“The Ruins” by Scott Smith

"The Ruins" overestimates the power of its metaphors. Kids go to jungle, find unspeakable horror that could be dealt with if they use rational thinking, they get picked off one by one--the statements about the economy of emotions are old hat and can probably be ascertained from just that plot summary. What's better is Smith's patience and willingness to let things go unsaid, resulting in a slightly more respectful horror story than the norm while also conveying some truly horrible ends. It isn't the classic Stephen King asserted it was, but it is far better than its film adaptation.

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