64 pages • 2 hours read
The Ritual
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
418
Novel • Fiction
Scandinavian Wilderness • 2010s
2011
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In The Ritual by Adam L.G. Nevill, four lifelong friends venture into the Scandinavian wilderness, embarking on a hiking trip. As tensions rise within the group, they encounter an ancient presence lurking in the forest. Wrestling with both external and internal demons, the hikers struggle for survival against an ominous force.
Dark
Unnerving
Mysterious
Suspenseful
Gritty
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Ritual by Adam L.G. Nevill masterfully blends psychological horror and survival narrative. Critics laud its atmospheric tension and character depth, though some critique its slow pacing in the midsection. The blend of folklore with modern fears offers a chilling experience. Overall, it's praised for its eerie setting and compelling plot.
Who Should Read The Ritual?
A reader who enjoys The Ritual by Adam L.G. Nevill would likely appreciate atmospheric horror with psychological depth, similar to readers of The Blair Witch Project or The Silence of the Lambs. They enjoy stories of survival, mythological elements, and tension-filled narratives that explore human fears and inner struggles.
Hutch
Hutch
The eldest of the group, living in the English countryside with his wife, he is experienced in outdoor activities and takes on the leadership role during the camping trip.
Dom
Dom
A 34-year-old out-of-shape member of the group, Dom has a wife and children and works as a marketing director, struggling with his own anger and personal losses.
Phil
Phil
Once a wealthy property developer, Phil is dealing with the aftermath of bankruptcy and divorce, and he faces physical challenges during the camping trip.
Old Woman
Old Woman
An unnamed elderly woman who owns the house where Luke is held; she initially appears kind but has complex motivations involving the visitors to her home.
Loki
Loki
A member of a Norwegian black metal band called Blood Frenzy, known for his maturity and intelligence within the group of antagonists.
Fenris
Fenris
A less intelligent but antagonistic member of Blood Frenzy, wearing a lamb’s head, who seeks validation and friendship.
Surtr
Surtr
Loki's girlfriend and a follower of their band, known for her distinctive appearance and aggressive tendencies.
418
Novel • Fiction
Scandinavian Wilderness • 2010s
2011
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 9,350+ additional titles.