Black Mad Wheel by Josh Malerman

This post contains Amazon links. If you click on the link and make a purchase, I may receive a tiny commission. I received an ARC of this book for review consideration from the publisher.

Josh Malerman seems to be interested in the horrors our senses can visit upon us and not in any light way. Both of his works, thrillers that verge on being horror novels tease the concepts of what would happen if something could threaten us so completely through one of our senses. By exploring this idea, other philosophical questions gain entry even as we rapidly turn the pages to find out what happens next. In Bird Box, the horror was what our eyes would see and once seen, could never be unseen. In his latest, Black Mad Wheel, he turns the spotlight on our hearing.

This is not only a thriller/horror but also a work of historical fiction! It takes place about 13 years after the conclusion of World War 2. A small group of men who served in the military during the War have started a band. Their history and their musical talents make them attractive to the military who feel they have discovered a brand new weapon. This weapon seems to render all other weapons useless and makes men sick. It's in the deserts of Africa and they need someone to go and locate its exact source.

Like with Bird Box, Malerman alternates between the present and WHAT HAPPENED in order to build a suspense and a deep desire to know what happened. I enjoyed this book and once I had time to read I read it one day. It was a fast read but it does venture into philosophical questions or originy type questions so there's some depth. I don't think it's as effective a novel as Bird Box or as enjoyable overall, but comparison isn't always helpful as I did enjoy the book overall. There are some definite science fiction aspects to it. it's not real world grounded but it is interesting.

It's hard to imagine a sound so terrible it's a weapon itself, but that's what the characters face in Black Mad Wheel.

Recommended!

A Look Back at August

I hope everyone had a nice Labor Day! I did! I relaxed, read two books, and went to see Annabelle: Creation.

This blog saw some activity in August, so just in case you missed it, here's a quick wrap-up.

I read, reviewed, and loved The Lying Game by Ruth Ware. This book definitely cemented her status as a favorite author for me and I do recommend it.

I also reviewed The Breakdown, BA Paris's follow up to Behind Closed Doors. While I wasn't as enthralled with this book as her debut, I did find it to be a solid and entertaining read.

And I reviewed three creative YA books all of which I enjoyed. INFJoe's Text, Don't Call, You're Weird, and Surprise Yourself. All of these would make great gifts depending on who you would like to gift them to.

Finally, I reviewed Mad by Chloe Esposito which was a hugely entertaining book and a great read for summer or anytime.

The blog will stay active in September! As mentioned I've read some books I already want to review and I'll throw in some movie reviews, too. Plus, I hope to share some recommended reading lists and share some other things I've been thinking about.

Times have been tough and our world feels very uncertain as we face continual change brought on by governments, climate change, and our own bodies that war against us. Every moment is precious even in the face of thinking about a future that feels dark and grim. I'm thinking of you all.