Eden by Tim Lebbon #BookReview

In a time of global warming and spiraling damage to the environment, the Virgin Zones were established to help combat the change.  Abandoned by humanity and given back to nature, these vast areas in a dozen remote locations across the planet were intended to become the lungs of the world. 

But there are always those drawn to such places.  Extreme sports enthusiasts and adventure racing teams target the dangerous, sometimes deadly zones for illicit races.  Only the hardiest and most experienced dare undertake these expeditions. They aren’t prepared for what confronts them when they enter the oldest Zone.  Nature has returned to Eden in an elemental, primeval way. And here, nature is no longer humanity’s friend.

Title: Eden  | Author: Tim Lebbon | Publisher: Titan Books  | Pub. Date: 7 April 2020 | Pages: 384 | ISBN: 9781789092936 | Genre: Horror | Language: English |  Source: Received a copy from author/publisher for review consideration | Starred Review

Eden Review

“Control is a human conceit” – Tim Lebbon, Eden

Eden is probably one of the very few “eco-horror” novels I’ve read. Preceding this was The Ruins by Scott Smith and a few others I fail to remember. Tim Lebbon has managed to create a fast-paced thriller/suspense which kept me engaged throughout.

At first, I just enjoyed getting to know the characters and the future world they inhabit. Several zones throughout the world are given “back to nature”and things are quite different. The ragtag group of explorers presented is fascinating, with interesting, developed backstories. I found the writing quite straightforward and it only lagged for me in a few places. I was not, however, prepared for what followed.

“She cannot scream because her mouth is not her own. Control recedes…” – Tim Lebbon, Eden

The last part of this book is a race to the finish. The quote above is chilling and so representative of the dread and terror that rips through the last three quarters of the novel. As the synopsis above mentions, “nature has returned to Eden in an elemental, primeval way,” and even if the reader thinks they know what might happen, they are quite likely incorrect. As a reader and a horror fan, I had a ball with the last half of this book. Lebbon’s writing flows and the action pounds across the silver screen of the page.

This book is a perfect read for this spring and summer. I think readers will be immersed in Eden. For fans of The Ruins, Thomas Harris, and other fast-paced thriller/suspense/horror mash-ups. Now I need to check out his novel, The Silence.

  You can find this book at many retailers via clicking on the appropriate link on Goodreads. finally, in the spirit of supporting literacy programs, we would like to point out that you may be able to purchase this book through BetterWorldBooks.