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The Watchers

Book 1 in the series:The Watchers

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Who Would Like This Book:

If you're into atmospheric horror with a gothic twist, "The Watchers" is a treat. A.M. Shine crafts an unnerving, claustrophobic tale set within the eerie Irish woods, blending chilling folklore with psychological suspense. The writing is beautifully poetic, the tension steadily ramps up, and the setting itself is practically a character. Fans of folk horror like "Bird Box," "The Descent," or "A Quiet Place" will find plenty to love here - especially if you enjoy slow-burn mysteries with a strong sense of dread and well-drawn, complex characters. Even seasoned horror readers have found themselves gripped and surprised by the story.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Some readers found the pacing a bit slow, especially in the middle, with a tad too much introspection and descriptive passages that could feel repetitive or padded. If you're seeking nonstop action, gore, or meticulous explanations for every mysterious element, you might find yourself frustrated by unanswered questions and a focus on mood over logistics. A few folks also felt that some plot elements stretched believability, while others wished for more scares or a bigger payoff in the horror department.

A haunting, well-written folk horror standout - creepy, atmospheric, and satisfying, though a bit meandering at times. Worth it for fans of unsettling, character-driven horror.

About:

In 'The Watchers' by A.M. Shine, readers are taken on a chilling journey into a mysterious forest where a small group of humans find themselves trapped, watched by eerie creatures every night. The plot unfolds with unexpected twists, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they navigate through suspenseful and dark events. The writing style is described as beautifully written, with poetic prose that brings the eerie setting and characters to life, creating a sense of tension and unease throughout the story.

Characters:

Characters are well-developed, with Mina being a notable protagonist, and the relationships among them add layers of tension.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by beautiful and poetic prose that vividly describes settings and emotions, though some critics find it overly ornate.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around a group trapped in a forest filled with malevolent creatures, exploring their struggle for survival and the twists that unravel their situation.

Setting:

The setting is an isolated, eerie forest in Ireland that contributes significantly to the overall sense of dread.

Pacing:

The pacing starts slower but accelerates, particularly in the latter half of the book, maintaining engagement and suspense.
The dashboard darkened just before the engine died. Its red dials had been the only colour since nightfall. All else was black or white, or something in between; the ashen hue of moonlight. The headla...

Notes:

The Watchers is a horror novel by A.M. Shine set in Ireland.
The story features a character named Mina who gets trapped in a mysterious forest after her car breaks down.
The forest in the story is not marked on any map, and vehicles break down near it.
Characters in the story are watched by terrifying creatures at night.
Readers describe the tension and eeriness in the book as palpable and immersive.
Some reviewers found the pacing uneven and felt it could have been shorter.
The book has been compared to other popular horror tales like Bird Box.
Many readers enjoyed the poetic prose and beautiful writing style of the author.
The story includes themes of survival and paranoia among a small group of people.
The Watchers has a movie adaptation set to be released in 2024.
The author is noted for his unique take on Irish folklore within a horror framework.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include psychological distress, depictions of fear, and unsettling imagery related to survival situations.

From The Publisher:

A spine-chilling horror adventure set in the remote and sinister forests of Ireland, from Irish debut author A.M. Shine. Now a major motion picture set for release in Summer 2024.

You can't see them. But they can see you.

This forest isn't charted on any map. Every car breaks down at its treeline. Mina's is no different. Left stranded, she is forced into the dark woodland only to find a woman shouting, urging Mina to run to a concrete bunker. As the door slams behind her, the building is besieged by screams.

Mina finds herself in a room with a wall of glass, and an electric light that activates at nightfall, when the Watchers come above ground. These creatures emerge to observe their captive humans and terrible things happen to anyone who doesn't reach the bunker in time.

Afraid and trapped among strangers, Mina is desperate for answers. Who are the Watchers and why are these creatures keeping them imprisoned, keen to watch their every move?

'A dark, claustrophobic read' T. Kingfisher, author of Paladin's Grace

'Readers get an intimate glimpse into the fraying edges of each character's psyches, the constant hunger, the paranoia, the loss of hope, and far worse... A combination of supernatural and psychological horror, The Watchers will appeal to fans of Kealan Patrick Burke, Josh Malerman, and Scott Smith' A.E. Siraki, Booklist

October 2021
301 pages

Ratings (51)

Incredible (9)
Loved It (17)
Liked It (11)
It Was OK (8)
Did Not Like (6)

Reader Stats (122):

Read It (52)
Want To Read (58)
Did Not Finish (4)
Not Interested (8)

2 comment(s)

I had to restart it nultiple times. I may have to read read this one.

 
Loved It
7 months

Ohhh! I loved this book. A very different take on a certain creature of lore. The way it ended, I hope it's a set up for a book 2. This storyline could definitely continue.

Great novel, will definitely read more to come!

 
 
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