Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Themes
Synopsis
"When four old University friends set off into the Scandinavian wilderness of the Arctic Circle, they aim to briefly escape the problems of their lives and reconnect with one another. But when Luke, the only man still single and living a precarious existence, finds he has little left in common with his well-heeled friends, tensions rise. With limited experience between them, a shortcut meant to ease their hike turns into a nightmare scenario that could cost them their lives. Lost, hungry, and surrounded by forest untouched for millennia, Luke figures things couldn't possibly get any worse. But then they stumble across an old habitation. Ancient artefacts decorate the walls and there are bones scattered upon the dry floors. The residue of old rites and pagan sacrifice for something that still exists in the forest. Something responsible for the bestial presence that follows their every step. As the four friends stagger in the direction of salvation, they learn that death doesn't come easy among these ancient trees . . "--
The Ritual: content & age rating
Intended for adult readers (18+).
This is an adult horror novel with graphic violence, intense gore, body horror, and psychological terror as four friends face an ancient evil in the wilderness. The focus is survival horror with disturbing imagery and brutal death scenes.
What to know going in
This book has graphic violence, no sexual content, and strong language. Content notes include graphic violence, gore, and death (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Adult horror fans who love atmospheric folk horror and creature features will find this intensely scary wilderness survival nightmare gripping.