TL;DR
Four old friends on a hiking trip in the Scandinavian wilderness encounter a terrifying ancient evil, leading to a struggle for survival in Adam Nevill's horror novel 'The Ritual'.
What is The Ritual about
'The Ritual' by Adam Nevill is a gripping horror novel that follows four old university friends who reunite for a hiking trip in the Scandinavian wilderness. As they struggle to reconnect, tensions rise and they decide to take a shortcut, leading them into an untouched forest where they discover a secluded house filled with ancient artifacts and remains of macabre rituals. The friends soon find themselves being hunted by a bestial presence that dwells in the forest's ancient trees, turning their hike into a nightmarish struggle for survival.
The Ritual 5 Key Takeaways
Reunion and Tension
Four old university friends—Luke, Phil, Dom, and Hutch—reunite for a hiking trip in the Scandinavian wilderness. Struggling to rekindle their friendship, tensions mount as they navigate the harsh terrain.
Shortcut to Nightmare
Frustrated and exhausted, they decide to take a shortcut through an untouched forest. The decision leads them deeper into an unfamiliar and foreboding environment.
Discovery of the House
The friends stumble upon an isolated house filled with disturbing artifacts, including ancient rites and pagan sacrifices. The macabre atmosphere heightens their fear and paranoia.
The Bestial Presence
As they try to find their way out, they realize they are being hunted by an ancient, bestial presence that still inhabits the forest. This entity turns their journey into a desperate fight for survival.
Struggle for Salvation
The friends' struggle to escape the forest becomes increasingly harrowing. They face physical and psychological trials, revealing deep-seated fears and secrets as they fight for their lives.
Top The Ritual Quotes
- "In the silence, he could hear the deep, ominous sounds of the forest, as if it were breathing."
- "Survival was not guaranteed, only the struggle."
- "They were ancient trees, older than empires, and they harbored secrets that had outlasted the centuries."
Who should read The Ritual?
Fans of horror fiction, especially those who enjoy psychological and supernatural elements, will find 'The Ritual' to be a deeply disturbing and gripping read. The novel's blend of friendship dynamics, ancient evil, and survival themes will appeal to readers looking for a tense and immersive experience.
The Ritual Best Reviews
- "Often horror loses its power when the evil is given a face; in this case it only gets more disturbing." — The Sunday Times
- "With 'The Ritual,' Nevill has crafted some of the tensest, scariest horror this reviewer has read for years." — SFX
- "A mind-twisting journey into the dark backwoods of terror. Deeply disturbing and absolutely riveting." — Jonathan Maberry, NY Times bestselling author of 'DEAD OF NIGHT' and 'THE KING OF PLAGUES'
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The Ritual FAQs
What is 'The Ritual' novel about?
'The Ritual' follows four old university friends on a hiking trip in the Scandinavian wilderness, where they encounter an ancient evil that turns their journey into a nightmare.
Is 'The Ritual' worth reading?
Yes, 'The Ritual' by Adam Nevill is a gripping and intense horror novel that keeps readers on the edge of their seats with its suspenseful and dark narrative.
Is there a movie for 'The Ritual' book?
Yes, Netflix adapted 'The Ritual' into a film released in 2017, starring Rafe Spall, Arsher Ali, Robert James-Collier, and Sam Troughton.