Monumental by Adam L.G. Nevill
Ritual Limited (April 2, 2026)
Reviewed by Dave Simms
Adam Nevill is a force of writing that combines the literary aspects of Ramsey Campbell and Peter Straub with the approachability of Tim Lebbon or Michael Marshall Smith. Monumental is a “big” novel in that its reach stretches beyond the folk horror he has mastered but also returns to his deep, dark dive into characterization that transforms what could be just another entry into the cultish, elder god culture into something modern and relevant.
Marcus and his companions, married couple Nigel and Sophie; Julian and Mary, single travelers on the older side; and newcomer Jane, embark on a kayaking trip through Devon and the Wyrm. It’s a perilous journey that nearly ends the story before it begins. The arrogance of some of the travelers is an element that burrows through much of the book, yet Nevill digs deep here into why the characters are a bit unlikable. He treats each as their own entity which shifts throughout their tale, alternating points of view to fine effect as they wind up at their chosen destination, an estuary which is off-limits and privately owned. The plan is to enjoy a couple of nights there before heading back through the same treacherous waters.
However, danger finds them almost immediately as one of the group is injured by an unseen enemy. Marcus, Nigel, and Sophie take off to find help. They discover a commune (cult) led by a man who left the corporate world to build a new way of living miles away from society. His transgressions drove him to the sanctuary, and readers discover quickly that he is dangerous in his vision, but his companions aren’t much better.
What they encounter there is a world of nightmares that lures the reader down into the depths of muck and water slowly, but efficiently. Nevill has a knack for finding new wrinkles in the folk horror tropes and does not disappoint here. What attacked Jane is only the beginning, and may be the least of their troubles.
As usual, Nevill shines in his ability to capture the setting and introduce it as an active character that closes in on the reader. He knows when to mesmerize with intricate prose that wraps itself around the reader’s psych and when to connect through relevant, approachable dialogue.
For those who are fans, this is another winner. If someone is new to the author, this is a great entry point. It ranks on the same level as The Ritual and The Reddening for this reviewer, and holds some of the same atmosphere, but with its own personality.
Highly recommended storytelling, as always.
