I give The Troop by Nick Cutter a solid four stars out of five. This book is one that will definitely linger in my mind, and I wouldn’t be surprised if I end up rereading it one day.

I came across The Troop through discussions in extreme horror circles. While I personally wouldn’t categorize it as extreme horror, I understand why some might. Everyone has different thresholds for what they consider disturbing or grotesque, and The Troop certainly pushes some boundaries. That said, it absolutely lives up to the hype.

One of the standout aspects of the novel was the characters. Each member of the troop was well developed, making their individual arcs impactful and memorable. Shelley was my personal favorite. Even the first death, which often serves as a throwaway shock in many horror novels, left a lasting impression because of how well crafted that character was.

As for the horror itself, while I wouldn’t say it was outright terrifying, it was undeniably effective. Cutter’s use of body horror is unsettling and vivid in a way that sticks with you. The descriptions of the threat were so visceral. It’s the kind of horror that doesn’t rely on jump scares but worms its way under your skin, leaving an impression that’s hard to shake.

IThe Troop was a gripping read that more than delivered on its hype. Nick Cutter’s writing is immersive and unflinching, and I’m already looking forward to exploring more of his work.