Adam L.G. Nevill’s The Ritual is a novel that feels like two distinct stories loosely tethered together by the presence of a single creature. While each half of the book has its strengths, the disconnect between them ultimately undermines the story as a cohesive whole. 

The first half of the novel is where it shines. Four friends lost in an ancient forest, grappling with both external and internal threats, creates a genuinely tense and unsettling atmosphere. The descriptions of the forest are vivid, eerie, and oppressive, drawing readers into the primal dread of isolation and the unknown. This section feels like pure survival horror, and it’s gripping. 

However, the second half takes a sharp turn into a less coherent narrative involving a group of death metal band members attempting to raise a god. While intriguing on paper, the execution feels jarring compared to the first half’s atmospheric horror. The tonal shift detracts from the immersion, and this latter part doesn’t quite live up to the suspenseful buildup. 

One of the more disappointing aspects of The Ritual is its marketing. The book’s cover boasts, "Now a major motion picture," but this is misleading. Those who, like me, discovered the book through the movie may find themselves confused or let down by how drastically different the two are. While the movie takes creative liberties, it delivers a more cohesive narrative and a better portrayal of the creature, which was a standout element. The book, unfortunately, skimps on developing the creature's mythology, instead delving into the minutiae of the characters’ lives—details that often felt extraneous. 

In summary, the book’s first half surpasses the movie, while the second half falters. The creature's potential remains underexplored, and the mismatched halves result in a story that transitions from great to merely good. The Ritual is still worth a read for its strong opening and the unsettling forest setting, but manage your expectations if you’re coming from the movie.