy with the self-centered observations and musings of a curious and whip-smart pre-adolescent boy who did not particularly enjoy the old fashioned summer camp for boys he was sent to each year. Tommy wore glasses and was a reader and observant thinker with a quick wit and the marshmallow center of a tender soul. He was soft and not at all interested or well suited for the physically demanding activities, oddly contrived athletic challenges, and fierce competitions the micromanaging camp directors instituted.
Tommy’s observations were laced with wry humor, a relentless curiosity, dread, and tween angst while enduring a week of constant group activities and the peculiar personalities of his fellow young campers and oddly disconcerting camp officers. This was not your typical summer camp coming of age tale nor was this a campfire story, although a few creative ones were included.
Mr. Trott’s memory must be exceptionally keen as he appears to well recall the allusive fine details, feelings of insecurity, futility, powerlessness, and the discomforts and confusion of early adolescence, as he has captured that tension well while embedding it within a slowly building and intriguing mystery.
Anyone who has experienced summer camp, whether ill-fated or nostalgically triumphant, will relate to at least a few the indignities found in this engaging missive. And as a bonus, I have learned the vast importance of an extra-secret handshake.
I remember sitting rapt as my brother told us all about the mongees and “skids disease”. I believed them then because I was a little brother, and everything my big brother told me was gospel. They claimed the older boys had told them when they started just the same, passing them down through the generations, but I was pretty sure they had made them up themselves. I knew for certain that they invented skids disease when one of the juniors was found with skid marks in his pants.
I felt like I had stolen something, done something naughty, and every time I did something naughty it was followed by ten minutes of panic as I worried someone would find out. And for the rest of the day there would be the occasional stabs of further panic whenever someone said my name or started a sentence with something like “Can I talk to you?”
We arrived back at Camp all clean and fresh-smelling. This was the real reason we went swimming on a Tuesday afternoon: so that we were all presentable for visitors evening, and so that the juniors didn’t go home looking feral.
Even at thirteen I had noticed the irony that children always wanted to grow up, whereas grownups always wanted to be children again.
My Review:
Tom Trott has the uncanny ability to deftly weave a tale so thoroughly and smoothly that it flowed through my cranium like a well-cast movie. And BTW, this story would make an exceptional film. The storylines were eventful and somewhat complicated and of a genre I rarely dabble in, so it required a bit of thought to keep it aligned but was well worth the effort when it began to gel.
The tale was cunningly paced and mainly narrated by the character of Tommy with the self-centered observations and musings of a curious and whip-smart pre-adolescent boy who did not particularly enjoy the old fashioned summer camp for boys he was sent to each year. Tommy wore glasses and was a reader and observant thinker with a quick wit and the marshmallow center of a tender soul. He was soft and not at all interested or well suited for the physically demanding activities, oddly contrived athletic challenges, and fierce competitions the micromanaging camp directors instituted.
Tommy’s observations were laced with wry humor, a relentless curiosity, dread, and tween angst while enduring a week of constant group activities and the peculiar personalities of his fellow young campers and oddly disconcerting camp officers. This was not your typical summer camp coming of age tale nor was this a campfire story, although a few creative ones were included.
Mr. Trott’s memory must be exceptionally keen as he appears to well recall the allusive fine details, feelings of insecurity, futility, powerlessness, and the discomforts and confusion of early adolescence, as he has captured that tension well while embedding it within a slowly building and intriguing mystery.
Anyone who has experienced summer camp, whether ill-fated or nostalgically triumphant, will relate to at least a few the indignities found in this engaging missive. And as a bonus, I have learned the vast importance of an extra-secret handshake.
May 9, 2022
Slow and laborious but, stick with it!
What on earth have I just read? The decline of a once respected and admired boy's club, something equivalent to Baden Powell's Scout movement? Or so I thought. A rather mundane story of a man's recollection of his childhood memories whilst on the annual boy's club camp? This I also thought. Yes, we did have the occasional hint of something dark, something supernatural but, that was just said in passing. Or so I thought. An explosive end to a very different kind of tale merits my four star rating.
What on earth have I just read? The decline of a once respected and admired boy's club, something equivalent to Baden Powell's Scout movement? Or so I thought. A rather mundane story of a man's recollection of his childhood memories whilst on the annual boy's club camp? This I also thought. Yes, we did have the occasional hint of something dark, something supernatural but, that was just said in passing. Or so I thought. An explosive end to a very different kind of tale merits my four star rating.
February 6, 2021
*I received a free copy of this book, with thanks to the author. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
The Forbidden Zone is about 80% coming of age drama, 20% wild paranormal horror.
For most of the story, we get a slow, claustrophobic exploration of a boy’s summer camp: the bickering and competitiveness; the toxic masculinity of some of the adults and the silent complicity of the more sympathetic, but less dominant figures; the utter helplessness of childhood when faced with adult authority, backed by parents and peers.
The story is told as a written account from an adult, married Tommy, as he takes us back through some experience from that time that has left such an indelible mark on his psyche that he is waking up shaking and terrified. So, this is his cathartic account of events in the summer of 1997 at Boy’s Camp (similar to the Boy Scouts in some aspects, but not all!)
Even with the clear promise of some thrilling action from the very start, the slow-pace throughout most of the novel fooled me into thinking that maybe Tommy was exaggerating the trauma of the remembered events. The sadistic deputy leader of camp, and the prospect of losing his close connection to his best friend seem to be the biggest threats to Tommy’s safety at camp, even with a few odd chalk markings and midnight prowlings.
Then, suddenly, about three quarters of the way through the story, just as camp seems to be winding down without major incident, everything implodes and the final section of the story is all frenetic action and occult insanity. It could almost be a completely different book – if it hadn’t been for the subtle hints and building pressure that gently led the characters, and reader, to the tipping point.
This action-packed grand finale takes some careful reading, as there are only a small number of characters, but as they rush about the woods in the dark, it got rather confusing trying to keep track of what was going on. I couldn’t stop reading at that point, even if I had wanted to, as I was completely invested in Tom, Ant, Floyd, Danny and the other boys, and desperately needed to know whether they’d all make it out in one piece. I even felt a bit sorry for some of the adults – Pip and Terence, especially – as Tom’s investigations uncover the truth about what happened to them in the past to make them who they are.
Tom Trott has perfectly captured the haunting hopelessness of a boy on the cusp on manhood, who doesn’t feel he fits into the template of manliness laid before him and is conscious of how the children and adults around him perceive his differences. The horror aspects too, are well-written and chilling, as the slow simmer rises to boiling over. The only issue I had here was the uneven pacing. It felt a little frustrating to sit through every daily recitation of the next day’s itinerary, and to witness every exchange of “inane chatter” during the day-long orienteering challenge, and I did feel that some of the frantic action at the end could have been spread out a little more, to spice up those longer, slower patches.
Having said that, I freely admit that I was gripped by the characters and enjoyed the unusual twists the story took as it unfolded – it felt something like the slow climb of a rollercoaster, followed by the breathless fall!
I’ve read other novels by Tom Trott (his Brighton Detective series) and this latest book proves that he is a skilful and versatile writer, so I will be looking out for his next story, whether mystery or horror, with interest.
''The problem with you lot is that you don’t respect your elders!’ he thundered.
‘Respect is earned,’ I chimed in. That was me, I was a smartarse. But it was true. There are two meanings of the word respect: it can mean treating someone like an authority, and it can mean treating someone like a human being. And because of that there are people who like to say “if you don’t respect me, I won’t respect you”, but what they mean by that is “if you don’t treat me like an authority, I won’t treat you like a human being”. Pudding was one of those people.
‘You’re always so clever,’ he shot back. They always told me that like it was an insult.'
– Tom Trott, The Forbidden Zone
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
The Forbidden Zone is about 80% coming of age drama, 20% wild paranormal horror.
For most of the story, we get a slow, claustrophobic exploration of a boy’s summer camp: the bickering and competitiveness; the toxic masculinity of some of the adults and the silent complicity of the more sympathetic, but less dominant figures; the utter helplessness of childhood when faced with adult authority, backed by parents and peers.
The story is told as a written account from an adult, married Tommy, as he takes us back through some experience from that time that has left such an indelible mark on his psyche that he is waking up shaking and terrified. So, this is his cathartic account of events in the summer of 1997 at Boy’s Camp (similar to the Boy Scouts in some aspects, but not all!)
Even with the clear promise of some thrilling action from the very start, the slow-pace throughout most of the novel fooled me into thinking that maybe Tommy was exaggerating the trauma of the remembered events. The sadistic deputy leader of camp, and the prospect of losing his close connection to his best friend seem to be the biggest threats to Tommy’s safety at camp, even with a few odd chalk markings and midnight prowlings.
Then, suddenly, about three quarters of the way through the story, just as camp seems to be winding down without major incident, everything implodes and the final section of the story is all frenetic action and occult insanity. It could almost be a completely different book – if it hadn’t been for the subtle hints and building pressure that gently led the characters, and reader, to the tipping point.
This action-packed grand finale takes some careful reading, as there are only a small number of characters, but as they rush about the woods in the dark, it got rather confusing trying to keep track of what was going on. I couldn’t stop reading at that point, even if I had wanted to, as I was completely invested in Tom, Ant, Floyd, Danny and the other boys, and desperately needed to know whether they’d all make it out in one piece. I even felt a bit sorry for some of the adults – Pip and Terence, especially – as Tom’s investigations uncover the truth about what happened to them in the past to make them who they are.
Tom Trott has perfectly captured the haunting hopelessness of a boy on the cusp on manhood, who doesn’t feel he fits into the template of manliness laid before him and is conscious of how the children and adults around him perceive his differences. The horror aspects too, are well-written and chilling, as the slow simmer rises to boiling over. The only issue I had here was the uneven pacing. It felt a little frustrating to sit through every daily recitation of the next day’s itinerary, and to witness every exchange of “inane chatter” during the day-long orienteering challenge, and I did feel that some of the frantic action at the end could have been spread out a little more, to spice up those longer, slower patches.
Having said that, I freely admit that I was gripped by the characters and enjoyed the unusual twists the story took as it unfolded – it felt something like the slow climb of a rollercoaster, followed by the breathless fall!
I’ve read other novels by Tom Trott (his Brighton Detective series) and this latest book proves that he is a skilful and versatile writer, so I will be looking out for his next story, whether mystery or horror, with interest.
''The problem with you lot is that you don’t respect your elders!’ he thundered.
‘Respect is earned,’ I chimed in. That was me, I was a smartarse. But it was true. There are two meanings of the word respect: it can mean treating someone like an authority, and it can mean treating someone like a human being. And because of that there are people who like to say “if you don’t respect me, I won’t respect you”, but what they mean by that is “if you don’t treat me like an authority, I won’t treat you like a human being”. Pudding was one of those people.
‘You’re always so clever,’ he shot back. They always told me that like it was an insult.'
– Tom Trott, The Forbidden Zone
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
December 17, 2021
This book is the first Tom Trott book I’ve read and I enjoyed it a lot. I went into it thinking it would be a horror. After finishing, I would classify it as a coming of age book with a supernatural twist toward the end. It had the vibe of Stand By Me, and that movie is even referenced in the book. The reader can tell that King is a big influence on this author. This story follows a group of boys at an all boys camp that they attend every summer. This is to help them grow and become better humans ready to take on the world. Unbeknownst to them, there is something sinister lurking in part of the surrounding forest known only as The Forbidden Zone. I was not on the edge of my seat for this book, but it captured my attention quickly and I found it to be a uniquely interesting story. I was surprised by what transpired at the end and I don’t think what happens ever even crossed my mind. It was very well written and I wouldn’t hesitate to read more from this author.
January 21, 2021
Ok this book started off well for me. The scene was set. A boys club camp is being held near a woods were there is a legend that something lurks in the woods.
The story is told by Tommy, he spent many years in the camp. And he is telling us of the year that something strange happened, www exciting.
Interspersed in the narrative of young Tommy in camp are stories relating to Muddle's Wood (where the camp is based) and there are hints of strange goings on.
However, that's all we get is little hints. The majority of the story (78% before the strange goings actually occured) is just a detailed account of the itinerary. What games they played, breakfast, dinner. Not much action basically.
Personally for me this was too much of a slow burner, by the time the real action started I had kind of lost interest. And, even then the action wasn't scary enough for my thriller heart 😂
I can definitely see how people would enjoy this, I enjoyed how Tommy interacted with us the reader. The different forms of narrative in the interludes were great.
I just wanted much more thrills and spills.
The story is told by Tommy, he spent many years in the camp. And he is telling us of the year that something strange happened, www exciting.
Interspersed in the narrative of young Tommy in camp are stories relating to Muddle's Wood (where the camp is based) and there are hints of strange goings on.
However, that's all we get is little hints. The majority of the story (78% before the strange goings actually occured) is just a detailed account of the itinerary. What games they played, breakfast, dinner. Not much action basically.
Personally for me this was too much of a slow burner, by the time the real action started I had kind of lost interest. And, even then the action wasn't scary enough for my thriller heart 😂
I can definitely see how people would enjoy this, I enjoyed how Tommy interacted with us the reader. The different forms of narrative in the interludes were great.
I just wanted much more thrills and spills.
February 11, 2021
Wait for it, wait for it.......
I love coming of age novels, as well as the macabre. This was a combination of the two genres. Tommy and Ant, best buds forever, go to the annual Boys Club campout, Ant willingly, Tommy not so much. Tommy knows something odd is happening or will happen, but his parents refuse his request to leave camp early. The first 3/4ths or so of the book is an accounting of the daily events of camp life. Then, chaos reigns. I had a really hard time sussing out who was who when madness takes over. It kind of hits you like a runaway train just coming around a blind bend will take out unsuspecting folk. I never imagined this ending. It was confusing, almost frantic. But I kinda liked that. Interesting tale to say the least.
I love coming of age novels, as well as the macabre. This was a combination of the two genres. Tommy and Ant, best buds forever, go to the annual Boys Club campout, Ant willingly, Tommy not so much. Tommy knows something odd is happening or will happen, but his parents refuse his request to leave camp early. The first 3/4ths or so of the book is an accounting of the daily events of camp life. Then, chaos reigns. I had a really hard time sussing out who was who when madness takes over. It kind of hits you like a runaway train just coming around a blind bend will take out unsuspecting folk. I never imagined this ending. It was confusing, almost frantic. But I kinda liked that. Interesting tale to say the least.
October 21, 2021
Forbidden Zone
The description (blurb) doesn’t do justice to the true nature of this story but correctly states that you will not see the denouement coming.
Part “Boy’s Own” part slowly, steadily and uneasily growing camp-fire tale, part thrilling and ultimately twisting horror story.
Seen through the eyes of a 13 year old boy. Tom Trott skillfully and accurately conveys the thoughts and feelings of being a 13 year old, no longer a child but yet not an adult with all the conflicts, consequences, confusions and contradictions that come with being at this crossroads in an adolescent’s life contain.
It is a coming of age tale in more ways than one.
The description (blurb) doesn’t do justice to the true nature of this story but correctly states that you will not see the denouement coming.
Part “Boy’s Own” part slowly, steadily and uneasily growing camp-fire tale, part thrilling and ultimately twisting horror story.
Seen through the eyes of a 13 year old boy. Tom Trott skillfully and accurately conveys the thoughts and feelings of being a 13 year old, no longer a child but yet not an adult with all the conflicts, consequences, confusions and contradictions that come with being at this crossroads in an adolescent’s life contain.
It is a coming of age tale in more ways than one.
February 19, 2021
The Forbidden Zone is the retelling of events that transpired when Tommy attended Boys Club Camp in 97.
Things start as you’d expect as the boy’s setup camp, dig trenches and such. We get to know the boys and the officers a little better.
Tommy been coming to camp for a while now and he’s kind of outgrown it. I actually quite liked Tommy. He knows where his strengths and weaknesses are and from my own experience as a boy scout the author showed how difficult it can be for a young boy in an environment when you need to show physical skill when your talents lay elsewhere. It’s hard to feel like one of the group at times.
I loved how the author described the different camp events such as tent inspection which I recall myself very well and the frustration your tent mates would have if you let the side down. All these little events add some depth to the character of Tommy, you like him and things progress fairly ok for him, at times it actually seems like this year is going to be his best yet, but that vibe never leaves you.. it’s the suspense as you know at any moment something has to happen right?
Well the title says it all. The Forbidden Zone is an area near camp out of bounds to the boys but there’s some troubling events connected to the area that are quite unexplainable at first.
It’s all about the build-up here as Tommy discusses his worries with his friends at camp and they agree to keep an eye on things. Things start to get creepy to say the least, officers are taken ill, friends start to act strange, and this is where things really get interesting as the author adds the supernatural edge to the tale.
Character development and plot flowed nicely together. When you look back you can see just how much time is given to the character development and it pays off as you feel a kind of personal connection with the boys. Tommy wants you to learn how he became the man he is.
I really don’t want to spoil the ending at all but its rather good I must admit. The history of Boys Club merges with the present and causes one hell of a headache for Tommy that he will never forget…Well he might forget..as the supernatural events progress there’s every chance Tommy may loose himself..it’s a rather confusing mad dash for the Tommy at the end, and you feel this confusion with him..who can be trusted? And what can he do to stop this evil from ever hurting anyone else?
I very much recommend the book, but maybe not if you are planning to go camping..
Things start as you’d expect as the boy’s setup camp, dig trenches and such. We get to know the boys and the officers a little better.
Tommy been coming to camp for a while now and he’s kind of outgrown it. I actually quite liked Tommy. He knows where his strengths and weaknesses are and from my own experience as a boy scout the author showed how difficult it can be for a young boy in an environment when you need to show physical skill when your talents lay elsewhere. It’s hard to feel like one of the group at times.
I loved how the author described the different camp events such as tent inspection which I recall myself very well and the frustration your tent mates would have if you let the side down. All these little events add some depth to the character of Tommy, you like him and things progress fairly ok for him, at times it actually seems like this year is going to be his best yet, but that vibe never leaves you.. it’s the suspense as you know at any moment something has to happen right?
Well the title says it all. The Forbidden Zone is an area near camp out of bounds to the boys but there’s some troubling events connected to the area that are quite unexplainable at first.
It’s all about the build-up here as Tommy discusses his worries with his friends at camp and they agree to keep an eye on things. Things start to get creepy to say the least, officers are taken ill, friends start to act strange, and this is where things really get interesting as the author adds the supernatural edge to the tale.
Character development and plot flowed nicely together. When you look back you can see just how much time is given to the character development and it pays off as you feel a kind of personal connection with the boys. Tommy wants you to learn how he became the man he is.
I really don’t want to spoil the ending at all but its rather good I must admit. The history of Boys Club merges with the present and causes one hell of a headache for Tommy that he will never forget…Well he might forget..as the supernatural events progress there’s every chance Tommy may loose himself..it’s a rather confusing mad dash for the Tommy at the end, and you feel this confusion with him..who can be trusted? And what can he do to stop this evil from ever hurting anyone else?
I very much recommend the book, but maybe not if you are planning to go camping..
October 7, 2023
Absolutely could not put this down and had to finish it in one sitting. Such a fun story with a huge twist that had me sitting in shock for a couple minutes until I could start reading again. Loved how it was set at an all boys summer camp to give it the feeling that something creepy could happen. A great coming of age story mixed with Get Out vibes. 10/10 would recommend to read this during spooky season especially!
November 21, 2021
This review was one of the hardest I ever chose to write. On finishing the book, somewhere after 3AM, I was incredibly disappointed and couldn't help but leave a 2 star review locked behind spoiler tags as I complained about the twist ending. After cooling off and getting ready for bed I removed the spoilers and quickly wrote a more objective review. Now, after a full night's rest I finally feel able to write a proper review.
To summarize this novel, The Forbidden Zone begins as a slice of life / coming of age story at a boys camp. The majority of the book is simply telling us about the games and challenges the main character faced though it did a good job of reminding us there was something off in the background. The story was presented to us as a book being written by the main character. This character’s book also included a handful of (fictitious) historical documents added in. Then about three quarters of the way into the novel, the main character directly addresses the reader and tells us things are about to get crazy. At this point it switches to an understandably (given the twist) chaotic perspective to tell the remainder of the story.
Not being overly interested in a boys bootcamp story (I went to scout camp, I know what to expect), the primary reason I decided to read this book was the author's "guess the twist" challenge.
From the publisher:
This challenge was echoed on the author’s twitter page as well. Seeing that challenge my initial reaction was “yeah right, there’s no way the author will succeed” followed by “let’s give it a chance.” I then spent the majority of the book playing “Guess the Twist” and I may have enjoyed that more than the actual story. While not dead on, my predictions were certainly on track with the actual ending. Regrettably I had hoped for more, especially considering a rather well known movie had a similar premise years earlier. That is why I was so harsh initially.
Ultimately though, I did enjoy reading the book, and I wanted to give it a fair evaluation.
Writing:
At least in the beginning the writing was a bit choppy and weak. This could have been a deliberate choice by the author to have the style reflect the skill of the main character, in which case it deserves serious praise. Alternatively it could simply have been the real author taking time to find his voice.
There were also some portions which felt out of place or were largely irrelevant (such as the pool scenes). Again this could be the character or the author, unless he replies we will never know.
Story:
The bulk of this novel is a slice of life / coming of age story. If you are a fan of that genre you will likely appreciate a lot of what this story has to offer. I wanted something more focused on the supernatural than the “slice of life”, so I found some parts to stretch on longer than I’d prefer. Overall it was interesting to read. It certainly had its high points.
The Twist:
I already mentioned my reaction to the twist, but it deserves a little more attention (without giving spoilers). If I hadn’t been told to expect an amazing twist I would have found this to be a fairly satisfying one. There certainly were clues about it early on, some which became much more obvious in hindsight, so it didn’t come out of nowhere. The perspective change was certainly appropriate considering what happened, but the change from slow burn suspense to chaotic action can certainly be off putting for some people. I saw several reviews which mentioned how much it confused them.
Recommendation
I’m not sure whether or not to recommend this.
- If you were drawn to it by the promise of a unique twist I would not recommend it.
- If you want to play “guess the ending” you might enjoy it.
- If you like slice of life or coming of age stories, and the premise sounds interesting to you, you will likely find it an enjoyable read.
Ultimately if you think you might like it, the kindle version costs a dollar, give it a try and support a lesser known author. I’m certainly willing to read at least one of his other books after having read this.
To summarize this novel, The Forbidden Zone begins as a slice of life / coming of age story at a boys camp. The majority of the book is simply telling us about the games and challenges the main character faced though it did a good job of reminding us there was something off in the background. The story was presented to us as a book being written by the main character. This character’s book also included a handful of (fictitious) historical documents added in. Then about three quarters of the way into the novel, the main character directly addresses the reader and tells us things are about to get crazy. At this point it switches to an understandably (given the twist) chaotic perspective to tell the remainder of the story.
Not being overly interested in a boys bootcamp story (I went to scout camp, I know what to expect), the primary reason I decided to read this book was the author's "guess the twist" challenge.
From the publisher:
“A novel with a twist so fiendish you'll never see it coming. In fact, the author dares you to make a note of what you think the twist is when you reach page 100, 200, and 300, and if any of them are right, he'll tweet a video message praising you as the greatest reader there ever was, and name a character after you in an upcoming book. Just tweet him at @tjtrott with the hashtag #IGuessedTheForbiddenZone”
This challenge was echoed on the author’s twitter page as well. Seeing that challenge my initial reaction was “yeah right, there’s no way the author will succeed” followed by “let’s give it a chance.” I then spent the majority of the book playing “Guess the Twist” and I may have enjoyed that more than the actual story. While not dead on, my predictions were certainly on track with the actual ending. Regrettably I had hoped for more, especially considering a rather well known movie had a similar premise years earlier. That is why I was so harsh initially.
Ultimately though, I did enjoy reading the book, and I wanted to give it a fair evaluation.
Writing:
At least in the beginning the writing was a bit choppy and weak. This could have been a deliberate choice by the author to have the style reflect the skill of the main character, in which case it deserves serious praise. Alternatively it could simply have been the real author taking time to find his voice.
There were also some portions which felt out of place or were largely irrelevant (such as the pool scenes). Again this could be the character or the author, unless he replies we will never know.
Story:
The bulk of this novel is a slice of life / coming of age story. If you are a fan of that genre you will likely appreciate a lot of what this story has to offer. I wanted something more focused on the supernatural than the “slice of life”, so I found some parts to stretch on longer than I’d prefer. Overall it was interesting to read. It certainly had its high points.
The Twist:
I already mentioned my reaction to the twist, but it deserves a little more attention (without giving spoilers). If I hadn’t been told to expect an amazing twist I would have found this to be a fairly satisfying one. There certainly were clues about it early on, some which became much more obvious in hindsight, so it didn’t come out of nowhere. The perspective change was certainly appropriate considering what happened, but the change from slow burn suspense to chaotic action can certainly be off putting for some people. I saw several reviews which mentioned how much it confused them.
Recommendation
I’m not sure whether or not to recommend this.
- If you were drawn to it by the promise of a unique twist I would not recommend it.
- If you want to play “guess the ending” you might enjoy it.
- If you like slice of life or coming of age stories, and the premise sounds interesting to you, you will likely find it an enjoyable read.
Ultimately if you think you might like it, the kindle version costs a dollar, give it a try and support a lesser known author. I’m certainly willing to read at least one of his other books after having read this.
October 6, 2021
DNF @ 67% I may come back and finish it later, but for now this just isn't working for me. My main complaint is that more than half the book is just unnecessary descriptions of sports games, books the MC is reading, and random conversations between characters.
This is definitely NOT a "heart pounding thriller". I would describe it as more of a summer camp coming-of-age with a spooky twist. Even at 67% through, the minor things that had intrigued me at one point just weren't being given enough attention to keep me interested in the rest of the book.
Characterization was great. I really liked how unique the characters were and easy to keep track of - even with so many of them. The book just needs to be cut by at least 24-30%, either way.
Another thing I liked was how the author also used journal entries, letters, newspaper articles, and flashes of the MC as an adult looking back and writing this book to tell the story.
There was really a lot of potential for this to be better, but it is definitely marketed wrong if nothing else.
This is definitely NOT a "heart pounding thriller". I would describe it as more of a summer camp coming-of-age with a spooky twist. Even at 67% through, the minor things that had intrigued me at one point just weren't being given enough attention to keep me interested in the rest of the book.
Characterization was great. I really liked how unique the characters were and easy to keep track of - even with so many of them. The book just needs to be cut by at least 24-30%, either way.
Another thing I liked was how the author also used journal entries, letters, newspaper articles, and flashes of the MC as an adult looking back and writing this book to tell the story.
There was really a lot of potential for this to be better, but it is definitely marketed wrong if nothing else.
June 1, 2023
I thought The Forbidden Zone was a horror novel but it really turned out to be a slow moving story about a summer camp for 12-13 year old boys. There was some mystery as to strange goings on in a wooded area of the camp called the Forbidden Zone. The story wasn't bad but the pace was extremely slow and author spent much time describing the campers' day to day routines and activities. This really added nothing to the story which had the potential to be quite interesting. The "action" starts pretty much for the last 75-100 pages of the book where there is the big reveal as to what is happening. I found that a little hard to follow but interesting nonetheless. All in all this had the potential to be good but the very slow pace with info that secondary to main story made it difficult for me to finish
April 16, 2021
This story starts off like a boys own tale which morphs into Invasion of the Body Snatchers. The story of a boy's summer camp highlighted why I hated this type of thing as a child. However, I was lucky in that I didn't engage in this nonsense.
As for why Tommy (the lead character) and some of the others went along with it baffles me. Some will have had to go, due to their parent's insistence, however, by the time of the story parents recognised their children's emotions and wants.
Overall, the tale is a good one, although for me the boys camp element was a struggle, bringing to play my own feels.
As for why Tommy (the lead character) and some of the others went along with it baffles me. Some will have had to go, due to their parent's insistence, however, by the time of the story parents recognised their children's emotions and wants.
Overall, the tale is a good one, although for me the boys camp element was a struggle, bringing to play my own feels.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2021
Really good
Excellent horror novel. Suspenseful. Wellpaced but the end speeds up to a spectacular although not totally unexpected conclusion. But in no way disappointing. You know something's up but not exactly what it is. The author does a great job laying out the mystery, slowly laying out clues for you to follow until you reach a point of "WTF is it?!" and then BOOM! The characters are well-drawn and become real people as the novel progresses. I devoured this novel and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Excellent horror novel. Suspenseful. Wellpaced but the end speeds up to a spectacular although not totally unexpected conclusion. But in no way disappointing. You know something's up but not exactly what it is. The author does a great job laying out the mystery, slowly laying out clues for you to follow until you reach a point of "WTF is it?!" and then BOOM! The characters are well-drawn and become real people as the novel progresses. I devoured this novel and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Read
September 23, 2021WOW!!!!!
Young boys going to summer camp find out there is evil afoot in the nearby woods. The men in charge are not what they seem, not even close. Can Tommy figure it all out before it is too late? Maybe, maybe not.
Young boys going to summer camp find out there is evil afoot in the nearby woods. The men in charge are not what they seem, not even close. Can Tommy figure it all out before it is too late? Maybe, maybe not.
September 25, 2021
I devoured that book. It made me relive my summers at camp and brought back the smells and sounds and general atmosphere perfectly. And oh the suspense, the fear, the wonderful fear. So read it! It's a great book!
October 11, 2021
Boring
This was a very boring and uninteresting read almost stopped reading it.I don't think it was very good at all.
This was a very boring and uninteresting read almost stopped reading it.I don't think it was very good at all.
November 2, 2021
I just didn’t care
December 5, 2021
Trott is an amazing author.
I have never read anything like this book. What a fantastic and intriguing story. It will keep you guessing to the end. What an end!!!
I have never read anything like this book. What a fantastic and intriguing story. It will keep you guessing to the end. What an end!!!
December 17, 2021
Was okay
I had a hard time trying to keep track of the different characters and their storylines. The struggles with the spirits versus real persons was a bit confusing at times.
I had a hard time trying to keep track of the different characters and their storylines. The struggles with the spirits versus real persons was a bit confusing at times.
February 2, 2022
Very well written and.......
Full of suspense with an excellent build up and believable characters. I had very little idea of where this book was going until near the end.
Full of suspense with an excellent build up and believable characters. I had very little idea of where this book was going until near the end.
December 24, 2022
Enjoyable
Not a boy scout story. But it can be a fire side late at night story.Mostly just before light out. ,, dutch
Not a boy scout story. But it can be a fire side late at night story.Mostly just before light out. ,, dutch
December 29, 2022
A good plot and interesting characters. One the down side, there needs to be a lot of editing.
July 14, 2023
85% Coming of Age, 15% confusing paranormal "thriller"? Not a good payoff IMO.
August 18, 2023
it was ok, not really a horror or thriller, so it was not a 5 star book, lucky it got a 3
July 8, 2024
Almost 500 pages and NOTHING happens until 85%?! My adhd is RIOTING 🫨
December 27, 2023
Not a bad book, but felt like it could have easily been 200 pages shorter. I get that in good horror you need to do some solid character building at the start but when 85% of a 450 page book is character building your ending better be stellar, & here was was just ok.
April 3, 2023
It's more a 3.5 for me! I really enjoyed the read and especially the twist (no spoilers), it was crazy! My biggest complaint with the book was that it felt like there was a lot of 'fluffer' (maybe just to get more pages in the book). Like I said, I enjoyed this a lot, perfect book for an October read - but the relentless on-and-on detail in the sports games each day was a little too much and had nothing to do with the storyline. Other than that, great read.
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