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TERRIFIED...
It was supposed to be a harmless camping trip.
Then Martin told a campfire story about the island's history. Of the old civil war prison hidden in there, and the starving Confederate soldiers who resorted to cannibalism to stay alive. Everyone thought it was funny. They even laughed when Martin pretended to be dragged off into the woods.
But Martin didn't come back. Then the laughter stopped.
...TO DEATH
The group soon began to realize that this deserted island wasn't so deserted after all. And perhaps Martin's ridiculous story had more truth to it than anyone thought.
What's the most horrifying thing you can imagine?
This is a hundred times worse...
TRAPPED by J.A. Konrath
It starts where other horror ends...
If you are a more sensitive (or adventurous) reader, the Konrath scale rates specific categories from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest) to give you some idea if this is your kind of book.
TRAPPED
Scary - 9
Violent - 10
Funny - 2
Sexy - 2
Crossovers - Includes characters from the Konrath Dark Thriller Collective, the Jack Daniels thrillers, the Codename: Chandler series, and the Timecaster series.
It was supposed to be a harmless camping trip.
Then Martin told a campfire story about the island's history. Of the old civil war prison hidden in there, and the starving Confederate soldiers who resorted to cannibalism to stay alive. Everyone thought it was funny. They even laughed when Martin pretended to be dragged off into the woods.
But Martin didn't come back. Then the laughter stopped.
...TO DEATH
The group soon began to realize that this deserted island wasn't so deserted after all. And perhaps Martin's ridiculous story had more truth to it than anyone thought.
What's the most horrifying thing you can imagine?
This is a hundred times worse...
TRAPPED by J.A. Konrath
It starts where other horror ends...
If you are a more sensitive (or adventurous) reader, the Konrath scale rates specific categories from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest) to give you some idea if this is your kind of book.
TRAPPED
Scary - 9
Violent - 10
Funny - 2
Sexy - 2
Crossovers - Includes characters from the Konrath Dark Thriller Collective, the Jack Daniels thrillers, the Codename: Chandler series, and the Timecaster series.
332 pages, Paperback
First published June 26, 2010
781 people are currently reading
4196 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Konrath
198 books3,016 followersJoe Konrath has written over twenty novels in the Lt. Jacqueline "Jack" Daniels thriller series. They do not have to be read chronologically to be enjoyed, but the order is: Whiskey Sour, Bloody Mary, Rusty Nail, Dirty Martini, Shot of Tequila, Fuzzy Navel, Cherry Bomb, Dead On My Feet, Serial Killers Uncut (with Blake Crouch), Shaken, Stirred (with Blake Crouch), Dying Breath, Everybody Dies, Rum Runner, Last Call, White Russian, Shot Girl, Chaser, Old Fashioned, Bite Force, and Witch Brew. More coming soon.
Wow, that's a lot of Jack.
If you like your thrillers on the dark side, check out the Konrath Dark Thriller Collective, which includes the books The List, Origin, Afraid, Trapped, Endurance, Haunted House, Webcam, Disturb, What Happened To Lori, The Nine, Second Coming, and Close Your Eyes.
Joe also wrote the Stop A Murder mystery puzzle series, where you become the sleuth and solve brain teasers to try and catch a killer.
He also wrote the sci-fi trilogy, Timecaster, Timecaster Supersymmetry, and Timecaster Steampunk. Even if you don't think you like sci-fi, give them a try. They feature Joe's well-known characters from his other series, and are insane.
With Ann Voss Peterson he wrote the Codename: Chandler thrillers, including Flee, Spree, Three, Hit, Exposed, Naughty, Fix (with F. Paul Wilson), Rescue, and Free.
And, finally, he writes erotica under the pen name Melinda DuChamp, also with Ann Voss Peterson. Those books are probably too spicy for you, so only the brave and bold should seek them out.
Joe writes a lot. You should probably read everything.
You can visit Joe and sign up for his newsletter at www.JAKonrath.com/mailing-list.php
Wow, that's a lot of Jack.
If you like your thrillers on the dark side, check out the Konrath Dark Thriller Collective, which includes the books The List, Origin, Afraid, Trapped, Endurance, Haunted House, Webcam, Disturb, What Happened To Lori, The Nine, Second Coming, and Close Your Eyes.
Joe also wrote the Stop A Murder mystery puzzle series, where you become the sleuth and solve brain teasers to try and catch a killer.
He also wrote the sci-fi trilogy, Timecaster, Timecaster Supersymmetry, and Timecaster Steampunk. Even if you don't think you like sci-fi, give them a try. They feature Joe's well-known characters from his other series, and are insane.
With Ann Voss Peterson he wrote the Codename: Chandler thrillers, including Flee, Spree, Three, Hit, Exposed, Naughty, Fix (with F. Paul Wilson), Rescue, and Free.
And, finally, he writes erotica under the pen name Melinda DuChamp, also with Ann Voss Peterson. Those books are probably too spicy for you, so only the brave and bold should seek them out.
Joe writes a lot. You should probably read everything.
You can visit Joe and sign up for his newsletter at www.JAKonrath.com/mailing-list.php
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 554 reviews
January 15, 2025
I'm insane. Honestly. This is the second book I've read by the author (consecutively) - and it was just as good as the first book (Afraid #1), but it loses a star, due to the typos and the way it was formatted. There were times, when one characters' narrative, ended, and then it switched to another without starting a new paragraph at the very least - so that was a little annoying. I liked the back-story to each of the characters, though. That was intriguing.
Six troubled teenagers: Meadowlark Purcell, Cindy Welp, Tom Gransee, Laneesha Simms, Tyrone Morrow, Georgia Dailey, and their two court-appointed caregivers, Martin and Sara Randhurst (with their three-month-old baby, Jack, in tow), descend on Rock Island - aka Plincers Island, Lake Huron.
The trip was planned a month in advance, and they get to the island via a charter-boat, captained by Edward Prendick, which is reminiscent of a character in an old H.G. Wells' horror novel, apparently. Anyway, he doesn't want to take them to the island. He wants to take them, somewhere closer than their original destination, but he relents when they allow him to bring his extra hand-held marine radio along; in case of emergencies. Not sure why he'd need their permission, though - but, whatever.
When they reach the island, Martin tells the group a story around the campfire, about an old, secret Civil War prison, starving Confederate soldiers - and of cannibalism. As he's concluding his story (his act) - he falls backwards off the log he'd been sitting on; then screams. Despite being in close proximity, no-one saw where he disappeared to: he just went POOF!! Everyone thinks it's part of the act to scare them. When he doesn't return, Sara (Jack) and a reluctant Laneesha, go searching for him in the dark woods. Good idea.
The island is supposed to be uninhabited, but they'll soon find out they're not the only one's on the island.
In conclusion: I'm not sure what to make of Sara and Martin, both psychologists, bringing a three-month-old baby along for the trip, though it was Martin who insisted; stating the fresh air would do him good. A few characters from the previous book are resurrected, which was a surprise; especially when I found-out who Subject 33 was. I guessed one of the twists in relation to one of the characters due to that persons disposition. Just like the first book; there's a lot of blood, guts and gore, flying around - and I wish I hadn't eaten a lasagne forty minutes before reaching the gridiron scene. Bad idea.
Six troubled teenagers: Meadowlark Purcell, Cindy Welp, Tom Gransee, Laneesha Simms, Tyrone Morrow, Georgia Dailey, and their two court-appointed caregivers, Martin and Sara Randhurst (with their three-month-old baby, Jack, in tow), descend on Rock Island - aka Plincers Island, Lake Huron.
The trip was planned a month in advance, and they get to the island via a charter-boat, captained by Edward Prendick, which is reminiscent of a character in an old H.G. Wells' horror novel, apparently. Anyway, he doesn't want to take them to the island. He wants to take them, somewhere closer than their original destination, but he relents when they allow him to bring his extra hand-held marine radio along; in case of emergencies. Not sure why he'd need their permission, though - but, whatever.
When they reach the island, Martin tells the group a story around the campfire, about an old, secret Civil War prison, starving Confederate soldiers - and of cannibalism. As he's concluding his story (his act) - he falls backwards off the log he'd been sitting on; then screams. Despite being in close proximity, no-one saw where he disappeared to: he just went POOF!! Everyone thinks it's part of the act to scare them. When he doesn't return, Sara (Jack) and a reluctant Laneesha, go searching for him in the dark woods. Good idea.
The island is supposed to be uninhabited, but they'll soon find out they're not the only one's on the island.
In conclusion: I'm not sure what to make of Sara and Martin, both psychologists, bringing a three-month-old baby along for the trip, though it was Martin who insisted; stating the fresh air would do him good. A few characters from the previous book are resurrected, which was a surprise; especially when I found-out who Subject 33 was. I guessed one of the twists in relation to one of the characters due to that persons disposition. Just like the first book; there's a lot of blood, guts and gore, flying around - and I wish I hadn't eaten a lasagne forty minutes before reaching the gridiron scene. Bad idea.
February 10, 2017
Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/
“You one of the bad guys, ain’t you?”
“Bad as they come, brutha.”
(A request before I begin, if you will humor me for a moment. If you’re gonna troll me for reading this wrong at least come up with a quotable quote my friends can berate me with for eternity. I’m looking at you, “You Suck Turtles” lady – you done good.)
Now on with the show. In case you aren’t already aware, I are quite horrible . . . .
I truly don’t intend to be contrary to popular opinion and, believe it or not, often go with the flow and fall right in line with the masses when it comes to reading things rightly or wrongly. This time, however? I am forced to go against even my fave lil’ witch. I was secretly hoping for this kind of reaction to the news that I downstarred one of her recommendations . . .
If only so I could throw the nervous pisser dog at her and lock the door pronto, but alas she is not of the butthurt variety and didn’t even get annoyed. (She is obviously turrrrrrible at this interweb thing and should probably read the handbook on how to act a dumbass.)
Alright, so about this book I didn’t like. Trapped is the story of a camping trip from hell. A group of six juvies and their court-appointed guardians have gone to be one with nature and experience some group therapy. It doesn’t take long before you find out the kids ain’t alright . . . .
And for them to meet the locals . . . . .
If you’re looking for gross, this one delivers in spades. It’s gory and there’s also some of this for the iron-stomached . . . . .
This is a true blue “B-Movie” grade slasher tale in written format designed to make you cringe while reading . . . . .
So what was my problem? Well, the author decided to (1) give these future murder victims backstories which I could have given a shit about (I mean really, does anyone care about the home lives of people in films like I Know What You Did Last Summer or Wrong Turn???? Hell no, we just want to see them get the stabby stabby); and (2) he made them all speak ebonics. Now, I am not one who minds reading slang or accents, but this was obviously the whitest human in America (aside from Richard Spencer, of course) who was trying to be real “down” with how the urban youths speak today. And it was super annoying.
Anyway, everyone else loved this so read it. You’ll probably like it just like all my friends did. Don't want to roll the dice, but still want to read about a camping trip you'll never forget (without years of psychotherapy that is)???? Opt for The Troop.
“You one of the bad guys, ain’t you?”
“Bad as they come, brutha.”
(A request before I begin, if you will humor me for a moment. If you’re gonna troll me for reading this wrong at least come up with a quotable quote my friends can berate me with for eternity. I’m looking at you, “You Suck Turtles” lady – you done good.)
Now on with the show. In case you aren’t already aware, I are quite horrible . . . .
I truly don’t intend to be contrary to popular opinion and, believe it or not, often go with the flow and fall right in line with the masses when it comes to reading things rightly or wrongly. This time, however? I am forced to go against even my fave lil’ witch. I was secretly hoping for this kind of reaction to the news that I downstarred one of her recommendations . . .
If only so I could throw the nervous pisser dog at her and lock the door pronto, but alas she is not of the butthurt variety and didn’t even get annoyed. (She is obviously turrrrrrible at this interweb thing and should probably read the handbook on how to act a dumbass.)
Alright, so about this book I didn’t like. Trapped is the story of a camping trip from hell. A group of six juvies and their court-appointed guardians have gone to be one with nature and experience some group therapy. It doesn’t take long before you find out the kids ain’t alright . . . .
And for them to meet the locals . . . . .
If you’re looking for gross, this one delivers in spades. It’s gory and there’s also some of this for the iron-stomached . . . . .
This is a true blue “B-Movie” grade slasher tale in written format designed to make you cringe while reading . . . . .
So what was my problem? Well, the author decided to (1) give these future murder victims backstories which I could have given a shit about (I mean really, does anyone care about the home lives of people in films like I Know What You Did Last Summer or Wrong Turn???? Hell no, we just want to see them get the stabby stabby); and (2) he made them all speak ebonics. Now, I am not one who minds reading slang or accents, but this was obviously the whitest human in America (aside from Richard Spencer, of course) who was trying to be real “down” with how the urban youths speak today. And it was super annoying.
Anyway, everyone else loved this so read it. You’ll probably like it just like all my friends did. Don't want to roll the dice, but still want to read about a camping trip you'll never forget (without years of psychotherapy that is)???? Opt for The Troop.
November 23, 2024
Kilborn's Trapped is a hands down 5/5 winner. It is no wonder there are so many rave reviews.
Narrator, Phil Gigante made this book a phenomenal listen, and I thought he was absolutely flawless in his interpretation of all the characters, many of whom had demented, festering minds... and that is putting it VERY mildly. Much appreciation for keeping me glued to every word of this riveting storyline.
Highest of recommendations.
Narrator, Phil Gigante made this book a phenomenal listen, and I thought he was absolutely flawless in his interpretation of all the characters, many of whom had demented, festering minds... and that is putting it VERY mildly. Much appreciation for keeping me glued to every word of this riveting storyline.
Highest of recommendations.
July 23, 2012
Far be it for me to tell an author what to write but I feel an obligation to point out three facts of nature...
1) When confronted with attacking cannibals and screaming people, babies tend to cry not sleep or "gurgle happily".
2) No matter how stupid he is, a social worker would never take a gun on a camping trip, especially when his teenage wards include one ADHD kid, a sociopath and two rival gang members.
3) People taste like pork, not chicken.
That last bit of info is not personal experience. But I have read accounts with persons who lived with cannibals and the research is clear. Pork, not chicken.
Despite the author's violation of these laws of nature...Actually, number two was rectified but I won't say how ...this is the best cannibal novel I've read since Off Season. It definitely belongs in the category of "Ewww! Gross! (giggle)" horror. Kilborn places two social workers and six not-so-innocent teenagers on a island that makes Dr. Moreau's Island look like Gilligan's Island. This book may be pure pulp entertainment but it is perfect for the type of escape reading that the real horror fan crave.
But please remember. Pork, not chicken.
1) When confronted with attacking cannibals and screaming people, babies tend to cry not sleep or "gurgle happily".
2) No matter how stupid he is, a social worker would never take a gun on a camping trip, especially when his teenage wards include one ADHD kid, a sociopath and two rival gang members.
3) People taste like pork, not chicken.
That last bit of info is not personal experience. But I have read accounts with persons who lived with cannibals and the research is clear. Pork, not chicken.
Despite the author's violation of these laws of nature...Actually, number two was rectified but I won't say how ...this is the best cannibal novel I've read since Off Season. It definitely belongs in the category of "Ewww! Gross! (giggle)" horror. Kilborn places two social workers and six not-so-innocent teenagers on a island that makes Dr. Moreau's Island look like Gilligan's Island. This book may be pure pulp entertainment but it is perfect for the type of escape reading that the real horror fan crave.
But please remember. Pork, not chicken.
January 6, 2020
It pulled me in right from the first word.
It was everything I had hoped for and more. It had me thinking of Lord of the Flies, but adults... mixed with a little Texas Chainsaw massacre minus the chainsaw.
It was scary. It was graphic and it was cool!
I have not read anything like it, and doubt I will again. This author always hooks me with his talent. Definitely on my favorite authors list.
This is the kind of book I'd rather not read at night, so it doesn't keep me up.
It's that good!!
Horror fans will love this one!!
It was everything I had hoped for and more. It had me thinking of Lord of the Flies, but adults... mixed with a little Texas Chainsaw massacre minus the chainsaw.
It was scary. It was graphic and it was cool!
I have not read anything like it, and doubt I will again. This author always hooks me with his talent. Definitely on my favorite authors list.
This is the kind of book I'd rather not read at night, so it doesn't keep me up.
It's that good!!
Horror fans will love this one!!
October 26, 2015
Rating: 4.5/5
This story was such a thrill. So many bad guys in such a tiny island no wonder things got pretty gory and terrifying. Full review to come...
This story was such a thrill. So many bad guys in such a tiny island no wonder things got pretty gory and terrifying. Full review to come...
May 12, 2017
Wonderfully Disturbing
After reading Endurance: A Novel of Terror (which I loved and you should read as well), I just had to pick up other reads from this author. Seriously, this guy can write horror like you wouldn't believe.
Shocking, disgusting, horrific. All in a good way. An unforgettable read that will stay with me for a long time. It had me going one way and then pulled a 180. I'll admit something. I squirmed in my seat on more than one occasion. My stomach even did some acrobatics. That never happens.
There are two versions of this story. The original/uncut and the rewrite. I've read both and I'm here to tell you, the uncut version is the way to go. It's more raw and in your face. Of course, some prefer the newer version but to each their own. You can't lose either way. What you really need to do is read both.
After reading Endurance: A Novel of Terror (which I loved and you should read as well), I just had to pick up other reads from this author. Seriously, this guy can write horror like you wouldn't believe.
Shocking, disgusting, horrific. All in a good way. An unforgettable read that will stay with me for a long time. It had me going one way and then pulled a 180. I'll admit something. I squirmed in my seat on more than one occasion. My stomach even did some acrobatics. That never happens.
There are two versions of this story. The original/uncut and the rewrite. I've read both and I'm here to tell you, the uncut version is the way to go. It's more raw and in your face. Of course, some prefer the newer version but to each their own. You can't lose either way. What you really need to do is read both.
October 3, 2020
2.5 Stars
The character work in this novel was honestly really poor. The characters' actions and underlying motivations rarely made sense. Furthermore, everyone (especially the black characters) were stereotypes. I almost put the book down, but I'll admit that I found the mystery surrounding the island to be rather compelling. The novel starts with a pretty scary prologue and I was interested to see how the story got to that point. Given that this story involves cannibalism, readers should expect all of the gruesome gore and body horror that goes along with these storylines.
The character work in this novel was honestly really poor. The characters' actions and underlying motivations rarely made sense. Furthermore, everyone (especially the black characters) were stereotypes. I almost put the book down, but I'll admit that I found the mystery surrounding the island to be rather compelling. The novel starts with a pretty scary prologue and I was interested to see how the story got to that point. Given that this story involves cannibalism, readers should expect all of the gruesome gore and body horror that goes along with these storylines.
January 5, 2019
Truly twisted.
I'll never think of "gridiron" as a football term again.
I'll never think of "gridiron" as a football term again.
November 4, 2014
Perfect Halloween reading. This book is going to give me nightmares for years! ..and what do I do?? Give the sucker 4 stars..I'm sick like that!~
July 30, 2021
Trapped by Jack Killborn (J.A. Konrath) is book number four in the Konrath Horror Collective. Book one The List was very good, but I felt it wasn’t quite horror, book three Afraid again felt like it was not really horror, and book two Origin has been my favorite to date. As far as Trapped is concerned let’s get on with my thoughts.
Book four of The Konrath Horror Collective Trapped was nicely done! The audiobook was simply alright, but I will not dive into that aspect very much. I am simply rating the story. I would say this is my second favorite in the series after Origin.
Trapped has a seemingly simple plot at first. However, things begin to transpire quite differently as the story goes on. Sarah and her husband Martin along with their baby boy Jack take on the task of helping juvenile’s in trouble. Well, not really Jack, but he’s in the story. Sarah and Martin run a facility for youths with troubled backgrounds to help them re-enter society on fresh feet. Most of these troubled youths have drug addictions, sexually deviant issues, among a plethora of other problems from their home lives.
Sadly the center is being shut down due to lack of funding. As a last farewell Sarah and Martin decide to take the teens to an old island that used to house Civil War POW’s. They feel it is the least they can do. Let the teens have a bit of fun before they are forced back home, into foster care, or juvenile detention.
The teens aren’t thrilled with Sarah and Martin’s choice for a getaway, but with funds the way they are they attempt to make the best of it. A simple camping trip to a deserted island will become one of horror! Soon the whole group will be faced with the choice to fight for their lives or die! The question is… what is lurking on the island? What is so dangerous? Lastly, now…. they are TRAPPED!!
I really do not want to divulge to much, as I do not like to with most of my reviews, but this is definitely one to check out! Although The Konrath Collective is a series I have yet to find ties in the first four novels. They all stand alone. As mentioned some are better than others. I highly recommend checking out J.A. Konrath’s work if you have yet to do so. I have not read his Jack Daniel’s mystery series yet, but if that is more your cup of tea I have heard great things.
Overall, I give Trapped by Jack Killborn/J.A. Konrath four stars out of five stars. The novel was one of the more brutal I have read in the collective thus far. The plot was very fun, and even though somewhat predictable at times a wild ride! Killborn/Konrath are fantastic at painting pictures with words, and the writing is easy to digest. Not to mention I slowly listened to this audiobook for quite some time, and it was an easy quick read. It was not hard to pick up where I left off after a long stint of not listening. There are several more novels in this series, and I plan to read them all!
Book four of The Konrath Horror Collective Trapped was nicely done! The audiobook was simply alright, but I will not dive into that aspect very much. I am simply rating the story. I would say this is my second favorite in the series after Origin.
Trapped has a seemingly simple plot at first. However, things begin to transpire quite differently as the story goes on. Sarah and her husband Martin along with their baby boy Jack take on the task of helping juvenile’s in trouble. Well, not really Jack, but he’s in the story. Sarah and Martin run a facility for youths with troubled backgrounds to help them re-enter society on fresh feet. Most of these troubled youths have drug addictions, sexually deviant issues, among a plethora of other problems from their home lives.
Sadly the center is being shut down due to lack of funding. As a last farewell Sarah and Martin decide to take the teens to an old island that used to house Civil War POW’s. They feel it is the least they can do. Let the teens have a bit of fun before they are forced back home, into foster care, or juvenile detention.
The teens aren’t thrilled with Sarah and Martin’s choice for a getaway, but with funds the way they are they attempt to make the best of it. A simple camping trip to a deserted island will become one of horror! Soon the whole group will be faced with the choice to fight for their lives or die! The question is… what is lurking on the island? What is so dangerous? Lastly, now…. they are TRAPPED!!
I really do not want to divulge to much, as I do not like to with most of my reviews, but this is definitely one to check out! Although The Konrath Collective is a series I have yet to find ties in the first four novels. They all stand alone. As mentioned some are better than others. I highly recommend checking out J.A. Konrath’s work if you have yet to do so. I have not read his Jack Daniel’s mystery series yet, but if that is more your cup of tea I have heard great things.
Overall, I give Trapped by Jack Killborn/J.A. Konrath four stars out of five stars. The novel was one of the more brutal I have read in the collective thus far. The plot was very fun, and even though somewhat predictable at times a wild ride! Killborn/Konrath are fantastic at painting pictures with words, and the writing is easy to digest. Not to mention I slowly listened to this audiobook for quite some time, and it was an easy quick read. It was not hard to pick up where I left off after a long stint of not listening. There are several more novels in this series, and I plan to read them all!
November 22, 2014
Though commencing as a fairly straight forward riff on the cliched theme of "pack of people in a remote location being picked off one by one by some form of unseen assailant", Kilborn quickly ratchets up the crazy (and inventiveness) in introducing threat after threat that the beleaguered band of protagonists must contend with to survive.
Think Wrong Turn mixed with The Island of Dr Moreau and you'll be somewhere near the mark of what Kilborn has dreamed up from the depths of his (interestingly disturbed) subconscious. So be warned, there is torture, cannibalism, and murder aplenty. This is not the kind of book you pick up for a feel good weekend read.
But it is the type of book you go to for a tightly structured, well-written horror novel. Kilborn wastes very few words in the 300 plus pages on offer in Trapped and he knows exactly how to coax his readers along. One of his greatest strengths as a writer is how to tease a relevant plot point or important character beat from their history, allude to it a few times, and then reveal it when it will have maximum impact. This works infinitely better than the tendency that lesser writers have to info-dump everything in the opening pages of their books and hope readers remember it all when it comes time for an aspect of that history to pay off.
Overall, I didn't like this one quite as much as Afraid though, perhaps because the characters were not as compelling for me. But I have no hesitation in recommending this to fans of the first novel in this (so far) loosely connected series, and I'm looking forward to getting to the other four books that comprise it in due time.
3.5 to 4 Neatly Placed Skewers for Trapped.
Think Wrong Turn mixed with The Island of Dr Moreau and you'll be somewhere near the mark of what Kilborn has dreamed up from the depths of his (interestingly disturbed) subconscious. So be warned, there is torture, cannibalism, and murder aplenty. This is not the kind of book you pick up for a feel good weekend read.
But it is the type of book you go to for a tightly structured, well-written horror novel. Kilborn wastes very few words in the 300 plus pages on offer in Trapped and he knows exactly how to coax his readers along. One of his greatest strengths as a writer is how to tease a relevant plot point or important character beat from their history, allude to it a few times, and then reveal it when it will have maximum impact. This works infinitely better than the tendency that lesser writers have to info-dump everything in the opening pages of their books and hope readers remember it all when it comes time for an aspect of that history to pay off.
Overall, I didn't like this one quite as much as Afraid though, perhaps because the characters were not as compelling for me. But I have no hesitation in recommending this to fans of the first novel in this (so far) loosely connected series, and I'm looking forward to getting to the other four books that comprise it in due time.
3.5 to 4 Neatly Placed Skewers for Trapped.
July 13, 2010
OK. Two things are bugging me about this book.
THESE COMMENTS WERE MADE AS I FINISHED PARTS OF THE BOOK, NOT COMPLETED IT.
1) Sara and Martin have a newborn. They have been running, fighting, and screaming away from these nutball cannibals. The baby has not been fed or changed in all this time, and as far as I can remember has not cried out once. Does Mr. Kilborn have children? If so, he'd know newborns have to be fed every two hours and changed often. I don't understand why the baby is even in the picture.
2) If this cannibal stuff has been going on since the Civil War, and hundreds of people have gone missing, as is evident with the huge pile of bones, have the authorities never questioned this oddity? Loved ones go missing, last headed to the campgrounds, and no on investigates? If someone investigates and they go missing, is it not a big deal? I just don't see how something like this has gone on for so long. Yes, I know people don't stand a chance once they enter the campgrounds, but at some point something's got to give!
Finished Trapped a few days ago. While this isn't my favorite Kilborn--that would be Afraid and his short stories--it's a pretty good story. You not only get a tribe of cannibals on the island, but you get a Dr. Moreau-type doctor who likes to experiment on the trickle of visitors to the island. When there are no visitors, kidnapping a cannibal and going to town on it works just as well.
If you've read books like Laymon's The Island, then you know the story about a group of people who get taken one by one until there's a few characters the author just can't kill off.
Worth a read if you like blood and guts. After reading Trapped and Endurance, it dawned on me that there are things far worse than the sweet, peaceful fade-to-black of death. Much, much worse.
THESE COMMENTS WERE MADE AS I FINISHED PARTS OF THE BOOK, NOT COMPLETED IT.
1) Sara and Martin have a newborn. They have been running, fighting, and screaming away from these nutball cannibals. The baby has not been fed or changed in all this time, and as far as I can remember has not cried out once. Does Mr. Kilborn have children? If so, he'd know newborns have to be fed every two hours and changed often. I don't understand why the baby is even in the picture.
2) If this cannibal stuff has been going on since the Civil War, and hundreds of people have gone missing, as is evident with the huge pile of bones, have the authorities never questioned this oddity? Loved ones go missing, last headed to the campgrounds, and no on investigates? If someone investigates and they go missing, is it not a big deal? I just don't see how something like this has gone on for so long. Yes, I know people don't stand a chance once they enter the campgrounds, but at some point something's got to give!
Finished Trapped a few days ago. While this isn't my favorite Kilborn--that would be Afraid and his short stories--it's a pretty good story. You not only get a tribe of cannibals on the island, but you get a Dr. Moreau-type doctor who likes to experiment on the trickle of visitors to the island. When there are no visitors, kidnapping a cannibal and going to town on it works just as well.
If you've read books like Laymon's The Island, then you know the story about a group of people who get taken one by one until there's a few characters the author just can't kill off.
Worth a read if you like blood and guts. After reading Trapped and Endurance, it dawned on me that there are things far worse than the sweet, peaceful fade-to-black of death. Much, much worse.
July 28, 2011
Proof is in the evidence as they say in a court of law and the proof that Kilborn may be one of the most underrated, yet most talented author today, is in the fact that this was my 3rd book from him in 9 days. Seriously, one book every 3 days from the same author is truly a testament to how great a great a writer Mr. Kilborn is.
Trapped may not have been as great as “Origin” (published under J.A. Konrath) but it is easily a far darker, gorier, and gruesome novel. And I loved every single moment I spent frantically turning pages, just to see what terror awaited the unlucky campers on the island.
Maybe I’m a bit of a sadist, or a sicko, or whatever words you want to use to describe me, but I immediately ignored the rewrite and skipped straight to the back of this ebook to the first, uncut, and obviously unrefined draft. Kilborn himself says in the afterword that the 2nd draft is better, but how could you top what is one of the most gruesome novels ever published. True, it isn’t as descriptive as some other, even more depraved works of fiction (Ed Lee anyone?), but upon recollection, I think that’s what made this such a creepy, yet fascinating read. Kilborn let’s your mind conjure up the more violent and bloody scenes, and to me, that’s scarier than putting all the descriptions right on the page. Maybe we are just as sick as the Level 6 individuals of Dr. Pincers...
Complaints? Well there aren’t many when a book is as great as “Trapped” was. I’ll admit, Tyron and Laneesha’s slang speech was a minor annoyance after a while, and there were some major typos (which I guess is to be expected in an ebook, never having gone across an editors desk), but the speed and excitement of this book far overshadow those minor problems.
Now my only problem? Deciding which Kilborn/Konrath novel to read next...
Trapped may not have been as great as “Origin” (published under J.A. Konrath) but it is easily a far darker, gorier, and gruesome novel. And I loved every single moment I spent frantically turning pages, just to see what terror awaited the unlucky campers on the island.
Maybe I’m a bit of a sadist, or a sicko, or whatever words you want to use to describe me, but I immediately ignored the rewrite and skipped straight to the back of this ebook to the first, uncut, and obviously unrefined draft. Kilborn himself says in the afterword that the 2nd draft is better, but how could you top what is one of the most gruesome novels ever published. True, it isn’t as descriptive as some other, even more depraved works of fiction (Ed Lee anyone?), but upon recollection, I think that’s what made this such a creepy, yet fascinating read. Kilborn let’s your mind conjure up the more violent and bloody scenes, and to me, that’s scarier than putting all the descriptions right on the page. Maybe we are just as sick as the Level 6 individuals of Dr. Pincers...
Complaints? Well there aren’t many when a book is as great as “Trapped” was. I’ll admit, Tyron and Laneesha’s slang speech was a minor annoyance after a while, and there were some major typos (which I guess is to be expected in an ebook, never having gone across an editors desk), but the speed and excitement of this book far overshadow those minor problems.
Now my only problem? Deciding which Kilborn/Konrath novel to read next...
November 22, 2016
AHOY!!! AND BAD LANGUAGE AHEAD
I usually enjoy Mr Kilborn's work, but this one, way to contrived. Like some terrible B-lister low budget film.
First off Mr Kilborn, as a Black person who grew up in a middle class multicultural neighborhood and attended a white liberal college, I know nothing about ghettos or gangs (no, i'm not about 'that life' nor do i know anyone who is), but i DO know you sound like some white guy who watched a single (cheap budget) 1990s BET movie (eg: Leprechaun: In the Hood) and tried to base urban youth and slang off of that. Presumptious and slightly offensive (by slightly i mean 'gotdammit, i'm not reading a single word more of this, the nerve of this guy!' offensive). It was fucking awful and a horrible miss. In your defense, you did make Tyrone likable. That Laneesha/Shaneesha/Kaneesha (whatever) was okay too. It's the only reason I didn't request my lil .99$ from Amazon (it's not the money, it's the principle).
Second, that twist with Martin? Was kinda lame... Slightly unexpected but I know you were going for shock value.
Who the hell wants to hold hands and make out when people are trying to EAT YOU ALIVE? Who wants to talk about signing divorce papers??
Something about this one had a different feel from the others.
At the best, I'd say the SyFy Channel, with their fucking awful terrible movies (the makers of greats like Sharknado, Sharktopus, Piranaconda) would LOVE to take their fucking HORRENDOUS CGI skills and make this a movie. And I'd watch it, damn straight I would, and complain about how shitacular the CGI effects are.
I'm sorry for using fucking so much.
I usually enjoy Mr Kilborn's work, but this one, way to contrived. Like some terrible B-lister low budget film.
First off Mr Kilborn, as a Black person who grew up in a middle class multicultural neighborhood and attended a white liberal college, I know nothing about ghettos or gangs (no, i'm not about 'that life' nor do i know anyone who is), but i DO know you sound like some white guy who watched a single (cheap budget) 1990s BET movie (eg: Leprechaun: In the Hood) and tried to base urban youth and slang off of that. Presumptious and slightly offensive (by slightly i mean 'gotdammit, i'm not reading a single word more of this, the nerve of this guy!' offensive). It was fucking awful and a horrible miss. In your defense, you did make Tyrone likable. That Laneesha/Shaneesha/Kaneesha (whatever) was okay too. It's the only reason I didn't request my lil .99$ from Amazon (it's not the money, it's the principle).
Second, that twist with Martin? Was kinda lame... Slightly unexpected but I know you were going for shock value.
Who the hell wants to hold hands and make out when people are trying to EAT YOU ALIVE? Who wants to talk about signing divorce papers??
Something about this one had a different feel from the others.
At the best, I'd say the SyFy Channel, with their fucking awful terrible movies (the makers of greats like Sharknado, Sharktopus, Piranaconda) would LOVE to take their fucking HORRENDOUS CGI skills and make this a movie. And I'd watch it, damn straight I would, and complain about how shitacular the CGI effects are.
I'm sorry for using fucking so much.
February 6, 2017
I don't know what to say everyone. Almost a 4.0 on Goodreads? In all honesty, I find this completely unbelievable. Trapped is terrible. The more pages I turned, the more I chuckled to myself. It's got every horror film cliche there is, and it's apparent that I don't dig Kilborn's writing style at all. I guess this book is for you if you want to know what happens when a group of folks go camping on an island with some history.
January 16, 2014
Splatter and gore. Cannibals and mad scientists. Teenagers and campfires.
Was this good?
Hell no.
Was it entertaining?
Hell yeah!
Finished it in a day and will read the last of the 3 I bought too :-D
Was this good?
Hell no.
Was it entertaining?
Hell yeah!
Finished it in a day and will read the last of the 3 I bought too :-D
October 30, 2017
Probably the second sickest book I've read this year, so what's not to love about it?
own-tbr
March 15, 2018Grab it while it's FREE !
September 6, 2022
I bought this book from Amazon when it was on offer for $.99 for the kindle edition a while back.
First of all I would like to say that their are 2 versions of this book and they are both included in this ebook version.
One is the edited/published edition and the other is the original/uncut version.
The differences between them are very important in my opinion, because what was left out in the original is what I was objecting on in the edited version.
The uncut was more original and believable. I loved it to pieces.
I just wish that the author will not listen to his editors and go on and publish his books as he writes them, because the original was amazing!!!
The story..
Six wayward teenagers and their court-appointed guardians Martin and Sara Randhurst went on a camping trip to an isolated island. Then when they were all around the campfire, Martin decided to tell a campfire story.. a SCARY one. A story that ends with Martin being dragged into the woods.. It was okay until Martin was dragged into the woods and didn't come back. Then Sara thought to go look after him with one of the kids.. When they didn't come back it started to get serious.
You will find that there are definitely things worse than death. When torture and pain is so horrific that they wish that life would just simply end so that the pain will just stop.
A mixture of cannibals, a crazy doctor and some evil subjects make a great mix in this story..
Full of surprises and flashbacks into each characters background to give you a feel for all the characters and to make you understand what they are doing and why.
This is the most disturbing book I have ever read. It really made me queasy.. It was that believable!!
SPOILERS:
PLEASE DO NOT READ IF YOU DID NOT READ THE BOOK
What was bothering me most about the edited version was that Martin and Sara had a infant baby with them on the trip. And it was really distracting because I kept thinking how come the baby is always sleeping and doesn't need to feed or be changed?! And when he does wake up he is all cheerful and happy?! All this while his mom is running around the woods with cannibals and phycos trying to kill them.
The next point that bothered me was the ending with Lester trying to catch them on the small boat. That was so cliche' that it bothered me..
The uncut version was just perfect.. If I didn't read it I would have given the edited edition a 4 out of 5 stars just because of baby Jack. And I was feeling guilty of that rating because everything about the book was perfect, the details, the backstory, the writing, the style.. except for baby Jack!
I'm so happy that the original the writer wrote was perfect!!
I also enjoyed the backstory of Sara and the reason for her phobia of the dark, it was more believable.
Also having the chinese trying to get ahold of the serum that the doctor is enhancing is a much better idea that the military trying to do it.
So in the end I would highly recommend the uncut original version. The story just makes more sense. I'm not saying the edited version is no good.. they are both good, actually more that good they are great.. it's just the points I was referring to that were bothering me.
First of all I would like to say that their are 2 versions of this book and they are both included in this ebook version.
One is the edited/published edition and the other is the original/uncut version.
The differences between them are very important in my opinion, because what was left out in the original is what I was objecting on in the edited version.
The uncut was more original and believable. I loved it to pieces.
I just wish that the author will not listen to his editors and go on and publish his books as he writes them, because the original was amazing!!!
The story..
Six wayward teenagers and their court-appointed guardians Martin and Sara Randhurst went on a camping trip to an isolated island. Then when they were all around the campfire, Martin decided to tell a campfire story.. a SCARY one. A story that ends with Martin being dragged into the woods.. It was okay until Martin was dragged into the woods and didn't come back. Then Sara thought to go look after him with one of the kids.. When they didn't come back it started to get serious.
You will find that there are definitely things worse than death. When torture and pain is so horrific that they wish that life would just simply end so that the pain will just stop.
A mixture of cannibals, a crazy doctor and some evil subjects make a great mix in this story..
Full of surprises and flashbacks into each characters background to give you a feel for all the characters and to make you understand what they are doing and why.
This is the most disturbing book I have ever read. It really made me queasy.. It was that believable!!
SPOILERS:
PLEASE DO NOT READ IF YOU DID NOT READ THE BOOK
What was bothering me most about the edited version was that Martin and Sara had a infant baby with them on the trip. And it was really distracting because I kept thinking how come the baby is always sleeping and doesn't need to feed or be changed?! And when he does wake up he is all cheerful and happy?! All this while his mom is running around the woods with cannibals and phycos trying to kill them.
The next point that bothered me was the ending with Lester trying to catch them on the small boat. That was so cliche' that it bothered me..
The uncut version was just perfect.. If I didn't read it I would have given the edited edition a 4 out of 5 stars just because of baby Jack. And I was feeling guilty of that rating because everything about the book was perfect, the details, the backstory, the writing, the style.. except for baby Jack!
I'm so happy that the original the writer wrote was perfect!!
I also enjoyed the backstory of Sara and the reason for her phobia of the dark, it was more believable.
Also having the chinese trying to get ahold of the serum that the doctor is enhancing is a much better idea that the military trying to do it.
So in the end I would highly recommend the uncut original version. The story just makes more sense. I'm not saying the edited version is no good.. they are both good, actually more that good they are great.. it's just the points I was referring to that were bothering me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2010
Just finished reading Trapped and I cannot get over how excellent it was. Dark horrifying terror. Non-stop adrenaline ride. Intricately weaved plot that provided several surprising twists. I don't know about you but I love plots that realistically curve and twist so that you anticipate something happening then read a bit further and change your mind and then when you least expect it it pops back up in different way. I was squealing in surprise until the very end and I won't share how many "holy f*ck" exclamations I made while reading this. I also loved how the material was SO horrifying, but not explicitly stated (i.e. the story had me actually gagging at one part from the thoughts in my brain of what was happening--not at a detailed description of the action. That is skillful writing). Loved the strong characters and their development.
This is a must read book. One of his best yet. Don't put off reading it.
This is a must read book. One of his best yet. Don't put off reading it.
November 3, 2018
Konrath does it again! I fell in love with Afraid and this one was almost as good. It was so creepy and disturbing and totally violent and gory. I absolutely loved this one and the characters and the plot. The plot was so crazy with the cannibals and the doctor. There were also a couple of twists towards the end that I did not see coming. I can't wait to read the next one in the series!
May 12, 2020
I really really loved this! If you love gory horror movies that are not realistic and are NOT to be taken too seriously then you will love this. This does not shy away from GOING THERE.
This by no means will be a book for everyone, but if you like movies like Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The Hills Have Eyes, Wrong Turn and The Devils Rejects, I think you will enjoy this one.
This by no means will be a book for everyone, but if you like movies like Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The Hills Have Eyes, Wrong Turn and The Devils Rejects, I think you will enjoy this one.
July 5, 2013
3 - 3 1/2 stars
I have been a huge fan of both Killborn/Konrath's work for several years, and a dedicated fan of horror since childhood (yes, I was a twisted little kid). It truly takes a lot for me to say a story goes a little too far in the gross-out/gory department. But...there were times when this book definitely did.
The story is gripping and I was hooked from the first scene. However, there were several times where I had to put the book down because it was all just...too much. I blame Killborn for being so good at getting inside my head, that the pictures he paints with his stories are so vivid that I need to take a break in order for me to keep going.
However, I did enjoy the story overall. Once again Killborn has created some memorable (and also some truly disgustingly twisted) characters and it definitely kept me reading...even when I didn't really want to.
I have been a huge fan of both Killborn/Konrath's work for several years, and a dedicated fan of horror since childhood (yes, I was a twisted little kid). It truly takes a lot for me to say a story goes a little too far in the gross-out/gory department. But...there were times when this book definitely did.
The story is gripping and I was hooked from the first scene. However, there were several times where I had to put the book down because it was all just...too much. I blame Killborn for being so good at getting inside my head, that the pictures he paints with his stories are so vivid that I need to take a break in order for me to keep going.
However, I did enjoy the story overall. Once again Killborn has created some memorable (and also some truly disgustingly twisted) characters and it definitely kept me reading...even when I didn't really want to.
June 3, 2016
Wonderfully scary but not necessarily gory. Kilborn mentions a lot of gross and scary things but doesn't describe any in detail, he gives just enough info for your own mind to fill the rest.
I'll never tell scary stories around a campfire again. Ever.
I'll never tell scary stories around a campfire again. Ever.
June 23, 2015
This is one fucked up book. There were many scenes that actually turned my stomach but I just could not stop listening (audiobook). If you are into really gory horror books then I would definitely recommend this one.
June 12, 2017
Kilborn is a genius. Can't understand how his works haven't already been made into movies. I look forward to Endurance.
October 8, 2015
Best cannibal book ever! Think Wrong Turn with The Island of Dr. Moreau.
March 8, 2019
5 stars audio
5 suspenseful, cringy, gorgy stars story
5 suspenseful, cringy, gorgy stars story
March 11, 2017
Yep, a horror story. Quite disturbing, but not really terrifying. Apparently I got a strong stomach. Maybe it’s because I’m the generation that grew up with sex, drugs and violence on television, while nowadays you have to show parental consent to even see a chaste kiss on tv or in the movie theatre.
There is something like overreaction. Last week I even heard that squeaky toys are apparently harmful to a toddler’s hearing. While some years later they will probably fuck it up themselves using head phones cranked way too high.
But Trapped didn’t pack a punch. It was rather predictable and the stage felt too set up. Image yourself as your business fails, which happens to be a center to rehabilitate criminal youngsters, to take a camping trip with your wife, an infant of three years old and six of your protégés. Not very likely to happen in real life.
But that’s the premise, a camping trip to a remote island which is only accessible by boat. And then things start to go wrong. Martin, the husband, tells a story about an island of cannibals and then disappears. While being searched for, one by one the children become hunted.
The island got a little of everything, it got real cannibals, it got a mad doctor, a test subject which is unpredictable, even a couple of insiders on the main land that reveal their cards when counted on most. Yes, even a standard cameo of the apparently very dubious American military.
Too much to make this story stick. I read on, mostly because it was just before I went to bed and I usually don’t like to browse for a new book when my eyes are already half closed.
The e-book I read contained the original content, which had to be edited before it got published. I didn’t care to read it, because it just promised more gore and more sex and all I wanted was a little credibility.
I’m guessing the author wasn’t going for that and I’m sure this is a kind of novel that attracts attention, because it isn’t main stream. But should that be reason enough? Writing is still an art form, whether it is mainstream, or tackling the unusual. This was in my humble opinion more food for another hack and slash horror movie, than a novel.
There is something like overreaction. Last week I even heard that squeaky toys are apparently harmful to a toddler’s hearing. While some years later they will probably fuck it up themselves using head phones cranked way too high.
But Trapped didn’t pack a punch. It was rather predictable and the stage felt too set up. Image yourself as your business fails, which happens to be a center to rehabilitate criminal youngsters, to take a camping trip with your wife, an infant of three years old and six of your protégés. Not very likely to happen in real life.
But that’s the premise, a camping trip to a remote island which is only accessible by boat. And then things start to go wrong. Martin, the husband, tells a story about an island of cannibals and then disappears. While being searched for, one by one the children become hunted.
The island got a little of everything, it got real cannibals, it got a mad doctor, a test subject which is unpredictable, even a couple of insiders on the main land that reveal their cards when counted on most. Yes, even a standard cameo of the apparently very dubious American military.
Too much to make this story stick. I read on, mostly because it was just before I went to bed and I usually don’t like to browse for a new book when my eyes are already half closed.
The e-book I read contained the original content, which had to be edited before it got published. I didn’t care to read it, because it just promised more gore and more sex and all I wanted was a little credibility.
I’m guessing the author wasn’t going for that and I’m sure this is a kind of novel that attracts attention, because it isn’t main stream. But should that be reason enough? Writing is still an art form, whether it is mainstream, or tackling the unusual. This was in my humble opinion more food for another hack and slash horror movie, than a novel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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