A ghost hunting trip turns into a nightmare of survival. Will Dante and his friends escape the forest… or become its latest victims?
In Bakemono by Emma Bowers, Dante Anderson and his friends set off to film a real-life ghost hunting adventure in Japan, expecting a thrill but finding themselves face-to-face with something far more terrifying than they imagined. What begins as a fun stream for their ghost hunting channel quickly spirals into a fight for their lives when they encounter the vengeful kuchisake onna, a spirit from Japanese folklore who isn’t just haunting — she’s hunting back. The group soon realizes that they are not alone in the eerie mountains of Japan, and their quest for thrills might just end with their demise.
With its excellent blend of humor and horror, Bakemono keeps readers on edge while providing enough tension and spooky moments to make this story truly gripping. The spirit monsters, especially the kuchisake onna, are well-described, making them feel alive with malevolent energy. Dante and his friends are well-developed characters, though at times, they come across as frustratingly oblivious to the dangers around them. However, this only adds to the suspense as the stakes rise.
The pacing of the book is swift, though some readers might find the spirit descriptions and character interactions a bit rushed, leaving you craving more depth and exploration of the chilling folklore. Bakemono is a thrilling ride that successfully balances horror with moments of dark humor.
I would recommend this book to mature audiences who enjoy graphic and violent horror. If you’re a fan of unsettling folklore and can handle some intense, bloody scenes, this book will keep you hooked until the very end. Fans of Nothing But Blackened Teeth by Cassandra Khaw will find much to love in this tale of terror and survival.
