The Captain’s Log – bird box (Josh Malerman)

Ahoy there me mateys!  I was wondering what to read next when a timely post by Lisa @ bookshelffantasies reminded me of this book’s existence.  I had previously read Mr. Malerman’s unbury carol and had meant to read more of his work.  This book was perfect for the readin’ mood I was in and I decided to listen to the audiobook.  So grateful to Lisa because I loved it!

Many people have described this as a horror but to me it was a dystopian thriller with sci-fi elements.  However ye choose to classify it, this book was extremely well written, suspenseful, and fascinating.  The story follows a woman named Malorie and her struggle with the collapse of society.  It is told in switching perspectives from the past and the present.

I thought the author did a fantastic job with this.  The tension continued to ratchet higher even at times when ye had certain pieces of the puzzle.  Obviously Malorie had to survive certain parts because ye got her later thoughts or reflections on things.  But I was so engrossed in finding out the how and whys.  Each revelation was doled out carefully and I was certainly never bored.  It was extremely well crafted.

This is also one of those books where I believe the audiobook enhanced me enjoyment.  The story was narrated by Cassandra Campbell and she did a fantastic job.  She enhanced the drama of the novel and had a wonderful voice that was almost beguiling the listener into creeping closer to listen.  It kinda felt like listening to scary stories around the campfire while camping in the woods.  I will certainly be reading more books she has worked on!

Side note: There are over 720 titles narrated by her available on audible!  Well Shiver me Timbers!!

I know I did not get into the plot of the book but this is one where I went in blind.  And as the question of sight is central to the book, I suggest that new readers do the same.  I did post the blurb below for those that must have more information before they choose.  But ye should trust yer Captain and find a copy of this one quick.  Arrr!

Goodreads has this to say about the novel:

Something is out there, something terrifying that must not be seen. One glimpse of it, and a person is driven to deadly violence. No one knows what it is or where it came from.

Five years after it began, a handful of scattered survivors remains, including Malorie and her two young children. Living in an abandoned house near the river, she has dreamed of fleeing to a place where they might be safe. Now that the boy and girl are four, it’s time to go, but the journey ahead will be terrifying: twenty miles downriver in a rowboat–blindfolded–with nothing to rely on but her wits and the children’s trained ears. One wrong choice and they will die. Something is following them all the while, but is it man, animal, or monster?

Interweaving past and present, Bird Box is a snapshot of a world unraveled that will have you racing to the final page.

To visit the author’s website go to:

Josh Malerman – Author

To buy the book go to:

bird box – Book

To add to Goodreads go to:

Yer Ports for Plunder List

Previous Log Entries for this Author

unbury carol (On the Horizon – Sci-Fi eArc)