Malorie – Josh Malerman

In the old world there were many rules. In the new world there is only one: don’t open your eyes.

In the seventeen years since the ‘creatures’ appeared, many people have broken that rule. Many have looked. Many have lost their minds, their lives, their loved ones.

In that time, Malorie has raised her two children – Olympia and Tom – on the run or in hiding. Now nearly teenagers, survival is no longer enough. They want freedom.

When a census-taker stops by their refuge, he is not welcome. But he leaves a list of names – of survivors building a future beyond the darkness – and on that list are two names Malorie knows.

Two names for whom she’ll break every rule, and take her children across the wilderness, in the hope of becoming a family again… 

Malorie is the much anticipated follow-up to Josh Malerman’s brilliant Bird Box. I loved the first book. The movie was pretty good too, though as with all such things, the book was better.

I must admit I was a little surprised to see a sequel, and a little concerned – could Malerman pull off the double?

Well, I really enjoyed Malorie. It was tense, pacy and with a similar feeling of dread to the original book. The creatures are still an ever-present deadly menace to anyone who dares to steal a glance. Malorie is still fiercely protective of her kids, and Olympia and Tom (no longer Boy and Girl from the first book) are growing up.

Short version – if you read the first book, you’re going to want to read this one. I rattled through it in a day. And if Sandra Bullock is up for the film, I’ll watch that too.

Great stuff. Recommended.

Malorie by Josh Malerman is published by Orion and is out now.