Review of JAWS The Revenge novelisation by Hank Searls
Love it or loathe it, Jaws: The Revenge is one of the most fascinating entries in the Jaws franchise. Written by Hank Searls and released alongside the 1987 film, the novel expands the story far beyond what audiences saw on screen, delivering a darker, richer and more atmospheric adventure.
The story begins with tragedy in Amity as the Brody family suffers another devastating loss, convincing Ellen Brody that the shark nightmare that began years earlier is not over. From there, the action moves to the Bahamas, where grief, superstition, romance and shark terror collide in a way that feels part thriller, part adventure novel, and part family drama.
What makes the book particularly interesting for Jaws fans is the attention Searls gives to the shark itself. Unlike the film, the novel frequently shifts perspective to the great white, presenting detailed descriptions of its instincts, movements and encounters in the ocean. These passages create a sense of scale and menace that often recalls the naturalistic approach of Peter Benchley’s original novel.
The Daily Jaws creator Ross Williams with a copy of JAWS The Revenge (novelisation)
While some of the supernatural elements and the idea of a shark pursuing the Brody family across great distances remain controversial among fans, the novel does a better job than the film of exploring Ellen’s grief and trauma after years of loss. Her emotional journey gives the story a surprisingly poignant core.
Is it as good as Jaws or Jaws 2? No. But as a companion piece to the final film, Jaws: The Revenge offers a deeper, more coherent and often more entertaining experience. For dedicated Jaws enthusiasts, it remains a curious and worthwhile read—an intriguing glimpse into what the franchise’s last chapter might have been with more room to breathe.
Rating: 3.5/5 barrels 🦈
Interview
Watch our exclusive 35th anniversary interview with JAWS The Revenge stars Lance Guest (Michael Brody) and Mitchell Anderson (Sean Brody)
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