Unfortunately I didn't really get into this one.

My main stumbling block was the writing style. I found that it just wasn't to my personal taste, and I really struggled to get into the story as a result. It's just a bit too flowery.

That said I thought the atmosphere and setting are wonderfully described and it really does a good job at setting up this creepy and tense environment that I could see being easy to get immersed in. I just couldn't get there.

Definitely a case of its me, not you. So many people are going to love this.

I'll admit, I didn't know what to expect with The Watchers. It really took me by surprise with its fantastic pacing. While in the beginning, you're not quite sure what's going on- is this a horror? Sci-fi? Fantasy? And when it all comes to a dawning realization, things get incredibly terrifying. This book pulls you in slowly and then keeps you on the edge of your seat from the minute our main character gets into the woods.

The ending of this book made me realize I had stopped breathing. My fear for the people in the story and what might happen to them was jarring. I didn't realize how invested I was until the book ended, and I felt a need to know more. This book is genuinely a fantastic one for horror readers, especially those who have a love of jarring stories of the fae.

Looking for a story to creep you out of your skin? Look no further.

The Watchers is a gloriously-written thriller about monsters that lurk in the dark, and what happens when you’re forced into essentially an aquarium for them to stare at you all night. Oh, and you can’t leave. Not even in the day. The writing is fantastic. Immersive, atmospheric, haunting. Everything I would want in this kind of story. The tension is taut—and there are some truly bone-chilling moments.

I can’t say much without giving things away, but if you like creepy stories and dark forest atmospheric vibes and monsters just this side of fantasy, give The Watchers a read. It’s the perfect Halloween story.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review!

-A,

The Watchers is an Irish gothic novel that not only delivers on the terror but poses a much deeper question, is there evil lurking in everyone. We can adopt a face that is acceptable to society. What is hidden beneath these faces, secrets that lie below the surface threatening to escape? With light comes a new day, a new opportunity to start again but with the darkness, the terrors can run rampant. The Watchers is a unique take on the fairy trope and all I can say is that I won’t read this bedtime story with the same viewpoint that I did before!

Mina hasn’t had an easy life. She is a struggling artist living in the city, her mother died, and her father is having a never-ending cycle with alcohol. Her sister, Jennifer tries to check up on her from time to time but Mina becomes disenfranchised with her sister’s stories of marriage, home-owning, and hiking. She feels isolated and on her own, so when she is presented with the opportunity to make some easy money taking a beautiful golden parrot to a buyer in Connemara. Her car breaks down on the perimeter of the forest, her phone doesn’t work, and she has no clue where she is….and she has no idea what the screams belong to emanating from the night.

Mina comes across a concrete building in the forest and three other occupants, Daniel, Ciara, and Madeline. They are edgy and nervous. They explain the rules of the coop and the threat of The Watchers on the outside. They can’t see them, but they can see them. Always watching. The only time they are safe is daylight hours, but the forest has no beginning and no end, so there is no hope of escape.

A.M. Shine has created something so sinister in The Watchers. It is part horror and part suspense with a cold complexity of being watched. My head was unraveled like a spinning top with the twists that kept barrelling my way. He took us down a dark and depraved but there was no looking back. He led us to the edge of a cliff and pushed the reader off when they were least expecting it.

The Watchers was a punch to the jugular. This was a quick read, I had to find out what was going to happen next. The author pulled out the rug from under me on more than one occasion. A must-read for the spooky season!

Thank you so much to Aries Books and NetGalley for sending a copy of this my way in exchange for an honest review!

I’m not quite sure how I feel about this book. Although I did enjoy reading it. It kind of felt like the plot dragged where we got information about the characters which I like but not necessarily a whole lot about the watchers and why they were scary in the first place. with this being a advanced copy of the book. I do hope that changes in the final copy. Otherwise it really didn’t intrigue me enough.

Many thanks to the author, publisher & Net Galley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I don’t typically read that many horror books, but I was supper intrigued by the description of this book and thought it would be a fitting addition to my October TBR.

Overall, I really enjoyed this and would rate it 3.75/5. A lot of other readers found it quite slow paced, but I actually felt like the pacing was perfect for the plot and provided some required tension. I found the overall arc of the story strong and definitely creepily disturbing, even if not outright scary.

I did predict the twist towards the end of the book, but still thought it was a great addition. I found the character depth a bit lacking, and feel like the multiple POV was unnecessary.

First, I’d like to thank Lauren and HoZ books for planning the blog tour, for letting me be a part of it and for sending me a beautiful finished hard copy to review.

The Watchers is the fantastic, heart-thumping, page-turning debut from A. M. Shine that really left me no choice but to keep reading – to finish the tale at a pace, running from the shrieks in the night. This book gave me major Cabin in the Woods x Lost vibes: feels like they’re in limbo somewhere. The mystery is different, strange, because there’s rules and they know what hunts them … they just can’t see them at all. There’s but one warning for you before you read on, reader:

‘Stay in the light…’

The plot was addictive, it created a hunger in me to read, to turn the page; I love a good horror, bit don’t often read them anymore. And for me, the Watchers is up there with the best of them. From the very premise, I was hopelessly enthralled. We see a harrowing prologue that only raises questions, certainly doesn’t answer them. Then we’re with Mina, our protagonist, who – on a paid errand for a friend – gets stuck in the woods, her car having broken down; when she finally works up the courage to look for help, all that greets her is Madeleine, Daniel, and Ciara, all of which have got stuck in the same way, all of which who found this reinforced, concrete hideout in the woods. All that scream at her before night falls, the shrieks start, the light comes on and the doors are bolted shut. Essentially, the whole book takes place in one room and is as much about how the character survive in isolation as it is about the monstrosities that keep them there.

There’s four startingly different POVs that make for a pot that’s about to boil over; Madeleine’s a woman in charge, Daniels weak – or at least that’s the way he holds himself because of an abusive past – Ciara is mourning and Mina, she isn’t going to listen for long. All of the characters seem to share something: no one will come looking for them. Either because they turned up with all they hold dear, they hold nothing dear, or they’re a failure. Or a mixture. It led itself to seem like something setup, really pulling on that Cabin in the Woods comparison early on … not to mention, eh, the cabin in the wood. But, alas, like all good writers, Shine really took me on a wild goose chase, and I could really not guess what happened until it did. And what a happening it turned out to be. What I really loved is how the characters grew out of their initial, individual, quagmires; it really explored how, out of adversity, people really change. Despite all the horror people are confronted with, some languish in it, others grow, change, and find new joy in what’s around them. Or who’s around them. All that aside, it’s a character study. Of how wholesome, well-written characters can fall to bits in a blank room, then rebuild from those pieces.

Descriptions in bleak greys and whites and black, really sets the tone like I’m reading an old black and white horror – which only adds to the intrigue. There’s a definite tone to the writing, a colour palette that Shine has gone for and really comes out in the descriptions used.

Simile and metaphor used to great affect and adds to characterization as in voice these differ and reflect the worldview. Always enjoy writing like this that’s simple and effective. Effective writing proves that when you’re focused on the characters and the characters are all interesting, then you can set the entire novel in just one blank room, and it be gripping and intriguing. It’s clever writing that know itself that’s about to pull this off. I was fascinated – more than I usually am – but the setting. Only that it is basically nowhere with nothing. Only invisible monsters that come when dark falls and scream unless you stay awake. And eat you unless they can see you.

And finally, a twist I literally never saw coming. Never. Like, wow, first time I’ve been duped so hard, and it was there to see. I’ve mentioned it previously, but this one really, REALLY, took me by surprised and it was so clever, so intelligent I loved it.

Overall, read it. It’s worth your time, and then some.

I generally love all the faere and folklore that can be brought into a proper Irish tale, but I think in the beginning, this book gets caught up in being Gothic and atmospheric, and some readers might have a hard time keeping with it. It's hard to talk much about the book, without giving away too much info...My suggestion is to read it bits and hang on, as the last third of the book is where the true horror book comes out, and where the reader will keep interested, and the final part may produce some shock and surprises, as a proper horror book should!

My thanks to Aria and Aries, A.M. Shine and Netgalley.
I've put off this review for a few months now.
It's not a difficult review, it's just that it gave me a few nightmares. Alot!
It shouldn't have. Really, it's not that terrifying! But, for some reason it got stuck in my head.
I'm not going to review this. Just know that the forest is deep. Once you're in, it's difficult to get out. And what follows by the wayside..

A forest with seemingly no end and no beginning. A forest that appears on no map ever crafted. A forest that causes all cars to break down on its borders and for those stranded individuals to venture into the canopy of trees. A forest that will swallow them whole. A forest with beings who watch from the shadows. A forest that is eagerly waiting its next victims to come and join it.

This seemed like the perfect set-up for a sinister story-line and it initially was. I loved the focus on the character's fears and attempts at survival. Their heightened emotions emanated from the pages and I felt as breathless with anticipation for what would next occur as the characters who were going through their harrowing ordeals.

However, this initial focus soon became overshadowed by the questions that plagued all events. Who/what were the watchers? What were their motives? What are the other characters doing to ensure their continued survival? Is anyone looking for them? How long have they been isolated for? WHAT IS REALLY GOING ON?

Unfortunately I never felt I got a satisfactory explanation for any of these queries and events only continued to become more fast-paced and convoluted, right up until the novel's close. I can definitely say this is a read like no other but also that I anticipated something more concrete from my time with it.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, A.M. Shine, and the publisher, Head of Zeus, for this opportunity.

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for allowing me to read this!

I was instantly intrigued by the synopsis of this book. This book instantly drew me in. I really enjoyed this book and the plot. This author did amazing. I loved the writing style.

I don't have that much experience with pure horror fiction, and reading this is one of my attempts at rectifying that. And while it is not a genre I usually enjoy, I really enjoyed this story!

In this story, we follow four characters (and a golden bird), as they are trapped in a house in a forest infested by Watchers. Each night these watchers come out, and this makes it impossible to actually escape this forest, They are, for all intents and purposes, trapped.

What I liked the most was the strong sense of character we get from these four. The story is mostly told through the perspective of Mina, the newest person trapped in this house, but we also get to see the others perspectives as well, although on a way smaller scale. Although I would have liked to have more backstory, I was satisfied with the characterization and personality of them. It was always very clear what everyones strenghts and weaknesses were.

The watchers themselves were original in the way that they were inspired by Irish folklore, which I enjoyed. Other then that I found them kinda creepy, but not really scary. That kinda sums up the whole of the novels horror element for me as well - creepy but not scary.

All in all I really enjoyed it, and it was a great debut! Thank yous so much to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc!

Rounded up to 4. This was quite a creepy read. The deep, dark forest was a very atmospheric setting for such a story and it was a refreshing take on a part of Irish mythology. The ending was sinister. Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book.

I love stories that are horrors based on olf folklore and mythology and even more so when they're set in a totally creepy forest!! I couldnt wait to read this and wasn't disappointed, it really does give you chills and keep you on the edge of your seat. It's one of those books that gets under your skin and you know it's just a story...... but....... all the same...... you won't be walking the dog in the woods at night alone for a while

This felt like the perfect spooky season read so I was super excited to receive a copy from NetGalley and Aria and Aries, even the cover gives off spooky vibes.

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

Set amongst a remote forest in Galway Ireland this atmospheric read was certainly intense enough to hold my interest.

On her way to deliver a bird to a complete stranger in the middle of nowhere (yes, random I know), Mina’s car breaks down and she is left stranded no sign of life anywhere nearby. Deciding the only course of action is to start walking into the forest things start to take a frightening turn as darkness swirls around her.

Just as night falls she stumbles across a woman shouting at her, urging her to run towards her and the concrete bunker that stands behind her. With no idea what to do or where she is Mina stumbles towards the woman, throwing herself into the bunker as the door is slammed behind her while all around the terrifying screams begin.

Trapped inside a glass fortress Mina finds three other strangers inside the bunker, all looking withdrawn and exhausted. What on earth has she stumbled into, what are those terrifying noises she can hear outside?

Oh the premise of this one is soooooo good. Hiding amongst the forest are the Watchers, terrifying creatures that live in the dark and appear to feast on any kind of flesh that happens to mistakenly stumble into their woods. The only safe time to step out of the bunker is when daylight breaks and the light comes on, for it seems the Watchers cannot survive in the light.

Argh, even as I write this I’m excited all over again by the story. And yes, it was a good read, but it could have been so much more. It was a really short read and the beginning will absolutely hook you in but it all just got a little lost for me.

Mina seemed to just stumble into a bunker with random strangers while killing machines lurched and howled outside like the living dead, yet she seemed as terrified and overwhelmed as someone who had possibly just stumbled across a dead spider, no big deal. I think killer ghouls from a dark eerie forest would possibly have you a little more freaked out.

Unfortunately the whole story was a little like this, on the surface, really good, but just not quite enough to make you fully invested. And for those of you that don’t like horror, don’t worry, it’s actually quite tame.

It feels as though the ending could possibly have been set up for a sequel which I think I would still be interested to pick up and I’d definitely be prepared to read more works by this author.

Thank you again NetGalley and Aria and Aries for the opportunity to read this one.

3.5 stars

I gobbled this book up, but I am admittedly a total sucker for Irish mythology, survival tales, and horror. The less you know about this one going in, the better: it is a claustrophobic, haunting story of a forest that shouldn’t exist, that traps you and smothers you and keeps you close. “The Watchers” falls nearly into the folk horror genre; fans of wilderness survival stories may also enjoy it.

I adored all the characters in this one - everyone was realistically built with obvious strengths and weaknesses. I particularly enjoyed the range of women in this book - there were several female characters with various motives, personalities and drives. The atmosphere was particularly well-done too - the woods were so cheerlessly and evocatively painted that I felt like I lived there.

Read this one if you’re a fan of folklore, or movies like “The Cabin in the Woods”. The twists in this one will prey on my mind for a while.

The plot of this book sounded great, but unfortunately for me, it didn't live up to it's potential. The writing was way overdone at times and would be considered purple prose which did tend to pull me out of the story and slow things down I loved the Irish mythology and the setting was well done. The final chapter was superb and the atmosphere throughout the story is great. The book is creepy and it gave me the chills in parts. I loved the concept but for me the overwriting let it down and what could have been a 5 star story quickly became a 3 star.

I am normally not a huge fan of horror, but this book was great! Other than the purple prose, this book was highly enjoyable. However, I rated this 3.5 stars but rounded up to 4 because I didn’t really get attached to the characters and lose myself within the story. The writing was beautiful and almost poetic in a way. It was fast paced and kept me entertained until the last page.
Thank you NetGalley and Aria & Aries for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Mina's car breaks down near the forest and as she goes thru the forest she hears a scream telling her to take shelter quickly. What a great way to start a book with a bang! I liked this book but I didn't love it, it wasn't as scary as I was hoping it would be but it was suspenseful. I loved the gothic vibe of the forest setting and the different points of view of each character. This was a very descriptive and atmospheric read as well. The problem I had was that I found the writing to be verbose and trying too hard to be arty or poetic. All in all not a bad read and I got some enjoyment out of it.

This book is terrifying. I would place it somewhere between sci-fi horror and a thriller. It’s a fast paced story that immediately sets up the stakes for the characters. I Haley enjoyed it.