- Paperback: 208 pages
- Publisher: Pan Books; New edition edition (23 April 1999)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0330376144
- ISBN-13: 978-0330376143
- Product Dimensions: 17.2 x 11 x 1.6 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 231,209 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Description
Product Description
For millions of years man and rats had been natural enemies. But now for the first time--suddenly, shockingly, horribly--the balance of power had shifted and the rats began to prey on the human population.
Book Description
It was only when the bones of the first devoured victims were discovered that the true nature and power of these swarming black creatures with their razor-sharp teeth and the taste for human blood began to be realised by a panic-stricken city. For millions of years man and rats had been natural enemies. But now for the first time - suddenly, shockingly, horribly - the balance of power had shifted... `The effectivenes of the gruesome set pieces and brilliant finale are all on its own' Sunday Times
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Looking at any plot synopsis of the Rats would convince you that itshouldn't work - giant mutant rats that attack London sounds like a bad1950's sci-fi B-Movie (they're even created by nuclear testing for god'ssake!) but amazingly Herbert manages to make this fairly corny premisework. The key is probably speed - this is a ferociously fast paced book,and you barely have time to question the logic of what's going on beforethe next rat attack kicks in.
Be sure that there are no great plot twists or surprises here, and thecharacters are sketched only thickly enough to be believable, but for afast-paced action packed horror novel James Herbert's debut is hugelyenjoyable. A promising start to an author who would go onwards andupwards.
Be sure that there are no great plot twists or surprises here, and thecharacters are sketched only thickly enough to be believable, but for afast-paced action packed horror novel James Herbert's debut is hugelyenjoyable. A promising start to an author who would go onwards andupwards.
8 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Here we have Herbert's first novel, The Rats, which became the founder of the splatter punk horror genre. Herbert introduced the world to extreme splatter gore and unashamed violence in a style that has produced so many followers. With this one novel alone he has created a whole new aspect to horror novels that will later be saturated by influenced up and coming authors such as Shaun Hutson. But Herbert is the true master of the splatter punk novels. And this novel set it all off!
The Rats brings us a concoction of blood soaking gore, uncomplicated sex and a narrative that races through the pages with non-stop gore fuelled violence and horror. The novel involves giant rats that have acquired a keen taste for human flesh, who terrorize London with their rampage of slaughter. There are times in the novel where you know what's coming next, and the suspense of the inevitable slaughter is killing you (try using the underground in London with hungry dog sized rats on the loose). This book is nothing short of a classic, which you will not be disappointed in.
Out of the Herbert's work I place this novel within the top three. Once you've read it, there's also the sequel "Lair" to read which is controversially an even more gut churning, gore packed rollercoaster of a ride. Then there's "Domain" which is the third installment, which I feel Herbert let the idea come off the boil a little. Then lastly, there's "The City", which is a graphic novel type of thing, which is a bit of fun, but that's about it! And that's your lot to date for Herbert's Rats series.
Be sure to check out some of his other work such as The Fog, The Survivor, Fluke, '48 and Sepulchre. Enjoy!
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This year my boyfriend and I set ourselves a challenge. We would each choose 10 books for the other to read: good examples of their genre and books that the other would not ordinarily choose. The Rats is the second such book which he chose for me, and I have to say, I was bowled over by it.
For sheer, dark, brilliant imagery it cannot be beaten. It is very filmic. London is being taken over by mutant black rats, as large as dogs, with teeth sharp enough to gnaw through wooden doors with ease. And they have developed a taste for human flesh. Deaths occur singly and en-masse in various locations, and it is obvious that something must be done about it. The government launches an offensive, declaring a state of emergency. But can they defeat the giant rodent enemy, a single bite from whom will ensure that death ensues within 24 hours?
For the first time in ages, this was a novel which I truly could not put down. The characters are very well drawn, the narrative moves at a cracking pace, the plot is coherent, logical and terrifying. In terms of gore, perhaps, the faint-hearted should steer clear. For everyone else, however, this is essential reading. You will find yourself devouring the mere 175 pages in just a few hours, and wanting more where that came from. I, for one, certainly intend to explore more of this interesting author's work. Highly recommended.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Blast from the past
There was a time was when a book lasted about 200 pages. Kids books were done and dusted in about 100 and only frustrated home counties horse women got to grips with the doorsteps... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Call Me Sparky
Base fear at its worst....
Base fear at its worst....I first read this book a long time ago , i was curious as to whether it would still be as good as i remembered, it was i loved it , the only down side was... Read more
Published on 6 April 2010 by N. L. Edwards
The Rats - James Herbert
Being the first "Horror" book I've ever read, "The Rats" really does live up to it's genre, I've never found it so difficult to bite my nails and turn the page at the same... Read more
Published on 21 Aug 2008 by S. Sutherland
A good tale
I read this after my friend read the series and told me she was too scared to go to the loo anymore! Read more
Published on 18 Jun 2008 by Sue Lewendon
Iconic
Did you ever see the episode of "Friends" where Joey kept his copy of "The Shining" in the freezer because it scared him to have it lying around? Read more
Published on 18 Sep 2007 by Laura Phillipson
more than just a trashy horror
James herberts first book served a purpose in the 1970's that has more recently been filled by Harry Potter, in that it introduced youngsters to reading. Read more
Published on 14 Sep 2007 by Dr. D. Fraser
Set book for GCSE.
Increadably they taught this book at my school and my how we chuckled when the slut tramp got it,little terror's that we were, anyhow I enjoyed the book then and now having re-read... Read more
Published on 18 Aug 2007 by sid
Highly Recommended!
Although this book is of the horror/fantasy genre, an 'easy-read' and certainly prone to sensationalism, don't let it fool you in to thinking it is of no literary worth. Read more
Published on 16 July 2007 by N. Ingram
Very good horror
The Rats was the first novel that James Herbert wrote, published in 1972, and it is my second favourite of the six I have read so far. Read more
Published on 21 April 2007 by marky77
A Blueprint for the Horror Generation
I can remember reading this book when it first came out in the seventies. I revisit it regularly since it had quite an impact on both those who read it and those who chose to... Read more
Published on 23 Feb 2007 by Dave Jeffery
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