If you are a fan of thrillers, then you will have certainly come across The Shape of Night by Tess Gerritsen and Devolution by Lars Emmerich. Both novels have been highly praised for their suspenseful storytelling, vivid characters, and intriguing plot twists. In this article, we’re going to delve into the similarities and differences between the two novels, exploring the themes, settings, characters, and writing styles that make them unique.
Plot Overview: A Synopsis of The Shape of Night and Devolution
The Shape of Night follows the story of Ava Collette, a writer who retreats to a remote mansion in Maine for some peace and solitude. But as strange things start happening and her past catches up with her, Ava realizes that she may be in danger. Devolution, on the other hand, takes place in a small town in Wyoming, where a group of people are trying to survive after a catastrophic volcanic eruption. But as they soon discover, they are not alone in the wilderness and are being hunted by a group of savage creatures.
In The Shape of Night, Ava’s solitude is interrupted by the arrival of a mysterious man named Simon, who claims to be the owner of the mansion. As Ava becomes more entangled in Simon’s web of secrets, she must confront her own past and the ghosts that haunt her. Meanwhile, in Devolution, the group of survivors must not only fight for their survival against the creatures, but also against each other as tensions rise and trust is tested in their desperate situation.
Delving into the Characters: An Analysis of the Protagonists and Antagonists in The Shape of Night and Devolution
Ava Collette in The Shape of Night and Kate Hayden in Devolution are both strong female characters, each with their own set of strengths and weaknesses. While Ava is haunted by her past, Kate is a fighter who will stop at nothing to protect herself and those around her. The antagonists in both novels are equally terrifying – from the ghostly presence in The Shape of Night to the savage creatures in Devolution.
Despite their differences, both Ava and Kate share a common trait – they are both survivors. Ava survives her traumatic past and the challenges she faces in the present, while Kate survives the brutal attack of the creatures in the wilderness. Their resilience and determination make them admirable characters, and their journeys are a testament to the strength of the human spirit.
Setting the Tone: How the Settings in Both Novels Contribute to the Overall Atmosphere
The settings in both novels play a huge role in setting the tone and creating an eerie atmosphere. The remote Maine mansion in The Shape of Night adds an element of isolation and claustrophobia, while the wilderness in Devolution is both beautiful and terrifying, emphasizing the characters’ vulnerability.
In addition, the weather in both novels also contributes to the overall atmosphere. In The Shape of Night, the constant rain and fog create a sense of unease and mystery, while in Devolution, the harsh winter storms add to the characters’ struggle for survival. The weather serves as a powerful tool in both novels, heightening the tension and adding to the overall sense of dread.
Themes Explored: Similarities and Differences in the Themes Explored in The Shape of Night and Devolution
Both novels explore themes of survival, danger, and the unknown. But while The Shape of Night also delves into themes of guilt and redemption, Devolution explores the collapse of society and the fragility of our existence.
In The Shape of Night, the protagonist struggles with her guilt over a tragic event in her past, and seeks redemption through her actions in the present. On the other hand, Devolution presents a scenario where society has already collapsed, and the characters must navigate a world where the rules and structures they once relied on no longer exist. This highlights the importance of community and cooperation in times of crisis, as well as the vulnerability of our modern way of life.
Writing Style: A Comparison of Tess Gerritsen and Lars Emmerich’s Writing Techniques
Gerritsen and Emmerich both have a talent for creating vivid imagery and tension-filled scenes. However, Gerritsen’s writing style is more poetic and atmospheric, while Emmerich’s writing is more straightforward and action-packed.
Despite their differences in writing style, both Gerritsen and Emmerich share a common theme of exploring the darker aspects of human nature. Gerritsen often delves into the psychological motivations of her characters, while Emmerich focuses on the gritty realities of crime and corruption. This shared theme adds depth and complexity to their writing, making their works both thrilling and thought-provoking.
Pacing and Suspense: How Both Novels Keep Readers on Edge
Both novels are expertly paced and keep the reader on the edge of their seat with constant twists and turns. The Shape of Night has a slower build-up, with tension mounting over time, while Devolution is fast-paced and action-packed, keeping readers on the edge of their seat from start to finish.
In addition to their pacing, both novels also use suspense to keep readers engaged. The Shape of Night uses a sense of foreboding and mystery to keep readers guessing about what will happen next. The main character’s past and the secrets of the house she is staying in are slowly revealed, adding to the tension and suspense.
On the other hand, Devolution uses a more immediate and visceral form of suspense. The characters are constantly in danger from the creatures that have invaded their community, and the reader is never quite sure who will survive or what will happen next. This creates a sense of urgency and excitement that keeps readers hooked until the very end.
Critically Acclaimed or Overrated? A Discussion on Critical Reception
Both novels have been critically acclaimed, with praises for their storytelling, characters, and suspense. However, some may argue that The Shape of Night is overrated, while others may feel that Devolution is too predictable. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.
It’s important to note that critical reception can also be influenced by factors outside of the actual content of the book, such as the author’s reputation or current societal trends. Additionally, some critics may have biases or preferences that affect their reviews. It’s important to consider multiple sources and opinions when evaluating a book’s critical reception.
Literary Analysis: Examining Symbolism and Metaphors in The Shape of Night and Devolution
The Shape of Night uses symbolism and metaphor to explore the themes of guilt and redemption, with the ghostly presence in the mansion representing Ava’s past. Devolution, on the other hand, uses the savage creatures as a metaphor for the darkness in human nature.
In The Shape of Night, the mansion itself serves as a symbol for Ava’s isolation and loneliness. The vast, empty rooms and long hallways emphasize her feelings of being lost and disconnected from the world. Similarly, in Devolution, the remote location of the community and the lack of outside help symbolize the characters’ isolation and vulnerability in the face of danger.
Which Novel Reigns Supreme? A Final Verdict on The Shape of Night vs Devolution
Both novels are brilliant in their own right, offering different types of thrills and suspense to readers. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what type of thriller you enjoy more – a slower build-up with atmospheric tension or a fast-paced action-packed thriller.
In conclusion, The Shape of Night by Tess Gerritsen and Devolution by Lars Emmerich are two remarkable thrillers that deserve a place on any thriller enthusiast’s bookshelf. Whether you prefer atmospheric tension or fast-paced action, both novels offer a unique reading experience that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
However, it is worth noting that The Shape of Night delves deeper into the psychological aspects of its characters, exploring their motivations and inner demons. On the other hand, Devolution focuses more on the survival aspect of its characters, as they fight to stay alive in a dangerous and unfamiliar environment.
Furthermore, The Shape of Night has a strong supernatural element, adding an extra layer of intrigue and mystery to the story. Devolution, on the other hand, is firmly rooted in reality, making it a more plausible and believable thriller.