If you are a fan of thrillers, then the names Holly Seddon and Lars Emmerich may be familiar to you. Both authors have written captivating novels that keep readers on the edge of their seats from the very first chapter. In this article, we will compare and contrast Holly Seddon’s Try Not to Breathe with Lars Emmerich’s Devolution, examining their plots, characters, writing styles, themes, and critical reception. By the end of this article, you will be able to decide which one of these books deserves a spot on your bookshelf.
An Overview of Holly Seddon’s Try Not to Breathe and Lars Emmerich’s Devolution
The first step in comparing these two novels is to provide a brief summary of their plots. Try Not to Breathe revolves around Alex Dale, a journalist who is trying to overcome her alcohol addiction. While researching a story, she discovers that a man who had been in a coma for fifteen years may have been the victim of a violent crime. Together with a former detective and the victim’s sister, Alex tries to unravel the mystery and uncover the truth about what happened to the victim.
Devolution, on the other hand, is a story about a group of hikers who are stranded in a remote forest after a volcano eruption. They soon discover that they are not alone in the woods and that there is something sinister lurking in the shadows. As they try to survive and find a way out, they realize that they are facing a primal force that threatens to consume them all.
Despite their different plots, both novels share a common theme of survival. In Try Not to Breathe, Alex is fighting to survive her addiction and her past mistakes, while also trying to uncover the truth about the victim. In Devolution, the hikers are struggling to survive in a hostile environment and against a terrifying enemy. Both novels also explore the human psyche under extreme circumstances, and how people react when faced with danger and uncertainty.
The Plot Twists in Try Not to Breathe and Devolution That Will Leave You Breathless
Both Try Not to Breathe and Devolution have their fair share of plot twists that will keep you guessing until the very end. In Try Not to Breathe, the identity of the assailant is shrouded in mystery and revealed through a series of shocking revelations. Meanwhile, Devolution’s plot twist involves the true nature of the creature that is stalking the hikers in the forest, which is both terrifying and unexpected.
However, the plot twists in these two books are not the only things that will leave you breathless. Try Not to Breathe also explores the complex relationship between the main character, Amy, and her ex-boyfriend, Jake, as they work together to solve the mystery. Devolution, on the other hand, delves into the psychological effects of isolation and survival as the hikers struggle to stay alive in the face of danger. These additional layers of depth and complexity make both books even more gripping and unforgettable.
A Deep Dive into the Characters of Try Not to Breathe and Devolution
One of the strengths of both novels is their characters. In Try Not to Breathe, Alex Dale is a flawed but relatable protagonist who struggles with her addiction and her profession as a journalist. Her relationships with other characters, particularly with Amy Stevenson’s sister and the ex-detective, are complex and interesting. Devolution, on the other hand, has a diverse cast of characters, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. From the survivalist to the scientist, each character contributes to the group’s struggle to survive in the wilderness.
In addition, both novels also explore the psychological depths of their characters. In Try Not to Breathe, Alex’s addiction and trauma are explored in detail, giving readers a glimpse into the complexities of addiction and recovery. In Devolution, the characters’ fears and anxieties are heightened by their isolation and the constant threat of danger, leading to intense character development and exploration of human nature under extreme circumstances.
The Writing Styles of Holly Seddon and Lars Emmerich Compared
While both authors are writing thrillers, they have different writing styles that make their novels unique. Seddon’s writing is more character-driven, with a focus on emotions and relationships. Emmerich’s writing is more action-packed, with a focus on survival and horror elements. Seddon’s use of flashbacks and multiple perspectives adds depth to the story, while Emmerich’s use of scientific theories and research makes the plot more realistic and engaging.
Despite their differences, both Seddon and Emmerich share a common theme of exploring the darker side of human nature. Seddon’s characters often struggle with mental health issues and addiction, while Emmerich’s characters are faced with moral dilemmas and ethical questions. Both authors also incorporate social commentary into their writing, addressing issues such as inequality and injustice.
Another notable difference between Seddon and Emmerich is their approach to pacing. Seddon’s novels tend to have a slower build-up, allowing readers to become fully immersed in the characters’ lives before the action begins. Emmerich, on the other hand, wastes no time in throwing readers into the heart of the story, with fast-paced action and suspense from the very beginning.
Themes of Addiction, Trauma, and Survival in Try Not to Breathe and Devolution
Both novels explore themes of addiction, trauma, and survival, but in different ways. Try Not to Breathe examines addiction and trauma through Alex Dale’s struggles with alcoholism and her search for the truth about Amy Stevenson’s case. Devolution, on the other hand, explores survival in a primal context, with characters facing the harsh realities of nature and the animal kingdom. Both novels use these themes to create tension and suspense and to make readers empathize with the characters.
In Try Not to Breathe, the theme of addiction is further explored through the character of Amy Stevenson, who is in a coma due to a traumatic brain injury caused by her alcohol addiction. The novel also delves into the impact of trauma on the human psyche, as Alex Dale grapples with the aftermath of a traumatic event from her past.
Devolution, on the other hand, takes a different approach to survival by exploring the idea of societal collapse and the struggle for survival in a post-apocalyptic world. The novel also touches on the theme of addiction, as one of the characters turns to drugs as a coping mechanism in the face of extreme danger and uncertainty.
How Try Not to Breathe and Devolution Challenge the Traditional Thriller Genre
One of the interesting things about Try Not to Breathe and Devolution is that both challenge the traditional thriller genre in their own unique ways. Try Not to Breathe subverts expectations by making the protagonist a journalist rather than a detective or a cop, and by making the crime that she investigates a fifteen-year-old case. Devolution challenges the genre by blending survival horror with science fiction and by creating a creature that is both primal and intelligent.
The Psychological Thrills in Holly Seddon’s Try Not to Breathe vs Lars Emmerich’s Devolution
Both novels have their fair share of psychological thrills that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Try Not to Breathe plays with perspective and memory, making the reader question what is real and what is not. Devolution, on the other hand, creates a sense of dread and paranoia by making the characters question their own sanity and each other’s motivations. Both novels use these techniques to create tension and suspense and to keep the reader guessing until the end.
The Critical Reception of Try Not to Breathe and Devolution: A Comparative Analysis
So, how did critics receive Try Not to Breathe and Devolution? Both novels received positive reviews, with Try Not to Breathe being praised for its character development and emotional depth and Devolution being praised for its thrilling action and scientific research. However, some critics voiced concerns about the pacing of Try Not to Breathe and the believability of Devolution’s plot. Ultimately, both novels are worth reading for fans of the thriller genre, but they may appeal to different kinds of readers.
Which One Should You Read? A Verdict on Try Not to Breathe and Devolution
So, which one of these novels deserves a spot on your bookshelf? If you are looking for a character-driven thriller with a focus on addiction and trauma, then Try Not to Breathe is your best bet. If you are looking for an action-packed survival horror novel with a scientific twist, then Devolution is the book for you. Both novels are well-written, engaging, and full of surprises, so you can’t go wrong with either of them.