Ian Down Under vs. LITTLE THINGS BIG

Ian puts David Salkin’s Little Things Big under the microscope and discovers a creature-feature horror treat crawling beneath its surface.

TITLE: Little Things Big

AUTHOR: David Salkin

GENRE: Horror

PAGES: 312

FORMAT: e-book

PRICE: $16.99 paperback, $4.99 e-book

G’day all, it’s your book-obsessed mate from Down Under who is currently snowed under. In ARCs that is. Not literal snow. We don’t get that here. Plus, it’s now sunny. Anyway, I’m back this week to take a look at bugs that no longer require a microscope to see in David Salkin’s biotech horror thriller Little Things Big.

I’ll start off by saying I don’t love the thought that we’re crawling with bugs. Yes, literally, we are infested with the things. Tiny creatures that apparently are good for us but look like pure nightmare fuel if you look at them under a microscope. So, the idea of these things being genetically modified to enhance their size? Terrifying. Naturally, that’s exactly what the good scientists of Global Tech World Solutions decide to do. Why, you ask? Well, because they are searching for a way to end global hunger by applying the same genetic engineering techniques to crops and meat sources… and line their pockets with cash while doing it.

The story follows several characters, beginning with Andrew, one of the scientists who takes a box of samples, including some enlarged mites, back home to hand off to an animal rights activist from the Nature Power Movement who has gotten wind of Global Tech’s plans. Unbeknownst to them, the mites have escaped from the flimsy containment Andrew transported them in, and thus, the mite infestation begins.

Meanwhile, Paul Dodds, the director of global operations, and Connie, a power broker, tour the labs of the Global Tech facility to check on their progress and determine the next steps toward getting their processes approved for distribution. Events reach a crescendo of horrific proportions when the VIPs they invite to the lab to get approval coincide with an attack by the Nature Power Movement and the now rat-sized mite infestation that has been unleashed by Andrew’s actions. Chaos, carnage, and plenty of body horror follow before the story reaches its conclusion.

As a huge fan of creature-feature horror, this one is right up my alley, and it doesn’t disappoint. The premise is unique, well-researched and comes across as terrifyingly plausible, and the way the story plays out is chef’s kiss. It’s a lot of fun and has the energy of a popcorn horror movie. In fact, it should be adapted into one. Make it now!

I give this one 4.75 disgustingly enlarged mites out of 5.

Ian Gielen is a writer of all things spooky and a horror fanatic. Ian embraces his inner geek with pride, his dedication on display in the intimidating collection of horror novels and video games that threaten to take over his living space. He is mad for all things Alien, Star Wars, and cats; his furry companions are always there to keep him company as he scribbles down his latest ideas. With the sheer number of furry and human companions in his life, it’s a wonder he isn’t a little crazier than he already is.

PLEASE NOTE: The views and opinions of the staff of Memento Mori Ink do not necessarily represent those of Memento Mori Ink or Crystal Lake Publishing. Thank you for understanding.