Title: The Haar
Author: David Sodergren
Published: 2020
Genre: Horror, Supernatural, Creature Feature
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
You can grab a copy of The Haar on Amazon here – https://amzn.to/4nr7uL6
Atmospheric and Unforgettable
The Haar is my second book by David Sodergren, after reading Maggie’s Grave. While that book was already a solid horror experience, this one stood out even more.
It’s not just scarier — it’s richer, with a stronger plot, memorable characters, and surprisingly emotional moments that caught me off guard.
At times, I even felt a lump in my throat, something I rarely expect from horror.
Why I Picked It Up
I kept seeing The Haar rank higher than Maggie’s Grave on Goodreads, with readers consistently praising it as Sodergren’s best. That curiosity made me bump it up on my TBR, and I’m glad I did.
Plot (Spoiler-Free)
Without spoiling too much, the story revolves around a mysterious creature—not your typical giant monster, but something smaller, eel- or fish-like, which makes it more unsettling.
The real power of the book lies not just in the horror, but in how it blends atmosphere, dread, and human struggles alongside the terror.
My Reading Experience
What Worked for Me
- Muriel’s character: She’s strong, determined, and adds a powerful emotional core to the story.
- Atmosphere: The creeping dread builds slowly but pays off brilliantly.
- Cinematic feel: Many scenes play out in the mind like a horror film.
- Sharp pacing: Short, tense chapters keep the momentum alive.
- Gore: True to Sodergren’s style, it’s graphic and unflinching.
What Didn’t Work for Me
- The first 50 pages felt like a slow build. But once past that, the ride was unstoppable.
Writing Style
Sodergren balances vivid horror imagery with emotional depth. The writing is straightforward but effective, drawing you in with tight pacing and descriptions that make scenes feel almost cinematic.
Themes
Beyond the horror, The Haar explores resilience, personal strength, and community tensions. It shows how fear doesn’t just come from monsters but also from human conflicts and the need to fight for one’s place in the world.
Comparisons
Fans of authors like Adam Nevill (The Ritual) or Stephen King’s creature horror will likely enjoy this. Compared to Maggie’s Grave, this book is more layered, blending atmosphere with genuine emotional weight.
Who Might Like This Book
This is for readers who enjoy atmospheric horror with a mix of gore and character depth. If you like horror that balances chills with real emotion, this is worth picking up.
Final Thoughts
The Haar is an atmospheric, gripping, and emotionally resonant horror novel that showcases David Sodergren’s talent. With its mix of creature horror, human resilience, and cinematic dread, it’s easily one of the best horror reads I’ve had in a while.
Disclaimer: This review reflects my personal reading experience and opinions. The Amazon link above is an affiliate link — if you purchase through it, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.