SAVAGE
Reviews
Laymon takes us back to the wild west in one of his classics. But before we can go back, we need to know why.
Our hero, Trevor Bentley, starts off in London in the 19th century were
strange events lead him to be under the bed of the infamous Jack The Ripper's
next victim. The encounter takes Trevor on an epic journey across sea to
find Jack The Ripper.
Savage is one of the most graphic Laymon books and also one of the most
interesting. It is also the only Laymon book with a contents page!
Out of all the Richard Laymon books, it would have to be rated 8.5 out of 10.
Reviewed by Troy King
In my opinion, Savage is one of Richard Laymon's best books. Dealing
with the murders committed by Jack the Ripper, Savage take you on an
exciting thrill ride from London to New York and then the Wild West.
With changing scenery and dialects, Laymon has written one of his
greatest works with Savage.
Definately a 9 out of 10!
Reviewed by Richard Hill
One of Laymon's best books, with more and
better characterization than normal. The longer format provides more
opportunity for development than usual. The sex in the novel is better
than most of his works as well. A 9 out of 10. - Brian Callahan.
Savage is the first Laymon book that , for me, evoked a greater interest in the development and adventures of the books hero (Trevor Bently) than the actions of the token baddie (Jack the Ripper).
After a close encounter with the Jack the Ripper fifteen year old Trevor, driven by a feeling of responsibility to exterminate the Ripper, embarks on a journey which starts in England’s East End and covers much of America. Throughout his journey Trevor encounters numerous characters and scenarios definitive of the time (late 1800’s). Although the Ripper seems to disappear for a good chunk of the book Laymon more than compensates for this in his telling of Trevor’s adventure across the America’s wild west which is a good enough story in itself to make Savage a book worth reading.
Laymon seems to have concentrated on character and scene development in Savage more than many of his other books but it did not come at the expense of the frighteningly gory moments we all know and love. The Ripper himself is portrayed perfectly and he is always in the back of the reader’s mind throughout Trevor’s manhunt.
Savage is a book I would recommend to reader’s of horror and general fiction alike but don’t let that put all you Laymon fans off! This is a great story which you will need a strong stomach for. The style of writing Laymon chose for this book makes it somewhat unique amongst his other titles but only serves in adding to the stories appeal.
The Northern Echo quote on the back of the paperback version of Savage reads “His best book ever”. It is not far off the mark.
Reviewed by Sean McWilliam
