The Fisherman

What an incredible read.

Short & Sweet: This is a fantastic horror novel that, despite a very slow, wordy start, delivers the tale in such a way that it hooked me (heh) to finish in one sitting. The less you know going into this novel, the better.

I have to applaud John Langan - well, applaud for a few reasons, but primarily was the method in which this story was written. It consists of three major parts: the current, the past, and then back to the current. Interwoven through this is a story told through alternating characters, but it???s done in such a way that feels seamless, effortless, easy to follow and smooth enough to keep you enthralled. I normally repel against this type of story structure, but somehow it works really well here.

Also to applaud is Langan???s style of writing. It???s stark, straight to the point which makes the terror all that more terrifying, but also weaves in detail where it???s important; I could clearly see the setting, the color of the water, feel the terror of that which gazes back from the darkness. It is equal parts clear, heavy hitting, and yet intricately woven with intense imagery.

I understand the novel won an award, and I feel it to be well-won. If you can get past the first part - again, this novel starts very, very slow, and doesn???t pick up until a little bit ways in, but the setup is absolutely worth it - you will be greeted with a cosmic horror that, while the echos of Lovecraft can be heard on it???s pages, also weave a unique story of it???s own.