Book Review Summary: Childmare

Introduction

"Childmare" by Nick Sharman is a gripping horror novel set in London, where schoolchildren engage in a violent rampage of death and destruction. This book has received mixed reviews from readers, with some praising its intense scenes and well-paced storytelling, while others find it graphic and disturbing. In this article, we will delve into the views of readers, analyze common opinions, and explore the reasons for recommending or not recommending this book.

About Nick Sharman

Nick Sharman is the author of "Childmare." He is known for his ability to craft intense and thought-provoking horror novels. With a background in the British horror genre, Sharman has established himself as a talented writer who delves into the darker aspects of human nature.

Analysis of Views

Intense and Graphic Scenes: Many readers found the book intense and graphic, with scenes involving rape and violence. Despite this, they were engrossed in the story and found it difficult to put down.
Well-Paced Storytelling: The book's pacing was praised for keeping readers engaged on every page. The story moves quickly, with twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat.
Rushed Ending: Some readers felt that the ending was rushed and could have benefited from more closure. They felt that the story could have been developed further to provide a more satisfying conclusion.
Ingenious Reimagining of Classic Horror: Readers appreciated the book's unique twist on the "zombie" genre, comparing it to the classic "animals amok" trope. Sharman's ability to rework familiar tropes and ask serious questions about humanity was widely praised.
Self-Awareness and Emotional Impact: Despite the relentless action and gore, readers found that the book had a self-awareness that delivers a bleaker product than expected. The emotion of horror is effectively used to convey deeper messages about society and the impact of past generations on younger generations.
Disturbing Depictions of Torture and Death: The book contains some of the most disturbing depictions of torture and death that readers have encountered outside of splatterpunk fiction. However, the author's ability to handle these scenes with sensitivity and skill was widely appreciated.
Realistic Portrayal of Societal Issues: The book tackles important societal issues such as lead poisoning, drug addiction, and the dehumanizing effects of poverty. Readers appreciated the author's ability to raise awareness about these issues while also creating a compelling horror story.
Lack of Humor: Some readers felt that the book lacked humor, which was a characteristic of Sharman's earlier work. They found that the tone was more serious and dark, which may not appeal to those who prefer lighter horror stories.
Repetitive Nature: A few readers felt that the book became repetitive after a while, especially for those who are not fans of zombie novels. They felt that the story could have been developed further to avoid monotony.
Pulled Punches: Some readers believed that the Kindle version they read might have been edited, resulting in punches being pulled back. They felt that Sharman's usual penchant for pushing boundaries was absent in this book, which disappointed them.

Reasons for Recommendation

Intense and Engaging Storytelling: Many readers were drawn to the book's intense and gripping storytelling, which kept them engaged from start to finish. The well-paced narrative and unpredictable twists kept them hooked until the end.
Thought-Provoking Themes: Readers appreciated the book's exploration of societal issues and its ability to ask important questions about humanity. The self-awareness and emotional impact of the story made it a thought-provoking read that left a lasting impression.
Disturbing Depictions without Losing Sensitivity: Despite containing graphic scenes, readers praised Sharman's ability to handle them with sensitivity and skill. The disturbing depictions added to the overall impact of the story without losing sensitivity or becoming gratuitous.
Compelling Characters: The characters in the book were well-developed and relatable, even if they were flawed or one-dimensional in certain aspects. Readers found themselves invested in their survival and rooting for them throughout the story.
Unique Twist on Classic Horror: Readers enjoyed the book's unique twist on familiar horror tropes, which added a fresh perspective to the genre. The reimagining of classic themes made it a compelling read for fans of horror fiction who appreciate innovative storytelling.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Repetitive Nature: Some readers felt that the book became repetitive after a while, especially for those who are not fans of zombie novels. They found that the story could have been developed further to avoid monotony and provide more variety in terms of plot development.
Lack of Humor: For those who prefer lighter horror stories with humor, "Childmare" may not be the ideal choice. The absence of humor in this book may be seen as a drawback by those who prefer a balance between horror and levity in their reading experience.
Pulled Punches: Some readers felt that certain scenes were not as intense as they could have been due to punches being pulled back in editing or formatting issues with the Kindle version they read. This may affect their overall perception of the book's intensity and impact.

Conclusion

"Childmare" by Nick Sharman is a horror novel that evokes intense emotions through its graphic scenes and thought-provoking themes. While it has received mixed reviews from readers, many appreciate its well-paced storytelling and unique twist on classic horror tropes. The book tackles important societal issues with sensitivity and skill, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy horror fiction that delves into deeper aspects of human nature. However, some readers may find it repetitive or lacking in humor compared to other works by Sharman. Overall, "Childmare" offers a gripping horror experience that leaves a lasting impact on its readers, both for those who recommend it and those who do not.