Title: Others
Author: James Herbert
First published April 9, 1999
504 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780330376129 (ISBN10: 0330376128)
Rating: 3.85
Overview
Meet Nicholas Dismas, a Private Investigator with a mysterious past that even he cannot unravel. His latest assignment is to track down a missing child who was allegedly taken at birth.
His investigation leads him to Perfect Rest, a nursing home for the elderly that holds a sinister secret. As Dismas delves deeper, he uncovers the truth about the Others and in a thrilling climax, he finally uncovers the enigma of his own existence.
Get ready for a heart-pounding ride with James Herbert’s Others.
About the Author
James Herbert was an incredibly talented writer, and his work quickly made him Britain’s top-selling author. He maintained this position since the release of his very first novel, and his thrilling horror stories have been translated into an impressive 33 languages, including Russian and Chinese.
With 19 novels under his belt, he has sold over 42 million copies worldwide, and his influence on the genre cannot be overstated.
Herbert was a master of horror fiction, crafting stories that blended horror and thriller elements to create a palpable sense of unease that crescendos with a shocking revelation. His books, including bestsellers like THE MAGIC COTTAGE, HAUNTED, SEPULCHRE, and CREED, showcase his depth and originality as a writer.
He also penned classics of the genre, such as THE FOG, THE DARK, and THE SURVIVOR, which continue to captivate and terrify readers to this day.
Editoral Review
Others by James Herbert is a fast-paced horror novel that will leave readers on the edge of their seats from the very first page. Published on April 9, 1999, this novel is a powerful and horrifying depiction of supernatural forces that take over the lives of ordinary people.
James Herbert is a master of the horror genre, having written several successful novels, including The Rats, The Fog, and Haunted. Set in contemporary London, Others tells the story of a young mother named Melanie who moves into a new house with her husband and two children.
As soon as they move in, strange and unexplainable events begin to occur. Mysterious laughter echoes through the halls, ghostly apparitions appear, and the family is plagued by terrifying nightmares.
Melanie soon realizes that the house is haunted by a malevolent presence that is determined to claim her family for its own. At its core, Others is a novel about the power of fear and the human psyche.
Herbert expertly weaves together themes of isolation, fear, and loss, creating a deeply unsettling and atmospheric story. He uses a variety of narrative techniques to build suspense, such as shifting perspectives, sudden scene changes, and vivid descriptions of supernatural phenomena.
One of the strengths of the novel is its characters. Melanie, in particular, is a well-developed and sympathetic protagonist.
Her struggles to protect her family and overcome her fear make her a compelling and relatable character. The other characters, including her husband, children, and the various supporting characters, are also well-drawn and add depth to the story.
However, the novel is not without its weaknesses. Despite its fast pace and gripping plot, the writing style can sometimes feel rushed and overly simplistic.
The character development, while strong for the main characters, could be improved for some of the secondary characters. Additionally, the ending feels somewhat rushed and unsatisfying.
That being said, Others is a thoroughly enjoyable and terrifying read. Fans of horror novels will not be disappointed by the haunting atmosphere and spine-chilling plot.
Herbert’s writing is vivid and evocative, drawing readers into the story and keeping them invested until the very end. In terms of its historical and cultural significance, Others is a reminder of the enduring popularity of horror as a genre.
It taps into our deepest fears and anxieties, rendering them tangible and visible. In a time when daily life is often characterized by uncertainty and unease, the horror genre offers a safe and controlled space to explore these feelings.
In conclusion, Others by James Herbert is an excellent horror novel that will appeal to fans of the genre. While not without its flaws, the gripping plot, well-drawn characters, and expertly crafted atmosphere make it a worthwhile read.
I recommend this book to anyone looking for a good scare and a thrilling ride. I give Others a score of 4 out of 5 stars.